EP2230971A1

EP2230971A1 - Method and device for producing pockets provided with napkins

Info

Publication number: EP2230971A1
Application number: EP08836065A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Elsaesser; Remy Bendele
Original assignee: ELAG ast GmbH
Current assignee: ELAG ast GmbH
Priority date: 2007-09-26
Filing date: 2008-09-26
Publication date: 2010-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-26
Also published as: AT505819B1; US8528306B2; US20100212266A1; CA2699267A1; EP2230971B1; AU2008306156A1; ATE539656T1; WO2009043542A1; AT505819A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing pockets provided with a napkin (5). Two web-shaped layers (1, 2) of a flat, flexible material are moved along a transport path and held at a distance from one another in one section of the transport path. Napkins (5) are separated from a stack and placed between the layers (1, 2). Only then, downstream of said section in the web travel direction, are the regions of the layers (1, 2) adjacent to the napkins (5) brought into contact with one another and connected to one another. The pockets thus formed are separated from the web-shaped layers (1, 2). In the section mentioned above, one napkin (5) each is placed between the layers (1, 2) in a position oriented substantially parallel to the web travel direction with a direction of movement substantially perpendicular to the web travel direction.

Description

Method and apparatus for making napkin-stocked bags

The invention relates to a method of producing napkin-loaded pouches, wherein two web-shaped layers of a flat, flexible material are moved along a transport path and held apart in a portion of the transport path, napkins are separated from a stack and between the layers brought in the web direction after the portion of the napkins adjacent portions of the layers in contact with each other and connected to each other and the pockets thus formed are separated from the sheet-like layers.

The term napkins is intended to include absorbent, flat, flexible structures, including those with low rigidity, in particular folded and / or multi-layer structures of fiber-containing and / or textile material. In the present context, the term pocket is understood to mean a flat sheath which is open in the area of at least one side edge.

Bags stocked with napkins are enjoying increasing popularity. With them, especially in the hospitality industry tables can be covered faster and easier, the napkin must not be touched by the staff. Often, the bags are also equipped with cutlery, which further simplifies the work of the table top. Especially in the outdoor area, such as in garden or terrace restaurants, the bags have the further advantage that the napkin can not be blown by the wind from the table. In addition, the bags can be printed with decorative elements and / or colors and / or advertising.

It is known to first make bags and then to equip each with a napkin. This process of assembly is complex, because each pocket seized individually, spread their opening and then a napkin, usually by gravity, must be introduced. This labor-intensive infestation makes the end product relatively expensive, thereby partially losing its appeal.

Document WO 1999/23984 A1 describes individually packaged absorbent articles and a process for their preparation. The absorbent articles such as underwear liners are completely enclosed in packaging material. At the Position, a web of packaging material at both longitudinal edges is folded continuously to form two layers, the articles are brought in the web direction between the layers and the layers are joined together so that the articles are completely enclosed by the packaging material. Individual packaging units are finally separated from the web.

From the patent application EP 0 034 568 A1 a method and a device for the detachable connection of a paper napkin with a paper placemat is known, wherein a napkin is inserted between tabs which were previously punched out in the placemat.

The invention is based on the object to provide a method by which populated with napkins bags can be easily and inexpensively manufactured in large quantities, the napkins between the layers are accurately positioned.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that in each case a napkin is brought between the layers in a direction oriented substantially parallel to the web direction in a direction oriented substantially at right angles to the web direction.

In particular, this solution has the advantage that pockets equipped with napkins are much simpler, faster and thus less expensive to produce than in known methods, wherein in particular the napkins are positioned precisely between the layers.

According to one embodiment, the two sheet-like layers are formed by folding in the web direction from a single web of flat, flexible material. This offers advantages in handling because only one single web has to be fed. In addition, this saves a connection seam at the bottom of the pockets.

Another embodiment provides that on the side from which the napkin is placed between the layers, the longitudinal edge of one layer is offset from the longitudinal edge of the other layer. This provides the opportunity to let the napkin stick out of the opening of the bag, but without overhanging the bag. As a result, the napkin is recognized by the guest immediately and can also be easily removed. According to a further embodiment, the longitudinal edge of the other layer is folded over and the folded-over part protrudes below the longitudinal edge of the one layer. In this way, a one-sided printed web is transformed into a pocket printed on all sides, because the unprinted side is completely concealed inside the bag.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the longitudinal edge of the one layer has a contour. By contour is meant that the longitudinal edge is not straight. Preferably, the contour is directed in the respective area of a napkin against this, so that the napkin is even better visible and can be easily removed.

According to another embodiment, incisions are present in the one layer at a distance from its longitudinal edge. These are used in the finished bag for inserting utensils, especially cutlery, which is then clearly visible on the napkin.

According to further embodiments, the flat, flexible material is a film or paper, which is preferably provided at least in regions with a sealable layer. Such a layer can be made of polyethylene, for example, which allows a connection of the layers by heat sealing.

According to one embodiment, the napkins are aligned in the stack at least approximately parallel to at least one of the two sheet-like layers. Thus they can be brought in a movement parallel to their level on the slide mentioned below.

As an alternative to the above-mentioned embodiment, the napkins in the stack are aligned at least approximately at right angles to at least one of the two web-shaped layers. This offers the possibility to bring the napkins by a pivotable separating element on the slide mentioned below.

According to one embodiment of the method, the napkins are separated from the stack by a movable, vacuum-applied separating element. The separation by means of vacuum is particularly well with less rigid napkins. A particular embodiment provides that the separating element is pivotable about 90 degrees. A pivotable separating element is particularly favorable in terms of mechanical complexity and ease of storage on the slide mentioned below.

According to an additional embodiment, a napkin is deposited by the separating element on a reciprocable slide, which brings the napkin between the layers. Since napkins usually have a low bending stiffness, such a slide ensures trouble-free operation.

If, according to a further embodiment, a recess is present in the slide, through which the separating element moves when depositing a napkin and the separating element is constantly subjected to vacuum, the napkins are stored properly, without the vacuum having to be controlled by valves or the like.

Finally, a further embodiment of the method provides that at least one empty pocket is formed in each case in the web direction adjacent to a pocket provided with a napkin and that in each case a group of pockets is separated from the web-shaped layers. As a result, multipurpose pocket combinations can be produced which are particularly preferably used as placemat.

The invention also relates to a device for producing napkin-loaded pockets, comprising means for transporting two web-shaped layers of a flat, flexible material in the web direction along a transport path, a spacer for spacing the layers in a region of the transport path at a distance from each other a napkin holder in which napkins are stored in a stack, singulating means for singulating the napkins from the stack, inserting means for inserting a napkin between the plies, means for contacting and patching the plies into pockets, and means for separating the pockets from the web-shaped layers, wherein the means for contacting and area wise connecting the layers to pockets are arranged in the web direction after the introduction means.

This aspect of the invention has for its object to propose a device with which With a napkin equipped bags can be easily, automatically and inexpensively produced in a large series, with the napkins are positioned exactly between the layers.

The object is achieved in that the insertion means have a substantially oriented parallel to the web direction pad and in a direction oriented substantially at right angles to the web direction between a position in which the pad is located next to the layers and a position in which the support at least partially located between the layers, are movable back and forth.

This solution has the considerable advantage that can be dispensed with the subsequent seizure or holding finished bags and spreading their opening for the introduction of a napkin and that in particular the napkins between the layers are accurately positioned.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a system for carrying out the manufacturing method according to the invention from above.

Fig. 2 is a schematic elevational view of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows the preparation of a placemat and

4 shows an example of a placemat.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component names, the disclosures contained in the entire description can be mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or component names. Also, the location details selected in the description, such as th, laterally, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to a new position in a position change accordingly. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the various exemplary embodiments shown and described may also represent separate solutions in their own right, according to the invention or in accordance with the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show to illustrate an embodiment of the method according to the invention schematically some components of a plant for producing each equipped with a napkin bags and the materials used therein and an example of a final product. In the example shown, a stored on a roll, not shown, for example, one-side printed web is withdrawn from the roll and folded longitudinally, so that form two web-shaped layers 1 and 2. The two layers 1 and 2 could also be separate paper webs. The arrows 3 in Fig. 1 show the transport path of the layers 1, 2. The layers 1, 2 are guided substantially horizontally and the transport is preferably carried out intermittently. A stationary between the layers 1, 2 arranged spacer 4, which is wedge-shaped in the present example, ensures that the layers 1, 2 are held in a portion of the transport path at a distance from each other. Folded napkins 5 are held in a stack in a napkin holder 6 in such a manner that the plane of the napkins is oriented substantially vertically approximately at right angles to the plane of the plies 1, 2 and the longitudinal axis of the napkins. Retaining plates 7 on the napkin holder 6 prevent the napkins 5 from falling out of the holder 6. A pressing device 8 makes sure that the napkin stack always bears against the holding plate 7. Preferably, the pressing device 8 is mounted on rollers and the bottom of the napkin holder 6 is slightly inclined to the layers 1, 2 out. If the intrinsic weight of the pressing device 8 is insufficient for advancing the napkins 5, a tapping device 9 for shaking the napkin holder 6 can be provided under the napkin holder 6, which is shown in FIG. 2 in the form of a stylized piston-cylinder unit. Incidentally, care should be taken in this arrangement of the napkin holder 6 that the folded edge of the napkins 5 is in the holder above.

Between the napkin holder 6 and the layers 1, 2, a slider 10 is arranged, which is movable from the initial position shown in the figures in the direction of the double arrow 11 between the layers 1 ', 2 and back again. To guide a napkin 5, the in yet to be described way passes on the slider 10, a vertically projecting from the slider 10 legs 12 is disposed on the side facing away from the layers 1, 2 of the slider 10 and on both sides of the slider 10 fixed side guides 14 are provided.

For separating the napkins 5 and depositing each of a napkin 5 on the slide 10, a pivotable about a parallel to the transport direction of the layers 1, 2 pivot axis 16 is arranged suction tube 15 which is pivotable in the direction of the double arrow 17 by about 90 degrees back and forth , The suction tube 15, to which a vacuum is applied, has two suction openings 18 and 19, with which the foremost napkin 5 of the stack is sucked in and deposited on the slider 10 after the pivoting movement of the suction tube 15. The suction tube 15 emerges during this pivoting movement through a slide 10 provided for this purpose longitudinal slot 13, wherein the path of the suction pipe 15 is dimensioned such that the suction openings 18 and 19 after placing the napkin 5 on the slider 10 is still a piece of remove the napkin 5. In this way, a control device and a valve for the vacuum applied to the suction pipe 15 is superfluous.

The napkin 5 stored on the slider 10 is brought by the said movement of the slider 10 in the direction of the double arrow 11 between the layers 1 and 2 and left there upon retraction of the slider 10 there. When using a folded web of the space between the layers 1, 2 is wedge-shaped, so that the napkin 5 is easily clamped in the region of the bottom edge 24 and the napkin 5 is thereby not pulled back with the slide back out. If the clamping force of the layers 1, 2 itself should be insufficient, which may be the case in particular when using two separate layers 1, 2, it is possible to provide a clamping device 20 for holding the napkin 5, which is shown in FIG Form of a stylized piston-cylinder unit is located.

During the insertion of the napkin 5, the layers 1, 2 are preferably stopped. So that during the gradual further transport of the layers 1, 2, the napkin 5, which has just been deposited between them, does not slip, the following measures can be provided. A pressure roller 21, which can be moved perpendicularly to the layers 1, 2, can hold the layers during the following

Squeeze transport step and thus hold the napkins 5 between the layers 1, 2. Instead of the pressure roller 21, it is also possible to arrange a sealing device which at least provisionally interconnects the layers 1, 2 between two napkins 5. binds. As a rule, however, these measures can be dispensed with, in particular when using a folded web and when the acceleration of the layers 1, 2 during further transport is not too great.

At the opening side of the bag, the two layers 1, 2 are advantageously offset from each other, so that the napkin 5 always remains visible and can be easily removed for use. In addition, the upper layer 1 limiting opening edge 26 may have an arcuate contour, for example, as can be seen in Fig. 1. Since the paper web used for the production of the bags is advantageously printed on one side, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the web is provided on the opening side with a fold 25, so that in the finished pockets, the free end of the folded leg of the upper layer 1 is covered. This is also particularly advantageous when using, for example, a polyethylene-coated paper which is weldable on the coated side but poorly printable.

After inserting the napkin 5, the layers 1, 2 are approximated to each other and connected to each other in the area between each two consecutive napkins 5. This is preferably done by known thermal sealing methods. Since these sealing methods themselves and the corresponding devices are not the subject matter of the present patent application, only the relevant region is designated as sealing region 22 in FIG. 1. The sealing area 22 is made so wide that during the subsequent separation process a strip can be cut out of the layers and still leave a sealing edge at the side edges of the resulting pockets. The cutting of a strip, indicated in Fig. 1 by the separation area 23, is preferred because when printing the web in the rotary printing process, the entire circumference of the printing cylinder can not be utilized and the non-printed material strip is cut out of the web.

With the method according to the invention can not only produce bags, as shown in Fig. 1 below. Rather, it is also possible to produce multiple pockets with side-by-side pockets, which can be used, for example, as placemats, as described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 shows schematically the production of placemats, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 NEN embodiment. It can be seen in Fig. 3, the web-shaped upper layer 1 and the lower layer 2 and the already inserted napkins 5. As in the example described above, here also a single web with folded bottom edge 24 may be used. However, unlike the previously described example, not every pocket is equipped with a server 5. The additional, unequipped pockets are designated in FIG. 3 by the reference numeral 30 and are wider than the respective napkin 5 containing pockets. Further, in this example, in the upper layer in the region of each pocket containing a napkin 5, there is a recess 27 at a distance from the opening edge 26, the purpose of which will be explained below with reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. The opening edge 26 may be straight as shown or contoured as shown in FIG.

4, an embodiment of a placemat 1 is shown in perspective. Subsequently, the placemat is described as it sees a person sitting at a table, that is, the person facing this edge is referred to as bottom edge 24 as in the examples described above. On the right edge 8 of the placemat 1 you can see a first bag 28 in which a folded napkin 5 is partially received, so that it protrudes upwards by a few inches and thus is clearly visible at first glance. The placemat typically has a width of about 40 centimeters and a height of about 25 centimeters. The height of the pockets measured from the bottom edge 24 of the set, for example, about 18 centimeters. All measurements are purely for example to understand and should the

Limiting the subject invention in any way. At a distance from the upper edge of the first pocket 28, the above-mentioned recess 27 is arranged in the first pocket, which may have a curved course as shown in the figure and is received in the cutlery 31, in particular a fork and a knife. In this way, both a napkin 5 and cutlery 31 are added to each other to save space in the first pocket and yet at least optically separated from each other by the upper part of the first pocket 28, which gives the whole an attractive appearance.

As can further be seen in FIG. 4, a second pocket 29 and a third pocket 30 are arranged laterally next to the first pocket 28. All three pockets 28, 29 and 30 preferably have a common upper edge which corresponds to the aforementioned opening edge 26, and extend from this to the lower bottom edge 24 of the table set. The second pocket 29 is equipped with a window 32 through which a part of a in the Bag 29 existing object, such as a present on a menu 33 image 34 is visible. For example, if the contents of the bag 29 are to be protected from soiling, the window 32 may be provided with a cling film, for example. In the third pocket 30 adjacent to the left edge of the table set, for example, a drinks menu 35 may be inserted. Between the pockets 28, 29 and 30, connecting seams 36 and 37 are attached, which connect the material forming the pockets. In this case, the connecting seams do not have to run continuously from the bottom edge 24 of the table set to the opening edge 26 of the pockets, but can extend or be interrupted only over a part of this distance.

Incidentally, the menu 33 and / or the drinks card 35 can be put into pockets between the layers 1, 2, like the napkin 5 in the manufacturing process prior to uniting the layers 1, 2, or subsequently inserted into the pockets 29, 30 of the finished placemats.

For the sake of order, it should finally be pointed out that, for a better understanding of the construction of the device, the bag and the placemats, these or their components have been shown partially unevenly and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 location 2 location

3 transport route

4 spacers

5 napkin 6 napkin holder

7 holding tiles

8 pressing device

9 knocking device

10 slides

11 double arrow

12 thighs

13 longitudinal slot

14 Side guide 15 Suction tube

16 pivot axis

17 double-headed arrow

18 suction opening 19 suction opening

20 clamping device

21 pinch roller

22 Sealing area 23 Separation area

24 bottom edge

25 refolding

26 opening edge 27 incision

28 first bag

29 second bag

30 third bag 31 cutlery

32 windows

33 menu

34 picture

35 drinks menu

36 seam

37 seam

Claims

Patent claims

Anspruch [en] A method of making napkins (5) having two web-shaped sheets (1, 2) of a flat, flexible material moved along a transport path and spaced apart in a portion of the transport path, napkins (5 ) separated from a stack and placed between the layers (1, 2), in the web direction after the portion of the napkins (5) adjacent areas of the layers (1, 2) contacted and connected to each other and the pockets thus formed by the bahnfb 'layers (1, 2) are separated, characterized in that in the section in each case a napkin (5) in a substantially parallel to the web direction oriented position in a substantially perpendicular to the web direction oriented movement direction between the layers (1, 2) is brought.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the two web-shaped layers (1, 2) by folding in the web direction of a single web of the flat, flexible

Materials are formed.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that on the side from which the napkin (5) between the layers (1, 2) is brought, the longitudinal edge (26) of a layer (1) relative to the Longitudinal edge (25) of the other layer (2) is set back.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the longitudinal edge (25) of the other layer (2) is folded over and the folded part under the longitudinal edge (26) of a layer (1) protrudes.

5. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the longitudinal edge (26) of a layer (1) has a contour.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that in the one layer (1) at a distance from the longitudinal edge (26) incisions (28) are present.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flat, flexible material is a film.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the flat, flexible material is paper.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the paper is at least partially provided with a sealable layer.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the napkins (5) in the stack at least approximately parallel to at least one of the two web-shaped layers (1, 2) are aligned.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the napkins (5) in the stack at least approximately at right angles to at least one of the two web-shaped layers (1, 2) are aligned.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the napkins (5) are separated from the stack by a movable, pressurized with vacuum separating element (15).

13. The method according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the separating element (15) is pivotable about 90 degrees.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that in each case a napkin (5) by the separating element (15) on a reciprocable slide (10) is stored, the napkin (5) between the layers (1, 2) brings.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that in the slide (10) has a recess (13) through which the separating element (15) when depositing a napkin moves through and that the separating element (15) is constantly subjected to vacuum ,

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that adjacent each in the web direction adjacent to a stocked with a napkin bag at least one empty pocket is formed and that in each case a group of pockets of the web-shaped layers (1, 2) is separated.

17. A device for producing napkins (5) equipped with pockets, comprising means for transporting two sheet-like layers (1, 2) of a flat, flexible material in the web direction along a transport path, a spacer (4) to the layers (1 2) in a region of the transport path at a distance from each other, a Serviettenhalterung (6) are stored in the napkins (5) in a stack, a separating device (15) for separating the napkins (5) from the stack, Insertion means (10) for introducing in each case a napkin (5) between the layers (1, 2), means for contacting and areawise connecting the layers (1, 2) to pockets and means for separating the pockets from the web-shaped layers (1, 2), wherein the means for contacting and partially connecting the layers (1, 2) to pockets in the web direction after the introduction means (10) are arranged, characterized in that the introduction means (10) a substantially parallel to the web direction oriented support (10) and oriented in a direction substantially at right angles to the web direction between a position in which the pad next to the layers (1, 2) and a position in which the support (10) at least partially located between the layers (1, 2), are movable back and forth.