EP0615510B1 - Methode und vorrichtung zum formen einzelner beutel von einer laufbahn und verpacken eines produktes in den einzelnen beuteln - Google Patents

Methode und vorrichtung zum formen einzelner beutel von einer laufbahn und verpacken eines produktes in den einzelnen beuteln Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0615510B1
EP0615510B1 EP93900982A EP93900982A EP0615510B1 EP 0615510 B1 EP0615510 B1 EP 0615510B1 EP 93900982 A EP93900982 A EP 93900982A EP 93900982 A EP93900982 A EP 93900982A EP 0615510 B1 EP0615510 B1 EP 0615510B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gusset
lower side
side wall
wall portion
web material
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP93900982A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0615510A1 (de
Inventor
Joseph F. Garvey
Curtis L. Larson
Aaron A. Minion
Warren T. Smith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
3M Co
Original Assignee
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/804,802 external-priority patent/US5441345A/en
Priority claimed from US07/804,357 external-priority patent/US5181365A/en
Application filed by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co filed Critical Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co
Priority to EP96113747A priority Critical patent/EP0754629B1/de
Publication of EP0615510A1 publication Critical patent/EP0615510A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0615510B1 publication Critical patent/EP0615510B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/06—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it
    • B65B9/08—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it in a web folded and sealed transversely to form pockets which are subsequently filled and then closed by sealing
    • B65B9/093—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in a longitudinally-folded web, or in a web folded into a tube about the articles or quantities of material placed upon it in a web folded and sealed transversely to form pockets which are subsequently filled and then closed by sealing the web having intermittent motion
    • 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
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/04—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks
    • B65D75/20—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in single sheets or wrapper blanks in sheets or blanks doubled around contents and having their opposed free margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • 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
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/5861—Spouts
    • B65D75/5866—Integral spouts

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to the features of specialized packaging and the formation of individual packages, such as pouches, and the packaging of product within the individually formed pouches. More particularly, specialized pouches are made in accordance with the present invention that are designed in relationship to and in order to accommodate the specific product to be contained therein.
  • Such typical machines are generally classified as either horizontal type or vertical type forming machines. Moreover, such machines may employ means for continuously moving the web material through conversion stations of the machine, or may intermittently move the web material while controlling the conversion operations to occur during rest periods between movements.
  • One important feature that is desirable in many specialized packages is an easy open feature which allows access to the contents of the package.
  • Another is a dispensing spout or the like which makes it easy to controllably discharge the products from within the packages.
  • the provision of tear strips, lines of weakening, and the like, per se, are well known.
  • incorporating an easy opening feature within a specialized package, such as a bag or pouch, and in accordance with the manufacturing goals set forth above, is much more difficult. Such is compounded when a bag or pouch is further specifically designed to accommodate a particular product or to enhance cooking of the product if it is a foodstuff.
  • Ikeda et al, US-A-4,454,979 discloses a laminated bag formed with a spout with means to facilitate opening of the bag.
  • the bag is designed for containing a fluid therein and to make the bag free standing.
  • Another type of specialized packaging includes bags which are specifically designed to enhance microwave cooking.
  • bags which are specifically designed to enhance microwave cooking.
  • One example is described in US-A-4,890,439 to Smart et al, wherein a lay-flat bag is provided including a top center access.
  • Other microwave packages are described in US-A-4,810,844, US-A-4,937,410 and US-A-4,950,859 to Anderson, which comprise flat bottom portions with substantially central upwardly extending walls which provide access to the bags interiors.
  • the '410 bag provides access through the upright side seam of the walls, while the others provide access through the top edge. Such access simply permits the filling of the bags with product and the subsequent removal of the product. None of these, however, facilitate any kind of controlled dispensing of product from the bags. They only provide simple access to the contents once cooked.
  • the bag is formed of two wing-shaped pouches on either side of an upright spout.
  • the spout is an access opening including a reclosable zipper to provide for the simple filling or removing of product to or from the bag in a similar manner as that discussed above in the Anderson references.
  • the spout is not designed to facilitate any kind of controlled dispensing.
  • the suggested process of making Stevenson's bag includes gusseting the bottom of the bag and heat sealing the appropriate side edges, wherein the open non-gussetted section thereof forms the central neck portion which provides the spout.
  • the present invention provides a process and apparatus capable of producing highly specialized individual product pouches with high efficiency and simplicity at production speeds that are easily obtainable with present day forming machines.
  • the pouches are formed from a continuous web or webs of flexible material.
  • the material can be chosen according to the product to be contained therein and how the product is to be stored, dispensed, or cooked if the product is a foodstuff.
  • the process and apparatus of the present invention is versatile such that various forming operations can be conducted alone or in combination with one another on only certain chosen portions of each pouch without changing other portions. Thus, such forming operations can be more selectively applied to the pouches to result in highly specialized packages.
  • a process and apparatus in accordance with the present invention for forming at least one pouch from a continuous supply of flexible web material.
  • the flexible web material can be supplied as a single web which is converted into pouches, or may include multiple webs which are continuously supplied and joined together at the same overall production rate. In either case, the web or multiple webs are converted into the subject specialized pouches by the same overall conversion steps.
  • the process and apparatus of the present invention include the steps of and means for continuously supplying the flexible web material, folding the flexible web material to provide two side walls and a bottom gusset and performing a forming operation on only one of the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations. Additionally, a plurality of transverse seals are provided dividing the folded web into at least one product pouch.
  • such gusset portion and lower side wall combinations are preferably operatively separated from one another just prior to and during the forming operation. Such separation may not be necessary depending on the type of forming operation or the conditions under which such forming operation is controlled. Separation may be done by inserting a separation element within the gusset or may include the insertion of a plowing element within the gusset which actually urges one of or both of the gusset portion and lower side wall combinations away from one another.
  • the forming operation may include any forming operation that physically or perceptively changes the physical appearance or nature of one gusset portion and lower side wall combination from the other. Examples of such forming operations are partially connecting or sealing one gusset portion to a lower side wall, cutting away some of the material of the combination gusset and lower side wall, both sealing and cutting, or any other forming operation in accordance with the above.
  • the subject process and apparatus forms a lay-flat type pouch containing a product which is specifically advantageous for heating of the product in a microwave oven, and which provides a spout through which the product, such as a foodstuff can be easily and controllably dispensed.
  • a product which is specifically advantageous for heating of the product in a microwave oven, and which provides a spout through which the product, such as a foodstuff can be easily and controllably dispensed.
  • one of the gusset portion and lower side wall combinations is first partially sealed together, preferably by heat sealing, to form a spout from such gusset portion and lower side wall combination, and secondly trimming excess material of the combination that has been sealed together in a way so as to also define a spout with an easy open feature.
  • each of the forming operations namely heat sealing and cutting, are performed while the gusset portion and lower side wall combinations are separated from one another.
  • a separating element inserted within the gusset is preferred, and during the cutting, a separation plow is preferably inserted within the gusset which urges both gusset portion and lower side wall combinations away from one another.
  • the flexible web material 10 can be supplied as a single web; however it is understood that it may include multiple webs which are brought together before or during the folding and forming operations described below. If done by multiple webs, the widths of each web would depend on that portion of the finished pouch to which they are to apply. Such multiple webs can be continuously secured together by conventional means, including heat sealing, adhesives, or the like.
  • the continuous supply of flexible web material 10 is preferably supplied as a roll 14 which can be conventionally supported on a spindle 16.
  • the spindle 16 may be connected to a web feeding drive assembly in a conventional manner, if desired, in which case the spindle 16 would be rotationally secured with the roll 14. Otherwise, the roll 14 may be freely rotatable on the spindle 16 so that as the web material 10 is demanded by the apparatus, as explained below, it is simply unwound from the roll 14.
  • a conventional stop-switch assembly (not shown) could be provided to activate the roll brake during such rest periods.
  • the drive means (not shown) and the roll brake must be appropriately timed with respect to one another as well as the conversion steps described below.
  • the flexible web material 10 is threaded over a tensioning assembly 18 comprising a plurality of tension rollers 20, at least one of which is conventionally supported in a manner to be moveable and which is adjustable or under the action of a biasing tensioning means (not shown).
  • tensioning can be mechanized, electrical, pneumatic, or the like, as well known.
  • the flexible web material 10 is passed along a plow assembly 22 which folds the flexible web material 10 into a generally W-shape comprising side walls 24 and 26 connected at bottom edges thereof by a bottom gusset 28. As noted above, such folding may include compiling multiple webs into one web.
  • the plow assembly 22 specifically comprises a triangular plate 30 having a nose portion 31 that is cut back and which in conjunction with a gusset blade 32 forms the bottom gusset 28.
  • the flexible web material 10 rides along the lower surface of plate 30, and passes through a nip formed between the edge of nose portion 31 and the gusset blade 32.
  • the gusset blade 32 includes a pointed end that extends for a predetermined length in a direction transverse to or across from the direction of travel of the flexible web material 10 from the nose portion 31 at an angle to the plate 30 to define the bottom gusset 28.
  • the gusset blade 32 is preferably adjustably connected to the frame (not shown) of the apparatus so that the depth of the bottom gusset 28 can be adjustably defined.
  • the depth of the gusset 28 is preferably about 1/2 of the transverse dimension of the side walls 24 and 26, which is considered relatively deep, for reasons explained below.
  • the folded flexible web material 10 preferably passes through creaser bars 34 so as to cleanly define the fold lines between side walls 24 and 26 and bottom gusset 28 and, as best shown in Figure 2, to provide fold line 36 which divides the bottom gusset 28 into gusset portions 38 and 40.
  • conversion it is meant any forming operation that physically or perceptively changes the physical appearance or nature of any portion of the folded flexible web material 10. Examples of such forming operations include connecting or sealing portions of the flexible web material 10 together, cutting any portion thereof, before, during or after sealing, or the like in accordance with the above.
  • a first conversion step takes place after the folded flexible web material 10 leaves the creaser bars 34 at a first forming means 42.
  • the first forming means is a sealing means, preferably a heat sealing means.
  • the first forming means 42 as seen in Figure 2, is used to heat seal gusset portion 40 to a lower side wall portion 44 of the side wall 26.
  • the gusset portion 40 and the lower side wall portion 44 together comprise one gusset portion and lower side wall portion combination.
  • Yet another such gusset portion and lower side wall portion combination is also formed comprised of the gusset portion 38 and lower side wall portion 46.
  • only one of the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations is modified by the first forming means 42. That is, the physical appearance or nature of such combination comprising gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44 is changed by heat sealing a part of gusset portion 40 to a part of lower side wall portion 44.
  • the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations are preferably operatively separated from one another such that the forming operation is conducted on only the selected gusset portion and lower side wall portion combination.
  • One way of operatively separating the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations is to insert a separation element 48, as seen in Figure 2, within gusset 28, preferably substantially to fold line 36.
  • a separation element is optional depending on the type of forming operation conducted and the manner under which any such forming operation is controlled. For example, in a heat sealing operation, control of the sealing parameters such as temperature and dwell may accomplish the requisite heat sealing without runaway heating which affect the other gusset portion and lower side wall combination. Moreover, the need for such a separation element depends on the characteristics of the material, including the exterior surface thereof and the heat transfer ability of any of any number of layers thereof.
  • the first forming means 42 comprises a reciprocating profiled heat sealing bar 49 which is operationally controlled to heat seal a part of gusset portion 40 to a part of lower side wall portion 44.
  • the reciprocating profiled heat sealing bar 49 includes conventional heating elements 50 which are connected by electrical wires 51 to an electrical source (not shown) in a conventional manner.
  • the heating elements 50 are electrically heated to thus raise the temperature of the profiled heating bar 49 above the temperature necessary to perform a heat sealing operation depending on the melt temperature of the flexible web material 10 that is chosen.
  • the reciprocating profiled heat sealing bar 49 is shown fixed with a drive linkage 52 that reciprocally moves the profiled heat sealing bar 49.
  • the drive linkage 52 is conventionally driven and timed such that a profiled face 54 of the profiled heat sealing bar 49 contacts the outer surface of lower side wall portion 44 while the exterior surface of gusset portion 40 contacts separation element 48 during a rest period between intermittent movements of the subject apparatus.
  • Such means for driving and timing the movement of the drive linkage 52 is well known and does not comprise a specific part of the subject invention.
  • a center drive shaft (not shown) is provided from which the elements of the forming stations are timed and driven.
  • a reciprocating support block 56 which moves in coordination with the profiled heat sealing bar 49.
  • the reciprocating support block 56 is similarly connected to a drive linkage 58 which is also conventionally driven and timed in accordance with the drive assembly of the subject apparatus. More specifically, a front surface 60 of the reciprocating support block 56 contacts the exterior surface of the lower side wall portion 46 at substantially the same time that the profiled face 54 of the reciprocating profiled heat sealing bar 49 contacts the lower side wall portion 44. As shown, such contact occurs while separation element 48 lies within gusset 28.
  • the profiled face 54 of the reciprocating heat sealing bar 49 comprises a raised surface 62 which defines the shape of the heat seal formed from the one gusset portion and lower side wall portion combination, namely gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44.
  • the raised surface 62 in accordance with the forming of pouches 12 by the present invention, defines a spout-shape by a contoured edge 64 thereof.
  • the contoured edge 64 defines a spout 66 for each pouch 12 subsequent to the first forming means 42.
  • spouts 66 are sequentially formed by partial heat sealed portions 67 of the gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44 combination in the shape of raised surface 62.
  • a second conversion operation takes place next comprising a second forming means 68.
  • the second forming means 68 also performs a forming operation on only one of the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations.
  • the second forming means 68 acts on the same gusset portion and lower side wall portion combination as the first forming means 42, namely gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44.
  • the second forming means 68 operates during the rest periods between movements when the apparatus is an intermittent motion-type, and sequentially performs its forming operation on each subsequent pouch formed.
  • the second forming means 68 comprises a reciprocally moveable cutting die 70 which is used to cut away a portion of the gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44 combination that has been previously partially sealed together. In other words, some of the partial heat sealed portion 67 is trimmed away for each pouch formed. Preferably, there is one cutting operation performed by the cutting die 70 for each partial heat sealed portion 67.
  • the reciprocating cutting die 70 can be reciprocally driven by any conventional means and timed in accordance with the operation of the first forming means 42 and the advancing means, described below, as timed to the drive assembly for the subject apparatus.
  • the cutting die 70 is preferably reciprocally driven by an air cylinder 72.
  • air cylinder 72 is fixed relative to an apparatus frame (not shown) of the subject apparatus and is shown held in position by a bracket assembly 73 fixed to the apparatus frame.
  • a conventional sensor mechanism is utilized to sense movement and resting of the web material 10, such as by sensing rotation of a center drive shaft (not shown), and to actuate the air cylinder for cutting during the rest periods.
  • a microswitch (not shown) that is actuable by a cam of the center drive shaft (not shown) of the apparatus drive assembly is preferred.
  • the microswitch is opened and closed by the cam so as to actuate the air cylinder 72 during each rest period.
  • a separation plow 74 is inserted within the gusset 28 of the web material 10 to urge each of the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations away from one another and away from their substantially vertical rest positions.
  • the separation plow 74 is illustrated in perspective and is divided into a leading portion 76, an intermediate portion 78 and a trailing portion 80.
  • the leading portion 76, intermediate portion 78 and trailing portion 80 may be integrally made or from separate components.
  • the separation plow 74 may be hollow or solid, or a combination thereof.
  • the leading portion 76 and trailing portion 80 are hollow and the intermediate portion 78 is solid.
  • the intermediate portion 78 be provided with passages 81 through which fluid can be circulated for cooling or heating the intermediate portion 78. Cooling is preferably added if required to counter excess heat from the heat sealing operations depending on the material and/or sealing temperature requirements.
  • Fluids such as air, gases, or liquids can be conventionally utilized to cool or heat the intermediate portion 78 by appropriately connecting the passages 81 to manifolds, heat exchangers and pumps or compressors (not shown) as required.
  • cooled air is circulated through the passages 81 to cool intermediate portion 78 and thus the folded flexible web material 10 during the cutting operation described above.
  • the hollow leading and trailing portions 76 and 80 are utilized as manifolds to the passages 81, and the hollow interior of one of portions 76 and 80 is sealingly connected with a cooled air source (not shown).
  • the bottom gusset 28 is split by the leading portion 76 of the separation plow 74 to urge the gusset portion and lower side wall portions away from one another.
  • the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations are maintained substantially uniformly apart over a length sufficient for the cutting operation to take place.
  • the longitudinal length of the intermediate portion 78 between leading portion 76 and trailing portion 80 is such that the cutting die 70 operates within that longitudinal length.
  • the trailing portion 80 it is not necessary that the trailing portion 80 be provided; however, it is preferred so as to provide a smoother transition for the flexible web material 10 from the intermediate portion 78 back to its non-separated state where the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations lie substantially vertically for further processing.
  • the apex 82 of the separation plow 74 preferably extends substantially entirely within the bottom gusset 28 over the length of the intermediate portion 78.
  • the height of the plow 74 that is the distance from apex 82 to the bottom edge 84 of plow 74, can be chosen in accordance with the depth of the bottom gusset 28 and the length of each gusset portion and lower side wall portion combination.
  • the cutting die 70 is connected with the air cylinder 72 by way of a mounting block 86 which is operatively fixed with the piston 88 of the air cylinder 72. Piston 88 is moveable by the air cylinder 72 in a conventional manner.
  • the cutting die 70 and mounting block 86 are designed to have a dove-tail type connection therebetween for relatively fixing the cutting die 70 to the mounting block 86 in the direction of movement of piston 88.
  • other connecting means for fixing the cutting die 70 to the mounting block 86 in the direction of movement can be used.
  • FIG 5 is a front view of the cutting die 70 looking from the folded flexible web material 10 in Figure 3, the front face 90 of the cutting die 70 is provided with a raised knife edge 92.
  • the knife edge 92 extends outward from the front face 90 and defines the shape of the cut-out which is to be taken from the folded flexible web material 10 during each operation of the cutting die 70. More specifically, the knife edge 92 cuts away a portion of the partial heat sealed portion 67 of the gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44 combination that has been sealed by the first forming means 42.
  • One such cutting operation preferably takes place for each heat sealed portion 67 sequentially along the folded web material 10 and during the rest periods between movements for an intermittent motion-type forming machine.
  • the knife edge 92 shown in Figure 5 includes a transverse cutting portion 94 which is located near the downstream edge of cutting die 70, as illustrated in Figure 1, and which cuts the gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44 combination from the fold line therebetween up to substantially the gusset fold line 36.
  • the remainder of the knife edge 92 is divided into spout forming portions 96 which each lead to an easy opening tab forming portion 98.
  • the entire spout 66 is maintained sealed by a seam 102 which comprises the remainder of the partial heat sealed portion 67 that is left after the cutting operation is performed. Furthermore, the spout 66 further extends within the easy opening tab 100 so that by tearing or cutting the tab 100 at recesses 104 thereof, the spout 66 is opened to provide an easy opening feature for each individual pouch 12.
  • the knife edge 92 would have a somewhat different configuration. Specifically, the transverse cutting portion 94 of the knife edge 92 would not be provided on the cutting die 70, and the knife ridge 92 would be slightly extended in the longitudinal direction of the flexible web material 10 to insure at least a slight overlap of the cutting edge in each successive cutting operation. As mentioned above, the knife edge 92 should cut through the gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44 combination of the folded flexible web material 10 while acting against the intermediate portion 78 of the plow 74. Thus, the longitudinal length of the knife edge 92 that is used to cut the web material 10 should not exceed the longitudinal length of the intermediate portion 78 regardless of whether individual pieces or a strip of material are trimmed.
  • the cutting die 70 could be designed as a double spout cut which would have two complete spout shaped knife edges arranged continuously end-to-end which together have a longitudinal length of twice a single spout cut. Such a cutting die would only need to be activated once for every two forward indexes of the web material 10. In such case, the intermediate portion 78 would also be at least twice as long. In the same sense, three or more spout cuts could be done by a single cutting die which would be activated one time to trim a like number of pouches as there are spout cuts on the cutting die.
  • This technique of performing plural forming operations of the same type by a single actuation of the forming means can also be utilized in any type forming operation, including the heat sealing operation described above by the first forming means 42.
  • the spouts 66 may be simply formed, as above, by the first forming means 42 and the excess material can be left as part of the pouch. Moreover, such would be even more desirable if the spout design is such that there is only minimal excess material, of if an easy opening feature is not desired.
  • the amount of excess material can be lessened by making the gusset portion 40 and lower side wall portion 44 combination shorter from fold line 36 than the other gusset portion 38 and lower side wall portion 46 combination. Such can be done by controlling the folding operation of the plow assembly 22.
  • a first side sealing means 106 performs a spot sealing, preferably heat sealing, operation midway between spouts 66 and at the point where the folded web of material 10 along its transverse direction changes from four layers to two layers. This is at the gusset fold line 36 between side walls 24 and 26.
  • Spot seals 108 are provided which ensure a good seal at the vulnerable transition point from four layers to two layers. The spot sealing is not required, but may be preferable to ensure a good side seal. If not used, the side seal described below or equivalent provides the complete side seals.
  • a second side sealing means 110 which performs a complete side sealing operation from the bottom transverse edge of the folded web material 10 to the top transverse edge.
  • Each second side sealing operation occurs between successive spouts 66 and preferably includes the area of the spot seal 108.
  • the second side sealing means 110 comprises a pair of sealing bars 112, preferably heat sealing bars, which are reciprocally moveable relative to one another and to the folded flexible web material 10 by conventional means connected and timed with the machine drive assembly so as to perform the side sealing operation and to form side seals 114 during each rest period between movements of an intermittent motion type machine.
  • the sealing bars 112 form structured or ribbed side seals 114.
  • An advancement means 116 is also provided for selectively advancing the folded flexible web material 10 in accordance with the processing steps of the present invention.
  • the advancement means 116 advances the folded flexible web material 10 forwardly incrementally by an amount sufficient to define each individual pouch 12.
  • the amount of each advancement corresponding to each pouch formed is hereinafter referred to as an index.
  • the advancement means 116 comprises drive rollers 118 which contact with the folded flexible web material 10 so that a single index of the flexible web material 10 occurs as a result of a measured rotation of the drive rollers 118.
  • the drive rollers 118 are conventionally connected with the main drive assembly of the apparatus of the present invention and are controlled in a well known manner to provide such incremental and intermittent indexing of the flexible web material 10. It is contemplated that many other advancement techniques can be utilized instead. For example, draw bars which grab and pull the flexible web material could be easily used.
  • a filling station 120 is preferably provided in line with the aforementioned pouch forming apparatus.
  • individual pouches 12 can be the final product or they could be otherwise filled at other locations.
  • the filling station 120 may comprise any known dispensing device for filling the individual pouches 12 with a predetermined amount of product.
  • the filling station 120 is preferably related to the type of product which is to be dispensed.
  • Examples of products dispensed include flowable materials which may be of particulate form or liquid, or other products where one or more of such products are dropped within the interior cavity of each pouch 12.
  • the present invention is particularly applicable to the provision of individual pouches 12 which are to contain foodstuffs, such as cheeses, sauces, syrups, and the like, which are to be microwave heated within the pouches 12 and which can be dispensed therefrom after heating.
  • Other products could include cold foods, such as jellies, toppings, candies, etc., and non-food materials which may or may not require heating, such as adhesives, plasters, powders, etc..
  • each pouch 12 is sealed at a top end thereof by a top end sealing means 122.
  • the top end sealing means 122 comprises similar sealing bars 124 as the side sealing bars 112 which are preferably heat seal bars which are conventionally reciprocally driven to one another and to the pouches 12 to form end seals 126 during the rest period between movements of an intermittent motion machine in accordance with the present invention.
  • each pouch 12 including product is completed, and a cutting means 128 is provided to sever the pouches 12 from one another.
  • the cutting means 128 comprises a reciprocating blade 130 and a stationary blade 132.
  • the reciprocating blade 130 is conventionally driven from the main drive assembly of the apparatus of the present invention so as to perform each cutting operation for splitting the side seals 114 to divide each individual pouch 12 from one another.
  • the pouches 12 are filled in line, it is not necessary to cut the pouches 12 from one another.
  • the pouches 12 could be packaged while connected together, such as by a fan folding technique, for separation at a remote location.
  • a line of weakening could be provided by an operation in place of the cutting means 128. Such operation could be used to make a line of weakening, such as by perforations or the like, so that the pouches 12 could be easily separated from one another at the remote location.
  • the reciprocating blade 130 can be a perforation blade or may be controlled otherwise to only cut part way through the material, or the like.
  • individual product containing pouches 12 are formed, as shown in Figure 7, which provide a substantially lay-flat type bag.
  • a lay-flat bag is particularly applicable to heating of product within the pouch 12 in a microwave oven.
  • similar product containing pouches are the subject matter of copending United States patent application serial number 07/415,999, filed October 2, 1989, which is commonly owned by the assignee of the present invention, and which the subject matter thereof is fully incorporated herein by reference.
  • unique product pouches 12 are formed.
  • the product pouches 12 formed in accordance with the present invention comprise a spout 66 with easy opening tab 100 and seam 102 formed from one of the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations, described above.
  • the spout 66 is substantially centrally located along a top surface of the substantially lay-flat bag comprising pouch 12.
  • the bottom surface of the lay-flat bag comprises the side wall 24 including the lower side wall portion 46 thereof, and the upper surface comprises only the upper portion of side wall 26 and gusset portion 38.
  • the sides of the pouch 12 are defined by portions of side seals 114, and one end of each pouch 12 is sealed by an end seal 126.
  • Such end seal 126 in combination with the side seals 114 is specifically characteristic of a pouch formed in accordance with the subject inventive process and apparatus.
  • the resultant pouch can also be defined independent of the process terms, as used above.
  • a specialized lay-flat type pouch 200 is illustrated containing a predetermined quantity of product 202.
  • Such product can be any suitable product, as enumerated above.
  • the product 202 is shown as a flowable sauce-type product.
  • the lay-flat pouch 200 comprises a bottom panel 204, a first side panel 206, and a second side panel 208.
  • the first side panel 206 is divided into an upper portion 210 and a lower portion 212.
  • the second side panel 208 is divided into an upper portion 214 and a lower portion 216.
  • the lower portions 212 and 216 of the first and second side panels 206 and 208 have side edges which are joined to the side edges of the bottom panel 204 at the side seals 218 and 220.
  • the upper portions 210 and 214 of the first and second side panels 206 and 208, respectively, are joined together along at least part of their lengths at extended side seals 222 and 224.
  • First edges of side panels 206 and 208, more specifically the edges of upper portions 210 and 214, are joined together so as to define a spout 226 bounded by spout seal 228.
  • the spout seal 228 includes an easy open tab 230.
  • a second end edge of the first panel 206 is connected with an end edge of the bottom panel 204 at a fold line 232.
  • the second end edge of the second panel 208 is connected to another end edge of the bottom panel 204 at an end seal line 234.
  • each of the side seals 218, 220, 222 and 224, the spout seal 228 and the end seal line 234 are heat seals, more preferably of a structured type except for the spout seal 228.
  • other joining and sealing techniques are contemplated.
  • the extra width of the end seal line 234 facilitates structural strength to the pouch which can be displayed by way of the hanger opening 236.
  • the end seal line 234 may or may not be widened and an end seal (not shown) could be further provided adjacent to fold line 232 and a hanger opening could be provided through that end seal. Such would reverse the direction of the spout 226 when the pouch 200 is hung and would provide a more balanced looking pouch with seals at all four sides.
  • the pouch 200 could be printed or be provided with labels depending on the type of product and application thereof.
  • printing or labels could be provided on the side panels 206 or 208, or bottom panel 204.
  • Such printing or labelling, as with any other sealing or forming steps, could be provided as distinct steps within the process described above or may be done at the same time in conjunction with another forming step. In accordance with the present invention, these operations can be selectively applied to only specific portions of the pouches.
  • the flexible web material 10 can comprise any known flexible material used in the making of product packages, such as films, laminates, nonwovens, wovens, etc. With regard to the packaging of foodstuffs, such material should be acceptable for such use. It is also preferable that the material be heat sealable to itself so that the sealing operations performed at the first forming means 42, first side sealing means 106, second side sealing means 110 and top end sealing means 122 can be preferably performed by heat sealing techniques. If heat sealing is not utilized, other sealing techniques, such as the use of adhesives, for example, pressure-sensitive or pressure activated adhesives could be substituted.
  • the flexible web material 10 may comprise a microwave transparent material such as that described in copending United States patent application serial no. 07/619,240, filed November 28, 1990, commonly owned by the assignee of the present invention, and fully incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, such material comprises a multiple layer material including a heat sealable layer and an insulating layer. Additional layers may be included for oxygen and/or moisture impermeability, and the insulating means is preferably a polymeric foam. It is, however, understood that the process and apparatus of the present invention is applicable to the formation of pouches 12 of other materials depending on the end use of the formed pouches. For instance, if the pouch is to be used to dispense material at room temperatures, the insulating layer may not be preferred. In the case of a cold material, such insulation may or may not be desired.
  • the flexible web material 10 was constructed by laminating the polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) side of a 0.00052 inch (0.013 mm) thick support layer of ScotchparTM 2708 brand film available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota to a 0.001 inch (0.025 mm) thick heat sealing layer of CP136 polypropylene film available from the Crown Advanced Film Division of James River Corporation of Orange, Texas with Adcot 76T198 adhesive available from Morton Thiokol of Chicago, Illinois (dry weight of two-three pounds per three thousand square feet of film). An insulating layer of 0.0625 inch (1.59 mm) thick polypropylene foam available from Ametek, Inc.
  • PVDC polyvinylidene chloride
  • ScotchparTM 86096 brand film may be substituted for the ScotchparTM 2708 brand film.
  • Another suitable flexible web material for food pouches comprises .002 inch (.051 mm) of cast polypropylene adhesive laminated onto .00048 inch (.012 mm) polyester. This combination is then adhesive laminated to a .01 inch (.254 mm) foam sheet made from resin consisting of a 50/50 blend of polystyrene and polyphenlyene oxide, such as the resin available from General Electric under the trademark "Noryl”TM.
  • the .00048 (.012 mm) polyester may be replaced with a polyvinylidene chloride coated polyester approximately .00052 inch (.013 mm) in thickness if increased oxygen and moisture properties are desired in the final structure.
  • the process and apparatus of the present invention is particularly applicable to intermittent motion type horizontal package forming machines.
  • horizontal it is meant that the pouches are formed in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction from which product is fed into the individual pouches.
  • the process could be easily adapted for such a horizontal machine having a continuous movement by substituting for the heat sealing elements and the cutting dies with continuous type heating elements and cutting dies.
  • the heating bars and cutting dies are rotationally driven in accordance with the timing of the machine and with respect to one another.
  • a horizontal intermittent motion packaging machine known under the trademark "BARTELT®" is particularly adaptable to the subject process and apparatus.
  • a packaging machine generally consists of a base assembly which contains a variable speed drive unit, a central drive shaft, cam mechanisms, and a conveyer drive.
  • the mechanisms for performing the forming operations and filling and sealing the bags are mounted on the top of the base assembly.
  • Such mechanisms may include web handling, bag forming, bag cut off and clamping, bag opening devices, bag filling devices, top sealing mechanisms, and bag pick off mechanisms.
  • all functions of the machine are operated or timed from the central drive shaft which makes one complete revolution for each bag produced.
  • the flexible web material and formed pouches are indexed forward one station then stopped for performing individual forming operations or sealing and filling the pouches.
  • the flexible web material is continuously supplied and folded with or without a gusset, and bottom and side seals are made.
  • the formed pouches are cut into individual pouches and are picked up by clamping mechanisms connected with a conveyer.
  • the individual pouches are filled with product, and lastly, a top seal closing off the pouch is performed.
  • the pouches 12 could be cut apart from one another before the filling station 120 and the individual pouches could be conveyed through a conveyer system which conveys the individual pouches through a filling station and a top sealing station.
  • a fold line such as a score line, could be formed in the side wall 24 of the folded web material 10 in line with the gusset fold line 36. Such could be easily facilitated between the folding step and the first forming means 42.
  • the spouts 66 could be clamped or collapsed during the filling operation.
  • forming operations could be selectively performed on one or the other of the gusset portion and lower side wall portion combinations.
  • one or more forming operations can be performed on one of the gusset portion and lower side wall combinations, while other distinct forming operations can be performed on the other gusset portion and lower sidewall portion combination.
  • the same operations could be performed on both gusset portion and lower side wall combinations at different times.
  • many pouch configurations can be envisioned including the use of forming operations such as printing, labelling, sealing operations and/or cutting operations, and the like, for selectively modifying one of or both of the gusset portion lower sidewall portion combinations independently from one another.
  • the gusset portion and lower sidewall portion combinations are separated from one another during such forming operations by some type of separating element which extends within the formed gusset of the folded web material.
  • the separating plate 48, described above in first forming means 42, and the separating plow 74, described above in second forming means 68 are interchangeable. In this sense, by choosing the depth of the formed gusset, many other pouch configurations are possible.
  • the versatility of the process and apparatus of the present invention can lead to the production of enumerable pouch configurations and features thereof specifically related to the type of product to be packaged in such pouches.
  • the process of the subject invention is applicable to known packaging machines, such complex pouches can be formed at the speeds obtainable by present day machines.

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Claims (40)

  1. Verfahren zum Formen eines Beutels (12) aus flexiblem Bahnenmaterial (10) mit den folgenden Schritten:
    (a) kontinuierliches Zuführen von flexiblem Bahnenmaterial;
    (b) Falzen des flexiblen Bahnenmaterials im wesentlichen zu einer W-Querschnittform, die durch zwei Seitenwände und eine Bodenfalte gebildet ist, wobei die Bodenfalte durch eine Falzlinie in Faltenabschnitte unterteilt ist, die angrenzend an untere Seitenwandabschnitte der Seitenwände liegen;
    gekennzeichnet durch:
    (c) Durchführen einer Formgebungsoperation an einer der Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt des gefalzten flexiblen Bahnenmaterials ohne gleichzeitiges Durchführen der Formgebungsoperation an der anderen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt; und
    (d) Formen mehrerer Querversiegelungen, die das gefalzte flexible Bahnenmaterial in mindestens einen Beutel unterteilen.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, ferner mit dem Schritt des Trennens der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt von der anderen vor Durchführen der Formgebungsoperation.
  3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Trennschritt den folgenden Schritt aufweist: Einfügen eines Trennelements in die Falte, das bis zur Falzlinie der Falte reicht.
  4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Trennschritt ferner den folgenden Schritt aufweist: Wegdrücken der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt von der anderen durch Einführen eines Pflugs in die Falte.
  5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Pflügeschritt durch relatives Bewegen beider Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt aus ihren gefalzten Positionen durchgeführt wird.
  6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Formgebungsoperation den folgenden Schritt aufweist: mindestens teilweises Versiegeln des Faltenabschnitts mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt, während die Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt durch das Trennelement voneinander getrennt sind.
  7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Formgebungsoperation den folgenden Schritt aufweist: Formen eines Abgabeausgusses aus der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt durch Versiegeln des Faltenabschnitts mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt in Form eines Ausgusses.
  8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Formgebungsoperation den folgenden Schritt aufweist: Versiegeln mindestens eines Teils des Faltenabschnitts mit einem Teil des unteren Seitenwandabschnitts der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt sowie Entfernen eines Teils der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt nach ihrer Versiegelung.
  9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Versiegeln während einer ersten Trennstufe stattfindet, in der die Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt durch Einführen eines Trennelements in die Falte voneinander getrennt werden, und das Entfernen eines Teils der versiegelten Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt während einer zweiten Trennstufe stattfindet, die den folgenden Schritt aufweist: Wegdrücken der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt von der anderen durch Einführen eines Pflugs in die Falte.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Formgebungsoperation den folgenden Schritt aufweist: mindestens teilweises Versiegeln des Faltenabschnitts mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Formgebungsoperation den folgenden Schritt aufweist: Formen eines Abgabeausgusses aus der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt.
  12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Formgebungsoperation ferner den folgenden Schritt aufweist: Versiegeln des Faltenabschnitts mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt in Form eines Ausgusses.
  13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Falzschritt ferner den folgenden Schritt aufweist: Falzen des flexiblen Bahnenmaterials im wesentlichen zu einem W-förmigen Querschnitt, wobei die Faltenabschnitte der Falte ungleiche Querlängen haben.
  14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, wobei die eine Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt so gefalzt wird, daß sie eine kürzere Querlänge als die andere Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt hat.
  15. Verfahren zum Formen eines Beutels nach Anspruch 1, kombiniert mit den folgenden zusätzlichen Schritten: Füllen des mindestens einen Beutels mit einem Produkt durch eine Öffnung, die entgegengesetzt zu der Bodenfalte und zwischen den Querversiegelungen des geformten Beutels angeordnet ist, und Versiegeln der Öffnung des Beutels nach dem Füllschritt.
  16. Verfahren nach Anspruch 15, ferner mit dem folgenden Schritt: Trennen der gefüllten Beutel voneinander nach ihrem Füllen und Versiegeln.
  17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Verfahren prozeßintern durchgeführt wird.
  18. Verfahren nach Anspruch 17, wobei das Verfahren ein intermittierendes prozeßinternes Verfahren aufweist.
  19. Form-, Füll- und Versiegelungsverfahren zum Herstellen mehrerer versiegelter produkthaltiger Beutel (12) aus einer Folie aus flexiblem Bahnenmaterial (10), wobei das Form-, Füll- und Versiegelungsverfahren die folgenden Schritte aufweist:
    (a) kontinuierliches Zuführen von flexiblem Bahnenmaterial;
    (b) Falzen des flexiblen Bahnenmaterials im wesentlichen zu einer W-Querschnittform, die durch zwei Seitenwände und eine Bodenfalte gebildet ist, wobei die Bodenfalte durch eine Falzlinie in Faltenabschnitte unterteilt ist, die angrenzend an untere Seitenwandabschnitte der Seitenwände liegen;
    gekennzeichnet durch:
    (c) Durchführen einer Formgebungsoperation an einer der Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt des gefalzten flexiblen Bahnenmaterials ohne gleichzeitiges Durchführen der Formgebungsoperation an der anderen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt;
    (d) Formen mehrerer Querversiegelungen, die das gefalzte flexible Bahnenmaterial in mehrere Beutel unterteilen, wobei jeder Beutel eine obere Öffnung hat;
    (e) Füllen mehrerer der Beutel mit Produkt durch die oberen Öffnungen; und
    (f) Formen einer Versiegelung zum Verschließen der oberen Öffnungen der gefüllten Beutel.
  20. Form-, Füll- und Versiegelungsverfahren nach Anspruch 19, ferner mit dem folgenden Schritt: Trennen der gefüllten Beutel voneinander nach ihrem Füllen und Versiegeln.
  21. Form-, Füll- und Versiegelungsverfahren nach Anspruch 20, wobei das Verfahren prozeßintern durchgeführt wird.
  22. Form-, Füll- und Versiegelungsverfahren nach Anspruch 21, wobei das Verfahren ein intermittierendes prozeßinternes Verfahren aufweist.
  23. Vorrichtung zum Formen mehrerer Beutel (12) aus flexiblem Bahnenmaterial (10) mit:
    (a) einer Einrichtung (14) zum kontinuierlichen Zuführen von flexiblem Bahnenmaterial (10);
    (b) einer Einrichtung zum Vorwärtsbewegen des flexiblen Bahnenmaterials in Längsrichtung;
    (c) einer Einrichtung (22, 30, 31, 32) zum Längsfalzen des flexiblen Bahnenmaterials während seiner Vorwärtsbewegung im wesentlichen zu einer W-Querschnittform in Querrichtung, die durch zwei Seitenwände (24), eine Bodenfalte (28) und eine obere Öffnung gebildet ist, wobei die Bodenfalte durch eine Falzlinie (36) in Faltenabschnitte unterteilt ist, die angrenzend an untere Seitenwandabschnitte der Seitenwände (24) liegen;
    gekennzeichnet durch:
    (d) eine Einrichtung (42) zum Durchführen einer Formgebungsoperation an einer der Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt (38, 40) und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt (44, 46) des gefalzten flexiblen Bahnenmaterials ohne gleichzeitiges Durchführen der Formgebungsoperation an der anderen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt; und
    (e) eine Einrichtung zum Formen beabstandeter Querversiegelungen an dem gefalzten flexiblen Bahnenmaterial entlang, um das gefalzte flexible Bahnenmaterial in mindestens einen Beutel mit einer oberen Öffnung zu unterteilen.
  24. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 23, ferner mit einer Einrichtung zum mindestens teilweisen Trennen der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt von der anderen während der Formgebungsoperation.
  25. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 24, wobei die Trenneinrichtung ein Element aufweist, das in der Bodenfalte verläuft.
  26. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 25, wobei das Element einen Pflug aufweist, der die Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt voneinander wegdrückt.
  27. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 26, wobei der Pflug einen Eintrittsabschnitt mit einer Oberfläche aufweist, die einen Faltenabschnitt der Bodenfalte berührt, um die eine Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt von der anderen wegzudrücken.
  28. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 26, wobei der Pflug einen Eintrittsabschnitt mit zwei voneinander getrennten Oberflächen aufweist, und eine Oberfläche einen der Faltenabschnitte der Bodenfalte berührt, während die andere Oberfläche den anderen Faltenabschnitt berührt, um beide Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt aus ihren gefalzten Positionen wegzudrücken.
  29. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 24, wobei die Einrichtung zum Durchführen einer Formgebungsoperation aufweist: eine Versiegelungseinrichtung zum Versiegeln mindestens eines Teils des Faltenabschnitts mit einem Teil des unteren Seitenwandabschnitts der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt, während die Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt durch das Trennelement voneinander getrennt sind.
  30. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 29, wobei die Versiegelungseinrichtung aufweist: eine beheizte Versiegelungsoberfläche, die die Form eines Ausgusses festlegt, der aus der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt durch Heißversiegeln des Faltenabschnitts mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt in Form eines Ausgusses geformt wird.
  31. Verfahren nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Einrichtung zum Durchführen einer Formgebungsoperation aufweist: eine Versiegelungseinrichtung zum mindestens teilweise Versiegeln des Faltenabschnitts mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt sowie eine Schneideinrichtung zum Entfernen eines Teils der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt, die versiegelt wurde.
  32. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 31, ferner mit einer Trenneinrichtung zum Trennen der Kombinationen aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt, wobei die Trenneinrichtung aufweist: eine erste Trennstufe, in der ein Trennelement in die Falte an der Versiegelungseinrichtung eingeführt wird, und eine zweite Trennstufe, in die ein Pflug in die Falte an der Schneideinrichtung eingeführt wird.
  33. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 32, wobei die Schneideinrichtung ein hin- und hergehendes Schneidwerkzeug aufweist und der Pflug eine Werzeugunterlagefläche bildet, auf die das Schneidwerkzeug wirkt.
  34. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Einrichtung zum Durchführen einer Formgebungsoperation aufweist: eine Versiegelungseinrichtung zum mindestens teilweise Versiegeln des Faltenabschnitts mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt.
  35. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Einrichtung zum Durchführen einer Formgebungsoperation aufweist: eine Einrichtung zum Formen eines Abgabeausgusses aus der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt.
  36. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 35, wobei die Einrichtung zum Formen eines Abgabeausgusses aufweist: ein hin- und hergehendes Versiegelungselement mit einer beheizten Versiegelungsoberfläche in Form eines Ausgusses, das bei Berührung mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt der einen Kombination aus Faltenabschnitt und unterem Seitenwandabschnitt den einen Faltenabschnitt mit dem unteren Seitenwandabschnitt in Form eines Ausgusses heißversiegelt.
  37. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 23, ferner mit einer Einrichtung zum Füllen des mindestens einen Beutels mit Produkt, nachdem der Beutel mit einer oberen Öffnung durch die Einrichtung zum Formen beabstandeter Querversiegelungen geformt ist.
  38. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 37, ferner mit einer Einrichtung zum Bereitstellen einer oberen Versiegelung, um die obere Öffnung zu verschließen, nachdem der mindestens eine Beutel mit Produkt gefüllt ist.
  39. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 38, ferner mit einer Einrichtung zum Trennen des gefüllten und versiegelten Beutels von dem gefalzten flexiblen Bahnenmaterial.
  40. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 23, wobei die Einrichtung zum Vorwärtsbewegen des flexiblen Bahnenmaterials in Längsrichtung einen intermittierenden Antriebsmechanismus aufweist.
EP93900982A 1991-12-09 1992-12-08 Methode und vorrichtung zum formen einzelner beutel von einer laufbahn und verpacken eines produktes in den einzelnen beuteln Expired - Lifetime EP0615510B1 (de)

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EP96113747A EP0754629B1 (de) 1991-12-09 1992-12-08 Spezialisierter Produktbeutel

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US804802 1985-12-03
US07/804,802 US5441345A (en) 1991-12-09 1991-12-09 Specialized pouches for containing and controllably dispensing product
US07/804,357 US5181365A (en) 1991-12-09 1991-12-09 Method and apparatus for forming individual pouches from a continuous web and packaging a product in the individual pouches
US804357 1991-12-09
PCT/US1992/010626 WO1993012008A1 (en) 1991-12-09 1992-12-08 Specialized product pouches and the method and apparatus for forming individual pouches from a continuous web and packaging a product

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EP96113747A Division EP0754629B1 (de) 1991-12-09 1992-12-08 Spezialisierter Produktbeutel

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FR2417445A2 (fr) * 1978-02-15 1979-09-14 Vittel Eaux Min Recipient en matiere synthetique, mince et souple
US4358466A (en) * 1980-04-11 1982-11-09 The Dow Chemical Company Freezer to microwave oven bag
CH661021A5 (de) * 1983-01-18 1987-06-30 Sig Schweiz Industrieges Verfahren und anordnung zur herstellung von schlauchpackungen.
NZ208336A (en) * 1983-06-06 1988-10-28 Dow Chemical Co Gussetted plastics bag - reinforcing strip across gusset central fold line
US4810844A (en) * 1987-11-30 1989-03-07 Anderson Alan R Microwave popcorn package
US5030190A (en) * 1988-08-24 1991-07-09 The Dow Chemical Company Gussetted plastic bags having relief seals and method of making same

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8461499B2 (en) 2006-06-14 2013-06-11 The Glad Products Company Microwavable bag or sheet material
US9254061B2 (en) 2006-06-14 2016-02-09 The Glad Products Company Microwavable bag or sheet material

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69218240D1 (de) 1997-04-17
DE69231387D1 (de) 2000-09-28
EP0754629B1 (de) 2000-08-23
DE69218240T2 (de) 1997-06-19
JPH07501775A (ja) 1995-02-23
CA2123005A1 (en) 1993-06-24
EP0615510A1 (de) 1994-09-21
DE69231387T2 (de) 2000-12-28
AU3245293A (en) 1993-07-19
EP0754629A1 (de) 1997-01-22
HK1006700A1 (en) 1999-03-12
WO1993012008A1 (en) 1993-06-24

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