EP3502004B1 - Bottom-gusseted package and method - Google Patents

Bottom-gusseted package and method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3502004B1
EP3502004B1 EP19157063.9A EP19157063A EP3502004B1 EP 3502004 B1 EP3502004 B1 EP 3502004B1 EP 19157063 A EP19157063 A EP 19157063A EP 3502004 B1 EP3502004 B1 EP 3502004B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
package
web
sleeve
packages
flexible
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.)
Active
Application number
EP19157063.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3502004A1 (en
Inventor
James W. Yeager
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.)
Innoflex Inc
Original Assignee
Innoflex Inc
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 US14/034,154 external-priority patent/US9272481B2/en
Priority claimed from US14/266,477 external-priority patent/US9126383B2/en
Application filed by Innoflex Inc filed Critical Innoflex Inc
Publication of EP3502004A1 publication Critical patent/EP3502004A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3502004B1 publication Critical patent/EP3502004B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
    • B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
    • B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
    • B65D33/2516—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor comprising tamper-indicating means, e.g. located within the fastener
    • B65D33/2533—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor comprising tamper-indicating means, e.g. located within the fastener the slide fastener being located between the product compartment and the tamper indicating means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
    • B31B70/008—Stiffening or reinforcing
    • 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
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
    • B65D33/18—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices using adhesive applied to integral parts, e.g. to flaps
    • 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
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
    • B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
    • B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
    • B65D33/2516—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor comprising tamper-indicating means, e.g. located within the fastener
    • B65D33/2525—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor comprising tamper-indicating means, e.g. located within the fastener located between the fastener and the product compartment
    • 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
    • B65D75/008—Standing pouches, i.e. "Standbeutel"
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2155/00—Flexible containers made from webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2155/00—Flexible containers made from webs
    • B31B2155/001—Flexible containers made from webs by folding webs longitudinally
    • B31B2155/0012—Flexible containers made from webs by folding webs longitudinally having their openings facing in the direction of movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2160/00—Shape of flexible containers
    • B31B2160/20—Shape of flexible containers with structural provision for thickness of contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
    • B31B70/60—Uniting opposed surfaces or edges; Taping
    • B31B70/64—Uniting opposed surfaces or edges; Taping by applying heat or pressure
    • B31B70/642—Uniting opposed surfaces or edges; Taping by applying heat or pressure using sealing jaws or sealing dies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
    • B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B70/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
    • B31B70/813—Applying closures
    • B31B70/8131—Making bags having interengaging closure elements
    • B31B70/8133—Applying the closure elements in the cross direction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a method of forming packages formed from polymeric film webs, and more particularly to a method of forming a bottom-gusseted package including a bottom gusset positioned transversely of a longitudinal axis of the package, with the configuration of the package, and its method of formation, permitting use with associated form, fill, and seal equipment.
  • Packages formed from plastic, polymeric film material have found widespread application in the market place for convenient and efficient packaging of all manner of food and non-food products.
  • Packages of this nature typically are formed by folding and sealing a web of polymeric material to form a package body having front and rear package panels, with the package panels joined to each other at margins thereof.
  • the front and rear package panels may be joined to each other either by folded portions of the package body, or at seals (typically heat seals) joining the package panels to each other.
  • Non-gusseted packages of this type are sometimes referred to as "pillow packs", and do not include either side gussets or top or bottom gussets.
  • a gusseted package that is, providing the package with inwardly-extended, pleat-like gussets at one or more margins of the package body.
  • side-gusseted packages include inwardly extending side gussets at opposite lateral sides of the package body, which side gussets join respect lateral edges of the front and rear package panels to each other.
  • a bottom-gusseted package that is, a package having an inwardly extending gusset at the bottom of the package body.
  • bottom-gusseted packages have typically been formed by pleating a web of polymeric material in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the web.
  • Suitable ploughs and forming guides shape and configure the polymeric web as it moves longitudinally, including formation of a continuous, inwardly extending bottom gusset in the web material.
  • suitable seals are formed transversely of the web to define individual package bodies, each including front and rear package panels, with each including a bottom gusset.
  • Individual package bodies are formed by cutting the web of material at the transversely extending seals, with the contents of each package deposited therein either before or after cutting of the web into individual packages.
  • the bottom gusset has a width that corresponds to and is the same as the width of the front and rear package panels.
  • each package body is approximately equal to one-half of the width of the polymeric web, less the dimension of the bottom gusset.
  • the maximum height of any package being formed is essentially limited by the maximum width of the web of polymeric material which the forming equipment is capable of handling.
  • Unites States patent application US4055109 discloses A self-standing bag that is made of two similar side wall sheets disposed in an opposing relation and a bottom wall sheet having two edges thereof heat-fused with the lower edges of the two side wall sheets and being folded along a central folding line into the interspace between the two side wall sheets to have an inverted V-shaped cross section, each of the two lateral edges of the bottom wall sheet being recessed from the lateral edges of the side wall sheets, whereby two lateral edges of the two side wall sheets are mutually joined directly, when subjected to heat-fusing operation, to form two-ply lap joints, and a method and apparatus for automatically producing the bag.
  • Japanese patent application JP2004292028 discloses a self-supporting flat bag that has a bag body flat cylinder forming a front face and a back face, and a bottom flat cylinder, whose both side edges are sealed together so as to make a surface having heat sealability face the outside and whose inner surface upper edges are heat glued together via a partly applied low temperature heat adhesive.
  • the bottom flat cylinder is included in the bag body flat cylinder on an under part thereof so that the looped both side edges of the bottom flat cylinder is inscribed with that of the bag body flat cylinder, where the lower edges of both cylinders are sealed together at the bag bottom. Also, the linear portions on the bottom flat cylinder that start from the upper ends of its both sides to go down at an angle of 45 degrees to reach the bag lower end is sealed on the bag body flat cylinder.
  • the present invention contemplates a bottom-gusseted package, and a method of formation, which addresses the shortcomings in the conventional forming of bottom-gusseted package. In essence, this is achieved by forming each package with a bottom gusset positioned transversely of the longitudinal axes of the polymeric film web and each package.
  • the bottom-gusseted packages of any selected height can be readily and efficiently formed.
  • a method of forming a bottom-gusseted package embodying the principles of the present invention is defined in claim 1.
  • a package formed by the method in accordance with the present invention includes a bottom gusset positioned between the front and rear package panels, with the bottom gusset extending upwardly and inwardly from the lower edges of the front and rear package panels.
  • the bottom gusset is positioned within the package body transversely of the longitudinal axis of the package body, and transversely of the longitudinal axis of the flexible web from which the package body is formed.
  • the versatility of the method of package formation in accordance with the present invention permits formation of a bottom-gusseted package in different configurations.
  • a bottom-gusseted package is formed with a top sleeve portion generally opposite the bottom gusset.
  • the present bottom-gusseted package can be formed by folding the flexible web of material generally at the longitudinal axis thereof, and joined lateral margins of the flexible web providing a seam at one side edge of the package.
  • the bottom gusset of the package thus extends generally between the longitudinal axis of the web of material and the package seam.
  • a bottom-gusseted package is formed with the seam at which the web material is joined to itself is positioned in the rear package panel. By virtue of the formation technique, the bottom gusset of the package extends less than the width of the front and rear package panels.
  • the method of formation of a bottom-gusseted package in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps defined in claim 1.
  • Suitable polymeric material can be employed by virtue of its liquid-impermeable characteristics, and heat-sealing capabilities.
  • a flexible, sleeve-forming web is provided.
  • the sleeve-forming web is folded and generally tubular, and can be configured to include a series of recloseable fastener assemblies, a series of upper package seal, or other features. It is presently preferred that an inside surface of the folded, sleeve-forming web does not heat-seal to itself, thus facilitating formation of a bottom gusset which spreads or opens to permit the packages being formed to be generally self-standing.
  • the specific composition of the materials from which the package body and bottom gusset are formed can be selected as appropriate for specific applications.
  • the sleeve-forming web, which forms the bottom gussets can be made from a material which is different than the flexible web which forms the package body
  • the present method further comprises the step of cutting the flexible, sleeve-forming web into a plurality of individual sleeves, each having a folded, generally tubular configuration.
  • the individual sleeves are next joined to the flexible web in spaced apart relationship longitudinally of the flexible web, transversely of the longitudinal axis of the flexible web.
  • the spacing between individual sleeves corresponds to the length of each of the bottom-gusseted packages being formed.
  • each individual sleeve eventually forms the bottom gusset of one package, and the top sleeve portion of an adjacent one of the packages being formed. Efficient formation is thus promoted.
  • the flexible web is folded and joined along lateral margins thereof to form a generally tubular, folded flexible web.
  • the individual sleeves are positioned generally within the folded flexible web, in spaced apart relationship. Folding of the flexible web material forms a package body for each of the bottom-gusseted packages, with each package body including a front package panel and a rear package panel joined at opposite side margins thereof.
  • the folded flexible web is cut at intervals each corresponding in length to the length of each of the bottom-gusseted packages being formed.
  • individual packages are formed so that each individual sleeve provides a bottom gusset for each one of the packages.
  • the cutting step includes cutting through each of the individual sleeves positioned within the folded flexible web so that a portion of each individual sleeve provides: (1) the bottom gusset for one of the packages being formed, and (2) a top sleeve portion for an adjacent one of said packages being formed.
  • Efficient package formation is promoted by configuring each of the individual sleeves to have a length which is less than the width of the folded web of flexible material. This facilitates formation of the bottom gusset with a width less than the width of the package, which desirably permits formation of side seals between the front and read package panels of each package at opposite side edges of the bottom gusset of the package. Each of these side seals overlaps a respective end of the bottom gusset of the package. Such side seals can be formed of a sufficient width to permit the package to be readily self-standing and stable.
  • the present method includes joining each of the individual sleeves to the folded flexible web prior to the step of cutting the folded flexible web.
  • the present method can be practiced such that the step of folding the flexible web of material which forms the packages includes folding the flexible web generally at the longitudinal axis thereof, so that each of the individual sleeves extends generally between the longitudinal axis and the joined lateral margins of the flexible web of material.
  • the resultant bottom gusset for each package thus extends generally between the longitudinal axis and the joined lateral margins at the seam at which the web of material is joined to itself, and the side edge of the package.
  • the web of material can be folded and joined to itself such the package seam is positioned in the rear package panel.
  • the present method includes intermittently advancing flexible web of material after the individual sleeves have been joined thereto, wherein the flexible web of material is advanced with a tolerance range of dimension TLD.
  • This tolerance range is dependent upon the specific operational parameters of the forming apparatus, such as the associated form, fill, and seal machine.
  • the present method includes forming top and bottom end seals in adjacent ones of the packages being formed by operation of a pair of heat sealing jaws, wherein the spacing between the ends seals of adjacent ones of the packages is at least two times TLD.
  • This spacing can further be selected to accommodate the range in variation of the longitudinal positioning of each of the individual sleeves on the flexible web of material.
  • the folded sleeve-forming web from which the bottom gussets are formed has an inside surface of which does not heat-seal to itself. Since package formation, and advancement through the form, fill and seal machine can sometimes orient the bottom gusset in the "leading" direction, in can be desirable to close the individual sleeves against opening during such advancement. This can be achieved by closing each of the individual sleeves prior to joining the individual sleeves to the flexible web of material by temporarily joining an inside surface of each of individual sleeves.
  • a recloseable package formed in accordance with the method comprises a package body formed from a flexible web having a longitudinal axis, with the flexible web being folded to define a front package panel and a rear package panel of said package body.
  • the front and rear package panels are joined to each other at respective lateral side margins of the package body, with the flexible web being joined to itself along a seam which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible web.
  • the package further includes a bottom gusset positioned between the front and rear package panels, with the bottom gusset extending less than the width of the front and rear package panels. Laterally opposite side seals, that join the front and read package panels to each other at the respective lateral side margins of said package body, each overlap a respective end of said bottom gusset.
  • bottom-gusseted package 10 that is not part of the current invention.
  • bottom-gusseted package 10 is configured to facilitate formation and filling on an associated, so-called form, fill and seal packaging machine, as is known in the art.
  • the bottom-gusseted package 10 can be practiced by partial formation of the present package as a rolled web of flexible, polymeric film material, with individual sleeves positioned thereon, which is supplied to the form, fill and seal apparatus. The formation of each package is completed attendant to filling of each of the packages with the desired quantity of product.
  • Bottom-gusseted package 10 is configured as a recloseable package, and includes a recloseable fastener at an upper portion of the package.
  • package 10 is formed by joining a plurality of individual sleeves to an associated web of flexible material, in spaced apart relationship along the longitudinal axis of the flexible web.
  • each individual sleeve can be cut as individual packages are formed, with each individual sleeve providing a bottom gusset in one package, and a top sleeve portion, including a recloseable fastener, and/or other package features, in an adjacent one of the packages being formed.
  • the present invention can be practiced without cutting of the individual sleeves, which are configured to provide a bottom gusset for each package being formed.
  • the bottom-gusseted package 10 illustrated therein includes a package body 12 formed from a flexible film web having a longitudinal axis, wherein the flexible web has been folded to define a front package panel 14 (shown facing rearwardly in Figures 1 and 2 ) and a rear package panel 16 of the package body 12.
  • the front and rear package panels 14 and 16 are joined to each other at respective lateral side margins of the package body 12.
  • the front and rear package panels are joined to each other where the flexible film web from which the body is formed has been folded.
  • the flexible film web from which the package body 12 is formed is joined to itself along a longitudinal seam 18 which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible web. While seam 18 has been illustrated generally at the middle of rear package panel 16, the flexible web can otherwise be joined to itself, such as at along one of the lateral side margins of the package body.
  • Package 10 includes a bottom gusset 20 which is positioned between the front and rear package panels 14 and 16, and which extends upwardly and inwardly from lower edges of the front and rear package panels.
  • the pleat-like bottom gusset 20 is formed from a sleeve of material which is positioned within the flexible web from which the package body is formed, with the sleeve of material cut attendant to formation of individual packages.
  • the bottom gusset 20 is joined to and integrated with the package body by a pair of side seals 22 at opposite lateral margins of the package body, and a pair of end seals 23 which respectively join the edges of the bottom gusset 20 to the front and rear package panels 14 and 16. It is presently contemplated that the bottom gusset 20 be configured to have a width less than that of the package 10, which permits the formation of side seals to join the front and rear package panels to each other. This permits the formation of a stable and self-standing package, by closing the opposite ends of the bottom gusset. This can be desirable if the inwardly facing surfaces of the bottom gusset do not heat-seal to each other. In previous bottom gusseted packages, the bottom gusset typically extends the full width of the package, so that the length of the gusset is same as the width of the front and rear package panels.
  • Bottom-gusseted package 10 is configured for recloseable use.
  • the package 10 includes a top sleeve portion 24 positioned between the front and rear package panels 14 and 16, at the upper end of the package body 12.
  • the top sleeve portion 24 includes a sleeve seal 26, which may be configured as a so-called "peel seal", or otherwise configured for separation attendant to initial opening of the package.
  • the top sleeve portion 24 can be otherwise configured to permit access to the contents of the package through the top sleeve portion, such as by the provision of a preferentially weakened region.
  • top sleeve portion 24 is joined to and integrated with the package body 12 by side seals 28 joining respective opposite ends of the sleeve portion 24 to the package body generally at opposite, lateral side margins thereof.
  • the top sleeve portion 24 includes a recloseable fastener 32.
  • the recloseable fastener includes first and second fastener elements configured for releasable securement to each other, with the fastener elements respectively joined to the legs or flanges of the top sleeve portion 24.
  • the sleeve portion 24 provides first and second mounting flanges for the first and second fastener elements, with the flanges respectively positioned inwardly of and joined to the front and rear package panels.
  • top sleeve portion 24 and recloseable fastener 32 access to the contents of the package 10 is provided via the top sleeve portion 24 and recloseable fastener 32.
  • the legs or flanges of the top sleeve portion 24 are separated, and the first and second fastener elements of the recloseable fastener 32 separated.
  • the sleeve seal 26 is opened and separated, with access to the interior of the package 10 thus provided.
  • Sleeve seal 27 can provide tamper-evidence to provide visually discernible evidence of the initial opening to the recloseable package 10.
  • Recloseable fastener 32 preferably comprises a pair of interlocking profile fastener elements. Such fastener elements may be identically configured, or complementary. Adhesive fastener components, hook-and-loop fastener components, "unisex" self-engaging fastener components, or like recloseable fastening arrangements can be employed for the recloseable fastener 32.
  • a flexible web 40 preferably comprising heat-sealable polymeric material is provided, with a flexible web typically advanced in a direction along its longitudinal axis web 40.
  • Formation of the present bottom-gusseted package is further effected by providing a flexible, sleeve-forming web 42, also preferably comprising suitable polymeric, heat-sealable material.
  • the composition of the sleeve-forming web can differ from the flexible web 40 for forming the package of the body, as may be desired.
  • the sleeve-forming material can be selected to exhibit certain gas permeability characteristics, or even be perforated, which can be desirable for some types of packaging. Perforated plastics allow gas exchange and prevent excess humidity, while solid plastics create a better product seal for modifying atmosphere and reducing available oxygen respiration and ripening, thus extending product shelf life.
  • sleeve-forming web be heat-sealable, so that the inside surface of the folded, sleeve-forming web does not heat seal to itself. This permits the eventual opening and spreading of the legs of the bottom gusset 20 so that the package 10 can assume a generally self-standing orientation.
  • the sleeve-forming web 42 may be provided with a tubular configuration, including the sleeve seal 26 releasably joining lateral edges of the sleeve-forming web.
  • the sleeve-forming web is provided with recloseable fasteners 32, which may be provided in either continuous form, or as segmented, precut lengths. As illustrated, the recloseable fastener elements are positioned generally within the sleeve-forming web 42, preferably in interconnected relationship.
  • individual sleeves 44 are cut from the sleeve-forming web 42, and are positioned transversely of the longitudinal axis of the flexible web 40 from which the package body is formed. For some applications, it can be desirable to seal the ends of each individual sleeve 44, such as with suitable adhesive.
  • the individual sleeves 44 are joined to the flexible web 40 in spaced apart relationship longitudinally of the web 40. The spacing between the individual sleeves 44 corresponds to the length of each of the bottom-gusseted packages 10 being formed.
  • each sleeve 44 is joined, such as by heat-sealing, to the web 40, by end seals 43 ( Figure 6a .)
  • Transverse seals 45 can also be formed between the web 40 and the sleeve 44 extending generally parallel to fastener 32 along opposite side margins thereof ( Figure 6b .)
  • the flexible web 40 After each of the individual sleeves 44 is joined to the flexible web 40, the flexible web is folded and the lateral margins thereof joined together to form a folded flexible web (see Figure 5 and 6 ). In this way, a package body is formed for each of the bottom-gusseted packages.
  • the front and rear package panels 14 and 16 of each package are formed.
  • the folded flexible web 40 can be joined to itself so as to form bag seam 18, with the front and rear package panels joined to each other at the folded, lateral margins of the folded web. As illustrated, the individual sleeves 44 are positioned within the folded flexible web 40.
  • each individual sleeve 44 spans and extends between two adjacent ones of the packages being formed, with subsequent cutting of the flexible web into individual packages resulting in each individual sleeve 44 providing a bottom gusset 20 for one package, and a top sleeve portion 24 for an adjacent one of the packages.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the manner in which each individual sleeve 44 extends between adjacent ones of the packages, with Figure 7 illustrating cutting of the folded flexible web 40 transversely of its longitudinal axis to form individual packages, including cutting through each sleeve portion 44 to form a bottom gusset 20 for one package, and a top sleeve portion 24 for an adjacent package.
  • Figure 6c illustrates an example, which is not part of the current invention, of dimensioning of the bottom gusset of the present package, and the manner is which it is configured to accommodate the typical operating parameters of a vertical form, fill and seal machine.
  • this type of machine intermittently advances packaging material through the machine, with typical variation with respect to the web-cutting apparatus being plus/minus 6.4 mm (0.25 inches).
  • a typical sleeve portion 44 can be provided with a folded width of approximately 0.08 m (3 inches), with seals formed joining each sleeve portion 44 to the web 40. These seals would typically each have a 25 mm (1.0 inch) dimension.
  • the cut can be formed at the center of this 25 mm (1.0 inch) seal, so that seals each having a width of 0.01 m (0.5 inches) are formed.
  • the exact dimensions of the bottom gusset 20 and top sleeve portion 24 can vary from one package to another. As will be appreciated, this dimensioning is meant to be illustrative.
  • bottom-gusseted package 110 is like the previously-described package 10, with the exception that the top sleeve portion 124 of each package is configured to provide an upper package seal instead of a recloseable fastener assembly.
  • elements corresponding to the previously described package 10 are designated by like reference numerals in the 100-series.
  • the bottom-gusseted package 110 illustrated therein includes a package body 112 formed from a flexible film web having a longitudinal axis, wherein the flexible web has been folded to define a front package panel 114 (shown facing rearwardly in Figures 8 and 9 ) and a rear package panel 116 of the package body 112.
  • the front and rear package panels 114 and 116 are joined to each other at respective lateral side margins of the package body 112.
  • the front and rear package panels are joined to each other where the flexible film web from which the body is formed has been folded.
  • the flexible film web from which the package body 112 is formed is joined to itself along a longitudinal seam 118 which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible web. While seam 118 has been illustrated generally at the middle of rear package panel 116, the flexible web can otherwise be joined to itself, such as at along one of the lateral side margins of the package body.
  • package 110 includes a bottom gusset 120 which is positioned between the front and rear package panels 114 and 116, and which extends upwardly and inwardly from lower edges of the front and rear package panels.
  • the pleat-like bottom gusset 120 is formed from a sleeve of material which is positioned within the flexible web from which the package body is formed, with the sleeve of material cut attendant to formation of individual packages.
  • the bottom gusset 120 is joined to and integrated with the package body by a pair of side seals 122 at opposite lateral margins of the package body, and a pair of end seals 123 which respectively join the edges of the bottom gusset 20 to the front and rear package panels 114 and 116.
  • the package 110 further includes a top sleeve portion 124 positioned between the front and rear package panels 114 and 116, at the upper end of the package body 112.
  • the top sleeve portion 124 preferably is provided with an upper seal 125, preferably formed between inturned edges of the upper sleeve portion 124.
  • This seal 125 may be configured as a so-called “peel seal", or otherwise configured for separation attendant to initial opening of the package.
  • the top sleeve portion 124 can be otherwise configured to permit access to the contents of the package through the top sleeve portion, such as by the provision of a preferentially weakened region.
  • the top sleeve portion 124 is joined to and integrated with the package body 112 by side seals 128 joining respective opposite ends of the sleeve portion 124 to the package body generally at opposite, lateral side margins thereof.
  • a pair of top seals 130 respectively join the pair of legs or flanges of the top sleeve portion 124 to the front and rear package panels 114, 116.
  • FIGS 10 and 11 illustrate a form of the embodiment of the present bottom-gusseted package illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 .
  • the package includes a bottom gusset 120, but includes a modified top sleeve portion 124' which is positioned above an end seal 125' of the package formed by joining the front and rear package panels 114, 116 to each other.
  • the top sleeve portion having a width less than the width of the package, side seals 128 are provided at respective opposite ends of the sleeve portion 124'.
  • This form of the present package can be formed attendant to formation of a package having a bottom gusset, without the need to form a top gusset or other structure at the top of the package.
  • formation of a packages with bottom gussets only could in some instances result in packages have a sleeve portion 124' such as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 .
  • the individual sleeve is positioned so that cutting results in formation of the desired bottom gusset for one package, with a top sleeve portion such as 124' formed in an adjacent package.
  • the top sleeve portion 124' is confined generally within the end seal formed by side seals 128, and end seal 125' joining the front and rear package panels below the end of sleeve material that is in the top seal of the package.
  • bottom-gusseted package 210 outside the scope of the present bottom-gusseted package, designated 210.
  • bottom-gusseted package 210 is like the previously-described package 10.
  • package 210 differs in that the package is provided with a bottom gusset but without a top sleeve portion, since formation is preferably effected without cutting the individual sleeves which respectively form the bottom gusset of each package.
  • elements corresponding to the previously described package 10 are designated by like reference numerals in the 200-series.
  • the bottom-gusseted package 210 illustrated therein includes a package body 212 formed from a flexible film web having a longitudinal axis, wherein the flexible web has been folded to define a front package panel 214 and a rear package panel 216 of the package body 212.
  • the front and rear package panels 214 and 216 are joined to each other at respective lateral side margins of the package body 212.
  • the front and rear package panels are joined to each other where the flexible film web from which the body is formed has been folded generally at its longitudinal axis, at one side edge of the package.
  • the flexible film web from which the package body 212 is formed is joined to itself along a longitudinal seam 18 which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible web.
  • seam 218 has been illustrated generally at the lateral, side edge of the package, opposite the fold formed along the longitudinal axis, the flexible web can otherwise be joined to itself, such as along a longitudinal seam 218' positioned in the rear package panel 216, as shown in phantom line in Figure 13 .
  • package 210 includes a bottom gusset 220 which is positioned between the front and rear package panels 214 and 216, and which extends upwardly and inwardly from lower edges of the front and rear package panels.
  • the pleat-like bottom gusset 220 is formed from a sleeve of material which is positioned within the flexible web from which the package body is formed.
  • the bottom gusset 220 is joined to and integrated with the package body by a pair of side seals 222 at opposite lateral margins of the package body. As illustrated, one of the side seals 222 coincides with, and can be provided by, the longitudinal seam 218 of the package 210. For some applications, it may be desirable to form side seals 222, adjacent bottom gusset 220, which do not extend the full length of the package.
  • a pair of bottom end seals 223 respectively join the edges of the bottom gusset 220 to the front and rear package panels 214 and 216, to provide a bottom seal for the package, with the upper edge portions of the front and rear package panels joined at a heat-sealed top end seal 230.
  • the bottom gusset 220 including those portions of the gusset sealed at the side seals 222, extends less than the width of the front and rear package panels 214, 216.
  • access to the contents of the package 210 can be provided configuring the package to include a suitable preferentially weakened region, such as a score line or the like.
  • a suitable preferentially weakened region such as a score line or the like.
  • Other suitable opening arrangements can be provided as may be desired.
  • a flexible web 240 preferably comprising heat-sealable polymeric material is provided, with a flexible web typically advanced in a direction along its longitudinal axis.
  • Formation of the present bottom-gusseted package is further effected by providing a flexible, sleeve-forming web 242, also preferably comprising suitable polymeric, heat-sealable material.
  • the composition of the sleeve-forming web can differ from the flexible web 240 for forming the package of the body, as may be desired.
  • sleeve-forming web be heat-sealable, so that the inside surface of the folded, sleeve-forming web does not heat seal to itself. This permits the eventual opening and spreading of the legs of the bottom gusset 220 so that the package 210 can assume a generally self-standing orientation.
  • the sleeve-forming web 242 may be provided with a tubular configuration. Individual sleeves 244 are cut from the sleeve-forming web 242, and are positioned transversely of the longitudinal axis of the flexible web 240 from which the package body is formed. For some applications, it can be desirable to close or seal each individual sleeve 244, such as with suitable adhesive. This can be desirable to maintain the sleeves in a generally closed, flattened configuration, as packages are being formed, including during advancement through the associated form, fill and seal apparatus.
  • FIG 16 diagrammatically illustrates various contemplated arrangements for closing each of the sleeves 244.
  • at least one of the ends each sleeve 244 can be closed by suitable adhesive at the inside surface thereof, such as by a bead of adhesive 245, and a plurality of adhesive dots 245'.
  • a central portion of each of the sleeve can be provided with a temporary seal or adhesive 246.
  • pin-holes seals can be provided to provide the desired closing of each sleeve, with any closing or seal provided at the central portion of each sleeve being temporary in nature so that the resultant gusset can open and splay at intended subsequent to product filling.
  • Other suitable arrangements for closing the sleeves 244 can be employed.
  • the individual sleeves 244 are joined to the flexible web 240 in spaced apart relationship longitudinally of the web 240.
  • the spacing between the individual sleeves 244 corresponds to the length of each of the bottom-gusseted packages 210 being formed.
  • Each of the sleeves 244 is joined, such as by heat-sealing, to the web 240, such as by seals provided at the ends of each sleeve.
  • the sleeves 244 can otherwise be joined to the web 240, with the understanding that the sleeves are to be joined in a manner which does not inhibit the eventual opening and splaying of each sleeve as it becomes the bottom gusset of a resultant package.
  • the flexible web is folded and the lateral margins thereof joined together to form a folded flexible web.
  • a package body is formed for each of the bottom-gusseted packages.
  • the folded flexible web 240 can be joined to itself so as to form longitudinal seam 218, with the front and rear package panels joined to each other at the lateral margins of the folded web.
  • the individual sleeves 244 are positioned within the folded flexible web 240.
  • the present method includes intermittently advancing the flexible web of material 240 after the individual sleeves 244 have been joined thereto, such as during advancement through the associated form, fill and seal machine.
  • the flexible web of material is advanced with a longitudinal tolerance range of dimension TLD, that is, is advanced with a precision that varies, plus or minus, by a generally known amount.
  • This specific tolerance range is typically dependent upon the specific operational parameters of the forming apparatus, such as the associated form, fill, and seal machine, with the tolerance range typically increasing at increasing operating speeds.
  • CLD longitudinal tolerance range of dimension
  • the present method includes forming top and bottom seals end 230, 223 in adjacent ones of the packages being formed by operation of a pair of heat sealing jaws 250, wherein the spacing between the top and bottom end seals of adjacent ones of the packages is equal to or greater than the sum of: (1) two times the tolerance range with which the flexible 240 is advanced (e.g., 2 X TLD), and (2) the range of variation of the longitudinal placement of each sleeve 244 (e.g., CLD.)
  • Figure 15 shows the two pairs of heat sealing jaws 250, 250 are positioned to provide a dimension D between the end seals 223, 230 of adjacent packages, which is equal to or greater this sum.
  • the spacing between the top and bottom end seals of adjacent ones of the packages is equal to or greater than two rimes TLD plus CLD.
  • a typical sleeve portion 244 can be provided with a folded width of approximately 0.08 m (3 inches), with seals formed joining each sleeve portion 244 to the web 240 being of sufficient length and width to accommodate this variation, while still ensuring that a sufficiently large portion of each seal remains, after cutting of the web, to form the bottom end seals 223 and the top seals 230 of the necessary size to ensure package integrity.
  • this dimensioning is meant to be illustrative, but it will be recognized that the present invention can readily be practiced to accommodate this typical cutting position variation of a typical forming apparatus.
  • Efficient package formation is promoted by configuring each of said individual sleeves to have a length which is less than the width of the folded web of flexible material. This provides formation of the bottom gusset with a width less than the width of the package, to permit formation of side seals 222 between the front and rear package panels 214, 216 of each said package at opposite side edges of the bottom gusset 220 of the package. As noted each of these sides seals 222 overlaps a respective end of the bottom gusset 220 of the package 210.
  • the flexible web of material 240 can exhibit some transverse variation in its positioning as it is intermittently advanced, with this transverse tolerance range being designated TTD. Additionally, each of the individual sleeves 244 being positioned transversely of said flexible web of material may exhibit some variation in the positioning transversely of the web of material 240, with this transverse tolerance range being designated CTD.
  • the width of the package gusset which corresponds to the length of each individual sleeve 244, be selected to correspond to the width of the front and rear package panels, designated BPW.
  • this relationship can be stated as the gusset width GW is less than or equal to: (1) the package panel width BPW, (2) less two times the tolerance range TTD, and (3) less the tolerance range CTD.
  • the side seals 222 which are formed in each package joining the front and rear package panels 214, 216 at opposite side edges of the bottom gusset of the package are dimensioned to ensure the preferred overlapping of the side seals with the opposite ends of the respective bottom gusset.
  • the width dimension of each side seal designated GSS, is equal to or greater than: two times the transverse tolerance range TTD, plus the transverse tolerance range CTD. Again, this ensures the preferred overlapping of the side seals with the associated gussets, notwithstanding the normal manufacturing tolerances exhibited by the equipment employed for practicing the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
EP19157063.9A 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 Bottom-gusseted package and method Active EP3502004B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/034,154 US9272481B2 (en) 2012-12-06 2013-09-23 Bottom-gusseted package and method
US14/266,477 US9126383B2 (en) 2012-12-06 2014-04-30 Bottom-gusseted package and method
PCT/US2014/056729 WO2015042505A1 (en) 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 Bottom-gusseted package and method
EP14846371.4A EP3049344A4 (en) 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 Bottom-gusseted package and method

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14846371.4A Division EP3049344A4 (en) 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 Bottom-gusseted package and method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3502004A1 EP3502004A1 (en) 2019-06-26
EP3502004B1 true EP3502004B1 (en) 2022-03-16

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EP19157063.9A Active EP3502004B1 (en) 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 Bottom-gusseted package and method
EP14846371.4A Withdrawn EP3049344A4 (en) 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 Bottom-gusseted package and method

Family Applications After (1)

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EP14846371.4A Withdrawn EP3049344A4 (en) 2013-09-23 2014-09-22 Bottom-gusseted package and method

Country Status (11)

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EP (2) EP3502004B1 (pt)
JP (1) JP6526016B2 (pt)
CN (1) CN105658532A (pt)
AU (1) AU2014321228C1 (pt)
BR (1) BR112016006331A2 (pt)
CA (1) CA2924351C (pt)
DE (1) DE202014009871U1 (pt)
ES (1) ES2910057T3 (pt)
MX (1) MX2016003682A (pt)
WO (1) WO2015042505A1 (pt)
ZA (1) ZA201601921B (pt)

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BR112018010383A2 (pt) 2015-11-23 2018-12-04 Innoflex Inc embalagem de prega de fundo com prega dobrada
EP3315427B1 (en) * 2016-10-28 2019-08-14 The Procter and Gamble Company Reclosable package and a method of making the same
US10654162B2 (en) 2017-06-21 2020-05-19 Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc. Thermal management system
CN108189482B (zh) * 2017-12-29 2023-05-16 山东新华医疗器械股份有限公司 一种血袋制袋机及其旋转上管装置
CN109720006B (zh) * 2019-01-14 2024-03-22 河北中尔新材料有限公司 制袋机
EP3978377A1 (en) 2020-10-05 2022-04-06 Mespack, S.L. Machine for automatically making a pouch type container

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3502004A1 (en) 2019-06-26
DE202014009871U1 (de) 2015-01-28
ES2910057T3 (es) 2022-05-11
BR112016006331A2 (pt) 2017-08-01
EP3049344A1 (en) 2016-08-03
EP3049344A4 (en) 2017-09-06
NZ717988A (en) 2021-06-25
AU2014321228B2 (en) 2018-03-08
CA2924351A1 (en) 2015-03-26
CA2924351C (en) 2021-10-26
AU2014321228A1 (en) 2016-04-07
JP2016533932A (ja) 2016-11-04
AU2014321228C1 (en) 2021-04-01
JP6526016B2 (ja) 2019-06-05
MX2016003682A (es) 2016-05-16
ZA201601921B (en) 2017-06-28
CN105658532A (zh) 2016-06-08
WO2015042505A1 (en) 2015-03-26

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