NZ521198A - Method and apparatus for transporting bags - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of transporting a bag (8) comprising: advancing a pair of pressers (13) toward the interior of the open bag mouth (56), and moving them transversely away from each other to press against the interior of the bag mouth; then advancing the bag held by the pressers (13) wherein the pressers (13) are advanced toward the bag mouth in a path having a linear segment and a non-linear segment so that the plane defined by the bag mouth (56) changes from a horizontal to a vertical position.

Description

521 198 52 1 1 9 8 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: Date: Divided out of No. 507522 Dated 23 October 1998 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING BAGS We, CRYOVAC, INC, 100 Rogers Bridge Road, PO Box 464, Duncan, SC 29334, USA, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: (followed by page 1 a) G:\WEST-W~1\EAW\DOCS\AJGV470409.DIV METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ■ TRANSPORTING BAGS Field Of The The present invention relates to a method for transporting a bag to a loading mechanism, where the product can be loaded into the bag.

Described is a method and apparatus for opening a bag mounted on a tape, and an apparatus for transporting the bag to a loading mechanism.

The reader's attention is directed to our related New Zealand Patent Specification NZ 507522 (hereinafter NZ 507522) which describes and claims a method of opening a bag mounted on a tape.

Of The Invention Many packaging applications, especially food packaging, require or benefit from the use of bags made fromvarious thermoplastic materials and structures. Examples of commercial bags include heat shrinkaWe bags supplied by Ciyovac, Inc., including the "L", B110, and B2550 bags.

These bags are commonly used in large scale meat processing asd/or packaging systems where production speed and efficiency are important. Bags to be used in these systems are often themselves packed in boxes, the individual bags taped together so that they will feed in a predictable and efficient maimer to an article loading station. Typical of such technology is US Patent No. 3,161,347 (Haimon), disclosing a tape to which bags are attached, and US Patent No. 3, 387,843 (Wing), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, disclosing two tapes to which are attached imbricated (i.e. shingled) bags.

At the loading station of a conventional system, each bag is opened and then loaded with an article such as a fresh red meat subprimal or smoked and processed meat, poultry, cheese, or other perishable food product, or other product In opening such bags, a problem sometimes encountered is that of bag hps (die edges of the bag panels which form the bag mouth or opening) which can be undesirably stuck together, or stuck to the adhesive bag tapes. This occurs in conjunction with the use of adhesive tapes to hold a series of imbricated (shingled) bags. Lateral movement of die top ply of the lead bag relative to die bottom ply can cause the top ply of die bag to adhere to die adhesive tape, making it difficult to open the bag. This can create a significant slow-down in a packaging line, and downtime for the food processor or other user of bags. The bags can of coarse be opened manually, but this is very slaw and labor intensive. It also risks unnecessary handling of the bag.

Some solutions have been offered to deal with die problem of opening a bag prior to die insotian of an article into the bag. The use of air pressure is common, but of coarse requires a source of air pressure. Sometimes die use of air pressure is unpredictable in providing consistent bag openiug performance, and the operator sometimes still needs to manually start the opening WlLilLUWL PWjPtRTY OFFICEI OF l\(.Z. 1 ' 1 tf *} -RE CElVPn^ process so that the air can be effective in further opening the bag sufficiently to allow an article to be loaded therein.

Another problem inherent in conventional bag loading systems is the requirement to matchcenter to center tape spacing to the bag size and article cross section. "Tape spacing" 5 here refers to the pair of adhesive carrier tapes, e.g. as described in the *843 Wing patent, which in many commercial bag loading systems hold bags together in an imbricated maimer before loading with an article. Currently, the nature of the tape spacing willgenerally define die shape of the bag when it is opened. Since the bag dimensions are ideally matched to the dimensions of die article to be packaged, tape spacing is an important parameter in loading a bag wife an aiti-10 de.

It is desirable to provide a method and apparatus which lessen or eliminate die requirement of opening the bag manually, or of using air pressure. It is also desirable to provide a method of opening the bag in a reliable and consistent manner, which allows for increased automation, and potentially reduces operating costs.

Likewise, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus which lessen or eliminate the requirement of mntcfring tape spacing to article size, i.e. the requirement of optimizing tape spacing for feeding or indexing the bags.

Another problem often encountered in the packaging of food products is that the comers of each bag tend to curl over during bag advance and loading. Thin i&n complicate rr slow die bag loading process. By finding a way to widen the tape spacing, that is, by placing the tapes closer to die bag's respective lateral edges, without bang unduly limited in the need to match tape spacing to bag and article size, this problem is lessened or eliminated.

In transporting bags mounted on a tape, in conventional systems, a discharged package (i.e. a product such as a fresh red meat packaged in a bag) is required to travel over the bag 25 train, i.e. a plurality of imbricated bags mounted on tapes. A disadvantage of such a system is that bags can be knocked off the bag train by the packaged product as it is transported.

Another problem common in conventional systems is that the packaging machine takes up a significant amount of floor space. In processing plants, where floor space is at a premium, this can be an important factor.

It is desirable to provide a method and apparatus which reduces or eliminates the problem of bags being knocked offthe bag train by packaged products, and which reduces the overall floor It is not necessary that each and every desired feature listed above be found in every embodiment disclosed or claimed herein. It is sufficient that the claimed invention provides the public with an alternative choice.

INTELLECTUA! PROPERTY OFFICE OF N2.

"I RECEIVED 3 (followed by page 3a) Stiitukuuv Of The liveumat Described herein but claimed in NZ 507522 is a method of opening a bag mounted on a tape comprising providing a bag ccmpiising a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge,* second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; providing a first means for vacuumizing for the first panel and a second means for vacuumizing for the second panel drawing a vacuum through laid first means fbr vacuumiziiig and second means for vacuumizing; gripping the bag between the fim means fbr vacuumi ring and the secrawi means for vacuanriz- ing; nnHmmWngthafmrt md MMinit mmm far wignwniwng wich thnfrtia hug di-aignga. ftnm tin tape, and the bag mandi opens.

Described herein but claimed in NZ 507522 is a method of opening a bag mounted on a tape comprising providing a bag comprising a first panel, a second panel, a fiist bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, IS and a bag mouth; gripping the first and second panels of the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means fcr vacuumizing; dmriog a vacuum through die first means ft* vacuumizing and die second means fbr vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means fbr vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens. i - Described herein but claimed in NZ 507522 is a method of opening a bag mounted on a tape comprising providing a bag comprising a first panel,* second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bagbcttom, and a bag mouth; gripping the first and second panels of the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means ^ for vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means fbr vacuumizing, sod, while moving the first and second meaas fcr vacuumizing, drawing a vacuum through the first and second moans for vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of transporting a bag, the bag comprising a first panel, a 30 second pane!, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth, comprises ad-vancing a pair ofpresscrs to the interior ofthe bag mouth, the bag mouth being in an open posi-tion and defining a first plane; moving the pressors transversely sway from each other to press against tibe interior of die bag mouth; and activating a means fcr actuating to advance fhe bag, hekl by the pair of pressors, such that the bag mouth advances from the first plane to a ( plane different from the first plane. 3a (followed by page 4) Described is an apparatus for transporting a bag, the bag having a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth, comprises a presscr assembly comprising a first shaft and a second abaft, die first and second shafts spaced apart from w»di other; a first cam and a second cam, the first and second cams spaced apart from each other and tisvmably mounted on first and socond shafts respectively, a first piawr and second pressor, the first and second pressors mounted on first and second cams ieqrettvely; INTELLhU I UAL PROPERTY OFFICE*! OF NL I V 11 ' W /LUwJ 4 RECEIVFD (followed by page 4a) a plate cam disposed intermediate the first shaft and a second shaft, the plate cam capable of causing rotation of the fint and second pressor through a 90° arc; and a means fat actuating the Described is an apparatus for loading a bag with a product, the bag having a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth, comprises a means for pushing the product; a means for actuating tbe means for pushing the product; and a loading hom comprising a lower hom section, an upper horn section extending wherein the upper horn is capable of lateral expansion to accommodate the product Brief PcscrintkM Of Urn Drawings In the drawings presented by way of illustration of the methods described and claimed herein and in NZ 507522: Figure 1 relates to the invention of NZ 507522 and the presently claimed invention; and Figures 2 to 6 relate to the invention claimed in NZ 507522 while Figures 7 to 12 relate to the presently claimed invention and Figures 13 to 15 relate to a loading apparatus described herein; FIG.l is a perspective view of an apparatus for opening, transporting, and loading a hap- FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the apparatus fbr opening a bag; FIG. 2b is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FID. 2a; FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a leading edge of a bag positioned between first and second vacuumizing means; FIG.3b is an enlarged perspective vienofa portion of FIG. 2a; FiG. 4 is a perspective view of a bag gripped between vacuumizing means; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bag, wherein the bag has been detached from the tapes by moving die bag away from the tapes; FIG. 6isaperspective view of an apparatus and method of opening abag, wherein the bag mouth has been opened; and 30 FIG. 7 is a perspective new of an apparatus for transporting a bag, with the bag mooth opened and detached from the tapes; FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the presser assembly of the apparatus of Figure 7; FIG. 8b is a rear perspective view of the presser assembly; FIG. 8c is a perspective view of a follower forming part of the presser assembly; FIGS. 9a and 9b are different perspective view of barrel cams; FIG. 10 is a perspective view ofthe presser assembly advanced to a position where the pressors have entered the bag mouth; 4a (followed by page 5) RECEIVED FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the pressor assembly advanced io a position wlnre Ihe pressors are pressing against the interior of the bag mouth; OF NZ . 4 ft M intellectual property OFFII OF N.Z. -1 JUL 2003 RECEIVED FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the presser assembly at a partially retained position, where the pressers continue to press against the interior of the bag mouth, and the bag mouth is disposed in a substantially vertical plane; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a loading apparatus in cooperation with apparatus fbr 5 opening and for transporting a bag; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a loading apparatus; and FIG. 15 a perspective view of a loading apparatus with a loading hom in an open position.

Description Of The Preferred gmhndiwMwt.

Discussed herein are three functions; namely, bag opening, bag transporting, and bag loading.

With reference to Figurel, these functions are implemented with a bag opening apparatus [1], a bag transporting apparatus [2], and a bag loading apparatus [3]; each are described in 15 detail below.

Pag Opening Apparatus fll With reference to Figures 2a and 2b, the bag opening apparatus [1] comprises a first means fbr'vacuumizing [4], a second means fbr vacuumizing [5], an actuator [6], and a bag plat-20 form [7] which accommodates an imbricated bag [8] mounted cm tapes [9 and 10]. The actuator can be any suitable conventional device, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrxmtechamcal, etc. which saves to selectively advance or retract other components of the bag opening apparatus.

A bag [8] typically includes a first panel [8a], and a second panel [8b] (see Figure 6) on the opposite Side of the bag from first panel [8a]. Each panel can be regarded as having a first and second end, and a first and second lateral edge. As viewed in a substantially lay-flat condition, the two panels each preferably have substantially the same length and width. Respective communicating first edges of the first and second panels form a first bag edge [32], A second bag 30 edge [53] is formed by respective communicating second edges ofthe first and second panels. A bag bottom [55] is framed by respective communicating first aids of the first and second panels. A bag mouth [56] is formed by respective communicating second ends of the first and second panels.

Bag [8] is preferably imbricated or shingled with like bags from a bag supply box [12].

Bags are typically made as side seal bags or end seal bags.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE | OF IM.Z. 1«i ■» RECEIVED The side seal bag will have a fectory-made heat seal at opposite bag edges. The bag bottom will be formed by the ibid of film created during Hie extrusion of bag tubing during manufacture- The opposite fold of fibn is slit to fbim a bag mouth.

An end seal bag will have opposite bag edges formed by the fold of film created during 5 tiie extrusion of bag tubing during manufacture. The bag bottom will be a heat seaL The bag mouth is formed by a transverse cut in die extruded tubing.

In both of these cases, the bag is typically made from a long length of bag tubing.

It is of course possible to use the invention of NZ 507522 with other embodiments, such as two dis-10 crete film panels which are preferably of substantially the game size, and brought together and sealed along two edges and the bottom to form a bag. Thus, although each panel (i.e. mqjor wall) of the bag can be regarded as having a first end, first and second edges, and a second end, and although the bag edges are described as being joined portions of respective ed^es of the first and second panels of the bag, it will be understood that in fact a particular bag edge, bag bottom, 15 or bag mouth can be formed or derived either from a true seal between two webs or panels of film, or from a fold of an originally single web of film, such as the tubular extruded "tape" typical of many fihn making operations.

Bags made from tubing at a processor's facility, such as those made in accordance with US Patent No. 5,618,252 (Melville), incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, can also 20 benefit from the opening, transporting and loading aspects of die invention of NZ 507522.

Also, pouches having seals on three sides thereof (other than the bag mouth side) can also benefit faro the opening, transporting and loading aspects of the present invention.

The first and second means for vacuumizing have multiple vacuum pots [11] to secure a bag panel to the means fbr vacuumizing. In operation, a bag is opened by indexing a bag [8] 25 so that foe bag mouth [56] (best seen in Figures 6 and 7 in an open position) is preferably at or slightly above the top surface ofthe means for vacuumizing [4 and 5] as shown in Figures 3 a and 3b. From this position, bag opening is accomplished by advancing the first and second means for vacuumizing toward each other, and gripping the bag [8] as shown in Figure 4.

WMte maintaining contact with the bag (8], the first and second means for vacmmrizmg [4 and 30 5] are moved away from tapes [9 and 10], thus stripping die bag from the tapes as shown in Figure 5. With vacuum activated, Le. drawing the vacuum through means [4 and 5], the motion of first means for vacuumizing [4] is stopped, but the second means for vacuumizing [5] continues its motion away from the tape to open the bag [8] as shown in Figure 6. It is necessary that vacuum on the first and second means for vacuumizing [4 and 5] be drawn prior to their separation, i.e. prior to the point intime that the motion offirat means for vaqiuiniring [4] stops, but the sccond means for vacuunuzing [5] crintimirs its moaop away 6 am the tape to open the bag. However, vacuum on the first and second means for vacumnizing [4 and .5] can be drawn at any time in the opening scqucnce after thctaaghaa bcai initially indexed into position. Thus, depending on the embodimcct; racuum can be drawn through means [4 and 5] prior to when means 5 [4 and 5] are brougbttogethert&grip the bag; or after means [4 and 5] are brought together to grip the bag; .minow embodiment eveuaftermeans 4 and 5 are initially moved together to de-tachthebag [8] from the tapes [9 and 10], In fact, vacuum can be drawn almost contitraously through means [4 and 5], although vacuum should be discontinued during the time that the opened bag ia to be advanced by the bag transporting means as described herein, and during the 10 timfethat the next bag is to be advanced ifiito position for opening, since continued vacaumizarioQ enherofthese stages (which cw besimuhaneous) would interfere wiih the freedom of movement of die bag- Bag Transporting Apparatus 121 15 With reference to Figure 7, the bag transporting apparatus comprises a presser assem bly [13] traversable on shafts [14 and IS] when arynawrr [16} is activated. The actuator can be any suitable conventional device, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, etc. whidi serves to selectively advaoce or retract other components of the transporting apparatus. Interactive with the presser assembly [13] is place cam [17]. In operation, as actuator [16] eat-20 tends. (Figures 8 and 10), die presser assembly is caused to rotate about axis 'A' in direction *B\ The ptesser assembly is farther illustrated in Figures 8a and 8b, showing pressors [18] on baireltaras [19and20}w&cfcaretravereable oa shafts [21 and 22] against spring pressure " • V .r.'V- ' " supplied by springs [23 and 24]. The presser* are depicted as paddles, but any suitable arms, blades, fingers, rods, or other projections of any suitable geometry can be beneficially used pro-25 videdibeyiunctiou in cooperation with the other components of the bag transporting apparatus as described herein. Shafts [21 and 22] are mounted in [60 and 61] which rotate about axis 'A' when driven by cam follower £25]. Traversing morion of cam [19] on shafts [21 and 22] is controlled by cam groove [27] (see Figure 9b) interacting with follower [28] (see Figure 8c) which can rotate around shaft [29] Contkct of follower [28] with cam [19] is maintained by a 30 toisional spring [not shows]. As the cams [19 and 20] rotate in direction 'B,' tiie cams move symmetrically towards each other for approximately 90 degrees of rotation at which point cam follower [28] readies a portion of cam groove [27] parallel with shafts [21 and 22], allowing the springs [23 and 24] to force the cams away from each sther. As the bag transport sequence is described herein, it will be sees thai the extent of the motion is constrained by the bag being 8 transported. As the rotary motion is reversed, the cam follower [28] rotates about shaft [29], climbs the inclined ponioa of the cam groove [30], and reseats in tbe groove after approximately 90 degrees of rotation in this direction, oppojitc to'B.' In operation, to transport a bag [*] openedby the Jbag opening means [1], the actuator 5 [16] is activated by suitable controls, causing the bag transporting apparatus to traverse shafts [14 and IS] with cam [17] effecting a rotation around ana'B,' andcams [19 and 20] narrowing 4c distance.between pressors [18] to a wdih sufficient fertile pressers 18 to partially entente bag [8] as shown in Figure 10.

.Just prior to completing the rotation into the bag [12], springs [23 and 24] spread the 10 pressers [13] transversely away from each other, thus gripping the interior of the bag mouth 56 as shown in Figure 11.

By retracting actuator [16], ihc.pressers [IS] reverse their rotation, bringing the bag opening with its cross section initially in a substantially horizontal position. [See Figure 11, drawing a dotted oval pattern 12a indicating Ac horizontal plane of the bag mouth] to a substantially veiti-. 15 cal position as shown in Figure 12.

The bag transporting apparatus thus allows the bag to be transported such that the plane defined by tbe bag mouth changes from a horizontal to avertical position.

From tbc position shown inFigure 12, continued retraction of the actuator [16] pulls the bag onto dv hom SO as shown in Figure 13, completing the transporting of tbc bag. 20 It should be noted that the plate cam 17 controls the rate of rotary motion of the paddles l& aippnd'axisB'. Ttis nwtign could alternative^ be controlled with a rotaxy pneumatic cjylia-dcayasgryo motor or mechanical linkage. The plate cam 17 is preferable becanie of tbe flexibil-by is^llows in designing die path, ofthe paddles. The same function can be achieved using a servo motor, al&ough this v^ducur a greater expense. The path of thepaddles could be re-25 produced by the use of a rotary actuator or mechanical linkage, but only with difficulty.

Bag leading Apparatus P] With reference to Figure 14, tbe bag loading means consists of a product pusher [31] with its actuator [32], a lower honj section [33]; and an upper horn sectioa [34]. The actuator 30 can be any suitable conventional device, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, etc. which serves to selectively advance or retract other components of the loading apparatus. Thsupper hom section [34] saa pivot around axis 'C,' and with slot [35], section [36] is expandable laterally. Tfcgse pivoting and lateral expanding features allow the horo [SO] to accom- INTULlLCTUhl PR'VERTY OFFICE I OF Nl. . f i» rtfirtrt I w W«M RECEIVED modate a wide variation in product shapes. These products are preferably various subprimals of fresh redmeat, smoked andprocess meat, poultry, cheese, and the like.

To load a bag, a product is positioned in the hopper section or cavity formed in the lower hom section [33], and actuator [32] extends the product pusher [31] forward, forcing the product 5 into the bag. The smooth tapered form of the upper and lower born sections [34 and 33 respectively), and the pivot and lateral expansion features described above, allow the product to be pushed into the bag with little resistance. In addition, the tapered shape of the hom provides for a relatively small cross-section at die end ofthe horn to facilitate bag loading.

Several advantages are obtained by the disclosed methods. The invention of 10 NZ 507522 addresses the problem of stuck bag lips, especially when using end seal bags, by removing the bag from the tape prior to opening. Also, air inflation of the bag, although useable in connection with the disclosed methods is no longer required.

In addition, the final dimmmong of the bag opening are controlled by the disposition of the first 15 and second means for vacwimi zing, and not by the tape spacing, eliminating the need to have multiple tape spacing! fbr different product profiles, as is tbe case when inflating a bag on conventional opening systems.

The disclosed methods place the unopened bag in a vertical position, eliminating "bag knock 20 off", in which discharged packages traveling over the bag train can dislodge yet unopened bags flutter down the bag train. Also, the overaU length ("footprint") ofthe equipment isreduced without sacrificing die ability of the equipment to load tags in a horizontal mode.

The bag transporting apparatus ia capable of palling and, with its pressen, securing from 67% to 100% of the bag length onto the loading horn. This facilitates loading by shielding the bag 25 nraxA aiula majority ofthe bag from the product which, otherwise, would strip the bag from the hom without seating in the bottom ofthe bag.

Loading ftree and severity of staffing is reduced by the hom by utilizing a polygonal shape which more closely matches the product shape; utilizing a gradual taper in the hom geometry; and incorporating flexible members.

Other components typical of a bag loading system can be used with benefit in connection with the present invention. These are well known and conventional and need no further description for those skilled in the art.

A bag [8] as shown in the drawings is preferably one of a plurality of like bags stacked in imbricated (shingled) &shion in a bag loading system. An imbricated taped bag arrangement is we& known in the art. When used ma vertical opening system as described heroin, the adhesive tapes can themselves fimctiaaas the means for supporting the bag, or a separate plate, baf- INTELLECTUAL "ROPERTY OFFICE Or N.l. -1 ;:L 2X3 RECEIVED 1 fle, or the like can be used, in any suitable orientation. Bags can be advanced by any suitable means, such as by a conventional taped bag indexer (not shown), or any suitable device or process. The bags can be shingled "forward", i.c. die topmost bag in the stack of bags is ftuthest advanced or forward, and closest to the means fbr opening. Any subsequent packaging steps, such 5 as vacuumizing, heat sealing, shrinking, etc. can be perforated as desired.

Any films, especially thermoplastic films such as olefinic films with or without oxygen barrier functionality, can be used with benefit in this invention. These films are made by extni-sioncoating, coextiusion, lamination, or other suitable processes. Especially preferred for many applications are films comprising an outer layer, an intermediate layer, and an inner layer. The 10 materials of the outer layer are often chosen &r abuse resistance and/or sealability, and can be chosen from any suitable polymeric materials such as polyolefins, especially ethylenic polymers and copolymers, polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides, and tbe like. The inner layer materials, often chosen for sealability, can be any ofthe materials described for the outer layer. The intermediate layer materials are ofien chosen fbr their banier qualities (i.e. baniers to oxygen, mois-15 ture, carbon dioxide, etc.). Preferred materials include polyvinylidene chloride polymers and copolymers, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamide, polyester, acryloni-trile, and the like. Bags are preferably heat shrinkable, and preferably at least partially crosslinked.

It is to be understood that variations ofthe present invention can be made without de-20 parting from the scope ofthe invention, which is not limited to die specific embodiments and examples disclosed herein, but extends to the claims presorted below.

Although the invention as described herein is preferably used in connection with taped bags (a very common commercial bag system), it can be beneficially used even without the use of adhesive tapes. With respect to the opening method described herein, the opening of a bag 25 without an adhesive tape can still benefit from the use of die first and second means for vacuumizing to open a bag, in any of the embodiments described herein. The same is true for the transporting «»»«i loading apparatus wi h<?re"v although of course thfwg are already described herein with respect to a bag which has already been detached from the tapes.

The methods described and claimed herein can be used in connection with bags with panels of uneven length, and in connection with bogs with curved bag lips.

Although the preferred use of the disclose^, methods is in connection with the opening of bags held in a substantially vertical position @.o. horizontal bag numb), followed by transporting to a substantially horizontal position for the bags (i.e. vertical bag month), ottier orientations ofthe 11

Claims (7)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OfFIC OF N.Z. - 1 JL'L 2003 RECEIVED

1. A method of transporting a bag, the bag having a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth, comprising: a) advancing a pair of pressers toward the interior of the bag mouth, the bag mouth being in an open position and defining a first plane; b) moving the pressers transversely away from each other to press against the interior of the bag mouth; and c) activating a means for actuating to advance the bag, held by the pair of pressers, such that the bag mouth advances from the first plane to a second plane different from the first plane; wherein the pressers are advanced toward the bag mouth in a path having a linear segment and a non-linear segment.

2. A method of claim 1 wherein the pair of pressers comprises a pair of paddles.

3. A method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the intersection of the first plane and the second plane defines an angle of greater than 0° and less than 180°.

4. A method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the intersection of the first plane and the second plane defines an angle of 90°.

5. A method of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising advancing the pair of pressers toward the interior of the bag mouth, the bag mouth being in an open position and defining a first plane, wherein the pair of pressers move towards each other as the pressers are advanced toward the bag mouth.

6. A method of transporting a bag, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings 7 to 12.

7. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, substantially as herein described. END OF CLAIMS