CA1080168A - Method and apparatus for water soluble closure for fill valve for bags - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for water soluble closure for fill valve for bagsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1080168A CA1080168A CA262,634A CA262634A CA1080168A CA 1080168 A CA1080168 A CA 1080168A CA 262634 A CA262634 A CA 262634A CA 1080168 A CA1080168 A CA 1080168A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bag
- film
- mouth
- sleeve
- polymer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D31/14—Valve bags, i.e. with valves for filling
- B65D31/142—Valve bags, i.e. with valves for filling the filling port being formed by folding a flap connected to a side, e.g. block bottoms
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Closing Of Containers (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
- Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract:
A method for providing and apparatus utilizing a water soluble closure in a fill valve for valve type single or multi-walled bags to produce a positive sift-proof seal of the fill valve includes the provision of a film of water soluble polymer material in the mouth of a valve type bag with the film substantially co-extensive with the width of the bag mouth so that on exposing the film to water as by steam or liquid application at least some dissolving of the film occurs with consequent sealing of the bag mouth when the mouth is held closed upon the film by manual or mechanical means, during which the film re-solidifies due to the evaporation of the applied water and due to the tackiness of the material adheres to and seals the bag or valve mouth. In one form of the method and apparatus, the film is formed as a sleeve with or without a backing or reinforcing strip or sleeve which is fitted into the bag mouth to provide a valve mouth or filling access opening to the bag through the interior of the sleeve whereby upon application of water to the interior of the sleeve and laterally collapsing the same, the valve mouth so provided is welded shut. In other forms of the method and apparatus, the film of water soluble polymer material is provided in sheet form with or without backing or reinforcing sheets of co-extensive size with the bag filling valve mouth formed alternatively between the film sheet and the surrounding portions of the bag or between the film sheet and the reinforcing sheet.
A method for providing and apparatus utilizing a water soluble closure in a fill valve for valve type single or multi-walled bags to produce a positive sift-proof seal of the fill valve includes the provision of a film of water soluble polymer material in the mouth of a valve type bag with the film substantially co-extensive with the width of the bag mouth so that on exposing the film to water as by steam or liquid application at least some dissolving of the film occurs with consequent sealing of the bag mouth when the mouth is held closed upon the film by manual or mechanical means, during which the film re-solidifies due to the evaporation of the applied water and due to the tackiness of the material adheres to and seals the bag or valve mouth. In one form of the method and apparatus, the film is formed as a sleeve with or without a backing or reinforcing strip or sleeve which is fitted into the bag mouth to provide a valve mouth or filling access opening to the bag through the interior of the sleeve whereby upon application of water to the interior of the sleeve and laterally collapsing the same, the valve mouth so provided is welded shut. In other forms of the method and apparatus, the film of water soluble polymer material is provided in sheet form with or without backing or reinforcing sheets of co-extensive size with the bag filling valve mouth formed alternatively between the film sheet and the surrounding portions of the bag or between the film sheet and the reinforcing sheet.
Description
lOOi68 The method and apparatus of the present invention relate in general to fill valves for conventionally used simgle or multi-walled bags of the valve bag type and more particularly to methods and construction for providing a positive sift-proof seal of such -a fill valve.
Various types of valve type paper multi-wall bags and ~-plastic bags of the valve type have been designed heretofore to replace the common open mouth bags because of the convenience in 10 filling the same. In a valve type ba~, the bag is essentially `~
closed at both ends with a paper or other filling mechanism filling access through a chute, tube or other filling mechanism into the interior of the bag. Heretofore, it has been common to use a variety of closing methods for such valves including sewing, tapeing and glueing. It is believed that over fifty per cent of all bags produced for commercial utilization presently, approximately four fillion, are now valve type bags. There are several advantages to the valve type bag such as speed of filling, elimination of other materials and elimination of complicated folding mechanisms for closing an open mouth bag. However, it is believed that the major problem with the valve type bag has been and remains a method for closing the valve effectively to provide a positive sift-proof seal in a convenient and inexpensive manner.
Known attempts heretofore have involved manual folding and tucking of external or extended paper sleeves, heat sealing of valve members and using adhesives without satisfactory success. It is believed that the primary problem has been that various attempts heretofore have either required an inordinate amount of conscientious and capable manual labor or expensive and relatively slow equipment.
These prior attempts have failed to develop a really sift-proof seal for a fill valve which can be sealed economically at high speeds.
~, It is the primary object of the present invention to disclose and provide a method of providing and an apparatus for producing a positive sift-proof seal of a fill bag for a valve type bag having an otherwise conventional valve mouth in a manner which can be effected economically at high speeds with minimum labor and machinery expense.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method and apparatus as in the foregoing object wherein the problems experienced heretofore with valve type bag fill valves of the manual folding and tucking, heat sealing or adhesive closing type are overcome in an economically and practical manner.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is ~;
provided a method of providing a permanent positive sift-proof seal of a flexible fill valve mouth provided by an unsealed portion of a substantially sealed bag and closure of a fully formed valve type bag comprising the steps of: providing a film of water soluble material in said flexible fill valve mouth substantially co-extensive with the width of said mouth, said polymer material being dissolvable in water to produce an adhesive solution, said polymer being capable, when a portion of said dissolvod polymer is brought into contact with another portion of said polymer, of becoming welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material; contacting said film with water to cause dissolution of the polymer and producing an adhesive solution; and permanently seaIing said bag mouth by laterally collapsing said bag mouth so a portion of said polymer film contacts another portion of said polymer film so that upon said polymer material solidifying said two portions ; of polymer become welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material to provide a welding closure of said mouth by solidification of the adhesive solution due to evaporation of said water.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a permanent positive sift-proof seal of a fill valve provided by an unsealed portion of a substantially sealed bag end closure of a fully formed valve bag having a flexible fill valve receiving mouth comprising the steps of: forming a water soluble polymer film into a fill 108016i8 sleeve, said polymer being dissolvable in water to produce an adhesive solution, said polymer being capable when said dissolved polymer is collapsed upon itself, of being welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material upon evaporation of said water; contacting said polymer fill sleeve -with water to cause dissolution of the polymer and produce an adhesive solu- ::
tion; and laterally collapsing said polymer upon itself to cause a welding of said polymer together upon evaporation of said water and the solidification of said adhesive to permanently close said fill sleeve and said bag.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in a bag construction comprising a fully-formed valve bag having a fill valve mouth provided by an unsealed portion of a substant;ally sealed end closure for filling access of a filling material to the interior of said bag, the improvement in said bag comprising the provision of:
sealing means comprising an insert layer of a water soluble polymer film inserted in and secured within said fill valve mouth for filling said filling material thereby and subsequently forming a positive sift-proof seal of said mouth by said water soluble polymer film being welded closed by solidification due to evaporation upon exposure of substantial portions of said film to water for partial dissolution of said portions and for welding of said film to itself and adjacent surfaces upon re-solidification of said film due to evaporation of said water, whereby said bag may be completely sealed closed in the presence of said filling material upon the application of water to said film.
, ~0~0168 Brief Description of the Drawings:
Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of an preferred exemplary embodiment of bag fill construction in accordance with the construction and method of the present invention illustrated in association with an otherwise conventional valve receiving bag;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of bag fill valve construction of Fig. 1 showing a full sleeve of water soluble polymer film assembled within a full sleeve of a surrounding reinforcing material;
Fig. 3 is a section of the assembly of Fig. 2 taken therein along the plane III-III;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the preferred exemplary embodiment of assembled valve construction of Fig. 2 secured within the valve mouth of the bag of Fig. 1 and illustrating filling access through the valve construction by a filler tube~
Fig. S is a section view taken in Fig. 4 along the plane V-V ;
Fig. 6 is a section view taken in Fig. 5 along the plane VI-VI;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the fill valve construction and bag of Figs. 1 through 6 showing the valve construction closed in bag sealed condition;
Fig. 8 is a section view of the closed valve construction of Fig. 7 taken therein along the plane VIII-VIII; , Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a first alternative exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction wherein a half sleeve of water soluble polymer film is laminated to a reinforcing strip preparatory to insertion in the bag mouth;
Fig. 10 is a somewhat schematic representation of the laminated film and reinforcing strip of Fig. 9 located in the mouth of the bag of Fig. l;
~080~il Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a second alternative exemp~ry embodiment of fill valve construction in accordance with the present invention wherein a full sleeve of water soluble polymeric material is laminated to a reinforcing strip for insertion into a bag mouth;
Fig. 12 is a somewhat schematic section view of the va~ve construction of Fig. 11 assembled into the mouth of a bag according to the bag construction of Fig. l;
Fig. 13 is a third alternative exemp~ary embodiment of fill valve construction in accordance with the present invention wherein a full sleeve of water soluble polymeric material is provided without a reinforcing strip or sleeve;
Fig. 14 is a somewhat schematic section view of the fill valve construction of Fig. 13 located in the mouth of a bag const~ucted as the bag of Fig. l;
Fig. lS is an exploded perspective view of a fifth alternative exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction in accordance with the present invention wherein a half sleeve of water soluble polymeric material is initially provided in non-laminated relation to a relatively co-extensive reinforcing strip;
and Fig. 16 is a somewhat schematic section view of the fill valve construction of Fig. 15 positioned in the mouth of a valve bag constructed in accordance with the bag of Fig. 1.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Exemplary Embodiment;
A preferred exemplary embodiment of the method of providing a positive sift-proof seal for a fill valve of an otherwise convention valve bag as well as a preferred exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction will now be explained in detail with reference to the appended sheets of drawings~ particularly Figs. 1 through 8. ~eferring first to Fig. 1, however, it can be seen that -10~0161~
an otherwise conventional multi-walled paper bag, indicated generally at 10, is illustrated having a side wall 11 and a closed end indicated generally at 12. In this conventional type of multi-walled bag construction, both ends of the bag are sealed shut with a portion of one of the closed ends being left unsealed to provide a fill valve receiving mouth. Specifically, on folding the other-wise open end of the bag closed, end folds 13 and 14 are initially turned inwardly of the bag with upper side flaps 15 and 16 folded down thereo~er. The mating surfaces between flaps 15 and 16, and between mating surfaces of both flaps and fold 13 are sealed in conventional manner. However, the surface areas between the side flaps 16, 16 and the fold area 14 are conventionally not completely sealed initially in order to provide a bag filling access opening or mouth indicated generally at 17. The bag fill valve is secured in th~s bag mouth to facilitate filling access to the interior of the bag through the valve.
As is particularly contemplated within the method and construction of the present invention, the preferred exemplary embodiment of fill valve includes the provision of means, including a water soluble polymer film, for providing at least a portion of a throat for said valve whereby the throat may be sealed closed upon the application of w~ter to the film. In the preferred exemplary embodiment as seen in Fig. 1, such means includes the provision of a sleeve 30 of water soluble polymer film which is assembled within a reinforcing material sleeve 20 ~ith the assembly thereof, as seen in Fig. 2, assembled into the bag mouth as shown in Fig. ~.
The reinforcing or backing sleeve 20 may be formed of paper or other suitable material compatible to the bag construction and the adhesive bonding therebetween. As seen in Fig. 1, backing sleeve 20 is provided with a hollow interior, indicated generally at 21 of a configuration to receive the film sleeve 30. To .. - . ~.............. :
~(180168 facilitate insertionoof the s~eeve assembly into the bag mouth, an insert tab 22 may be provided at the inner end of sleeve 20, the successive cutting of such sleeves from tubular stock by die cutting producing a corresponding cut-out 23 at the opposite end of each sleeve.
Water soluble polymer film sleeve 30 may be formed of any conventionally known and available water soluble polymer film such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyurethane (PU), methyl cellulose, or equivalent water soluble fi~ms. Such films have been selected for use in the exemplary method and construction of fill valve of the prese~t invention for their water solubility upon the exposure to water in steam or liquid form such that a dissolution is produced by the presence of water with the material adhering to itself as well as surrounding bag surfaces upon its solidification due to evaporation of the applied water as explained more fully hereinafter. As seen in Fig. 1, such water soluble polymer film sleeve 30 is provided with a hollow interior 31 which functions as the valve throat providing filling access to the bag when the sleeve is assembled into the bag mouth.
Insert tab 32 is preferably provided to facilitate insertion of sleeve 30 into backing of reinforcing sleeve'l20 with, when made in progressive die cut procedures from tube stock, produces a similar cut-out 33 at the opposite end.
On assembly of film sleeve 30 into backing sleeve 20, water may be applied to the exterior surfaces of sleeve 30 to produce at least some dissolution of the sleeve surface such that the assembled sleeves of Fig. 2 are in effect laminated to one another. In such manner, and as seen in Fig. 3, the upper halfs 24 and 34 of the sleeves are secured to one another as are the lower halfs 25 and 35, the valve throat or filling access opening through the valve thus being provided through the film sleeve 30 as indicated generally at 31.
- . , ., - . j -- ~080168 Referring now to Figs. 4 through 6, the preferred exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction is shown secured intthe mouth, indicated generally at 17, of the bag of Fig. 1, indicated generally at 10. A fill tube 40 is shown for filling ;
the interior of the bag through the fill valve, the filling material being indicated at 41. As perhaps best seen in Fig. 5, the exterior portions of the fill valve assembly of sleeves 20 and 30 are preferably secured to the interior portions of the bag presented about the interior of the bag mouth 17. While the walls 11, 14, 15, 16 and 18 of the bag are illustrated as a one wall construction, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that conventional bags of this ty~e generally include a multi-walled construction, which has not been illustrated here for convenience in presenting the exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction. As seen in Fig. 6, the end fold 14 of the bag turns up into the upper fold areas 18,18' of the bag side walls in the general area of the bag mouth with other portions of the bag side walls continuing up to provide the overlapping flaps 15 and 16.
The fill valve assembly of sleeves 20 and 30 are secured within the bag mouth with suitable adhesives securing the backing sleeve 20 to all of the surrounding portions of the bag and thus providing filling access only through the valve throat formed by the interior of film sleeve 30 which is co-extensive with the width of the bag mouth.
; Following completion of the filling of the bag, as through fill tube 40, and as particularly contemplated within the method and construction of the present invention, interior portions of the water soluble polymer material sleeve 30 are exposed to water in the form of steam or liquid spray, droplets or other forms of application. Regardless of the manner of application, it is desired that sufficient amounts of water be introduced into sleeve 30 in order to cause a dissolution of substantial portions of the 016~
interior of the sleeve across its interior portions extending laterally co-extensive with the mouth of the bag. With the fill tube 40 removed, and teh water in place, the bag mouth is closed manually, or by suitable mechanical means, to laterally collapse the fill valve sleeve assembly from the configuration of Fig. 6 to that of Fig. 8. As seen in Fig. 8, the collapsed sleeve assembly, accomplished by manual or mechanical means, brings the interior wetted, at leagt partially dissolved opposing surfaces of the sleeve 30 interior portions into close intimate contact. Upon evaporation of the water, the solidification of the polymeric material film produces a welding shut of the valve throat 31. It has been found that when the internal surfaces of sleeve 30 are brought into contact after dissolution due to wetting and then with subsequent evaporation of the water through nat~ral or mechan~cal means, the polymeric material in solidifying becomes welded together as substantially one piece of film which not only ,; seals the valve throat 31, but actually eliminates it. Thus, -~ sift-proof seal is assuredly accomplished.
The Alternative Exemplary Embodiments:
__ __ .
A second exemplary embodiment of fill valve employing the construction and method of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. In this second embodiment, a water soluble polymer film, as in the prior embodiment, is formed in a half sleeve or film sheet 130. Sheet 130 may have an insert tab 132 and cut-out 133 as discussed hereinbefore. A backing haIf sleeve or reinforcing sheet 120 of heavy paper or other suitable material is also provided, sheet 120 having insert tab 122 and cut-out 123.
According to the method and construction of this second embodiment, the film sheet 130 is laminated to the substantially co-extensive reinforcing sheet 120, as by wetting of the underside of sheet 130.
The laminated sheets 120 and 130 are then assembled into the mouth ~080~6~
of a bag constructed as that of Figs. 1 through 8 with the backing sheet 120 secured adhesively, or otherwise, to the interior portions of the bag facing sheet 120. The valve throat is thereby formed between the film sheet 130 and opposite portions of the bag mouth.
Upon completion of the filling operations, suitable wetting of the sheet 130, as aforedescribed, causes at least a partial dissolving of the film sheet such that, upon collapsing of the bag mouth as seen in Fig. 10, a sealing of the valve throat between the film sheet 130 and surrounding bag portions is accomplished.
In the third alternative exemplary embodiment of Figs. 11 and 12, a full film sleeve 230, constructed as in the case of sleeve 30 in the preferred exemp~àry embodiment, is laminated to a top backing or reinforcing sheet 220. The laminated assembly of film sleeve 230 and backing or reinforcing sheet 220 may then be secured by the backing sheet 220 to the interior surfaces of the bag mouth presented toward the backing sheet generally as seen in Fig. 12.
The valve throat, and filling access to the bag, is thus provided through the interior of the film sleeve 230 as in the preferred exemplary embodiment. Similarly, a sealing or welding shut of the valve throat may be accomplished through the application of water to the interior surfaces of valve sleeve 230 as described herein-before with regard to the valve sleeve of the preferred exemplary embodiment.
In the fourth alternative exemplary embodiment of Figs.
13 and 14, a water soluble polymer material sleeve 330, constructed as in the case of film sleeve 30 in the preferred exemplary embodiment, is provided without a backing or reinforcing sheet or sleeve. The film sleeve 330 is preferably inserted into the mouth of the otherwise conventional bag, as seen in Fig. 14 with the exterior surfaces of the sleeve being wetted to be secured to the opposing surfaces of the interior of the bag mouth. Other adhesive means could be employed for securing sleeve 330 in place, however ~oso~6s 1 ¦ it is considered convenient to use the water soluble characteristic~
Various types of valve type paper multi-wall bags and ~-plastic bags of the valve type have been designed heretofore to replace the common open mouth bags because of the convenience in 10 filling the same. In a valve type ba~, the bag is essentially `~
closed at both ends with a paper or other filling mechanism filling access through a chute, tube or other filling mechanism into the interior of the bag. Heretofore, it has been common to use a variety of closing methods for such valves including sewing, tapeing and glueing. It is believed that over fifty per cent of all bags produced for commercial utilization presently, approximately four fillion, are now valve type bags. There are several advantages to the valve type bag such as speed of filling, elimination of other materials and elimination of complicated folding mechanisms for closing an open mouth bag. However, it is believed that the major problem with the valve type bag has been and remains a method for closing the valve effectively to provide a positive sift-proof seal in a convenient and inexpensive manner.
Known attempts heretofore have involved manual folding and tucking of external or extended paper sleeves, heat sealing of valve members and using adhesives without satisfactory success. It is believed that the primary problem has been that various attempts heretofore have either required an inordinate amount of conscientious and capable manual labor or expensive and relatively slow equipment.
These prior attempts have failed to develop a really sift-proof seal for a fill valve which can be sealed economically at high speeds.
~, It is the primary object of the present invention to disclose and provide a method of providing and an apparatus for producing a positive sift-proof seal of a fill bag for a valve type bag having an otherwise conventional valve mouth in a manner which can be effected economically at high speeds with minimum labor and machinery expense.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method and apparatus as in the foregoing object wherein the problems experienced heretofore with valve type bag fill valves of the manual folding and tucking, heat sealing or adhesive closing type are overcome in an economically and practical manner.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is ~;
provided a method of providing a permanent positive sift-proof seal of a flexible fill valve mouth provided by an unsealed portion of a substantially sealed bag and closure of a fully formed valve type bag comprising the steps of: providing a film of water soluble material in said flexible fill valve mouth substantially co-extensive with the width of said mouth, said polymer material being dissolvable in water to produce an adhesive solution, said polymer being capable, when a portion of said dissolvod polymer is brought into contact with another portion of said polymer, of becoming welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material; contacting said film with water to cause dissolution of the polymer and producing an adhesive solution; and permanently seaIing said bag mouth by laterally collapsing said bag mouth so a portion of said polymer film contacts another portion of said polymer film so that upon said polymer material solidifying said two portions ; of polymer become welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material to provide a welding closure of said mouth by solidification of the adhesive solution due to evaporation of said water.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a permanent positive sift-proof seal of a fill valve provided by an unsealed portion of a substantially sealed bag end closure of a fully formed valve bag having a flexible fill valve receiving mouth comprising the steps of: forming a water soluble polymer film into a fill 108016i8 sleeve, said polymer being dissolvable in water to produce an adhesive solution, said polymer being capable when said dissolved polymer is collapsed upon itself, of being welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material upon evaporation of said water; contacting said polymer fill sleeve -with water to cause dissolution of the polymer and produce an adhesive solu- ::
tion; and laterally collapsing said polymer upon itself to cause a welding of said polymer together upon evaporation of said water and the solidification of said adhesive to permanently close said fill sleeve and said bag.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided in a bag construction comprising a fully-formed valve bag having a fill valve mouth provided by an unsealed portion of a substant;ally sealed end closure for filling access of a filling material to the interior of said bag, the improvement in said bag comprising the provision of:
sealing means comprising an insert layer of a water soluble polymer film inserted in and secured within said fill valve mouth for filling said filling material thereby and subsequently forming a positive sift-proof seal of said mouth by said water soluble polymer film being welded closed by solidification due to evaporation upon exposure of substantial portions of said film to water for partial dissolution of said portions and for welding of said film to itself and adjacent surfaces upon re-solidification of said film due to evaporation of said water, whereby said bag may be completely sealed closed in the presence of said filling material upon the application of water to said film.
, ~0~0168 Brief Description of the Drawings:
Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective of an preferred exemplary embodiment of bag fill construction in accordance with the construction and method of the present invention illustrated in association with an otherwise conventional valve receiving bag;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of bag fill valve construction of Fig. 1 showing a full sleeve of water soluble polymer film assembled within a full sleeve of a surrounding reinforcing material;
Fig. 3 is a section of the assembly of Fig. 2 taken therein along the plane III-III;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the preferred exemplary embodiment of assembled valve construction of Fig. 2 secured within the valve mouth of the bag of Fig. 1 and illustrating filling access through the valve construction by a filler tube~
Fig. S is a section view taken in Fig. 4 along the plane V-V ;
Fig. 6 is a section view taken in Fig. 5 along the plane VI-VI;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the fill valve construction and bag of Figs. 1 through 6 showing the valve construction closed in bag sealed condition;
Fig. 8 is a section view of the closed valve construction of Fig. 7 taken therein along the plane VIII-VIII; , Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a first alternative exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction wherein a half sleeve of water soluble polymer film is laminated to a reinforcing strip preparatory to insertion in the bag mouth;
Fig. 10 is a somewhat schematic representation of the laminated film and reinforcing strip of Fig. 9 located in the mouth of the bag of Fig. l;
~080~il Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a second alternative exemp~ry embodiment of fill valve construction in accordance with the present invention wherein a full sleeve of water soluble polymeric material is laminated to a reinforcing strip for insertion into a bag mouth;
Fig. 12 is a somewhat schematic section view of the va~ve construction of Fig. 11 assembled into the mouth of a bag according to the bag construction of Fig. l;
Fig. 13 is a third alternative exemp~ary embodiment of fill valve construction in accordance with the present invention wherein a full sleeve of water soluble polymeric material is provided without a reinforcing strip or sleeve;
Fig. 14 is a somewhat schematic section view of the fill valve construction of Fig. 13 located in the mouth of a bag const~ucted as the bag of Fig. l;
Fig. lS is an exploded perspective view of a fifth alternative exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction in accordance with the present invention wherein a half sleeve of water soluble polymeric material is initially provided in non-laminated relation to a relatively co-extensive reinforcing strip;
and Fig. 16 is a somewhat schematic section view of the fill valve construction of Fig. 15 positioned in the mouth of a valve bag constructed in accordance with the bag of Fig. 1.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Exemplary Embodiment;
A preferred exemplary embodiment of the method of providing a positive sift-proof seal for a fill valve of an otherwise convention valve bag as well as a preferred exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction will now be explained in detail with reference to the appended sheets of drawings~ particularly Figs. 1 through 8. ~eferring first to Fig. 1, however, it can be seen that -10~0161~
an otherwise conventional multi-walled paper bag, indicated generally at 10, is illustrated having a side wall 11 and a closed end indicated generally at 12. In this conventional type of multi-walled bag construction, both ends of the bag are sealed shut with a portion of one of the closed ends being left unsealed to provide a fill valve receiving mouth. Specifically, on folding the other-wise open end of the bag closed, end folds 13 and 14 are initially turned inwardly of the bag with upper side flaps 15 and 16 folded down thereo~er. The mating surfaces between flaps 15 and 16, and between mating surfaces of both flaps and fold 13 are sealed in conventional manner. However, the surface areas between the side flaps 16, 16 and the fold area 14 are conventionally not completely sealed initially in order to provide a bag filling access opening or mouth indicated generally at 17. The bag fill valve is secured in th~s bag mouth to facilitate filling access to the interior of the bag through the valve.
As is particularly contemplated within the method and construction of the present invention, the preferred exemplary embodiment of fill valve includes the provision of means, including a water soluble polymer film, for providing at least a portion of a throat for said valve whereby the throat may be sealed closed upon the application of w~ter to the film. In the preferred exemplary embodiment as seen in Fig. 1, such means includes the provision of a sleeve 30 of water soluble polymer film which is assembled within a reinforcing material sleeve 20 ~ith the assembly thereof, as seen in Fig. 2, assembled into the bag mouth as shown in Fig. ~.
The reinforcing or backing sleeve 20 may be formed of paper or other suitable material compatible to the bag construction and the adhesive bonding therebetween. As seen in Fig. 1, backing sleeve 20 is provided with a hollow interior, indicated generally at 21 of a configuration to receive the film sleeve 30. To .. - . ~.............. :
~(180168 facilitate insertionoof the s~eeve assembly into the bag mouth, an insert tab 22 may be provided at the inner end of sleeve 20, the successive cutting of such sleeves from tubular stock by die cutting producing a corresponding cut-out 23 at the opposite end of each sleeve.
Water soluble polymer film sleeve 30 may be formed of any conventionally known and available water soluble polymer film such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyurethane (PU), methyl cellulose, or equivalent water soluble fi~ms. Such films have been selected for use in the exemplary method and construction of fill valve of the prese~t invention for their water solubility upon the exposure to water in steam or liquid form such that a dissolution is produced by the presence of water with the material adhering to itself as well as surrounding bag surfaces upon its solidification due to evaporation of the applied water as explained more fully hereinafter. As seen in Fig. 1, such water soluble polymer film sleeve 30 is provided with a hollow interior 31 which functions as the valve throat providing filling access to the bag when the sleeve is assembled into the bag mouth.
Insert tab 32 is preferably provided to facilitate insertion of sleeve 30 into backing of reinforcing sleeve'l20 with, when made in progressive die cut procedures from tube stock, produces a similar cut-out 33 at the opposite end.
On assembly of film sleeve 30 into backing sleeve 20, water may be applied to the exterior surfaces of sleeve 30 to produce at least some dissolution of the sleeve surface such that the assembled sleeves of Fig. 2 are in effect laminated to one another. In such manner, and as seen in Fig. 3, the upper halfs 24 and 34 of the sleeves are secured to one another as are the lower halfs 25 and 35, the valve throat or filling access opening through the valve thus being provided through the film sleeve 30 as indicated generally at 31.
- . , ., - . j -- ~080168 Referring now to Figs. 4 through 6, the preferred exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction is shown secured intthe mouth, indicated generally at 17, of the bag of Fig. 1, indicated generally at 10. A fill tube 40 is shown for filling ;
the interior of the bag through the fill valve, the filling material being indicated at 41. As perhaps best seen in Fig. 5, the exterior portions of the fill valve assembly of sleeves 20 and 30 are preferably secured to the interior portions of the bag presented about the interior of the bag mouth 17. While the walls 11, 14, 15, 16 and 18 of the bag are illustrated as a one wall construction, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that conventional bags of this ty~e generally include a multi-walled construction, which has not been illustrated here for convenience in presenting the exemplary embodiment of fill valve construction. As seen in Fig. 6, the end fold 14 of the bag turns up into the upper fold areas 18,18' of the bag side walls in the general area of the bag mouth with other portions of the bag side walls continuing up to provide the overlapping flaps 15 and 16.
The fill valve assembly of sleeves 20 and 30 are secured within the bag mouth with suitable adhesives securing the backing sleeve 20 to all of the surrounding portions of the bag and thus providing filling access only through the valve throat formed by the interior of film sleeve 30 which is co-extensive with the width of the bag mouth.
; Following completion of the filling of the bag, as through fill tube 40, and as particularly contemplated within the method and construction of the present invention, interior portions of the water soluble polymer material sleeve 30 are exposed to water in the form of steam or liquid spray, droplets or other forms of application. Regardless of the manner of application, it is desired that sufficient amounts of water be introduced into sleeve 30 in order to cause a dissolution of substantial portions of the 016~
interior of the sleeve across its interior portions extending laterally co-extensive with the mouth of the bag. With the fill tube 40 removed, and teh water in place, the bag mouth is closed manually, or by suitable mechanical means, to laterally collapse the fill valve sleeve assembly from the configuration of Fig. 6 to that of Fig. 8. As seen in Fig. 8, the collapsed sleeve assembly, accomplished by manual or mechanical means, brings the interior wetted, at leagt partially dissolved opposing surfaces of the sleeve 30 interior portions into close intimate contact. Upon evaporation of the water, the solidification of the polymeric material film produces a welding shut of the valve throat 31. It has been found that when the internal surfaces of sleeve 30 are brought into contact after dissolution due to wetting and then with subsequent evaporation of the water through nat~ral or mechan~cal means, the polymeric material in solidifying becomes welded together as substantially one piece of film which not only ,; seals the valve throat 31, but actually eliminates it. Thus, -~ sift-proof seal is assuredly accomplished.
The Alternative Exemplary Embodiments:
__ __ .
A second exemplary embodiment of fill valve employing the construction and method of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. In this second embodiment, a water soluble polymer film, as in the prior embodiment, is formed in a half sleeve or film sheet 130. Sheet 130 may have an insert tab 132 and cut-out 133 as discussed hereinbefore. A backing haIf sleeve or reinforcing sheet 120 of heavy paper or other suitable material is also provided, sheet 120 having insert tab 122 and cut-out 123.
According to the method and construction of this second embodiment, the film sheet 130 is laminated to the substantially co-extensive reinforcing sheet 120, as by wetting of the underside of sheet 130.
The laminated sheets 120 and 130 are then assembled into the mouth ~080~6~
of a bag constructed as that of Figs. 1 through 8 with the backing sheet 120 secured adhesively, or otherwise, to the interior portions of the bag facing sheet 120. The valve throat is thereby formed between the film sheet 130 and opposite portions of the bag mouth.
Upon completion of the filling operations, suitable wetting of the sheet 130, as aforedescribed, causes at least a partial dissolving of the film sheet such that, upon collapsing of the bag mouth as seen in Fig. 10, a sealing of the valve throat between the film sheet 130 and surrounding bag portions is accomplished.
In the third alternative exemplary embodiment of Figs. 11 and 12, a full film sleeve 230, constructed as in the case of sleeve 30 in the preferred exemp~àry embodiment, is laminated to a top backing or reinforcing sheet 220. The laminated assembly of film sleeve 230 and backing or reinforcing sheet 220 may then be secured by the backing sheet 220 to the interior surfaces of the bag mouth presented toward the backing sheet generally as seen in Fig. 12.
The valve throat, and filling access to the bag, is thus provided through the interior of the film sleeve 230 as in the preferred exemplary embodiment. Similarly, a sealing or welding shut of the valve throat may be accomplished through the application of water to the interior surfaces of valve sleeve 230 as described herein-before with regard to the valve sleeve of the preferred exemplary embodiment.
In the fourth alternative exemplary embodiment of Figs.
13 and 14, a water soluble polymer material sleeve 330, constructed as in the case of film sleeve 30 in the preferred exemplary embodiment, is provided without a backing or reinforcing sheet or sleeve. The film sleeve 330 is preferably inserted into the mouth of the otherwise conventional bag, as seen in Fig. 14 with the exterior surfaces of the sleeve being wetted to be secured to the opposing surfaces of the interior of the bag mouth. Other adhesive means could be employed for securing sleeve 330 in place, however ~oso~6s 1 ¦ it is considered convenient to use the water soluble characteristic~
2 ¦ of the sleeve for positioning it in the bag mouth preparatory
3 ¦ to filling of the bag through the valve throat provided by the
4 ¦ interior of sleeve 330. On completion of the filling operation,
5 ¦ the sealing of the valve throat may be accomplished by the ¦ effective welding shut of the valve throat of film sleeve 330 in 7 ¦ the manner herein described with regard to film sleeve 30 of the 8 ~ preferred exemplary embodiment.
9¦ In the fifth alternative exemplary embodiment of Figs. 15 O¦ and 16, a half sleeve or reinforcing sheet 420 is provided in 1¦ opposed, unsealed relation to a generally co-extensive opposite 12 half sleeve or film sheet 430 of a water soluble polymer material 13 as in the case of the film sleeve 30 of the preferred exemplary 14 embodiment. Backing or reinforcing sheet 420 is secured in the 15 ¦bag mouth to facing portions of the bag mouth along one side of 16 and generally co-extensive with the width of the mouth as seen in 17 ¦Fig. 16. The opposing flim sheet 430 is also secured within the 18 ¦bag mouth to opposing or facing portions of the bag mouth generally 19 in opposing relation to sheet 420 and substantially co-extensive with the width of the bag mouth. The valve throat in this 21 embodiment is providcd between the sheets 420 and 430, each being 22 secured on its opposite sides to the surrounding portions of the 23 bag. Upon a completion of the filling operations the application 24 of water into the valve throat and in particular upon the interior Y
facing portions of film sheet 430, causes a dissolving or partial 26 dissolution of the sheet 430 with consequent sealing of sheet 430 27 upon backing or reinforcing sheet 420, such sealing being effected 2~ upon the evaporation of the applied water as discussed hcrelnbCfore 329 wi~h thc prior e~:emplary embodiments.
9¦ In the fifth alternative exemplary embodiment of Figs. 15 O¦ and 16, a half sleeve or reinforcing sheet 420 is provided in 1¦ opposed, unsealed relation to a generally co-extensive opposite 12 half sleeve or film sheet 430 of a water soluble polymer material 13 as in the case of the film sleeve 30 of the preferred exemplary 14 embodiment. Backing or reinforcing sheet 420 is secured in the 15 ¦bag mouth to facing portions of the bag mouth along one side of 16 and generally co-extensive with the width of the mouth as seen in 17 ¦Fig. 16. The opposing flim sheet 430 is also secured within the 18 ¦bag mouth to opposing or facing portions of the bag mouth generally 19 in opposing relation to sheet 420 and substantially co-extensive with the width of the bag mouth. The valve throat in this 21 embodiment is providcd between the sheets 420 and 430, each being 22 secured on its opposite sides to the surrounding portions of the 23 bag. Upon a completion of the filling operations the application 24 of water into the valve throat and in particular upon the interior Y
facing portions of film sheet 430, causes a dissolving or partial 26 dissolution of the sheet 430 with consequent sealing of sheet 430 27 upon backing or reinforcing sheet 420, such sealing being effected 2~ upon the evaporation of the applied water as discussed hcrelnbCfore 329 wi~h thc prior e~:emplary embodiments.
Claims (12)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of providing a permanent positive sift-proof seal of a flexible fill valve mouth provided by an unsealed portion of a substantially sealed bag and closure of a fully formed valve type bag comprising the steps of: providing a film of water soluble material in said flexible fill valve mouth substantially co-extensive with the width of said mouth, said polymer material being dissolvable in water to produce an adhesive solution, said polymer being capable, when a portion of said dissolved polymer is brought into contact with another portion of said polymer, of becoming welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material; contacting said film with water to cause dissolution of the polymer and producing an adhesive solution; and permanently sealing said bag mouth by laterally collapsing said bag mouth so a portion of said polymer film contacts another portion of said polymer film so that upon said polymer material solidifying said two portions of polymer become welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material to provide a welding closure of said mouth by solidification of the adhesive solution due to evaporation of said water.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing a film of water soluble polymer material in said bag mouth includes the substeps of:
providing said film in the form of a sleeve; and securing said sleeve in said bag mouth with exterior portions of said sleeve sealed to interior por-tions of said mouth to allow filling access to said bag only through said sleeve.
providing said film in the form of a sleeve; and securing said sleeve in said bag mouth with exterior portions of said sleeve sealed to interior por-tions of said mouth to allow filling access to said bag only through said sleeve.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said step of contacting said film with water includes introducing said water into interior portions of said sleeve to cause said polymer material dissolution thereof interiorly of said sleeve and said step of maintaining said bag mouth closed includes the sub-step of laterally collapsing said sleeve in areas thereof where said dis-solution has occurred to provide a welding closure of said sleeve in such areas.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein said securing step includes the Laminating of a reinforcing strip to said sleeve.
5. The method of claim 2 wherein said securing step includes the laminating of a reinforcing sleeve about said film sleeve.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of providing a film in-cludes the provision of said film in a sheet thereof positioned in said mouth.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said step of providing a film includes the provision of said sheet fixed upon inner surfaces of said mouth to provide filling access to said bag only between said sheet and opposite portions of said mouth.
8. A method of providing a permanent positive sift-proof seal of a fill valve provided by an unsealed portion of a substantially sealed bag end closure of a fully formed valve bag having a flexible fill valve receiving mouth comprising the steps of: forming a water soluble polymer film into a fill sleeve, said polymer being dissolvable in water to produce an adhesive solution, said polymer being capable when said dissolved polymer is collapsed upon itself, of being welded together as substantially one piece of polymer material upon evaporation of said water; contacting said polymer fill sleeve with water to cause dissolution of the polymer and produce an adhesive solu-tion; and laterally collapsing said polymer upon itself to cause a welding of said polymer together upon evaporation of said water and the solidification of said adhesive to permanently close said fill sleeve and said bag.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of securing said sleeve in said bag mouth includes the step of: providing a backing sleeve of a non-water soluble material about said fill sleeve and securing the assembly of backing sleeve and fill sleeve in said bag mouth.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein said valve type bag is a paper bag.
11. In a bag construction comprising a fully-formed valve bag having a fill valve mouth provided by an unsealed portion of a substantially sealed end closure for filling access of a filling material to the interior of said bag, the improvement in said bag comprising the provision of:
sealing means comprising an insert layer of a water soluble polymer film inserted in and secured within said fill valve mouth for filling said filling material thereby and subsequently forming a positive sift-proof seal of said mouth by said water soluble polymer film being welded closed by solidification due to evaporation upon exposure of substantial portions of said film to water for partial dissolution of said portions and for welding of said film to itself and adjacent surfaces upon re-solidification of said film due to evaporation of said water, whereby said bag may be completely sealed closed in the presence of said filling material upon the application of water to said film.
sealing means comprising an insert layer of a water soluble polymer film inserted in and secured within said fill valve mouth for filling said filling material thereby and subsequently forming a positive sift-proof seal of said mouth by said water soluble polymer film being welded closed by solidification due to evaporation upon exposure of substantial portions of said film to water for partial dissolution of said portions and for welding of said film to itself and adjacent surfaces upon re-solidification of said film due to evaporation of said water, whereby said bag may be completely sealed closed in the presence of said filling material upon the application of water to said film.
12. The bag construction of claim 11 wherein said sealing means further comprises:
a reinforcing strip secured to said insert layer of water soluble polymer film for reinforcing said film.
a reinforcing strip secured to said insert layer of water soluble polymer film for reinforcing said film.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US61937475A | 1975-10-03 | 1975-10-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1080168A true CA1080168A (en) | 1980-06-24 |
Family
ID=24481641
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA262,634A Expired CA1080168A (en) | 1975-10-03 | 1976-10-04 | Method and apparatus for water soluble closure for fill valve for bags |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS5246995A (en) |
| BE (1) | BE846728A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1080168A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2643831A1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK145970C (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2326342A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1538876A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1073427B (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7610826A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7610888L (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4219054A (en) * | 1978-06-07 | 1980-08-26 | Carter Industries | Method and apparatus for filling valve bags |
| DE2856021A1 (en) * | 1978-12-23 | 1980-07-03 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | METHOD FOR SEALING A PACKAGE CONTAINER VALVE |
| DE2944369A1 (en) * | 1979-02-21 | 1980-09-18 | Polymer Films | DEVICE FOR FILLING AND SEALING BAGS |
| DE3376412D1 (en) * | 1982-01-30 | 1988-06-01 | Nakajima Seisakusho Co | Apparatus for filling and sealing a sack with sealing member |
| JPS5919411U (en) * | 1982-07-30 | 1984-02-06 | 三菱自動車工業株式会社 | Bus air duct structure |
| FR2628396A1 (en) * | 1988-03-10 | 1989-09-15 | Lembacel Sa | FLEXIBLE PACKAGING BAG WITH FILLING VALVE |
| JPH0681948U (en) * | 1993-05-12 | 1994-11-25 | ニューロング株式会社 | Paper bag |
| FR2866632B1 (en) * | 2004-02-19 | 2006-05-26 | Smurfit Lembacel | DELTAABLE OR WATER SOLUBLE THERMOSOLDABLE VALVE, FOR DELIVE PAPER BAGS |
| DE102004043446B4 (en) * | 2004-09-06 | 2006-06-08 | Frantschach Industrial Packaging Deutschland Gmbh | valve bag |
-
1976
- 1976-09-28 GB GB4026676A patent/GB1538876A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-09-28 IT IT5147176A patent/IT1073427B/en active
- 1976-09-29 DE DE19762643831 patent/DE2643831A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1976-09-29 DK DK439276A patent/DK145970C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1976-09-29 BE BE171064A patent/BE846728A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1976-09-30 SE SE7610888A patent/SE7610888L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1976-09-30 NL NL7610826A patent/NL7610826A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1976-10-01 JP JP11839776A patent/JPS5246995A/en active Granted
- 1976-10-01 FR FR7629650A patent/FR2326342A1/en active Granted
- 1976-10-04 CA CA262,634A patent/CA1080168A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB1538876A (en) | 1979-01-24 |
| NL7610826A (en) | 1977-04-05 |
| JPS5246995A (en) | 1977-04-14 |
| BE846728A (en) | 1977-01-17 |
| IT1073427B (en) | 1985-04-17 |
| DK145970B (en) | 1983-05-02 |
| FR2326342B1 (en) | 1980-12-05 |
| FR2326342A1 (en) | 1977-04-29 |
| DK145970C (en) | 1983-10-03 |
| DE2643831A1 (en) | 1977-04-14 |
| DK439276A (en) | 1977-04-04 |
| SE7610888L (en) | 1977-04-04 |
| JPS5610242B2 (en) | 1981-03-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |