EP2230971B1 - Method and device for producing pockets provided with napkins - Google Patents

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

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 are brought into contact and connected together and the pockets thus formed are separated from the web-like layers (see JP-A-10 316108 ).

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. The term bag is to be understood in the present context as meaning a flat sheath open in the region 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 cover. 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 filling makes the end product relatively expensive, thereby partially losing its appeal.

The document WO 1999/23984 A1 describes individually packaged absorbent articles and a method of making them. The absorbent articles such as underwear liners are completely enclosed in packaging material. In the preparation of a web of packaging material is continuously folded over at both longitudinal edges to form two layers, the articles are brought between the layers in the web direction 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 For example, a method and apparatus for the detachable connection of a paper napkin to a paper placemat is known wherein a napkin is inserted between tabs 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 in that in each case a napkin is placed in a substantially oriented parallel to the web direction position in a direction oriented substantially perpendicular to the web direction of movement between the layers.

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 web-shaped 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 projects below the longitudinal edge of the one layer. In this way, from a one-sided printed web creates a well-printed bag, because the unprinted side is completely hidden 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 slider which brings the napkin between the layers in each case. Since napkins usually have a low bending stiffness, such a slide ensures trouble-free operation.

If, according to a further embodiment, there is a recess in the slide through which the separating element moves when depositing a napkin and the separating element is permanently exposed to vacuum, the napkins are stored properly without having to control the vacuum 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 exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Anlage zur Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Herstellungsverfahrens von oben;

Fig. 2

einen schematischen Aufriss der Anlage gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

die Herstellung eines Tischsets und

Fig. 4

ein Beispiel eines Tischsets.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a system for carrying out the manufacturing method according to the invention from above;

Fig. 2

a schematic elevation of the system according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

the production of a placemat and

Fig. 4

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, wherein 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 information selected in the description, such as above, below, laterally, etc. related to the immediately described and illustrated figure and are to be transferred to a new position in a change in position.

The FIGS. 1 and 2 To illustrate an embodiment of the method according to the invention schematically show some components of a plant for producing each equipped with a napkin bags and the materials used and an example of an end 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 plate 7 on the napkin holder 6 prevent the napkins 5 fall 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 weight of the pressing device 8 is not sufficient for advancing the napkins 5, a tapping device 9 for shaking the napkin holder 6 can be provided under the napkin holder 6, which in FIG Fig. 2 drawn 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 respective 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 in FIG Fig. 2 drawn in the form of a stylized piston-cylinder unit.

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 perpendicular to the layers 1, 2, can compress the layers during the subsequent transport step and thus hold the napkins 5 between the layers 1, 2. Instead of the pressure roller 21 and a sealing device can be arranged, which connects the layers 1, 2 between two napkins 5 at least temporarily together. 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 in Fig. 1 is apparent. Since the paper web used for the production of the bags is advantageously printed on one side, in the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment, the web at the opening side provided with a fold 25, so that in the finished pockets, the free end of the folded leg is covered by the upper layer 1. 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 subject of the present patent application, is in Fig. 1 only the area in question is referred to as seal area 22. 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. Cutting out a strip, in Fig. 1 indicated by the separation region 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 in Fig. 1 are shown below. Rather, multiple pockets can be produced with adjacent pockets that can be used, for example, as a placemat, as described below with reference to the Figures 3 and 4 is described. The representation according to Fig. 3 shows schematically the production of placemats, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the on hand of the FIGS. 1 and 2 described Embodiment. One recognizes in Fig. 3 the web-shaped upper layer 1 and the lower layer 2 and the already inserted napkins 5. As in the previously described example, a single web with folded bottom edge 24 can also be used here. However, unlike the previously described example, not every pocket is stocked with a napkin 5. The additional, unequipped pockets are in Fig. 3 designated 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, at a distance from the opening edge 26, there is an indentation 27, the purpose of which is described below with reference to FIG Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment will be explained. The opening edge 26 may be straight or as shown in FIG Fig. 1 be executed contoured.

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 dimensions are purely for example to understand and are not intended to limit the scope of the 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.

How to continue in Fig. 4 can recognize, laterally next to the first pocket 28, a second pocket 29 and a third pocket 30 are arranged. 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

4

spacer

5

napkin

6

napkin holder

7

retaining plate

8th

pressure device

9

rapping device

10

pusher

11

double arrow

12

leg

13

longitudinal slot

14

cornering

15

suction tube

16

swivel axis

17

double arrow

18

suction opening

19

suction opening

20

clamping device

21

pinch

22

seal area

23

separating region

24

bottom edge

25

refolding

26

opening edge

27

incision

28

first bag

29

second bag

30

third bag

31

cutlery

32

window

33

Menu

34

image

35

drink menu

36

seam

37

seam

Claims (17)

1. Method of producing pockets containing a napkin (5), whereby two web-shaped layers (1, 2) of a flat, flexible material are moved along a transport path and held at a distance apart from one another in one section of the transport path, napkins (5) are separated from a stack and placed between the layers (1, 2), regions of the layers (1, 2) adjacent to the napkins (5) are placed in contact with one anther and joined to one another downstream of the section in the web direction and the pockets formed in this manner are cut from the web-shaped layers (1, 2), characterised in that, in the section, a napkin (5) is respectively placed between the layers (1, 2) in a position oriented essentially parallel with the web direction by a movement essentially in the direction at a right angle to the web direction.
2. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the two web-shaped layers (1, 2) are formed by folding a single web of the flat, flexible material in the direction of the web.
3. Method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that, at the end from which the napkin (5) is placed between the layers (1, 2), the longitudinal edge (26) of the one layer (1) is offset from the longitudinal edge (25) of the other layer (2).
4. Method as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the longitudinal edge (25) of the other layer (2) is folded and the folded part extends underneath the longitudinal edge (26) of the one layer (1).
5. Method as claimed in one of claims 3 to 4, characterised in that the longitudinal edge (26) of the one layer (1) has a contour.
6. Method as claimed in one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that cuts (28) are provided in the one layer (1) at a distance from its longitudinal edge (26).
7. Method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the flat, flexible material is a film.
8. Method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the flat, flexible material is paper.
9. Method as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that at least certain regions of the paper are provided with a sealable coating.
10. Method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the napkins (5) in the stack are oriented at least approximately parallel with at least one of the two web-shaped layers (1, 2).
11. Method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the napkins (5) in the stack are oriented at least approximately at a right angle to at least one of the two web-shaped layers (1, 2).
12. Method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the napkins (5) are separated from the stack by means of a displaceable separating element (15) placed under vacuum.
13. Method as claimed in claims 11 and 12, characterised in that the separating element (15) can be pivoted by approximately 90 degrees.
14. Method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a napkin (5) is respectively deposited by the separating element (15) on a ram (10) which moves in a reciprocating motion and places the napkin (5) between the layers (1, 2).
15. Method as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that a cut-out (13) is provided in the ram (10), through which the separating element (15) moves as it deposits a napkin, and the separating element (15) is placed under a constant vacuum.
16. Method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that at least one empty pocket is formed respectively adjacent to a pocket filled with a napkin in the web direction and each group of pockets is cut from the web-shaped layers (1, 2).
17. Device for producing pockets containing a napkin (5), comprising means for transporting two web-shaped layers (1, 2) of a flat, flexible material in the web direction along a transport path, a spacer (4) for holding the layers (1, 2) at a distance apart from one another in a region of the transport path, a napkin holder (6) in which napkins (5) are stored in a stack, a separating device (15) for separating the napkins (5) from the stack, inserting means (10) for placing a respective napkin (5) between the layers (1, 2), means for placing the layers (1, 2) in contact and joining certain regions of them to form pockets and means for cutting the pockets from the web-shaped layers (1, 2), and the means for placing the layers (1, 2) in contact and joining certain regions of them to form pockets are disposed downstream of the inserting means (10) in the web direction, characterised in that the inserting means (10) has a support (10) oriented essentially parallel with the web direction and can be moved backwards and forwards in a reciprocating motion in a direction oriented essentially at a right angle to the web direction between a position in which the support is disposed next to the layers (1, 2) and a position in which the support (10) is disposed at least partially between the layers(1, 2).

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