NL2031935B1

NL2031935B1 - Packaging machine for making reinforced packages

Info

Publication number: NL2031935B1
Application number: NL2031935A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Waltherus Petrus Van Gent Twan; Anne Petrus Theodorus Kievit Stefan; Richard Elias Geukes Ivo; Sakari Asikainen Janne
Original assignee: Gks Packaging B V
Priority date: 2022-05-19
Filing date: 2022-05-19
Publication date: 2023-11-27

Abstract

A packaging apparatus comprises a film transportation subsystem (326a, 326b) for 5 transporting a continuous film (324). A strip subsystem (331, 332) aligns at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324) along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip (333) extending in the transportation direction. At least one strip joining member (331) joins the at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324). The strip subsystem (331, 332) can align at least a first stiffening strip (333a) and a 10 second stiffening strip (333b) among the at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324), wherein the first stiffening strip (333a) and the second stiffening strip (333b) are aligned side by side with their longitudinal axes extending in the direction of the transportation direction.

Description

Packaging machine for making reinforced packages

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a packaging apparatus. The invention further relates to a packaging method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packaging machines may be used to efficiently create large numbers of packages with small quantities of bulk material, for example for consumers. Efficiency of the packaging machines is important. For example, the speed in which the packages are created is important. Also, the reliability of the machine and the faultless production is important. Moreover, the features of a packaging machine determine to a large extent the types of packages that can be produced by the machine.

In EP patent application publication 2 500 286 is disclosed a vacuum form, fill, and seal apparatus for packaging products in a product packaging line. A foil transportation subsystem transports a foil in a transportation direction along a foil transportation path. A tubular foil former and a cutting member are provided. A first vacuum space member and a second vacuum space member are disposed on opposite sides of the foil transportation path, wherein the first vacuum space member comprises a cavity having an opening towards the foil transportation path, wherein the first vacuum space member comprises an edge around the opening that matches a shape of the second vacuum space member. At least one actuator for closes the cavity by pressing the vacuum space members together to form an inner space.

In EP patent application publication 3371072 is disclosed a package comprising atleast one space for contents or objects, formed of at least one flexible part, which is a flexible pillow bag -type container part, and to the at least one flexible part attached at least one rigid/semi-flexible support part, in which the at least one rigid/semi-flexible support part forms in opened position at least part of wall structure of package or product, which package or product further comprises at least one opening point, in which the at least one flexible part and the at least one rigid/semi-flexible support part form the at least one space for the objects or contents, when the rigid/semi-flexible material of the rigid/semi-flexible support part is bent and/or the package or product is opened at the rigid/semi-flexible support part, in which the at least one opening point, when expanded is fitted to set the at least one rigid/semi-flexible support part to form a supporting structure for the space and the shape of the space and that the at least one flexible part is fitted to form the space for the objects or contents adapting to the support structure formed by the at least one rigid/semi-flexible support part and which the package is self-standing. The method for producing packages comprises a step of attaching a flexible part and a rigid/semi-flexible support part of the package to each other by sealing or adhering them to each other at the edge area, in which method the packages are produced in the line several package blanks sequentially located in a web- like form, in which the blanks are limited by a tear crease or by a corresponding line, wherein creases on the rigid/semi-flexible support part are formed and closure means for an opening point of the package is added. The method for producing the packages advantageously comprises the sealing process, in which the package formed of the flexible material and the rigid/semi-flexible material combination and provided with necessary creases, is sealed to a pillow bag-type form and wound to a package roll. In these types of packages the opening of the package from the rigid part is often difficult as due to the rigid material gripping of the opening line is difficult and the opening continuously is not always reliable all the way. In case the opening is made easier by amending the material rigidity or thickness, it may cause decreased shelf life of product packed inside the package. In connection with these types of blanks and packages bending properties and the rigid/semi-flexible material in the center of the material web might cause difficulties in connection with forming the package and with filling the product. The packaging machine may even break the stiffer material, cause delamination of the materials or affect the visual appearance of the material surface.

Additionally, the stiffer material on the center or on one side of the web use may limit the possible forming of the package due to uneven draw of the material and disposition of the web. These types of blanks may cause lower production speed or even cause the need to use individual packages and even lead to need of using manual operations. The type of blank material with top part film and bottom part film requires certain type of packaging with several stages, with relative slow speed and even manual operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved packaging machine.

In order to address this concern, a packaging apparatus is provided, comprising a film transportation subsystem for transporting a continuous film in a transportation direction along a film transportation path; a strip subsystem configured to align at least one stiffening strip to the film along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip extending in the transportation direction;

at least one strip joining member configured to join the at least one stiffening strip to the film.

The strip subsystem and the strip joining member make the packaging apparatus particularly suitable for mass production. The arrangement efficiently allows to reinforce the package with the stiffening strip.

The strip subsystem may be configured to align at least a first stiffening strip and a second stiffening strip among the at least one stiffening strip to the film, wherein the first stiffening strip and the second stiffening strip are aligned side by side on the package with their longitudinal axes extending in the direction of the transportation direction, and wherein the at least one strip joining member is configured to join the first stiffening strip and the second stiffening strip to the film. Forming two parallel strips on the film side by side by the machine prepares the film for being formed into useful packages that can be opened in between the two aligned stiffening strips to be unfolded into a reinforced tray. The first stiffening strip and second stiffening strip may be spaced apart, for example, preferably by at most 2 centimeters, more preferably by at most 1 centimeter.

The strip subsystem may comprise a strip transportation subsystem for transporting the continuous stiffening strip towards the film. Such a continuous supply of the stiffening strip provides logistical advantages and may be efficiently processed by the machine.

The strip subsystem may comprise a strip folding subsystem for at least double folding a part of the film to form a plurality of layers of the film forming a space for the stiffening strip in between the plurality of layers of the film, wherein the strip subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip in the space for the stiffening strip in between the plurality of layers of the film, wherein the strip joining member is configured to join the stiffening strip to the film by closing the space for the stiffening strip by joining at least part of the plurality of layers on top of each other. By enclosing the stiffening strip in a space between layers of the film the stiffening strip is not exposed to an exterior or interior environment of the package.

The packaging apparatus may comprise a tubular film former along the film transportation path configured to fold the film from flat film into tubular film as the film moves along the film transportation path; at least one cutting member for cutting the tubular film transversely to the transportation direction; and at least one transverse joining means for closing the package by joining the tubular film transversely to the transportation direction. These features provide components to form the package as a closed space to store a product, provided with the at least one stiffening strip.

The at least one cutting member may be configured to cut both the tubular film and the at least one stiffening strip in one cutting action. This improves efficiency by reducing the amount of cuts needed. Also the length of the strip corresponds to the length of the package.

The strip subsystem may be configured to provide the stiffening strip having a width in a direction transverse to the transportation direction of at least one eighth of a length of a circumference of the tubular film. This way, the stiffening strip provides a reinforcement of the package during storage and, in particular, after opening and unfolding the package. For example, a width of the strip transportation path may be at least one eighth of the length of a circumference of a tubular structure around which the tubular film former is configured to form the tubular film.

The packaging apparatus may comprise a corner joining means configured to join two layers of the tubular film near a corner of the package to separate the corner of the package from a main volume of the package. This corner seal tool may facilitate unfolding the package after opening, since no product can fill up the corner of the package.

The corner joining means may be configured to join the two layers of the tubular film along a line separating the corner of the package from the main volume of the package. This is a particularly efficient way to prevent a product from reaching the corner of the package.

The corner joining member may be rigidly coupled to the transverse joining member. This way, the joining of the corner is combined with the transverse seal, which may make the machine less complex and/or more efficient.

The transverse joining means may comprise a joining member that has a protrusion facing the film transportation path, wherein the protrusion is in between respective trajectories of the first stiffening strip and the second stiffening strip. This may improve the joining strength in a space between the spaced apart stiffening strips by improved distribution of a pressing force of the joining member.

The transverse seal bar may comprise a flexible surface facing the film transportation path. This may improve the joining strength in a space between the spaced apart reinforcing strips, by improved distribution of a pressing force of the joining member.

The apparatus may comprise a scoring tool configured to score the at least one stiffening strip in a transverse direction to the stiffening strip. This scoring may facilitate forming the supporting structure when unfolding of the package.

The apparatus may comprise a rigid tubular structure, wherein the tubular film former is configured to form the tubular film around the rigid tubular structure, wherein the strip transportation subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip to the tubular film around the tubular structure, and 5 wherein the at least one strip joining member is configured to press towards a surface of the tubular structure. This provides for a particularly efficient and/or high- quality production of the packages.

The apparatus may comprise a longitudinal joining means in between two of the at least one strip joining member, wherein the longitudinal joining means is configured to join two side ends of the tubular film together in between the two adjacent stiffening strips. This may provide a compact design of the machine. The longitudinal joining line in between the stiffening strips may function as a tear line. Moreover, this may provide an efficient production method as the strip seal and the longitudinal seal may be configured to operate simultaneously.

The apparatus may comprise a spool holder configured to roll up the film with the at least one reinforcing strip sealed to the film. This way the film with the reinforcing strip can be stored for later package production.

According to another aspect of the invention, a packaging method is provided.

The method comprises: transporting a continuous film in a transportation direction along a film transportation path; aligning at least one stiffening strip to the film along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip extending in the transportation direction; and joining the aligned at least one stiffening strip to the film.

The person skilled in the art will understand that the features described above may be combined in any way deemed useful. Moreover, modifications and variations described in respect of the apparatus may likewise be applied to the method, and modifications and variations described in respect of the method may likewise be applied to the apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, aspects of the invention will be elucidated by means of examples, with reference to the drawings. The drawings are diagrammatic and may not be drawn to scale. Throughout the drawings, similar items may be marked with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first packaging machine.

Fig. 2 shows a transverse joining and cutting section of a packaging machine in an open position.

Fig. 3 shows the transverse joining and cutting section of the packaging machine in a closed position.

Fig. 4A shows a side view of a first example of transverse joining means.

Fig. 4B shows a side view of a second example of transverse joining means.

Fig. 4C shows a side view of a third example of transverse joining means.

Fig. 4D shows a top view of the third example of transverse joining means.

Fig. 5 shows a front view of a second packaging machine.

Fig. 6 shows a back view of the second packaging machine.

Fig. 7 shows a left view of the second packaging machine.

Fig. 8 shows a right view of the second packaging machine.

Fig. 9 shows a top view of the second packaging machine.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a spool.

Fig. 11 shows a detail of the second packaging machine with a scoring unit.

Fig. 12 shows a detail of the second packaging machine with a longitudinal joining means.

Fig. 13 shows a detail of the second packaging machine with a transverse joining means.

Fig. 14 shows a first package.

Fig. 15A, 15B, and 15C show the first package in different stages of its life cycle.

Fig. 16A shows an unfinished second package in cross section.

Fig. 16B shows a finished second package in cross section.

Fig. 17 shows a third packaging machine.

Fig. 18 shows a cross section of a folded film.

Figs. 19A-19B schematically show advantageous examples of a package blank forming line for a package manufacturing process.

Figs. 20A-20C schematically show advantageous examples of a package forming line for a package manufacturing process.

Figs. 21A-21C schematically show another advantageous example of a package forming line for a package manufacturing process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Certain exemplary embodiments will be described in greater detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The matters disclosed in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiments can be carried out without those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known operations or structures are not all described in detail, since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging apparatus. The packaging apparatus shown is an example of a vertical form, fill, seal apparatus. It will be understood that the apparatus comprises more elements that are not shown in the drawings. Such elements include for example a housing, constructional elements, motor, and product supply. These elements may be added by the skilled person in view of the present description and figures. Moreover, although the example is of a vertical form, fill, seal apparatus, the techniques disclosed herein may alternatively be applied to other types of packaging apparatus, including, but not limited to, horizontal form, fill, and seal machines.

The packaging machine of Fig. 1 comprises a vertically disposed filling tube 321, on the inlet 322 of which a feed funnel (not illustrated) or another material infeed mechanism may be present. Near the inlet 322, a guide element 323, for example a shoulder, is fitted round the filling tube, which guide element 23 includes shoulder-like parts 323a and 323b. The shoulder-like parts 323a and 323b are shaped so that a band of film material 324 from a roll that is passed over said shoulder-like parts 323a and 323b and subsequently led between filling tube 321 and guide element 323, forms a tubular film material 324a around the filling tube 321. The film may be made of plastic.

Alternative materials, such as paper or aluminum, may alternatively be used. Said passing of the film material 324 over guide element 323 takes place by transport means 326a, 326b, which may be disposed on the side of the vertically disposed filling tube 321. The transport means 326a, 326b are an example of a film transportation subsystem. Said transport means 326a, 326b can be placed in abutment with the filling tube 321 by well-known means, and they pass the film material 324 between the filling tube 321 and the transport means 326a, 326b. Guide rollers 325a and 325b may be used to guide the film material 324 in a smooth manner, and furthermore they may provide a buffer to create a desired pre-tension in the film material.

First joining means 327 are disposed in longitudinal direction, that is oriented parallel to the film transport path. The first joining means 327 is configured to join the free sides of the film container 324a that has been created round the filling tube 321.

Said first joining means 327 can likewise be placed in abutment with the filling tube 321 by well-known means, after which the free sides 324c and 324d of the film material 324 that are present between the filling tube 321 and the joining means 327 are joined by means of e.g. friction or heat. In this manner, a tubular film 324a having a longitudinal joint 328 is created.

The filling tube 321, the guide element 323, and the first joining means 327 form an example of a tubular film former along the film transportation path for converting the film from flat film into tubular film, because the flat film at the inlet is converted to a tubular film at the outlet side as the film is transported along the film path.

The packaging machine may furthermore comprise second joining means 329, which are disposed on the outlet side of filling tube 321, and oriented transversely with respect to the film transportation path. Said second joining means may have second joining members 329a and 329b that can be moved towards and away from each other by a suitable actuator. By moving second joining members 329a and 329b towards each other, the film container 324a is pressed together between the two joining means, after which a transverse joint 330a is formed in the pressed-together film material by means of e.g. heat or friction.

As a result, the film container 324a is closed from below, after which it can be filled with all kinds of products, for example cookies or candies, via feed funnel 322 and filling tube 321. Once the film container has been filled, film container 324a is moved down for a distance corresponding to a package dimension, by transport means 326a and 326b. Then the second joining means 329 form a second transverse joint 330b in the film material above the products that are present in film container 324a, so that a closed film package 324b is obtained.

In certain embodiments, a transverse joint 330a or 330b is so dimensioned that it can function as the lower joint for the next film package at the same time. It is also possible that the second joining means 329a, 329b comprise two parallel, closely spaced-apart transverse joining bars, so that the second joining means 329 can create two parallel transverse joints in the film container 324a simultaneously. Furthermore, the second joining means 32%9a, 329b may comprise cutting or perforating means, which are configured to cut the film material through or perforate it, through the single joint or in between the two parallel joints. Thus the film package 324b can be separated from the film container 324a and be moved away from the packaging machine for storage or further processing. Also, a vacuum subsystem may be provided that creates a vacuum in the package before or during the creation of the transverse joins.

The packaging machine further comprises a strip subsystem. The strip subsystem provides for a strip transportation path to transport a strip of material, in particular a stiffening strip 333a, 333b, from a storage facility, such as a spool 335a, 335b, towards and along the filling tube 321. A roll 332a, 332b may be configured to align a part of the strip transportation path with the film transportation path, for example around the tube 321. Further rolls 334a, 334b and other components may be provided, for example to form a buffer and/or create a tension on the strip material. A strip joining member 331a, 331b is provided along the strip transport path, configured to join the strip 333a, 333b to the film 324c around the filling tube 321. The illustration shows a strip subsystem to align two stiffening strips 333a, 333b to the film 324c. However, this is not a limitation. There may be components configured to align and join any number of stiffening strips to the film. As illustrated, the two strip transportation paths may be aligned side by side (optionally spaced apart) parallel to the film transportation path and first joining means 327. The first joining means 327 may be arranged to join the sides of the film in between the two strip transportation paths. Also, the first joining means 327 may be placed in between the first strip joining member 331a and the second strip joining member 331b.

In general, the first joining means 327 may be configured to join the lateral edges of the film and the first strip joining member 331a may be configured to join the first stiffening strip 33a on one side of the lateral edges of the film to be joined and the second strip joining member 331b may be configured to join the second stiffening strip 33b on the other side of the lateral edges of the film to be joined.

Figs. 2 and 3 show joining means 350 in two different positions. These joining means 350 are implementation examples of the joining means 3294, 329b of Fig. 1. The joining means 350 may be used in a packaging apparatus, for example a vertical form, fill, seal apparatus. Fig. 2 shows the joining means 350 with joining members 3504, 350b in an open position, with a tubular film 324 in between the joining members 3504, 350b.

Fig. 3 shows the joining means 350 with the joining members 3504, 350b in a closed position for clamping the film 324, joining the film 324, and cutting the film 324.

Fig. 2 shows the joining members 350a, 350b in an open position. The joining member 350a comprises a cutting member 351 for cutting the tubular film 324 transversely to the transportation direction. The transportation direction is substantially downwards in Figs. 2 and 3. Thus, the film inlet side corresponds to the upper side, and the film outlet side corresponds to the lower side in the figure. However, the illustrated principles may also be applied to different configurations, such as a machine with a substantially horizontal film transportation path.

The first joining member 3504 and the second joining member 350b are disposed on opposite sides of the film transportation path. The joining member 350a comprises frame parts 363a, 364a; the joining member 350b comprises frame parts 363b, 364b.

The frame parts are part of the construction of the apparatus.

The joining members 350a, 350b may be dimensioned such that the length of the joining members is larger than the width of the tubular film when the film is pressed flat. A complete transverse strip of the tubular film may be clamped between the joining members, without creating any undesired folds in the film material except for the two end points of the clamped strip. Similarly, the joining members 350a, 350b are long enough to allow each pair of joining bars 3594,359b and 360a,360b to join a transverse strip of tubular film.

Two pairs of joining bars 359a,359b and 360a,360b may be provided. It is also possible to use only one pair of joining bars 360a,360b at the outlet side of the vacuum space members 352a,352b, although this could lower the throughput of the apparatus.

In the figures, a first pair of joining bars 359a, 359b is disposed on opposite sides of the film transportation path and a second pair of sealing members 360a, 360b is disposed on opposite sides of the film transportation path, and a cutting tool 351 is disposed in between the first joining bar 3594 of the first joining member 350a and the second joining bar 360a of the first joining member 350a. A space for receiving the cutting tool 351 is provided in between the first joining bar 359b of the second joining member 350b and the second joining bar 360b of the second joining member 350b. In certain alternative embodiments a reciprocate cutting tool 351 may be provided in between the first and second joining bar 359b, 360b of the second joining member 350b.

As shown in the drawings, the at least one cutting member 351 may be arranged for cutting the film 324 in between the pair of sealing members 3594, 359b and the pair of sealing members 360a, 360b. For example, the cutting member 351 may be movable to cut or perforate the film.

Fig. 4A shows the joining member 350a as seen from the side facing the film 324, with joining bars 359a and 360a, and the cutting line 353a in between.

Fig. 4B shows a second embodiment of the joining member 350a. In this alternative embodiment, there are additional diagonal joining bars 381a, 382a extending from the joining member 3594 near both the ends of the joining member 359a, away from each other and against the film transportation direction, away from the other joining member 360a. Also, there are additional diagonal joining members 383a, 384a extending from the joining member 360a near both the ends of the joining member 360a, away from each other and along with the film transportation direction, away from the other joining member 359a. Moreover, diagonal joining members 381b, 382b, 383b, 384b (see e.g. Fig. 13) corresponding to the diagonal joining members 381a, 382a,

383a, 384a may be provided on the second joining means 350b. Their appearance may be similar to the diagonal joining members 381a, 382a, 383a, 384a. Using the diagonal joining members, the corners of the package can be sealed at the same time as the transverse seal is created. It will be understood that the diagonal joining members may be oriented with any suitable angle a with respect to their transverse joining member, for example at 45 degrees, preferably in between 20 and 70 degrees.

Fig. 4C shows a third embodiment of the joining means 350a. In this embodiment, a first protrusion 385a is provided on the first joining member 35%9a, and a second protrusion 385b is provided on the second joining member 360a, both protrusions extending towards the film transportation path, and both protrusions in between the two strip transportation paths, for example in the middle of the joining bars 359a, 360a. These protrusions may have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the stiffening strip, for example. Fig. 4D shows a side view of the third embodiment of the joining bar 359a of the joining member 3504, with the protrusion 385a. The joining bars 359b, 360b of the other transverse joining member 350b may have similar protrusions at corresponding locations so that they meet when the joining bars clamp together. However, this is not necessary as the effect of additional clamping strength in between the two strip transport paths may also be achieved with protrusions on either one of the joining bars 359a and 359b, and on either ane of the joining bars 360a and 360b. The protrusions 385a, 385b may be of the same material as a remainder of the respective joining bar. Alternatively, the protrusions 385a, 385b may be of a softer material than a remainder of the joining bar. This may be advantageous to overcome variability in e.g. in the distance between the strip transport paths.

Yet alternatively, instead of protrusions the whole joining bar may have a soft layer so that it they can better join a film with an uneven surface. For example one or both of the joining bars 3594 and 359b may be have such a soft layer, and one or both of the joining bars 360a and 360b may have such a soft layer.

It will be understood that the features of the second embodiment and the third embodiment of the joining members may be combined: both the diagonal joining members 381, 382, 383, 384 and the protrusions 385a, 385b may be provided.

Figs. 5-13 show another embodiment of a vertical form, fill, and seal machine 500. The figures also show two spools 501a, 501b that are examples of a storage for the reinforcing strips before they are applied to the package. For the first spool 501a, the strip along the strip transport path 503a is also partly illustrated. For reasons of illustration, for the second spool 501b the strip is not illustrated. In general the components of the machine for the first strip transport path 503a and the second strip transport path are similar or identical. In the drawings these items are indicated by similar numerals with suffix a and b, respectively. Therefore, the features described regarding one stiffening strip transport path equally apply to the other stiffening strip transport path. Fig. 5 shows a front view, Fig. 8 shows a back view, Fig. 7 shows a left view, Fig. 8 shows a right view, and Fig. 9 shows a top view of the machine 500 and the two spools 501, 502. The funnel 504 is configured to receive a product so that it falls into the tubular structure 505. The shoulder 506 is configured to fold the film around the tubular structure 505 as the film (not illustrated) is transported along the film transport path. The rolls 507a are configured to receive the reinforcing strip 503a and guide it into a scoring device 508a that is configured to score the reinforcing strip 503a. Further rolls are configured to transport the reinforcing strip towards and onto the (film around the) tubular structure 505. Longitudinal joining means 509 are configured to join the side ends of the tubular film together and to join the reinforcing strips 503 to the film.

Transverse joining and cutting means 511 are arranged perpendicular to both the film transportation path and the strip transportation path and are configured to close the ends of the packages and make a cut or perforation in between the successively created packages. It will be understood that the cutting or perforation function is optional.

Fig. 9 shows a top view of the exemplary packaging machine, and in particular shows that the tubular structure 505 may have two flat faces 510a, 510b along the two strip transport paths. These flat faces 510a, 510b may correspond to the strip joining members 1203a, 1203b. The strip joining members 1203a, 1203b may be configured to abut these flat faces 510a, 510b, respectively, wherein the strip joining members 1203a, 1203b may be configured to move away from, and towards (and abut) these flat faces 510a, 510b. In alternative embodiments the strip joining members may be configured to operate with a non-flat surface, for example a cylindrical surface, of the tubular structure.

Fig. 10 shows the spool 501a, which may be used to store a strip of material.

The spool 501b may be similar to the spool 501a. Moreover, this kind of spool may be used as a source from which the packaging machine 500 receives the reinforcing strip.

Such a spool may be used as a source for strip material for any of the exemplary packaging machines disclosed herein. The roll 501a may comprise a break 1001 to avoid inadvertent rolling. The roll 501a may further comprise a buffer 1002 with one or more rollers, which may be configured to create a certain tension on the strip. In certain alternative embodiments, the spool 501a, 501b may be replaced by for example a zigzag folded reinforcing strip. Yet alternatively, in certain alternative embodiments the continuous strip is replaced by a stack of individual strips. For example, the packaging apparatus comprises a means to take one or two or more strips from the stack, align the one or more strips with the film, and join the one or more strips with the film.

Fig. 11 shows a detail of the packaging machine 500. First, it shows the rolls 507a on which the strip is received from the spool 501a. Moreover, the figure shows the scoring device 508a. The scoring device 508a, 508b may be provided on the packaging machine 500 or on the spool 501a, 501b, for example. The scoring device 508a, 508b may alternatively be omitted. For example a pre-scored strip may be employed, or the scoring may be omitted altogether. The scoring device 508a may be configured to create transverse scoring lines in the strip 503a. Moreover, the scoring device may otherwise augment the strip 503 with e.g. punches, creases. The scoring may help to correctly fold the stiffening strips when opening the package.

Fig. 12 shows another detail of the packaging machine 500. In particular, the figure shows in greater detail the longitudinal joining members means. As shown, these include a pair of longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201b, for joining the ends of the package film together, and strip joining members 1203a, 1203b on both sides of the pair of longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201b, for joining a piece of strip to the film.

Joining means 509 are arranged along and outside the tubular structure 505. In operation, to join the side ends of the film together, the pair of longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201b move together and clamp the ends of the film together and join (e.g. seal) the ends to each other. On each side of the longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201b, there is a strip joining member 1203a, 1203b. According to the strip transport trajectories, a piece of strip is moved in between the joining member 1203a and the tubular structure 505. Also a piece of the film is moved in between the joining member 1203a and the tubular structure 505. The joining member 1203a may be configured to press onto the tubular structure 505 and join (e.g. seal) the strip 503a to the film. The joining member 1203b may be configured to operate in the same way to join another strip to the film on the other side of the longitudinal sealing members 1201a, 1201b. In alternative embodiments, the strip joining members 1203a, 1203b and the longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201b may be arranged at different places along the film transportation path, as long as they perform their function of joining the lateral edges of the tubular film and joining the stiffening strips. Preferably a stiffening strip is joined onto the film near both lateral edges of the film.

Fig. 13 shows the transverse joining and cutting means 511 of the packaging machine 500 in greater detail. The configuration of the transverse joining and cutting means 511 is, to a large extent, similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 4B. The joining and cutting means 511 comprises joining members 350a and 350b. Joining member

350a comprises joining bars 359a and 360a. Joining member 350b comprises joining bars 359b and 360b (not illustrated).

The cutting blade 351 is in between two adjacent transverse joining bars 359a, 360a. Two opposite adjacent transverse joining bars 359b, 360b correspond to the transverse joining bars 359a, 360a. The joining bars 35%9a, 360a can move towards the joining bars 359b, 360b along sliders 1301, 1302. The film can be clamped in between the pairs of opposite corresponding joining bars when the latter move together, and the tubular film can be joined along two adjacent transverse joining lines and the film (with the strips joined thereto) can be cut in between the two adjacent transverse joining lines by the cutting blade 351.

Corner joining members 1311a, 1312a, 1313a, 1314a correspond with corner joining members 1311b, 1312b, 1313b, 1314b. Corner joining members 1311a, 1312a extend from the transverse joining member 350a towards the film transportation direction. Corner joining members 1313a, 1314a extend from the transverse joining member 50a away from the diagonal joining members 13114, 1312a, along with the film transportation direction. Corner joining members 1311b, 1312b extend from the transverse joining member 350b towards the film transportation direction. Corner joining members 1313b, 1314b extend from the transverse joining member 350b away from the corner joining members 1311b, 1312b, along with the film transportation direction.

In the shown embodiment, each corner joining member has a diagonal joining bar that extends diagonally with respect to the transverse and longitudinal directions. In the shown embodiment, each corner joining member also has a triangular support structure that connects the diagonal joining member to the respective transverse joining member. The position of the corner joining members along the respective transverse joining member 50a, 50b may be configurable by means of e.g. sliders and a rail 1303 on the respective transverse joining member and fixation means (e.g. a screw 1304 to fix the slider along the rail 1303. The diagonal joining bars may be configured to join the film along a diagonal line. In an alternative embodiment, the diagonal joining bars may be replaced by joining means having any desired shape, configured to join the film at any area(s) or spot(s) along the diagonal line or any area(s) or spot(s) on the triangle between the diagonal line and its respective joining member. Fig. 14 shows a package made by, for example, the machine of Fig. 5. The package comprises a tubular film 1401, joined along longitudinal join line 1403 and transversal join lines 1404, 1406. Two reinforcing strips 1402a, 1402b are sealed onto the film on both sides of the longitudinal join line 1403. These reinforcing strips 1402a, 1402b extend through the transverse join lines 1404, 1406 up to the edge of the package. The width of the reinforcing strips is about % of the circumference of the package. In alternative embodiments, the width of the reinforcing strips may be at least 1/8, preferably at least 1/6, more preferably at least 1/5 of the circumference of the package. Preferably the width of the reinforcing strips is at most %4 of the circumference of the package.

Fig. 15 shows the package 1400 in different stages of its lifecycle. Fig. 15A shows a package blank 1501 that comprises a film 1401 with two reinforcing strips 1402a and 1402b at opposing edges of the film. The reinforcing strips 1402a, 1402b have transverse scoring lines 1043. This package blank 1501 may be produced as an intermediate product on a roll of film by a package blank machine. In the packaging machine 500 usually the package is closed directly at the time of joining the reinforcing strip to the film, so that the flat packaging blank 1501 may not appear in the form shown.

However in an alternative embodiment, where the stiffening strip is joined onto the film before the film is transported over the shoulder to form the tube, the shape of fig. 15A may be formed.

Fig. 15B shows a perspective view of the package 1400. Fig. 15C shows the package 1503 after it has been teared open along the longitudinal join line in between the two reinforcing strips, and folded open, wherein the reinforcing strips are folded along their the scoring lines.

In certain embodiments, the longitudinal joining members are not in between the two adjacent strip joining members. In certain embodiments, the strip joining means and the strip transportation paths may be located on the back side of the tubular structure, while the longitudinal joining means are on the front side of the tubular structure (where the two side edges of the film meet each other). For example, there may be a tool in between the two adjacent strip joining members that inserts an opening tool, such as a wire, in the package and/or that joins an opening tool to the film.

Alternative implementations are possible. For example, the scoring device 508a, 508b can be placed anywhere along the strip transportation path. They can be integrated with the spool 501a, 501b instead of the packaging machine 500.

In certain embodiments, the packaging process can be split into two steps by providing two separate machines: one machine to create a package blank provided with reinforcing strips, and another machine to form, fill, and seal the packages using the package blank.

In certain embodiments, the packaging machine comprises a folding unit configured to at least double fold the film, so that a strip with multiple layers of the film is created. The strip subsystem may be configured to align the stiffening strip in a space 1607 between two of those layers 1603. Fig. 16A shows a sketch of the folded film in cross section, with a space 1606 for a product, such as a food product and the longitudinal ends 1604 of the film 1605. The strip joining means may be configured to join the layers 1603 of the double folded film 1605 around the stiffening strip 1601 and 1602, so that the stiffening strip 1601, 1602 is fully enclosed by the film 1605. Fig. 16B shows a sketch of a resulting package after the double folded layers 1603 of the film 1605 are joined together. The stiffening strips 1601, 1602 are laminated between double folded layers 1803 of the film 1605. In the example shown, the longitudinal joining line 1604 is in between two adjacent double folded film portions 1603, each provided with a stiffening strip 1601, 1602.

Fig. 17 shows a sketch of a packaging machine 1700 for producing packets 1702. The reference numerals used in Fig. 17 are similar to the reference numerals used in Fig. 1. Therefore, for reasons of conciseness, similar features will not be described again in detail. The packaging machine 1700 is configured to process a continuous supply of a flexible film 324. And the tubular shape is formed at the guide element 323.

Moreover, a strip folding subsystem 1701 is provided that double folds a part of the film 324, to a form as illustrated in Fig. 18. Guide element 323 is adapted to allow at least one stiffening strip 333 (typically two stiffening strips as 1601 and 1602) to be inserted in between the double folded layers 1603. The first joining means 327 create the longitudinal seal 1604. The strip joining means 331 join the double folded layers of the film, so that the stiffening strips 1601, 1602 are locked in between the double folded layers, as shown in Fig. 16B. Product is provided through the inlet 322 and the transverse sealing and cutting means 350a, 350b provide the transverse sealing and cutting as described above. It will be understood that the guiding element 323 may be adapted to facilitate the insertion of the stiffening strips 333 in between the double folded layers of the film 324. Moreover, in alternative embodiments the guiding element 323 and the strip folding subsystem 1701 are combined in a single guiding and folding unit.

Although the above examples are shown as a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, this is not a limitation. Similar techniques may be implemented as a horizontal form, fill, and seal machine.

In general, the joining members throughout this document may be implemented for example in form of bars or rollers. Throughout this document, the joining means may be e.g. sealers. Throughout this document, the joining means may be configured to join pieces of material, in particular film or strips, by means of, for example, heat, pressure, hot glue, or self-adhesive tape. Other types of joining means are not excluded.

A packaging method may comprise steps of transporting a continuous film in a transportation direction along a film transportation path, aligning at least one stiffening strip to the film along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip extending in the transportation direction, and joining the aligned at least one stiffening strip to the film. For example a packaging machine or package forming line as described herein may be used to produce packages or package blanks.

For example, the step of aligning at least one stiffening strip to the film may comprise aligning a continuous source of the stiffening strip with the foil. Alternatively, this step of aligning at least one stiffening strip may comprise aligning individual pieces of strips, for examples pieces of strip corresponding to a dimension of the package that is to be made. Moreover, the step of aligning may comprise aligning a first stiffening strip near a first longitudinal edge of the film and aligning a second stiffening strip near a second longitudinal edge of the film. The distance between the aligned stiffening strip and the edge of the film may correspond to a width of a joining line with which the edges are to be joined together, plus an optional margin. The thickness of each stiffening strip may preferably be at least 1/8 of the width of the film and at most 1/4 of the width of the film. The aligning step may be performed with an alignment unit or strip subsystem of a machine, as described herein. It will be understood that the method steps of aligning and joining may result in a package blank, which may be a useful semi-finished product.

The method may further comprise scoring or creasing the stiffening strip, by e.g. a scoring device. This scoring or creasing may be performed in any stage of the method.

The method may further comprise forming the film in a tubular shape, for example using a tubular film former or a forming unit, and joining the longitudinal edges with joining means or sealing section. It is noted that the alignment and joining of the stiffening strips may be performed before forming the tubular shape or after forming the tubular shape. In a vertical system the stiffening strips may advantageously be aligned and joined to the film after the step of forming the tubular shape.

The method may further comprise supplying a product in the package. This step may be performed before or after forming the tubular film. In a horizontal system the product may preferably be supplied onto the film before forming the tubular film. In a vertical system the product may preferably be supplied into the tubular formed film through a tubular structure.

The method may further comprise joining the film along a line transverse to the transportation direction, by transverse joining means. Preferably the transverse joining means is configured to follow the contours of the film plus stiffening strips. That is, in between the stiffening strips the transverse joining members preferably reach further towards each other to account for the fact that the film portion with the stiffening strip is thicker than the film portion without the stiffening strip. The method may further comprise joining a piece of the film in corners of the package near the ends of the transverse seals, for example along a diagonal joining line, to avoid the product in the package to reach the corner of the package. The method may further comprise cutting or perforating the film transversely. These joining and cutting/perforating steps are described in greater detail elsewhere in the present disclosure in the context of joining and cutting means.

Alternatively, the packaging method starts with the package blank after the stiffening strip(s) have already been joined to the film, so that the steps of aligning and joining the stiffening strip(s) may be omitted.

In certain embodiments the alignment step may be replaced or enhanced by a strip folding step. The method then comprises at least double folding a longitudinal strip of the film, and joining the double folded strip of film by joining means, to form the stiffening strip. The method may further comprise inserting a stiffening strip, by a strip subsystem of the packaging machine, in between layers of the double folded strip of film before joining the stiffening strip.

In certain embodiments, in a packaging process the package blank is formed of one material film, which is folded by a folding tool for forming a partially in longitudinal direction double or more folded material film. In between layers of the double or more folded material film, a stiffening strip may be disposed, which stiffening strip may be made of the rigid or semi-flexible material.

A package forming line may be provided comprising a material infeed section and a product infeed section, a package forming section, a sealing and cutting section and a packed product section, wherein the package forming line comprises a folding module in the sealing and cutting unit for forming a tube-like material blank film and a longitudinal seal of the longitudinal edges of the flexible material.

According to an advantageous aspect providing the material blank film material blank film with details, such as creases, cuttings, perforations scores, for the package is configured to be executed in a package blank forming line comprising stages for detail forming as well as any tools, devices etc. for these.

According to an advantageous feature the material infeed section comprises unwinder for unwinding the material blank film from a material blank film roll and guide rolls for guiding and feeding the material blank film, the product infeed section is provided for feeding the products to be packed on the material blank film, the package forming section comprises a folding module for folding the packages from the material blank film, the sealing and cutting section comprises a longitudinal sealing module and cutting knives and/or sealing jaws for separating the packed product packages and for finalizing the sealing of the packed product packages.

According to an advantageous aspect the package is only formed in the packaging forming line in the product filling stage and the box-like form is formed only when opening the package.

In the Fig. 19A is shown an example of a package blank forming line 100 i.e. a material blank manufacturing process part of a package manufacturing process. The package blank forming line 100 comprises a printing unit 101, a tooling unit 102 and a winding unit 103, instead of the winding unit 103 a sheeting unit can be provided at this position. In the example of Fig. 19A a package blank film W is formed of two material films W1, W2, which are fed by unwinding the material films W1; W2 from material film rolls 10:20. The material films W1, W2 are first unwound in an unwinder 19;29 and slit during the unwinding process into two materials films, but also two separate reels of the same material can be used. Then the material films are fed for application of ink, varnish and coating in the ink, varnish and coating section 11; 21 in the printing unit 101 that can be also one single unit where the material films W1, W2 are fed, just into different pairs of rolls 11A, 11B. The ink, varnish and coating section 11; 21 comprises roll pairs 11A,11B; 21A,21B formed of one roll 11A; 21A located above the corresponding material film W1; W2 and the other roll 11B; 21B located below the material film W1; W2 and the material film W1; W2 is thus guided between of rolls of each roll pair 11A,11B; 21A,21B. After the ink, varnish and coating section 11; 21 the material films W1; W2 is dried by a drier 12 typically an air recirculation oven when barrier or similar coating is applied in the process; 22 in the printing unit 101. The tooling unit 102 comprises rotary die-cutters/slitting tools 13, 23 for die-cutting and slitting the material films W1, W2 to desired width and forming the material films W1, W2 to desired blank shape. Suction units 14, 24 are provided for removing any waste material. After die-cutting and slitting and blank forming by the rotary die-cutters/slitting tool 13 adhesive is applied onto at least one of the material films W1 or part of it by adhesive application means 15, advantageously glue guns 15 or lamination roller before joining the material films WW1;

W2 in a lamination unit 30, for example a heat laminator or a high frequency welding unit, followed by a drier 32 for drying the joined material blank film W, which is guided to a rotary die-cutters/slitting tool 13, 23 for further slitting and forming of the details on material blank film W. A suction unit 34 is provided for removing any waste material.

Thereafter the material blank film W is wound to a material blank film roll 40 in a winder 45 in the winding unit 103. In the example of Fig. 19A the material blank film is produced of two or more material films, which are fed to the process from their own feeding lines.

Photocells 52 are provided for positioning and aligning the materials at desired position for combining the materials. Additionally, devices are provided for treatment of leftover material, which can be guided to suction pipes and/or wound to a material roll depending on type of the leftover material. In case the amount of the leftover material is high, it may be useable for other package production depending also on the possible treatment of the material before collection of the leftover material.

In the Fig. 19B is shown an example of a package blank forming line 100 i.e. a material blank manufacturing process part of a package manufacturing process. The package blank forming line 100 comprises a printing unit 101, a tooling unit 102 and a winding unit 103. In the example of Fig. 19B a package blank film W is formed of one material film W1, which is fed by unwinding the material film W1 from a material film roll 10. The material film W1 is first unwound in an unwinder 19 and then fed for application of ink, varnish and coating in the ink, varnish and coating section 11 in the printing unit 101. The ink, varnish and coating section 11 comprises roll pairs 11A,11B formed of one roll 11A located above the material film W1 the other roll 11B located below the material film W1 and the material film W1 is thus guided between of rolls of each roll pair 11A,11B. After the ink, varnish and coating section 11 the material film W1 is dried by a drier, typically an air recirculation oven when barrier coating is applied in the process;12 in the printing unit 101. The tooling unit 102 comprises a rotary die-cutter/slitting tool 13 for die-cutting and slitting the material films W1 to desired width and forming the material films W1 to desired blank shape. Suction unit 14 is provided for removing any waste material. After die-cutting and slitting and blank forming by the rotary die-cutter/slitting tool 13 the material film W1 is led to a folding tool 16. The folding tool 16 advantageously comprises a plow and folding rollers for forming two- or more folded material film, which is guided to a heat-laminator/rotary die-cutter 35 for joining layers of the two-folded material film and for further slitting and forming of the material blank film W. After the die-cutter/slitting tool 13 an adhesive laminator and other devices for increasing stiffness of the folded material area can be provided. The heat-laminator/rotary die-cutter 35 may also be provided with a high frequency welding tool. A suction unit 34 is provided for removing any waste material. Thereafter the material blank film W is wound to a material blank film roll 40 in a winder 45 in the winding unit 103. In the example of Fig. 19B is schematically shown an example of a printing process combined with application of sealable coating. The process comprises drying for the printing substances but additionally the printing process may also comprise drying for the sealable coating, for example a barrier coating, for example a dispersion coating of heat seal and/or cold seal and or barrier coating. After printing and the surface coating material may be punched using cylindrical rotary dies for creases, scores, cuttings, perforations etc. In this example the material blank is produced of one material film. The double folded structure is formed into a tube shape of the material film in the packing process on the packaging forming line. Correspondingly, the material blank films can be produces by printing and coating in the material production process and combined only in the packing process.

In the Figs. 19A-19B is shown examples of package blank forming lines 100, in which the winding unit 103 is replaced by a sheeting unit 103X, dashed lines, in which the individual package blanks are cut from the material blank film for producing individual package blanks.

In Figs. 20A-20C is shown examples a packaging apparatus having a package forming line 110 of a package manufacturing process. In these example the package forming line 110 is a horizontal form fill seal machine (HFFS) for use in a flow pack process. The package forming line 110 comprises a material infeed section 104A and a product infeed section 104B, a package forming section 105, a sealing and cutting section 106 and a packed product section 107. The material infeed section 104A comprises a material infeed unit comprising an unwinder 41 for unwinding the material blank film W from the material blank film roll 40 and a buffer 51A with guide rolls 51 for guiding and feeding the material blank film W forward and a photocell 52 along the run of the material blank film F to control the run of the material blank film F. The product infeed section 104B comprises at least one conveyor 53 is provided for feeding the products F to be packed. The package forming section 105 comprises a forming unit 54 for folding the packages from the material blank film W. Runs of the material blank film W and of the products F to be packed unite at the forming unit 54, in which the material blank film F is folded to packages and the products F to be packed are guided onto the material blank film W at selected package locations. The sealing and cutting section 106 comprises a longitudinal sealing module 56 and a conveyor 57. The combined material blank film W and the products P are transferred on the conveyor 57 and the longitudinal sealing module 56 provides the seals for each packed product package FP. The sealing and cutting section 106 also comprises cutting knives and sealing jaws 58 for separating the packed product packages FP and to finalize the sealing of the packed product packages FP. The packed product packages FP are located in the packed product section 107 for transportation to storage or to retail. In the lower part of the Figs. 20A-20C forming of the packed product packages FP from the material blank film W in each section of the package forming line 110 is shown.

As can be seen from the example of Fig. 20A the material blank film formed to the material blank film roll can be made of two by lamination combined material films, alternatively the material blank film roll can be made of one material film with double folding or of several combined blanked material film in the material production process before entering the package forming and packaging process. In this case folding of the rigid material is to be configured such that it or the flexible material does not damage during folding. Additionally, by the forming unit design and/or by usage of effective sealing tools is secured speedy running of the material blank film and forming and sealing of the material blank film to the package.

In Fig. 20B is shown an example for providing the package with even stiffer structure configured to be formed of material fed from separate rolls to the forming unit for the material blank film formed of the flexible material. These from the separate rolls fed materials are guided as controlled by the information received from photocells or other corresponding controlling means to the sealing unit, in which the longitudinal sealing is provided together with detail of the material blank film, if not provided earlier on a separate die-cutting station. In certain embodiments, the folding unit 54 of Fig. 20B may be configured to fold the material blank film into a plurality of double folded layers.

Moreover, the sealing and cutting section may have an alignment unit to align the from the separate rolls fed materials (e.g. the stiffening strip) in between two of the plurality of double folded layers.

In Figs. 21A-21C is shown an example a package forming line 110 of a package manufacturing process. In this example the package forming line 110 is a vertical form fill seal machine (VFFS process) for use in a flow pack process. The package forming line 110 comprises a material infeed section 104A with a buffer 51A, a material loop for redirecting the film flow into the forming section 105 if needed, a package forming section 105 and a product infeed section 104B, a sealing and cutting section 106 and a packed product section 107. The material product section 104A comprises a material infeed unit comprising an unwinder 41 for unwinding the material blank film W from the material blank film roll 40 and the buffer 51A including guide rolls 51 for guiding, buffering and feeding the material blank film W forward in the process and a photocell 52 along the run of the material blank film W to control the run of the material blank film W. The package forming section 105 comprises a forming unit 54, advantageously a forming shoulder 54, for folding packages from the material blank film W. The product infeed section 104B, advantageously a filling tube 104B, feeds the products F to the package locations on the material blank film W. Runs of the material blank film W and of the products F to be packed unite at the forming tube 55, at which the material blank film F is folded and the products F to be packed are guided onto the package locations on the material blank film W at selected package locations. The sealing and cutting section 106 comprises a longitudinal sealing module 56 for sealing the packages in longitudinal direction and a conveyor 57 formed advantageously of side driving belts. The combined material blank film W and the products P are transferred on the conveyors 57 on both sides of the forming tube 55 and the longitudinal sealing module 56 provides the seals for each packed product package FP. The sealing and cutting section 106 also comprises cutting knives and sealing jaws 58 for separating the packed product packages FP and to finalize the sealing of the packed product packages FP on the top and bottom of the package. The packed product packages FP are located in the packed product section 107 for transportation to storage or to retail. In the forming section the forming shoulder 54 is shaped for providing desired shape for the packs and for guiding the material blank film to a forming tube 55 correctly positioned. The forming tube 55 is located between the forming shoulder 54 and the sealing module 56. The forming tube 55 is provided for forming the material blank film to a tube-like form around it and corresponding to its shape and to locate the sealing at desired location. The forming shoulder 54 is configured to fold and guide the material blank film around the forming tube 55. Advantageously, the forming shoulder 54 and the forming tube 55 form one changeable unit, which shape, size and other specifications vary depending on the material blank film for desired package measurements. In longitudinal sealing of the packages of different types, shapes and sizes of a seal can be provided in the longitudinal sealing module 56 depending on the desired opening method and grip needed for opening the packed product package. The packed product package FP can be for example a pillow bag PB or a gusseted bag GB. In the description and in the claims by term a pillow bag -type package is meant both the pillow bags and the gusseted bags, as well as other corresponding pouch-like packages.

According to advantageous aspects and examples the process and apparatus for manufacturing a package comprises as first main part a material blank manufacturing process part 100, in which the material blank film W or package blanks P are manufactured. The material blank film W is manufactured in a printing press, advantageously in a flexographic press in one production run. The manufacturing can also be based on digital printing press or gravure printing press, intaglio printing press technology. The material blank film W can be produced by joining two material films W1;

W2 or by folding one material film W1 to two or more -folded material film W1. In each case in manufacturing of the material blank film W preprinted material films W1; W2 can be used. The package blank forming line 100 comprises the printing unit 101, the tooling unit 102 and the winding unit. In the winding unit the material blank film W is wound in the winder 45. Optionally the packaging blanks can be folded into a tubular shape, sealed with longitudinal seal and one end seal and made into individual pillow bag -type of packaging using a sheeting unit. In the optional sheeting unit the package blanks are cut from the material blank film i.e. sheeted.

In case the material blank film W is produced of two material films W1, W2 (Fig. 19A} is unwound in the unwinder 19, 29 from the material film roll 10, 20 and then infeed ink, varnish and coating in the ink, varnish and coating section 11 in the printing unit 101, where the surface/-s of the material fill can be printed on one or both sides.

Advantageously, the ink is fed via a chamber doctor to an anilox roll i.e. a gravure roll, via which surface the ink is applied to the printing roll 11B and therefrom onto the surface of the material film W1, W2. The applied ink, varnish and coating substance may have heat-sealing and/or barrier properties, such as properties preventing oxygen, impurities, for example mineral oil, steam or water, permeability. The ink, varnish and coating substance, for example biopolymer emulsion or polysaccharide, may also provide desired additional stiffness, adherence properties to decrease weight or the package due to decreased thickness of the material of the package in order to achieve desired barrier-properties. The amount of ink, varnish or coating substance depends on the number of the roll pairs 11A. 11B. The dryers 12, 22 are used to dry the ink, varnish and coating substances and the material film W1, W2. The dryer 12 can be a recirculation oven especially for drying and curing the barrier coating. Also each ink section can have their own dryers. The material films W1, W2 can also be corona-treated in connection with the unwinding in the unwinder 19, 29 by corona treatment means (not shown) facilitate further handling of the material film W1, W2.

After the printing unit 101 the material film W1, W2 is fed to the tooling unit 102.

In case of the material blank film W being produced of two material films W1, W2 the tooling unit comprises advantageously 1-2 rotary die-cutters/slitting tools 13, 23, 33, glue guns 15, a lamination unit 30, for example a heat laminator or a high frequency welding unit, a drier 32 and is followed by a winder 45 into the winding unit 103. In the tooling unit 102 the material film W1, W2 is die-cut and/or slitted by the first rotary die- cutter/slitting tool 13, 23 to correspond to form and size of the package blank. Leftover material of the material films W1, W2 are guided to suction fans 14, 24. Thereafter to at least one of the material films W1, W2 adhesive substance may be applied by glue guns 15 or by the lamination unit 30 for forming the package blanks. The surface areas of the material film W1, W2 with adhesive and without adhesive are aligned and the material films W1, W2, of one is advantageously a rigid/semi-flexible material film and the other one is a flexible material film, are joined to the material blank film W to provide functionality of the final package FP together with any folding, creasing, perforation and/or cutting lines of the material blank. The functionality of the final package may include for example structures facilitating opening of the pack, structures stiffening to package to form a box-like package structure for utilizing the product packed in the package or stiffened detail structures facilitating portioning of the product packed in the pack. Additionally, advantageously, also by composition of the adhesive substance the properties of the package to be formed from the package blank can be affected. The adhesive substance may be for example a wet glue, a UV-glue or a biopolymer emulsion for example with polysaccharide base. Instead of glue lamination or with it also hot melt may be applied on the material film W1, W2 by the glue guns 15 in longitudinal i.e. running direction of the material film W1, W2, by which to the selected glued parts of the material film W1, W2 a strong grip and stiffness is provided, even though the other parts of the material film W1, W2 are at the same time flexible and ductile. Preferably in manufacturing of the material blank film two different material films W1, W2 are used, of which one is remarkably rigid/semi-flexible than the other. The rigid/semi-flexible film can be of thick paper, carton, board, fiber woven, plastic film, biomaterial film or corresponding material produced in roll form. The flexible film, i.e. the material film with less stiffness can be of paper, plastic film, biomaterial film, fiber woven or corresponding material produced in roll form. Typically, the rigid/semi-flexible material film has its infeed at an end of the package blank forming line 100. The material films W1, W2 can be precut and/or pre-slitted to partial films with desired shape and size. The material film of the rigid/semi-flexible material film may be die-cut and/or slitted to a pre-form corresponding to the form planned for the forming in first rotary die-cutter form a winder material film. In the case of manufacturing the material blank film W of two material films

W1, W2 there is typically provided at the end of the package forming line 100 infeed of a preformed rigid/semi-flexible material film and at the sides/or in the middle of the package forming line 100 infeed for the more flexible material film, which can also be preprinted. The infeed for the material films W1, W2 can also be located vice versa or the infeed for the material films W1, W2 can both be located at the end of the package forming line 100, especially in case this advantageous in view of printing needs, in which case the printing is provided by separate printing rolls. In the lamination unit 30 and after the glue guns 15 the material films W1, W2 are joined to form the material blank film W.

After the lamination unit 30 the material blank film W is guided via the second drier 32 to the rotary die-cutter/slitting tool 33, in which the blanks in the material blank film W are provided with final width, form and functional properties. The rolls of the rotary die- cutter 33 form the creasing, marking, perforation and cutting lines of the blank of the material blank film W. The rotary die-cutter 33 advantageously comprises 1-2 die-cut rolls or a die-cut roll with its counter roll formed in roll pairs. Instead of the rotary die-

cutter 33 only the slitting tool 33 can be provided, especially in case of non-folded material blank film W or when die-cutting is done on the first die-cutting tool 13. The slitting tool 33 slits the material blank film W to desired width. In the winding section the material blank film W is wound to the material blank film roll 40 in the winder 45 to be transferred to the package manufacturing.

In case of the material blank film W being produced by folding the material film

W1 (Fig. 19B), after the printing unit 101 the material film W1 is guided into the tooling unit 102, which comprises the rotary die-cutter/-s 13, the folding unit 18, the lamination unit 35, for example a heat laminator or a high frequency welding unit, and the winding unit 103 with the winder 45 for winding the material blank film W into the roll 45. After the printing unit 101, in which the material film W1 is treated correspondingly as in the case of manufacturing the material blank film W from two material films W1, W2 as described above, the material film W1 is die-cut and/or slitted in the rotary die-cutter 13 to preliminary shape and size for the material blank. The material film W1 is transferred to the folding unit 102 to the folding tool 16, in which a part of the material film W1 is folded in width direction to double fold at least partially. When the material film W1 is two-folded, with a stiff, thicker strip of material (stiffening strip} in between the folded layers of the material film W1, part and a flexible, thinner part of the material film W1 is provided in the width direction of the material film W1. From the folding tool 18 the material film is advantageously guided to the heat laminator 35, in which the folded layers of the folded material film W1 are joined. The heat laminator 35 advantageously comprises heating and pressing rolls, in between of which the material film W1 is guided.

In the heat laminator 35 the layer of the folded material film W1 provided advantageously with a heat-sealable layer of coating in the printing unit 101, is joined with the other folded layer at the heated locations. By the heat laminating technology, the material blank film W to be produced can be formed from one material film in the folding unit by the folding tool 16 two-folded material film W1. The heat laminator 35 may also comprise a rotary die-cutter, by which one tooling unit provides for both the lamination and for the folding, creasing, perforation and/or cutting lines of the material blank. The tooling unit 102 may also be used for slitting of the material film W1. In case the heat laminator 35 is used, separate steps for adhesive application and lamination can be left out form the manufacturing process. At the end of the material blank film W production line 100 the material blank film W is wound in the winder 45 to the material blank film roll 40 for transferring to further manufacturing steps to manufacture filled the packages P and the filled packages FP.

In manufacturing of the individual packages for example the horizontal form fill seal (HFFS) machine (figs. 20A-20C) can be used in the package forming line 110 for the package manufacturing process. In this case the package is to be produced as a pillow bag style flexible package. The material blank film W is fed to the package forming line 110 from the material blank film roll 40 unwound in the unwinder 41 in the material blank film W infeed section 104 from below the package forming line 110 i.e. as bottom film feeding, alternatively top film feed can be used. The material blank film W is guided via buffer 51A including guide rolls 51 for guiding, buffering and feeding the material blank film to the package forming line 110 to meet the infeed of the products F to be packed. The guide rolls 51 on the buffer 51A can be nip rolls i.e. a nip is formed in between on two rolls 51 and the material blank film W1 is guided through the nip. The guide rolls 51 can also be drive rolls, lead rolls or tensioning rolls 51 depending on the need of guidance. The run of the material blank film W can be controlled by the photocell 52, which follows the run of the material blank film W and adjust the infeed and the alignment in order to guide the material blank film W to the folding unit 54 for forming the packages from the material blank film W. In the folding unit 54 advantageously a plow is provided for folding the material blank film W into a tube-like form around the product/-s F fed from the product infeed section 104B. Advantageously the material blank film W is aligned exactly such, that the blanks P in the material blank film W are not damaged during folding. Especially, the rigid/semi-flexible parts of the material blank film W are susceptible for damages during folding.

In the folding unit 54 the material blank film W is folded around the product/-s F to a tube-like form. The product/-s f are fed onto the material blank film W by the conveyor 53 or by corresponding infeed means, for example by pushers. While the material blank film W is folded to the tube-like form, the meeting longitudinal upper edges are sealed by sealing rolls of the longitudinal sealing module 56 in the sealing and cutting unit 106 to form the longitudinal seal of the filled package FP. In case the material blank film W is fed to the package forming line 110 from above, the longitudinal seal is formed of the longitudinal lower edges. Height of the filled package FP can be adjusted by different means used for flattening of packages or for example for removing air from packages. At this stage the tube-like material blank film W with product/-s is guided to sealing of end seals of the filled package FP in between the sealing jaws 58, which also comprise the cutting knives for cutting the filled packages FP to individual filled packages FP.

In manufacturing of the individual packages for example the vertical form fill seal machine (VFFS) machine (figs. 21A-21C) can be used in the package forming line 110 of the package manufacturing process. In this case the package to be produced may be a pillow bag style flexible package. The material blank film W is unwound in the unwinder 41 and guided to the packing. The infeed can be from below as bottom film feeding, as show in Figs. 21A-21C, or from above as top film feeding by for example a material feed roll or a motorized material feed roll. The material blank film W is guided via the buffer 51A including guide rolls 51 for guiding, buffering and feeding the material blank film to the package forming line 110 to meet the infeed of the products F to be packed. The guide rolls 51 can be nip rolls i.e. a nip is formed in between on two rolls 51 and the material blank film W1 is guided through the nip. The guide rolls 51 can also be drive rolls, lead rolls or tensioning rolls 51 depending on the need of guidance. The run of the material blank film W can be controlled by the photocell 52, which follows the run of the material blank film W and adjust the infeed and the alignment in order to guide the material blank film W to the folding unit 54 for forming the packages from the material blank film W. The infeed of the material blank film W can be configured in various manners, for example via only some of the guide rolls on the buffer 51A or via all of the guide rolls 51. Also, various routes for the material blank film W can be constructed by selecting locations of the guide rolls 54. The route for the infeed of the material blank film W is selected and constructed based on the construction of the package forming line 110, and its control as well as based on the properties of the product/-s to be filled into the pack, on size, shape, opening manner and/or position of the opening point etc. of the package. Also, other properties of the package and the product can be taken in account. The folding unit 54 advantageously comprises a forming tube and a forming shoulder/forming collar, which folds the material blank film W to the tube-like form around the forming tube.

Typically, the material blank film W is guided to the folding unit 54 in inclined direction upwards, advantageously in a sharp angle in view of horizontal level, such, that the edges of the material blank film W fold over the forming shoulder/forming collar around the forming tube through a narrow slit. In case of a thicker material blank film W it is advantageous to use a less sharp angle for guiding the thicker material blank film

W around the forming tube. For guiding the material blank film W, a special forming shoulder/forming collar can be provided, which has an easier angle and a slightly wider slit and additionally, if needed, special shaping for the thicker parts of the material blank film W. On the other hand the thicker material blank film W can be guided to the folding unit 54 also downwards, in which case the thicker parts of the material blank film W can be utilized for feeding of the material blank film W above the package production line 110, whereby the material blank film W is at an upper position turned to the direction of the forming tube and only thereafter the package folding is begun in the folding unit 54 around the forming tube. By this better runnability of the thicker material blank film W is achieved and damages of the surfaces of the material blank film W are avoided, as well as rucks and wrinkles are avoided irrespective of the thickness of the material blank film

W. In this case the package forming line 110 is advantageously provided with a replaceable special folding unit without the forming shoulder/forming collar, a frame for film feed system and drive rolls and a free film loop and an additional folding roll, unless the existing configuration of the folding unit 54 is not utilizable, just before the folding unit 54 for guiding the infeed direction of the material blank film W downwards and around the forming tube of the folding unit 54. In this case at the free film loop is located a photocell 52 with optional mirror for controlling the material blank film W feed. If the material blank film W is not observed by the photocell, the drive rolls guide the material blank film W into the free film loop as required. The running of the drive rolls is controlled by the instructions received from the photocell 52 such, that desired amount of the material blank film W is in the free film loop such, that the cut of a package can be done.

The package forming line 110 also advantageously comprises a control system, which is adjusted to control the driver rolls and the photocell 52. The folding unit 54 comprises the forming shoulder and the forming tube. In the folding unit 54 the material blank film

W is guided through the slit between the forming shoulder and the forming tube around the forming tube folding to the tube-like form. The forming shoulder and the forming tube are dimensioned based on the properties of the material blank film W, especially based on the parts of the rigid/semi-flexible and the flexible parts such, that the material blank film W folds around the forming tube without damages. Preferably, the forming shoulder is configured for the material blank film W such, that infeed angle of the material blank film W through the slit is low gradient. Additionally, advantageously, the slit is dimensioned with tolerance such, that also the thickest parts of the material can be guided through the slit. The tolerance of the slit is also dimensioned such, that the material blank film W will be guided in required position around the forming tube. To facilitate and to increase efficiency the guidance of the material blank film W, the forming tube can be shaped to correspond to the infeed of the material blank film W. The shape, size and other specifications of the forming tube differs depending on the material blank film desired package measurements, especially of the portions, locations, dimensions of the thicker and thinner parts in the material blank film W. In this case the shape of the forming tube depends on the locations, sizes, shapes of the thickest parts in the material blank film W. The forming shoulder and the forming tube of the folding unit 54 folds the longitudinal edges of the material blank film W next to each other for sealing the edges to form the longitudinal seal of the package in the longitudinal sealing module 56. The longitudinal seal can be sealed to different types of seals. The edges of the folded material blank film W are then sealed in the longitudinal sealing module 56. The longitudinal sealing module 56 advantageously also controls the infeed of the material blank film W and the folding of the material blank film W to the tube-like form.

The product/-s are fed onto the tube-like material blank film W via the filling tube 104B such, that the product/-s are dropped from a feeding device through the filling tube 104B onto the material blank film W and into the tube-like material blank film W.

Thereafter the end seals of the package are closed between the sealing jaws, the lower end seal first. Then the filled and at the lower end sealed and at the longitudinally sealed package is guided downwards by means of the side driving belts according to the desired cutting length, i.e. height of the filled package FP and the upper edge seal of the package is closed between the sealing jaws Lower and upper edge seal of two next to each other located packages are closed advantageously simultaneously. The cutting knifes form by cutting the material blank film W between the next to each other located lower and upper seal of the two next to each other located packages the packages to the individual filled packs.

The package P may be manufactured from the material blank film W by folding the material blank film W to at least two-folded material film with a stiffening strip in between two folded layers of the two-folded material film such, that the sealable surfaces of the material blank film W will be against each other or against the stiffening strip, filling the product/-s F into the material blank film W / to the package in the package production line 110 and by cutting the blanks with desired package size to individual package blanks with the corresponding size. The material blank film W comprises rigid/semi-flexible material and flexible material, which are continuous material parts in the longitudinal direction of the material blank film forming the uniform material blank film W and from one blank position to next blank position. The packages are produced of the material blank film by using the package forming line 110, which advantageously is based on the horizontal form fill seal (Figs. 20A-20C) or the vertical form fill seal (Fig. 21) package forming process or by filling the individual stand-alone packages comprising the bottom or corner sealed pillow bag -type packages. The process type is selected based on the properties and/or the dosing of the product/-s to be packed and/or by the requirements of the manufacturing technology. Different types of packages can be produced of the material blank film VV. pillow bags or gusseted bags or stand up bags or 3-side sealed bags or 4-side sealed bags.

The package blank comprises the rigid/semi-flexible material parts and the flexible material part, which form the package. The package may be formed of the material blank film such, that flexible material part folds in the folding unit over the other side of the material blank and forms a uniform surface on this side. The rigid/semi- flexible parts of the material blank film W fold to the opposite side providing the center seal. The rigid/semi-flexible parts have vertical or inclined die-cuts creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines, which form the functional properties of the package for opening the package to the box-like form for taking out and/or serving and/or reaching to the product/-s inside the package. When the package is opened the rigid/semi-flexible parts fold at the die-cuts to form the sides of the box-like pack. Between the rigid/semi-flexible parts located, of the flexible part formed and by the sealing unit sealed longitudinal seal of the pack, is advantageously produced by setting the sealable surfaces of the flexible material against each other in the vertical position in view of the other surfaces i.e. by forming longitudinal seal. Between the rigid/semi-flexible material parts and the longitudinal seal, a narrow flexible area is provided aligned with the plane of the rigid/semi-flexible material for facilitating the sealing of the longitudinal seal by the sealing jaws. The size of the narrow flexible area depends on the seal type used (pinch, fin, lap seal etc.) and on the size of the package and is thus defined package by package. The rigid/semi-flexible part may be produced of multi-fold flexible material folding the layers during production of the material blank film. The longitudinal sealing by the sealing jaws also joins the rigid/semi-flexible parts as a longitudinal pinch seal but no flexible part is in between.

The width of the rigid/semi-flexible parts can also be decreased such, that the rigid/semi-flexible part does not extend to the edge of the material blank film when the total width of the rigid/semi-flexible parts remains less than the width of the material blank film. This provides more space for the product/-s to be packed, when the package is closed, without the need to provide the flexible part of the material blank film W with further structural properties, such as gusseted bag structures. The areas for the end seals may also comprise less rigid/semi-flexible material, but the rigid/semi-flexible material extends to the areas for the end seals at least partially to provide the winding properties of the material blank film W to and from the material blank roll 40 and to provide the continuous material blank film standing the pulling through the package forming line 110. The package can be filled manually, semi-automatically by a continuous operating band sealing device utilizing the sealing rollers. In the band sealing device, the individual sealing rollers transfer the package forward simultaneously closing the sealing by heating. Advantageously, this type of package can be filled with the product/-s and be closed tightly by an automatic horizontal pouch machine using packages produced of either individual blanks or of material blank film. In each case for closing the seal portion of the material forming the collar is first pressed to planar form such, that the edges of the material fold against each other to facilitate the sealing. The filled package closed by the longitudinal seal can easily be opened by ripping the flexible material in direction of the longitudinal seal for the length of the seal and thereafter wrapping the flexible material around the rigid/semi-flexible parts or ripping the material at the seal area to fold and separate the materials further. Also, re-closable opening means can be provided, for example a zipper-type structure or an easy peel -type a sticker-type structure.

The filled packages FP packed by any of the above example or achieved by filling the product/-s into the package and by closing the package by a manually operable sealing device can be packed to disposable or reusable transportation package. The individual filled packages can be on top of each other, for example when the planar and flat side of the package is placed at the bottom or the transportation package to the next package, or in an overlapping manner on side or in vertical position such, that one of the sides of the individual filled packages is against the surface of the transportation package. Irrespective of the stacking manner the filled packages can be packed tightly into the transportation package without empty space in between. This provides for more efficient packing of the filled packages compared to packing known packages. The packing of the filled packages for the transportation can be manual or automatized. A number of individual filled packages can also be combined as bundles by not-cutting the cross-cutting between the individual filled packages at the end stages of the package forming line or by tying a number of individual packages together to form a bundle by a wraparound or by corresponding means.

If needed to individual packages protective gas can be fed during the filling stages in the package forming line, which protective gas is to protect the product/-s inside the package, for example to prevent perishing or damages. The rigid/semi-flexible parts of the package can be used to provide the package with brackets, folds or corresponding structure, which are openable before the transportation for protection of the packed products. For very sensible products the extended top structure of the longitudinal seal can be utilized, whereby the rigid/semi-flexible parts are folded to sides of the box-like package already at the filling stage and before the transportation. In this case during transportation the product/-s are in the rigid/semi-flexible box-like package and the rigid/semi-flexible sides of the package protect the product even though the top and the bottom part of the package are of flexible material. The bottom of the package may also be partially or entirely of the rigid/semi-flexible material. Despite the box-like form of the individual packages, they are space-saving as no empty spaces remain in between of them since the package forming does not require inclined shapes in the pack. Additionally, the collar structure provides for full filling of the package and thus, empty space also inside the package is avoided.

After transportation the filled packages are ready to be placed for sale at points of sale. At points of sale space savings are achieved as the filled package takes up less space due to its various placing possibilities. Corresponding to transportation the filled packages can be advantageously places overlapping on side or in vertical position such, that one of the sides of the package contacts the surface and largest surface area is in sight. Irrespective of the stacking manner of the individual filled packages, the packages can be stacked tightly at the point of sale, for example on shelves of display racks or cabinets. By this also placing efficiency is improved, as more individual packages can be placed at the same shelf space. A number of individual filled packages can also be combined as bundles by not-cutting the cross-cutting between the individual filled packages at the end stages of the package forming line or by tying a number of individual packages together to form a bundle by a wraparound or by corresponding means. The individual filled packages can also be hanged on shelf arms at points of sale by providing the packages with euro slots, triangle holes or punch holes for hanging. By die-cutting to the material blank film creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines the package can be made a stand-alone package, for example to be placed standing on a shelf of a point of sale.

After using or emptying the package of the filled product, the package can be folded to a multifold position and recycled in flat form, so savings in waste disposal are also saved and the disposal pin does not need to be emptied as often. The folding of the empty package can be done without ripping of detaching parts of the package or without any kind of preparations for the folding. The package can also be recycled without folding as it is as such flat in the pillow bag or stand-up bag -type case after emptying the package. The package material can be used for recycled raw material for new packages or be placed for composting. The packages can be recycled or composted as is or different material layers can also be separated before these actions take place.

The examples and embodiments described herein serve to illustrate rather than limit the invention. The person skilled in the art will be able to design alternative embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Reference signs placed in parentheses in the claims shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. Items described as separate entities in the claims or the description may be implemented as a single hardware or software item combining the features of the items described.

Certain aspects are defined in the following clauses. 1. A packaging apparatus, comprising a film transportation subsystem (326a, 326b) for transporting a continuous film (324) in a transportation direction along a film transportation path; a strip subsystem (331, 332) configured to align at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324) along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip (333) extending in the transportation direction; and at least one strip joining member (331) configured to join the at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324). 2. The packaging apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the strip subsystem (331, 332) is configured to align at least a first stiffening strip (333a) and a second stiffening strip (333b) among the at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324), wherein the first stiffening strip (333a) and the second stiffening strip (333b) are aligned side by side on the package with their longitudinal axes extending in the direction of the transportation direction, and wherein the at least one strip joining member (331) is configured to join the first stiffening strip (333a) and the second stiffening strip (333b) to the film. 3. The packaging apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the strip subsystem comprises a strip transportation subsystem (334, 332) for transporting the continuous stiffening strip towards the film (324). 4. The packaging apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the strip subsystem comprises a strip folding subsystem (1701) for at least double folding a part of the film (324) to form a plurality of layers (1603) of the film forming a space (1607) for the stiffening strip (1601) in between the plurality of layers (1803) of the film (1605), wherein the strip subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip (333) in the space (1607) for the stiffening strip in between the plurality of layers (1603) of the film (324), wherein the strip joining member (331) is configured to join the stiffening strip to the film by closing the space (1607) for the stiffening strip (333) by joining at least part of the plurality of layers (1603) on top of each other. 5. The packaging apparatus according to any preceding clause, further comprising a tubular film former (323, 321) along the film transportation path configured to fold the film (324) from flat film (324c,d) into tubular film (324a) as the film (324) moves along the film transportation path;

at least one cutting member (351) for cutting the tubular film (324) transversely to the transportation direction; and at least one transverse joining means (329) for closing the package by joining the tubular film (324) transversely to the transportation direction.

6. The packaging apparatus according to clause 5, wherein the at least one cutting member (351) is configured to cut both the tubular film (324a) and the at least one stiffening strip (333) in one cutting action.

7. The packaging apparatus according to clause 5 or 6, wherein the strip subsystem (332, 331) is configured to provide the stiffening strip (333) having a width in a direction transverse to the transportation direction of at least one eighth of a length of a circumference of the tubular film.

8. The packaging apparatus according to any one of clauses 5 to 7, further comprising a corner joining means (381a) configured to join two layers of the tubular film near a corner of the package to separate the corner of the package from a main volume of the package.

9. The packaging apparatus according to clause 8, wherein the corner joining means (381a) is configured to join the two layers of the tubular film along a line separating the corner of the package from the main volume of the package.

10. The packaging apparatus according to clause 9, wherein the corner joining means (381a) is rigidly coupled to a transverse joining member (359a).

11. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 5 to 10, wherein the transverse joining member (359a) has a protrusion (385a) facing the film transportation path, wherein the protrusion (385a) is in between respective trajectories of the first stiffening strip (333a) and the second stiffening strip (333b).

12. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 5 to 11, wherein a transverse joining member (359a) of the transverse joining means comprises a flexible layer facing the film transportation path.

13. The apparatus according to any preceding clause, further comprising a scoring tool configured to score the at least one stiffening strip in a transverse direction to the stiffening strip.

14. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 5 to 13,

further comprising a rigid tubular structure, wherein the tubular film former is configured to form the tubular film around the rigid tubular structure,

wherein the strip transportation subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip to the tubular film around the tubular structure, and wherein the at least one strip joining member is configured to press towards a surface of the tubular structure.

15. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 2 to 14, further comprising a longitudinal joining means in between two of the at least one strip joining member, wherein the longitudinal joining means is configured to join two side ends of the tubular film together in between the two adjacent stiffening strips.

16. A packaging method, comprising transporting a continuous film in a transportation direction along a film transportation path; aligning at least one stiffening strip to the film along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip extending in the transportation direction; and joining the aligned at least one stiffening strip to the film.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS:

A package making apparatus comprising a film transport subsystem (326a, 326b) for transporting a continuous film (324) in a transport direction along a film transport path; a strip subsystem (331, 332) configured to align at least one reinforcing strip (333) with the film (324) along the film transport path, a longitudinal axis of the reinforcing strip (333) extending in the transport direction; and at least one strip connecting element (331) configured to connect the at least one reinforcement strip (333) to the film (324).

The device of claim 1, wherein the strip subsystem (331, 332) is configured to align at least a first reinforcement strip (333a) and a second reinforcement strip (333b) of the at least one reinforcement strip (333) with the film ( 324), wherein the first reinforcement strip (333a) and the second reinforcement strip (333b) are aligned side by side on the package, with their longitudinal axes extending in the direction of the conveying direction, and wherein the at least one strip connecting element (331) is configured to connecting the first reinforcement strip (333a) and the second reinforcement strip (333b) to the film.

The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip subsystem comprises a strip transport subsystem (334, 332) for transporting the continuous reinforcing strip to the film {324).

The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the strip subsystem includes a strip folding subsystem (1701) for folding at least a portion of the film (324) in half to form a plurality of layers (1603) of the film forming a space forming (1607) for the reinforcement strip (1601) between the plurality of layers (1603) of the film (1605), the strip subsystem being configured to place the at least one reinforcement strip (333) in the space (1807) for the reinforcement strip between the align multiple layers (1803) of the film (324);

wherein the strip connection element (331) is configured to connect the reinforcement strip to the film by closing the space (1807) for the reinforcement strip (333) by bonding at least a portion of the plurality of layers (1603) together.

The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a tubular film former (323, 321) along the film transport path configured to convert the film (324) from flat film (324c,d) to tubular film (324a). folding as the film (324) moves along the film transport path; at least one cutting member (351) for cutting the tubular film (324) transversely to the transport direction, and at least one transverse connecting means (329) for closing the package by connecting the tubular film (324) transversely to the transport direction.

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one cutting member (351) is configured to cut both the tubular film (324a) and the at least one reinforcement strip (333) in one cutting action.

The device of claim 5 or 8, wherein the strip subsystem (332, 331) is configured to provide the reinforcing strip (333) having a width in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of at least one eighth of a length of a circumference of the tubular film.

The device of any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a corner connector (381a) configured to connect two layers of the tubular film proximate a corner of the package to the corner of the package of a main volume of the package.

The device of claim 8, wherein the corner connecting means (381a) is configured to connect the two layers of tubular film along a line separating the corner of the package from the main volume of the package.

The device of claim 9, wherein the corner connector (381a) is rigidly coupled to a transverse connector (359a).

The device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the transverse connecting element (359a) has a protrusion (385a) facing the film transport path, the protrusion (385a) being between the respective paths of the first reinforcing strip (333a) and the second reinforcement strip (333b).

The device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein a transverse connecting element (359a) of the transverse connecting means comprises a flexible layer facing the film transport path.

The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a scoring tool configured to score the at least one reinforcement strip transversely of the reinforcement strip.

The device of any one of claims 5 to 13, further comprising a rigid tubular structure, wherein the tubular film former is configured to form the tubular film around the rigid tubular structure; wherein the strip transport subsystem is configured to align the at least one reinforcing strip with the tubular film around the tubular structure, and wherein the at least one strip connecting element is configured to press against a surface of the tubular structure.

The device of any one of claims 2 to 14, further comprising a longitudinal connecting means between two of the at least one strip connecting element, the longitudinal connecting means being configured to connect two side ends of the tubular film together between the two adjacent reinforcement strips.

16. A method of making packages, comprising conveying a continuous film in a conveying direction along a film conveying path;

aligning at least one reinforcement strip on the film along the film transport path, wherein a longitudinal axis of the reinforcement strip extends in the transport direction, and connecting the aligned at least one reinforcement strip to the film.