WO2009131514A2

WO2009131514A2 - Self-standing package bag

Info

Publication number: WO2009131514A2
Application number: PCT/SE2009/000201
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klas Ralvert
Original assignee: Rivulet Ab
Priority date: 2008-04-25
Filing date: 2009-04-22
Publication date: 2009-10-29
Also published as: WO2009131514A3; SE0800950L

Abstract

The present invention describes a self-standing package bag (1) which is produced from a film, wherein the package bag (1) comprises a continuous upper edge weld (2) and a continuous lower edge weld (12), where the upper edge weld (2) extends the entire way along an upper end side (5) of the package bag (1) and the lower edge weld (12) extends the entire way along a lower end side (13) of the package bag (1), wherein the package bag (1) additionally comprises a back weld (14) which on the back side (15) of the package bag (1) extends from the upper edge weld (2) to the lower edge weld (12) so that the package bag (1) as such is closed, wherein an outer film strip (16) with an upper edge portion (17), a lower edge portion (18), a front non-support edge (19), a back non- support edge (20), a free front support edge (21) and a free back support edge (22) is provided around the package bag (1), viewed from the upper end side (5) to the lower end side (13) of the package bag (1), in such a way that the upper edge portion (17) of the outer film strip (16) is attached in or against the upper edge weld (2) of the package bag (1), and the lower edge portion (18) of the outer film strip (16) is attached in or against the lower edge weld (12) of the package bag (1), on both sides (29, 15) of the package bag (1), and wherein the free front support edge (21) and the free back support edge (22) of the outer film strip (16) surround a geometrical rest surface (23) for the package bag (1) at either a left end side (6) or a right end side (7) of the package bag (1). Furthermore, a process for the production of a self-standing package bag (1) according to above is described.

Description

SELF-STANDING PACKAGE BAG

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a self-standable or self-standing package bag which in the basic type is of that type which may be produced in a vertical machine, i.e. one that comprises a top weld, a bottom weld and a back weld.

Technical background

Packages or package bags which are produced from films and which comprise edge welds for closure are known. There are off course different types of such package bags and different types of machines for production of these. Usually one separates two different types of usually existing machines for the production of package bags, namely the horizontal machine and the vertical machine. Both these machines are possible to feed with a film of e.g. plastics or paper to produce package bags. Such as the names of these machines should reveal, in the horizontal machine the film is processed from the side, while the film is processed from the top downwards in the vertical machine. In the horizontal machine, 3- and 4-edge welded package bags without back weld are produced, while package bags with back weld, bottom and top weld are produced in the vertical machine. Due to the fact that package bags which are produced in vertical machines are of a greater interest in relation to the present invention, the focus when describing state of the art will be put on these package bags. Below, the common processing ways for films in the vertical machine and those package bags which are possible to produce in this machine will be described in more detail. This detailed description below of state of the art starts out from the production of packages which are to be filled in the same line, such as e.g. for the production of filled food package bags.

In a vertical machine, for the production of a package bag and the filling of this with e.g. foodstuffs, the film is normally feed, as mentioned, from the top. The film may in this case also be said to be feed along a web. The film is feed over a filling pipe through which filling eventually will be made, and over a shoulder so that the film is folded around the filling pipe. The size of the filling pipe and the shoulder will decide the size of the package bag, and the filling pipe may therefore be switched for another so that it is adjusted so that a desired size of the bag may be obtained. To make it clear, the size of the start material, i.e. the size of the film, is of course also of significance for which sizes of the package bag that are possible to produce. After that the film has been folded around the pipe, a so called back weld is applied which gives the film in itself the shape of a back sealed tube. The formed film tube is pulled down further along the web and thereafter welds are applied so that the film tube as such may become into bags which may be filled. One weld which is applied constitutes bottom weld for one bag and top weld for one previously filled package bag. Accordingly, this implies that after that the film tube has received a so called bottom weld, the so formed open bag is filled. This applied weld is the top weld for a just previously filled package bag. The open bag is pulled down after filling and receives its top weld, which in itself then constitutes the bottom weld for the next package bag which is to be filled, and in this way it continues. These welds are then cut in the middle and in that way the finished filled bags have each received one back weld, one bottom weld and one top weld. The filling for e.g. powdered foodstuffs or e.g. spices is made through the filling pipe, as mentioned, often by means of a dosage screw. When other types of foodstuffs, such as e.g. laurel leaf, are to be filled in the bag, these may instead be weighed and then fed into the bag. There are also variants of bags which may be produced in the vertical machine, just as in the horizontal machine. A side folded bag may inter alia be produced, which is a bit more complicated than in the regular case. By folding the film tube on the sides after the back fold has been applied, but before the bottom weld has been applied, one obtains a folding on each side. When the bottom and top welds then are applied this implies that the foldings are made permanent. Another alternative variant is a so called three-edge-bag. This implies that one applies e.g. the top weld from a perpendicular direction towards that direction from which the bottom weld is applied. Many different types of film materials may be used in a vertical machine, but e.g. plastics are regularly occurring. The purchase price for an entire line comprising the vertical machine and its web etc. is significantly lower than for the horizontal machine, and is between about 350 000 and 1 million Swedish kronor, while a regular horizontal machine with its entire line has a purchase price of between about 2.5 to 3 million Swedish kronor. Where in that range one will be depends on how advanced equipment is enclosed to the vertical machine at the purchase. There are other special-type machines which are used for producing packages and specifically for the production of packages which additionally are filled with foodstuffs in the same line. These special types may also be said to be similar to the type of the vertical machine or the horizontal machine, but also comprise some other functions which make them special. One such example of a special-type machine is that which may produce so called zip-package bags. The zip-bags are reclosable by the fact that they are produced with a zip-closure instead of only a regular top weld, which zip- closure may be said to have a female and a male means which may be clicked together. This implies that a zip-package bag may be opened and reclosed several times, which is different in comparison with a regular package bag which only has a top weld which somewhere has to be cut to open the bag. For example US 2001/0005973 A1 discloses a method for the production of reclosable packages which have zip-closures.

There are several problems with the zip-package bags. One of them, e.g. when these bags are used to be filled with dustable foodstuffs, is that the slit which constitutes the female means may be filled with the product contained in the bag, which over time makes the closing part to function less good and, additionally, this looks unpleasant for the user or end consumer. Another problem, which is of greater importance, is that the machines for the production of such zip-package bags are comparatively expensive as the purchase price normally is about between 2.5 and 5 million Swedish kronor. Furthermore, it is not possible to produce the zip-package bags in a high tempo in comparison with package bags which are produced in e.g. a vertical machine, which is due to that the zip-package bags are produced piece by piece.

There are other known variants of package bags which are reclosable. One example is shown in US 2001/0008566, which document describes a reclosable bag which has side tapes, comprising reclosable tapes which may be down-folded to reclose the bag when it has been opened. "Velcro fasteners", permanently sticky layers and press buttons or tapes are indicated as possible types for the reclosable tapes. Another example is shown in EP 1 103 487 which discloses a reclosable bag for foodstuffs, which has a first outer layer and a heat weldable layer between which there is a layer which is permanently adhesive.

There exists another known type of special-type package bags which isn't reclosable, but which has alternative welds at its opening end side. Such a special-type package bag is a 4-edge welded bag, where the upper weld is specially shaped in such a way that it, at its centre section, has an open non- welded portion, which open portion is U-shaped up and down and at its top is delimited by the top weld, and where a perforation extends through the weld from one side to the other opposite side of the package bag so that the package bag is openable. From one side to the other side of the package bag, the perforation firstly extends through a welded portion, then through the open non-welded up-and-downwardly U-portion and finally once again through a welded portion. When the perforation is pulled off, only an open portion on the middle of the package bag is obtained, from which foodstuffs then may be poured. There are several disadvantages with such a package bag, such as the fact that it is comparatively expensive to produce in comparison with package bags which may be produced in e.g. a vertical machine, the fact that it should be opened from both directions at the same time, the fact that it is comparatively difficult to pour from and the fact that it additionally isn't reclosable. Another type of special-type machines is those which may produce standing bags. The bottom of a standing bag constitutes a flat surface which renders the bag to be able to stand straight up without falling, which is of interest in the food industry for the provision of what is considered to be more presentable products for the end consumer, which in turn makes that one mo- re willing to buy the bag with its product inside. One example of such a standing bag for foodstuffs which comprises a flat bottom surface is described in WO 03/022708 A1. Just as for the zip-bag, the machines which produce stan- ding bags are expensive and have a purchase price of about between 3 and 4 million Swedish kronor.

There exists a variant to the standing bag which is possible to produce in a regular vertical machine and this has been designated above as the side folded bag. A side folded bag may be called a "false standing bag" as the foldings render the bag to be able to be laid on the side without falling. However, there are also problems with this variant even if it is comparatively inexpensive to produce in comparison with a regular standing bag. Inter alia, it does not stand as good as a regular standing bag. Another problem is the side foldings in themselves, as these render the fact that it is more difficult to fill and compact the foodstuff on the inside of the bag in an efficient way. There is an evident risk for some space to comprise air instead of product and this renders in turn the bags to have a comparatively large volume in comparison with what they contain, and as such demands a larger cargo space for transportation in comparison with regular package bags which have been produced in a vertical machine. These problems render the side folded bags to be intended to be of a comparatively large model and contain a product which has a high volumetric weight for the bags to be able to stand.

As mentioned, there exist several important properties which are of interest to provide to a package bag. User-friendliness is a property which is important, which in this case may comprise several different sub-properties, such as e.g. the package bag being presentable and easy to use, and in the case of some foodstuffs, such as e.g. spices and other dustable foodstuffs, optionally possible to reclose. Additionally there is of course one important problem one wants to solve in connection with the production of package bags with such special properties which enhance the user-friendliness, and this is to try to lower the production costs for such packages with special functions. Due to the fact that special-type machines which today may provide packages with these special functions are expensive and not very effective in terms of the number which may be produced and filled per time unit, also the production costs and as such the end consumer price for such packages are high. The object of the present invention is to provide a self-standable or self-standing package bag with a high user-friendliness, but which also is very inexpensive to produce in comparison with regular standing bags which are known today. Summary of the invention

The object above is obtained according to the present invention with a self-standing package bag which is produced from a film, wherein the package bag comprises a continuous upper edge weld and a continuous lower edge weld, where the upper edge weld extends the entire way along an upper end side of the package bag and the lower edge weld extends the entire way along a lower end side of the package bag, wherein the package bag additionally comprises a back weld which on the back side of the package bag extends from the upper edge weld to the lower edge weld so that the package bag as such is closed, wherein an outer film strip with an upper edge portion, a lower edge portion, a front non-support edge, a back non-support edge, a free front support edge and a free back support edge is provided around the package bag, seen from the upper end side to the lower end side of the package bag, in such a way that the upper edge portion of the outer film strip is attached in or against the upper edge weld of the package bag, and the lower edge portion of the outer film strip is attached in or against the lower edge weld of the package bag, on both sides of the package bag, and wherein the free front support edge and the free back support edge of the outer film strip surround a geometrical rest surface for the package bag at either a left end side or a right end side of the package bag. As may be noted from above, the basis of the package bag according to the invention constitutes a package bag which may be produced in a vertical machine, i.e. which has a back weld, top weld and bottom weld, but which additionally comprises an applied film strip around itself which renders the package bag standable by itself. The film strip is applied around the package bag parallel with either of the other end sides which aren't the upper or the lower end side, i.e. either parallel to the left or the right end side. It should be realized that the film strip may be applied parallel to either the left or the right end side, and what decides which of these end sides the film strip is provided parallel to, is e.g. the production process and the intended use of the package bag.

With "in or against" the upper edge weld and the lower edge weld, respectively, is meant that the edge portions of the film strip are connected with the edge welds of the package bag. This is usually accomplished at the same time as when the edge welds are produced, which implies that the edge portions of the film strip in fact are a part of the edge welds of the package bag. When it comes to the non-support edges of the film strip, a spot weld is normally applied on about the middle of the back as well as the front non-support edge so that these are fixed against the package bag. This is not a must, but may be preferred as the stability for the film strip in such a design is increased. The support edges are on the other hand totally free so that they may surround a geometrical rest surface which makes the package bag according to the present invention to stand on its own when the package bag rests on the geometrical rest surface.

It would of course be possible with a similar type of standable design according to the present invention, for a 3- or 4-edge welded package bag, but as to production this would be much more difficult, and as such more expensive due to the need of a special design of the horizontal machine, and as such it is preferred with the type of package bag which may be produced in a vertical machine. This is underlined by the fact that the edge portions of the film strip often is attached in the edge welds of the package bag when the edge welds are created or applied on the package bag, which may be done in another way in a vertical machine than in a horizontal machine. Short description of the drawings

Fig 1 shows a package bag according to the present invention which is provided with an outer film strip around the package bag, from the upper edge weld to the lower edge weld or vice versa. By the fact that the film strip is provided around the package bag and is attached in the edge welds, a geometri- cal rest surface is created at, in this case, a left end side of the package bag, which renders the package bag to be able to stand with the rest surface resting on e.g. a table. Fig 2 shows the back side of a package bag according to fig 1 , seen aslant from the bottom. As such, the geometrical rest surface is visualized.

Fig 3 shows a package bag according to fig 1 , but where the upper edge weld additionally is designed as a special-type weld. The broad dashed line is a scissors marking which shows where the package bag shall be opened.

Fig 4 shows the back side of a package bag according to fig 3, seen aslant from the bottom.

Fig 5 shows a package bag according to fig 3, but where the special- type weld is provided mirror-inverted in comparison with according to fig 3 and fig 4, and where the special-type weld additionally comprises a space portion which is provided between an upper and a lower portion of the upper edge weld, which space portion extends from the right end side up to a weld sealing portion, but not the entire way to an end edge. The broad dashed line is once again a scissors marking which shows where the package bag shall be opened.

Fig 6 shows a package bag according to fig 5, but where a tear-off perforation instead of a scissors marking is provided within the space portion. Furthermore, an adhesion means in the form of an adhesive reclosing strip is provided below the open portion so that the package bag may be reclosed after it has been opened. In this case the package bag according to the present invention has just begun to open.

Fig 7 shows a package bag according to fig 6, where everything of the upper edge weld has been torn off along the perforation and where only the lower portion and the weld sealing portion below the perforation is left as such. In this case the adhesion means or portion additionally is protected by a removable flap. The package bag according to the present invention is as such opened but has not yet been reclosed by an end consumer, which in that case removes the removable flap and down folds the open portion of the package bag, of course the back side as well as the front side, over the adhesion means.

As mentioned above, fig 5, fig 6 and fig 7, respectively, show a mirror- inverted configuration of the special-type weld in comparison with the special- type weld in fig 3. This implies that when the package bags according to fig 5, fig 6 and fig 7 are standing, after that they have been opened in the correct way, the open portion is up in the right corner when looking at the front side of the package bag. This implies that it will be easier from this direction to pour or dust (pile) the content of the package bag with the left hand. Due to the fact that there are more right-handed people in the world, it is in other words the other configuration, i.e. the one shown in fig 3, which will be more usual when producing these package bags according to the present invention.

Fig 8 shows a package bag according to the present invention accor- ding to fig 1 , but where a sealed tapping unit is incorporated into the upper edge weld. Also in this case, the broad dashed line shows where the package bag shall be opened.

Fig 9 shows a package bag according to fig 8, but where the package bag has been cut along the broad dashed line and where the seal of the package bag as such has been torn off (broken). The sealed tapping unit is in this case additionally provided with a removable lid and a dust unit in the form of a dust lid.

Fig 10 visualizes a principle layout regarding how package bags according to the present invention may be produced. Different specific embodiments of a package bag according to the present invention will below be described in more detail. Detailed description and specific embodiments of the invention

As has been described above, the present invention provides a self- standing package bag. The self-standing package bag according to the pre- sent invention has many advantages in comparison with other known standing bags. Firstly, this self-standing package bag may be produced in principle just as inexpensive as a regular non-standable package bag with only a top weld, bottom weld and back weld and without other special functions, which implies that it is much more inexpensive to produce than a regular stan- ding bag according to state of the art. Furthermore, the standable package bag according to the present invention does not bring about those disadvantages which a side folded bag or "false standing bag" involves, such as e.g. limitation when choosing the content product and size of the package bag and the problem with transportation. Additionally, a package bag according to the present invention may be made presentable for an end consumer due to the fact that the film strip as well as the front side and back side of the package bag e.g. may be used as an information strip and/or advertising space. By adding one or more technical elements to a package bag according to the present invention, this may be adapted based on the desired field of use. As an example, a package bag according to the present invention may be provided with a sealed tapping unit. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, a sealed tapping unit is incorporated into and is surrounded seal securely by the upper continuous edge weld or is alternatively incorporated into and surrounded seal securely by the lower continuous edge weld. The most probable case is the sealed tapping unit being incorporated into the upper edge weld and not into the lower edge weld, but both alternatives are possible. In the same way as is described above, the design where the sealed tapping unit is incorporated into the upper edge weld is more useable as this is adapted for right-handed end consumers.

There are several important factors which should be fulfilled when a sealed tapping unit is incorporated into either of the upper or lower edge welds of a package bag according to the present invention. Firstly, the sealed tapping unit has to be sealed, which is accomplished by the fact that the continuous edge weld outside the tapping unit seals securely towards the surrounding. Due to the fact that, from a practical point of view, one does not want any material from the package bag to leak out against the edge weld when the sealing of the edge weld has been broken, which in turn may lead to spillage, the tapping unit may as a further security be provided with a sealing removable wafer (seal) and/or removable lid or openable cover. Secondly, the sealed tapping unit must e.g. be narrow enough at its broadest place for an edge weld to be able to enclose the sealed tapping unit in a secure way when the edge weld is applied. According to one specific example, the tapping unit is shaped as e.g. a drop, which may be seen in fig 8 and 9, and is enclosed by a thickness of material which is about 1 mm and where the tapping unit at its broadest place is about 5 mm broad. Other sizes and designs are of course possible, but the important thing in relation to this is that an edge weld which seals securely around the tapping unit is possible to apply. Furthermore, the sealed tapping unit shall be incorporated into the edge weld so that the entire package bag may be sealed, which implies that the tapping unit is protected against the possibility of exterior influence on the contained product so that the end consumer may perceive that the package bag has been opened. The exact placement of the sealed tapping unit may vary, but it should of course be placed in one of the two corners which are the upper corners when the package bag is standing on its film strip, such as is shown in fig 8 and 9. The usual design should, as mentioned, embody the case when a sealed tapping unit is placed in the left upper corner when the package bag is standing, as this is best adapted for right-handed end consumers. The advantages with a tapping unit for an end consumer are inter alia that the package bag will be easy to use and that it additionally does not become sticky at the opening unit when the content of the package bag is liquid. The sealed tapping unit may e.g. be provided in a package bag according to the present invention when this is intended to contain e.g. foodstuffs, e.g. liquid as well as dustable foodstuffs, which becomes evident below.

The sealed tapping unit may further comprise an openable and reclosable unit, such as a lid. This is e.g. seen in fig 9, but it should be evident that such a lid also may be a unit which is fixed in the sealed tapping unit and only is snapped off and pressed back on without being totally detached from the sealed tapping unit, such as an articulated openable lid or cover. According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the sealed tapping unit further comprises a protection wafer and/or an openable and reclosable lid or cover. Furthermore, the sealed tapping unit may e.g. additionally comprise a dust unit, such as a dust lid. This is for instance suitable when the package bag is intended as e.g. a food package which contains dustable foodstuffs. The sealed tapping unit and all of its possible parts may consist of different materials, and plastic materials are e.g. possible, and for food package bags e.g. plastic materials which of course are suitable for such food package bags should be used. According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, a scissors marking or a tear-off perforation is provided in that edge weld where the sealed tapping unit is provided, where the scissors marking or the tear-off perforation is provided between the sealed tapping unit and its adjacent upper or lower end side, dependant on at which of the sides the sealed tapping unit is provided, wherein the scissors marking or the tear-off perforation extends from the right end side towards the left end side of the package bag and optionally the entire way to the left end side when the outer film strip has its geometrical rest surface at the left end side, wherein the scissors marking or the tear-off perforation extends from the left end side towards the right end side of the package bag and optionally entire way to the right end side when the outer film strip has its geometrical rest surface at the right end side, and wherein the sealed tapping unit is uncovered when an end consumer cuts along the scissors marking or tears along the tear-off perforation. One examp- Ie of such a scissors marking is shown in fig 8 and 9.

In relation to this, it is important to understand that when the sealing has been broken, i.e. after that the outer part of that edge weld which comprises the sealed tapping unit has been cut off or torn away by an end consumer, then the upper and lower edge portions of the outer film strip still is attached so that the package bag may stand. Furthermore, it is possible that that edge weld which comprises the sealed tapping unit additionally comprises a space portion outside the sealed tapping unit, in which space portion a tear-off perforation is provided. Such a space portion is relatively small, but shall be able to include space for a perforating knife to be able to apply said perforation. When a tear-off perforation is applied in an edge weld of a package bag according to the present invention, this perforation may not be applied so that it will be brought into contact with the content of the package bag, as the package bag in that case would not be sealed and could not be considered to be securely sealed. In other words, there must always be weld or the sealed tapping unit between the perforation and the inside of the package. It is of course also possible to have a scissors marking also in this case instead of a tear-off perforation. In the case of when the tear-off perforation only extends a portion of the space portion is entirely functional due to the fact that it is enough that the end consumer may open that portion of the tear-off perforation easily. By the fact that a slit accordingly has been created when the package bag has commenced to open, only a small active force will ensure that the rest, i.e. a continued slit in the same direction over the space portion and eventually the entire way to the end side, also is able to be torn off, which detaches the entire tear-off part from the package bag and as such uncovers the sealed tapping unit.

A self-standing package bag according to the present invention may also be provided with a special-type weld. Therefore, according to one speci- fie embodiment of the present invention, at least the upper edge weld comprises an upper portion which extends the entire way along the upper end side and a lower portion which extends from the right end side of the package bag up to an end edge so that an open portion is provided from the end edge straight out to the left end side of the package bag and up to the upper portion of the upper edge weld, when the outer film strip has its geometrical rest surface at the right end side, or at least the upper edge weld comprises an upper portion which extends the entire way along the upper end side and a lower portion which extends from the left end side up to the end edge so that an open portion is provided from the end edge straight out to the right end side and up to the upper portion of the upper edge weld, when the outer film strip has its geometrical rest surface at the left end side. In this case it is possible that the upper edge weld (the top weld) as well as the lower edge weld (the bottom weld) may be provided with these special-type welds. Also in this case the intended opening side and the ease of production for different alternatives will guide which edge weld that shall be provided with such a special-type weld. In other words it would also be possible in this case that the top weld as well as the bottom weld is such special-type welds.

A package bag according to this specific embodiment of the present invention, i.e. with at least one special-type weld, renders that the end consu- mer may open the bag in an easy way and that the bag, after an entirely horizontal opening through or just above the lower portion of the upper edge weld by the end consumer, still has one portion left which is sealed and one portion which is open on the opening side, i.e. on that side which e.g. was the upper end side before that the package bag was opened. This implies that this package bag is both inexpensive to produce and at the same time provides user-friendliness to an end consumer. In comparison with a package bag with regular edge welds and where the end consumer cuts one corner off to pro- vide an own aslant opening, this often implies for e.g. liquid foodstuffs that it will be sticky at and around this corner, which isn't preferred.

The choice of which side that shall have this special-type weld is adjusted in relation to the intended end use, the optional text and/or advertising of the film and film strip etc. It is however not suitable that the open portion out- side of the special-type weld is provided beneath the film strip.

According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, when a special-type weld is provided on the package bag, a scissors marking is provided over the open portion, from the left end side and at least up to the end edge, and optionally over the lower portion and the entire way to the right end side, or from the right end side and at least up to the end edge, and optionally over the lower portion and the entire way to the left end side. Important in relation to this is that the scissors marking isn't marked inside the lower portion of the special-type weld or inside the end contact point of the outer film strip and the special-type weld. The first mentioned of course due to that if the package bag is opened in such a way, then the product will fall or flow out, and the last mention due to the fact that if the end consumer opens along such a scissors marking, then the outer film strip will be cut off and the package bag will then not be able to stand on its own. The fact that the scissors marking isn't provided inside the intended "opening side weld" is of course also valid for other specific embodiments of the present invention.

According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, when a special-type weld is provided on the package bag, the upper portion and the lower portion has a space portion between each other, which space portion extends along the lower portion from that end side where the lower portion begins towards the other end side, but is completed before the end edge so that a weld sealing portion is provided between the space portion and the open portion. This space portion and the sealing weld cause that it is possible to insert a tear-off perforation which may be torn by an end consu- mer. It is of course also possible to have a scissors marking also in this case instead of a tear-off perforation. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, a scissors marking or a tear-off perforation is provided in the space portion and extends from that end side where the lower portion begins towards the weld sealing portion, and optionally extends the entire way to the weld sealing portion but is in that case completed before the end edge. The fact that a tear-off perforation shall be completed before the end edge brings about that which just has been described, i.e. that this is not in contact with the open portion and as such not either the content of the package bag. The case when the tear-off perforation only extends a portion in the direction towards the sealing weld is, in accordance with what has been described above, functionally in full due to the fact that it is enough that the end consumer with ease may open the portion of the tear-off perforation. Due to the fact that a slit as such is created when the package bag is begun to be opened, only a small active force will bring about that the rest, i.e. a continued slit in the same direction over the space portion, continued over the sealing weld portion, over the open portion and eventually the entire way to the end side, also may be torn off, which detaches the entire tear-off part from the package bag and opens the package bag at its open portion. This is best understood by studying fig 6 and 7.

Dependant on the content of the package bag, the normal usage of the content and the amount of content in the bag, it may in some cases be of interest for the end consumer to be able to reclose the self-standing package bag which comprises a special-type weld according to that specific embodiment of the invention. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, an adhesion means is provided below the open portion, which adhesion means enables that both the front side and back side of the package bag, at the open portion, may be down-folded and adhered against the adhesion means, when the package bag is opened by an end consumer, and that the package bag as such may be reclosed by the end consumer. The adhesion means may be constituted of different devices. According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the adhesion means is an adhesive reclosing tape. Such a reclosing tape may be gluey on both sides, i.e. as a double-stick tape, but may also be protected by a removable flap which is drawn off when the package bag is to be reclosed. According to another specific embodiment of the present invention, the adhesion means is an adhesive portion which comprises at least one adhesive component. According to another specific embodiment, the adhesive portion comprises a glue. Also in this case, it may be preferable that the adhesion means is protected by e.g. a removable flap.

Different materials may be used to produce package bags according to the present invention. According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the package bag is produced from a weldable laminated film which is of a plastic or a paper material and with a weldable outer film strip which is of a plastic or a paper material. Due to the fact that spot welds normally are applied to attach the back and front non-support edge of the film strip against the package bag on the back as well as the front side of it, the package bag according to this specific embodiment must have a weldable outer layer.

As mentioned, foodstuffs may be a typical suitable content in package bags according to the present invention. According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the package bag is therefore intended as a food package. Such a food package according to the present invention may be intended to contain a foodstuff which is liquid, such as e.g. liquids or creams, but also a foodstuff which is pulverous and/or is dustable, such as e.g. spices and spice mixtures and/or grains. A package bag according to the present invention may of course contain other things than foodstuffs and one such example is feedstuffs for animals and pets. In those cases when the package bag comprises a special-type weld and is intended as a food package which is reclosable, it may in some cases be suitable that the adhesion means comprises some specific glues which are accepted for food packages. This despite the fact that the adhesion means in itself won't be in contact with the foodstuff in the same way as for other types of reclosable packages, such as for e.g. zip-package bags.

The self-standable package bag or the standing bag according the present invention is much more inexpensive to produce than regular standing bags which are on the market today, such as for example in comparison with the type that has been described above. A self-standing package bag according to the present invention may be produced by means of a process comprising the following steps when a film and a front film strip and a back film strip, which film strips lie parallel to each other on top of the film, are processed in a vertical machine:

- draw-down of the film and the film strips over a filling pipe and a shoulder to shape a round film with surface lying film strips;

- provision of a back weld so that the round film is closed to a tube; - provision of a continuous lower edge weld for the production of a from above viewed open package bag, where the continuous lower edge weld also attaches the front and back film strips on one side each of the from above viewed open package bag and straight behind each other, so that a lower edge portion of an outer film strip has been formed and attached in or against the lower edge weld of the from above viewed open package bag, on both sides of the from above viewed open package bag;

- filling of the from above viewed open package bag;

- provision of a continuous upper edge weld for the production of a closed package bag, where the upper edge weld also attaches the front and back film strips on one side each of the package bag and straight behind each other, so that an upper edge portion of an outer film strip has been formed and attached in or against the upper edge weld of the package bag, on both sides of the package bag; and wherein the film is cut between the lower edge weld of a from above viewed open package bag and the upper edge weld of a closed package bag which has been provided with an upper edge weld at the same time as the from above viewed open package bag has been provided with a lower edge weld.

The process according to above is better understood by viewing the principle layout of the process in fig 10. This fig 10 is described in more detail below. As mentioned above, the self-standing package bag according to the present invention may be provided with a sealed tapping unit. This may be accomplished by that a sealed tapping unit is twisted inside from the side and is placed against the from above viewed open package bag before the step of provision of a continuous upper edge weld, for the production of a sealed and closed package bag, in such a way that the sealed tapping unit is incorporated and surrounded seal securely by the upper continuous edge weld or is alternatively incorporated and surrounded seal securely by the lower continuous edge weld, as these edge welds are applied. As mentioned, the sealed tapping unit may be incorporated in the upper as well as the lower edge weld, but most likely it is placed in the upper edge weld. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, the sealed tapping unit is incorporated and surrounded seal securely by the upper continuous edge weld. The self-standing package bag according to the present invention may also be provided with a special-type weld. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment, at least the upper edge weld is provided with an upper portion which extends the entire way along the upper end side and a lower portion which extends from a right end side of the package bag up to an end edge so that an open portion is provided from the end edge straight out to a left end side of the package bag and up to the upper portion of the upper edge weld, when the outer film strip is applied so that it receives its geometrical rest surface at the right end side, or at least the upper edge weld is provided with an upper portion which extends the entire way along the upper end side and a lower portion which extends from the left end side up to an end edge so that an open portion is provided from the end edge straight out to the right end side and up to the upper portion of the upper edge weld, when the outer film strip is applied so that it receives its geometrical rest surface at the left end side. As should be understood from above, the special-type weld may have mirror-inverted configurations, but it is important that the open portion of the special-type weld is not placed beneath the outer film strip. Furthermore, it is important to realize that it is not only the upper edge weld which may be provided as a special-type weld, but also the lower edge weld may be provi- ded in this way. Both edge welds could also be provided as special-type welds, but this is not one of the most likely designs. The back weld, however, cannot be designed as a special-type weld.

According to one specific embodiment of the present invention, when a special-type weld has been provided, also an adhesion means is provided below the open portion, which adhesion means thereafter optionally is protected by a removable flap.

As mentioned, different materials may be used for the production of a self-standing package bag according to the invention. According to one speci- fie embodiment of the present invention, a weldable laminated film which is of a plastic or a paper material and a weldable outer film strip which is of a plastic or a paper material are processed. Weldable plastic materials are the most likely. Spot welds may be important to be able to apply to give the outer film strip a stable design. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, at least one spot weld each is applied below the front non- support edge and the back non-support edge, about on the middle of the outer film strip, to attach these against the package bag and stabilize the outer film strip.

With reference to the description above, the package bags according to the present invention may be used to contain foodstuffs. Therefore, according to one specific embodiment of the present invention, a food package is produced, which food package is filled with foodstuff in the same production line. Detailed description of the drawings Fig 1 and fig 2 show the front side 29 and the back side 15, respectively, of a package bag 1 according to the present invention, which comprises an upper edge weld 2 which extends along an upper end side 5, a lower edge weld 12 which extends along a lower end side 13, a back weld 14 which on the back side 15 extends from the upper edge weld 2 to the lower edge weld 12, and a left end side 6 and a right end side 7. An outer film strip 16 which has an upper edge portion 17, a lower edge portion 18, a front non-support edge 19, a back non-support edge 20, a free front support edge 21 and a free back support edge 22 is provided around the package bag 1 , viewed from the upper end side 5 to the lower end side 13 of the package bag 1 , in such a way that the upper edge portion 17 of the outer film strip 16 is attached in or against the upper edge weld 2 of the package bag 1 , and the lower edge portion 18 of the outer film strip 16 is attached in or against the lower edge weld 12 of the package bag 1 , on both sides 29, 15 of the package bag 1. The free front support edge 21 and the free back support edge 22 of the outer film strip 16 surround a geometrical rest surface 23 for the package bag 1 at the left end side 6 of the package bag so that the package bag 1 is self- standable when it rests on the geometrical rest surface 23. Fig 3 and fig 4 show the front side 15 and the back side 29, respectively, of a package bag 1 according to fig 1 and 2, but where the upper edge weld 2 additionally is designed as a special-type weld. The upper edge weld 2 comprises an upper portion 8 which extends the entire way along the upper end side 5, and a lower portion 9 which extends from the left end side 6, i.e. that end side which is surrounded by the geometrical rest surface 23, to an end edge 10 so that an open portion 11 is provided from the end edge 10 to the opposite right end side 7 of the package bag 1. Furthermore, a scissors marking 24 is provided in the lower portion 9, which scissors marking 24 shows where the package bag 1 shall be opened. When the package bag 1 is opened along the scissors marking 24, an end consumer will be able to pour or dust a product which is contained in the package bag 1 through the open portion 11 , and the package bag 1 is still self-standable due to the fact that the upper edge portion 17 of the outer film strip 16 also is attached against the lower portion 9 of the package bag 1 , on both sides 29, 15 of the package bag 1.

Fig 5 shows the front side 29 of a package bag 1 according to fig 3, but where the special-type weld is applied mirror-inverted in comparison with according to fig 3. This implies that this package bag 1 would be more suitable for a left-handed person when he or she is about to pour or dust a contained product after that the package bag 1 has been opened. This is a possible configuration, but the case when the special-type weld is adjusted for right-handed persons will be more interesting to produce in greater numbers due to the fact that there are more right-handed persons than left-handed persons. Furthermore, a space portion 25 is additionally provided between the upper portion 8 and the lower portion 9 of the upper edge weld 2, which space portion 25 extends from the right end side 7 up to a weld sealing portion 26, but not the entire way to the end edge 10. Due to the fact that the upper edge portion 17 of the outer film strip 16 is attached in the lower portion 9 of the special-type weld also in this case, the outer film strip 16 is still attached in the package bag 1 after that an end consumer has cut the package bag along the scissors marking 24.

Fig 6 shows a package bag 1 according to fig 5, but where a tear-off perforation 27 is provided in the space portion 25 instead of a scissors marking 24. Furthermore, an adhesion means 23 in the form of an adhesive re- closing tape, such as a double-stick tape, is provided below the open portion 11 so that the package bag 1 may be reclosed after it has been opened. In this case the package bag 1 according to the present invention has just star- ted to be opened. Also this configuration is more suitable for a left-handed due to the fact that the open portion 11 will be placed up in the right corner of the package bag 1 when this stands and rests on its outer film strip 16. The mirror-inverted configuration of the special-type weld, i.e. that one according to fig 3, is of course totally possible and, additionally, more likely. Fig 7 shows a package bag 1 according to fig 6 where everything of the upper edge weld 2 already has been torn off along the tear-off perforation 27 and where only the lower portion 9 and the weld sealing portion 26 below the level for the tear-off perforation 25 as such are still there. In this case the adhesion means 3 or the adhesion portion, which in this case for instance may comprise an adhesive component, such as glue, is protected by a removable flap 4. The package bag 1 according to the present invention is as such opened, but has yet not been reclosed by in that case remove the removable flap 4 and down-fold the open portion 11 of the package bag 1 , of course backside 15 as well as front side 29, over the adhesion means 3. Fig 8 shows the front side 29 of a package bag 1 according to fig 1 , but where a sealed tapping unit 28 is incorporated securely in the upper edge weld 2. The scissors marking 24 shows where the package bag 1 is to be cut. By such a cutting performance, the sealing of the package bag will be broken and the sealed tapping unit 28 will be uncovered so that an end consumer may dust or pour the content of the package.

Fig 9 shows a package bag 1 according to fig 8, but where the package bag 1 has been cut along the scissors marking 24. After this performance, the upper edge portion 17 of the outer film strip 16 is still attached against what is still left of the upper edge weld 2, on both sides 29, 15 of the package bag 1 , which implies that it may still stand resting on the outer film strip 16. In this case, the sealed tapping unit 28 also comprises a dust unit 31 , in this case a dust lid 31 , and a reclosable outer lid 30. Fig 10 shows a momentary principle layout for the production of package bags 1 according to the present invention, where the view is from behind so that the applying of the back weld 14 also is visualized. The film and two surface lying parallel film strips are fed into a vertical machine and are mutually folded over the shoulder and filling pipe so that a, in the back, open film tube with surface lying filmstrips is created. The back weld 14 is applied so that the film tube is closed. After this step, the film strips are fixated in the right place on one side each, so that when the first edge weld is applied, i.e. the lower edge weld 12, then the film strips are also attached on one side each of the open package bag, in principle straight behind each other. The lower edge weld 12 is applied, which is made at the same time as an earlier processed and filled package bag receives its upper edge weld 2, and thereafter the from above viewed open package bag is filled with product. The upper edge weld 2 for the just previously filled package bag is thereafter applied. The film strips are now attached in both these edge welds 2, 12 and on both sides 29, 15 of the package bag. When the weld which constitutes the lower edge weld 12 (the bottom weld) of one from above viewed open package bag together with the upper edge weld 2 (the top weld) of the already filled package bag then is cut in two, a product filled package bag 1 with uncovered upper edge weld 2 and with an outer film strip 16 provided around the package bag 1 is obtained. Conclusions

There are several advantages with a package bag according to the present invention and specific embodiments thereof in comparison with known package types and bags. Firstly, the package bag according to the present invention gives a high user-friendliness for an end consumer by the fact that it is easy to open and use. Secondly, a package bag according to the present invention is inexpensive to produce, which furthermore implies that it should have a comparatively low purchase price for an end consumer.

Due to the fact that the package bag according to the present invention is self-standable, it may be made very presentable for an end consumer. The outer film strip may inter alia e.g. be used as an information strip and/or advertising space on the front side as well as the backside of the package bag. Furthermore, a self-standable package bag according to the present invention is much more presentable, better to fill and transport, may contain several types of products and be designed in several different sizes in comparison with a side folded false standing bag. A standable package bag according to the present invention is additionally comparatively much more inexpensive to produce than regular other types of standing bags which are on the market today.

Furthermore, alternatives of the package bag according to the present invention may bring about further advantages for specific objects. As an example, the package bag according to the present invention may comprise a special-type weld which may increase the user-friendliness in some cases. The special-type weld according to the present invention implies that the package bag is easy to open and pour or dust from for an end consumer, and is additionally suitable to use for different types of products, e.g. both dustable and liquid, e.g. foodstuffs in the form of powder as well as liquid form, but of course also e.g. spices in mixed forms. Additionally, the package bag according to the present invention may, when this comprises such a special-type weld, also comprise a tear-off perforation for the purpose of simplifying the actual opening. It may also be made reclosable. A reclosable package bag according to the present invention is comparatively much more inexpensive to produce than e.g. a zip-bag.

A self-standing package bag according to the present invention may also be provided with a sealed tapping unit which is enclosed in one of the edge welds, most likely the upper edge weld. Such a sealed tapping unit may in some cases increase the user-friendliness further for an end consumer due to the fact that the package bag becomes very easy to use. The tapping unit may e.g. comprise a dust lid so that e.g. spices or powders may be dusted. The tapping unit may further comprise an openable and reclosable lid. Due to the fact that the package bags according to the present invention additionally may be produced in the same high speed as regular package bags which are produced in vertical machines today, this implies a great advantage in comparison with alternative package bags which have special functions, such as e.g. the zip-bags which has been described above. One should in other words understand that embodiments of the present invention which imply that combinations of different further technical elements are added, such as e.g. the special-type weld as well as/or the sealed tapping unit, may be very competitive alternatives to known package bags today.

Claims

1. Self-standing package bag (1) which is produced from a film, wherein the package bag (1) comprises a continuous upper edge weld (2) and a continuous lower edge weld (12), where the upper edge weld (2) extends the entire way along an upper end side (5) of the package bag (1), and the lower edge weld (12) extends the entire way along a lower end side (13) of the package bag (1), wherein the package bag (1) additionally comprises a back weld (14) which on the back side (15) of the package bag (1) extends from the upper edge weld (2) to the lower edge weld (12) so that the package bag (1) as such is closed, wherein an outer film strip (16) with an upper edge portion (17), a lower edge portion (18), a front non-support edge (19), a back non-support edge (20), a free front support edge (21) and a free back support edge (22) is provided around the package bag (1), viewed from the upper end side (5) to the lower end side (13) of the package bag (1), in such a way that the upper edge portion (17) of the outer film strip (16) is attached in or against the upper edge weld (2) of the package bag (1), and the lower edge portion (18) of the outer film strip (16) is attached in or against the lower edge weld (12) of the package bag (1), on both sides (29, 15) of the package bag (1), and wherein the free front support edge (21) and the free back support edge (22) of the outer film strip (16) surround a geometrical rest surface (23) for the package bag (1) at either a left end side (6) or a right end side (7) of the package bag (1).

2. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 1 , wherein a sealed tapping unit (28) is incorporated in and surrounded seal securely by the upper continuous edge weld (2) or is alternatively incorporated in and surrounded seal securely by the lower continuous edge weld (12).

3. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 2, wherein the sealed tapping unit (28) comprises a protection wafer and/or an openable and re- closable lid or cover (30).

4. Self-standing package bag according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sealed tapping unit (28) comprises a dust unit (31).

5. Self-standing package bag (1) according to anyone of claims 2-4, wherein a scissors marking (24) or a tear-off perforation (27) is provided in that edge weld (2, 12) where the sealed tapping unit (28) is provided, and where the scissors marking (24) or the tear-off perforation (27) is provided between the sealed tapping unit (28) and its adjacent upper or lower end side (5, 13), wherein the scissors marking (24) or the tear-off perforation (27) extends from the right end side (7) towards the left end side (6) of the package bag (1), and optionally the entire way to the left end side (6), when the outer film strip (16) has its geometrical rest surface (23) at the left end side (6), wherein the scissors marking (24) or the tear-off perforation (27) extends from the left end side (6) towards the right end side (7) of the package bag (1), and optionally the entire way to the right end side (7), when the outer film strip (16) has its geometrical rest surface (23) at the right end side (7), and wherein the sealed tapping unit (28) will become uncovered when an end consumer cuts along the scissors marking (24) or tears along the tear-off perforation (27).

6. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 1 , wherein at least the upper edge weld (2) comprises an upper portion (8) which extends the entire way along the upper end side (5), and a lower portion (9) which extends from the right end side (7) of the package bag up to an end edge (10) so that an open portion (11) is provided from the end edge (10) straight out to the left end side (6) of the package bag and up to the upper portion (8) of the upper edge weld (2), when the outer film strip (16) has its geometrical rest surface (23) at the right end side (7), or wherein at least the upper edge weld (2) comprises an upper portion (8) which extends the entire way along the upper end side (5), and a lower portion (9) which extends from the left end side (6) up to an end edge (10) so that an open portion (11) is provided from the end edge (10) straight out to the right end side (7) and up to the upper portion (8) of the upper edge weld (2), when the outer film strip (16) has its geometrical rest surface (23) at the left end side (6).

7. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 6, wherein a scissors marking (24) is provided over the open portion (11), from the left end side (6) and at least up to the end edge (10) and optionally over the lower portion (9) and the entire way to the right end side (7), or from the right end side (7) and at least up to the end edge (10) and optionally over the lower portion (9) and the entire way to the left end side (6).

8. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 6, wherein the upper portion (8) and the lower portion (9) has a space portion (25) between each other, which space portion (25) extends along the lower portion (9) from that end side (6, 7) where the lower portion (9) begins, towards the other end side (7, 6), but is completed before the end edge (10) so that a weld sealing portion (26) is provided between the space portion (25) and the open portion (11).

9. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 8, wherein a scissors marking (24) or a tear-off perforation (27) is provided in the space portion (25) and extends from that end side (6, 7) where the lower portion (9) begins, towards the weld sealing portion (26), and optionally extends the entire way to the weld sealing portion (26) but is in that case completed before the end edge (10).

10. Self-standing package bag (1) according to anyone of claim 6-9, wherein an adhesion means (3) is provided below the open portion (11), which enab- les that both the front side (29) and the backside (15) of the package bag (1), at the open portion (11), may be down-folded and adhered against the adhesion means (3) when the package bag (1) is opened by an end consumer and wherein the package bag (1) as such may be reclosed by the end consumer.

11. Self-standing package bag (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the adhesion means (3) is an adhesive reclosing tape.

12. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 10, wherein the adhesion means (3) is an adhesive portion which comprises at least one adhesive component.

13. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive portion comprises a glue.

14. Self-standing package bag (1) according to anyone of claims 10-13, wherein the adhesion means (3) is protected by a removable flap (4).

15. Self-standing package bag (1) according to anyone of claims 1-14, wherein the package bag (1) is produced from a weldable laminated film which is of a plastic or a paper material and with a weldable outer filmstrip (16) which is of a plastic or a paper material.

16. Self-standing package bag (1) according to anyone of claims 1-15, wherein the package bag (1) is intended as a food package.

17. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 16, wherein the food package is intended to contain a foodstuff which is liquid.

18. Self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 16, wherein the food package is intended to contain a foodstuff which is pulverous and/or is dustable.

19. Process for the production of a self-standing package bag (1) according to claim 1 , comprising the following steps when a film and a front film strip and a back film strip, which film strips lie parallel to each other on top of the film, are processed in a vertical machine: - draw-down of the film and the film strips over a filling pipe and a shoulder to shape a round film with surface lying film strips; - provision of a back weld (14) so that the round film is closed to form a tube; - provision of a continuous lower edge weld (13) for the production of a from above viewed open package bag, where the continuous lower edge weld (12) also attaches the front and back film strips on one side each (29, 15) of the from above viewed open package bag and straight behind each other, so that a lower edge portion (18) of an outer film strip (16) has been formed and attached in or against the lower edge weld (12) of the from above viewed open package bag, on both sides (29, 15) of the from above viewed open package bag;

- filling of the from above viewed open package bag; - provision of a continuous upper edge weld (2) for the production of a closed package bag (1), where the upper edge weld (2) also attaches the front and back film strips on one side each (29, 15) of the package bag (1) and straight behind each other, so that an upper edge portion (17) of an outer film strip (16) has been formed and attached in or against the upper edge weld (2) of the package bag (1 ), on both sides

(29, 15) of the package bag (1); and wherein the film is cut between the lower edge weld (12) of a from above viewed open package bag and the upper edge weld (2) of a closed package bag (1) which has been provided with an upper edge weld (2) at the same time as the from above viewed open package bag has been provided with a lower edge weld (12).

20. Process according to claim 19, wherein a sealed tapping unit (28) is twisted inside from the side and is placed against the from above viewed open package bag before the step of provision of a continuous upper edge weld (2), for the production of a sealed and closed package bag (1), in such a way that the sealed tapping unit (28) is incorporated and surrounded seal securely by the upper continuous edge weld (2) or is alternatively incorporated and surrounded seal securely by the lower continuous edge weld (12) when these edge welds (2, 12) are applied.

21. Process according to claim 20, wherein the sealed tapping unit (28) is incorporated and surrounded seal securely by the upper continuous edge weld (2).

22. Process according to claim 20, wherein at least the upper edge weld (2) is provided with an upper portion (8) which extends the entire way along the upper end side (5), and a lower portion (9) which extends from a right end side (7) of the package bag up to an end edge (10) so that an open portion (11) is provided from the end edge (10) straight out to a left end side (6) of the package bag and up to the upper portion (8) of the upper edge weld (2), when the outer film strip (16) is applied so that it receives its geometrical rest surface (23) at the right end side (7), or wherein at least the upper edge weld (2) is provided with an upper portion (8) which extends the entire way along the upper end side (5), and a lower portion (9) which extends from the left end side (6) up to an end edge (10) so that an open portion (11) is provided from the end edge (10) straight out to the right end side (7) and up to the upper portion (8) of the upper edge weld (2), when the outer film strip (16) is applied so that it receives its geometrical rest surface (23) at the left end side (6).

23. Process according to claim 22, wherein an adhesion means (3) is provided below the open portion (11), which adhesion means (3) thereafter optionally is protected by a removable flap (4).

24. Process according to anyone of claims 19-23, wherein the film which is processed is a weldable laminated film which is of a plastic or a paper material and wherein the weldable outer film strip which is processed is of a plastic or a paper material.

25. Process according to anyone of claims 19-24, wherein at least one spot weld each is applied below the front non-support edge (19) and the back non- support edge (20), about on the middle of the outer film strip (16), to attach these against the package bag (1) and stabilize the outer film strip (16).

26. Process according to anyone of claims 19-25, wherein a food package bag is produced and filled with foodstuff in the same production line.