KR20040047626A - Bag with internally fitted fitment and method of forming same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A bag with internally fitted fitment and a method for manufacturing the same are provided to reduce the number of seam lines and to keep the surface of frozen food smooth when the bag is removed from the frozen food. CONSTITUTION: A bag(10) is composed of gusseted side walls(15,16), end walls(17,18), and rectangular panels(13,14) coupled to the side walls and the end walls. The upper panel(14) has folded edges(19) coupled to the side walls. The lower panel(13) has folded edges and a seam line(22) coupled to the side walls. A folded line(23) is formed at the center of the side wall, and divides the side wall into upper and lower gusseted panels(15A,15B).

Description

Bag with internally attached accessories and manufacturing method thereof {Bag with internally fitted fitment and method of forming same}

The present invention relates to a bag, in particular a bag to be filled with a flowable material, such as a food, more specifically a bag to be filled with a flowable material, for example made into a solid block by freezing. The invention also relates to a method and apparatus for making such a bag.

In the food packaging industry, it is necessary to have ready-made packaging bags that can be rapidly filled with liquid or flowable food from a filling head with bulk product storage capacity. The filled and sealed bags are then transported to the place where the food is dispensed.

In order to enable preformed bags to be filled with a flowable food, the bags are typically provided with a filling fitting or spout adapted to be engaged by the filling head of the filling device. The spout has a resealable cap or the like that can be removed for filling and repositioned to preserve the contents in the bag. Such a spout may provide an outlet for future distribution of the product. The spouts can be attached to the outer surface of the bag. However, it is desirable to have a sealing interface between the spout and the bag material formed on the inner surface of the bag, as this typically results in a strong connection. In manufacturing bags, it is common to combine a first layer with an internally attached spout to a second layer to produce a product chamber that can be accessed through the spout between the first and second layers. By doing so, a bag having a seam that joins two layers around the entire circumference of the bag is produced. However, these seams are a potential weak point in the bag structure as a whole.

Some foods, such as cream and cheese, require freezing to preserve the product. Freezing blocks of the product can be made among the bags as described above by filling the bag with the product and freezing the bag while the product is still in liquid or flowable form. If the frozen block is to be consumed, the bag material is peeled off from the product leaving only the block.

When the block is frozen, the edges of the bag are usually included into the frozen block. This causes problems in removing the bag material and in particular maintaining the smooth finish of the block in the corner areas. In addition, the included material may be torn, and it may be inconvenient to remove and discard the bag if several smaller bag debris are produced.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag having an internally attached accessory or spout and having a reduced number of seams.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bag for frozen products which, once removed, provides a smooth outer surface for the block of frozen product.

The invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings as a non-limiting example, in which:

1 is a perspective view from above of a bag made according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

2 is an elevation view of the bag of FIG. 1;

3 is a side view of the spout and cap arrangement;

3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 3;

4 shows a block formed in a bag of the type shown in FIG. 1;

5 is a schematic plan view of processing stations used to make bags according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a cross-sectional view of a web used to make a bag according to one embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a diagram of the same size of a hole forming station;

7A is a sectional view of a hole forming station in use;

8 is a plan view of the spout coupling station;

9 is a detailed side view of the spout coupling station of FIG. 8;

10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the separating member;

11 is an elevation view of the seal head in the seal position viewed in the longitudinal direction of the web;

12 is a schematic side view of an oblique contour junction forming station;

13 is a schematic side view of a longitudinal edge junction forming station;

14 is a top view of a partially manufactured bag with transverse bond lines formed thereon;

15 is a schematic side view of an alternative spout insertion station with a dynamic separating member in the retracted position;

16 is a side view of the spout insertion station of FIG. 15 with the separating member in the operating position;

17 shows an extrusion apparatus for producing a drawn tubular sheet; Also

17A-17F show sequential cross-sectional views of the tubular sheet as the tubular sheet passes the extrusion and folding process of FIG. 17.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of making a bag from a stretched tubular sheet of material flattened to form first and second overlapping panels having first and second multiple folded side edge shapes. Way:

Cutting at least one folded side edge shape to form a pair of free edges;

Separating the free edges to provide an access opening for an accessory having a flange defining a sealing surface;

Inserting the accessory through the access opening and positioning the accessory in a hole formed in the first panel;

Sealing the face of the flange against the inner surface of the first panel; And

Sealing the free edges together.

Advantageously, the method comprises forming an accessory hole in said first panel. Preferably, the accessory hole is formed by drilling after separating the free edges of the sheet.

Conveniently, each of the first and second side edge shapes are folded a plurality of times in a W-shape comprising an upper outward fold, a middle inward fold and a lower outward fold, the first or second fold. At least one of the outward folds of the formed side edge forms is formed to extend transversely beyond the other outward fold so that the extended fold is cut to form a pair of free edges extending in the lateral direction.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a bag made by the method.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a bag from a flattened sheet of material that is pre-folded at a folded edge to form first and second overlapping panels having opposing interior surfaces, wherein the first and second Each of the second panels has a respective free edge opposite the folded edge, the method comprising:

Separating the first and second panels to enable access to accessory holes formed in the first panel;

Inserting an accessory between said separated panels with a flange defining an inner sealing surface into said hole;

Sealing the sealing surface of the accessory to an inner surface of a web; And

Sealing the first and second panels together in an area substantially adjacent the free edges.

Preferably the method further comprises forming an accessory hole in the first panel.

Preferably the step of separating the first and second panels comprises providing a separating member between the free edges of the first and second panels.

Preferably at least one of the first and second panels has a gusset, the gusset comprising a plurality of folds and an extension extending from the gusset to the free edge of the respective panel, Sealing the first and second panels includes sealing the extensions of one panel together to the other panel.

Preferably the web further comprises a gusset formed during the folded edge.

In another aspect, the invention provides a first and second opposing panels, a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, an accessory hole formed in the first panel and an accessory received in the accessory hole. Wherein the accessory is a bag having a flange defining an inner sealing surface sealed to an inner surface of the first panel, the first and second panels being a single sheet of material folded to form the first edge And a first and second panels extending from the folded edge to respective first and second free edges, wherein the first and second free edges are sealed together to form a second edge. To provide.

Preferably the bag further comprises first and second plurality of folded side edge forms at each of the first and second side edges. Conveniently, each of the first and second side edge shapes are folded a plurality of times in a W-shape comprising an upper outward fold, a middle inward fold and a lower outward fold, the first or second fold. At least one of the outward folds of the formed side edge forms is formed to extend transversely beyond the other outward fold so that the extended fold is cut to form a pair of free edges extending in the lateral direction.

Preferably said first and second panels are sealed together between said first and second edges to form a third edge and an opposing fourth edge.

Preferably the bag further comprises one or more contour seams for adjusting the inner profile of the bag. Preferably said one or more contour seams comprise a seal between the inner surfaces of said plurality of folded side edge forms. Preferably the contour seams are formed substantially adjacent to the third and fourth edges.

Preferably said accessory comprises a tubular body and a removable cap, said cap comprising a plug portion adapted to be received in said tubular body after said bag is filled, said plug portion being made of a material Is substantially prevented from being set in the tubular body.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a bag from a stretched tubular sheet of material flattened to form first and second overlapping panels having first and second plurality of folded side edge shapes. The device is:

Cutting means for cutting at least one folded side edge shape to form a pair of free edges;

Separating means for separating the free edges to provide an access opening for an accessory having a flange defining a sealing surface;

Inserting means for inserting the accessory through the access opening and for positioning the accessory in a hole formed in the first panel;

Accessory sealing means for sealing the face of the flange against the inner surface of the first panel; And

Edge sealing means for sealing the free edges together.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises forming means for producing the tubular sheet, the forming means comprising extrusion means for extruding a substantially circular elongated tube of material, forming folds of the side shapes in the circular tube. Shaping means for flattening and flattening means for flattening the round tube to produce a flattened sheet.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises an accessory hole forming station for forming an accessory hole in the first panel.

Preferably the separating station provides a separating member between the free edges of the first and second panels.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a contour seam forming station for forming one or more contour seams of the sheet.

Preferably the separating member is located substantially together with the accessory insertion station.

Preferably the sealing station is located substantially together with the accessory insertion station.

In one embodiment, the separating member is disposed between the first and second panels so that the stop member is adapted to allow the first and second panels to be more separated as the sheet is conveyed to the accessory insertion station. It includes. Preferably at least part of the separation member is disposed above the accessory insertion station.

In an alternative embodiment, the separating member provides the first and second layers to provide greater separation of the first and second panels from a retracted position where minimal separation of the first and second panels is maintained. And a movable member moving to an operating position therebetween.

Preferably the accessory insertion station comprises a plate member adapted to be disposed between the first and second panels of the web, and a pusher arm, wherein the pusher arm is fitted in the retracted position. And the engaged accessory is adapted to slide along the plate into a position substantially aligned with the accessory hole in the first panel. Preferably the plate comprises a stop disposed to engage the accessory in a position substantially aligned with the accessory hole.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a cutting station for cutting the web of bag material into individual bags. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further comprises means for forming partial separation between the individual bags on the web.

In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a bag from a sheet of pre-folded material at a folded edge to form first and second overlapping panels having opposing interior surfaces, wherein the first and second are: Each of the panels has a respective free edge opposite the folded edge and the device is:

Sheet conveying means for conveying said sheet past a plurality of processing stations; The plurality of processing stations are at least:

A separation station for separating the first and second panels;

An accessory insertion station for inserting an accessory having a flange defining an inner sealing surface between the separated panels into a hole formed in the first panel;

A sealing station for sealing the accessory sealing surface to the inner surface of the first panel; And

An edge sealing station for forming a free edge seal between the first and second panels substantially adjacent the free edges.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a transverse edge sealing station which forms a seal between the first and second panels and extends between the folded edge and the free edge seal.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises an accessory hole forming station for forming an accessory hole in the first panel.

Preferably the separating station provides a separating member between the free edges of the first and second panels.

1 and 2, a bag 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is made from a sheet of single layer polyethylene. As an alternative, the sheet may be a multilayered material, such as a nylon / polyethylene material extruded together or a thin metallized polyester. The bag 10 is joined to opposing gusseted sidewalls 15 and 16 and end walls 17 and 18 and is formed with opposing major rectangular panels 13 and 14 at the bottom and top. . The upper panel 14 is coupled to the gusseted sidewalls 15 and 16 along the edge folds 19 and 20, the lower panel 13 having a lower folded edge 21 and a lengthwise edge It is coupled to gusseted side panels 15 and 16 along the seal or seam 22. The gusseted wall 15 is formed with a central concave gusset fold 23 to define gusset panels 15A and 15B. Similarly, sidewall 16 is formed with a central concave gusset fold line 24 to define gusset panels 16A and 16B.

The open bag ends are welded together along horizontal seams 25 and 26 extending centrally across respective end walls 17 and 18. The end wall 18 is also formed with welded contour seams 27 extending diagonally inwards from the edges of the end wall towards the central seam 26 to define a triangular ear or pocket 28. These details control the shape of the filled bag and ensure that the inner contour and the finish of the bag are smooth and continuous. As a result, when the bag contains frozen or solidified material, there are no parts of the bag that can be contained in the solid block. The end wall 17 is also formed with similar triangular pockets.

The shape of the block formed by the bag 10 is shown in FIG. 4. Block 400 has sidewalls 401 and 402 formed by gusseted walls 15 and 16. The joined end walls 17 and 18 work together with the gusseted side walls 15 and 16 to provide a block with end walls 403 and 404 that are generally rectangular. As will be seen later, the bag has a smooth, continuous contour due to the bag's diagonal contour seams 27, in particular at the corners 406. The shape of the freeze block produced by the bag allows the bag to be easily removed in a single continuous piece by ensuring that no part of the bag material enters the freeze block during the freezing process. Another advantage is that the block is provided with a smooth and shaped exterior finish.

To enable filling of the bag, the bag 10 is provided with a spout 30 with a cap 31. The spout 30 and the cap 31 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 3A. The spout 30 comprises a generally tubular body 32 through which the central hole 33 passes. From the center of the body 32 an intermediate flange 34 extending from the upper and lower circumferential grooves 35 and 36 respectively. The upper flange 37 extends from the upper edge of the tubular body 32 to engage the cap 31. The lower tubular flange 38 extends from the lower edge of the tubular body 32. The flange 38 has an upper surface 39, which provides a sealing surface that is attached to the inner surface of the bag in the manner described.

The cap arrangement 31 comprises a cylindrical plug portion 40 adapted to be received in the circular opening 33 of the tubular body 32. The plug portion has an outwardly extending sealing rib received in a recess 42 formed in the opening 33 of the tubular body 32 in order to allow the cap to engage with the tubular body 32 by force. 41). When the cap 31 is attached to the spout body 32, the lower surface 43 of the plug portion 40 is placed at substantially the same height as the lower surface 44 of the lower flange 38. Thus, when the bag is filled and frozen, the plug portion 40 prevents the material from freezing in the tubular body, thereby facilitating the removal of the bag later, and not damaging the neat exterior finish of the provision freezing block of the spout. To ensure that.

The tubular protruding flange 45 extends from the upper edge of the plug 31 to form a snap fit with the upper flange 37 of the spout. The cap 31 also includes a cap flange 43 that provides an engaging bottom surface for the cap remover of the filling head. Both the spout and the cap are typically injection molded from linear low density polyethylene material.

The spout and cap assembly is conventional for bags of the prior art, such that when attaching the spout to the inner surface of the bag in the manner described below, it can be easily inserted through the access opening between the panels of the partially formed bag. Has a lower contour than

Preferred methods for manufacturing the bags shown in FIGS. 1-3A will be described with reference to FIGS. 5-14. 5 schematically shows in plan view the tubular web 50 of bag material as the tubular web 50 of bag material passes through a plurality of process stations in the direction of arrow 50A. In the hole forming station 51, a series of spatially separated spout holes are formed in the upper layer of the web material. In the spout joining station 52, the top layer of web material is lifted and the spout is inserted between the layers through the access opening and aligned with the spout hole. The spout is sealed to the web at this station. At the welding station 53, diagonal contour welds are formed. In the end seal station 54 parallel seals are formed to define the end seals of adjacent bags. The open side edges of the bags are then sealed at the junction line forming stations 55 and 56 via a two step sealing process. In the cutting station 57 the bags are cut to their final lengths between the parallel end seals.

The processing stations 51 to 57 accommodate a continuous web of bag material. The tubular web is formed in a blown extrusion line and roll molded in the manner described below with reference to FIG. 17, thereby forming a folded web of cross section as shown in FIG. The tubular web 60 has a top layer 64 co-extensive with the bottom layer 63 through a folded edge 62 incorporating a gusset arrangement 68. Opposite the folded edge 62, there are free edges 66, 67 of the lower and upper layers, respectively. A second gusset arrangement 69 is formed in the top layer, which has an extension 65 between the gusset 69 and the top layer free edge 67, which extension overlaps a portion of the bottom layer so that the free edges ( 66, 67) are substantially aligned. Each of the gussets 68, 69 includes an upper outward fold 601 and a middle inward fold 602. On the folded edge gusset 68 is also provided a lower outward fold 603 so that the gusset forms a W-shaped arrangement. On the free edge gusset 69 there is a portion 65 extending transversely to the free edge 67 beyond the upper outward fold 601, which provides a sealing area for sealing the bag. As shown in FIG. 6, the free edges 66, 67 are unjoined at this stage, so they form an access opening for insertion of the filling spout and cap arrangement as described.

Referring to FIG. 17, a process for forming a web forming station and the web of FIG. 6 is shown. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and 17F show cross sections of the web in each of the steps A, B, C, D, E and F shown in FIG.

In step A shown in FIG. 17A, an extruded round cylindrical stretched tube 60 is formed from a known extrusion device 171. The resulting tube 170 is blown upwards through the cylindrical tower 175, the upper end of which is coupled with opposing gusset boards 176 and 177 forming the gusseted sidewalls shown in FIG. 17B. .

Moving further through the forming station, the tube engages the guide rollers 178, which flattenes the stretched tube to define those that later become opposed panels of the tube. Rollers 178 and gusset boards 176 and 177 cooperate to provide inward and outward folding of gusset arrangements, with gusset boards specific for forming asymmetrically extending convex fold 179. Take form. Next, the tube is passed through a series of pinch rollers 180 and idler rollers 181, which provides more flattening as shown in step D (FIG. 17D). The flattened tube is then carried past the cutting station E with the knife edge 182, where the extension gusset 179 is cut to form a transverse access opening 183 in the tube. Finally, the flattened and laterally open web is wound on roller 184 and ready to be fed to process stations. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that cutting station E may be provided as the first station of the process stations to be described, not as a later station in the forming process.

Referring to FIG. 5, the web 60 may be conveyed through process stations 51-57 on any suitable conveyor, such as a known draw roller conveyor. Alternatively, the inventors have found that it is most suitable to provide a silicon conveying belt in which the lateral seams of the web can be temporarily welded to provide the necessary conveying tension. The welded seams are separated from the belt at or before the cutting station.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7A, a punch and die assembly 70 for forming a hole in the web 60 material at the hole forming station 51 is shown. The web 60 is separated so that the upper and lower layers 64 and 63 move to both sides of the die plate 71. The die plate 71 includes a circular hole 75 for receiving a reciprocating punch 72. The punch 72 has a circular blade 73 of a size snugly received in the die hole 75 at its front end. The punch 72 is disposed above the die plate 71 such that an upper layer 64 of the web is present between the punch 72 and the die plate 71. As the punch moves downward to cooperate with the die plate, the circular portion of the web material caught between the punch 72 and the die 71 is cut, thus forming a circular life preserver in the web. A suction force is applied to the hole 75 extending through the center of the die plate 71 so that the punched portion of the web is removed through the plate and does not disturb the remaining process stations. The web then gradually moves to the spout joining station 52.

The spout combining station 52 will now be described with reference to FIG. 8, which provides a schematic plan view of the details of the spout combining station and the upper web layer 61 partially cut away to show FIG. 9. do. The spout coupling station includes a platform 80, on which a spout 30 to be inserted is provided and sealed into a spout hole 83 formed in the upper web layer 64. The pusher arm 82 is disposed on the platform 80 to receive the spout 30 from the spout supply 85 in the retracted position (solid line in FIG. 8) and the spout 30 in the extended position (dashed line in FIG. 8). ) Into the position aligned with the spout hole of the web. The pusher arm 82 has a V-shaped grip 84 that can be received in one of the circumferential grooves of the spout or engage with the middle flange of the spout.

The platform 80 has a stop 87 that engages with the lower flange 38 of the spout 30 to provide a limit of movement of the spout thereby ensuring that the spout is properly aligned with the spout hole of the web. At this point also a concave channel (not shown) is formed in the platform 80, which receives the flange 38 of the spout so that the spout is properly aligned with the axis of the web in which the spout hole is provided.

In order to provide an access opening sufficient to insert the spout 30 under the upper layer 64 and the platform 80 of the web, a separating arm 81 is provided to lift the upper web layer 64. 10 shows a partial schematic longitudinal section through the C-C line of the separating arm 81. The direction of web movement is indicated by arrow 101. As the web proceeds to the spout insertion station, the upper layer 64 is in contact with the separating arm 81 and more widely separated from the lower layer 61. The platform 80 of the spout insertion station is arranged through the separating arm 81. The separating arm 81 is ventricular in cross section and has a top sheet guiding surface 81A having a curved surface in a convex manner on the platform 80 and a lower sheet having a curved surface in a convex manner below the bottom of the platform 80. It has a guiding surface 81B and has a smooth contour contour that can provide gradual separation between the upper and lower web layers as the web progresses. The inventors have found that there is a problem of tracking of the web along the conveyor if the separation is made too sudden. The upper web layer 64 is only lifted to a sufficient extent to insert the spout 30 under the upper layer. Excessive separation of the top and bottom layers can also cause tracking problems and can damage the integrity of the gussets at the folded edges of the web. In order to minimize the top and bottom layers to a minimum, the spout 30 has a lower profile than that used in prior art systems in which the top and bottom layers consist of separate webs of material.

The spout feeding mechanism for feeding the spout to the pusher arm is known in the art and does not constitute part of the present invention. Therefore, further details of the spout feeding mechanism will not be provided here. Moreover, it should be understood that the pusher arm mechanism described herein is only one of many possible arrangements for aligning snouts in the snout holes of the web. Other suitable mechanisms include a rotating plate, which may have an array of spouts arranged around the circumference, which in turn rotates to align with the spout holes of the web.

The bottom layer 63 of the web moves just below the bottom surface of the platform 80. This allows for minimal separation of the top and bottom layers of the web and helps prevent tracking of the web.

Referring again to FIG. 9, there is shown a sealing head 88 positioned with the spout insertion station. The sealing head 88 includes a tubular heating element 89 at its distal end, which is adapted to be received on the cap portion of the spout 30.

At the spout insertion station, the web advances until the spout hole in the web is placed under the seal head 88. As the web progresses, the top and bottom layers are separated as described above. As the web advances, the pusher arm 82 pushes the spout 30 between the upper and lower web layers. Once the spout engages the stop 87, the pusher arm 82 is retracted. The sealing head 88 then moves down onto the spout 30 as shown in FIG. 11 to press the upper web layer 64 against the tubular flange 38 of the spout 30. The tubular heating member 89 then heat seals the upper web layer 64 to the spout flange 38. The sealing head 88 is then retracted so that the web can advance to the next process station. As the web proceeds from the spout joining station 52, the upper layer 64 of the web continues to move over the separating arm 81, the separating arm now having a downwardly inclined contour so that the upper and lower layers are again adjacent to each other. Is approached.

In the contour weld forming station shown in FIG. 12, the teflon plates 121, 122 are inserted between the folds of the gussets 15 and 16, such that the upper gusset panels 15A, 16A and the lower gusset panels 15B. , 16B). The contour weld forming heads 123 then come into contact with the left and right, upper and lower gusset folds from above and below the web and form oblique welds 27 using known seam welding techniques. . Teflon plates allow the weld to be formed only between the inner surfaces of the upper gusset folds and the lower gusset folds, as required, and the weld to be formed between the other contacting outer surfaces of the upper and lower folds. The weld between these different contacting outer surfaces prevents the gusset from expanding when the bag is to be filled.

Once the contour seams are formed, the web proceeds to a process station as shown in FIG. 13, where the sealing head 130 is used to seal the upper and lower web layers between the free transverse edges 66, 67 of the web. A longitudinal edge seal 22 is formed therebetween. At this point, the web during the forming process is tubular.

Once the longitudinal edge seal 22 is formed, the end seals 25, 26 are formed in a two step process, one of which is to form a preheated seal using a heated wire. The weld is then completed by sending the web to the final sealing section where more heated wire is applied. The two-step sealing process provides time for the heat applied by the preheating process to penetrate from the outer layers of the web to the inner layers, specifically gusseted regions comprising four layers, prior to final heat application. . The two step process prevents overheating of the outer layers while ensuring that a good seal is formed between the inner layers.

At the final process station, the bags are cut to length using any suitable known technique. Separation of the bags from the web may only be partially separated, for example by forming a perforation, so that the end product is a continuous series of separable bags.

The web layer separation mechanism described above utilizes a stationary contour separating member that causes separation of the upper and lower web layers as the web progressively advances to the spout insertion station. In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, this separating member 151 is a dynamic separating member. As the web proceeds to the spout insertion station, the separating member 151 is disposed below the free edge 67 of the upper web layer 64 close to the platform 80 so as to maintain minimal separation of the upper and lower web layers. The spout 30 to be inserted is engaged by the pusher arm 82 but remains outside of the web. Once the web proceeds to the spout insertion station and stops for processing at this station, the separating member 151 extends to the position shown in FIG. 16, where the upper web layer 61 is lifted. As the separating arm 151 lifts the web, the pusher arm 82 extends in the manner described above, allowing the spout 30 to move in the separation space formed by the separating arm 151. Once the snout engages the stop 87, the pusher arm 82 and the separating arm 151 contract. When the web 64 is lowered, the spout 30 is received in the spout hole of the web and is ready to be sealed by the sealing head 88 in the manner described above.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to forming bags having gusset arrangements in their respective transverse edges and diagonal contour welds formed in the corners of the bag. Such a bag structure is ideal for containing a product to be frozen. The form of the bag when inflated or filled is such that the gussets and contour welds form smooth tapering edges. Additionally, because the bag was formed to have a single longitudinal bond rather than seams at each of the longitudinal edges, a bag with greater strength is produced.

However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the methods and apparatus described herein apply regardless of the number of gussets formed in the bag, if gussets are present. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that although a single seat bag has been described, additional panels may be provided, for example one or more side or end walls.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that free edge gussets may be formed in either the top or bottom layers. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the sealing methods employed are somewhat determined by the type of bag material used. For example, if a two-layer material is employed in which the outer layer has a higher melting point than the inner layer, it may not be necessary to provide an extension from the gusset to the free edge, which means that the longitudinal seal as a whole may comprise the inner layers of the gusset, That is, they are formed only between layers with lower melting points.

The term longitudinal as used herein is used with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures, where the longitudinal axis is the axis along which the web moves along the process stations. In the figures, the longitudinal axis is parallel to the long axis of the bags produced. In other embodiments, the web may be cut such that the long axis of the bags made from the web intersects the longitudinal axis of the web.

Those skilled in the art should understand that many modifications and / or changes can be made to the invention shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

According to the present invention, a bag having an internally attached accessory or spout and having a reduced number of seams can be provided while at the same time providing a smooth outer surface for the block of frozen product once the bag material is removed. .

Claims (35)

A method of making a bag from a stretched tubular sheet of material flattened to form first and second overlapping panels having first and second multiple folded side edge shapes. Cutting at least one folded side edge shape to form a pair of free edges; Separating the free edges to provide an access opening for an accessory having a flange defining a sealing surface; Inserting the accessory through the access opening and positioning the accessory in a hole formed in the first panel; Sealing the face of the flange against the inner surface of the first panel; And Sealing the free edges together. The method of claim 1 further comprising forming an accessory hole in the first panel. The method of claim 2, wherein the accessory hole is formed by drilling after separating the free edges of the sheet. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second side edge shapes are folded multiple times in a W-shape comprising an upper outward fold, a middle inward fold and a lower outward fold, wherein the first or second Wherein at least one of the outward folds of the folded lateral edge forms of is formed to extend transversely beyond the other outward fold so that the extended fold is cut to form a pair of transversely extending free edges. . A bag made by the method according to claim 1. A method of making a bag from a flattened sheet of pre-folded material at a folded edge to form first and second overlapping panels having opposing interior surfaces, each of the first and second panels being folded Each free edge opposing the defined edge, the method comprising: Separating the first and second panels to enable access to accessory holes formed in the first panel; Inserting an accessory having a flange between the separated panels, the flange defining an inner sealing surface into the hole; Sealing the sealing surface of the accessory to an inner surface of a web; And Sealing the first and second panels together in an area substantially adjacent the free edges. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising forming an accessory hole in the first panel. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein separating the first and second panels comprises providing a separating member between the free edges of the first and second panels. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first and second panels has a gusset, the gusset comprising a plurality of gussets and an extension extending from the gusset to the free edge of each panel. And sealing the first and second panels comprises sealing together an extension of one panel to the other panel. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the web further comprises gussets formed during the folded edges. First and second opposed panels, a first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, an accessory hole formed in the first panel, and an accessory received in the accessory hole, the accessory including the A bag having a flange defining an inner sealing surface sealed to an inner surface of a first panel, wherein the first and second panels are formed from a single sheet of material folded to form the first edge, A second panel extends from the folded edge to respective first and second free edges, wherein the first and second free edges are sealed together to form a second edge. 12. The bag of claim 11 further comprising first and second multiple folded side edge shapes at each of the first and second side edges. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second side edge shapes are folded multiple times in a W-shape including an upper outward fold, a middle inward fold and a lower outward fold, wherein the first or second At least one of the outward folds of the folded side edge forms of the bag is formed to extend transversely beyond the other outward fold so that the extended fold is cut to form a pair of free edges extending in the transverse direction . The bag of claim 13, wherein the first and second panels are sealed together between the first and second edges to form a third edge and an opposing fourth edge. 15. The bag of claim 14, further comprising one or more contour seams for adjusting the inner profile of the bag. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more contour seams comprise a seal between inner surfaces of the plurality of folded side edge shapes, the contour seams being substantially adjacent to the third and fourth edges. Bag shaped. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the accessory includes a tubular body and a removable cap, the cap including a plug portion adapted to be received within the tubular body after the bag is filled, A plug portion substantially prevents material from being set in the tubular body. An apparatus for manufacturing a bag from a stretched tubular sheet of material flattened to form first and second overlapping panels having first and second plurality of folded side edge shapes. Cutting means for cutting at least one folded side edge shape to form a pair of free edges; Separating means for separating the free edges to provide an access opening for an accessory having a flange defining a sealing surface; Inserting means for inserting the accessory through the access opening and positioning the accessory in a hole formed in the first panel; Accessory sealing means for sealing the face of the flange against the inner surface of the first panel; And An edge sealing means for sealing the free edges together. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising forming means for forming said tubular sheet, said forming means for extruding a substantially circular stretch tube of material, forming folds of side shapes in said circular tube. Forming means for forming and flattening means for flattening the round tube to produce a flattened sheet. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising an accessory hole forming station for forming an accessory hole in the first panel. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the separating means provides a separating member between the free edges of the first and second panels. 22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the separating member is positioned substantially together with the accessory inserting means. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the sealing means is positioned substantially together with the accessory inserting means. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the separating member is disposed between the first and second panels so that the first and second panels can be further separated as the sheet is conveyed to the accessory inserting means. A device comprising a stop member. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of the separating member is disposed above the accessory inserting means. The first and second panels of claim 21, wherein the separating member provides for greater separation of the first and second panels from a retracted position where minimal separation of the first and second panels is maintained. An apparatus comprising a movable member moving to an operating position between the layers. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the accessory inserting means comprises a plate member adapted to be disposed between the first and second panels of the web, and a pusher arm, the pusher arm being retracted. A device adapted to engage the accessory in a position such that the engaged accessory can be pushed along the plate to a position substantially aligned with the accessory hole in the first panel. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the plate member includes a stop disposed to engage the accessory in a position substantially aligned with the accessory aperture. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising contour seam forming means for forming one or more contour seams in said sheet. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising cutting means for cutting the web of bag material into individual bags. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising means for forming partial separation between individual bags on the web. An apparatus for manufacturing a bag from a sheet of pre-folded material at a folded edge to form first and second overlapping panels having opposing interior surfaces, each of the first and second panels having a folded edge Each free edge opposite the Sheet conveying means for conveying said sheet past a plurality of process stations; The plurality of process stations are: A separation station for separating the first and second panels; An accessory insertion station for inserting an accessory having a flange defining an inner sealing surface between the separated panels into a hole formed in the first panel; A sealing station for sealing the accessory sealing surface to the inner surface of the first panel; And An edge sealing station for forming a free edge seal between the first and second panels substantially adjacent the free edges. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a transverse edge sealing station that forms a seal between the first and second panels and extends between the folded edge and the free edge seal. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising an accessory hole forming station for forming an accessory hole in the first panel. 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the separation station provides a separation member between the free edges of the first and second panels.