US20160297164A1 - Closure Bag with Reinforced Handles - Google Patents
Closure Bag with Reinforced Handles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160297164A1 US20160297164A1 US15/190,734 US201615190734A US2016297164A1 US 20160297164 A1 US20160297164 A1 US 20160297164A1 US 201615190734 A US201615190734 A US 201615190734A US 2016297164 A1 US2016297164 A1 US 2016297164A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- zipper
- sheets
- sheet
- bag
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B31B19/90—
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
- B31B70/86—Forming integral handles or mounting separate handles
- B31B70/876—Forming integral handles or mounting separate handles involving application of reinforcement strips or patches; involving reinforcements obtained by folding
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- B31B19/64—
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- B31B19/86—
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- B31B23/00—
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
- B31B70/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/02—Local reinforcements or stiffening inserts, e.g. wires, strings, strips or frames
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/06—Handles
- B65D33/08—Hand holes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
- B29L2031/7128—Bags, sacks, sachets
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B2155/00—Flexible containers made from webs
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B2160/00—Shape of flexible containers
- B31B2160/10—Shape of flexible containers rectangular and flat, i.e. without structural provision for thickness of contents
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- B31B2219/141—
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- B31B2219/23—
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- B31B2219/603—
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- B31B2219/9016—
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- B31B2219/9093—
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/008—Stiffening or reinforcing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/14—Cutting, e.g. perforating, punching, slitting or trimming
- B31B70/142—Cutting, e.g. perforating, punching, slitting or trimming using presses or dies
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/60—Uniting opposed surfaces or edges; Taping
- B31B70/64—Uniting opposed surfaces or edges; Taping by applying heat or pressure
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
- B31B70/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
- B31B70/813—Applying closures
- B31B70/8131—Making bags having interengaging closure elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
- B31B70/86—Forming integral handles or mounting separate handles
- B31B70/874—Forming integral handles or mounting separate handles involving punching or cutting
Definitions
- the invention falls within the field of polymer (“plastic”) bags that include handles, and particularly those bags in which the handles are formed by cutting an opening in the bag material near the top edge of the bag, and typically using a die cutting technique.
- plastic bags that include handles, and particularly those bags in which the handles are formed by cutting an opening in the bag material near the top edge of the bag, and typically using a die cutting technique.
- the weight of the bag contents against the bag handles is disproportional; i.e., the walls of the bag are of sufficient strength (usually expressed as gauge or thickness) to hold the contents, but not sufficient to bear the entire weight at the die cut handles.
- Reinforcing the bag at the handles is also helpful, and can be done with patches (usually rectangular) of extra plastic or some other material fixed to the inner faces of the bag at the position through which the die cut handles are opened.
- the patch structure has the cost advantage of minimizing the amount of extra material required, but also adds another manufacturing step.
- Zipper closure bags are also well-established in the art and such bags can be formed with certain types of handles.
- a press-to-close zipper is typically added as a narrow ribbon in which the male and female profiles of the zipper are fastened together. Each respective profile is secured to one of the respective adjacent layers of the moving polymer film that is the precursor of the eventual finished bags.
- the zipper must remain closed throughout the manufacture of the entire bag, because if a zipper is opened while the polymer sheet is in precursor form, the zipper may be difficult or impossible to re-close in an appropriate manner, and will thus prevent the manufacture of properly finished bags.
- Adding reinforcing handle patches to the interior surface of the rolling plastic bag stock that already includes a press-to-close zipper is conventionally unknown.
- adding the patches requires that the layers of film be separated so that the patches can be first inserted and then heat welded to the film layers. Such a separation step is, however, incongruent with the requirement that the zipper profiles remain closed.
- plastic bags that include both a press-to-close zipper and a reinforced die cut handle above the zipper are simply unavailable.
- the invention is a polymer bag.
- the bag includes two facing sheets of polymer film, a top edge, a bottom edge, two side edges, and a polymer zipper attached to the inside of the face of sheets parallel to and between the top and bottom edges.
- a respective reinforcing patch is positioned on the inside surface of each of the two respective facing sheets and is positioned between the zipper and the top edge.
- An opening extends through each reinforcing patch and through each of the faces overlying each patch to define a handle for the bag.
- the invention is a method of forming bag precursors and individual bags from a supply of polymer sheeting.
- the method includes the steps of folding a polymer sheet in half to form a bottom edge at the fold, two sheet faces, and a top edge opposite the fold.
- a pre-closed zipper is inserted into the top edge between the two folded sheets and the zipper is then fixed to the inside surface of each sheet at a position that defines and provides a header space between the zipper and the top edge of the sheet. This header space provides for the handles.
- the zipper is then opened and the sheets are separated at the zipper so that a patching device can access the interior of the bag at a position of sufficient with and depth between the polymer sheets to insert and then weld the reinforcing patches to the sheets.
- the zipper is maintained open along with the sheets and with the zipper in alignment while applying the reinforcing patches to the interior of each sheet at the opening. Thereafter the aligned zipper portions are closed.
- the handle openings are cut through the reinforcing patches and the sheets, after which the sheets are cut and sealed perpendicularly to the top and bottom edges to form individual bags with both zippers and reinforced handles.
- the invention is a bag precursor structure that includes a sheet of polymer film folded to define two facing sheets.
- a top edge is formed by the unfolded edges placed adjacent one another, and the bottom edge is formed by the fold.
- a zipper is attached to the inside of the facing sheets parallel to and between the top and bottom edges.
- the respective reinforcing patches are positioned on the inside surface of each of the two respective facing sheets and between the zipper and the top edge.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finished bag according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a partially schematic view of a folding triangle for polymer sheeting useful in the method of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a partially schematic perspective view of a press-to-close zipper strip being applied to plastic sheeting.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the zipper-opening step of the invention.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the application of a reinforcing patch to moving sheets of polymer film.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the aligned zipper profiles being re-closed at pinch rollers.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic side elevation overview of an alignment and reclosing device according to the invention.
- FIG. 8 is another elevational view of the structure of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a die cutting operation for bags precursors according to the invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a belted delivery machine for finished bags.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag according to the invention broadly designated at 20 .
- the bag is formed of two facing sheets 21 and 22 of polymer film, and as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first sheet 21 forms the front of the illustrated bag and the second sheet 22 forms the back.
- the top edge of the bag 23 is formed where the two sheets 21 and 22 meet.
- the bag includes two respective side edges 24 and 25 and as set forth herein these are typically formed as heat seals that both form the edge and separate a bag precursor into an individual bag.
- a polymeric zipper 26 is attached to the inside of the facing sheets 24 and 25 and is positioned parallel to and between the top edge 23 and the bottom edge 27 .
- the illustrated zipper 26 is of the press-to-close variety that is typically formed from respective male and female profiles that snap or wedge together in an otherwise well-understood fashion.
- “slide-to-close” zippers use a “slider” that is pulled across the bag to close the male and female profiles.
- a respective reinforcing patch 30 is positioned on the inside surface of each of the two respective facing sheets 21 , 22 and is located between the zipper 26 and the top edge 23 of the bag 20 .
- An opening 31 extends through each reinforcing patch 30 and through each of the faces 21 , 22 that overlie each of the patches 30 to define the handle for the bag 20 .
- the bag can be formed from any appropriate polymer, with thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene being appropriate.
- Other relevant polymers include polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, and polyvinyl acetate.
- the polymer is chosen for secondary characteristics such as being biodegradable, antistatic, or resistant to (or in some cases blocking the transmission of) ultraviolet light.
- the bottom edge 27 is folded in accordance with the described method. If desired, the bottom of the bag can carry an extra set of folds to form a gusset in the finished bag, a step that is well understood in the art and not otherwise illustrated herein.
- Both the zipper 26 and the reinforcing patches 30 can be formed from a similar selection of polymers, and in exemplary embodiments, these items are thermoplastic. In some cases the bag sheet material, the zipper material, and the patch material are all the same polymer.
- FIGS. 2-6, 9, and 10 illustrate method aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates portions (i.e., FIG. 2 is partially schematic) of a triangle type folding machine that is useful in the claimed invention.
- the first step in the method is the step of folding a polymer sheet in half to form the bottom edge 27 at the fold. Accordingly, FIG. 2 illustrates an unfolded sheet 32 of polymer material. When the single sheet 32 is directed over the folding triangle 33 and pulled towards the stock roll 34 , the triangle 33 orients the sheet into a fold.
- the nature and operation of a triangle folding machine is well understood in the art and need not be described in great detail. As partially illustrated in FIG.
- the folded bottom edge 27 and the unsealed top edge 23 progress from the folding triangle 33 over a plurality of rollers (together broadly designated at 35 ), and beneath a stabilizing drum 36 which can move on a pair of arms 37 and 40 .
- the relevant rollers and other mechanical parts are maintained on a frame 41 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the folded polymer sheet material being collected on the stock roll 34 , it will be understood that in an assembly line fashion, the folded sheets could proceed directly to the next step in the method and without being collected on a roll.
- the polymer sheet 32 has been folded in half to create the bottom edge 27 , two sheet faces 21 and 22 , and the top edge 23 opposite the folded bottom edge 27 .
- a gusset can be folded in or near the fold 27 if desired, but is not illustrated here.
- FIG. 3 illustrates part of the next step, that of inserting the pre-closed zipper 26 into the top edge 23 of the first and second sheets 21 , 22 that together define the moving folded bag precursor.
- the zipper 26 is directed in a clockwise direction around a rotating disk 42 that is positioned so that the zipper 26 is in turn oriented and spaced a desired distance from the top edge 23 to define the header portion 28 of the bag precursor and eventually of the bag.
- the arrows in FIG. 3 indicate the direction of travel and illustrate the bag precursor material moving from lower left towards upper right, then turning 90° over a roller (not shown) and then proceeding downwardly to a next step and driven by a plurality of guiding and driving shafts and rolls which are otherwise conventional and which are broadly designated together at 43 .
- strip 26 defines both the header portion 28 and the bag portion 29 of the precursor and then of the bag itself.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the step of inserting the pre-closed zipper 26 38.1: (with the male and female profiles having been pre-closed) into the top edge 23 between the folded sheets 21 , 22 .
- the zipper 26 is then fixed to the inside surfaces of each of the sheets 21 , 22 and in a position that defines the header space 28 between the zipper 26 and the top edge 23 of the sheet.
- the header space 28 will in turn become the top (header) portion of the bag to provide space for the handles.
- the zipper 26 typically consists of extruded, pre-closed, male and female profiles that are wound on spools for use in the bag making steps and machinery.
- the zipper 26 is typically heat sealed in place, particularly when the bag material and the zipper material are formed of thermoplastic polymers. This can be carried out in any appropriate manner.
- the pre-closed profiles of the zipper 26 are advanced between two fabric belts (e.g., Teflon) that in turn move between two stationary heat sealing bars.
- Teflon e.g., Teflon
- the amount of heat applied should be sufficient to fasten the zipper 26 to the sheets 21 , 22 , but without melting the male and female portions of the zipper into one another.
- FIG. 4 illustrates the next step in the method in which the profiles of the zipper 26 are opened and the sheets 21 and 22 are separated at the zipper 26 .
- This step has conventionally been avoided because of the difficulty (in the context of modern bag making machinery) of re-closing the zipper profiles after they have been opened.
- FIG. 4 accordingly illustrates the first or top sheet 21 , the second or bottom sheet 22 and the zipper 26 .
- the header portion is illustrated at 28 ; i.e., in the orientation of FIG. 4 the bag portion 29 of the bag precursor is at the bottom, and the header portion 28 is above the zipper 26 .
- the movement of the bag precursor is from right to left as indicated by the directional arrow.
- FIG. 4 also illustrates that the sheets 21 and 22 are separated, and the zipper 26 is opened, as they pass over an opening arm 44 and are directed by at least one (and potentially several) guides 45 .
- FIG. 4 also illustrates other conventional elements including a portion 46 of a patch sealing device and a corresponding sealing platform or anvil 47 .
- the step of opening the zipper 26 and separating the sheets 21 , 22 allows the patching device ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ; which is otherwise conventional), to access the interior of the bag precursor at a position (i.e., sufficient width between and depth into the polymer sheets) to place and secure the eventual reinforcing patches.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the step of maintaining the open zipper 26 portions and sheets 21 , 22 in alignment while applying the reinforcing patches to the interior of each sheet at the opening
- FIG. 5A and 5B again illustrate the patch heat sealer 46 .
- the patches 30 are directed between the sheets 21 and 22 initially perpendicularly, and as explained previously are positioned between the top edge 23 and the zipper 26 .
- the bag precursor material i.e., the sheets 21 and 22
- a bag opening pin 50 keeps the sheets 21 and 22 separated while the patches 30 are being inserted by the patch heat sealer 46 .
- a pair of guide pins 51 help maintain the moving film oriented properly with respect to the patch heat sealer 46 .
- FIGS. 5A and 5B are essentially identical, with the only difference being that the patch heat sealer 46 is in an open position in FIG. 5A and in a closed (sealing) position in FIG. 5B .
- the relevant patch 30 is being sealed underneath the patch heat sealer 46 , and thus no other patches are being inserted or are visible at the particular illustrated moment.
- the patches 30 have a width that is less than (smaller) than the header space defined by the zipper 26 and the top edge 23 . Larger patches could, of course, be inserted, but would need to be trimmed or otherwise accounted for both in the machinery and the method.
- FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 help illustrate the next step in the method, that of reclosing the aligned profiles of the zipper portion 26 after the reinforcing patches 30 have been added and sealed to the interior surfaces of the sheets 21 , 22 .
- This step of the invention stands in contrast to conventional methods, because the step of opening a zipper has been conventionally avoided, and in turn the step of closing the zipper has likewise been avoided.
- FIG. 6 illustrates that if the male and female profiles of the zipper 26 are carefully maintained in alignment during the step of adding the reinforcing patches 30 , the zipper 26 can be closed using a set of pinch rollers 53 , 54 .
- FIG. 6 thus illustrates the sheets 21 , 22 , the zipper 26 as progressively open and then closed, the bag portion 29 and the header portion 29 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 are respective elevational views of an alternative embodiment for aligning and reclosing the zipper 26 .
- FIG. 7 shows a pair of guide rolls 56 and a pair of pinch rolls 57 mounted on a flame 60 .
- the direction of travel is indicated by the arrow, and FIG. 7 illustrates the film moving from left to right.
- FIG. 8 provides more detail and shows that the guide rolls 56 include a respective guide channel 61 for aligning the zipper profiles just before they reach the pinch rolls 57 .
- the guide rolls are on respective shafts 62 , 63 , one of which is illustrated with threading 64 to indicate the possibility of adjusting the position of the guide rolls 56 on the shafts.
- the position of the rolls 56 can be secured using the nuts 65 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates the last step in forming a bag precursor and the penultimate step in forming a bag; namely forming an opening 31 in the precursor at the patch 30 positions.
- FIG. 9 also uses the relatively large squares 71 to illustrate that in many commercial embodiments, the bag material can be printed before any of the bag making steps are carried out, or between any one or more of the indicated steps (provided, of course, that any printing step avoids interfering with the bag making steps or the bag making characteristics of the polymer sheet). Printing the film prior to making the bag tends to be more common.
- the bag precursors can be collected on a stock roll for later separation, or can be separated to form the final bag.
- the invention includes the sheet of polymer film 32 folded to defined two facing sheets 21 , 22 ; the top edge 23 formed by the unfolded edges of the sheets 21 , 22 ; and the bottom edge 27 formed by the fold.
- the zipper 26 is attached to the inside of the facing sheets 21 , 22 parallel to and between the top and bottom edges 23 , 27 .
- the reinforcing patches 30 are positioned on the inside surface of each of the facing sheets 21 , 22 at a position between the zipper 26 and the top edge 23 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a conveyor device broadly designated at 73 along with its belts 74 that delivers the final bag for packing, transport, delivery, and use.
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Abstract
A method of forming bag precursors and individual bags from a supply of polymer sheeting is disclosed. The method includes the steps of folding a polymer sheet in half to form a bottom edge at the fold, two sheet faces, and a top edge opposite the fold; inserting a pre-closed zipper into the top edge between the two folded sheets and fixing the zipper to the inside surfaces of each sheet and with a header space between the zipper and the top edge of the sheet; thereafter opening the zipper and separating the sheets at the zipper; maintaining the open zipper portions and sheets in alignment and applying reinforcing patches to the interior of each sheet at the opening; and thereafter reclosing the aligned zipper portions
Description
- This is a divisional of Ser. No. 14/639,483; filed Mar. 5, 2015.
- The invention falls within the field of polymer (“plastic”) bags that include handles, and particularly those bags in which the handles are formed by cutting an opening in the bag material near the top edge of the bag, and typically using a die cutting technique. Within this general bag design, there are circumstances in which the weight of the bag contents against the bag handles is disproportional; i.e., the walls of the bag are of sufficient strength (usually expressed as gauge or thickness) to hold the contents, but not sufficient to bear the entire weight at the die cut handles.
- Conventional solutions to this problem exist but the most common are to use a heavier gauge of plastic for the entire bag; to add separate, stronger handles to the bag; or to reinforce the die cut handles, but not the entire bag.
- Using a heavier gauge of plastic is less cost-effective whenever the contents portion of the bag doesn't require the same gauge as the handles.
- Adding separate handles requires one or more extra manufacturing steps (as compared to die cut openings) and thus increases complexity and cost.
- Reinforcing the bag at the handles is also helpful, and can be done with patches (usually rectangular) of extra plastic or some other material fixed to the inner faces of the bag at the position through which the die cut handles are opened. The patch structure has the cost advantage of minimizing the amount of extra material required, but also adds another manufacturing step.
- Zipper closure bags are also well-established in the art and such bags can be formed with certain types of handles. In particular, a press-to-close zipper is typically added as a narrow ribbon in which the male and female profiles of the zipper are fastened together. Each respective profile is secured to one of the respective adjacent layers of the moving polymer film that is the precursor of the eventual finished bags.
- Conventionally, the zipper must remain closed throughout the manufacture of the entire bag, because if a zipper is opened while the polymer sheet is in precursor form, the zipper may be difficult or impossible to re-close in an appropriate manner, and will thus prevent the manufacture of properly finished bags.
- Adding reinforcing handle patches to the interior surface of the rolling plastic bag stock that already includes a press-to-close zipper is conventionally unknown. In particular, adding the patches requires that the layers of film be separated so that the patches can be first inserted and then heat welded to the film layers. Such a separation step is, however, incongruent with the requirement that the zipper profiles remain closed.
- Thus, plastic bags that include both a press-to-close zipper and a reinforced die cut handle above the zipper are simply unavailable.
- In one aspect the invention is a polymer bag. In this aspect, the bag includes two facing sheets of polymer film, a top edge, a bottom edge, two side edges, and a polymer zipper attached to the inside of the face of sheets parallel to and between the top and bottom edges. A respective reinforcing patch is positioned on the inside surface of each of the two respective facing sheets and is positioned between the zipper and the top edge. An opening extends through each reinforcing patch and through each of the faces overlying each patch to define a handle for the bag.
- In another aspect, the invention is a method of forming bag precursors and individual bags from a supply of polymer sheeting. The method includes the steps of folding a polymer sheet in half to form a bottom edge at the fold, two sheet faces, and a top edge opposite the fold. A pre-closed zipper is inserted into the top edge between the two folded sheets and the zipper is then fixed to the inside surface of each sheet at a position that defines and provides a header space between the zipper and the top edge of the sheet. This header space provides for the handles. The zipper is then opened and the sheets are separated at the zipper so that a patching device can access the interior of the bag at a position of sufficient with and depth between the polymer sheets to insert and then weld the reinforcing patches to the sheets. The zipper is maintained open along with the sheets and with the zipper in alignment while applying the reinforcing patches to the interior of each sheet at the opening. Thereafter the aligned zipper portions are closed.
- To complete a bag structure, the handle openings are cut through the reinforcing patches and the sheets, after which the sheets are cut and sealed perpendicularly to the top and bottom edges to form individual bags with both zippers and reinforced handles.
- In yet another aspect, the invention is a bag precursor structure that includes a sheet of polymer film folded to define two facing sheets. A top edge is formed by the unfolded edges placed adjacent one another, and the bottom edge is formed by the fold. A zipper is attached to the inside of the facing sheets parallel to and between the top and bottom edges. The respective reinforcing patches are positioned on the inside surface of each of the two respective facing sheets and between the zipper and the top edge.
- The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based on the followed detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finished bag according to the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a partially schematic view of a folding triangle for polymer sheeting useful in the method of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a partially schematic perspective view of a press-to-close zipper strip being applied to plastic sheeting. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the zipper-opening step of the invention. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the application of a reinforcing patch to moving sheets of polymer film. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the aligned zipper profiles being re-closed at pinch rollers.FIG. 7 is a schematic side elevation overview of an alignment and reclosing device according to the invention. -
FIG. 8 is another elevational view of the structure ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 illustrates a die cutting operation for bags precursors according to the invention. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a belted delivery machine for finished bags. - Those of skill in the art will recognize that many of the steps in handling polymer film sheeting and creating bag precursors and bags from such sheeting are otherwise conventional and well understood in this art. It will be further understood that the drawings are at least partially schematic in nature, and for purposes of clarity do not attempt to illustrate (or name) every mechanical item included in such otherwise conventional equipment.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag according to the invention broadly designated at 20. The bag is formed of two facingsheets FIG. 1 , thefirst sheet 21 forms the front of the illustrated bag and thesecond sheet 22 forms the back. The top edge of thebag 23 is formed where the twosheets respective side edges - A
polymeric zipper 26 is attached to the inside of the facingsheets top edge 23 and thebottom edge 27. The illustratedzipper 26 is of the press-to-close variety that is typically formed from respective male and female profiles that snap or wedge together in an otherwise well-understood fashion. By way of comparison, “slide-to-close” zippers use a “slider” that is pulled across the bag to close the male and female profiles. - A respective reinforcing
patch 30 is positioned on the inside surface of each of the two respective facingsheets zipper 26 and thetop edge 23 of thebag 20. - An
opening 31 extends through each reinforcingpatch 30 and through each of thefaces patches 30 to define the handle for thebag 20. - The bag can be formed from any appropriate polymer, with thermoplastic polymers such as polyethylene being appropriate. Other relevant polymers include polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, and polyvinyl acetate. In some cases the polymer is chosen for secondary characteristics such as being biodegradable, antistatic, or resistant to (or in some cases blocking the transmission of) ultraviolet light.
- These polymers and their features are, of course, exemplary rather than limiting of the invention. As those in the art are well-aware, such polymers can be customized in various fashions, and such versions (for example the several density characterizations of polyethylene) can be selected and used in the invention without undue experimentation.
- In the illustrated embodiment, the
bottom edge 27 is folded in accordance with the described method. If desired, the bottom of the bag can carry an extra set of folds to form a gusset in the finished bag, a step that is well understood in the art and not otherwise illustrated herein. - Both the
zipper 26 and the reinforcingpatches 30 can be formed from a similar selection of polymers, and in exemplary embodiments, these items are thermoplastic. In some cases the bag sheet material, the zipper material, and the patch material are all the same polymer. -
FIGS. 2-6, 9, and 10 illustrate method aspects of the invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates portions (i.e.,FIG. 2 is partially schematic) of a triangle type folding machine that is useful in the claimed invention. The first step in the method is the step of folding a polymer sheet in half to form thebottom edge 27 at the fold. Accordingly,FIG. 2 illustrates an unfoldedsheet 32 of polymer material. When thesingle sheet 32 is directed over the foldingtriangle 33 and pulled towards thestock roll 34, thetriangle 33 orients the sheet into a fold. The nature and operation of a triangle folding machine is well understood in the art and need not be described in great detail. As partially illustrated inFIG. 2 , the foldedbottom edge 27 and the unsealedtop edge 23 progress from thefolding triangle 33 over a plurality of rollers (together broadly designated at 35), and beneath a stabilizingdrum 36 which can move on a pair ofarms 37 and 40. The relevant rollers and other mechanical parts are maintained on a frame 41. - Furthermore, although
FIG. 2 illustrates the folded polymer sheet material being collected on thestock roll 34, it will be understood that in an assembly line fashion, the folded sheets could proceed directly to the next step in the method and without being collected on a roll. - Thus, after the steps illustrated in
FIG. 2 have been carried out, thepolymer sheet 32 has been folded in half to create thebottom edge 27, two sheet faces 21 and 22, and thetop edge 23 opposite the foldedbottom edge 27. As set forth with respect to the structural aspects, a gusset can be folded in or near thefold 27 if desired, but is not illustrated here. -
FIG. 3 illustrates part of the next step, that of inserting thepre-closed zipper 26 into thetop edge 23 of the first andsecond sheets FIG. 3 , thezipper 26 is directed in a clockwise direction around arotating disk 42 that is positioned so that thezipper 26 is in turn oriented and spaced a desired distance from thetop edge 23 to define theheader portion 28 of the bag precursor and eventually of the bag. The arrows inFIG. 3 indicate the direction of travel and illustrate the bag precursor material moving from lower left towards upper right, then turning 90° over a roller (not shown) and then proceeding downwardly to a next step and driven by a plurality of guiding and driving shafts and rolls which are otherwise conventional and which are broadly designated together at 43. - The addition of the
strip 26 defines both theheader portion 28 and thebag portion 29 of the precursor and then of the bag itself. - Stated directly,
FIG. 3 illustrates the step of inserting thepre-closed zipper 26 38.1: (with the male and female profiles having been pre-closed) into thetop edge 23 between the foldedsheets zipper 26 is then fixed to the inside surfaces of each of thesheets header space 28 between thezipper 26 and thetop edge 23 of the sheet. Theheader space 28 will in turn become the top (header) portion of the bag to provide space for the handles. - The
zipper 26 typically consists of extruded, pre-closed, male and female profiles that are wound on spools for use in the bag making steps and machinery. Thezipper 26 is typically heat sealed in place, particularly when the bag material and the zipper material are formed of thermoplastic polymers. This can be carried out in any appropriate manner. In one conventional technique (not shown), the pre-closed profiles of thezipper 26 are advanced between two fabric belts (e.g., Teflon) that in turn move between two stationary heat sealing bars. As well understood in the art, the amount of heat applied should be sufficient to fasten thezipper 26 to thesheets -
FIG. 4 illustrates the next step in the method in which the profiles of thezipper 26 are opened and thesheets zipper 26. This step has conventionally been avoided because of the difficulty (in the context of modern bag making machinery) of re-closing the zipper profiles after they have been opened.FIG. 4 accordingly illustrates the first ortop sheet 21, the second orbottom sheet 22 and thezipper 26. As in the other drawings, the header portion is illustrated at 28; i.e., in the orientation ofFIG. 4 thebag portion 29 of the bag precursor is at the bottom, and theheader portion 28 is above thezipper 26. InFIG. 4 , the movement of the bag precursor is from right to left as indicated by the directional arrow. - With respect to the method step,
FIG. 4 also illustrates that thesheets zipper 26 is opened, as they pass over anopening arm 44 and are directed by at least one (and potentially several) guides 45. -
FIG. 4 also illustrates other conventional elements including aportion 46 of a patch sealing device and a corresponding sealing platform oranvil 47. - The step of opening the
zipper 26 and separating thesheets FIGS. 5A and 5B ; which is otherwise conventional), to access the interior of the bag precursor at a position (i.e., sufficient width between and depth into the polymer sheets) to place and secure the eventual reinforcing patches. - In that regard,
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the step of maintaining theopen zipper 26 portions andsheets FIG. 5A and 5B again illustrate thepatch heat sealer 46. In this embodiment, thepatches 30 are directed between thesheets top edge 23 and thezipper 26. In the orientation ofFIGS. 5A and 5B , the bag precursor material (i.e., thesheets 21 and 22) is proceeding from left to right. Abag opening pin 50 keeps thesheets patches 30 are being inserted by thepatch heat sealer 46. A pair of guide pins 51 help maintain the moving film oriented properly with respect to thepatch heat sealer 46. -
FIGS. 5A and 5B are essentially identical, with the only difference being that thepatch heat sealer 46 is in an open position inFIG. 5A and in a closed (sealing) position inFIG. 5B . InFIG. 5B , therelevant patch 30 is being sealed underneath thepatch heat sealer 46, and thus no other patches are being inserted or are visible at the particular illustrated moment. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
patches 30 have a width that is less than (smaller) than the header space defined by thezipper 26 and thetop edge 23. Larger patches could, of course, be inserted, but would need to be trimmed or otherwise accounted for both in the machinery and the method. -
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 help illustrate the next step in the method, that of reclosing the aligned profiles of thezipper portion 26 after the reinforcingpatches 30 have been added and sealed to the interior surfaces of thesheets -
FIG. 6 illustrates that if the male and female profiles of thezipper 26 are carefully maintained in alignment during the step of adding the reinforcingpatches 30, thezipper 26 can be closed using a set ofpinch rollers 53, 54.FIG. 6 thus illustrates thesheets zipper 26 as progressively open and then closed, thebag portion 29 and theheader portion 29. -
FIGS. 7 and 8 are respective elevational views of an alternative embodiment for aligning and reclosing thezipper 26.FIG. 7 shows a pair of guide rolls 56 and a pair of pinch rolls 57 mounted on aflame 60. As in earlier embodiments, the direction of travel is indicated by the arrow, andFIG. 7 illustrates the film moving from left to right. -
FIG. 8 provides more detail and shows that the guide rolls 56 include a respective guide channel 61 for aligning the zipper profiles just before they reach the pinch rolls 57. The guide rolls are onrespective shafts 62, 63, one of which is illustrated with threading 64 to indicate the possibility of adjusting the position of the guide rolls 56 on the shafts. The position of therolls 56 can be secured using the nuts 65. -
FIG. 9 illustrates the last step in forming a bag precursor and the penultimate step in forming a bag; namely forming anopening 31 in the precursor at thepatch 30 positions. Once the profiles of thezipper 26 have been closed in accordance with the invention, the step of forming theopening 31 is otherwise conventional and in exemplary embodiments is easily carried out with a die cutter illustrated at 67. The use and operation of the die cutter is well understood in this art and will not be otherwise described in detail herein. As illustrated by the arrow, in the orientation ofFIG. 9 the bag precursors are moving from left to right, and for various purposes are directed over anotherroller 70. -
FIG. 9 also uses the relativelylarge squares 71 to illustrate that in many commercial embodiments, the bag material can be printed before any of the bag making steps are carried out, or between any one or more of the indicated steps (provided, of course, that any printing step avoids interfering with the bag making steps or the bag making characteristics of the polymer sheet). Printing the film prior to making the bag tends to be more common. - At this point, the bag precursors can be collected on a stock roll for later separation, or can be separated to form the final bag. As a precursor structure, the invention includes the sheet of
polymer film 32 folded to defined two facingsheets top edge 23 formed by the unfolded edges of thesheets bottom edge 27 formed by the fold. Thezipper 26 is attached to the inside of the facingsheets bottom edges patches 30 are positioned on the inside surface of each of the facingsheets zipper 26 and thetop edge 23. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a conveyor device broadly designated at 73 along with itsbelts 74 that delivers the final bag for packing, transport, delivery, and use. - In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms have been employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.
Claims (18)
1. A method of forming bag precursors and individual bags from a supply of polymer sheeting, the method comprising the steps of:
folding a polymer sheet in half to form a bottom edge at the fold, two sheet faces, and a top edge opposite the fold;
inserting a pre-closed zipper into the top edge between the two folded sheets and fixing the zipper to the inside surfaces of each sheet and with a header space between the zipper and the top edge of the sheet;
thereafter opening the zipper and separating the sheets at the zipper;
maintaining the open zipper portions and sheets in alignment and applying reinforcing patches to the interior of each sheet at the opening; and
thereafter reclosing the aligned zipper portions.
2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising cutting the handle openings through the reinforcing patches following the reclosing step.
3. A method according to claim 2 comprising die cutting the handle openings.
4. A method according to claim 2 comprising cutting and sealing the sheets perpendicularly to the top and bottom edges to form individual bags.
5. A method according to claim 4 comprising heat cutting and sealing the sheets.
6. A method according to claim 5 comprising cutting and sealing the sheets between the patch handle portions to define one handle per finished bag.
7. A method according to claim 1 comprising adding patches that have at least one dimension smaller than the header space defined by the zipper and the top edge
8. A method according to claim 1 comprising:
folding a moving supply of polymer sheeting; and
thereafter carrying out the zipper inserting, zipper opening and patch applying steps on the folded moving supply of polymer sheeting
9. A method according to claim 1 comprising inserting a press-to-close zipper with pre-closed male and female profile portions, and fixing each of the profile portions to one of the respective folded sheets.
10. A method of forming bag precursors and individual bags from a supply of polymer sheeting, the method comprising the steps of:
folding a moving thermoplastic polymer sheet in half over a triangular frame to form a bottom edge at the fold, two sheet faces, and a top edge opposite the fold;
inserting a pre-closed zipper into the top edge between the two moving folded sheets and heat sealing the zipper to the inside surface of each moving sheet and with a header space between the zipper and the top edge of the moving folded sheets;
thereafter opening the zipper and separating the moving sheets at the zipper;
maintaining the open zipper portions and sheets in alignment and applying reinforcing patches to the interior of each sheet at the opening; and
thereafter reclosing the aligned zipper portions on the moving sheets.
11. A method according to claim 10 further comprising forming a die cut opening in the precursor at the patch positions.
12. A method according to claim 10 wherein the step of heat sealing the zipper comprises applying an amount of heat that is sufficient to fasten the zipper to the sheets, but without melting the male and female portions of the zipper into one another.
13. A method according to claim 10 wherein the step of opening the zipper comprises separating the moving sheets and opening the zipper with an opening arm as the sheets and zipper pass over and are directed by at least one guide.
14. A method according to claim 10 wherein the step of maintain the sheets and the zipper in alignment comprises:
directing the moving sheets over a bag opening pin that keeps the sheets separated while the reinforcing patches are being inserted by the patch heat sealer; and
directing the moving sheets over pair of guide pins to help maintain the moving sheets oriented properly with respect to a patch heat sealer.
15. A method according to claim 10 wherein the step of reclosing the aligned zipper comprises directing the moving sheets and zipper through a set of pinch rollers.
16. A method according to claim 10 comprising collecting the bag precursors on a stock roll for later separation.
17. A method according to claim 20 comprising separating the bag precursors to form the final bag.
18. In a method of forming bag precursors and individual bags from a supply of polymer sheeting by folding a polymer sheet in half to form a bottom edge at the fold, two sheet faces, and a top edge opposite the fold; and inserting a pre-closed zipper into the top edge between the two folded sheets and fixing the zipper to the inside surfaces of each sheet and with a header space between the zipper and the top edge of the sheet;
and forming a die cut opening in the header space;
the improvement comprising:
opening the zipper and separating the sheets at the zipper;
maintaining the open zipper portions and sheets in alignment and applying reinforcing patches to the interior of each sheet at the opening; and
thereafter reclosing the aligned zipper portions.
Priority Applications (1)
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US15/190,734 US20160297164A1 (en) | 2014-03-05 | 2016-06-23 | Closure Bag with Reinforced Handles |
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US201461948472P | 2014-03-05 | 2014-03-05 | |
US14/639,483 US10035318B2 (en) | 2014-03-05 | 2015-03-05 | Closure bag with reinforced handles |
US15/190,734 US20160297164A1 (en) | 2014-03-05 | 2016-06-23 | Closure Bag with Reinforced Handles |
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US14/639,483 Division US10035318B2 (en) | 2014-03-05 | 2015-03-05 | Closure bag with reinforced handles |
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CA169370S (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2017-02-14 | Practica Ltd | Bag array |
IT201700107549A1 (en) * | 2017-09-26 | 2019-03-26 | Ica Spa | flexible material packages |
CN107839296A (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2018-03-27 | 江阴市汇通印刷包装机械有限公司 | Rice for bag packaging machine |
EP3530585A1 (en) * | 2018-02-23 | 2019-08-28 | BillerudKorsnäs AB | Bag and method for producing a bag |
EP3556679B1 (en) * | 2018-04-18 | 2021-02-24 | BillerudKorsnäs AB | Bag, method and arrangement for producing a bag |
USD912454S1 (en) * | 2018-08-22 | 2021-03-09 | Michael Kazanowski | Wine bag |
JP7170465B2 (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2022-11-14 | 株式会社細川洋行 | Gusseted bags and bag-in-box |
CN110027788B (en) * | 2019-04-26 | 2020-04-21 | 佛山市双富包装有限公司 | Environment-friendly polyethylene dense bag and shaping device and production method thereof |
CN112208150A (en) * | 2020-09-16 | 2021-01-12 | 马鞍山虹润彩印有限责任公司 | K film color printing packaging bag side folding forming mechanism |
IT202100002633A1 (en) * | 2021-02-05 | 2022-08-05 | Ica Spa | CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR PACKAGES WITH SNAP-IN RESEALABLE ELEMENT |
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US10035318B2 (en) | 2018-07-31 |
US20150251815A1 (en) | 2015-09-10 |
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