ES2628913T3 - Water soluble sachets - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-compartment sachet (1) formed from two water-soluble substrates (2, 3) in which the sachet is substantially symmetrical around a weld line (4) between the two substrates, in which one of the soluble substrates in water it is a top or cover network (3) and the other water soluble substrate is a base network (2) and the top or cover network is thinner than the base network, and in which the network of Top cover has a thickness of between 30% and 90% and in which each compartment (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) is filled up to at least 80% of the available volume.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Water soluble sachets

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to water soluble sachets. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing water-soluble sachets from multiple compartments from two or more soluble substrates in continuous motion rotating forming machines. The invention also relates to water-soluble sachets of multiple compartments made of two or more soluble substrates, and in particular, but not exclusively, sachets made using the apparatus and methods of the present invention.

In our previous applications WO2011 / 061628 and WO2013 / 190517, rotary trainers of continuous motion and sachets made thereon have been described. In WO2011 / 061628 an apparatus for manufacturing sachets from two water soluble substrates is described, in which a rotary former is provided with cavities in which a base network is formed to create open pockets in the base network . Once formed, the base net is held tightly by vacuum inside the cavity throughout the process of filling the pockets, sealing the pockets with a top or lid net to form sachets in the combined nets and separating the sachets from the network combined the transverse and network direction knives. In WO2013 / 190517 an apparatus for manufacturing multi-compartment sachets from four water-soluble substrates through two sachets was described, in which each sachet was made from two water-soluble substrates in similar separate rotary formators to the procedure described in WO2011 / 061628 and the net of the sachets on a former, then joined to the net of sachets on the other former, produce combined sachets before separating the combined sachets from the combined nets by means of transverse and steering knives of the network.

As described in the previous applications above, after separation, many water soluble substrates, especially those based substantially on polyvinyl alcohol, are subject to what is known as shrinkage after formation, but holding the base network closely within The cavity along the operations of filling, sealing and cutting, the shrinking of the base network is avoided.

When the machines described in the previous applications are used to manufacture multi-compartment sachets from two water-soluble substrates, a particular difficulty arises when the number of compartments to be filled is greater than two due to the lack of space through the network in which they adjust to the necessary number of filling heads, and the lack of time during which to complete the filling operation for the machine to operate at its optimum manufacturing capacity. The lack of space through the network imposes the use of punctual filling heads such as nozzle injectors for liquids and gels, and predict packers for powders and granules. However, even by means of specific filling heads, it can be difficult to accommodate sufficient filling heads through the net, and particularly to fill the powders and granules fast enough.

JP-61-73642 discloses a bag made of a single film in which the film is folded in half and sealed on three or four sides. The bag has a single compartment and is filled from the top side, opposite the fold line.

US 2003/021839 A1 discloses a method of manufacturing a two-compartment capsule, each compartment containing different material.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus and methods for producing water-soluble sachets from multiple compartments from two or more soluble substrates in continuous motion rotating forming machines that address one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a multi-compartment sachet as defined in revindication 1. Optional features are the subject of claims 2 to 10. It may be that the sachet comprises at least two compartments and in which each compartment two substrates are formed between them. The compartments may contain different products selected for example from liquids, gels, powders and granules. At least one compartment may be empty, that is, not filled.

It may be that the bag comprises three or more compartments.

It may be that the compartments are arranged inside the bag in such a way that they provide resistance to planar distortion.

It may be that the compartments are arranged inside the bag in such a way that any axis of bending arranged arbitrarily through the bag cut through the body of at least one compartment.

It may be that the bag contains a perimeter compartment.

It may be that the bag contains a divided perimeter compartment.

It may be that at least one compartment is filled with a fluid composition, for example a liquid or gel.

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It may be that at least one compartment is filled with a solid composition, for example a powder or granules.

It may be that at least one compartment is filled with more than one composition in which the compositions are mutually compatible and not antagonistic to each other.

It may be that the upper cover network has a thickness between 50% and 75% of that of the base network.

It may be that each compartment is filled to at least 90% of the available volume.

It may be that the compartments are formed sequentially in the base network and each compartment is filled before an additional compartment is formed and filled until all the compartments are filled, after which the compartments are closed by sealing with an upper network or cover.

It may be that the bag is sealed to a second closed multi-compartment bag so that the combined bag comprises four water-soluble substrates.

It may be that the bag is sealed to a second open multi-compartment bag, so that the combined bag comprises three water-soluble substrates.

It may be that at least two compartments are filled with a greater weight of a powder or granular composition than the weight of any compartment filled with a liquid or gel.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a multi-compartment sachet as defined in claim 11. The optional features are the subject of claims 12 to 14.

It may be that each pocket of the multi-compartment bag is filled with at least one product.

It may be that the former is configured so that at least one open pocket of a bag is formed and filled before it is formed and filled at least another open pocket of the bag, and only once all the pocket has been filled open the bag close by sealing with a net cover.

It may be that a second sachet is attached to the water-soluble sachet of multiple compartments to form a combined sachet.

It may be that each sachet comprises two water soluble substrates so that the combined sachet comprises four water soluble substrates. The second bag can be a multi-compartment bag.

It may be that the top or top net of the multi-compartment water soluble sachet is provided by the second sachet so that the combined sachets comprise three water soluble substrates. The second bag can be a multi-compartment bag.

The above is a summary and therefore, by necessity, contains simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail. Any or all of the features, limitations, configurations, components, subcomponents, systems and / or subsystems described above may be used in combination. Therefore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features and advantages of the devices and / or procedures described herein, as defined in the claims, will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows plan and sectional views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

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Figure 8 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 11 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 12 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 13 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 14 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 15 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 16 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 17 shows plan, sectional and perspective views of a multi-compartment pouch made of two substrates in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 18 shows reconfiguration of a sachet formed for a symmetrical configuration;

Figure 19 shows arrangements for filling a multi-compartment bag comprising two compartments;

Figure 20 shows an arrangement for filling a multi-compartment bag comprising three compartments;

Figure 21 shows arrangements of the filling heads for filling bags of multiple compartments;

Figure 22 shows an embodiment of a horizontal rotating forming machine for producing sachets from two substrates;

Figure 23 shows an embodiment of a horizontal rotating forming machine and a cylindrical rotating forming machine to produce sachets from four substrates;

Figure 24 shows an embodiment of a horizontal rotating forming machine and a cylindrical rotating forming machine to produce sachets from three substrates;

Figure 25 shows an embodiment of two horizontal rotating forming machines for producing sachets from four substrates;

Figure 26 shows an embodiment of two horizontal rotating forming machines for producing sachets from three substrates;

Figure 27 shows a bag with three compartments;

Figures 28 and 29 show a method that sequentially forms and fills the sachet of Figure 27

Figure 30 shows an apparatus for sequentially forming the formation of the compartments of the sachet illustrated in Figure 27;

Figure 31 shows another apparatus for sequentially forming the formation of the compartments of the sachet shown in Figure 27;

Figure 32 shows a method for sequentially forming and filling a sachet with two compartments;

Figure 33 shows a method for sequentially forming and filling a sachet with three compressions;

Figure 34 shows a method for sequentially forming and filling a sachet with four compartments;

Figures 1 to 17 show several sachets 1 of multiple compartments and are summarized in the following Table:

 Figure number

 Plan view configuration Number of compartments

 one

 Circular or Elfptical with a complete perimeter compartment 2

 2

 Circular or Elfptica with split perimeter compartment 3

 3

 Triangular with rounded corners and a perimeter compartment 2

 4

 Triangular with rounded corners and split perimeter compartment 3

 5

 Square or rectangular with a complete perimeter compartment 2

 6

 Square or rectangular with divided perimeter compartment and divided central compartment 4

 7

 Horseshoe 2

 8

 Horseshoe with an external compartment divided 3

 9

 Central support compartment 3

 10

 Central compartment H 3

 eleven

 Rectangular with a divided perimeter compartment 3

 12

 Rectangular with a divided perimeter compartment 3

 13

 External L-shaped compartment

 14

 Cot compartments 2

 fifteen

 Cot compartments with a central compartment 3

 16

 Clover compartments 4

 17

 Clover leaf compartments 3

Each sachet 1 is formed from two water-soluble substrates 2, 3 that can be referred to as the base network 2 and a top or cover network 3. Any suitable water soluble substrate can be used. Sachets 1 5 having two compartments 1a, 1b are shown in figures 1,3,5,7,13,14. Sachets 1 having three compartments 1a, 1b, 1c are shown in figures 2,4,8,9,10,11,12,15,17. In Figures 6, 16 are shown sachets that have four compartments 1,1b, 1c, 1d. Each sachet 1 is symmetric about a welding line 4 between the base network 2 and the top cover network 3. Each compartment 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d is formed between the base network 2 and the top or cover network 3. The footprint 5 of the sachets 1 and the number, shape and disposition of the compartments 1a, 10 1b, 1c, 1d are only by way of examples and other configurations that may be used will be apparent to

Those skilled in the art. The term "footprint" is defined as the plan view of the sachet 1 as seen from the top of the upper net 3 or the lid of the sachet 1.

Water soluble substrates are often due to the very nature of the materials, lacking stiffness. As a result, when a water-soluble sachet is formed from two water-soluble substrates, the resulting sachet 15 will have a tendency to lack stiffness or planar strength that will give a loose, unattractive appearance to the sachet when handled by the consumer. Such lack of stiffness or planar resistance is called a planar distortion. While most of the water-soluble substrates capable of forming, for example thermoforming or vacuum forming, are currently manufactured substantially from polyvinyl alcohol resins, other water-soluble substrates capable of being formed to be placed can be used. In practice the present invention.

20 Planar distortion of multi-compartment sachets can be significantly overcome or reduced in this invention by one or more of the following factors:

i) the relative position and / or shape of compartments 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d within footprint 5.

ii) fill each compartment 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d to a level of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the available volume,

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iii) select the relative thicknesses of the top cover net 3 and the base net 2 in order to use the retraction or shrinkage of the base net 2 after the bands have been sealed together and the bag ejected from the machine

0 training device,

These factors and their impact on the planar distortion of the resulting sachet 1 are now discussed. It may be that these factors can be used separately, or in combination of any of two, or preferably in a combination of all three. The invention extends to and includes 1 ace sachets! formed. Aspects of the invention referred to herein may include any of these factors and it is not intended that the invention be limited to those aspects specifically mentioned.

Position and / or shape of compartments

Planar distortion can be reduced by using a perimeter compartment as one of the compartments. The term "perimeter" in this context describes a compartment that is located around the perimeter of the sachet. In its simplest form, the perimeter compartment can be square or rectangular with rounded corners, which allows maximum use of the footprint area, and therefore provides maximum possible compartment fill volumes. When the upper lid net is seen from above, such a square or rectangular perimeter compartment can follow the cut edges of the sachet with its outer boundary removed from the cut edges of the sachet, for example at least 1.5 mm from the cut edges of the sachet. sachet. A square or rectangular perimeter compartment may be rejected for marketing reasons or other reasons in favor of other forms, such as triangular with rounded or pentagonal corners with rounded or circular or elliptical corners, although these forms are by no means limiting. It will be apparent that leaving a square or rectangular perimeter compartment can reduce the combined filling volume of the compartments within the sachet and leave a larger flange around the perimetric or semiperimetric compartment.

The perimeter compartment can be divided into two or more separate compartments in order to increase the number of compartments within a bag of a particular footprint. However, by subdividing the perimeter compartment, there may be a loss of planar stability. The invention overcomes this loss of planar stability by compartmental design. As an example, if the perimeter compartment is divided into two semiperimetric compartments, the sachet can, unless corrective design features are introduced to avoid it, flex around a line that joins the sealing areas between the semiperimetric compartments. A multi-compartment bag that is capable of flexing will be less attractive to the consumer than one that has planar stability.

One or more of the compartments within the multi-compartment bag can be left unfilled to provide additional resistance to the planar distortion of the bag.

Compartment Fill Levels

The planar distortion can be reduced by filling each pocket compartment up to at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of its available volume. It has been found that this filling percentage of the available volume of each compartment contributes to the planar stability of the sachet.

Network thickness

The thickness of the top cover sheet 3 can be selected between 30% and 90%, preferably between 50% and 75%, of that of the base network 2. By this means, when, after the bags 1 have been sealed and ejected from the machine, the base net 2 retracts or shrinks to reduce the internal volume of each compartment. The pressure generated in this way within each compartment of the sachet 1 causes the thinner top cover net 3 to be distended, typically to a degree greater than the shrinkage of the base net 2, which increases so! the internal volume of each sachet compartment 1. This may result in the formation of a substantially symmetrical sachet 1 around the weld line 5. This reconfiguration of the sachets 1 ejected from the cavities 6 of a rotating formator 7 configured with a cylindrical surface is shown in Figure 18. The former 7 can be circular as shown in Fig. 18, although this is not essential and other formator configurations can be employed, for example a rotating former formed with a flat horizontal surface. Examples of cylindrical and horizontal formers that can be used are shown and described in WO2011 / 061628 to which the reader is directed to obtain more details.

Although the reduction in planar distortion provided by any single factor may not be sufficient to ensure the planar stiffness of the sachet, when all three factors are combined, there is an unexpected increase in planar stiffness which in turn provides a marketing advantage. to the bag of multiple compartments of the present invention.

Referring now to Figures 19 and 20, examples of bags of multiple filling compartments 1 according to the present invention are illustrated, although these examples are by no means limiting. The number of bags

1 formed, filled and sealed through the band of a machine is known as the number of tracks or lanes.

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In Figure 19, the filling of the sachets 1 with two compartments 1a, 1b similar to the sachet illustrated in Figure 14 is illustrated. The rotary former 7 of the bag making machine can be configured as shown and described in the WO2011 / 061628 with a cylindrical surface 7a or, alternatively, with a flat horizontal surface. The compartments 1a, 1b can be filled by heads 8a, 8b. The heads 8a, 8b can be point fillings. The heads 8a, 8b may be configured to add a liquid, gel, powder or granules, for example nozzle injectors for liquids or gels or fillers for powder or granules. The heads 8a, 8b may be connected to a feed for the same or different materials. The heads 8a, 8b can be arranged with a spatial displacement in the direction of movement of the surface 7a and shoot simultaneously (option A) or without spatial displacement and shoot with slightly different set points (option B). A similar arrangement can be provided for each track or lane through the machine's network. The heads in different tracks or lanes can be connected to the same or different sources of material. This method is equally applicable when the multi-compartment bag comprises more than two compartments. Generally, a fill head is provided for each compartment.

In Figure 20, the filling of the sachets 1 with three compartments 1a, 1b, 1c similar to the sachet illustrated in Figure 15 is illustrated. The rotary former 7 of the bag making machine can be configured as shown and described. in WO2011 / 061628 with a cylindrical surface 7a or, alternatively, with a flat horizontal surface. The compartments 1a, 1b, 1c can be filled by heads 8a, 8b, 8c. The heads 8a, 8b, 8c can be point fillings. The heads 8a, 8b, 8c may be configured to add a liquid or gel or a powder or granules, for example nozzle injectors for liquids and gels or fillers for powder and granules. In this embodiment, heads 8a, 8b are configured to add a liquid or gel and head 8c is configured to add a powder or granules. The heads 8a, 8b can be connected to a feed for the same or different liquids or gels. A similar arrangement can be provided for each track or lane through the machine's network. The heads in different tracks or lanes can be connected to the same or different sources of material. Other arrangements of heads 8a, 8b, 8c are provided to supply any combination of liquids, gels, powders and granules. This method is equally applicable when the multi-compartment bag comprises two or more compartments. Generally, a fill head is provided for each compartment.

With reference now to Figure 21, the arrangement methods of the heads are illustrated. The heads may be arranged to create space for a plurality of heads within the available confined space. In one arrangement, the heads may be inclined to each other. For example, a head 8a for a liquid or gel and a head 8b for a powder or granules may be inclined to each other. In another arrangement, a head 8b for a powder or granules may be provided with a conduit 9. The liquid or gel filling head 8a and the conduit 9 may be inclined to each other. The heads 8a, 8b may be arranged to follow the cavity 6 of the former 7 as it progresses, so that the time available to complete the filling operation is increased in this way and the product being filled extends more evenly to along the compartment in the base network.

By using the previous filling arrangements and / or by programming the software that integrates the filling operation with the machine's operating speed, it may be possible to fill the compartments of a sachet 1 of multiple compartments over a period of time Up to a second. In this way, the machine may be able to provide a production of approximately 60 sachets per minute for each track or lane of the machine. In the case of granular or powder solid products, the filling equipment is typically a multi-head auger filling and in the case of liquid products, the filling equipment is typically nozzle injectors operated by cylinders with a cut such that no drops reach the base network around the cavities. Said contamination of the base network can subsequently inhibit a good sealing of the base network with the top or cover network. Until now, the filling operation has not allowed such filling speeds through so many tracks, which prevents the compartments of a multi-compartment sachet from being filled within such a short time interval.

The embodiments of the bag forming machines are shown in Figures 22 to 26, in which similar reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts, so that the operation of the same or similar parts will be understood from a description of any embodiment without being repeated for other embodiments.

An embodiment of a bag-forming machine 20 is shown in Figure 22 comprising a horizontal rotary former 21. The term horizontal rotary former describes a machine in which part of the former 21 comprises a horizontal surface or section 21a. The former 21 can comprise an endless belt (only a part of the former is shown in Figure 22). The machine is configured to form pockets of multiple compartments from two water soluble substrates sequentially forming and filling each compartment of the sachet. In this embodiment, the former is provided with pocket-forming cavities 23 configured to form sachets with three compartments, but it will be understood that this is not limiting and the cavities 23 can be configured to form sachets that have two or more compartments.

A base net 24 is unwound from a unwind station 25 and a first open pocket or container 26 is formed in the base net at 27 and filled in 28. A second open cavity or container 29 is formed in the base band at 30 and filled in 31. A third pocket or open container 32 is formed in the base network at 33 and filled

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at 34. A cover net 35 is unwound from a unwind station 36 and fixed to the base network at 37, thus sealing and closing all open pockets or containers 26, 29, 32 in the base network to form sachets 38 of multiple compartments within the cavities 23. The combined base net and the cover net are then moved to a cutting station 39 where the sachets 38 are separated from the combined net. In this embodiment, the upper or cover network 35 is fixed to the base network 24 by solvent welding by wetting the cover network 35 to 40. Other methods of fixing the upper or cover network, such as heat sealing, can be employed.

It is important to note that many possible designs of multi-compartment sachets that have at least two compartments can be produced using machine 20 by the appropriate design of the bag-forming cavities. For example, machine 20 can produce any of the sachets shown in Figures 1 to 17, although this does not limit the scope of the invention. Each compartment can be formed sequentially and filled with different compositions. Alternatively, when more than one compartment contains the same composition, these compartments can be formed and filled simultaneously with at least one other compartment that is formed and filled sequentially.

Other embodiments of a bag forming machine 20 'are shown in Figures 23 and 24 which comprise a combination of two rotary formers in which a rotary former is a horizontal rotary former 21 similar to Figure 22 and the other rotary former it is a cylindrical rotary former 41. The term rotary cylindrical former describes a machine in which the former 41 comprises a circular or sectional surface 41a. The cylindrical former 41 is located above the horizontal section 21a of the horizontal horizontal former. The former 41 is provided with pocket formation cavities 42 and may comprise a drum.

In Figure 23, water pockets 38 of multiple compartments comprising a net 24 of water-soluble base and a top net or of water-soluble cap 35 are formed in the horizontal rotary former 21 as described above and sachets 38 ' Water soluble comprising the base 24 'network and a top 35' or water soluble cap network are formed in the cylindrical mold 41. Sachets 38, 38 'are joined in a register and combined by joining the upper or top 35.35' networks together in 44. The resulting combined sachet is formed from four water soluble networks or substrates. In this embodiment, the bag 38 'comprises a single compartment filled at 43. In other embodiments, the bag 38' may comprise more than one compartment. Sachets 38, 38 'may comprise any of the sachets illustrated in Figures 1 to 17, although this is not limiting in the scope of the invention. In other embodiments, the bag 38 may be a single compartment and the bag 38 'may be multiple compartments.

In Figure 24, the top or lid net 35 is omitted and the open sachets or containers formed by the base net 24 on the former 21 are closed by the upper net 35 'or the top of the sachets 38' on the former 41. The resulting sachet was formed from three water soluble networks or substrates

Other embodiments of a bag forming machine are shown in Figures 25 and 26 which comprise a combination of two rotary formers in which both rotary formers are horizontal 21,21 "rotary formators similar to Figure 22 with a section 21b" horizontal bottom positioned above section 21a horizontal top of mold 21.

In Figure 25, sachets 38 of multiple compartments comprising a net 24 of water-soluble base and a top net or of water-soluble lid 35 are formed in the horizontal rotary former 21 as described above and sachets 38 'soluble in Water comprising a water soluble 24 "network and a top 35" or water soluble cap network are formed in the horizontal 21 "former. Sachets 38, 38 '' are joined in one register and combined by joining the top or top 35.35 '' networks together in 44. The resulting combined sachet is formed from four water soluble networks or substrates. An additional cutting station 39 "can be provided in at least the transverse direction so that the closed sachets 38" produced in the upper horizontal mold 21 ", despite the void that holds them inside the cavities 23" of the mold 21 " , do not be evicted as the former 21 "passed over the roller at 45.

In this embodiment, the 38 "pouch is a multi-compartment pouch formed similarly to the 38 pouch. In other embodiments, the 38" pouch may comprise a single compartment or any other design with two or more compartments. Sachets 38, 38 '' may comprise any of the sachets illustrated in Figures 1 to 17, although this is not limiting in the scope of the invention.

In Fig. 26, the top or lid net 35 is omitted and the open sachets or containers formed by the base net 24 on the former 21 are closed by the upper 35 "net or from the top of the sachets 38" on the former 21 ". The resulting sachet was formed from three water soluble networks or substrates

As a non-limiting example, a water-soluble sachet 60 of multiple compartments with three compartments 60a, 60b, 60c is shown in Figure 27. The method of sequentially filling and filling the sachet 60 is illustrated in Figures 28 and 29.

Referring to Figures 28 and 29, a former 61 has a cavity 62 with three recessed areas 62a, 62b, 62c corresponding to compartments 60a, 60b, 60c of sachet 60. A base network 63 is formed in area 62a to form an open pocket or container for compartment 60a. The 60th compartment is filled

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60

then, for example, with a powder or granules by a belt feeder 64. The feeder 64 may have a scraper blade 66 to prevent overfilling of the compartment 60a. Next, the base network 63 is formed in the area 62b to form an open pocket or container for the compartment 60b. The compartment 60b is then filled, for example, with a powder or granules by a belt feeder 64. Finally, the base network 63 is formed in the area 62c to form an open pocket or container for the compartment 60c. The compartment 60c is then filled, for example, with a liquid or gel by means of a nozzle feeder 65. The compartments 60a, 60b, 60c formed sequentially and filled in can then be closed and sealed by a top or cover net (not shown) by any of the methods and machines described above.

Through sequential formation and filling, it may be possible to form and fill open pockets or containers in a base network to form compartments that, in plan view, "overlap" each other in the direction of network travel. In this way, pockets of multiple compartments containing overlapping compartments can be manufactured using the sequential filling and filling method described here which could not be done by conventional methods that employ the simultaneous formation of the compartments followed by filling due to filling restrictions. The above method can be used for any design of the multi-compartment bag.

The sequential formation of the base network 63 can be carried out by different methods. One method involves applying a vacuum to each recessed area 62a, 62b, 62c of the cavity 62 in turn. Preferably, the vacuum is maintained in each area in which the base network 63 is formed and filled until the sachet 60 is ejected from the former 61. The sequential formation and filling offer the advantage of greater space, filling times Longer and therefore easy to fill for powders or granules that do not flow freely from the filling heads.

• The sequential supply of vacuum to the cavities 62 can be provided in various ways. Generally, mechanical vacuum control methods are preferred as potentially more reliable than, for example, an electrical method that would require rotating electrical connections. Two methods for arranging the supply of vacuum for sequential formation of the base network 63 to form open pockets or containers corresponding to the compartments 60a, 60b, 60c of the sachet 60 are described below with reference to Figures 30 and 31, although other methods will be provided by those skilled in the art.

In Fig. 30, a vacuum shoe arrangement is used for the sequential formation of the base network 63 comprising three vacuum slots 66a, 66b, 66c in which each slot 66a, 66b, 66c controls the start and stop of the vacuum. for each of the three recessed areas 62a, 62b, 62c respectively. The slots 66a, 66b, 66c are of different lengths and are configured so that the stop point is the same for all recessed areas 62a, 62b, 62c in order to free the pocket from the cavity 62. The first slot 66a It has the first starting point, then the second slot 66b and finally the third slot 66c. In this way, the vacuum is first applied to the area 62a through the vacuum slot 66a, so that the base net 63 can be dragged into the area 62a only to form an open pocket or container corresponding to the compartment 60a that can be refilled. While maintaining the vacuum in the area 62a, the vacuum is then applied to the area 62b through the vacuum groove 66b, so that the base net 63 can be dragged into the second area 62b to form a pocket or container open corresponding to compartment 60b which can then be filled. While the vacuum is maintained to areas 62a, 62b, the vacuum is applied to area 62c through slot 66c so that the base net 63 can be dragged into area 62c to form an open pocket or container corresponding to the compartment 60c which can then be refilled ... When all the pockets or containers have been formed and refilled, a lid net (not shown) can be attached to the base net 63 around the open pockets or containers to close and seal the compartments to form the bag 60 of multiple compartments. The sachet 60 can then be separated from the combined network, the supply of vacuum for the three built-in areas released and the sachet ejected from the cavity 62 in the rotary former, either by gravity boiler or by expulsion with compressed air or a combination of both in a suitable conveyor system.

In Fig. 31 a vacuum valve arrangement is used for the sequential formation of the base network 63 comprising three vacuum valves 67a, 67b, 67c in which each valve 67a, 67, 67c controls the start and stop of the vacuum for each of the three recessed areas 62a, 62b, 62c, respectively. Each valve 67a, 67b, 67c is mechanically controlled by an actuator 68a, 68b, 69c that can be cooperated with a straight cam 69a, 69b, 69c arranged below the valve. The cams 69a, 69b, 69c are of different lengths and are configured so that the stop point is the same for all recessed areas 62a, 62b, 62c in order to free the pocket from the cavity 62. The first cam 69a It is the longest, then the second cam 69b and the third cam 69c is the shortest. In this way, the vacuum valve 67a is first actuated to apply vacuum to the area 62a so that the base net 63 can be dragged to the area 62a only to form an open pocket or container corresponding to the compartment 60a that can be filled. While maintaining the vacuum for the area 62a, the vacuum valve 67b is then actuated to apply vacuum to the area 62b so that the base network 63 can be dragged into the second area 62b to form an open pocket or container corresponding to the compartment 60b that can then be filled. While maintaining the vacuum for areas 62a, 62b, the vacuum valve 67c is actuated to apply vacuum to the area 62c so that the base network 63 can be dragged into the area 62c to form an open pocket or container corresponding to the compartment 60c that can be filled ... When all pockets or containers have been formed and filled, a lid net (not shown) can be attached to the base network 63 around

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of open pockets or containers to close and seal the compartments to form the 60-compartment bag of multiple compartments. The sachet 60 can then be separated from the combined net, the supply of vacuum to the three recessed areas released and the sachet ejected from the cavity 62 in the rotary former, either by gravity boiler or by expulsion with compressed air or a combination of both in a suitable conveyor system.

In the arrangement of Figure 31, a simple vacuum shoe or some type of multiple vacuum tube is required for the initial vacuum connection to the valve block 70. However, the cams 69a, 69b, 69c can be configured to be adjustable to alter the start and / or stop vacuum points to change the synchronization of the valve. For example, cams 69a, 69b, 69c can be made of two pieces (pigeon tail, for example) that allow length adjustment. This setting can be done remotely. This may allow an easier adjustment of the valve timing in comparison to the arrangement of Figure 30 where the vacuum shoe has to be removed and replaced by a vacuum shoe with different length slots or the slots cut to change the Length and reset shoe.

Another advantage of the arrangement of Figure 31 is that there is only one vacuum line that goes to the valve block for the valves 67a, 67b, 67c for each of the recessed areas 62a, 62b, 62c. In the arrangement of Figure 30, individual lines are required from the vacuum shoe for each recessed zone 62a, 62b, 62c.

In some embodiments, the cavities 62 in the former can be heated by internal and / or external heaters to help form the base network 63 in the cavities. In some embodiments, the base network 63 may pass on a heated roller before being pulled into the first recessed area 62a. In some embodiments, the base network 63 may be heated before being dragged into the second and / or third recessed area to maintain network flexibility and help form in the recessed areas. Said heating can be carried out from above, for example, by means of externally mounted hot air jets or externally mounted infrared heaters.

Figure 32 illustrates an example, which in no way limits a two-compartment sachet 70 that can be produced in a machine similar to Figure 22, in which a first open pocket or container 71 is formed in a base network and in this example it is filled using a belt feeder 72 or an area filler of similar type and only once the first container 71 has been filled, is there a second open pocket or container 73 formed sequentially in the base network and in this example, filled in using a spot feeder 74. The feeders 72, 74 may be replaced by any other feeder to accommodate the product added to the containers 71, 73.

Figure 33 illustrates an example, which does not limit in any way, a three-compartment sachet 80 that can be produced in a machine similar to Figure 22 in which a first open pocket or container 81 is formed in a base network and in this example it is filled using a belt feeder 82 or an area filler of similar type and only once the first container 81 has been filled in there is a second open pocket or container 83 formed sequentially in the base network and in this example filled using a belt feeder 84 or an area filling of a similar type and only once the second container 83 has been filled, is a third container 85 formed sequentially in the base network and in this example, filled using a feeder 86 punctual. The feeders 82, 84, 86 may be replaced by any other feeder to accommodate the product added for the containers 81, 83, 85. In one modification, the containers 81 and 83 can be formed and filled simultaneously and the container 85 can be formed and filled sequentially

Figure 34 illustrates an example, which in no way limits a four-compartment sachet 90 that can be produced in a machine similar to Figure 22 in which a first container 91 is formed in a base network and in this example filled using a belt feeder 92 or an area filling of a similar type, and only once the first container 91 has been filled, a second container 93 formed in the base network is filled and in this example filled using a feeder 94 of a belt or an area filling of a similar type, and only once the second container 93 has been filled, a third container 95 and a fourth container 96 formed simultaneously in the base network are filled and in this example, simultaneously using feeders 97 and 98 punctual respectively. Feeders 92, 94, 97, 98 can be replaced by other feeders to accommodate the product added to containers 91, 93, 95, 96. In other arrangements, containers 91, 93, 95 and 96 can each be formed and filled sequentially In other arrangements, containers 91 and 93 can be formed and filled simultaneously, and containers 95 and 96 can be formed and filled sequentially. Other combinations of simultaneous and sequential formation and filling of the containers will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figure 35 illustrates examples, which do not limit in any way, the bag designs that can be produced by means of the present invention.

Figure 35 (i) illustrates a two-compartment sachet 100 where typically, although the nature of each composition as described below does not limit in any way, the open pocket or container 101 is first formed in a base net and filled with a powder or granular composition by means of a belt feeder or area feeder of similar type, and the container 102 is secondly formed and filled with a

Composition of liquid or gel filled by means of a point feeder. The bag 100 is then closed by means of a cover net.

Figures 35 (ii), 35 (v) and 35 (ix) illustrate different bags 110 of three compartments in which, typically, although the nature of each composition as described below does not limit in any way, a pocket or container. 111 open is first formed in a base network and filled with a powder or granular composition by means of a belt feeder or feeder of similar type area, the open pocket or container 112 is secondly formed and filled with a powder or granular composition by means of a belt feeder or area feeder of a similar type, and the container 113 is formed in third place and filled with a liquid or gel composition filled by means of a point feeder. The sachet 110 is then closed by means of a lid net.

Figures 35 (iii), 35 (iv), 36 (vi) and 35 (vii) illustrate different pockets 120 of four compartments where typically, although the nature of each composition as described below does not limit in any way, a pocket or open container 121 is first formed in a base network and filled with a powder or granular composition by means of a belt feeder or area feeder of similar type, container 122 is formed secondly and filled with a powder or granular composition by means of a belt feeder or area feeder of similar type, the containers 123 and 124 are formed and filled either sequentially or contemporaneously with the same or different liquid or gel composition, fill by means of specific feeders. The bag 120 is then closed by means of a lid net.

Figure 35 (viii) illustrates a six-compartment sachet 130 in which, typically, although the nature of each composition as described below does not limit in any way, the container 131 is first formed in a base net and filled with a powder or granular composition by means of a belt feeder or an area feeder of similar type, the container 132 is secondly formed and filled with a powder or granular composition by means of a belt feeder or a area feeder of similar type, and the containers 133, 134, 135 and 136 are formed and filled sequentially or simultaneously, and filled with the same or different liquid or gel composition by means of point feeders. The bag is then closed by means of a lid net.

For the two compartment bag illustrated in Figure 35 (i), the filling method may be as follows:

1. Vacuum is applied to form container 101 in the base network

2. Container 101 is filled by a belt feeder or an area filler of similar type

30 5. While holding the vacuum to form container 101, vacuum is applied to form container 102

6. The container 102 is filled with a point-type filling, that is, a drill or liquid nozzle.

For the remaining sachets illustrated in Figure 35, the filling method may be the same in which:

1. Vacuum is applied to form container 111, 121, 131 only in the base network

2. Container 111, 121, 131 is filled with a belt feeder or an area filler of similar type

35 3. While holding the vacuum to form the container 111, 121, 131, vacuum is applied to form the container

112, 122, 132 in the base network

4. Container 112, 122, 132 is filled by means similar to container 111, 121, 131

5. While maintaining the vacuum to form containers 111,112,121,122,131,12, vacuum is applied to form containers 113,123,133 and above (134, 135, 136) in the base network

40 6. Containers 113, 123, 133 and above (134, 135, 136) are filled with a point-type filling, that is,

drill or liquid nozzle.

The construction and disposition of the elements as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art reviewing this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements). , parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the teachings and novel advantages of the exhibit. The elements and assemblies may be constructed of any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Additionally, in the description of the subject, the word "by way of example" is used to indicate that it serves as an example, instance or illustration. Any realization or design described herein as "by way of example" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous with respect to other embodiments or designs. On the contrary, the use of the word "as an example" aims to present concepts in a concrete way. Therefore, it is intended that all these modifications

are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of preferred embodiments and other embodiments by way of example without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

For the purposes of this disclosure, references to the orientation of the elements in this description are used simply to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGURES. These terms are not intended to limit the element they describe, since the various elements can be oriented differently in various applications. In addition, the order or sequence of any procedure or steps of the procedure may be varied or re-sequenced in accordance with alternative embodiments. Any media-more-function clause intends to cover the structures described here by performing the aforementioned function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operational configuration and arrangement of preferred embodiments and other embodiments by way of example without departing from the scope of the appended claims. For example, the methods and apparatus described here can be adapted to produce multi-compartment sachets in which all compartments in the sachet are filled with a composition or in which at least one compartment is filled and at least one compartment is empty. (that is, not filled out). All combinations of filled compartments and vacuums can be produced by the method and apparatus described herein. The pockets of multiple compartments can have the compartments formed simultaneously or sequentially, or a combination of compartments formed simultaneously and sequentially by the method and apparatus described herein can be produced.

Claims (14)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five 1. A small compartment (1) of multiple compartments formed from two water-soluble substrates (2, 3) in which the sachet is substantially symmetrical around a welding line (4) between the two substrates, in which one of the water soluble substrates is a top or cap network (3) and the other water soluble substrate is a base network (2) and the top or cap network is thinner than the base network, and in which The upper cover net has a thickness of between 30% and 90% and in which each compartment (1a; 1b; 1c; 1d) is filled to at least 80% of the available volume. 2. The sachet of claim 1, wherein the sachet comprises at least two compartments and in which each compartment is formed between the same two substrates. 3. The sachet of claim 2, wherein the compartments contain different products. 4. The sachet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sachet comprises three or more compartments. 5. The sachet according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the compartments are arranged inside the sachet in such a way that they provide resistance to planar deformation and / or such that any flexural axis arranged arbitrarily through the short bag through the body of at least one compartment. 6. The sachet according to any one of the preceding claims containing a perimeter compartment and / or a divided perimeter compartment. 7. The sachet according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one compartment is filled with a fluid composition or a solid composition or more than one composition in which the compositions are mutually compatible and not antagonistic to each other. 8. The sachet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper lid net has a thickness between 50% and 75% of that of the base net. 9. The sachet of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each compartment is filled to at least 90% of the available volume. 10. The pouch of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pouch is sealed to a second closed pouch of multiple compartments or to a second open pouch of multiple compartments to form a combined pouch. 11. A method for manufacturing a multi-compartment sachet from two water soluble substrates consisting of a base net (3) and a top cover net (2), the method that includes providing a former (21, 41 , 61) having a plurality of pocket-forming cavities (23; 42; 62) of multiple compartments on a peripheral surface of the former, which drags the base network into the cavities to form a plurality of pockets within each bag , which fills one or more bags with at least one product, which closes the pockets in the base net with the top cover net to form a plurality of bags (20; 38; 60) sealed from multiple compartments, and which separates the pockets of multiple sealed compartments of the combined base network and top cover net, in which the top cover net is thinner than the base net so that when the base net retracts or shrinks after that the bag is leaving the former, the pressure generated inside the bag causes the upper cover net to be extended to a greater extent than the contraction of the base network, which increases so! The internal volume of the sachet is sufficient to form a substantially symmetrical multiple compartment bag around the weld line between the two substrates. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein each pocket of the multi-compartment sachet is filled with at least one product. 13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the former is configured so that at least one open pocket of a small bag is formed and filled before at least one other open pocket of the bag is formed and filled. bag, and only once all the open pockets have been filled, the bag is closed by sealing with a net of cover. 14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a second sachet is fixed to the water-soluble sachet of multiple compartments to form a combined sachet.