CN110576640A

CN110576640A - method and machine for forming a package of flexible material with side gussets

Info

Publication number: CN110576640A
Application number: CN201810578883.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 吉诺·拉帕里尼
Original assignee: ICA SpA
Current assignee: ICA SpA
Priority date: 2018-06-07
Filing date: 2018-06-07
Publication date: 2019-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-07
Also published as: CN110576640B

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for forming a package (99) of flexible material having a first side gusset (3) and a second side gusset (4) starting from a strip (2) having a sliding direction (D1) coming from a reel (1). The method comprises the following steps: -manufacturing the first gusset (3) by means of folding close to a first lateral edge (21) of the tape (2) coming from the reel (1); -manufacturing the second gusset (4) by means of folding a strip (2) from a reel (1); wherein, after said step a) is carried out on a portion (98) of the belt (2) extending in the sliding direction (D1), step b) is carried out on said portion. Furthermore, the invention relates to a machine configured to perform the method.

Description

Method and machine for forming a package of flexible material with side gussets

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of forming packages of flexible material with side gussets (gussets). In particular, the invention relates to a method and a machine capable of manufacturing such packages.

Background

Nowadays, packages with side gussets are widely used, since the presence of the gussets allows to significantly increase the amount of material contained within the package, thus allowing for example to manufacture packages allowing to have a much larger filling volume with equal front surfaces.

For example, these types of packaging are highly desirable in the pet food field. This type of package is usually manufactured in a continuous manner starting from a strip of flexible material coming from a reel. Such packages may be sold as individual packages ready for filling, or as reels with the packages positioned one after the other on a single strip.

However, the machines for manufacturing such packages are very cumbersome, since usually the production of the two side gussets takes place simultaneously in the same station. Thus, in most cases packages with reduced dimensions are made, to have less cumbersome machines and reduced costs.

The main object of the present invention is to produce packages with increased dimensions, while maintaining the reduced overall dimensions of the production machine.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is based on the following idea: two side gussets are manufactured one after the other in such a way that two gussets are manufactured at two stations, respectively, each station being configured to manufacture a single gusset.

When it is stated in the present invention that one step "follows" another step, unless otherwise stated, this is meant to refer to a given step in a given position along the sliding direction of the belt.

In fact, since the manufacturing method is preferably a continuous manufacturing method, said most of the processes are inevitably carried out simultaneously, since for example when one station is carrying out a particular process, another station is carrying out another process simultaneously. However, the two processes here involve different positions along the sliding direction of the belt.

For example, positioning a portion of the belt at a position x along the sliding direction of the belt and placing another position x + Δ x again in the sliding direction of the belt, the expression that one step is made "following" another step means that one step is performed exactly on that particular belt portion following another step. For example, Δ x may be equal to the height of the package. In this case, the execution of one step following another means that the second step is only carried out after the completion of the first step in order to manufacture a specific package.

Furthermore, the terms "upstream", "downstream", "at the top" and "at the bottom" in the present invention refer to the sliding direction of the strip coming from the reel downstream of which the package of flexible material is unwound throughout the forming process. In other words, the terms "downstream" and "upstream" refer to the direction of belt advancement during the manufacturing process.

Further, in the present invention, when referring to a belt portion extending in the sliding direction, reference is made to an arbitrary belt portion having a width equal to the width of the belt and extending along the sliding direction of the belt. Similarly, when referring to the portion of the tubular element extending in the sliding direction, reference is made to any portion of the tubular element having a width equal to the width of the tubular element and extending along the sliding direction of the tubular element. Unless otherwise indicated, these portions may be of any length.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset starting from a strip having a sliding direction from a spool, the method comprising the steps of:

a) the first gusset is manufactured by folding along a first side edge of the tape from the spool,

b) Manufacturing a second gusset by means of folding a strip from a roll;

wherein step b) is performed on a portion of the belt extending in the sliding direction after step a) is performed on the portion.

this solution therefore means that for manufacturing the package, it may be advantageous to start manufacturing the second gusset only after the first gusset has been formed by means of folding. This solution is particularly advantageous as it allows to separate the manufacturing of the first gusset and the manufacturing of the second gusset. This allows the step of manufacturing the gusset to be performed in two particularly compact stations, since each station is configured to form only one of the two gussets. Furthermore, the stations may be placed in series with each other, e.g. aligned or slightly offset, thereby effectively reducing the overall side dimensions of the machine. This method is particularly advantageous since manufacturing the two gussets separately allows the gusset manufacturing process to be simpler, and thus allows for a machine that can perform such a process in a simpler manner and at a reduced cost and size. For example, with equal overall dimensions of the machine, it is possible with this method to produce packages having a larger volume, which is particularly advantageous in the field of pet food, where packages capable of containing increased amounts of material are sometimes required. The second gusset is preferably manufactured close to the central region of the initial strap, wherein "central region of strap" refers to the central region of the strap after the first gusset is manufactured, and thus the strap referred to preferably has a smaller width relative to the strap on the spool, since a portion of the strap is used to manufacture the first gusset. The first gusset panel and the second gusset panel refer to portions of the sheet formed by folding the sheet along at least two, preferably parallel, fold lines to fold the accordion folds.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset starting from a strip from a roll, wherein the portion of the strip after step a) has been performed followed by step b) has the following length: preferably equal to at least 1/4, more preferably equal to at least 2/4, still more preferably equal to at least 3/4, still more preferably equal to at least twice, still more preferably equal to at least three or four times the height of the package. This solution is particularly advantageous since it allows to clearly separate the first station from the second station, thus significantly reducing the overall lateral dimensions of the machine.

according to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset starting from a strip from a spool, the method further comprising the steps of:

c) folding the tape from the spool such that a first side edge of the tape from the spool is located at a second side edge of the tape from the spool so as to form an open tubular element;

Wherein step c) is performed on a portion of the belt extending in the sliding direction, preferably on which portion step c) is performed after step b) is performed.

d) sealing the lateral edges of the band to make a closed tubular element;

Wherein step d) is performed on a portion of the belt extending in the sliding direction after step c) is performed on that portion.

e) Sealing the outer edges of the first gusset and the second gusset to reinforce the outer edges;

Wherein step e) is performed on a portion of the belt extending in the sliding direction while step d) is performed on the portion.

This solution is particularly advantageous because it allows closing the tubular element and reinforcing the skirt by means of sealing in only one sealing step. The fact that all outer edges of the first gusset and the second gusset have sealing surfaces close to the edges is particularly advantageous as it allows to effectively prevent tearing of the gussets which may be due to, for example, the weight of the material contained therein or to forces which may be applied, for example, to open the package. Since these packages are typically tall, the sealed rim provides structural rigidity to the package and helps the package to square once filled. The width of such a sealing surface may preferably vary between 3mm and 15 mm.

f) Sealing the transverse faces of the tubular element made of the strip from the reel, wherein the length of the seal is equal to the distance between the outer edge of the first gusset panel and the outer edge of the second gusset panel, so as to close the bottom of the package;

Wherein step f) is performed on a portion of the belt extending in the sliding direction after step c) is performed on that portion.

This solution is particularly advantageous because by means of such a seal the package can be closed at the bottom. It is in fact obvious that the height of the seal being equal to the distance between the gussets means that such a seal effectively allows the package to be closed at the bottom. In addition, such a seal is preferably of the "K" type. This solution is particularly advantageous because the K-structure is particularly advantageous here because it allows to close the bottom inner edge of the package, thereby simultaneously preventing the product from entering the gap that would be created if such sealing were not performed. Furthermore, this type of seal allows for the formation of a square bottom of the package, also providing increased structural resistance and rigidity.

g) The tubular element made of the strip coming from the reel is cut along an axis perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tubular element, so as to separate the packages of flexible material from each other.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset starting from a strip from a roll, the cutting step g) being followed by the steps of:

h) The bottom of the package is manufactured by folding the face at the bottom of the tubular element made of the strip from the reel in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tubular element and fixing the face by means of applying glue.

This solution is particularly advantageous as it allows a package with an enhanced flat bottom to ensure increased resistance and stability.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset is provided starting from a strip from a roll, wherein the roll is unwound in a continuous manner (unwound) to form a plurality of packages. This solution is particularly advantageous because, due to the continuous sliding of the reel, it allows to form a succession of packages and to perform steps a) and b) preferably on the same conveyor line, thus performing steps a) and b) continuously. Here, for example, while step a) preferably relates to the formation of a first gusset panel of the first package and step b) relates to the formation of a second gusset panel of the second package, the second gusset panel is different from the first gusset panel and is formed downstream relative to the first gusset panel. Thus, steps a) and b) occur in a continuous manner and simultaneously with the formation of the different packages, but with regard to the formation of a specific package, steps a) and b) preferably occur one after the other with the formation of the different packages.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, one or more of steps c), d), e), f), g) and h) may also preferably be performed sequentially on the same conveyor line on which steps a) and b) are performed.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a machine is provided that is configured to perform the method according to one of the above-described embodiments.

according to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a machine for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset, the machine comprising: a first station configured to receive the tape from the spool and configured to manufacture a first gusset at a first side edge of the tape; and a second station configured to manufacture a second gusset, wherein the second station is located downstream of the first station. This solution is particularly advantageous as it allows to separate the manufacturing of the first gusset from the manufacturing of the second gusset. This allows the step of manufacturing the gusset to be performed in two particularly compact stations, as each station is configured to manufacture only one of the two gussets. Such a machine is therefore particularly advantageous, since the separate manufacture of the two gussets allows to make the manufacturing process of the gussets simpler, thus having a machine that is able to carry out such a process in a simpler manner and at reduced cost and size. In fact, according to this particular embodiment, these stations can be placed in series with each other, for example aligned or slightly offset, effectively reducing the overall lateral dimensions of the machine. The first gusset panel and the second gusset panel refer to portions of the sheet formed by folding the sheet along at least two, preferably parallel, fold lines to fold the accordion folds.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a machine for forming packages of flexible material having first and second side gussets, wherein preferably the strip discharged from the first station travels a length equal to at least 1/4 of the height of the final package before reaching the second station; more preferably, the belt emerging from the first station travels a length equal to at least 2/4 of the height of the final package before reaching the second station; even more preferably, the belt emerging from the first station travels a length equal to at least 3/4 of the height of the final package before reaching the second station; even more preferably, the belt emerging from the first station travels, before reaching the second station, for a length equal to at least the height of the final package; still more preferably, the belt emerging from the first station travels a length equal to at least 2 to 4 times the height of the final package before reaching the second station, to more clearly separate the two stations. Such solutions are particularly advantageous as they allow a clear separation of the first station from the second station, thus having a simpler manufacturing process of the gusset, thus having a machine capable of carrying out such a process in a simpler manner and with reduced costs and dimensions, in particular with reduced overall lateral dimensions.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a machine for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset is provided, wherein the second station is configured to fold the strip such that the first side edge of the strip is located at the second side edge of the strip, so as to form an open tubular element. This solution is particularly advantageous because when manufacturing the second gusset, it allows folding the strip to obtain an open tubular element ready for closing.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a machine for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset is provided, wherein the machine further comprises a seal configured to seal the outer side edges of the strip against each other so as to produce a closed tubular element.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a machine for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset is provided, wherein the machine further comprises two seals, preferably each having a pair of side sealing bars configured to seal the outer edges of the first gusset and the second gusset in order to produce a closed tubular element and reinforce the outer edges. This solution is particularly advantageous because it allows closing the tubular element and reinforcing the skirt by means of sealing in only one sealing step. The fact that all outer edges of the first gusset and the second gusset have sealing surfaces is particularly advantageous as it allows to effectively prevent tearing of the gussets which may be caused by e.g. the material contained therein or by forces which may be applied e.g. in order to open the package. The sealed edges provide structural rigidity to the package and, once filled, help the package to take a square shape.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a machine for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset is provided, wherein the machine further comprises a seal, preferably having a pair of sealing bars, configured to close the bottom of the package. Such a seal is preferably of the "K" type. This solution is particularly advantageous because the K-structure is particularly advantageous here because it allows to close the bottom inner edge of the package, thereby simultaneously preventing the product from entering the gap that would be created if such sealing were not performed. Furthermore, this type of seal allows for the formation of a square bottom of the package, also providing increased structural resistance and rigidity.

according to another embodiment of the invention, a machine for forming packages of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset is provided, wherein the machine further comprises a cutter configured to cut the tubular elements so as to separate the packages of flexible material from each other.

according to another embodiment of the invention, a machine for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset is provided, wherein the machine is configured to provide a tape in a continuous manner from a spool through a first station to a second station. This solution is particularly advantageous because it allows having a single conveying line capable of manufacturing a plurality of packages in a continuous manner.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a machine for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset and a second side gusset, wherein at least one of the lateral sealing station, the transverse sealing station, the cutting station and the folding station is disposed in series with the first station and the second station.

Drawings

The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals and/or reference numerals indicate like and/or similar and/or corresponding parts of the system. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a package that can be manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a reel from which tape is unwound to form a package according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

fig. 3 schematically illustrates the formation of a first gusset in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3a shows an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the formation of a second gusset and the folding of the strap in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5a to 5e show cross-sectional views of steps in manufacturing a first gusset and a second gusset and folding the tape according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a detail of FIG. 4, wherein the tubular element has been formed but not yet closed, according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the step of performing a lateral seal in accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the steps of performing a cross seal and a K seal in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 schematically illustrates the transport of the tubular element towards a cutting station according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a detail of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cutting step in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 illustrates the step of folding the bottom of the package according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

the present invention is described below with reference to specific embodiments, as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the following detailed description and depicted in the drawings, which are presented to simply illustrate various aspects of the invention, the objects of which are defined by the claims. Further modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

as shown in fig. 1, the present invention relates to forming a package 99 of flexible material having a first side gusset 3 and a second side gusset 4. Preferably, the dimensions of the first side gusset 3 and the second side gusset 4 are similar, so that the package is symmetrical; more preferably, the dimensions of the first side gusset 3 and the second side gusset 4 are the same. Furthermore, the package preferably has a folded bottom 9, which increases the resistance of the base of the package and effectively prevents accidental discharge of material from the interior of the package.

such packages may also be of very large size to allow storage of large quantities of material. For example, a package made according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a width equal to 300mm to 400mm, a height equal to 700mm to 800mm, and a depth of 100mm to 200 mm. However, the package may also have a larger volume, for example a volume of 20 to 30 litres.

Referring to fig. 2-12, a method for manufacturing a package 99 as depicted in fig. 1 is illustrated.

a plurality of packages as shown in fig. 1 can be made in a continuous manner from a tubular element 5, the tubular element 5 being made starting from the tape 2 coming from the reel 1 unwound from the reel 1 by means of the rotation of the reel 1 about its axis Ax 1.

the following is a description of the various steps that begin with any tape portion 98 of the reel 1, which any tape portion 98 may enter various stations to be processed.

In the particular embodiment of fig. 2, by rotating the reel 1 clockwise, the band 2 can be continuously supplied to the first station 100 of the machine 1000 configured to make the packages. For example, a first package 99 of flexible material can be made from the strap portion 98. However, this belt portion 98 is described herein for illustrative purposes only and shows the reader the movement of the belt 2 between one station and another. In the drawings, the length of the strap portion 98 is less than the length of the package 99 for illustrative purposes. This configuration is due solely to the specific requirements of the various components of the machine to be depicted in the same drawing. Thus, a person skilled in the art will understand that the portion may have a different size than indicated in the claims, e.g. equal to the length of one package or preferably greater than the length of one package.

thus, the belt 2 having the first and second side edges 21, 22 is conveyed along the sliding direction D1 towards the first station 100, the first station 100 being configured to form the first gusset 3 by folding the belt 2 at the region of the side edge 21 of the belt 2. As shown in the detail of fig. 3a, the gusset 3 is preferably made by means of folding the strip along two parallel lines 32, 33 located close to the lateral edges 21 of the strip 2, thus forming a lateral accordion structure, the parallel lines 32, 33 having a direction parallel to the sliding direction D1 of the strip 2.

thus, as is clear from the above description, the gusset can be simply formed by folding the sheet along two parallel fold lines to form the recess. In this particular example, a recess is formed between the edge 21 and the fold line 33.

at the exit of the first station 100 there will therefore be a belt 2 like the one entering the first station 100, the only difference being that one of the two side edges of the belt 2 (in the specific case depicted in the figures as side edge 21) is folded concertina-folded to form a first gusset 3. Thus, the width of the belt 2 discharged from the first station 100 is smaller than the width of the belt 2 at the entrance of the first station 100, since the side portions of the belt 2 are used to manufacture the first gusset 3.

the belt 2 may also preferably have the same flat shape as when entering the first station 100, thus bringing the first side edge 21 of the belt 2 into contact with the fold line 33 and the fold line 32 into contact with the belt 2. Furthermore, more generally, at the exit of the first station 100, the first gusset 3 may preferably have a flat shape, i.e. a flat and therefore compact accordion structure. However, the tape 2 exiting from the first station 100 can also have a slightly open shape of the first gusset 3, with the first side edge 21 of the tape spaced from the fold line 33.

as shown in fig. 4, after the belt 2 comes out from the first station 100 with one of its side edges (particularly, the left side edge in the drawing) formed with the first gusset 3, the belt 2 is conveyed into the second station 101 configured to fold the belt 2, thereby forming the second gusset 4. This operation can be performed, for example, by means of a shaper (shaper).

The distance between the first station 100 and the second station 101 may be determined according to preferences. Preferably, the belt 2 discharged from the first station 100 travels a length equal to at least 1/4 of the height of the final package 99 before reaching the second station 101. More preferably, the belt 2 discharged from the first station 100 travels a length equal to at least 2/4 of the height of the final package 99 before reaching the second station 101. Still more preferably, the belt 2 discharged from the first station 100 travels a length equal to at least 3/4 of the height of the final package 99 before reaching the second station 101. Still more preferably, the belt 2 discharged from the first station 100 travels a length equal to at least the height of the final package 99 before reaching the second station 101. In the latter case, the start of the formation of the second gusset 4 of the first package preferably only occurs after the formation of the first gusset 3 of that particular package is completed. Still more preferably, the belt 2 exiting from the first station 100 travels a length equal to at least 2 to 4 times the height of the final package 99 before reaching the second station 101, to more clearly separate the two stations.

For example, when the distance travelled by the strip before reaching the second station 101 is equal to at least 4 times the height of the final package, with the result that when the second gusset 4 of the package 99 is in the forming step in the second station 101, the first station 100 is producing a first gusset of another package which is located upstream, with respect to the package 99, at least four further packages. However, it will be clear that the distance the belt travels between the first station 100 and the second station 101 can be determined according to preference. Thus, this distance can also be greater than 4 times the height of the final package 99, where there is a particular configuration requirement.

As shown in the detail of fig. 5, the second gusset 4 is also preferably made by means of folding the strip along parallel lines 42, 43, thus forming a lateral accordion structure, the parallel lines 42, 43 preferably being located in the central region of the strip 2, with a direction parallel to the sliding direction D1 of the strip 2. This central region is explicitly referred to as the central region of the tape 2 discharged from the first station 100 and thus having a smaller width than the tape 2 on the reel 1 (the tape 2 is unwound from the reel 1) as described above. It is clear here that for the first gusset, the formation of the gusset may be formed by folding the sheet along two, preferably parallel, fold lines to form a recess only. In this particular example, a recess is formed between fold line 43 and the location at which fold line 41 is located as described below.

Furthermore, the folding of the strip 2 along the folding line 41 to form the open tubular element 5 may be performed, preferably simultaneously with the manufacturing of the second gusset 4. Thus, the second station 101 may also preferably be configured to fold the tape 2 such that the first side edge 21 of the tape 2 from the reel 1 is located at the second side edge 22 of the tape 2.

Fig. 5a to 5e show cross-sectional views of the strap 2 showing details of the various steps required to manufacture two side gussets.

fig. 5a shows a cross section of the belt 2 as shown in fig. 2 before entering the first station 100.

The first gusset 3 is then produced as shown in the cross-sectional view of figure 5b and by folding in the region of the first side edge 21 of the strip 2, as previously described. As explained in detail above, the folding is performed along two folding lines 32, 33. More specifically, the first gusset 2 is formed along the depicted axis Ax 3.

Then, as shown in fig. 5c, the second gusset 4 is preferably formed by folding the strap 2 along a parallel line 41, 42, 43 (i.e. along the imaginary axis Ax4 shown in the figure), the parallel line 41, 42, 43 being located in a central region of the strap 2. As shown, the axis Ax4 is preferably located centrally between the second side edge 22 of the strap 2 and the fold line 33 of the first gusset 3.

the folding process shown in fig. 5d may preferably take place simultaneously with the forming process of the second gusset 4 shown in fig. 5 c. However, it is also possible to perform the folding process after the formation of the second gusset 4 in line with the one shown in fig. 5c and 5d, respectively. If these processes occur simultaneously, it is clear that this involves going from the configuration shown in fig. 5b directly to the configuration shown in fig. 5 d.

The fold line 41 may preferably be used as a pivot for folding the strip 2 to form an open tubular element 5, wherein the first edge 21 of the strip 2 and the second edge 22 of the strip 2 are placed as shown in fig. 5d and 5e, respectively. As shown, the fold line 41 may preferably be near the center between the side edges 21 and 22 of the belt 2.

At this point, the strip 2 at the outlet of the second station 101 will thus assume the shape of an open tubular element 5, the open tubular element 5 being configured to have a width less than half the original width of the strip 2, since a portion of the strip 2 is folded concertina to form a two-sided gusset. Such an open tubular element 5 preferably has a flat shape to occupy as little space as possible.

As shown in fig. 6, preferably, a transfer roller 12 may be installed between the first station 100 and the second station 101, the transfer roller 12 being configured to allow the belt 2 to easily slide between the first station 100 and the second station 101.

Section a-a of fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the tubular element 5. As shown, in addition to forming the second gusset 4, the second station 101 allows, by means of the folding step described above, to position the two lateral edges 21, 22 of the strip 2 with respect to each other, so that the open tubular element 5 is therefore ready to be closed at the first gusset 3 in order to form a true tubular element.

As shown in fig. 7, the tubular element 5 is in turn conveyed into a sealing station preferably formed by two seals. Here, the seals each have a pair of side seal bars 106, the side seal bars 106 being configured to seal the face adjacent to the outboard end of the tubular element to obtain a sealing face 6 at the outer edge of each gusset. For example, such a face may have a width preferably varying between 3mm and 15 mm.

the distance between the second station 101 and the sealing station is independent of the distance between the first station 100 and the second station 101 and may be positioned as desired.

The sealing rod 106 may preferably be configured to continuously seal. This is so that during sliding of the strip 2 the sealing bar 106 is configured to always be in contact with the outer edge of the gusset and to form the above-mentioned sealing surface 6 by heating the outer edge. In fact, the tubular element 5 slides in the sealing rod 106 and is thus continuously sealed.

In the setting step, the sealing rod 106 is first opened to accommodate the first portion of the tubular element 5. After receiving the portion, the sealing rod 106 is preferably closed so as to be always in contact with the tubular element 5 for continuous sealing. This solution is particularly advantageous because it is thereby possible to have a process of continuously manufacturing the packages 99 without having to stop the rotation of the reel 1 in order to manufacture such sealing surfaces 6.

However, it is also possible to configure such sealing bars 106 to seal in an alternating fashion. Thus, in this particular embodiment, it is preferred to have the length of the side sealing bars 106 at least equal to the length of the packages 99, so as to produce the packages one after the other in an alternating manner.

The length of the sealing surface is preferably equal to the length of the final package 99. However, in certain cases, for example in the case of the manufacture of packages with a flat folded bottom, it is possible for such folded faces to be only partially laterally sealed or not sealed at all.

In this particular embodiment, four sealing surfaces 6 are formed, of which only one, i.e. the sealing surface 6 at the first gusset 3, which sealing surface 6 engages the lateral edge 21 of the strip 2 with the other lateral edge 22 of the strip 2 (as shown in detail in fig. 5), acts as a closing tubular element. Thus, it is also possible to install a single seal with a single side sealing bar 106 (not shown), this single side sealing bar 106 being configured to close the tubular element 5 by sealing between the first 21 and second 22 edges of the strip 2 separately once.

The other three sealing surfaces 6 are used to reinforce the gusset. In practice it is possible to open the package, for example, by applying a given force, but there is a risk that the outer fold corners 33, 41, 43 of the first and second gusset 3, 4 will be torn. However, such tearing can be effectively prevented by reinforcing the fold angles 33, 41, 43 with the sealing surface 6. In addition, the sealing surface 6 serves a structural function, since the sealing surface 6 increases the stability and structural resistance of the package 99 and contributes to the square shape of the package 99 once the package 99 is filled.

As shown, the tubular element 5 preferably has a completely flat shape, resembling a sheet, after the closure seal has taken place. This solution is particularly advantageous as it allows to simplify the handling, for example sealing the bottom, and even to wind the tubular element onto a reel.

After the above-mentioned sealing has taken place, the tubular element 5 is conveyed along the conveying direction D1 to a further sealing station (shown in fig. 8) configured to form a closure of the individual packages.

in the particular embodiment of fig. 8, the sealing is preferably performed by means of a pair of sealing bars 108, the sealing bars 108 being configured to form two sealing surfaces 8. The first upper strip has a width equal to the width of the tubular element 5 and forms a second face having the shape of a "K". The two sealing surfaces 8 can be made in a continuous manner and in an alternating manner. The K-structure is particularly advantageous here because it allows to close the bottom inner edge of the package 99, thus simultaneously preventing the product from entering the gap that would have been created if such sealing had not been performed. Furthermore, this type of sealing allows to form a square bottom of the package, also increasing the structural resistance and rigidity.

preferably, the sealing rod 108 is configured to be alternately opened and closed and to follow the movement of the tubular element 5. In fact, in order to have a good seal, it is preferable that the sealing rod 108 is closed, contacts the tubular element 5 and follows the movement of the band until the sealing is completed, and is opened again only after the sealing is completed. The sealing rod 108 may then return to the starting position. This allows a continuous process of manufacturing the packages 99 without having to stop the rotation of the belt 2 in order to manufacture the sealing surfaces 8 of each package.

However, it is also clear that the sealing surface may have any shape, for example one of two parallel strips or one of a single strip. The thickness of the closure sealing surface may be selected and depends primarily on the design features and the amount of material contained in the package.

At this point, in the particular embodiment shown in fig. 9, the tubular element 5 is conveyed into a cutting station in which there are cutting means 200, for example a cutter configured to separate one pack from the next.

as shown in the detail of fig. 10, the cutter 200 is configured to cut the tubular element 5 along a cutting axis Ax2, the cutting axis Ax2 being located upstream relative to the sealing surface. Thus, two packages adjacent to each other are preferably separated by means of a cut as shown in fig. 11. At the same time, the cut will define the bottom edge of the package and the top open mouth of the continuous package.

As shown in fig. 12, the bottom edge of the package is preferably folded in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction D1 to form a particularly strong bottom of the package 99. To this end, the fold plane 9 of the package 99 may preferably be fixed (e.g. glued) to the body of the package 99. For this purpose, a hot glue spot is preferably applied and the bottom is preferably pivoted by two side clamps (not shown) with the highest positioned sealing line 8.

The package 99 thus formed may then be filled directly (not shown) or may be sold empty as a refillable package. For example, packages formed according to the present invention may be supplied to a filling machine, such as a disc filling machine similar to that described in PCT application publication No. WO2008/114113a 1.

The invention may be combined with the formation of one or more rounded edges of the package and the formation of a secondary opening in the package, for example as described in italian patent application No. 102016000034876.

It is also possible to combine the invention with the closure of the package and the formation of the handle in the package as described in italian patent application No. 102016000106959. Opening of the package can also be carried out, as described in the same italian patent application No. 102016000106959.

While the invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications and improvements of the present invention can be made in the light of the above teachings and within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the purpose or scope of the invention.

For example, individual packages separated from each other by means of cutting are the end products of the present invention. However, the cutting process may be omitted and the final product may be a tubular element which may be wound onto a reel, for example.

Furthermore, although the first gusset 2 in the particular embodiment shown is manufactured at the first side edge 21 of the belt 2, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the first gusset may similarly be manufactured at the second side edge 22.

Furthermore, the folding process of the bottom of the package may be omitted entirely.

Finally, those areas which are considered to be known to those skilled in the art are not described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described invention.

Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but is only limited by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for forming a package (99) of flexible material having a first side gusset (3) and a second side gusset (4) starting from a strip (2) having a sliding direction (D1) coming from a reel (1), the method comprising the steps of:

a) -manufacturing the first gusset (3) by means of folding close to a first lateral edge (21) of the strip (2),

b) -manufacturing the second gusset (4) by means of folding the strip (2);

wherein, after the step a) is performed on a portion (98) of the belt (2) extending in the sliding direction (D1), the step b) is performed on the portion (98).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of said portion (98) of the strip is preferably equal to at least 1/4; more preferably equal to at least 2/4 of the height of the package (99); even more preferably at least 3/4 equal to the height of the package (99); even more preferably at least equal to the height of the package (99); even more preferably equal to at least two, three or four times the height of the package (99).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of:

c) -folding the strip (2) so that a first lateral edge (21) of the strip (2) is located at a second lateral edge (22) of the strip (2) so as to form an open tubular element (5);

wherein said step c) is carried out on a portion (98) of said belt (2) extending in a sliding direction (D1), preferably on said portion (98) after said step b).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of:

d) Sealing the lateral edges (21, 22) of the strip (2) to produce a closed tubular element (5);

wherein step D) is performed on a portion (98) of the belt (2) extending in the sliding direction (D1) after step c).

5. the method according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of:

e) Sealing the outer lateral margins (33, 41, 43) of the first gusset (3) and the second gusset (4) to reinforce the outer lateral margins (33, 41, 43);

Wherein said step e) is performed on a portion (98) of said belt (2) extending in a sliding direction (D1), preferably on said portion (98) while said step D) is performed.

6. the method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of:

f) Sealing the lateral faces of the tubular element (5) made of the strip (2), wherein the length of the seal is equal to the distance between the outer edges (21, 33) of the first gusset (3) and the outer edges (41, 43) of the second gusset (4) in order to close the bottom of the package (99);

Wherein step f) is carried out on a portion (98) of the tubular element (5) extending in the sliding direction (D1) after step c).

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of:

g) -cutting the tubular element (5) made of the strip (2) along an axis (Ax2) perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tubular element (5) so as to separate the packs (99) of flexible material from each other.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the cutting step g) is followed by the following steps:

h) -folding the face (9) at the bottom of the tubular element (5) made of the strip (2) in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the tubular element (5) and fixing said face (9) by means of glue application to produce the bottom of the package (99).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reel (1) is unwound in a continuous manner to form a plurality of packages (99).

10. A machine (1000) for forming a package of flexible material having a first side gusset (3) and a second side gusset (4), the machine comprising:

A first station (100) configured to receive a tape (2) from a reel (1) and to make the first gusset (3) at a first lateral edge (21) of the tape (2); and

a second station (101) configured to manufacture the second gusset (4),

wherein the second station (101) is located downstream of the first station (100).

11. Machine (1000) according to claim 10, wherein the second station (101) is configured to fold the band (2) so that a first lateral edge (21) of the band (2) is located at a second lateral edge (22) of the band (2) so as to form an open tubular element (5).

12. Machine (1000) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it further comprises a seal configured to seal the outer lateral edges (21, 22) of the band (2) against each other so as to make a closed tubular element (5).

13. Machine (1000) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it further comprises two seals, preferably each having a pair of side sealing bars (106), said pair of side sealing bars (106) being configured to seal the outer lateral edges (21, 33, 41, 43) of said first gusset (3) and of said second gusset (4) in order to produce a closed tubular element (5) and reinforce said outer lateral edges (21, 33, 41, 43).

14. machine (1000) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises a seal, preferably with a pair of sealing bars (108), configured to close the bottom of the package (99).

15. Machine (1000) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises cutting means (200), said cutting means (200) being configured to cut said tubular elements (5) so as to separate said packages (99) of flexible material from each other.

16. machine (1000) according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that it is configured to supply said band in a continuous manner from said reel (1) to said second station (101) through said first station (100).