JP6178848B2 - Improvement of rotatable continuous molding operation of soluble pouch - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in the rotatable operation of a continuous operation of a soluble pouch. More specifically, the present invention relates to a machine and method for making a multi-compartment pouch from four soluble substrates.

  WO 2002/085736 describes a method for producing a water-soluble container comprising at least two compartments by sealing together two single compartment pouches. The compartments can be formed by any method of manufacturing a lidless container, such as vacuum forming, thermoforming, blow molding or injection molding, formed simultaneously and adjacent to each other. The compartments are then filled with the composition and the compartments are closed with a lid so that they are joined by the folded portions. The folded portions are then folded so that the respective compartment lids adhere to each other. Any method of sealing the two compartments together can be used, for example pressure such as snap fit, an adhesive such as an aqueous solution of PVOH, or heat sealing. Other methods of sealing include infrared, radio, ultrasonic, laser methods, solvents, vibrations, and spin bonding. The adhesive can be applied to the lid by spraying, transfer coating, roller coating, coating by other methods, or the lid can pass through the fog of adhesive. The folded portion can then be removed to provide a more attractive appearance.

  The above process has challenges. The presence of a fold portion means that at least two compartments must be adjacent to each other to allow the next fold. This process is cumbersome to fold and tidy, so it is difficult to scale up to achieve economic scale, especially when at least two compartments contain different products, and the folding mechanism is more than 2 It is difficult to allow for the number of compartments.

  In one embodiment, the present invention is a continuous working machine for producing a water-soluble pouch from four water-soluble polymer web substrates, wherein two pouches are formed and separated into adjacent donating formers ( including filling and sealing with a donating former) and a receiving former, each pouch being formed from two water-soluble polymer webs, and two such pouches on the former Held in vacuum, they are aligned and brought together to form a combined pouch, the vacuum at the donating former is removed and the pouch is released to the receiving former, and the vacuum at the receiving former Providing a continuously operating machine that includes a bonded pouch that is still held separated from a bonded web To do. The water-soluble substrate can comprise any suitable polymeric material such as those substantially based on polyvinyl alcohol. The polymeric material can be extruded or cast in a solvent to form a web. The web can be single or it can be a multilayer water-soluble film. The polymeric material can be digestible to humans and / or animals.

  The pouch can be formed by two webs, a substrate web and a lidding web. The former can have a recess in the substrate web that creates an open compartment or pouch by any suitable forming operation, such as vacuum forming or thermoforming. Next, before it is closed by a lidding web and then sealed or glued together to form a sealed and filled closed pouch bonded web In addition, an open compartment or pouch can be filled with one or more products. Desirably, the substrate web is made of a polymeric material having sufficient elasticity and sufficient thickness to allow it to be vacuum formed or thermoformed into the respective former recess without being pierced. Including.

  The closed pouch ridging web on one former is only partially sealed to the closed pouch ridging web on the other former to form a combined pouch, Or combined. As a result, the aqueous medium in which the combined pouch is placed can penetrate more quickly between the lidding webs of the closed pouch and accelerate the dissolution.

  A peripheral seal can be formed between the two pouch ridging webs. The peripheral seal can be a partial seal or a complete seal.

  The contents of each compartment can be released into the aqueous medium at various times. Alternatively, the contents of each compartment can be released into the aqueous medium substantially simultaneously.

  Before the lidding webs are sealed together, the solid material can be placed between the lidding webs of the closed pouch, thereby creating additional compartments. An apparatus for drilling one or more holes in a substrate web can be provided.

  Prior to forming the open compartment or pouch, one or more substrate webs can be pierced. While forming the open compartment or pouch, one or more substrate webs can be drilled. After forming the open compartment or pouch, one or more substrate webs can be drilled.

  The vacuum can be applied at different levels, at or around different locations on one or both formers. For example, when the pouches are combined and held on one former, the level of vacuum that holds the combined pouches can be increased.

  In another aspect, the present invention is a method of making a water-soluble pouch comprising two or more compartments, comprising forming, filling and sealing two pouches on separate adjacent formers, The pouch is formed from two water-soluble polymer webs and provides a method of joining two such pouches together to form a combined pouch comprising two or more compartments.

  The water-soluble substrate can comprise any suitable polymeric material such as those substantially based on polyvinyl alcohol. The polymeric material may be in the form of a web. The web can be a single layer or a multilayer water-soluble film. The polymeric material can be ingestible by humans and / or animals.

  To perform the method of the present invention, the machine of the above aspect can be used. One or more compartments include a combination of at least two components including a granule or powder product, a viscous liquid or gel, and a three-dimensional solid, all of which are retained in their identity, None of them will conflict with each other.

  The substrate web of the pouch comprises a polymeric material and has sufficient thickness and elasticity to allow it to be molded into the respective former indentation by vacuum or thermoforming without perforation.

  The pouch ridding web can be partially sealed or joined together. In this way, the aqueous medium in which the pouch is placed enters more rapidly between the pouch's ridging webs, and as a result, dissolution can be improved.

  A peripheral seal is formed between the two pouch ridging webs. The peripheral seal can be a partial seal or a complete seal.

One of the pouches can be transferred from the first rotatable former to the second rotatable former and the ridging webs of both pouches are sealed or joined together to form a joined pouch. The bonded pouch can be separated from the web. The method of the present invention includes forming a first web of pouch on a rotatable donating former, and forming a second web of pouch on a rotatable receiving former;
Moving the first and second webs of the pouch together with the pouch in the first web and the pouch in the second web aligned,
Join the pouch in the first web and the pouch in the second web, remove the vacuum that holds the pouch on the donating former, and release the bonded web of pouches that are bonded from the donating former. .
The bonded web of the bonded pouch is still held by the vacuum on the receiving former, but separates the bonded pouch from the bonded web, and then the bonded pouch separated on the receiving former. Release the vacuum holding the pouch.

Each web of the pouch can include a substrate web and a lidding web. The substrate web can be formed to provide an open compartment or pouch for receiving one or more components prior to closing the compartment or pouch that is open on the lid web to form a closed pouch. A closed pouch lid web on one former can be joined to a closed pouch lid web on another former. The lidding web can be joined by the peripheral seal. The peripheral seal can be a partial seal or a complete seal.

  Different levels of vacuum can be applied at different locations around one or both different formers. For example, when the pouches are held together on a single former, the level of vacuum that holds the combined pouches can be increased.

  In another aspect, a water-soluble pouch is provided that includes two or more compartments made by a machine or method according to the previous aspect of the invention.

  The pouch can be partially sealed or joined to improve solubility.

  The solid component can be inserted between the two pouches before the two pouches are sealed or bonded together.

  In the present invention, the aforementioned difficulties of WO2002 / 085736 are such that each compartment is independently formed, filled, sealed on a separate former, and then sealed to form a multi-compartment pouch. It can be solved by providing pouches to each other. Thus, in a filled and sealed pouch that provides compartments, one compartment is placed exactly on top of the other, and then sealed together to form a multi-compartment pouch. The rotatable former can be of the type disclosed in our previous patent application WO2011 / 061628. In the simplest embodiment of the invention, the appearance of the finished product is not different from that produced by WO 2002/085736, but the process in which it is made is different.

  The machine and method of the foregoing aspect of the invention produces a pouch comprising two or more compartments from four water soluble substrates. Two such substrates are required to produce compartments that are each formed independently. A further compartment can then be created between the two independently formed compartments prior to sealing the two independently formed compartments together. Holes can be drilled in one or more of the four substrates. Each substrate can be melted at the same temperature or pH. Alternatively, for example, each substrate can be melted at different temperatures or at different pH to allow continuous release of the contents of the respective compartment. The water soluble substrate can comprise any suitable polymeric material such as those substantially based on polyvinyl alcohol. The polymeric material may be in the form of a web. The web may be a single layer or a multilayer of water-soluble films. The polymeric material can be digestible to humans and / or animals.

According to the following, the thickness of each water-soluble substrate can vary.
1. 1. Depth of molding of each substrate web and volume of each compartment 2. The type of packing, eg solid component, powder, granule, liquid, high viscosity liquid, gel, hot molten liquid, or other type 3. Desired dissolution time for each pouch The amount and / or pattern of solvent applied to each ridding web prior to sealing each compartment.

  Application of the solvent to the ridding web prior to sealing reduces the strength of the web due to partial dissolution, replasticization or softening of the web. However, the lidding web is typically thinner than the substrate web since the lidding web is never subjected to a molding operation. In the present invention, the lidding webs of each compartment are then sealed together to form a bonded web. This can have the sum of the thicknesses of the two lidding webs and a thick or thin thickness. The thickness of the bonded lidding web increases the dissolution time. Where the rate of dissolution is important, it may be desirable to minimize the thickness of each ridging web to minimize the increase in dissolution time. Twice the thickness of the seal or bond between two pouches may be detrimental to the rate of dissolution of the bonded pouch. In order to suppress any increase in dissolution time, the ridding web is not completely sealed but partially sealed. This can be accomplished by applying the solvent to only a portion of the lid web and / or applying heat and pressure to only a portion of the flange surrounding the compartment. By this means, the dissolution time in the aqueous medium in which the pouch is placed cannot necessarily be increased, but it can more easily soak into the space between the two lidding webs. To address the above dissolution rate problem, a seal can be provided around the seal or bond between the two pouches to enhance the attractiveness of the bonded pouch.

  The ridging web of each compartment is overlaid on the other before sealing the two compartments together. The ridding web of each compartment is carried in such a way that one compartment is placed in the required position on the second compartment. Although the first compartment can be placed symmetrically on the second compartment, in some embodiments of the invention, the first compartment can be placed asymmetrically on the second compartment, Nevertheless, it can be aligned. The process of collecting two pouches in the required positions relative to each other is referred to in the art as bringing the two pouches together in alignment. Carrying two pouches in alignment is desirable because the process of separating two or more compartment pouches from each other by tearing in the machine direction and then in the lateral direction is performed effectively. Also, the precise alignment of the two pouches before sealing together is a beneficial condition for the commercial appeal of two or more compartment pouches.

  In each former, precise placement can be achieved with the use of separate servo drives, one being the master and the other being the slave. The rate at which the contents are released into the aqueous medium in which two or more compartment pouches of the present invention are placed can be varied so that the release time of the contents of each compartment is different. Such continuous release is of commercial value in applications where the contents of one pouch need to be released quickly and the contents of the second pouch need to be subsequently released.

  A tablet or other solid can be placed between the two pouches after each is closed with a ridging web and before the two pouches are joined. The content of each compartment can be a solid, granule or grain, a liquid of any viscosity, or a gel. If one of the compartments contains a solid material, a perforated substrate web is provided to the sealed pouch containing the solid material, excess air is evacuated from the sealed pouch and then the two sealed Placing the tablet in the larger space formed between the open pouches can facilitate placement of the tablet between the two sealed pouches.

  The sealing or joining of two pouches that form a combined pouch that includes two or more compartments is typically either of the ridging web, with a combination of pressure and partial or complete wetting. It leads to the adhesion of the outer (top) surface and is made effective. The choice of which web to partially or fully wet before the two pouches are sealed or bonded together depends on the thickness of the respective web and their dissolution characteristics To do. For the application of the wetting agent, either ridding web can be selected. Typically, the less soluble of each ridding web is selected to be partially or fully wetted before the two pouches are bonded together. When the lidding web is made from the same water soluble polymer blend, the lidding film selected for wetting is typically thicker than the lidding film that is not wetted. For example, a wet lidding film can be up to 50% thicker than an unwetting lidding film.

  During the process where two pouches are bonded together in a multi-compartment pouch, the vacuum of each pouch in each pocket is regulated and controlled. A vacuum in the pocket of the donating former is maintained. For example, a correctly designed and placed vacuum shoe will maintain two pouches until they are joined together at the correct point, after which the donating former's vacuum is released. Conversely, the vacuum in the pocket of the receiving foamer is maintained while the two pockets are together, after which the multi-compartment pouch joined together in the combined web moves to the cutting station of the receiving foamer It is held while being done. At the cutting station they are separated from each other, for example with a knife installed in the machine direction and perpendicular thereto. The vacuum is then released and the combined multi-compartment pouch is removed or blown off from the receiving former on the conveyor that moves the multi-compartment pouch web to the downstream packaging process. Once the multi-compartment pouches are separated from each other, the side trim from the web is sent to a collection system for disposal or regeneration by vacuum or otherwise.

  In another aspect, the present invention is a multi-compartment water-soluble pouch made from four water-soluble webs comprising a first water-soluble pouch and a second water-soluble pouch, the two-compartment pouch having two compartments. Providing a pouch created during.

  Solids such as tablets, water-soluble pouches or capsules made off-line can be inserted into the compartment between the two pouches.

  The two pouches can be sealed or joined together by a partial perimeter seal. The two pouches can possibly be sealed together or joined together by a full perimeter seal. At least one of the first or second water-soluble pouch compartments is peripheral. The sealing pressure applied between the first and second water-soluble pouch is adjustable.

  Any feature of the foregoing aspects of the invention can be used in combination with the same or different aspects of the invention. The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a machine according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a machine according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 shows a machine according to a third embodiment of the invention. 4a and 4b are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a multi-compartment pouch manufactured by the machine of FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a machine for manufacturing a multi-compartment pouch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 6a and 6b are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a multi-compartment pouch manufactured by the machine of FIG. Figures 7a and 7b show top and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 8a and 8b show top and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 9a and 9b show top and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 10a, 10b, 10c and lOd show top, perspective and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 11a and 11b show top and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 12a and 12b show top and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 13a and 13b show top and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 14a, 14b and 14c show top, perspective and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 15a and 15b show top and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 16a, 16b and 16c show top, perspective and cross-sectional views of an alternative multi-compartment pouch according to the present invention. Figures 17a, 17b, 17c show an alternative way of wetting the lid web. Figures 18a and 18b show an alternative way of wetting the lidding web. Figures 19a and 19b show an alternative way of wetting the lidding web. Figures 20a and 20b show a method of inserting a solid between the ridging webs and the pouch formed.

  In the following description of exemplary embodiments, terms such as top, bottom, top, bottom, horizontal are used with respect to the direction of the embodiment depicted in the drawings and limit the scope of the embodiment. is not.

  In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, a multi-compartment pouch is produced by forming two webs of closed pouches and joining the webs. Here, one web pouch is overlaid on the other web pouch using formers 1, 3 which are capable of continuous rotation. Each of the formers 1 and 3 is similar and has a circular shape like a continuous rotating drum having pockets 1b and 3b, for example. Details and operation of the structure of formers 1 and 3 can be obtained by reference to our earlier patent application WO2011 / 061628. Features necessary for an understanding of the present invention are described in the following description. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of open compartments or pouches are formed by a first water-soluble polymer web 5 in a pocket or indentation 1b of a circular shaped surface 1a of a former 1. The open pouch is filled with product supply 7 and then closed by a second water-soluble polymer web 9 to form a first web of closed pouches. A plurality of open compartments or pouches are formed by the third water-soluble polymer web 11 in the pockets or recesses 3b of the circular molding surface 3a of the former 3. The open pouch is filled with product supply 13 and then closed by a fourth water-soluble polymer web 15 to form a second web of closed pouches. The first and third polymer webs 5, 11 are substrate webs, and the second and fourth polymer webs 9, 15 are for an open pouch formed by the first and third webs 5, 11 The ridding web. The lidding webs 9 and 15 are wetted via the wetting rollers 17 and 19, glued to the first and third substrate webs 5 and 11, and the first and second pouches closed on the formers 1 and 3. 2 webs are formed. Sealing rollers 21, 23 are provided for sealing the ridging webs 9, 15 to the first and third substrate webs 5, 11. The pouch can be vacuum or thermoformed. As described in WO2011 / 061628, the pouch can be held on the formers 1, 3 by a vacuum applied through the pockets of the formers 1, 3.

  The closed pouch on the former 1 is to be wetted before the additional wetting roller 25 comes into contact with the outer (upper surface) surface of the lid web 15 of the second web of the pouch closed at 27 of the former 3 Provided to wet the outer (upper surface) surface of the ridging web 9 of the first web. The lidding web 9 can be partially or fully wetted to adhere when the lidding webs 9, 15 of the two webs of the closed pouch are conveyed to 27. In 27, the lid web 9, 15 is a surface of the outside (top surface) of the lid web 9 produced by the combination of the pressure generated between the two rotating formers 1, 3 and the action of the wetting roller 25. Can be sealed or bonded together. As a result, the first and second webs of the closed pouch are brought together with the first web of the pouch aligned and aligned with the closed pouch in the second web of the pouch, so that both webs A multi-compartment combined pouch is produced from the inner pouch. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the outer (upper surface) surface of the second web of the closed pouch's second web 15 is placed at 27 and the first web's ridding web 9 of the closed pouch is closed. Can be partially or fully wetted before being brought into contact with the outer (upper) surface of the surface and adhering to the second web of the closed second pouch. Alternatively, the outer (upper surface) surfaces of both lidding polymer webs 9, 15 can be wetted to provide adhesion between the bonded webs of pouches that are both carried together and closed.

  During the process in which the multi-compartment pouch is formed, the vacuum holding of each pouch in each pocket is regulated and controlled. The vacuum is maintained until the two pouches are brought together, where the vacuum in one former (donating former) pocket is released, but the other former (receiving former) pocket vacuum. Is maintained. In this way, the joined web of multi-compartment pouches formed by joining the webs of pouches on both formers is retained by the receiving former. In this embodiment, the former 1 is a donating former and the former 3 is a receiving former. However, the former 1 may be a receiving former and the former 3 may be a donating former.

  The multi-compartment pouch so formed can be separated from the web joined at the cutting station on the receiving former 3 which is separated from each other by any suitable device 29. For example, as known to those skilled in the art, a web connected in both the longitudinal and transverse directions can be cut with a blade, knife or laser. The vacuum that holds the pouch in the pocket 3b is then released and the multi-compartment pouch is dropped from the receiving former 3 onto the movable conveyor 31 that transports the multi-compartment pouch 33 to the packaging operation. Once the multi-compartment pouches 33 are separated from each other, the side trim can be drawn from the web into a collection system for disposal or recycling in a vacuum or other manner. Transfer of the pouch can be facilitated by applying fluid pressure through a hole in the bottom of the pocket to release the pouch from the pocket. The fluid can be air or any other fluid that is inert to the water-soluble substrate of the pouch.

  The pressure generated between the two rotating formers 1, 3 and / or the adhesion of the outer surface (top surface) of the polymer web ridging requires a seal or adhesion between the two webs of the pouch Adjusted according to the quality. If a partial seal or bond is required to increase the rate of dissolution of the bonded pouch, this can be achieved by an engraved wetting roller, outside the ridding web The (top) surface is made to be partially covered rather than fully covered, resulting in a partial seal or bond between the lidding webs at 27.

The thickness and dissolution or other properties of the four polymer webs 5, 9, 11, 15 can be the same or different, as a non-limiting example given the following list of features 1 type or more in.
The size of the compartment,
Ingredients that are retained in each compartment,
The elution time of each compartment, which is defined as the time for each compartment to release its contents into the aqueous medium in which the multi-compartment pouch is placed (to avoid doubts, the elution time of each compartment must be the same It does not have to be).
The time to complete the dissolution of each compartment.

In FIG. 1, the former 1 is shown at the top, the former 3 is placed offset in one direction, and at the top of the formers 1, 3, the pouch webs on both formers are filled and closed, Can increase the available volume and can be filled without sagging, especially when inserting a flowable product into an open pouch. However, other arrangements of the former can be used, for example, the former can be placed offset on the opposite side, similar to the offset arrangement shown in FIG.
In context, offset is the sealing or joining of pouches connected between the 9 o'clock and 11 o'clock positions so that the filling station is provided with sufficient space between the 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock positions. Refers to all arrangements that occur (with respect to FIG. 1).

  In FIG. 1, the drum diameters of the formers 1 and 3 are shown to be the same. However, it is understood that it is not essential that the drum diameter of each former is the same. In fact, it may be advantageous to have different drum diameters. For example, around the circumference of the lower position former so that one or more filling stations and one or more cutting stations are provided by making the diameter of the lower position former larger than that of the higher position former. Longer distances are available.

  In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the same principles described above for FIG. 1 apply to different configurations of a continuously rotatable former. For convenience, the same reference numbers in series 100 are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

  In FIG. 2, the first former 101 has a circular molding surface 101, for example a continuous rotating drum including pockets 101b, and the second former 103 has a molding surface 103a that is flat, typically horizontal. For example, it is an endless chain or belt capable of continuous rotation including the pocket 103b. Details of the structure and operation of each former 101, 103 can be obtained by referring to the description in our earlier application WO2011 / 061628. In the following description, only the features necessary for understanding the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of open compartments or pouches are formed in a pocket 101 b in the circular shaped surface 101 of the former 101 by a water soluble substrate web 105. The open pouch is filled with product supply 107 and then closed by a second water soluble web 109 to form a first web of closed pouches. A plurality of open compartments or pouches are formed in the pocket 103b in the horizontal molding surface 103a by the third water-soluble web 111. The open pouch is filled with product supply 113 and then closed by a fourth water soluble web 115 to form a second web of closed pouches. The first and third webs 105 and 111 are base webs, and the second and fourth webs 109 and 115 are lips for the open pouch formed by the first and third webs 105 and 111. Dingweb. The lidding webs 109, 115 are wetted by the wetting rollers 117, 119, provide adhesion to the first and third substrate webs 105, 111, and the first and first pouches closed on the formers 101, 103. 2 webs are generated. Sealing rollers 121, 123 are provided for sealing the lid webs 109, 115 to the first and third substrate webs 105, 111. The first and second webs of closed pouches so formed are formed of the formers 101, 103 by applying a vacuum through the pockets on the former molding surface as described in WO2011 / 061628. Held on.

  An additional wetting roller 125 is provided to wet the outer (upper surface) surface of the ridging web 109 of the first web of the closed pouch, and the second of the pouch closed at 127 of the former 103. The web ridging web 115 is wetted before contacting the outer (top) surface. When the lidding polymer webs 109, 115 of the two webs of the closed pouch move together to 127, the lidding polymer web 109 can be partially or fully wetted to provide adhesion. . In 127, the leading webs 109, 115 are bonded to the outer (top) surface of the leading web 109 generated by the pressure generated between the two rotating formers 101, 103 and the action of the wetting roller 125. Sealed or glued together in combination with force. As a result, the first and second webs of the closed pouch are brought together with the closed pouch of the first web of the pouch aligned and aligned with the pouch closed by the second web of the pouch. A multi-compartment joint pouch 133 is manufactured from both webs. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the outer (top) surface of the lid web 115 of the second web of the closed pouch is the outer surface (upper surface) of the lid web 109 of the first web of the closed pouch ( Prior to contact at 127 with the top surface), the pouch is partially or fully wetted and provides adhesion to the closed second web of pouch. Alternatively, the outer (top) surface of both ridging webs 109, 115 can be wetted before being moved to provide adhesion between the bonded webs of the closed pouch.

  As explained above, the vacuum that holds the first web of pouches in the donating former 101 is released during the sealing or gluing process and the vacuum that holds the second web of pouches in the receiving former 103. Is maintained. A multi-compartment pouch formed by a bonded web is held on a receiving former 103, for example from a web bonded by any suitable means such as a blade or knife or laser well known to those skilled in the art. Each multi-compartment combination pouch 133 can be separated and released from the receiving former 103 into a conveyor (not shown) or similar arrangement as needed for packaging operations or other processing (see FIG. (Not shown). In a different aspect, the former 101 can be a receiving former and the former 103 can be a donating former. In this arrangement, the vacuum holding the second web of pouch on the donating former 103 can be released. On the other hand, the vacuum holding the first web of the pouch on the receiving former 101 is maintained. The bonded web is then held by the receiving former 101 and can be separated and moved to the collection point as described above.

  The pressure applied between the two rotatable formers 101, 103 and / or the adhesion force of the outer (upper surface) surface of the lidding web is necessary for sealing or bonding between the two webs of the pouch. Adjusted according to quality. If a partial seal or bond is required to increase the rate of dissolution of the bonded pouch, this can be achieved by a knurled wetting roller, the outer (top) surface of the ridding web Are made to be partially covered rather than fully covered, at 127 providing a partial seal or bond between the lidding webs. In FIG. 2, the circular forming surface 101a of the donating former 101 is placed on the horizontal forming surface 103a of the receiving former 103 and the first and second webs of the closed pouch are carried together. The closed pouch on the web on the donating former 101 is positioned in alignment with the closed pouch in the web on the receiving former 103. As a result, the first and second webs of the closed pouch are brought together to produce a multi-compartment combined pouch from the pouches of both webs.

The thickness and dissolution or other properties of the four polymer webs 105, 109, 111, 115 can be the same or different, as a non-limiting example given the following list of features 1 type or more in.
The size of the compartment,
The materials contained in each compartment,
The elution time of each compartment, which is defined as the time for each compartment to release its contents into the aqueous medium in which the multi-compartment pouch is placed (to avoid doubts, the elution time of each compartment must be the same Not necessarily)
The time to complete the dissolution of each compartment.

  In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the same principles described in FIGS. 1 and 2 above apply to another different configuration of a continuously rotatable former. For convenience, the same reference numbers in series 200 are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

  In FIG. 3, both a first former 201 and a second former 203 have flat forming surfaces 201a, 203a, typically a continuously rotatable endless chain or belt having horizontal surfaces, eg, pockets 201b, 203b. Can be. Details of the structure and operation of each former 101, 103 can be obtained by referring to the description in our earlier application WO2011 / 061628. In the following description, only the features necessary for understanding the present invention will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of open compartments or pouches are formed in a pocket 201b in a horizontal forming surface 201a of a former 201 by a water soluble substrate web 205. The open pouch is filled with product supply 207 and then closed by a second water soluble web 209 to form a first web of closed pouches. A plurality of open compartments or pouches are formed by the third water-soluble web 211 in the pocket 203b of the horizontal molding surface 203a. The open pouch is filled with product supply 213 and then closed by a fourth water soluble web 215 to form a second web of closed pouches. For the open pouch formed by the first and third webs 205, 211, the first and third webs 205, 211 are substrate webs, and the second and fourth webs 209, 215 are lidding webs. It is. The lidding webs 209, 215 are wetted by the wetting rollers 217, 219 to provide adhesion to the first and third substrate webs 205, 211, and the first and first pouches closed on the formers 201, 203. 2 webs are generated. Sealing rollers 221, 223 are provided for sealing the lid webs 209, 215 to the first and third substrate webs 205, 211. The first and second webs of the closed pouch so formed are formed by applying a vacuum through the pockets of the former molding surface as described in WO2011 / 061628. Held on.

  An additional wetting roller 225 is provided to wet the outer (upper surface) surface of the ridging web 209 of the first web of the closed pouch, and the second of the closed pouch on the formers 203, 227. The web ridging web 215 is wetted before contacting the outer (top) surface. As the lidding polymer webs 209, 215 of the two webs of the closed pouch move to 227, the lidding polymer web 209 can be partially or fully wetted to provide adhesion. In 227, the lidding webs 209 and 215 are formed by the pressure generated between the two rotating formers 201 and 203, and the adhesion force of the outer (upper surface) surface of the lidding web 209 generated by the action of the roller 225. Can be sealed together or bonded together. As a result, the first and second webs of the closed pouch are brought together with the closed pouch of the first web of the pouch aligned and aligned with the pouch closed by the second web of the pouch. , To produce multi-compartment bonded pouches from both webs. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the outer (top) surface of the ridging web of the second web 215 of the closed pouch is partially or fully wetted and then the first pouch of the closed pouch. The lid of the web 209 is contacted with the outer (top) surface of the web 209 at 227 to provide adhesion of the closed pouch to the second web. Alternatively, the outer (top) surface of both lidding webs 209, 215 can be wetted before being moved to provide adhesion between the bonded webs of closed pouches.

  As explained above, the vacuum that holds the first web of pouches on the donating former 201 is released during the sealing or gluing process, and the vacuum that holds the second web of pouches on the receiving former 203. Is maintained. A multi-compartment pouch 233 formed by a bonded web is held on a receiving former 203 and bonded by any suitable means 229 such as a blade or knife or laser well known to those skilled in the art. Each multi-compartment combined pouch can be separated from the web and released from the receiving former 203 and placed on a conveyor (not shown) or similar arrangement as needed for packaging or other processing (Not shown). In different aspects, the former 201 can be a receiving former and the former 203 can be a donating former. In this arrangement, the vacuum holding the second web of pouches on the donating former 203 can be released. On the other hand, the vacuum holding the first web of the pouch on the receiving former 201 is maintained. The bonded web is then held in the receiving former 201 and can be separated and moved to the collection point as described above.

  The pressure applied between the two rotatable formers 201, 203 and / or the adhesion force of the outer (upper surface) surface of the lidding web is necessary for sealing or bonding between the two webs of the pouch. Adjusted according to quality. If a partial seal or bond is required to increase the rate of dissolution of the bonded pouch, this can be achieved by a knurled wetting roller, the outer (top) surface of the ridding web Is made to be partially covered rather than fully covered, resulting in a partial seal or bond between the ridging webs at 227. In FIG. 3, the circular forming surface 201 a of the donating former 201 is disposed on the horizontal forming surface 203 a of the receiving former 203. The first and second webs of closed pouches are carried and the closed pouches on the web on the donating former 201 are aligned with the closed pouches in the web on the receiving former 203. Arranged. As a result, the first and second webs of the closed pouch are brought together to produce a multi-compartment combined pouch from the pouches of both webs.

The thickness and dissolution or other properties of the four polymer webs 205, 209, 211, 215 can be the same or different, given as a non-limiting example the following list of features 1 type or more in.
The size of the compartment,
The materials contained in each compartment,
The elution time of each compartment, which is defined as the time for each compartment to release its contents into the aqueous medium in which the multi-compartment pouch is placed (to avoid doubts, the elution time of each compartment must be the same Not necessarily)
The time to complete the dissolution of each compartment.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure generated between former 1, 3 (FIG. 1), or 101, 103 (FIG. 2), or 201, 203 (FIG. 3) is a seal between the two webs of the pouch. Or it adjusts according to the required strength of adhesive force. Different film or different pouch designs may require different sealing pressures.

Desirably, the machine can achieve both an initial adjustment of the sealing pressure between the two pouches, either former 1, 3 (Fig. 1), or 101, 103 (Fig. 2), or 201, 203 (Fig. 3). Has a main frame that can be mounted. Desirably, to achieve a change in seal pressure, the top former is attached to a separate subframe that is movable in the longitudinal direction to provide seal pressure regulation. Desirably, the weight of the subframe is supported by springs, pneumatics, hydraulic cylinders, air springs, or servo controlled actuators or other similar means. Seal pressure adjustment can be achieved by tightening one or more adjustment mechanisms, such as a micro screw on the force of the spring, that allow accurate and repeatable adjustment.
The operator can control the seal pressure remotely, for example by reading on the main display panel. For example, a small screw can be moved by, for example, a servo or a stepping motor. The sealing pressure generated during the process of sealing two pouches can be monitored, for example, with one or more load sensors at the sealing surface, and a digital signal representing the sealing pressure can be provided, for example, to the main display panel, allowing the operator to For example, it is allowed to adjust the seal pressure with the above adjusting mechanism with a small screw.

  When the top former subframe is installed, it can be used to measure the pressure at the sealing surface and calibrate the pressure load sensor for repeatability. Next, a series of test runs with a combination of different settings will produce a set of sample pouches that can be evaluated for seal quality and integrity, and a baseline established for future production monitoring. Data sets from the series of test runs are then used to determine the best combination of parameters for pouch production. In addition, the drum is mounted and the screw angle of the drum to the chain is finely adjusted to compensate for, or in some cases, create an appearance misalignment.

  The sealing of the two pouches can be achieved in several different ways depending on the design / appearance requirements of the pouch. For example, an incomplete or partial perimeter seal (stitch sealing) between two pouches can be produced in different ways. One such method can include placing a series of liquid droplets on one or other mating surfaces of the pouch. The volume of each droplet is accurately measured using a precision nozzle. Depending on the machine speed, pressure and temperature selected to make the optimum strength seal, the number of liquid droplets, the position to place the liquid droplets on the mating surface of one or other pouches, and the timing are calculated. A dedicated screen can be provided to take into account the temperature, humidity, and other parameters of the environment of the production room in which production occurs for this task. In this way, the quality of the stitched seal between the two pouches is reproduced even when environmental factors change, such as for example in a production room environment or machine relocation to a different facility. The

  If desired, the same nozzle can be used when a full perimeter seal between the pouches is made. By changing the pattern and volume of the droplets, a complete perimeter seal is provided. If an integrated seal (we mean wetting one whole mating surface of the pouch before the two pouches are brought together to be sealed), wetting rollers for this purpose Can provide. However, the use of a nozzle is preferred because it can be used to provide a “stitched” or complete perimeter seal. The use of a wetting roller requires an inevitable loss of productivity and flexibility and changes in the machine setup.

  A silicone or natural rubber gasket placed around the open pocket of one or both rotatable formers can facilitate greater control of the sealing pressure.

  An example of a multi-compartment pouch 151 formed by the machine shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. The material retained in the compartment is not shown for convenience and clarity. In this embodiment, when two webs of closed pouches are collected and joined, there are two compartments A and B contained within the joined pouch.

  In FIG. 5, a different version of the machine of FIG. 2 is shown and the machine is modified to form a multi-compartment pouch in different modes of operation. For convenience and clarity, like reference numerals have been used to indicate parts that are the same or similar to the machine shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of open compartments or pouches are formed by the water-soluble polymer web 111 in the pocket 103b of the horizontal forming surface 103a of the former 103 as previously described in FIG. It is formed. The open pouch is filled with product supply 113, but unlike the operating mode previously described in FIG. 2, the open pouch is placed in a pocket (not shown) in the circular forming surface 101a of the former 101. Closed by the already closed pouch web formed. The open pouch and the closed pouch web are transported together in 127 and joined (not shown) by wetting the outside (top) surface of the ridging web 109 of the closed pouch web to open the open pouch. Provides adhesion to the base web 111 of the filled pouch that is open at the periphery of the open pouch and closes the open pouch. The contents of the open pouch can wet the ridding polymer web 109 and provide selective adhesion to the polymer web 111. The term is used to intend to completely or partially close an open pouch (eg, a “stitched” seal). As a result, the open and closed pouch webs are aligned and bonded together at 127 to produce a multi-compartment pouch containing three water soluble substrates from the pouches in both webs. A further water-soluble polymer web 115 is sealed or bonded to the web bonded at 135 and aligned and aligned with the compartment formed at 127 by a pouch in the bonded web, after which it forms a further compartment. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-compartment pouch obtained from the bonded web is separated. Similar changes can be made in the machine of FIG.

  An example of a multi-compartment pouch formed by the machine shown in FIG. 5 is shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. In this embodiment, there are three compartments A, B and C. When the two webs are collected and joined at 127, compartments A and B are made with stacked pouches. Compartment C is produced when the polymer web 115 is joined to the bonded web at 135. The compartment C formed by the polymer web 115 can be empty to enhance the appearance of the multi-compartment pouch.

  As will be appreciated, four water soluble substrates are used to produce a multi-compartment pouch in the machine operating mode shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 and in the machine operating mode shown in FIG. . Reconfiguring the machine shown in FIG. 2 to provide the mode of operation shown in FIG. 5 includes unwinding the water soluble polymer web 115 from the upstream position of the circular forming surface 101a of FIG. This is simply accomplished by moving to a downstream position of the circular forming surface 101 of FIG.

  Further examples of novel multi-compartment pouches made using the machines and methods described herein are shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b to FIGS. 16a, 16b. Each pouch is made by joining two pouches each made from two water-soluble polymer webs and thus includes four separate water-soluble substrates. The first and second pouches can include only one compartment including, for example, a powder formulation, a granule, a solution, a gel formulation, or a molten formulation. Alternatively, one or the other of the first and second pouches, or both, can include one or more of the formulations described above, or different formulations, such as one or more compartments or a plurality of A second formulation that can include different formulations, for example, quickly solidify the first melted formulation and there is no antagonism between the first and second formulations on it The object can be inserted over the first formulation. Many combinations of the principles shown in these examples are not to be understood as limitations.

  In FIGS. 7a and 7b, the first pouch containing only one compartment A is sealed with the second pouch containing only one compartment B, but immediately before the sealing, the third compartment H is the first pouch. And formed by inserting component E between the second pouch. Component E can be, for example, a solid material, such as an off-line manufactured tablet, water-soluble pouch or capsule, inserted between the first and second pouches by the machine of the present invention. Compartment H is empty except for component E, and the two pouches are similar in cross-section, providing a symmetrical appearance to a combined pouch containing three compartments.

  In FIGS. 8a and 8b, the structure of the first and second pouches is similar to that shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, but component E is inserted into compartment A of the first pouch and component F is second Inserted into the pouch compartment B, each pouch is sealed with a second web of water-soluble film. Unlike the example illustrated in FIGS. 7a, 7b, the third compartment is created between two pouches when the first and second pouches are sealed together to form a combined pouch. Not. The two pouches are similar in cross section and provide a symmetrical appearance to a combined pouch that includes two compartments, each compartment (A and B) containing two components.

  In FIGS. 9a and 9b, the structure of the combined pouch is similar to that of FIGS. 7a and 7b, but here the first and second pouches contain two compartments each and FIG. 7a contains one compartment. , 7b. The first pouch contains compartments A and B. The second pouch includes compartments C and D. Component E is inserted between the first pouch and the second pouch in the same manner as described in FIGS. In FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, compartments B and D are peripheral compartments surrounding the central compartments A and C. The two pouches are again similar in cross-section, and in this case provide a symmetric appearance to the combined pouch containing five compartments A, B, C, D, H.

  10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the change of the pouch shown in FIGS. 9a, 9b is shown. Here, the central compartment of each pouch is removed, the presence of component E is allowed, and the interior of compartment H is clearly visible through the windows W1 and W2 of the water-soluble film with the central compartments replaced by A and B. The In this example, compartments B and D are peripheral compartments surrounding Wl, W2 of the central window through which component E can be seen. The two pouches are similar in cross section and in this case provide a symmetric appearance to a combined pouch containing three compartments B, D, H.

  In FIGS. 9a, 9b and 10a, 10b, 10c, lOd, the term perimeter refers to a compartment that lies along the periphery, and thus preferably is uninterrupted in the central portion, in FIG. 9b compartments A and C, In FIG. 10b, the windows W1 and W2 are surrounded. If they are circular in plan view, the peripheral compartment can be described as circular. The two pouches are similar in cross-section again, with the combined pouch containing five compartments in FIGS. 9a, 9b and the combined pouch containing three compartments in FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d having a symmetrical appearance. provide.

  In FIGS. 11a and 11b, the structure of the combined pouch is the same as in FIGS. 9a and 9b, but here the component E is not inserted between the pouches, and the first and second pouches are connected to each other over the entire mating surface. To be touched. This means that each pouch area contacts the other during the sealing process. The two pouches are similar in cross section, in this example to a combined pouch containing four compartments, A, B, C, and D, including B, D in the peripheral compartments surrounding the central compartments A, C. Provides a symmetric appearance.

  In FIGS. 12a and 12b, the structure of the first pouch (the upper pouch seen in the drawing) is similar to that shown in FIG. 11b and has a peripheral compartment D surrounding the central compartment C. In the example, the second pouch (the lower pouch seen in the drawing) is not a mirror image of the first pouch. The second pouch includes a single compartment A that extends to the peripheral seal. The cross-sections of the two pouches are not similar and provide an asymmetrical appearance to the combined pouch containing the three compartments A, C and D.

  In FIGS. 13a and 13b, the structure of the first pouch (the upper pouch seen in the drawing) is again similar to that shown in FIG. 11b and has a peripheral compartment D surrounding the central compartment C, although this example The second pouch (the lower pouch seen in the drawing) is not a mirror image of the first pouch. The second pouch includes a single peripheral compartment B that surrounds a central window W that allows visual access to the first pouch compartment C. The cross-sections of the two pouches are not similar and provide an asymmetrical appearance to the combined pouch containing the three compartments B, C and D.

  In FIGS. 7a, 7b to 13a, 13b, the first and second pouches are generally circular or oval in plan view. This is not essential.

  In FIGS. 14a, 14b, and 14c, the first and second pouches are similar to those shown in FIGS. 12a and 12b, but in this example, the top view of the pouch is rectangular and each of the three compartments A, C , And D are rectangular. This has the benefit that each compartment meets a greater percentage of the available web surface area. As a result, the flange area of the surrounding compartments A and C is reduced to avoid the need for unnecessary removal from the flange area. The cross-sections of the two pouches are not similar and provide an asymmetrical appearance to the combined pouch containing the three compartments A, C and D.

  In FIGS. 15a and 15b, the first and second pouches are similar to those shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, but in this example the top view of the pouch is triangular. The cross-sections of the two pouches are similar and provide a symmetric appearance to the combined pouch containing the four compartments A, B, C and D.

  Other shapes can be used for the pouch. For example, the peripheral compartments are two semicircles joined together in a straight line, resulting in a “racetrack” like plan view.

  In FIGS. 9a, 9b to 15a, 15b, the peripheral compartment includes a single compartment that completely surrounds either the central compartment or the window. This is not essential.

  In FIGS. 16a, 16b and 16c, the structure of the second pouch is similar to that shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, but in this embodiment the peripheral part of the first pouch has two sub-periphery compartments. , B, and D. 16a, 16b and 16c show an example where the two compartments B and D are the same size, this is not necessary and compartments B and D may not be equal in size. The two pouches are not similar in cross section and provide an asymmetrical appearance to the combined pouch containing the four compartments A, B, C and D.

  Other configurations of the peripheral compartment can also be used. The one peripheral compartment shown in FIGS. 9a, 9b to 15a, 15b can be divided into two or more partial peripheral compartments of the same or different shape. The following table provides an overview of the characteristics of the pouches described herein.

  Reference is made to FIGS. 17a, 17b, 17c, 18a, 18b, 19a and 19b. Wet the outer (top) surface of the sealed pouch lid web on one former and seal or bond to the sealed second pouch lid web on the other former, two or more Different methods are shown for producing bound water-soluble pouches containing a plurality of compartments. These illustrations do not limit the way in which the web is aligned with the pouch and wets the outer (upper) surface of the lidding web to obtain the desired adhesion.

  In FIGS. 17 a, 17 b and 17 c, wetting is performed by the nozzle 53. The nozzle 53 can be configured to apply water droplets 53a to the outer (top) surface of the sealed pouch ridging web 54 on one former. The nozzle 53 can be calibrated to apply a controlled amount of water or other aqueous medium in a controlled pattern. The nozzle 53 can apply water droplets to that portion of the external surface surrounding the sealed pouch. In this way, the risk of softening that part of the ridging web 54 that forms part of the sealed pouch is reduced. If that part of the ridging web 54 that forms part of the sealed pouch is in an excessively wet state, the pouch will partially dissolve and the pouch will break down to a partial or complete release of the content. There may be a risk of being connected. The wet rid web 54 is sealed at point 56 to the sealed pouch rid web 55 over other formers to form a bonded water soluble pouch 57. The nozzle 53 can be adjustable to change the spacing of the water droplets. In this way, the seal between the leading webs 54, 55 can be complete or partial. In use, the partial seal allows the aqueous medium to penetrate between the two ridging webs 54, 55 of the bonded pouch 57 and accelerates the rate of dissolution of the bonded pouch in the aqueous medium. To do.

  In FIGS. 18a and 18b, wetting is performed by servo-controlled rollers 58. FIG. The roller 58 can be configured to apply a controlled amount of water or other aqueous medium to the outer (top) surface of the ridging web 55 in a controlled pattern. The roller 58 can apply water only to that portion of the external surface surrounding the sealed pouch. In this way, the risk of softening that part of the lidding web 55 that forms part of the sealed pouch is reduced. If that part of the ridging web 55 that forms part of the sealed pouch is in an excessively wet state, the pouch will partially dissolve and the pouch will break down resulting in partial or complete release of the content. There may be a risk of being connected. The degree of adhesion can be controlled by moving the roller 58 toward or away from the outer (upper surface) surface of the sealed pouch ridging web 55 held on the former by a vacuum inside the former. .

  In FIGS. 19 a and 19 b, wetting is performed by the plate 59. The plate 59 is provided with openings 60 for applying a controlled amount of water or other aqueous medium to the outer (upper surface) surface of the ridging web 54 in a controlled pattern from the supply device 61. Plate 59 can apply water only to that portion of the outer surface surrounding the sealed pouch. In this way, the risk of softening that part of the ridging web 54 that forms part of the sealed pouch is reduced. If that part of the ridging web 54 that forms part of the sealed pouch is in an excessively wet state, the pouch will partially dissolve and the pouch will break down to a partial or complete release of the content. There may be a risk of being connected. The degree of adhesion can be controlled by moving the plate 59 up and down as the ridging web 54 continuously approaches the sealing point 56, thereby ensuring that the desired level of adhesion is obtained.

In FIGS. 20a and 20b, a solid 66, such as a tablet, is inserted between the pouch's ridging webs 54, 55 held by vacuum over the former, and the webs are sealed or glued together to thereby rip the webs. A method and apparatus for forming a compartment 67 comprising a solid 66 between the ding webs 54, 55 is shown. In FIG. 20a, the tablet 66 is placed on the lid web 54 by the tablet feeder 68 and a seal is placed in the compartment 67 formed between the two lid webs 54, 55 in the pouch 57 to which the tablet 66 is joined. Allow to be done.
A combined pouch 57 is shown in FIG. 20b.

  Exemplary embodiments include a method of making a multi-compartment pouch, wherein two pouches are simultaneously formed in separate adjacent formers, aligned, and the pouches are joined to form a joined pouch and A machine for this purpose is provided. The pouch can be held on the former by vacuum until the pouch is bonded. Now the vacuum holding one pouch on the former is released, the vacuum holding the other pouch on the former by the vacuum, and the vacuum holding the pouch connected on the former until the vacuum is released can do.

  While described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention, but can be varied within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (20)

A continuously operating machine for producing a water soluble pouch having two or more compartments from four water soluble polymer webs, the machine forming two pouches on separate adjacent formers and filling And configured to be sealed, each pouch is formed from two water-soluble polymer webs, and two such pouches are aligned and joined together on their formers The former is configured to be held in a vacuum until a formed pouch is formed, one of the former is a donating former, the other is a receiving former, and the machine has two pouches. The two pouches are brought together by means of providing a partial seal between the ridding webs, and a dotting former Constituted the pouch of the vacuum is removed to release the Les Receiving former, so as to separate from the web still bound the combined pouch is held by vacuum at Les Receiving former, continuous operation machine. The machine of claim 1, wherein the machine is configured to provide a partial perimeter seal between the two pouch lidding webs. Configured to place a solid material between the two partially sealed pouch lid webs before sealing the lid web together to create a compartment between the lid webs, The machine according to claim 2 . The machine of claim 3, wherein the solid material is configured to be visible through at least one window in both webs of one or both pouches. Machine is configured to at least one pouch of the chassis web to pierce so, any one of claims machine of claims 1 4. The machine of claim 5 , wherein the machine is configured to pierce the substrate web prior to the forming operation. The machine of claim 5 , wherein the machine is configured to pierce the substrate web during a molding operation. The machine of claim 5 , wherein the machine is configured to pierce the substrate web after the forming operation. A method of manufacturing a water-soluble pouch having two or more compartments, wherein two pouches are formed, filled and sealed on separate adjacent formers, and the pouches are aligned on those formers. Combined and held in a vacuum until forming a combined pouch, one of the formers is a donating former and the other is a receiving former, between the two pouch ridging webs Combine the two pouches by means of providing a partial seal, form a pouch with two or more compartments, remove the vacuum in the donating former and release the pouch to the receiving former; Combined bonded pouches still held by vacuum in receiving former Separated from the web, the manufacturing method of the pouch. The method according to claim 9 , wherein the machine according to claim 1 is used. One or more compartments include a combination of at least two components including a granule or powder product, a viscous liquid or gel, and a three-dimensional solid, all of which are retained in their identity, 11. A method according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein none of them becomes opposed to each other. 12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein a partial perimeter seal is formed between the two pouch ridging webs. Inserting a solid material between the two pouches' lid webs before creating a compartment between the partially sealed lid webs by partially sealing or joining the lid webs together; 12. A method according to claim 10 or 11 . 14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the solid material is made visible through at least one window in both webs of one or both pouches. 15. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 14 , wherein the at least one pouch substrate web is perforated before, during or after the molding operation. Forming a first web of filled and sealed pouches on a rotatable donating former;
Forming a second web of filled and sealed pouches on an adjacent rotatable receiving former;
Hold both pouches on their formers by vacuum,
Carrying and positioning the webs of the first and second pouches together;
The pouch in the first web is brought together with the pouch in the second web by means of partial sealing between the lid of the pouch film to form a bonded web of bonded pouches, Release the vacuum holding the pouch on the former, release the combined web of the combined pouch from the donating former,
The bonded web of the bonded pouch is still held by the vacuum on the receiving former, separating the bonded pouch from the bonded web, and then holding the separated bonded pouch on the receiving former 15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14 , comprising removing the vacuum to be performed. 17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the sealing pressure between the pouch ridding film held by vacuum on the donating former and receiving former is adjustable. 18. A water soluble pouch comprising two or more compartments made by the method of any one of claims 10 to 17. 19. The aqueous solution of claim 18 , wherein during use, the contents of each compartment are released into the aqueous medium substantially simultaneously, and the time required for complete dissolution of the pouch is reduced for a partial seal. Sex pouch. 19. A water soluble pouch according to claim 18 , wherein during use, the contents of each compartment are released into the aqueous medium at different times, and the time required for complete dissolution of the pouch is reduced due to a partial seal. .

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