WO2023222814A1

WO2023222814A1 - Packaging machine for making reinforced packages

Info

Publication number: WO2023222814A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/063359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivo Richard Elias Geukes; Twan Waltherus Petrus VAN GENT; Stefan Anne Petrus Theodorus KIEVIT; Janne Sakari ASIKAINEN
Original assignee: Gks Packaging B.V.
Priority date: 2022-05-19
Filing date: 2023-05-17
Publication date: 2023-11-23

Abstract

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

Description

Packaging machine for making reinforced packages

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

The packaging apparatus may comprise a tubular film former along the film transportation path configured to fold the film from flat film into tubular film as the film moves along the film transportation path; at least one cutting member for cutting the tubular film transversely to the transportation direction; and at least one transverse joining means for closing the package by joining the tubular film transversely to the transportation direction. These features provide components to form the package as a closed space to store a product, provided with the at least one stiffening strip. The at least one cutting member may be configured to cut both the tubular film and the at least one stiffening strip in one cutting action. This improves efficiency by reducing the amount of cuts needed. Also the length of the strip corresponds to the length of the package.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The apparatus may comprise a scoring tool configured to score the at least one stiffening strip in a transverse direction to the stiffening strip. This scoring may facilitate forming the supporting structure when unfolding of the package. The apparatus may comprise a rigid tubular structure, wherein the tubular film former is configured to form the tubular film around the rigid tubular structure, wherein the strip transportation subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip to the tubular film around the tubular structure, and wherein the at least one strip joining member is configured to press towards a surface of the tubular structure. This provides for a particularly efficient and/or high- quality production of the packages.

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

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

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first packaging machine. Fig. 2 shows a transverse joining and cutting section of a packaging machine in an open position.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a spool.

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

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

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

Fig. 14 shows a first package.

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

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

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

Fig. 17 shows a third packaging machine.

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

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

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

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

Figs. 22A-22C schematically show yet advantageous examples of a package forming line of a package manufacturing process.

Figs. 23A-23B is schematically shown advantageous examples of material blank film. Figs. 24A-24B schematically show yet advantageous examples of material blank film.

Figs. 25A-25B schematically show yet other advantageous examples of material blank film.

Figs. 26A-26D schematically show variations of the package details.

Fig. 27 schematically shows an advantageous example of opening variations of a package.

Fig. 28 schematically shows an advantageous example of closing steps of a package.

Fig. 29 schematically shows an advantageous example of carrying of a package.

Fig. 30 schematically shows another advantageous example of an advantageous example of opening steps of a package.

Fig. 31 schematically shows yet a further advantageous example of an advantageous example of opening steps of a package.

Figs. 32A-32D schematically show an example of the package forming from a package blank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

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

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging apparatus. The packaging apparatus shown is an example of a vertical form, fill, seal apparatus. It will be understood that the apparatus comprises more elements that are not shown in the drawings. Such elements include for example a housing, constructional elements, motor, and product supply. These elements may be added by the skilled person in view of the present description and figures. Moreover, although the example is of a vertical form, fill, seal apparatus, the techniques disclosed herein may alternatively be applied to other types of packaging apparatus, including, but not limited to, horizontal form, fill, and seal machines. The packaging machine of Fig. 1 comprises a vertically disposed filling tube 321 , on the inlet 322 of which a feed funnel (not illustrated) or another material infeed mechanism may be present. Near the inlet 322, a guide element 323, for example a shoulder, is fitted round the filling tube, which guide element 23 includes shoulder-like parts 323a and 323b. The shoulder-like parts 323a and 323b are shaped so that a band of film material 324 from a roll that is passed over said shoulder-like parts 323a and 323b and subsequently led between filling tube 321 and guide element 323, forms a tubular film material 324a around the filling tube 321. The film may be made of plastic. Alternative materials, such as paper or aluminum, may alternatively be used. Said passing of the film material 324 over guide element 323 takes place by transport means 326a, 326b, which may be disposed on the side of the vertically disposed filling tube 321. The transport means 326a, 326b are an example of a film transportation subsystem. Said transport means 326a, 326b can be placed in abutment with the filling tube 321 by well-known means, and they pass the film material 324 between the filling tube 321 and the transport means 326a, 326b. Guide rollers 325a and 325b may be used to guide the film material 324 in a smooth manner, and furthermore they may provide a buffer to create a desired pre-tension in the film material.

First joining means 327 are disposed in longitudinal direction, that is oriented parallel to the film transport path. The first joining means 327 is configured to join the free sides of the film container 324a that has been created round the filling tube 321. Said first joining means 327 can likewise be placed in abutment with the filling tube 321 by well-known means, after which the free sides 324c and 324d of the film material 324 that are present between the filling tube 321 and the joining means 327 are joined by means of e.g. friction or heat. In this manner, a tubular film 324a having a longitudinal joint 328 is created.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two pairs of joining bars 359a, 359b and 360a, 360b may be provided. It is also possible to use only one pair of joining bars 360a, 360b at the outlet side of the vacuum space members 352a, 352b, although this could lower the throughput of the apparatus. In the figures, a first pair of joining bars 359a, 359b is disposed on opposite sides of the film transportation path and a second pair of sealing members 360a, 360b is disposed on opposite sides of the film transportation path, and a cutting tool 351 is disposed in between the first joining bar 359a of the first joining member 350a and the second joining bar 360a of the first joining member 350a. A space for receiving the cutting tool 351 is provided in between the first joining bar 359b of the second joining member 350b and the second joining bar 360b of the second joining member 350b. In certain alternative embodiments a reciprocate cutting tool 351 may be provided in between the first and second joining bar 359b, 360b of the second joining member 350b.

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

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

Fig. 4B shows a second embodiment of the joining member 350a. In this alternative embodiment, there are additional diagonal joining bars 381a, 382a extending from the joining member 359a near both the ends of the joining member 359a, away from each other and against the film transportation direction, away from the other joining member 360a. Also, there are additional diagonal joining members 383a, 384a extending from the joining member 360a near both the ends of the joining member 360a, away from each other and along with the film transportation direction, away from the other joining member 359a. Moreover, diagonal joining members 381 b, 382b, 383b, 384b (see e.g. Fig. 13) corresponding to the diagonal joining members 381a, 382a, 383a, 384a may be provided on the second joining means 350b. Their appearance may be similar to the diagonal joining members 381a, 382a, 383a, 384a. Using the diagonal joining members, the corners of the package can be sealed at the same time as the transverse seal is created. It will be understood that the diagonal joining members may be oriented with any suitable angle a with respect to their transverse joining member, for example at 45 degrees, preferably in between 20 and 70 degrees.

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

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

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

Figs. 5-13 show another embodiment of a vertical form, fill, and seal machine 500. The figures also show two spools 501a, 501b that are examples of a storage for the reinforcing strips before they are applied to the package. For the first spool 501a, the strip along the strip transport path 503a is also partly illustrated. For reasons of illustration, for the second spool 501b the strip is not illustrated. In general the components of the machine for the first strip transport path 503a and the second strip transport path are similar or identical. In the drawings these items are indicated by similar numerals with suffix a and b, respectively. Therefore, the features described regarding one stiffening strip transport path equally apply to the other stiffening strip transport path. Fig. 5 shows a front view, Fig. 6 shows a back view, Fig. 7 shows a left view, Fig. 8 shows a right view, and Fig. 9 shows a top view of the machine 500 and the two spools 501 , 502. The funnel 504 is configured to receive a product so that it falls into the tubular structure 505. The shoulder 506 is configured to fold the film around the tubular structure 505 as the film (not illustrated) is transported along the film transport path. The rolls 507a are configured to receive the reinforcing strip 503a and guide it into a scoring device 508a that is configured to score the reinforcing strip 503a. Further rolls are configured to transport the reinforcing strip towards and onto the (film around the) tubular structure 505. Longitudinal joining means 509 are configured to join the side ends of the tubular film together and to join the reinforcing strips 503 to the film. Transverse joining and cutting means 511 are arranged perpendicular to both the film transportation path and the strip transportation path and are configured to close the ends of the packages and make a cut or perforation in between the successively created packages. It will be understood that the cutting or perforation function is optional.

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

Fig. 10 shows the spool 501a, which may be used to store a strip of material. The spool 501 b may be similar to the spool 501a. Moreover, this kind of spool may be used as a source from which the packaging machine 500 receives the reinforcing strip. Such a spool may be used as a source for strip material for any of the exemplary packaging machines disclosed herein. The roll 501a may comprise a break 1001 to avoid inadvertent rolling. The roll 501a may further comprise a buffer 1002 with one or more rollers, which may be configured to create a certain tension on the strip. In certain alternative embodiments, the spool 501a, 501 b may be replaced by for example a zigzag folded reinforcing strip. Yet alternatively, in certain alternative embodiments the continuous strip is replaced by a stack of individual strips. For example, the packaging apparatus comprises a means to take one or two or more strips from the stack, align the one or more strips with the film, and join the one or more strips with the film.

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

Fig. 12 shows another detail of the packaging machine 500. In particular, the figure shows in greater detail the longitudinal joining members means. As shown, these include a pair of longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201 b, for joining the ends of the package film together, and strip joining members 1203a, 1203b on both sides of the pair of longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201 b, for joining a piece of strip to the film. Joining means 509 are arranged along and outside the tubular structure 505. In operation, to join the side ends of the film together, the pair of longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201 b move together and clamp the ends of the film together and join (e.g. seal) the ends to each other. On each side of the longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201b, there is a strip joining member 1203a, 1203b. According to the strip transport trajectories, a piece of strip is moved in between the joining member 1203a and the tubular structure 505. Also a piece of the film is moved in between the joining member 1203a and the tubular structure 505. The joining member 1203a may be configured to press onto the tubular structure 505 and join (e.g. seal) the strip 503a to the film. The joining member 1203b may be configured to operate in the same way to join another strip to the film on the other side of the longitudinal sealing members 1201a, 1201b. In alternative embodiments, the strip joining members 1203a, 1203b and the longitudinal joining members 1201a, 1201b may be arranged at different places along the film transportation path, as long as they perform their function of joining the lateral edges of the tubular film and joining the stiffening strips. Preferably a stiffening strip is joined onto the film near both lateral edges of the film.

Fig. 13 shows the transverse joining and cutting means 511 of the packaging machine 500 in greater detail. The configuration of the transverse joining and cutting means 511 is, to a large extent, similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 4B. The joining and cutting means 511 comprises joining members 350a and 350b. Joining member 350a comprises joining bars 359a and 360a. Joining member 350b comprises joining bars 359b and 360b (not illustrated).

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

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

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

Fig. 15 shows the package 1400 in different stages of its lifecycle. Fig. 15A shows a package blank 1501 that comprises a film 1401 with two reinforcing strips 1402a and 1402b at opposing edges of the film. The reinforcing strips 1402a, 1402b have transverse scoring lines 1043. This package blank 1501 may be produced as an intermediate product on a roll of film by a package blank machine. In the packaging machine 500 usually the package is closed directly at the time of joining the reinforcing strip to the film, so that the flat packaging blank 1501 may not appear in the form shown. However in an alternative embodiment, where the stiffening strip is joined onto the film before the film is transported over the shoulder to form the tube, the shape of fig. 15A may be formed. Fig. 15B shows a perspective view of the package 1400. Fig. 15C shows the package 1503 after it has been teared open along the longitudinal join line in between the two reinforcing strips, and folded open, wherein the reinforcing strips are folded along their the scoring lines.

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

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

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

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

Fig. 17 shows a sketch of a packaging machine 1700 for producing packets 1702. The reference numerals used in Fig. 17 are similar to the reference numerals used in Fig. 1. Therefore, for reasons of conciseness, similar features will not be described again in detail. The packaging machine 1700 is configured to process a continuous supply of a flexible film 324. And the tubular shape is formed at the guide element 323. Moreover, a strip folding subsystem 1701 is provided that double folds a part of the film 324, to a form as illustrated in Fig. 18. Guide element 323 is adapted to allow at least one stiffening strip 333 (typically two stiffening strips as 1601 and 1602) to be inserted in between the double folded layers 1603. The first joining means 327 create the longitudinal seal 1604. The strip joining means 331 join the double folded layers of the film, so that the stiffening strips 1601 , 1602 are locked in between the double folded layers, as shown in Fig. 16B. Product is provided through the inlet 322 and the transverse sealing and cutting means 350a, 350b provide the transverse sealing and cutting as described above. It will be understood that the guiding element 323 may be adapted to facilitate the insertion of the stiffening strips 333 in between the double folded layers of the film 324. Moreover, in alternative embodiments the guiding element 323 and the strip folding subsystem 1701 are combined in a single guiding and folding unit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In certain embodiments the alignment step may be replaced or enhanced by a strip folding step. The method then comprises at least double folding a longitudinal strip of the film, and joining the double folded strip of film by joining means, to form the stiffening strip. The method may further comprise inserting a stiffening strip, by a strip subsystem of the packaging machine, in between layers of the double folded strip of film before joining the stiffening strip. In certain embodiments, in a packaging process the package blank is formed of one material film, which is folded by a folding tool for forming a partially in longitudinal direction double or more folded material film. In between layers of the double or more folded material film, a stiffening strip may be disposed, which stiffening strip may be made of the rigid or semi-flexible material.

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

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

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

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

In the Fig. 19A is shown an example of a package blank forming line 100 i.e. a material blank manufacturing process part of a package manufacturing process. The package blank forming line 100 comprises a printing unit 101 , a tooling unit 102 and a winding unit 103, instead of the winding unit 103 a sheeting unit can be provided at this position. In the example of Fig. 19A a package blank film W is formed of two material films W1 , W2, which are fed by unwinding the material films W1 ; W2 from material film rolls 10;20. The material films W1 , W2 are first unwound in an unwinder 19;29 and slit during the unwinding process into two materials films, but also two separate reels of the same material can be used. Then the material films are fed for application of ink, varnish and coating in the ink, varnish and coating section 11 ; 21 in the printing unit 101 that can be also one single unit where the material films W1 , W2 are fed, just into different pairs of rolls 11 A, 11 B. The ink, varnish and coating section 11 ; 21 comprises roll pairs 11A,11 B; 21 A, 21 B formed of one roll 11 A; 21 A located above the corresponding material film W1 ; W2 and the other roll 11 B; 21 B located below the material film W1 ; W2 and the material film W1 ; W2 is thus guided between of rolls of each roll pair 11 A, 11 B; 21 A, 21 B. After the ink, varnish and coating section 11 ; 21 the material films W1 ; W2 is dried by a drier 12 typically an air recirculation oven when barrier or similar coating is applied in the process; 22 in the printing unit 101. The tooling unit 102 comprises rotary die-cutters/slitting tools 13, 23 for die-cutting and slitting the material films W1 , W2 to desired width and forming the material films W1 , W2 to desired blank shape. Suction units 14, 24 are provided for removing any waste material. After die-cutting and slitting and blank forming by the rotary die-cutters/slitting tool 13 adhesive is applied onto at least one of the material films W1 or part of it by adhesive application means 15, advantageously glue guns 15 or lamination roller before joining the material films W1 ; W2 in a lamination unit 30, for example a heat laminator or a high frequency welding unit, followed by a drier 32 for drying the joined material blank film W, which is guided to a rotary die-cutters/slitting tool 13, 23 for further slitting and forming of the details on material blank film W. A suction unit 34 is provided for removing any waste material. Thereafter the material blank film W is wound to a material blank film roll 40 in a winder 45 in the winding unit 103. In the example of Fig. 19A the material blank film is produced of two or more material films, which are fed to the process from their own feeding lines. Photocells 52 are provided for positioning and aligning the materials at desired position for combining the materials. Additionally, devices are provided for treatment of leftover material, which can be guided to suction pipes and/or wound to a material roll depending on type of the leftover material. In case the amount of the leftover material is high, it may be useable for other package production depending also on the possible treatment of the material before collection of the leftover material.

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to advantageous aspects and examples the process and apparatus for manufacturing a package comprises as first main part a material blank manufacturing process part 100, in which the material blank film W or package blanks P are manufactured. The material blank film W is manufactured in a printing press, advantageously in a flexographic press in one production run. The manufacturing can also be based on digital printing press or gravure printing press, intaglio printing press technology. The material blank film W can be produced by joining two material films W1 ; W2 or by folding one material film W1 to two or more -folded material film W1. In each case in manufacturing of the material blank film W preprinted material films W1 ; W2 can be used. The package blank forming line 100 comprises the printing unit 101 , the tooling unit 102 and the winding unit. In the winding unit the material blank film W is wound in the winder 45. Optionally the packaging blanks can be folded into a tubular shape, sealed with longitudinal seal and one end seal and made into individual pillow bag -type of packaging using a sheeting unit. In the optional sheeting unit the package blanks are cut from the material blank film i.e. sheeted.

In case the material blank film W is produced of two material films W1 , W2 (Fig. 19A) is unwound in the unwinder 19, 29 from the material film roll 10, 20 and then infeed ink, varnish and coating in the ink, varnish and coating section 11 in the printing unit 101 , where the surfaceAs of the material fill can be printed on one or both sides. Advantageously, the ink is fed via a chamber doctor to an anilox roll i.e. a gravure roll, via which surface the ink is applied to the printing roll 11 B and therefrom onto the surface of the material film W1 , W2. The applied ink, varnish and coating substance may have heat-sealing and/or barrier properties, such as properties preventing oxygen, impurities, for example mineral oil, steam or water, permeability. The ink, varnish and coating substance, for example biopolymer emulsion or polysaccharide, may also provide desired additional stiffness, adherence properties to decrease weight or the package due to decreased thickness of the material of the package in order to achieve desired barrier-properties. The amount of ink, varnish or coating substance depends on the number of the roll pairs 11 A. 11 B. The dryers 12, 22 are used to dry the ink, varnish and coating substances and the material film W1 , W2. The dryer 12 can be a recirculation oven especially for drying and curing the barrier coating. Also each ink section can have their own dryers. The material films W1 , W2 can also be corona-treated in connection with the unwinding in the unwinder 19, 29 by corona treatment means (not shown) facilitate further handling of the material film W1 , W2.

After the printing unit 101 the material film W1 , W2 is fed to the tooling unit 102. In case of the material blank film W being produced of two material films W1 , W2 the tooling unit comprises advantageously 1-2 rotary die-cutters/slitting tools 13, 23, 33, glue guns 15, a lamination unit 30, for example a heat laminator or a high frequency welding unit, a drier 32 and is followed by a winder 45 into the winding unit 103. In the tooling unit 102 the material film W1 , W2 is die-cut and/or slitted by the first rotary die- cutter/slitting tool 13, 23 to correspond to form and size of the package blank. Leftover material of the material films W1 , W2 are guided to suction fans 14, 24. Thereafter to at least one of the material films W1 , W2 adhesive substance may be applied by glue guns 15 or by the lamination unit 30 for forming the package blanks. The surface areas of the material film W1 , W2 with adhesive and without adhesive are aligned and the material films W1 , W2, of one is advantageously a rigid/semi-flexible material film and the other one is a flexible material film, are joined to the material blank film W to provide functionality of the final package FP together with any folding, creasing, perforation and/or cutting lines of the material blank. The functionality of the final package may include for example structures facilitating opening of the pack, structures stiffening to package to form a box-like package structure for utilizing the product packed in the package or stiffened detail structures facilitating portioning of the product packed in the pack. Additionally, advantageously, also by composition of the adhesive substance the properties of the package to be formed from the package blank can be affected. The adhesive substance may be for example a wet glue, a UV-glue or a biopolymer emulsion for example with polysaccharide base. Instead of glue lamination or with it also hot melt may be applied on the material film W1 , W2 by the glue guns 15 in longitudinal i.e. running direction of the material film W1 , W2, by which to the selected glued parts of the material film W1 , W2 a strong grip and stiffness is provided, even though the other parts of the material film W1 , W2 are at the same time flexible and ductile. Preferably in manufacturing of the material blank film two different material films W1 , W2 are used, of which one is remarkably rigid/semi-flexible than the other. The rigid/semi-flexible film can be of thick paper, carton, board, fiber woven, plastic film, biomaterial film or corresponding material produced in roll form. The flexible film, i.e. the material film with less stiffness can be of paper, plastic film, biomaterial film, fiber woven or corresponding material produced in roll form. Typically, the rigid/semi-flexible material film has its infeed at an end of the package blank forming line 100. The material films W1 , W2 can be precut and/or pre-slitted to partial films with desired shape and size. The material film of the rigid/semi-flexible material film may be die-cut and/or slitted to a pre-form corresponding to the form planned for the forming in first rotary die-cutter form a winder material film. In the case of manufacturing the material blank film W of two material films W1 , W2 there is typically provided at the end of the package forming line 100 infeed of a preformed rigid/semi-flexible material film and at the sides/or in the middle of the package forming line 100 infeed for the more flexible material film, which can also be preprinted. The infeed for the material films W1 , W2 can also be located vice versa or the infeed for the material films W1 , W2 can both be located at the end of the package forming line 100, especially in case this advantageous in view of printing needs, in which case the printing is provided by separate printing rolls. In the lamination unit 30 and after the glue guns 15 the material films W1 , W2 are joined to form the material blank film W. After the lamination unit 30 the material blank film W is guided via the second drier 32 to the rotary die-cutter/slitting tool 33, in which the blanks in the material blank film W are provided with final width, form and functional properties. The rolls of the rotary diecutter 33 form the creasing, marking, perforation and cutting lines of the blank of the material blank film W. The rotary die-cutter 33 advantageously comprises 1-2 die-cut rolls or a die-cut roll with its counter roll formed in roll pairs. Instead of the rotary diecutter 33 only the slitting tool 33 can be provided, especially in case of non-folded material blank film W or when die-cutting is done on the first die-cutting tool 13. The slitting tool 33 slits the material blank film W to desired width. In the winding section the material blank film W is wound to the material blank film roll 40 in the winder 45 to be transferred to the package manufacturing.

In case of the material blank film W being produced by folding the material film W1 (Fig. 19B), after the printing unit 101 the material film W1 is guided into the tooling unit 102, which comprises the rotary die-cutter/-s 13, the folding unit 16, the lamination unit 35, for example a heat laminator or a high frequency welding unit, and the winding unit 103 with the winder 45 for winding the material blank film W into the roll 45. After the printing unit 101 , in which the material film W1 is treated correspondingly as in the case of manufacturing the material blank film W from two material films W1 , W2 as described above, the material film W1 is die-cut and/or slitted in the rotary die-cutter 13 to preliminary shape and size for the material blank. The material film W1 is transferred to the folding unit 102 to the folding tool 16, in which a part of the material film W1 is folded in width direction to double fold at least partially. When the material film W1 is two-folded, with a stiff, thicker strip of material (stiffening strip) in between the folded layers of the material film W1 , part and a flexible, thinner part of the material film W1 is provided in the width direction of the material film W1. From the folding tool 16 the material film is advantageously guided to the heat laminator 35, in which the folded layers of the folded material film W1 are joined. The heat laminator 35 advantageously comprises heating and pressing rolls, in between of which the material film W1 is guided. In the heat laminator 35 the layer of the folded material film W1 provided advantageously with a heat-sealable layer of coating in the printing unit 101 , is joined with the other folded layer at the heated locations. By the heat laminating technology, the material blank film W to be produced can be formed from one material film in the folding unit by the folding tool 16 two-folded material film W1. The heat laminator 35 may also comprise a rotary die-cutter, by which one tooling unit provides for both the lamination and for the folding, creasing, perforation and/or cutting lines of the material blank. The tooling unit 102 may also be used for slitting of the material film W1 . In case the heat laminator 35 is used, separate steps for adhesive application and lamination can be left out form the manufacturing process. At the end of the material blank film W production line 100 the material blank film W is wound in the winder 45 to the material blank film roll 40 for transferring to further manufacturing steps to manufacture filled the packages P and the filled packages FP.

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

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

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

Typically, the material blank film W is guided to the folding unit 54 in inclined direction upwards, advantageously in a sharp angle in view of horizontal level, such, that the edges of the material blank film W fold over the forming shoulder/forming collar around the forming tube through a narrow slit. In case of a thicker material blank film W it is advantageous to use a less sharp angle for guiding the thicker material blank film W around the forming tube. For guiding the material blank film W, a special forming shoulder/forming collar can be provided, which has an easier angle and a slightly wider slit and additionally, if needed, special shaping for the thicker parts of the material blank film W. On the other hand the thicker material blank film W can be guided to the folding unit 54 also downwards, in which case the thicker parts of the material blank film W can be utilized for feeding of the material blank film W above the package production line 110, whereby the material blank film W is at an upper position turned to the direction of the forming tube and only thereafter the package folding is begun in the folding unit 54 around the forming tube. By this better runnability of the thicker material blank film W is achieved and damages of the surfaces of the material blank film W are avoided, as well as rucks and wrinkles are avoided irrespective of the thickness of the material blank film W. In this case the package forming line 110 is advantageously provided with a replaceable special folding unit without the forming shoulder/forming collar, a frame for film feed system and drive rolls and a free film loop and an additional folding roll, unless the existing configuration of the folding unit 54 is not utilizable, just before the folding unit 54 for guiding the infeed direction of the material blank film W downwards and around the forming tube of the folding unit 54. In this case at the free film loop is located a photocell 52 with optional mirror for controlling the material blank film W feed. If the material blank film W is not observed by the photocell, the drive rolls guide the material blank film W into the free film loop as required. The running of the drive rolls is controlled by the instructions received from the photocell 52 such, that desired amount of the material blank film W is in the free film loop such, that the cut of a package can be done. The package forming line 110 also advantageously comprises a control system, which is adjusted to control the driver rolls and the photocell 52. The folding unit 54 comprises the forming shoulder and the forming tube. In the folding unit 54 the material blank film W is guided through the slit between the forming shoulder and the forming tube around the forming tube folding to the tube-like form. The forming shoulder and the forming tube are dimensioned based on the properties of the material blank film W, especially based on the parts of the rigid/semi-flexi ble and the flexible parts such, that the material blank film W folds around the forming tube without damages. Preferably, the forming shoulder is configured for the material blank film W such, that infeed angle of the material blank film W through the slit is low gradient. Additionally, advantageously, the slit is dimensioned with tolerance such, that also the thickest parts of the material can be guided through the slit. The tolerance of the slit is also dimensioned such, that the material blank film W will be guided in required position around the forming tube. To facilitate and to increase efficiency the guidance of the material blank film W, the forming tube can be shaped to correspond to the infeed of the material blank film W. The shape, size and other specifications of the forming tube differs depending on the material blank film desired package measurements, especially of the portions, locations, dimensions of the thicker and thinner parts in the material blank film W. In this case the shape of the forming tube depends on the locations, sizes, shapes of the thickest parts in the material blank film W. The forming shoulder and the forming tube of the folding unit 54 folds the longitudinal edges of the material blank film W next to each other for sealing the edges to form the longitudinal seal of the package in the longitudinal sealing module 56. The longitudinal seal can be sealed to different types of seals. The edges of the folded material blank film W are then sealed in the longitudinal sealing module 56. The longitudinal sealing module 56 advantageously also controls the infeed of the material blank film W and the folding of the material blank film W to the tube-like form.

The productAs are fed onto the tube-like material blank film W via the filling tube 104B such, that the productAs are dropped from a feeding device through the filling tube 104B onto the material blank film W and into the tube-like material blank film W. Thereafter the end seals of the package are closed between the sealing jaws, the lower end seal first. Then the filled and at the lower end sealed and at the longitudinally sealed package is guided downwards by means of the side driving belts according to the desired cutting length, i.e. height of the filled package FP and the upper edge seal of the package is closed between the sealing jaws Lower and upper edge seal of two next to each other located packages are closed advantageously simultaneously. The cutting knifes form by cutting the material blank film W between the next to each other located lower and upper seal of the two next to each other located packages the packages to the individual filled packs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In certain embodiments, the packaging machine is configured to apply the reinforcing strip, as set forth, and an opening tool, such as a wire, to the film. The opening tool may be used by an end user of the package to open the package by cutting the film and the reinforcing strip. The opening tool may extend in the middle of the reinforcing strip with its longitudinal direction in the direction of the transportation direction, allowing an end user of a completed package to cut the reinforcing strip into two reinforcing strips that are aligned side by side on the package and allowing to unfold the opened package into a tray shape.

The present invention further relates to package blanks and packages. More precisely the present invention further relates to a package blank configured to be folded to packages for food productAs, wherein the package blank is configured to be formed of a material blank film, which is flexible material , which material blank film comprises blanks for packages indicated by registration marks for cutting lines at a designated cross-directional cutting area between two next to each other successively located package blanks, along which cutting lines the blanks are configured to be separated, which package blank comprises folding lines for forming outer shape of the package by the folding. The present invention further relates to a package, especially for food productAs, which package is configured to be formed of a package blank, which package blank is configured to be formed of a material blank film, which is flexible material, which material blank film comprises blanks for packages indicated by registration marks for cutting lines at a designated cross-directional cutting area between two next to each other successively located package blanks, along which cutting lines the blanks are configured to be separated, which package blank comprises folding lines (for forming outer shape of the package by the folding.

In EP patent publication 2057076 is disclosed a receptacle for food items or like commodities comprising a container and integral lid formed from a one piece blank of flexible material having a lamination of a heat sealable plastics material on one side of the flexible material which is on the inside of the receptacle, the container or the receptacle being held together by tabs on adjacent walls of the container located on the outer side of the container and heat-sealed together through said lamination of heat- sealable plastics. These types of packages have typically a complicated structure with different types of adhesive taps and protrusions, which require more material for producing the package as well as more adhesive substances. Additionally, more folds, creases and blank parts are needed which increase the material thickness of the packaging or packaging blanks requiring more storage space, especially in cases, where dense packing is required. The package is typically openable by tearing one of the sealed parts or opening the locking tap, which require complex shape and additional material to be included into the material blank causing loss in dense packing properties. Also, bundles of individual package blanks typically are created for transportation, during which folds, creases etc., especially for closing taps, support structures etc., increase the space needed for transportation, especially due to irregular shape of the blanks. In case of individual packages, typically packing of the product is also possible only by one package at time and thus for filling with the product, the product needs to be separately placed for filling position. Additionally, packing and closing of these types of packages require individual steps and package parts located at a certain position and for each individual package. This decreases speed of the packing process due to increased stages and time. In some cases even manual operations might be needed.

In EP patent application publication 1814803 is disclosed a package for heating a food item therein, the package comprising a sleeve for receiving a food item therein, the sleeve having an exterior surface and an interior cavity, the sleeve being formed at least partially from a susceptor material, and a thermal insulating material joined to a portion of the exterior of the sleeve, wherein the thermal insulating material includes at least one void occupied by an insulating gas. These types of packages are typically openable only by pressing on edge or bottom, which causes the package form to a deep shape and thus handling of the product is difficult. These types of packages also typically need to be provided with adhesive taps or like to create the package structure, which is typically done separately for individual packages. A system and method of these types of at least partially forming reinforced packages is disclosed for example in WO patent application publication 2019032436, which corresponds to that described above and thus, typically same types of disadvantages occur. In case of individual packages, packing of the product is also possible one package at time and thus for filling of the product needs to be separately placed in a filling position. Additionally, packing and closing requires individual steps and package part at a certain position and for each individual package separately. This decreases speed of the packing process due to increased stages and time. In some cases, even manual operations might be needed. Also, producing of package blanks on these types of production lines requires complex system specialized for manufacturing of only this type unique packaging structure with only few possibilities for variations in sizes, shapes, opening positions of the packaging without altering the production line significantly.

In EP patent application publication 3371072 is disclosed a package. In connection with these types of packages bending properties and the rigid/semi-flexible material in the center of the material web might cause difficulties in connection with forming the package and with filling the product. The packaging machine may even break the stiffer material, cause delamination of the materials or affect the visual appearance of the material surface.

In production processes for packages, which are produced of two on top each other located film parts, separate packing lines may be needed. In the process first a box like package may be produced from the lower film part and thereafter the box-like package is to be closed by the upper film part. This increases the production costs, when molds are needed to form the tray form for each particular size and shape, also the speed of the process typically decreases as each tray needs to be positioned to be filled separately.

One objective of the invention is to provide a package blank in which problems and disadvantages relating to known package blanks are eliminated or at least minimized.

One objective of the invention is to provide a package, in which problems and disadvantages relating to known packages are eliminated or at least minimized.

In particular, an object of the invention is to provide an improved package for food stuffs and for bulk type products.

According to an aspect of the invention the package blank configured to be folded to packages for food productAs, wherein the package blank is configured to be formed of a material blank film, which is flexible material, which material blank film comprises blanks for packages indicated by registration marks for cutting lines at a designated cross-directional cutting area between two next to each other successively located package blanks, along which cutting lines the blanks are configured to be separated, which package blank comprises folding lines for forming outer shape of the package by the folding, wherein the material blank film of the flexible material is continuous and provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material parts of rigid or semi-flexible material, the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material comprise at least partially in longitudinal direction at least double folded the flexible material to the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material, the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semiflexible material are located spaced apart in cross-direction of the blank, the flexible material is provided between the longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material and the package blank is further configured to form opening means for the package between the rigid / semi-flexible material parts by joining edges of the flexible material parts to form a longitudinal seal by the combined edges.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package blank is configured to be filled with the food productAs before separating the package blanks from the material blank film.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package blanks further comprises in cross-direction extending areas stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package blanks comprises longitudinally and/or in cross-direction extending stiffening areas formed of on the material blank film added material.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package blank comprises structural details such as creases, scorings, perforations, and/or cutting lines and combinations thereof.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package blank comprises mechanically pressed material areas and/or by adhering coating coated material areas and/or by hot sealing by heat laminator or utilizing high frequency welding formed cutting lines, folding lines and/or structural details.

According to the invention package, especially for food productAs, is configured to be formed of a package blank, which package blank is configured to be formed of a material blank film, which is flexible material, which material blank film comprises blanks for packages indicated by registration marks for cutting lines at a designated cross- directional cutting area between two next to each other successively located package blanks, along which cutting lines the blanks are configured to be separated, which package blank comprises folding lines for forming outer shape of the package by the folding, wherein the packages are formed of the material blank film of the flexible material is continuous and provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material parts of rigid or semi-flexible material, the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material comprise at least partially in longitudinal direction at least double folded the flexible material to the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material, the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material are located spaced apart in crossdirection of the blank, that the flexible material is provided between the longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material and the package blank is further configured to form opening means for the package between the rigid I semi-flexible material parts by joining edges of the flexible material parts to form a longitudinal seal by the combined edges.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package is configured to have a box-like shape only after the opening of the package and that the box-like form is defined by selection of the folding lines of the package blank.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package is configured to have a box-like shape only after the opening of the package and that the box-like form is defined by selection of structural details of the package blank.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package is configured to have a pillow bag -like shape, when filled with the food product.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the folding lines of the package are combined with different types of line forms in the folding lines or have partially removed parts at the area of the rigid I semi-flexible material parts.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention alterations in the box-like shape of the opened package are defined by variations of the number and locations of the folding lines.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention the rigid I semi-rigid material parts of the package comprise open or unattached material layer areas configured to provide space for another, additional productAs in the package.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention top or bottom of the package comprises a longitudinal seal and/or a tearing line for removing the top or the bottom of the package. According to an advantageous feature of the invention the package comprises a longitudinal seal, which is configured to be extended for forming of a top of the package.

To summarize main and advantageous features of these aspects of the invention, the novel and inventive features of the package blank and of the package are discussed in the following.

The package blank comprises the longitudinal stiffening material parts extending continuously over the longitudinal direction of the package blank material film; folding lines and advantageously structural details, such as creases, scores, cuts, etc. and combinations of these, providing that the filled package formed of the package blank is openable, when filled and opened to reach the products inside, to the box-like shape; the longitudinal stiffening material parts formed of rigid I semi-flexible material parts are formed of folding the material film to double or more folded material in longitudinal direction of the material film and/or by adding a continuous layer of rigid or semi-flexible material on part area/-s of the material film in longitudinal direction of the material film.

The package according to one embodiment is produced of one package blank part of the continuous package blank film by separating it from the other package blank parts on the continuous package blank film. Opening of the package is provided between the rigid I semi-flexible material parts by edges of the flexible materials combined to form opening means. The package is openable by tearing or pulling the combined edges of the flexible material apart between the rigid I semi-flexible material parts. The opening means can also be re-closable. The package is openable to the boxlike form. The desired form of the box-like form is defined by selection of the folding lines and if desires by selection of structural details such as creases, scores and/or cutting lines, of the package blank. The package is foldable to a flat form after use by utilizing the same structural details.

The package according to another embodiment is produced of one package blank part of the continuous package blank film by separating it from the other package blank parts on the continuous package blank film. The top wall of the box-like is formed between the rigid I semi-flexible material parts by combining edges of the flexible materials of the package blank. The closing and opening of the package are provided at the sealing area between the rigid I semi-flexible material part of the flexible material parts; closing by joining the material surfaces and opening by tearing or pulling the material surfaces apart. The package can also be openable on the opposite side i.e. at the bottom part of the box-like form of the package by tearing or pulling. In addition to closing of the package by folding and joining the ends of the flexile material a handle can be formed for carrying the package by hand. Preferably, the package blank, especially for packages for food productAs, is configured to be formed of a material blank film comprising flexible material and rigid or semi-flexible material, which material blank film is configured to be formed of at least one material film and comprises blanks for packages and printed registration marks for cutting two next to each other located blanks to identify the end of the blank and to separate the blanks to individual blanks and/or packages and/or with creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines, in which material blank film the flexible material is continuous and provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material located spaced apart in cross-direction such, that the flexible material is provided between the longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material and in the package blank the rigid or semi-flexible material is configured to be formed by at least double folding the flexible material to the two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material located spaced apart in cross-direction.

According to an advantageous aspect the stiff material of the rigid or semiflexible material and the flexible material can be produced of one material film, which is provided with different material properties for the areas forming the stiff material parts of the rigid or semi-flexible material parts. Thus, the material blank film can be provided with the further stiffness for the stiff parts.

According to an advantageous aspect the registration marks for the cutting line provide that the package edges can be read for example by photocells or like reading means in the blank forming and the package forming and thus, cutting and sealing at correct positions is provided.

Preferably, the package, especially for food productAs, is configured to be formed of a package blank configured to be formed of a material blank film comprising flexible material and rigid or semi-flexible material, which material blank film is configured to be formed of at least one material film and comprises blanks for packages and a registration marks for a cutting line provided between two next to each other located blanks for separating the blanks to individual blanks and/or packages and/or with creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines, in which material blank film the flexible material is continuous and provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material located spaced apart in cross-direction such, that the flexible material is provided between the longitudinally extending films of the rigid or semi-flexible material, wherein the material blank film is folded to the tube-like form, and a longitudinal seal is configured to be formed of the longitudinal edges of the flexible material and in the package the rigid or semi-flexible material is configured to be formed by at least double folding the flexible material to the two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material located spaced apart in cross-direction. Thus, from the material blank film the package is formed by folding the material blank film to tube-like form, by sealing the two edges for filling the package and after filling by sealing the package by closing the filling edge of the package.

According to an advantageous aspect in the package blank the at least double layer flexible material located spaced apart in cross-direction such, that a single layer flexible material is provided between the longitudinally extending film areas of the at least double layer flexible material. By this need of feeding several material films, which would require special feeding systems for each material to be correctly positioned with each other and adhesive usage to combine the films, which might be difficult to adjust by material to material and which adhesives may cause non-recyclability, in order to create the semi-flexible and flexible structure is eliminated. According to the advantageous aspect the two-folded material provides the semi-flexible/rigid part of the material film. The stiffness of the semi-flexible/rigid part can be increased by combining the folded material parts. Advantageously, the combining is provided by utilizing sealable surface layer, typically coating, of the folded material parts. The surfaces of the folded material parts of the package blank may be combined for example by means of high frequency welding with mechanical pressing. Thus, strengthened stiffness is provided at the area of the folded material parts. Embossed crease lines and like can be mechanically pressed to provide desired pattern or pattern combination to the package blank. The high frequency welding provides that the inner surface of the material forming the inner part of the package remains untouched in the package blank, whereby the properties of the material protecting the product and providing the sealability remain as desired. Advantageously, the stiffness of the two-folded material part can be improved by coating layer thickness and/or by using for example polysaccharide grids. The combination of the material films can also be provided by hot sealing, cold sealing, adhesive sealing or by using only mechanical pressing. The two- folded part may be entirely combined or have uncombined part areas, for example for providing package forming during opening. Simultaneously with combining the semi- flexible/rigid part may be provided with functional details such as crease lines, perforations, scores and/or cutting lines. Additionally, close patterning may be provided to ease up bending of the package during opening.

According to an advantageous aspect in cases, where the folding of the material film does not provide required stiffness of the material for some parts additional longitudinal material film layers may be provided to required areas. These additional material film layers can be provided in the package forming process at the forming and/or filling stage. The combining stage of the additional material film layers to the material blank film is advantageously after the material blank film has been formed to tube-like form. The combining can be provided by utilizing possible surface sealable properties of the material films, by hot or cold sealing and/or by mechanical pressing. Simultaneously advantageously creased, scores, cuttings etc. may be provided to the material blank film at the same time or before the attachment of the materials.

According to an advantageous aspect a roll of material blank film comprises cyclical printings, creases, perforations, scores and/or cuttings etc., which define structure, functionality and visuality of a package formed of a blank of the material blank film. The cyclicity is advantageously defined by registration marks readable by a packaging machine and thus, the packaging machine can identify one the registration marks from the passing material blank film. Advantageously, apart from printing of the registration marks structure of a blank is configured to be formed to a package, filled with product-s, and thereby obtain a tubular, bag-type/tube-like form during the filling. The package blank comprises a flexible material film that is two-folded or multi-folded just before forming of the package and folding to tube-like form and simultaneously advantageously any details needed for forming the blank are provided. Some details, especially those needing high accuracy or fine-tuning, might be provided in connection with production and/or printing of the material film.

According to an advantageous aspect, when to the sealing area also stiffer material is provided, it can be, if needed, formed thinner and more flexible by for example cutting off material from the respective areas of the blank material film, for example from those areas that will form longitudinal seals. Thus, more flexible, and easier to open longitudinal sealing areas are provided.

According to an advantageous aspect in the package the at least double layer flexible material is located spaced apart in cross-direction such, that a single layer flexible material is provided between the longitudinally extending film areas of the at least double layer flexible material. According to a further advantageous aspect material of the single layer flexible material located between the at least double layer flexible material areas can be stiffened by an additional, separate stiff material layer, which in the finished package will form the bottom part of the package. According to yet an advantageous aspect the at least double layer flexible areas may be separated from each other by longitudinal creases, scores, perforations and/or cutting lines. According to an advantageous aspect the package is configured to be formed by filling a productAs on the package blanks of the material blank film, whereby the package obtains a bag-like form. Advantageously, when opening the bag-like package the package obtains a box-like form. Thus, according to an advantageous aspect the package is first formed by filling with the productAs and the box-like form of the package is formed only when opening the package.

Preferably, the package blank is formed of one material film, which is folded for forming a partially in longitudinal direction double or more folded material film.

According to an advantageous aspect the material blank film material blank film can be provided with details, such as creases, cuttings, perforations scores, for the package.

By the invention and its advantageous features many advantages are achieved: The package is well suitable for storing its contents as well as using the contents and for transporting in between the storing and the usage. The using of the content, for example eating/serving foodstuff from the package is easy as the package has rigid sidewalls in its use position. Also, getting a good grip and position for effortless opening from the packaging can be achieved. Especially, advantageous is the possibility of using the package for sensitive food stuff, in which rigid position of the sidewalls are formed into the package already during manufacturing of the package from the material blank film. The material blank film also provides the configuration of the flexible top part of the package and thus no separate top part is needed for the package. The manufacturing of the package blank and the package can be executed in only slight modifications of already existing packing lines of various types. An important advantage of the advantageous aspect, when the blank and the package is formed of one material film, is that it provides the possibility of winding a substantially longer film into one roll of material blank film of same diameter compared to known solutions. This in turn provides for longer continuous production time without interruptions as change need for material blank film rolls is decreased. Thus, the packages can be produced efficiently and with high quality. Advantageous in connection with the invention is also that the folded material parts can be produced thinner than in known solutions and that the stability of the roll is increased, by which less production interruptions exists, and higher productivity is achieved. Additionally savings in transportation costs are achieved as material blank film rolls needed for certain package number require less space.

During the course of the following description like numbers and signs will be used to identify like elements according to the different views which illustrate the invention and its advantageous examples. In the figures some repetitive reference signs may have been omitted for clarity reasons.

In Figs. 22A-22B is shown examples a package forming line 110 of a package manufacturing process for package variations presented in Figs. 26-29. In these examples the package forming line 110 is a horizontal pouch machine process (HPF process). The package forming line 110 comprises a material infeed section 104A with buffer 51 A, a package forming section 105 and a product infeed section 104B, a filling section 104C, a tray forming section 108, a tray sealing section 109 and a packed product section 107. The material product section 104A comprises a material infeed unit comprising an unwinder 41 for unwinding the material blank film W from the material blank film roll 40 and buffer 51A including guide rolls 51 for guiding and feeding the material blank film W via a forming unit 54, forward in the process to the package forming section 105. The package forming section 105 comprises film guides 61 , vertical sealing means 62, a separate die-cutting plate 62A, tear notches 63 and cutting knives 64 as well as and a photocell 52 along the run of the material blank film W to control the forming of the material blank film W. Between the vertical sealing means 62 the separate diecutting plate 62A is located. The details of the blank can be punched using the separate die-cutting plate 62A or together with vertical sealing means 62. The package forming section 105 for folding packages form the material blank film W is follower by package catching means 65 and a product infeed and filling section 104B, 104C, in the products F are infeed and filled into corresponding package locations on the material blank film W. In the tray forming section 108 the trays are formed of the packages of the material blank film W and in the tray sealing section the trays are sealed. The packed product packages FP are located in the packed product section 107 for transportation to storage or to retail. In the middle right part of the Figs. 22A-22C the forming of the packs/trays at stages PI, PH, PHI, PIV, PV and PVI; FP are shown. In the lower part of the Figs. 22k- 22C forming of the packed product packages FP from the material blank film W in each section of the package forming line 110 is shown. The forming of the material blank film and the forming of the package is made as described above but the filling of the package is done simultaneously at opening stage of the package to its box-like form. The filled package is closed by sealing the package end as the flexible material forms the top structure of the package and the area to be sealed. The top structure can be folded against the package after sealing. In the example of Fig. 22B is shown the alternative, in which stiffer material is added to the material blank film. The material product section 104A comprises a material infeed unit comprising two unwinders 41 S for unwinding the material blank films W, WS from the material blank film rolls 40; 40;41S. In this example the stiffer material blank films WS are unwound from two material blank film rolls 40;41S and guided via a guide roll 51 for guiding and feeding the material blank film W forward in the process to the package forming section 105 via a folding unit 54S. In the example of Fig. 22C is shown the alternative, in which the material blank film is substantially completely produced in the packing process and thus, the package blank forming process and the package forming process are functionally combined. The material film is first multi-folded in the folding unit and thereafter guided to the forming unit. The opposite sides of the material are folded and aligned against each other and sealed and cut for individual packages. The details of the package can be formed in connection with the sealing by the die-cutting tool, if not provided earlier. The packages are filled by the products during opening the packages to the box-like form and finally the package ends are closed by sealing as described above. In this example a rectangular box-like packages are produced, which are optimal in view of transportation and/or storage space requirements, as the packages can be located tightly against each other.

As shown in Figs. 23A-23B it is also possible, that the material blank film W is formed to a material laminated bottom blank roll 40 produced of two material films for a horizontal pouch machine. The material blank film W comprises blanks P for packages formed of flexible material FM and of rigid or semi-flexible material RM. A placement line for registration marks C for a cutting line is provided between two next to each other located blanks P for separating the blanks P to individual blanks P or packages FP. Additionally, the material blank film W is provided with creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines S. The continuous flexible material FM is provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material RM located spaced apart in cross-direction such, that flexible material FM is provided between the longitudinally extending film areas and additionally the rigid or semi-flexible material RM comprises in cross-direction extending parts of the rigid or semi-flexible material RM located spaced apart in longitudinal direction such, that flexible material FM is provided between the cross-directional parts. The blank type of Fig. 23A provides outside the rigid material area the wider flexible material areas for providing the top structure of the package and for closing the stand-up bag -type package. By shortening the width of the flexible material also pillow bag or gusseted bag-type packages can be formed from this type of material blank film. The blank type of Fig. 23B the rigid material also forms the bottom structure of the package, which is advantageous when quickly into a designated shape erecting structure of the package is required. The bottom structure may be separated by creased, perforations, scores in the rigid are or by cutting lines in the flexible area. The bottom structure may also comprise functional details created by creases, perforations, scores and/or cutting lines. These blank types are very suitable for pressure sensitive products. They are also suitable for packing processes forming stand-up bag, gusseted bag, or pillow bag -type packages and for packaging processes, in which individual packages are filled.

In Figs. 24A-24B is schematically shown examples of material blank film W formed to a material laminated blank roll 40 produced of two material films W1 ; W2 for VFFS (vertical form fill seal) or HFFS (horizontal form fill seal) processes. The material blank film W comprises blanks P for packages formed of flexible material FM and of rigid or semi-flexible material RM. A placement line for registration marks C for a cutting line is provided between two next to each other located blanks P for separating the blanks P to individual blanks P or packages FP. Additionally, the material blank film W is provided with creasing, perforation, scoring, cutting lines or combination of these S. In this example the continuous flexible material FM is provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material RM located spaced apart in cross-direction such, that flexible material FM is provided between the longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material RM. In the figures a crosscut view A-A of the material blank film W is shown. These types of material blank films are especially suitable for production of pillow bags and of gusseted bags. The width of the flexible area outside the rigid area provides for forming the longitudinal seal, for example pinch seal -type seal of this flexible area. The width and the shape of the seal area and the area without the seal next to it can be altered for easy to grip and easy to open features on the ready packaging. Additionally, other longitudinal seal types are possible such as pinch seal, fin seal, lap seal, offset seal, reverse versions thereof, which can be used for opening of the packages by tear opening or by pull opening. For combining of the materials different techniques can be used, for example hot seal, cold seal, ultrasonic techniques. The material blank film can be provided with the structural and/or functional details to provide desired opening and/or package structure properties, which may also provide further stiffness and rigidity for the material blank film. Additionally, further stiff material may be provided, as shown in the example of fig. 3B, and as explained above also in connection with fig. 2B.

In Figs. 25A-25B is schematically shown yet advantageous examples of material blank film W produced of one material film W1 (figs. 1A-1 B) for VFFS or HFFS - processes. The material blank film W comprises blanks P for packages formed of flexible material FM of a single layer flexible material FMS and of rigid or semi-flexible material of at least double layer flexible material FMD. A placement line for registration marks C for a cutting line is provided between two next to each other located blanks P for separating the blanks P to individual blanks P or packages FP. It should be noted that lines in the figures indicating the registration marks C, are in the figures very simplified, in practice the registration marks are printed markings with various appearances. Additionally, the material blank film W is provided with creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines S. The creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines S are provided especially for creating adherence of material layers to each other, when mechanically pressed using a die-cutting tool. The material layers can also be mechanically pressed or combined by adhering coatings on the surfaces or by hot sealing by heat laminator or utilizing high frequency welding. Additionally, polysaccharide grids or similar biodegradable substances or adding a continuous material between the at least a double layer flexible material area (FMD) increasing the rigidity of the structure can be used. Mechanically pressing may comprise embossed crease lines and like pressed to provide desired pattern or pattern combination. The two-folded part may be entirely combined and embossed, creased, scored, cut and/or treated with hardening substances or have uncombined part areas, for example for providing package forming during opening. Simultaneously with combining the semi-flexible/rigid part may be provided with functional details such as crease lines, perforations, scores and/or cutting lines. Additionally, close patterning may be provided to ease up bending of the package during opening. In this example, the continuous flexible material FM is folded to comprise two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the at least double layer flexible material FMD located spaced apart in cross-direction such, that the single layer flexible material FMS is provided between the longitudinally extending film areas of the at least double layer flexible material FMD. In the figures a crosscut view A-A of the material blank film W is shown. In the example of fig. 4A is shown a material blank film for a form fill seal process, in which the double folded material forms the rigid part of the material, when the materials are combined and aligned. An additional continuous material may also be added between the double folded material to strengthen this rigid part of the material. In this the area of the longitudinal seal is also provided with the double folded material, which stiffens of this area. The double folded material can be removed from the area of the longitudinal seal during material production stage for example by punching, if needed. The double folded material can also remain on the area of the longitudinal seal, if desired. The folded materials can be combined for example by hot seal, cold seal, ultrasonic techniques. The material blank film can also be provided with structural and/or functional details as described above. In the example of fig. 4B is shown multi-folded rigid material part of the material blank film for form fill seal (VFFS or HFFS) process. The rigid material part is formed of the combined and aligned materials in the folded area. In this example the area of the longitudinal seal is provided with single material. The package is formed by bending at the flexible area, which may be provided with creases, scores and/or perforation lines. Also substances, such as dispersion, varnish, glues and/or polysaccharides, or adding a continuous material between at least one of the folded the material areas (FMD) can be used for improving the folding at desired positions of the material blank film. These types of material blank films are especially suitable for production of pillow bags and of gusseted bags. The width of the flexible area outside the rigid area provides for forming the longitudinal seal, for example pinch seal -type seal of this flexible area. Additionally other longitudinal seal types are possible such as pinch seal, fin seal, lap seal, offset seal, reverse versions thereof, which can be used for opening of the packages by tear opening or by pull opening. For combining of the materials different techniques can be used, for example hot seal, cold seal, ultrasonic techniques. The material blank film can be provided with the structural and/or functional details to provide desired opening and/or package structure properties, which may also provide further stiffness and rigidity for the material blank film. The same material can also be applied to HPF (horizontal pouch machine) process when the flexible material width is increases at the edge of the materials after the rigid area as described before.

In Figs. 26A-26D is schematically shown variations of the package details. In Fig. 26A is shown variations of end seals ZE of the package FP. In Fig. 26B variations of structure and form of folding lines CL of the package. In Fig. 26C is shown variations of number of the folding lines CL the package. In Fig. 26D is shown variations of laminated or otherwise attached and folded or otherwise strengthened rigid/semi-flexible material areas LA of the package FP.

In Fig. 26A is shown variations of end seals ZE of the package FP. Typically the end seals ZE have a rectangular form, first example from the left. This rectangular form can be taken in within central area of the end seal, as can be seen from the examples. This provides for easier opening of the package FP along longitudinal seal Z as the longitudinal seal Z can be opened up to the in-taken part of the end seal ZE. Additionally, opening of the package to a box-like form is easier as ends of the flexible material between the rigid or semi-flexible material parts fold imbricated such, that also rigid/semi-flexible ends of the box-like package will be positioned opposite to each other. The in-take can be provided for example as shown in the second example from left as a triangular in-take to follow folding of the flexible material during its shaping against inner wall structure of the package. This is advantageous for example when fiber-based materials are used to ease up shaping of the material as a bottom part and against the inner wall structure. This also provides for minimizing rucks inside the package, which rucks may cause filled product to remain inside the rucks, which in turn would prevent or make more difficult to achieve the box-like form.

In the examples of Fig. 26A the end seals ZE of the package FP extend substantially in cross-direction, as can be seen from the first left hand side example. The width of the end seals ZE may vary. As shown in the second and third examples left hand side the end seals ZE may also comprise additional sealing parts AZ, which assist the folding of the flexible material to desired position in the box-like form of the package. This is advantageously provided by locating the additional sealing parts AZ in inclined position in respect of the end seals ZE, whereby the box-like form of the package is achieved without rucks or cockles and no product can fill up the corner of the package. In the two last examples on the right-hand side the end seals ZE comprise detail forms DZ, for example narrower or wider parts with for example a curved out-line, which assist the opening of the package FP to a box-like form.

In Fig. 26B variations of structures and forms of folding lines CL of the package FP, which structures and forms are selected depending on properties of the rigid I semiflexible material and can be defined case by case. Additionally, other properties of the package, such as size, may have an effect to the opening to the box-like form of the package and thus to selection of the structures and the forms of the folding lines CL. By means of the folding lines CL it is also possible to modify outer appearance of the package as we provide further stiffening properties to the package and its box-like shape.

In the first left-hand side example of the Fig. 26B is shown perforated cutting lines for the folding lines CL of the package FP. In the next three left-hand side examples of Fig. 26B are shown different types of crease lines, cut lines, scoring lines etc. forming additional the folding lines CL combined with different types of line forms in the folding lines CL or partially removed folding lines CL at the area of the rigid I semi-flexible material parts, advantageously at the side of the rigid I semi-flexible material parts and/or by stiffening with the laminated area LA outside the folding lines CL, whereby the folding of the rigid I semi-flexible material part is enhances and/or the opening of the package FP to the box-like form can be controlled irrespective of the change in the properties of the rigid I semi-flexible material part. Thus, in view of the selected material the crease lines, cut lines, scoring lines etc. forming the folding lines CL can be selected. In the two last examples on the right-hand side of the Fig. 26B there are one or more folding lines CL in slightly inclined position in view of the cross-direction, which provides for possibilities to change the stiffness and/or configuration of the sides of the box-like package. This enhances stiffening of the sides of the box-like package to the selected profile shape and function as a locking system for this shape. Additionally, the shape of the package can be adjusted to assist the opening and/or the product reaching properties of the package. Besides the straight and/or slightly inclined lines other type of lines can be created including curvy lines.

In Fig. 26C is shown variations of number of the folding lines CL the package, by which number of the folding lines CL the box-like shape of the package will form, when opened. Additionally, dimensioning and size of the package can be varied by designing different types and numbers of the folding lines CL.

In the examples of the Fig. 26C is shown packages FP, which comprise one or more cross-directional crease lines, cut lines, scoring lines etc. and/or the folding lines CL. The variations of the number and locations of the folding lines CL provide for alterations in the box-like form of the opened package. Thus, the opened package may have more corners, have curved parts and/or its geometrical shape and be altered by variation the number and locations of the folding lines CL.

In Fig. 26D is shown variations of the rigid I semi-flexible parts LA, advantageously laminated or otherwise attached and folded or otherwise strengthened rigid/semi-flexible material areas LA of the package FP. Depending on joining method of the materials, the materials are joined on overall area or on these partial areas. In case the materials are joined overall, tight adherence is provided and well-functioning opening of the package to the box-like form, when opened, is provided. In case the materials are only partially joined, the non-joined areas can be utilized for example for window-forming and for other functional properties for example for providing a pocket for cutlery or like. Further, the materials can be joined only along the edge area of the rigid I semi-flexible material, which edge area remaining at the side of the longitudinal seal of the package, by which joining of the materials can be provided faster during production of the package in the package formation line. The rigid/semi-flexible material areas can be also strengthened by adding a continuous material between at least one of the folded the material areas or on top of this area.

In the examples of Fig. 26D the rigid I semi-rigid material parts, advantageously the laminated parts LA may comprise unadhered i.e. open areas UA, in the package FP to these unadhered areas UA provide space for another, additional product (for example for table ware or napkins). Thus, instead of multiple packages (one for each product) are not needed but the products can be packed in the one package. By the unadhered areas UA also stiffness of the sides of the package can be altered in the box-like form of the package. Typically the size variations are double width and triple height. The end seals of pillow bag -type packages can be rectangular, and they can be designed to ease the formation of the seal and/or opening of the package and/or bending the package to the box-like form.

In Fig. 27 is schematically shown an advantageous example of opening variations of a box-like package FP. The package is advantageously produced by a process of Figs. 26A-26C. As can be seen from the figure the package FP comprises sides of the rigid or semi-flexible material RM; FMD and inside and on the top of the package FP flexible material FM with end seals ZE. In the example of upper left position of the figure the package FP is provided with a tearing line providing opening means OM. The tearing line for a pull type opening is formed of the folded longitudinal seal of the flexible material FM. By removing the tearing line; OM the package FP can be opened to the example of the upper right position of the figure, when a user has access to the inside of the package FP. The tearing line can also extend over end sides of the package FP as shown in the example of the lower positions of the figure and in the examples of the lower position of the figure the opening means OM are arranged along the edges of the top of the package FP by creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines S formed in the material blank P. The tearing line can extend above the top of the package, positions of lower left and middle of the figure or below the top of the package, position of lower right of the figure. When the package is opened by pulling the peelable materials apart, the package is foldable to the box-like form. The package may be provided with further tearing lines located in other than the longitudinal seal area, by which the opening point of the package can be varied. This package type is suitable for the horizontal pouch filling or vertical pouch filling processes. As can be seen from the examples of Fig. 27 the top or the bottom of the package FP can be removed by tearing along the longitudinal seal ZE or along the tearing line. The beginning point of the tearing may be provided in the package FP as a tear notch TN of the opening means OM. The opening means OA may also comprise a separate band or like material extending along the tearing line to assist the tearing and the opening. Thus, the tearing and the opening is controlled and also the package FP is even and visually imposing.

In Fig. 28 is schematically shown an advantageous example of closing steps of a box-like package FP. As can be seen from the figure the package FP comprises sides of the rigid or semi-flexible material RM; FMD and inside and on the top of the package FP flexible material FM with end seals ZE. The closing advances from the upper left position of the figure to the lower second left position of the figure and six steps are shown in the examples of the figure. In the lower two right positions of the figure alternative for last two steps are shown. In the first step the rigid or semi-flexible material RM; FMD is bent along the creasing lines S formed in the blank P. In the second step the package is fully opened to a square-like form the rigid or semi-flexible material RM; FMD forming the sides of the package FP and the end seals ZE located at two opposite sides of the package FP. The flexible material F forms the inside of the package FP and the upper ends of the flexible material F between each of the end seals ZE are separated and spaced apart forming access inside the package FP. In the third step the upper ends of the flexible material F between each of the end seals ZE are positioned against each other and the upper edge is folded to form the longitudinal seal Z, which is finished in the fourth step. In the fifth step the longitudinal seal Z is pressed against the top of the package FP and in the sixth step the longitudinal seal is folded outwards to extend on to the two opposite sides of the package FP or inwards to extend on to the two opposite sides of the package FP. For disposal of the package the crease, cut, scoring lines etc. can be used to fold the packaging into a flat position again, also material layers can be separated if needed.

As can be seen from the examples of the Fig. 28 the package FP the longitudinal seal Z can be extended to assist the forming of the top of the package FP and closed with the end seal ZE in its box-like form. This provides for filling the package to its top and such, that the box-like form is achieved already when filling the package. This is advantageous for example when the products to be packaged are delicate. Also, layered packaging is possible such, that visually pleasant result is achieved, as the layers are stable. Additional advantage is that the top part of the package is formed of the same packaging material as the other parts of the package (of the flexible material part and thus, no separate cover is needed.

In Fig. 29 is schematically shown an advantageous example of carrying of a boxlike package FP. The longitudinal seal Z can also be configured by bending and attaching the meeting points of end seal ZE and longitudinal seal Z together to form a handle ZH for the package providing the handle ZH for the user to grip by his/her hand H. Thus, the parts of the top of the package FP can be used as handle ZH formed of the package material itself and no separate handle part or a separate bag for carrying the package is needed.

In Fig. 30 is schematically shown an example of an advantageous example of opening steps of a pillow bag or gusseted bag type package FP. As can be seen from the figure the package FP comprises sides the rigid or semi-flexible material RM; FMD and inside of the package FP flexible material FM and the end seals ZE. In the example of the figure the package FP is provided with a tearing line providing opening means OM. The tearing line is formed of the folded longitudinal seal of the flexible material FM. By removing the tearing line OM and folding the sides of the package FP the package FP can be opened such, that a user has access to the inside of the package FP. The package FP is formed by creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines S formed in the material blank P to the opened position. In the example of Fig. 30 a pillow bag-type package is opened by tearing along the longitudinal seal all the way to end seals. The package may be provided with tear notches located at the ends of the longitudinal seal. After opening the package can be bent to the box-like form along and guided by the structural details of the package. To have increased amount of product filled into the packaging an area of flexible material can be made into the edge of the material on the outer side from the rigid or semi-flexible material. For disposal of the packaging the crease, cut, scoring lines etc. can be used to fold the packaging into a flat position again, also material layers can be separated if needed.

In Fig. 31 is schematically shown an example of an advantageous example of opening steps of pillow bag or gusseted bag type package FP. As can be seen from the figure the package FP comprises sides the rigid or semi-flexible material RM; FMD and inside of the package FP flexible material FM and the end seals ZE. In the example of the figure the package FP is provided with a tearing line, which in this example is formed as a pulling area providing opening means OM. The pulling area is formed on top of longitudinal seal of the flexible material FM. Also seal needs to have easy to peelable properties and width, shape and other specifications if needed for enabling the easy pulling functionality of the opening means. By pulling apart the opposite flexible material layers from above the sealed area and folding the sides of the package FP the package FP can be opened such, that a user has access to the inside of the package FP. The package FP is formed by creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines S formed in the material blank P to the opened position. This package type is opened by pulling the material layers apart having a peelable properties. The material blank may comprise on the opposite sides at the location of the longitudinal seal sealing varnish, scorings or they may be mechanically treated to ease the opening even tough tightly sealed. The opening line may be formed as a re-closable opening line with for example a zipper-type tearing line. The re-closable property of the tearing or opening line can be provided for example during forming stage of the package in the package forming process.

In the examples of Figs. 27-31 the material blank film formed can be made of two by lamination combined material films, alternatively the material blank film can be made of one material film with double folding or of several combined blanked material film. The folding of the rigid material is to be configured such that it or the flexible material does not damage during folding. The material blank film can be first at least partially double folded and thereafter the material blank film is folded around the product to be packed and sealed to the package. Furthermore, an additional rigid/semi-flexible continuous material can also be placed between at least one of the folded the material areas to form a combination the two other ways of forming the material blank.

When disposing the box-like package after the productAs F inside the package FP are taken out or used and the inside of the package FP is empty, the empty package EP can be folded for disposing. In the first step the square-like form of the package EP is folded to flat position such, that the end seals ZE are at the furthest positions form each other and a flat form is achieved. In the second step the package is two-folded, and the flexible part FM is bent against the rigid or semi-flexible part RM; FMD. In the third and fourth step the package EP is folded by bending the end parts against the center part of the package EP.

In Figs. 32A-32D is schematically shown an example of the package forming from a package blank. The Figs. 32A-32D show the first package in different stages of its life cycle. The different stages of the life cycle include a package blank film stage, a tube-like form stage, a package stage and a package opened in a use stage.

The Fig. 32A shows a package blank film formed to a material laminated blank roll produced of two material films. The material blank film comprises blanks P for packages formed of flexible material FMS and of rigid or semi-flexible material FMD. The material blank film W is provided with creasing, perforation, scoring, cutting lines or combination of these. In this example the continuous flexible material FMS is provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material FMD located spaced apart in cross-direction such, that flexible material FMS is provided and closed between the longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semiflexible material FMD.

The Fig. 32B is schematically shown example of the folded film in tubelike format according to the package blank film after the edges of the double folded layers on the package material blank film are joined together. The Fig. 32B also shows the folded structure in which the package blank comprises blanks P for packages formed of flexible material FMS of a single layer flexible material FMS and of rigid or semi-flexible material of at least double layer flexible material FMD. The material layers can also be mechanically pressed or combined by adhering coatings on the surfaces or by hot sealing by heat laminator or utilizing high frequency welding. Additionally, polysaccharide grids or similar biodegradable substances or adding a continuous material between the at least a double layer flexible material area (FMD) increasing the rigidity of the structure can be used. From the material blank film the package is formed by folding the material blank film to tube-like form, by sealing a longitudinal seal configured to be formed of the longitudinal edges of the flexible material.

The Fig. 32C shows a perspective view of the package FP and an example of a resulting package after the double folded layers of the package material blank film are joined together. In the package the rigid or semi-flexible material is configured to be formed by at least double folding the flexible material to the two continuous, longitudinally extending film areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material located spaced apart in cross-direction. According to an advantageous aspect the package is configured to be formed by filling a productAs on the package blanks of the material blank film, whereby the package obtains a bag-like form.

The Fig. 32D shows an empty package EP on the opened position for usage. The opening of the package is provided between the rigid I semi-flexible material parts by edges of the flexible materials combined to form opening means. The desired form of the box-like form is defined by selection of the folding lines and if desires by selection of structural details such as creases, scores and/or cutting lines, of the package blank. From this opened position the package is foldable to a flat form after use by utilizing the same structural details.

When disposing the pillow-like package after the productAs inside the package FP are taken out or used and the inside of the package FP is empty, the empty package EP can be folded for disposing. In the first step the package EP is folded to flat position such, that the end seals ZE are at the furthest positions form each other and a flat form is achieved. In the second and third step the package EP is folded by bending the end parts against the center part of the package EP.

When opening a pillow bag -type package FP provided with a tearing line providing opening means OM by removing the tearing line and folding the sides of the package FP the package FP can be opened such, that a user has access to the inside of the package FP. The package FP is formed by creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines S formed in the material blank P to the opened position. This package type is opened by pulling the material layers apart having a peelable properties. This package type is especially suitable for size variations. Typically, the size variations are double width and triple height. The end seals of pillow bag -type packages can be rectangular, and they can be designed to ease the formation of the seal and/or opening of the package and/or bending the package to the box-like form. The material blank film W can be provided for functionality of the final package FP together with any folding, creasing, perforation and/or cutting lines of the material blank. The functionality of the final package may include for example structures facilitating opening of the pack, structures stiffening to package to form a box-like package structure for utilizing the product packed in the package or stiffened detail structures facilitating portioning of the product packed in the pack. The material blank film may comprise rigid/semi-flexible film of thick paper, carton, board, fiber woven, plastic film, biomaterial film or corresponding material. The material blank film may comprise flexible film, i.e. the material film with less stiffness, of paper, plastic film, biomaterial film, fiber woven or corresponding material. The material blank film can be two-folded, a stiff, thicker part and a flexible, thinner part is provided in the width direction thereof. The material blank film can be of a tube-like form around the productAs. Based on the properties of the material blank film W, especially based on the parts of the rigid/semi-flexible and the flexible parts the material blank film W is folded. The longitudinal edges of the material blank film W are folded next to each other for sealing the edges to form the longitudinal seal of the package. The longitudinal seal can be sealed to different types of seals. The material blank film W is folded to the two-folded material blank film W, in which surfaces of the material blank film W are against each other such, that the rigid/semi-flexible part of the material film is aligned to lower part of the material blank film W as mirror images on each side. In case the bottom part of the package or part of it is formed of the rigid/semi-flexible material, the material blank film W is provided with creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines. These details of the material blank can be punched. The opposite sides of the package can be folded as identical mirror images on both side of the package to be formed and the material blank film W stays flat. The material blank and thus the package may comprise applied ink, varnish, and coating substance with possible heat-sealing and/or barrier properties, such as properties preventing oxygen, impurities, for example mineral oil, steam or water, permeability. The ink, varnish, and coating substance, for example biopolymer emulsion or polysaccharide, may also provide desired additional stiffness, adherence properties, to decrease weight or the package due to decreased thickness of the material of the package. Typically, opening of the packages for filling is provided by pulling from the sides of the package away from each other. The creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines on each side of the package facilitate the utilization of the rigid/semi-flexible parts of the package for filling. When the sealed sides of the package are pushed at the rigid/semi-flexible material towards the center of the pack, the rigid/semi-flexible material opens to a box-like shape and the mirrored flexible material sides at the top of the package pull out away from each other making the package open fully in respect of the width of the package for filling, which provides for easier filling of the productAs into the pack. Adhesive, adhering surface material or a locking mechanism may be provided to the folding parts and/or inside the package folded outer surface of the bottom for securing the box-like shape of the package When the flexible parts of the package are aligned and the opposite edges are against each other i.e. the opening of the package is formed, the package can be sealed and the closed top of the package FP filled with the productAs F is thus formed of the flexible parts PI V. If needed, the edges of the opening of the closed package FP can be folded against the rigid/semi- flexible part of the package PV.

The package P is manufactured from the material blank film W by folding the material blank film W to at least two-folded material film such, that the sealable surfaces of the material blank film W will be against each other, filling the productAs F into the material blank film W/ to the package in the package production line 110 and by cutting the blanks with desired package size to individual package blanks with the corresponding size. The material blank film W comprises rigid/semi-flexible material and flexible material, which are continuous material parts in the longitudinal direction of the material blank film forming the uniform material blank film W and from one blank position to next blank position. Different types of packages can be produced of the material blank film W: pillow bags or gusseted bags or stand-up bags or 3-side sealed bags or 4-side sealed bags.

The package blank comprises the rigid/semi-flexible material parts and the flexible material part, which form the package. The package is formed of the material blank film such, that flexible material part folds in the folding unit over the other side of the material blank and forms a uniform surface on this side. The rigid/semi-flexible parts of the material blank film W fold to the opposite side providing the center seal. The rigid/semi-flexible parts have vertical or inclined die-cuts creasing, perforation, scoring or cutting lines, which form the functional properties of the package for opening the package to the box-like form for taking out and/or serving and/or reaching to the productAs inside the package. When the package is opened the rigid/semi-flexible parts fold at the die-cuts to form the sides of the box-like pack. Between the rigid/semi-flexible parts located, of the flexible part formed and by the sealing unit sealed longitudinal seal of the package, is advantageously produced by setting the sealable surfaces of the flexible material against each other in the vertical position in view of the other surfaces i.e. by forming longitudinal seal. Advantageously, the package is opened by ripping or pulling the flexible material apart at the pinch seal. The height of the longitudinal seal can be adjusted to facilitate the ripping and to opening the pack, advantageously the height is increased for better gripping properties. Also, further technical solutions can be provided to facilitate the opening and ripping of the pack, for example scorings, tear notches at the end of the longitudinal seal. Also, re-closable opening means as a tearing line can be provided, for example a zipper-type structure or an easy peel -type or a sticker-type structure. Between the rigid/semi-flexible material parts and the longitudinal seal, a narrow flexible area is provided aligned with the plane of the rigid/semi-flexible material for facilitating the sealing of the longitudinal seal by the sealing jaws. The size of the narrow flexible area depends on the seal type used (pinch, fin, lap seal etc.) and on the size of the package and is thus defined package by package. The rigid/semi- flexible part may be produced of multi-fold flexible material folding the layers during production of the material blank film. The longitudinal sealing by the sealing jaws also joins the rigid/semi-flexible parts as a longitudinal pinch seal but no flexible part is in between.

The width of the rigid/semi-flexible parts can also be decreased such, that the rigid/semi-flexible part does not extend to the edge of the material blank film when the total width of the rigid/semi-flexible parts remains less than the width of the material blank film. This provides more space for the productAs to be packed, when the package is closed, without the need to provide the flexible part of the material blank film W with further structural properties, such as gusseted bag structures. The areas for the end seals may also comprise less rigid/semi-flexible material, but the rigid/semi-flexible material extends to the areas for the end seals at least partially to provide the winding properties of the material blank film W to and from the material blank roll 40 and to provide the continuous material blank film standing the pulling through the package forming line 110. Additionally, the longitudinal seal formed of the flexible material parts can be extended such, that a flexible collar can be formed to function as the lid type structure for closing and opening for the package. The material of the collar can be folded after filling the packages to form the top of the package simultaneously to folding the rigid/semi-flexible parts to the sides of the box-like package by setting the sealable surfaces of the flexible material parts against each other vertically in view of the other surfaces of the material. The package can be filled manually, semi-automatically by a continuous operating band sealing device utilizing the sealing rollers. In the band sealing device, the individual sealing rollers transfer the package forward simultaneously closing the sealing by heating. Advantageously, this type of package can be filled with the productAs and be closed tightly by an automatic horizontal pouch machine using packages produced of either individual blanks or of material blank film. In each case for closing the seal portion of the material forming the collar is first pressed to planar form such, that the edges of the material fold against each other to facilitate the sealing. The filled package closed by the longitudinal seal can easily be opened by ripping the flexible material in direction of the longitudinal seal for the length of the seal and thereafter wrapping the flexible material around the rigid/semi-flexible parts or ripping the material at the seal area to fold and separate the materials further. It is also possible to rip the flexible material just along the edges of the rigid/semi-flexible material over the top area of the pack. The height of the longitudinal seal can be adjusted to facilitate the ripping and to opening the pack, advantageously the height is increased for better gripping properties. Also, further technical solutions can be provided to facilitate the opening and ripping of the package, for example scorings, tear notches at the end of the longitudinal seal. Also, re-closable opening means can be provided, for example a zipper-type structure or an easy peel -type a sticker-type structure.

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

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

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

In the process of manufacturing the package blank the package blank material film can be produced by folding one material film to the continuous package blank material film. Printing, surface treatments, die-cutting, possible adhesive application, folding, and slitting is provided in one continuous run from one roll to another roll. Preferably, joining of the folded material layers is provided by surface treatment of the material surfaces to be joined, for example by coating or by varnishing without usage of glue substance components or other non-recyclable substance components. The rigid I semi-flexible material provided of the folded flexible material film parts can be further stiffened by pressing and crease-score-cut -patterning and/or by activating surface substance by heating and/or by incorporating stiffening substances of recyclable material, for example polysaccharide grids. In case further rigidity is desired in the rigid I semi-flexible parts the package blank material film can be produced of two materials, in which case the rigid I semi-flexible material is fed as longitudinal continuous material precut in desired widths for the desired longitudinal areas or cut and guided in the process stages from one material roll of the rigid I semi-flexible material. Printing, surface treatments, die-cutting, possible adhesive application, folding, and slitting is provided in one continuous run to the material blank film roll.

In the process of manufacturing the package the material blank film can be produced in connection with the same process as the manufacturing of the package, i.e. form the material film/-s to a finished, filled package by first starting the process with the manufacturing of the material blank film by folding, die-cutting and pressing stages of the blank manufacturing in connection with the folding stage before the forming and sealing stages. In case in addition to the flexible material film, further rigid I semi-flexible film material is used, the flexible material film is fed in the feeding stage and the rigid /semi-flexible material is first provided with the structural details before the forming and sealing stages by a separate stage or in connection with the sealing stage. In the packing stage two different types of material blanks can be used.

In the description in the foregoing, although some functions and elements have been described with reference to certain features and examples, those functions and elements may be performable by other features and examples whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments or examples, those features may also be present in other embodiments or examples whether described or not.

Above only some advantageous examples of the invention have been described to which examples the invention is not to be narrowly limited, and many modifications and alterations are possible within the invention.

Certain aspects are defined in the following examples.

Example 1. Package blank (P) configured to be folded to packages (FP) for food productAs (F), wherein the package blank (P) is configured to be formed of a material blank film (W), which is flexible material (FM), which material blank film (W) comprises blanks (P) for packages (FP) indicated by registration marks © for cutting lines at a designated cross-directional cutting area between two next to each other successively located package blanks (P), along which cutting lines the blanks (P) are configured to be separated, which package blank (P) comprises folding lines (CL) for forming outer shape of the package (FP) by the folding, characterized in that the material blank film (W) of the flexible material (FM) is continuous and provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material parts of rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD), that the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD) comprise at least partially in longitudinal direction at least double folded the flexible material (FM) to the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD), that the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD) are located spaced apart in cross-direction of the blank (P), that the flexible material (FM) is provided between the longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD) and that the package blank (P) is further configured to form opening means for the package (FP) between the rigid I semi-flexible material parts by joining edges of the flexible material parts (FM) to form a longitudinal seal (Z) by the combined edges.

Example 2. Package blank according to example 1 , characterized in that the package blank (P) is configured to be filled with the food productAs before separating the package blanks (P) from the material blank film (W).

Example 3. Package blank according to example 1 or 2, characterized in that the package blank (P) further comprises in cross-direction extending areas stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material.

Example 4. Package blank according to any of examples 1-3, characterized in that the package blanks (P) comprises longitudinally and/or in cross-direction extending stiffening areas formed of on the material blank film (W) added material.

Example 5. Package blank according to any of examples 1-3, characterized in that the package blank (P) comprises structural details (S) such as creases, scorings, perforations, and/or cutting lines and combinations thereof.

Example 6. Package blank according to any of examples 1-4, characterized in that the package blank (P) comprises mechanically pressed material areas and/or by adhering coating coated material areas and/or by hot sealing by heat laminator or utilizing high frequency welding formed cutting lines (C), folding lines (CL) and/or structural details (S). Example 7. Package (FP), especially for food productAs (F), which package (FP) is configured to be formed of a package blank (P), which package blank (P) is configured to be formed of a material blank film (W), which is flexible material (FM), which material blank film (W) comprises blanks (P) for packages (FP) indicated by registration marks (C) for cutting lines at a designated cross-directional cutting area between two next to each other successively located package blanks (P), along which cutting lines the blanks (P) are configured to be separated, which package blank (P) comprises folding lines (CL) for forming outer shape of the package (FP) by the folding, characterized in that the packages are formed of the material blank film (W) of the flexible material (FM) is continuous and provided with two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material parts of rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD), that the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD) comprise at least partially in longitudinal direction at least double folded the flexible material (FM) to the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD), that the two continuous, longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD) are located spaced apart in cross-direction of the blank (P), that the flexible material (FM) is provided between the longitudinally extending stiffening material areas of the rigid or semi-flexible material (RM; FMD) and that the package blank (P) is further configured to form opening means for the package (FP) between the rigid I semi-flexible material parts by joining edges of the flexible material parts (FM) to form a longitudinal seal (Z) by the combined edges.

Example 8. Package according to example 7, characterized in that the package (FP) is configured to have a box-like shape only after the opening of the package and that the box-like form is defined by selection of the folding lines (CL) of the package blank (P).

Example 9. Package according to example 7 or 8, characterized in that the package (FP) is configured to have a box-like shape only after the opening of the package and that the box-like form is defined by selection of structural details (S) of the package blank (P).

Example 10. Package according to any of examples 7 - 9, characterized in that the package (FP) is configured to have a pillow bag -like shape, when filled with the food product (F).

Example 11. Package according to any of examples 7 - 10, characterized in that the folding lines (CL) of the package (FP) are combined with different types of line forms in the folding lines (CL) or have partially removed parts at the area of the rigid I semiflexible material parts.

Example 12. Package according to any of examples 7 - 11 , characterized in that alterations in the box-like shape of the opened package (FP) are defined by variations of the number and locations of the folding lines (CL).

Example 13. Package according to any of examples 7 - 12, characterized in that the rigid I semi-rigid material parts of the package (FP) comprise open or unattached material layer areas (UA) configured to provide space for another, additional productAs in the package (FP).

Example 14. Package according to any of examples 7 - 13, characterized in that top or bottom of the package (FP) comprises a longitudinal seal (ZE) and/or a tearing line for removing the top or the bottom of the package (FP).

Example 15. Package according to any of examples 7 - 13, characterized in that the package (FP) comprises a longitudinal seal (ZE), which is configured to be extended for forming of a top of the package (FP).

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

Certain aspects are defined in the following clauses.

1. A packaging apparatus, comprising a film transportation subsystem (326a, 326b) for transporting a continuous film (324) in a transportation direction along a film transportation path; a strip subsystem (331 , 332) configured to align at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324) along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip (333) extending in the transportation direction; and at least one strip joining member (331) configured to join the at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324).

2. The packaging apparatus according to clause 1 , wherein the strip subsystem (331 , 332) is configured to align at least a first stiffening strip (333a) and a second stiffening strip (333b) among the at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324), wherein the first stiffening strip (333a) and the second stiffening strip (333b) are aligned side by side on the package with their longitudinal axes extending in the direction of the transportation direction, and wherein the at least one strip joining member (331) is configured to join the first stiffening strip (333a) and the second stiffening strip (333b) to the film.

3. The packaging apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the strip subsystem comprises a strip transportation subsystem (334, 332) for transporting the continuous stiffening strip towards the film (324).

4. The packaging apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein the strip subsystem comprises a strip folding subsystem (1701) for at least double folding a part of the film (324) to form a plurality of layers (1603) of the film forming a space (1607) for the stiffening strip (1601) in between the plurality of layers (1603) of the film (1605), wherein the strip subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip (333) in the space (1607) for the stiffening strip in between the plurality of layers (1603) of the film (324), wherein the strip joining member (331) is configured to join the stiffening strip to the film by closing the space (1607) for the stiffening strip (333) by joining at least part of the plurality of layers (1603) on top of each other.

5. The packaging apparatus according to any preceding clause, further comprising a tubular film former (323, 321) along the film transportation path configured to fold the film (324) from flat film (324c, d) into tubular film (324a) as the film (324) moves along the film transportation path; at least one cutting member (351) for cutting the tubular film (324) transversely to the transportation direction; and at least one transverse joining means (329) for closing the package by joining the tubular film (324) transversely to the transportation direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 5 to 13, further comprising a rigid tubular structure, wherein the tubular film former is configured to form the tubular film around the rigid tubular structure, wherein the strip transportation subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip to the tubular film around the tubular structure, and wherein the at least one strip joining member is configured to press towards a surface of the tubular structure.

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

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

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A packaging apparatus, comprising a film transportation subsystem (326a, 326b) for transporting a continuous film (324) in a transportation direction along a film transportation path; a strip subsystem (331 , 332) configured to align at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324) along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip (333) extending in the transportation direction; at least one strip joining member (331) configured to join the at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324); a tubular film former (323, 321) along the film transportation path configured to fold the film (324) from flat film (324c, d) into tubular film (324a) as the film (324) moves along the film transportation path; at least one cutting member (351) for cutting the tubular film (324) transversely to the transportation direction; and at least one transverse joining means (329) for closing the package by joining the tubular film (324) transversely to the transportation direction, wherein the package can be opened to be unfolded into a reinforced tray.

2. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the strip subsystem (331 , 332) is configured to align at least a first stiffening strip (333a) and a second stiffening strip (333b) among the at least one stiffening strip (333) to the film (324), wherein the first stiffening strip (333a) and the second stiffening strip (333b) are aligned side by side on the package with their longitudinal axes extending in the direction of the transportation direction, and wherein the at least one strip joining member (331) is configured to join the first stiffening strip (333a) and the second stiffening strip (333b) to the film.

3. The packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip subsystem comprises a strip transportation subsystem (334, 332) for transporting the continuous stiffening strip towards the film (324).

4. The packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip subsystem comprises a strip folding subsystem (1701) for at least double folding a part of the film (324) to form a plurality of layers (1603) of the film forming a space (1607) for the stiffening strip (1601) in between the plurality of layers (1603) of the film (1605), wherein the strip subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip (1601) in the space (1607) for the stiffening strip in between the plurality of layers (1603) of the film (324), wherein the strip joining member (331) is configured to join the stiffening strip to the film by closing the space (1607) for the stiffening strip (333) by joining at least part of the plurality of layers (1603) on top of each other.

5. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one cutting member (351) is configured to cut both the tubular film (324a) and the at least one stiffening strip (333) in one cutting action.

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

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

8. The packaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the corner joining means (381a) is configured to join the two layers of the tubular film along a line separating the corner of the package from the main volume of the package.

9. The packaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the corner joining means (381a) is rigidly coupled to a transverse joining member (359a).

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

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

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

13. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a rigid tubular structure, wherein the tubular film former is configured to form the tubular film around the rigid tubular structure, wherein the strip transportation subsystem is configured to align the at least one stiffening strip to the tubular film around the tubular structure, and wherein the at least one strip joining member is configured to press towards a surface of the tubular structure.

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

15. A packaging method, comprising transporting a continuous film in a transportation direction along a film transportation path; aligning at least one stiffening strip to the film along the film transportation path, a longitudinal axis of the stiffening strip extending in the transportation direction; and joining the aligned at least one stiffening strip to the film; folding the film (324) from flat film (324c, d) into tubular film (324a) as the film (324) moves along the film transportation path; cutting the tubular film (324) transversely to the transportation direction; and closing the package by joining the tubular film (324) transversely to the transportation direction.