WO2011126453A1 - Device and method for opening a piping bag - Google Patents

Device and method for opening a piping bag Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011126453A1
WO2011126453A1 PCT/SE2011/050422 SE2011050422W WO2011126453A1 WO 2011126453 A1 WO2011126453 A1 WO 2011126453A1 SE 2011050422 W SE2011050422 W SE 2011050422W WO 2011126453 A1 WO2011126453 A1 WO 2011126453A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gripping
piping bag
gripping surfaces
piping
bag
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2011/050422
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Timo Järvinen
Original Assignee
Kee Plastics Ab
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kee Plastics Ab filed Critical Kee Plastics Ab
Priority to EP11766252.8A priority Critical patent/EP2555983B1/en
Priority to DK11766252.8T priority patent/DK2555983T3/en
Priority to US13/639,651 priority patent/US9446872B2/en
Priority to AU2011238981A priority patent/AU2011238981B2/en
Priority to PL11766252T priority patent/PL2555983T3/en
Priority to ES11766252.8T priority patent/ES2555105T3/en
Publication of WO2011126453A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011126453A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/26—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks
    • B65B43/30—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks by grippers engaging opposed walls, e.g. suction-operated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/46—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers
    • B65B43/465—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers for bags

Definitions

  • the present document relates to a method for preparing a piping bag set for pre-filling. More particularly, the document relates to a method for opening a hermetically sealed empty piping bag prior to a filling step.
  • the bags When preparing piping bags for pre-filling the bags are usually separated individually from e.g. a continuous web comprising numerous piping bags. The individual bag may then be filled, or strictly speaking pre- filled, with substances in a substantially viscous liquid or fluid form, e.g.
  • This operation is usually time consuming as one bag at a time must be separated from the web of piping bags and arranged such as to allow for the liquid to be filled in the individual piping bag.
  • Piping bags made in accordance with WO2005115162A1 may, as disclosed therein, be provided, at its open end, with a weaker welding joint, which is such that upon tearing along the severance mark separating the piping bags along their openable ends, each piping bag remains closed until a user deliberately opens it.
  • This weaker welding joint can be achieved at a low temperature and under mechanical pressure.
  • the piping bag remains hermetically sealed and free from contaminants until deliberately opened - it may nevertheless present a problem when the piping bag is to be prefilled in an automated pre-filling line, especially when attempting to open the bag using a vacuum-based gripping device.
  • a vacuum on the inside of the bag will require a great force to be applied on the outside for the bag to open. Such a great force may not be possible to apply using a vacuum, especially if the piping bag surface is slightly rough, as the one disclosed in WO2005115162A1.
  • a device for opening a piping bag for pre-filling comprises first and second gripping surfaces, adapted for clamping an openable end of the piping bag
  • Such a device is able to cause the film forming the piping bag to become wrinkled, and thus the weld sealing the bag is sheared and broken.
  • the device may further comprise first and second gripping members, with each of the gripping members carrying the respective gripping surface.
  • the gripping members may be movable between an open position and a clamping position, for clamping the piping bag between the gripping surfaces.
  • At least one of the gripping surfaces may be provided with a material portion providing increased friction relative to the piping bag, as compared with a base material of the gripping member.
  • At least one of the gripping surfaces may present at least one vacuum connection adapted for engaging a surface portion of the piping bag.
  • the gripping surfaces may have substantially complementary shapes.
  • One of the gripping members may be substantially stationary, while another one of the gripping members may be movable.
  • the substantially stationary gripping member may present first and second gripping surfaces, and the device may further comprise a pair of movable gripping members, each presenting a respective gripping surface being arranged to cooperate with a respective one of the first and second gripping surfaces.
  • a method for opening a piping bag for pre-filling comprises clamping an openable end of the piping bag between a pair of gripping surfaces, moving the gripping surfaces relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel with at least one of said gripping surfaces, while the openable end of the piping bag remains clamped, and subsequently moving the gripping surfaces away from each other, while each gripping surface is in engagement with a respective portion of the piping bag.
  • the method can be used with any piping bag, but it is particularly advantageous for use with a piping bag having an openable end, which is hermetically sealed prior to being opened.
  • Such hermetical sealing may be provided by e.g. a weak weld, as described above.
  • the engagement of the gripping surfaces may be achieved using a vacuum operating against a surface of the piping bag.
  • the piping bag may, prior to the clamping step, be hermetically sealed.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a device for opening and filling piping bags.
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the device of Fig. 1
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of a first gripping member of the device of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of a second gripping member of the device of Fig. 1.
  • Figs 5a-5b are schematic plan views of piping bag blanks.
  • Figs 6a-6h are schematic views illustrating an operating cycle of the device of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a device 1 for opening and filling piping bags.
  • the device 1 comprises three gripping members 3a, 3b, 3c.
  • the first and third gripping members 3a, 3c present a respective gripping surface 2a, 2d, while the second gripping member presents two gripping surfaces 2b, 2c.
  • a first gripping assembly is formed by interacting gripping surfaces 2a, 2b of the first and second gripping members 3a, 3b.
  • a second gripping assembly is formed by interacting gripping surfaces 2c, 2d of the second and third gripping members 3b, 3c.
  • the second gripping member 3b thus presents two gripping surfaces 2b, 2c.
  • Each gripping surface 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is provided with at least one vacuum nozzle 6 (Figs 3, 4), connected to the vacuum source V, which when activated at a sufficiently low pressure is able to securely hold a piping bag.
  • first and third gripping members 3a, 3c may be movable in a respective direction Dg, while the second gripping member 3b may be substantially stationary.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the device of Fig. 1 as seen from above.
  • the second gripping member 3b is, at its gripping surfaces 2b, 2c, provided with a respective slidable member 4, which is able to move in a respective recess 5 of the wall of the second gripping member 3b.
  • the movements in the directions Do of the slidable members 5 may be controlled by the system controller 10.
  • the gripping surfaces 2b, 2c of the second gripping member 3b are slidable in a direction Do, which is substantially parallel with the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and substantially horizontal.
  • the slidable members 5 may perform a sliding movement, which may assist in breaking the weak weld at the openable portion of the piping bag.
  • Each gripping surface 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may be provided with, or formed of, a material which increases the friction against the piping bag.
  • a material which increases the friction against the piping bag examples include polymer materials and rubber or rubber-like materials (e.g. TPE). It would be conceivable to use a woven or nonwoven fabric, a flocked material or even a rough, soft and/or tacky material.
  • Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a piping bag blank 20, in the form of a tubular film portion, which is collapsed to a substantially planar state provided with a plurality of welds and severance marks such that, when individual piping bags 20" are separated from the blank 20, each individual piping bag will present an openable end 21 and an oblique welded side 22.
  • Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a piping bag blank 20, from which a pair 20' of piping bags has been separated. The pair 20' of piping bags is still connected along the severance mark at their oblique welded sides 22.
  • the first gripping member 3a may be rotatable R1 about a horizontal axis which is substantially parallel to the first gripping surface 2a.
  • first gripping member may be displaceable both vertically and horizontally, as illustrated by the arrow F1.
  • the third gripping member 3c may be rotatable R2 about a horizontal axis which is substantially parallel to the fourth gripping surface 2d.
  • the third gripping member may be displaceable at least substantially vertically, as illustrated by arrow F2.
  • a feeder 7 may be arranged to supply piping bag blanks 20, e.g. in the form of a roll.
  • the piping bag blanks may be fed in a direction Df, as illustrated.
  • a cutter or separator 8 may be provided to provide separation of a pair 20' of piping bags which are to be filled by the device.
  • the first gripping member 3a is rotated about 90° counter clockwise and displaced to its feed position as illustrated in Fig. 6b.
  • the third gripping member 3c may be rotated about 90° clockwise and displaced substantially vertically to its feed position as illustrated in Fig. 6b.
  • a pair 20' of piping bags is fed from the feeder 7 and separated from the blank 20, such that a respective openable end of the piping bags 20" is grippable by the vacuum connection 6 at the respective gripping surface 2a, 2d of the respective gripping member 3a, 3c.
  • the vacuum connections 6 are then operated to provide a vacuum at the respective gripping surface 2a, 2d, such that the respective openable end 21 of the piping bag 20" forming the piping bag pair 20' is held firmly to the gripping surface 2a, 2d by means of the vacuum.
  • the gripping members 3a, 3c are then displaced back along the respective arrow F1 , F2 and rotated back about 90° clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. Furthermore, the gripping members 3a, 3c are brought along direction Dg into engagement with the respective gripping surface 2b, 2c of the second gripping member 3b, such that the respective openable end 21 of the piping bags is clamped between the first and second gripping surfaces 2a, 2b and the third and fourth gripping surfaces 2c, 2d, respectively.
  • Fig. 6e illustrates the device 1 as seen from above.
  • the slidable members 4 With the openable ends 21 of the piping bags 20" clamped between the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d, the slidable members 4 have been actuated and caused to perform a sliding movement in a direction Do parallel with the respective gripping surface 2b, 2c.
  • a movement will instead be provided between the film portions forming the respective half of the collapsed tube.
  • filling nozzles 9 can be introduced in a direction Dp into the now open ends 21 of the piping bags 20", whereby a flowable product can be introduced into the piping bags, e.g. from a product supply P.
  • a piping bag nozzle part is to be provided, e.g. as disclosed in EP0757006A, an inner part of this may be dropped into the piping bag prior to, or in connection with, the filling of the piping bag with the flowable product.
  • the gripping members 3a, 3c can be displaced in the direction Dg, thereby clamping the openable ends of the piping bags, such that the piping bags 20" are closed.
  • a welding device 11a, 11b may be arranged with one part on the movable gripping members 3a, 3c and a complementary part on the stationary gripping member 2b. Hence, when the gripping members 3a, 3c have been moved to clamp the openable ends 21 of the piping bags, the welding device 11a, 11 b may be actuated to provide a weld, effectively sealing the piping bag.
  • the filled piping bags 20" may be released from the clamp between the gripping members 3a, 3b, 3c and allowed to drop or slide onto a conveyor device for further transportation and packaging.
  • a conveyor device for further transportation and packaging.
  • Other types of conveying arrangements can be used.
  • the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may be planar, as disclosed herein.
  • each pair of interacting gripping surfaces 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d may have complementary shapes, such as concave/convex, etc, as long as it is possible for the gripping surfaces to perform a relative movement while the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d are in engagement with each other.
  • the system controller 10 may be arranged to control the entire system disclosed herein: movements Dg, F1 , F2, R1 , R2 of gripping members 3a, 3b, 3c, movements Do of slidable members 4, feeder 7 (Df), actuation of vaccum source V, actuation and movement Dp of filling device 9, actuation of welding device 11a, 11b, and actuation of any conveying device.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)

Abstract

A device (1) for opening a piping bag (20") for pre-filling comprises first and second gripping surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), adapted for clamping an openable end (21) of the piping bag (20") therebetween, wherein the gripping surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), while in clamping engagement with the piping bag, are movable relative to each other in a direction (Do) substantially parallel with said gripping surfaces. A method for opening a piping bag for prefilling is also disclosed.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPENING A PIPING BAG
Technical Field
The present document relates to a method for preparing a piping bag set for pre-filling. More particularly, the document relates to a method for opening a hermetically sealed empty piping bag prior to a filling step.
Background
When preparing piping bags for pre-filling the bags are usually separated individually from e.g. a continuous web comprising numerous piping bags. The individual bag may then be filled, or strictly speaking pre- filled, with substances in a substantially viscous liquid or fluid form, e.g.
foodstuffs, glue, cement, plaster; and subsequently sealed shut.
This operation is usually time consuming as one bag at a time must be separated from the web of piping bags and arranged such as to allow for the liquid to be filled in the individual piping bag.
Piping bags made in accordance with WO2005115162A1 may, as disclosed therein, be provided, at its open end, with a weaker welding joint, which is such that upon tearing along the severance mark separating the piping bags along their openable ends, each piping bag remains closed until a user deliberately opens it. This weaker welding joint can be achieved at a low temperature and under mechanical pressure.
While the weaker welding joint is advantageous from a hygiene perspective - the piping bag remains hermetically sealed and free from contaminants until deliberately opened - it may nevertheless present a problem when the piping bag is to be prefilled in an automated pre-filling line, especially when attempting to open the bag using a vacuum-based gripping device. With the hermetic seal, a vacuum on the inside of the bag will require a great force to be applied on the outside for the bag to open. Such a great force may not be possible to apply using a vacuum, especially if the piping bag surface is slightly rough, as the one disclosed in WO2005115162A1.
Hence, there is a need for an improved device and method for opening a piping bag. Summary
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device and method for opening a piping bag in connection with prefilling.
The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a device for opening a piping bag for pre-filling. The device comprises first and second gripping surfaces, adapted for clamping an openable end of the piping bag
therebetween, wherein the gripping surfaces, while in clamping engagement with the piping bag, are movable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel with said gripping surfaces.
Such a device is able to cause the film forming the piping bag to become wrinkled, and thus the weld sealing the bag is sheared and broken.
The device may further comprise first and second gripping members, with each of the gripping members carrying the respective gripping surface. The gripping members may be movable between an open position and a clamping position, for clamping the piping bag between the gripping surfaces.
At least one of the gripping surfaces may be provided with a material portion providing increased friction relative to the piping bag, as compared with a base material of the gripping member.
At least one of the gripping surfaces may present at least one vacuum connection adapted for engaging a surface portion of the piping bag.
The gripping surfaces may have substantially complementary shapes.
One of the gripping members may be substantially stationary, while another one of the gripping members may be movable.
The substantially stationary gripping member may present first and second gripping surfaces, and the device may further comprise a pair of movable gripping members, each presenting a respective gripping surface being arranged to cooperate with a respective one of the first and second gripping surfaces. According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for opening a piping bag for pre-filling. The method comprises clamping an openable end of the piping bag between a pair of gripping surfaces, moving the gripping surfaces relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel with at least one of said gripping surfaces, while the openable end of the piping bag remains clamped, and subsequently moving the gripping surfaces away from each other, while each gripping surface is in engagement with a respective portion of the piping bag.
The method can be used with any piping bag, but it is particularly advantageous for use with a piping bag having an openable end, which is hermetically sealed prior to being opened. Such hermetical sealing may be provided by e.g. a weak weld, as described above.
The engagement of the gripping surfaces may be achieved using a vacuum operating against a surface of the piping bag.
The piping bag may, prior to the clamping step, be hermetically sealed.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a device for opening and filling piping bags.
Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the device of Fig. 1
Fig. 3 is a schematic front view of a first gripping member of the device of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of a second gripping member of the device of Fig. 1.
Figs 5a-5b are schematic plan views of piping bag blanks.
Figs 6a-6h are schematic views illustrating an operating cycle of the device of Fig. 1.
Description of Embodiments
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a device 1 for opening and filling piping bags. The device 1 comprises three gripping members 3a, 3b, 3c. The first and third gripping members 3a, 3c present a respective gripping surface 2a, 2d, while the second gripping member presents two gripping surfaces 2b, 2c. In the illustrated embodiment, a first gripping assembly is formed by interacting gripping surfaces 2a, 2b of the first and second gripping members 3a, 3b. A second gripping assembly is formed by interacting gripping surfaces 2c, 2d of the second and third gripping members 3b, 3c. The second gripping member 3b thus presents two gripping surfaces 2b, 2c.
Each gripping surface 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is provided with at least one vacuum nozzle 6 (Figs 3, 4), connected to the vacuum source V, which when activated at a sufficiently low pressure is able to securely hold a piping bag.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and third gripping members 3a, 3c may be movable in a respective direction Dg, while the second gripping member 3b may be substantially stationary.
Fig. 2 illustrates the device of Fig. 1 as seen from above. The second gripping member 3b is, at its gripping surfaces 2b, 2c, provided with a respective slidable member 4, which is able to move in a respective recess 5 of the wall of the second gripping member 3b. The movements in the directions Do of the slidable members 5 may be controlled by the system controller 10. Hence, the gripping surfaces 2b, 2c of the second gripping member 3b are slidable in a direction Do, which is substantially parallel with the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and substantially horizontal.
Hence, when a piping bag is clamped between a pair of gripping surfaces 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d, the slidable members 5 may perform a sliding movement, which may assist in breaking the weak weld at the openable portion of the piping bag.
Each gripping surface 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may be provided with, or formed of, a material which increases the friction against the piping bag. Examples of such materials include polymer materials and rubber or rubber-like materials (e.g. TPE). It would be conceivable to use a woven or nonwoven fabric, a flocked material or even a rough, soft and/or tacky material.
Fig. 5a schematically illustrates a piping bag blank 20, in the form of a tubular film portion, which is collapsed to a substantially planar state provided with a plurality of welds and severance marks such that, when individual piping bags 20" are separated from the blank 20, each individual piping bag will present an openable end 21 and an oblique welded side 22. Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a piping bag blank 20, from which a pair 20' of piping bags has been separated. The pair 20' of piping bags is still connected along the severance mark at their oblique welded sides 22.
Referring to Figs 6a-6h, an operating cycle of the device 1 will now be described.
The first gripping member 3a may be rotatable R1 about a horizontal axis which is substantially parallel to the first gripping surface 2a.
Furthermore, the first gripping member may be displaceable both vertically and horizontally, as illustrated by the arrow F1.
The third gripping member 3c may be rotatable R2 about a horizontal axis which is substantially parallel to the fourth gripping surface 2d.
Furthermore, the third gripping member may be displaceable at least substantially vertically, as illustrated by arrow F2. A feeder 7 may be arranged to supply piping bag blanks 20, e.g. in the form of a roll. The piping bag blanks may be fed in a direction Df, as illustrated. A cutter or separator 8 may be provided to provide separation of a pair 20' of piping bags which are to be filled by the device.
In a first step, the first gripping member 3a is rotated about 90° counter clockwise and displaced to its feed position as illustrated in Fig. 6b. The third gripping member 3c may be rotated about 90° clockwise and displaced substantially vertically to its feed position as illustrated in Fig. 6b.
When the gripping members 3a, 3c are in their respective feed position, a pair 20' of piping bags is fed from the feeder 7 and separated from the blank 20, such that a respective openable end of the piping bags 20" is grippable by the vacuum connection 6 at the respective gripping surface 2a, 2d of the respective gripping member 3a, 3c. The vacuum connections 6 are then operated to provide a vacuum at the respective gripping surface 2a, 2d, such that the respective openable end 21 of the piping bag 20" forming the piping bag pair 20' is held firmly to the gripping surface 2a, 2d by means of the vacuum.
Referring to Fig. 6c, the gripping members 3a, 3c are then displaced back along the respective arrow F1 , F2 and rotated back about 90° clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. Furthermore, the gripping members 3a, 3c are brought along direction Dg into engagement with the respective gripping surface 2b, 2c of the second gripping member 3b, such that the respective openable end 21 of the piping bags is clamped between the first and second gripping surfaces 2a, 2b and the third and fourth gripping surfaces 2c, 2d, respectively.
As the piping bags 20" are still attached to each other along the oblique weld/severance mark 22, they will need to be separated from each other to the configuration illustrated in Fig. 6d.
Fig. 6e illustrates the device 1 as seen from above. With the openable ends 21 of the piping bags 20" clamped between the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d, the slidable members 4 have been actuated and caused to perform a sliding movement in a direction Do parallel with the respective gripping surface 2b, 2c. As the friction between the gripping surfaces and the piping bag surface will counteract relative movement between the piping bag surface and the respective gripping surface, a movement will instead be provided between the film portions forming the respective half of the collapsed tube. This movement will cause the film portions to wrinkle and the weak weld sealing the openable end 21 of the piping bag 20" to break to a sufficient extent, such that the piping bag 20" can be opened by the gripping members moving Dg away from each other while portions of the bags are being held by the respective vacuum connection 6. The bags 20" will then be opened and held between the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d, as illustrated in Fig. 6f
As illustrated in Fig. 6g, filling nozzles 9 can be introduced in a direction Dp into the now open ends 21 of the piping bags 20", whereby a flowable product can be introduced into the piping bags, e.g. from a product supply P.
In the event that a piping bag nozzle part is to be provided, e.g. as disclosed in EP0757006A, an inner part of this may be dropped into the piping bag prior to, or in connection with, the filling of the piping bag with the flowable product.
Referring to Fig. 6h, after the piping bags have been filled, the gripping members 3a, 3c can be displaced in the direction Dg, thereby clamping the openable ends of the piping bags, such that the piping bags 20" are closed. A welding device 11a, 11b may be arranged with one part on the movable gripping members 3a, 3c and a complementary part on the stationary gripping member 2b. Hence, when the gripping members 3a, 3c have been moved to clamp the openable ends 21 of the piping bags, the welding device 11a, 11 b may be actuated to provide a weld, effectively sealing the piping bag.
After filling and sealing, the filled piping bags 20" may be released from the clamp between the gripping members 3a, 3b, 3c and allowed to drop or slide onto a conveyor device for further transportation and packaging. Other types of conveying arrangements can be used.
It is noted that further functions may be provided in connection with the filling operation, such as marking or printing of the bags. For example, a "best before" date may be printed on the bag in connection with it being filled.
The gripping surfaces 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may be planar, as disclosed herein.
In any event, each pair of interacting gripping surfaces 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d may have complementary shapes, such as concave/convex, etc, as long as it is possible for the gripping surfaces to perform a relative movement while the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b; 2c, 2d are in engagement with each other.
The system controller 10 may be arranged to control the entire system disclosed herein: movements Dg, F1 , F2, R1 , R2 of gripping members 3a, 3b, 3c, movements Do of slidable members 4, feeder 7 (Df), actuation of vaccum source V, actuation and movement Dp of filling device 9, actuation of welding device 11a, 11b, and actuation of any conveying device.

Claims

1. A device (1) for opening a piping bag (20") for pre-filling, comprising:
first and second gripping surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), adapted for clamping an openable end (21) of the piping bag (20") therebetween,
wherein the gripping surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), while in clamping engagement with the piping bag, are movable relative to each other in a direction (Do) substantially parallel with said gripping surfaces.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:
first and second gripping members (3a, 3b, 3c), each of the gripping members carrying the respective gripping surface,
wherein the gripping members are movable (Dg) between an open position and a clamping position, for clamping the piping bag between the gripping surfaces.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the gripping surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is provided with a material portion providing increased friction relative to the piping bag, as compared with a base material of the gripping member (3a, 3b, 3c).
4. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the gripping surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) presents at least one vacuum connection (6) adapted for engaging a surface portion of the piping bag.
5. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping surfaces (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) have substantially
complementary shapes.
6. The device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one (3b) of the gripping members is substantially stationary, while another one of the gripping members (3a, 3c) is movable.
7. The device as claimed claim 6, wherein the substantially stationary gripping member (3b) presents first and second gripping surfaces (2b, 2c), and wherein the device further comprises a pair of movable gripping members (3a, 3c), each presenting a respective gripping surface (2a, 2d) being arranged to cooperate with a respective one of the first and second gripping surfaces (2b, 2c).
8. A method for opening a piping bag for pre-filling, the method comprising:
clamping an openable end (21) of the piping bag between a pair of gripping surfaces (2a, 2b; 2c, 2d),
moving the gripping surfaces (2a, 2b; 2c, 2d) relative to each other in a direction (Do) substantially parallel with at least one of said gripping surfaces, while the openable end (21) of the piping bag remains clamped, and
subsequently moving the gripping surfaces (2a, 2b; 2c, 2d) away from each other, while each gripping surface is in engagement with a respective portion of the piping bag.
9. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the engagement of the gripping surfaces is achieved using a vacuum (V) operating against a surface of the piping bag.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the piping bag (20"), prior to the clamping step is hermetically sealed.
PCT/SE2011/050422 2010-04-08 2011-04-07 Device and method for opening a piping bag WO2011126453A1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11766252.8A EP2555983B1 (en) 2010-04-08 2011-04-07 Device and method for opening a piping bag
DK11766252.8T DK2555983T3 (en) 2010-04-08 2011-04-07 A device and method of opening a piping bag
US13/639,651 US9446872B2 (en) 2010-04-08 2011-04-07 Device and method for opening a plurality of piping bags
AU2011238981A AU2011238981B2 (en) 2010-04-08 2011-04-07 Device and method for opening a piping bag
PL11766252T PL2555983T3 (en) 2010-04-08 2011-04-07 Device and method for opening a piping bag
ES11766252.8T ES2555105T3 (en) 2010-04-08 2011-04-07 Device and method to open a pastry bag

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1050338-1 2010-04-08
SE1050338A SE535089C2 (en) 2010-04-08 2010-04-08 Device, use of device, and method of opening an alcohol bag

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011126453A1 true WO2011126453A1 (en) 2011-10-13

Family

ID=44763175

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2011/050422 WO2011126453A1 (en) 2010-04-08 2011-04-07 Device and method for opening a piping bag

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US9446872B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2555983B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2011238981B2 (en)
DK (1) DK2555983T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2555105T3 (en)
PL (1) PL2555983T3 (en)
SE (1) SE535089C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2011126453A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2893810A1 (en) 2014-01-13 2015-07-15 Kee Plastics AB Insertion of nozzle in piping bag

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202014102841U1 (en) * 2014-06-23 2015-09-24 MSK-Verpackungs-Systeme Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Opening device for opening a gusseted in a flat folded state, in particular of a hose supply, gusseted hose

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS50146487A (en) * 1974-05-14 1975-11-25
DE3326616A1 (en) * 1983-07-23 1985-01-31 Franco 6305 Alten-Buseck Toss Gripper device for thin films
JPS62287813A (en) * 1986-05-30 1987-12-14 株式会社　フジパツクシステム Article feeder to bag
JPH06199318A (en) * 1993-01-08 1994-07-19 Gunze Ltd Opening flat cylindrical film
JPH08217021A (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-08-27 Kitashiba Denki Kk Single bag supporting device for automatic filling-packaging machine
EP0757006A1 (en) 1995-08-03 1997-02-05 Verenigde Coöperatieve Melkindustrie Coberco B.A. Piping bag containing a bakery product and method for manufacturing such piping bag
WO1999051496A1 (en) * 1998-04-03 1999-10-14 Sealed Air (Nz) Limited Manipulation apparatus and method to open a bag
WO2005115162A1 (en) 2004-05-26 2005-12-08 Kee Plastics Ab Piping bag, blank for manufacturing a piping bag and method of manufacturing a piping bag
WO2006096076A1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2006-09-14 Avalon Engineering Limited Bag loader

Family Cites Families (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB681096A (en) 1948-07-13 1952-10-15 Clarence Wedekind Vogt Improvements in or relating to bag arrangements
US2671587A (en) * 1948-07-30 1954-03-09 Clarence W Vogt Bag filling machine
GB651096A (en) 1948-10-27 1951-03-14 Philips Nv Improvements in or relating to magnetic separators
US2671588A (en) * 1948-11-18 1954-03-09 Clarence W Vogt Paired bag filling machine
GB870800A (en) * 1957-08-23 1961-06-21 Nat Tea Packing Company Inc Improvements in or relating to infusion bags and method of making the same
DE2243074A1 (en) * 1972-09-01 1974-03-07 Hesser Ag Maschf MACHINE FOR FILLING AND SEALING PACKAGING CONTAINERS, FOR EXAMPLE BAGS, WITHIN A PROTECTIVE GAS ATMOSPHERE
CA1099601A (en) * 1978-10-31 1981-04-21 Continental Group Of Canada Ltd. (The) Envelope opener
US4586319A (en) * 1982-09-30 1986-05-06 Minigrip, Inc. Method of and means for easy opening bags
DE3412254A1 (en) * 1983-06-04 1984-12-06 thermohauser Erwin Busch GmbH, 7336 Uhingen Piping bag for confectionery or the like
SE8704666L (en) * 1987-11-24 1989-05-25 New Pack Systems Ab SET AND APPLIANCE FOR PACKAGING OF GOODS IN A CHAIN OF EASTERS
JP2720881B2 (en) * 1988-03-08 1998-03-04 ▲高▼木産業株式会社 Chuck device
US4850178A (en) * 1988-07-01 1989-07-25 Minigrip, Inc. Device for opening a double link bag chain
JPH04142227A (en) * 1990-09-26 1992-05-15 Shiseido Co Ltd Method and device for opening bag-shaped closely adhered film
ES2117929B1 (en) * 1995-04-17 1999-03-16 Bossar S A FLEXIBLE CONTAINER CONVEYOR, APPLICABLE ON HORIZONTAL MACHINES.
US5564252A (en) * 1995-07-27 1996-10-15 Adelmann; Jeffrey H. Dual web intermittent motion packaging machine
US20030009990A1 (en) 2001-07-13 2003-01-16 Main Timothy B. Apparatus and method for automatic bag loading
DE202004007711U1 (en) 2004-05-13 2004-08-12 Tipper Tie Technopack Gmbh Sausage packaging device for filling pasty contents in tubular casing material
US7217033B2 (en) * 2004-05-13 2007-05-15 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Aseptic packaging for foods and systems and methods for aseptically packaging foods
WO2006015447A2 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-16 Kencan Australasia Pty Ltd Method and apparatus for forming and filling flexible packaging
DE202008008468U1 (en) * 2008-06-12 2008-08-28 Kunz, Christoph Tool for opening closely adhering walls of plastic bags and bags
ES2398317T3 (en) * 2008-11-13 2013-03-15 Kee Plastics Ab Method and device for preparing sleeves for pre-filling

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS50146487A (en) * 1974-05-14 1975-11-25
DE3326616A1 (en) * 1983-07-23 1985-01-31 Franco 6305 Alten-Buseck Toss Gripper device for thin films
JPS62287813A (en) * 1986-05-30 1987-12-14 株式会社　フジパツクシステム Article feeder to bag
JPH06199318A (en) * 1993-01-08 1994-07-19 Gunze Ltd Opening flat cylindrical film
JPH08217021A (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-08-27 Kitashiba Denki Kk Single bag supporting device for automatic filling-packaging machine
EP0757006A1 (en) 1995-08-03 1997-02-05 Verenigde Coöperatieve Melkindustrie Coberco B.A. Piping bag containing a bakery product and method for manufacturing such piping bag
WO1999051496A1 (en) * 1998-04-03 1999-10-14 Sealed Air (Nz) Limited Manipulation apparatus and method to open a bag
WO2005115162A1 (en) 2004-05-26 2005-12-08 Kee Plastics Ab Piping bag, blank for manufacturing a piping bag and method of manufacturing a piping bag
WO2006096076A1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2006-09-14 Avalon Engineering Limited Bag loader

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP2555983A4

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2893810A1 (en) 2014-01-13 2015-07-15 Kee Plastics AB Insertion of nozzle in piping bag
US9975138B2 (en) 2014-01-13 2018-05-22 Kee Plastics Ab Insertion of nozzle in piping bag

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2555983B1 (en) 2015-09-09
US9446872B2 (en) 2016-09-20
DK2555983T3 (en) 2015-10-26
EP2555983A1 (en) 2013-02-13
SE535089C2 (en) 2012-04-10
PL2555983T3 (en) 2016-02-29
SE1050338A1 (en) 2011-10-09
ES2555105T3 (en) 2015-12-29
US20130263560A1 (en) 2013-10-10
AU2011238981A1 (en) 2012-11-29
EP2555983A4 (en) 2013-11-06
AU2011238981B2 (en) 2015-12-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2889115B1 (en) An apparatus for forming opening devices on a sheet packaging material for packaging pourable food products
EP2248723B1 (en) A sytem for packaging products in stick packs
US11801986B2 (en) Device and method for producing
CN102548848A (en) Device for handling a film-type cover strip on a packing material web for a packaging container
JP2006123931A (en) Method for filling air bag of bag with air bag and method for packaging bag with air bag
EP3286092B1 (en) Method for gas filling of a compartment of a flexible container
CN102271521B (en) Method and device for preparation of piping bags for prefilling
CN105492336A (en) Package
WO2011039007A3 (en) Apparatus and method for forming, filling and sealing packaging containers each comprising one pouring device
EP2555983B1 (en) Device and method for opening a piping bag
AU2007212782B2 (en) Device for filling of a container of collapsible type
US11338975B2 (en) Container blanks for flexible packages and methods of making flexible packages
US20230159204A1 (en) Device for Sealing Three-Dimensional Objects in the Bag Opening of a Film Bag
TWI490147B (en) System and method for filling of containers of collapsible type
TWI639536B (en) Device and method for opening a piping bag
EP1706259B1 (en) Method and apparatus for sealing a polymer coated paper or board
EP2927133B1 (en) Method for manufacturing flexible packages having a dispensing valve
US20040022459A1 (en) Package with strip closure system, method for making same
GB2452368A (en) Easy-tear, non-laminated, polyolefin based pouch and method of fabrication
US20240270417A1 (en) Method for manufacturing a packing container having an inlay, insertion device, and packaging machine
EP3117978A1 (en) Horizontal automatic packaging machine
US20220143930A1 (en) Stand-up flexible containers and methods and apparatuses for producing the containers
WO2020245567A1 (en) Sealing tape
JP4313188B2 (en) Packaging bag manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and manufacturing program
JP2012240712A (en) Easily openable pillow package, and manufacturing method thereof

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11766252

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2011766252

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2011238981

Country of ref document: AU

Date of ref document: 20110407

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 13639651

Country of ref document: US