US20060140514A1 - Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip - Google Patents
Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060140514A1 US20060140514A1 US11/358,522 US35852206A US2006140514A1 US 20060140514 A1 US20060140514 A1 US 20060140514A1 US 35852206 A US35852206 A US 35852206A US 2006140514 A1 US2006140514 A1 US 2006140514A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seal
- tube
- fill
- strip
- packaging film
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
- B65B9/20—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the webs being formed into tubes in situ around the filling nozzles
- B65B9/2042—Means for altering the cross-section of the tube filling opening prior to transversal sealing, e.g. tube spreading devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
- B65B9/20—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the webs being formed into tubes in situ around the filling nozzles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
- B65B61/18—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for making package-opening or unpacking elements
- B65B61/188—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for making package-opening or unpacking elements by applying or incorporating profile-strips, e.g. for reclosable bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
- B65B9/20—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the webs being formed into tubes in situ around the filling nozzles
- B65B9/213—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the webs being formed into tubes in situ around the filling nozzles the web having intermittent motion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
- B65B9/20—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the webs being formed into tubes in situ around the filling nozzles
- B65B9/22—Forming shoulders; Tube formers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D31/00—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents
- B65D31/06—Bags or like containers made of paper and having structural provision for thickness of contents with rigid end walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/1691—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices using adhesive applied to attached closure elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/008—Standing pouches, i.e. "Standbeutel"
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip constructed using a modified vertical form and fill packaging machine, and the method for making same, that provides for a single piece construction of a vertical stand-up bag suitable for retail snack food distribution.
- the invention allows for use of existing film converter and packaging technology to produce a stand-up package for moisture sensitive food products or the like with minimal increased costs and minimal modification.
- the resulting stand-up package may be opened, a part of the contents removed and the package resealed to prevent premature deterioration of the quality of the contents because of exposure to moisture in the air.
- Vertical form, fill, and seal packaging machines are commonly used in the snack food industry for forming, filling, and sealing bags of chips and other like products.
- Such packaging machines take a packaging film from a sheet roll and forms the film into a vertical tube around a product delivery cylinder.
- the vertical tube is vertically sealed along its length to form a back seal.
- the machine applies a pair of heat-sealing jaws or facings against the tube to form a transverse seal.
- This transverse seal acts as the top seal on the bag below and the bottom seal on the package being filled and formed above.
- the product to be packaged such as potato chips, is dropped through the product delivery cylinder and formed tube and is held within the tube above the bottom transverse seal.
- the film tube is pushed downward to draw out another package length.
- a transverse seal is formed above the product, thus sealing it within the film tube and forming a package of product.
- the package below said transverse seal is separated from the rest of the film tube by cutting across the sealed area.
- the packaging film used in such process is typically a composite polymer material produced by a film converter.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic of a cross-section of the film illustrating each individual substantive layer.
- FIG. 1 shows a sealable inside, or product side, layer 16 which typically comprises metalized oriented polypropylene (“OPP”) or metalized polyethylene terephtalate (“PET”).
- OPP metalized oriented polypropylene
- PET metalized polyethylene terephtalate
- This is followed by a laminate layer 14 , typically a polyethylene extrusion, and an ink or graphics layer 12 .
- the ink layer 12 is typically used for the presentation of graphics that can be viewed through a transparent outside layer 10 , which layer 10 is typically OPP or PET.
- the prior art film composition shown in FIG. 1 is ideally suited for use on vertical form and fill machines for the packaging of food products.
- the metalized inside layer 16 which is usually metalized with a thin layer of aluminum, provides excellent barrier properties.
- OPP or PET for the outside layer 10 and the inside layer 16 further makes it possible to heat seal any surface of the film to any other surface in forming either the transverse seals or back seal of a package.
- FIGS. 2 a and 2 b Typical back seals formed using the film composition shown in FIG. 1 are illustrated in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
- FIG. 2 a is a schematic of a “lap seal” embodiment of a back seal being formed on a tube of film.
- FIG. 2 b illustrates a “fin seal” embodiment of a back seal being formed on a tube of film.
- a portion of the inside metalized layer 26 is mated with a portion of the outside layer 20 in the area indicated by the arrows to form a lap seal.
- the seal in this area is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to the film in such area.
- the lap seal design shown in FIG. 2 a insures that the product to be placed inside the formed package will be protected from the ink layer by the metalized inside layer 26 .
- the fin seal variation shown in FIG. 2 b also provides that the product to be placed in the formed package will be protected from the ink layer by the metalized inside layer 26 . Again, the outside layer 20 does not contact any product. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 b , however, the inside layer 26 is folded over and then sealed on itself in the area indicated by the arrows. Again, this seal is accomplished by the application of heat and pressure to the film in the area illustrated.
- FIG. 3 a With horizontally oriented top and bottom transverse seals 31 , 33 .
- Such package is referred to in the art as a “vertical flex bag” or “pillow pouch,” and is commonly used for packaging snack foods such as potato chips, tortilla chips, and other various sheeted and extruded products.
- the back seal discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b runs vertically along the bag and is typically centered on the back of the package shown in FIG. 3 a , thus not visible in FIG. 3 a . Because of the narrow, single edge base on the package shown in FIG.
- the horizontal stand-up pouch of the prior art is constructed of three separate pieces of film that are mated together, namely, a front sheet 41 , a rear sheet 43 , and a base sheet 45 .
- the front sheet 41 and rear sheet 43 are sealed against each other around their edges, typically by heat sealing.
- the base sheet 45 is, however, first secured along its outer edges to the outer edges of the bottom of the front sheet 41 and rear sheet 43 , as is best illustrated in FIG. 4 c .
- the mating of the base sheet 45 to the front sheet 41 and the rear sheet 43 is also accomplished typically by a heat seal.
- the requirement that such horizontal stand-up pouch be constructed of three pieces results in a package that is significantly more expensive to construct than a standard form, fill, and seal vertical flex bag.
- the film cost for a standard vertical form, fill, and seal package is approximately $0.04 per bag with a comparable horizontal stand-up pouch costing roughly twice as much. Horizontal stand-up pouches further require more than twice the oxygen or nitrogen gas flush. Changing the bag size on a horizontal stand-up pouch further takes in excess of two hours, typically, while a vertical form and fill machine bag size can be changed in a matter of minutes. Also, the typical bag size range on a horizontal stand-up pouch machine is from 4 oz. to 10 oz., while a vertical form and fill machine can typically make bags in the size range of 1 oz. to 24 oz.
- One advantage of a horizontal stand-up pouch machine over a vertical form, fill, and seal machine is the relatively simple additional step of adding a reclosable seal or a zipper seal at the top of the bag for reclosing of the bag.
- Vertical form, fill, and seal machines typically require substantial modification and/or the use of reclosable or zipper seals premounted on the film oriented horizontally to the seal facings used to seal the horizontal transverse seals.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,201 to Boston discloses a system for applying a segment of seal strip to the external surface of a bag manufactured using a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, such that, when it is desired, the bag may be closed (i.e., resealed) after it has been opened.
- the seal strip includes a peel strip which is removable to allow the package, when opened, to be folded down and sealed against an adhesive which will be exposed upon the removal of the peel strip.
- the bag is typically folded a plurality of times in the direction of the seal strip and the external surface of the bag is applied to an exposed adhesive on the seal strip and thereby the bag is resealed for storage of the contents.
- the Boston '201 invention necessitate the precise placement of discrete segments of seal strip across the traverse of the sheet of packaging material such that the applied seal strip is positioned parallel to the top traverse seal on the resulting bag and perpendicular to the vertical back seal. While effective, the Boston '201 system is unduly complex. Moreover, the Boston '201 system is only directed at and adapted for the production of conventional vertical flex bags or pillow pouches.
- FIG. 3 b An alternative approach taken in the prior art to producing a bag with more of a stand-up presentation is the construction of a flat bottom bag such as illustrated in FIG. 3 b .
- a bag is constructed in a method very similar to that described above with regard to prior art pillow pouches.
- the vertical form, fill, and seal machine must be substantially modified by the addition of two movable devices on opposite sides of the sealing carriage that move in and out to make contact with the packaging film tube in order to form the tuck that becomes the gussets 37 shown in FIG. 3 b .
- the package is constructed with an outer layer 30 that is non-sealable, such as paper. This causes the formation of a V-shaped gusset 37 along each vertical edge of the package when the transverse seals 31 , 33 are formed.
- the product While the triangular shaped devices are still in contact with the tube of packaging material, the product is dropped through the forming tube into the tube of packaging film that is sealed at one end by virtue of the lower transverse seal 33 .
- the triangular shaped devices are then removed from contact with the tube of packaging film and the film is pushed down for the formation of the next package.
- the process is repeated such that the lower transverse seal 33 of the package above and upper transverse seal 31 of the package below are then formed. This transverse seal is then cut, thereby releasing a formed and filled package from the machine having the distinctive vertical gussets 37 shown in FIG. 3 b.
- the prior art method described above forms a package with a relatively broad base due to the V-shaped vertical gussets 37. Consequently, it is commonly referred to in the art as a flat bottom bag.
- Such flat bottom bag is advantageous over the previously described horizontal stand-up pouch in that it is formed on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, albeit with major modifications.
- the prior art method of making a flat bottom bag has a number of significant drawbacks. For example, the capital expense for modifying the vertical form, fill, and seal machine to include the moving triangular-shaped devices is approximately $30,000.00 per machine.
- the changeover time to convert a vertical form, fill, and seal machine from a standard pillow pouch configuration to a stand-up bag configuration can be substantial, and generally in the neighborhood of one-quarter man hours.
- the addition of all of the moving parts required for the triangular-shaped devices to move in and out of position during each package formation cycle also adds complexity to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine, inevitably resulting in maintenance issues.
- the vertical form, fill, and seal machine modified to include the moving triangular-shaped devices is significantly slower than a vertical form, fill, and seal machine without such devices because of these moving components that form the vertical gussets.
- the maximum run speed for a modified vertical form, fill, and seal machine using the triangular-shaped moving devices is in the range of 15 to 20 bags per minute.
- a standard vertical form, fill, and seal machine without such modification can construct a similarly sized pillow pouch at the rate of approximately 40 bags per minute.
- This method should allow for reduced film cost per bag as compared to horizontal stand-up pouches, ease in size change, little capital outlay, and the ability to easily add a zipper seal to the bags, all while maintaining bag forming speeds typical of vertical form, fill, and seal machine pillow pouch production.
- Such method should ideally produce a vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip, and constructed of material commonly used to form standard vertical flex bags.
- the proposed invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or package having an integrated reclose strip, and constructed of a single sheet of packaging material using a slightly modified vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- the modified machine includes a crease-forming mechanism and an apparatus for applying a reclose strip to the sheet of material.
- the crease-forming mechanism includes a tension bar and forming plates located below the forming tube and a stationary but adjustable tucker mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine which, when positioned between the two forming plates, creates a vertical tuck along the length of the package while it is being formed.
- the apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- the reclose strip is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material prior to forming the sheet into, a tube in the conventional manner.
- the reclose strip includes a peel strip which is removable to allow the package, when opened, to be folded down and sealed against an adhesive which will be exposed upon the removal of the peel strip.
- the reclose strip comprises a length of two-sided adhesive tape.
- the graphics on the packages are oriented 90° from a standard presentation such that the tuck forms the bottom of the package.
- the reclose strip can be easily added to the manufacture of such a vertical stand-up package since the reclose strip, which is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material, can accompany the single sheet of packaging film through a vertical form, fill, and seal machine in the conventional manner.
- the transverse seals on the formed package are therefore oriented vertically and the reclose strip is oriented horizontally when the package is placed on display.
- the top of the package can be double folded and pressed against the exposed adhesive strip thereby providing a reclosable seal feature.
- the method disclosed and the package formed as a consequence is a substantial improvement over prior art horizontal stand-up pouches or packages and flat bottom bags.
- the method works on existing vertical form, fill, and seal machines requiring very little modification. There are no substantial moving parts or jaw carriage modifications involved with the crease-forming mechanism.
- the apparatus for applying the reclose strip may be easily incorporated into the supply mechanism that supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- the modified vertical form, fill, and seal machines can also be easily converted back to a conventional pillow pouch configuration by selectively disengaging the crease-forming mechanism and discontinuing the supply of reclose strip.
- the same metalized or clear laminations used as materials in pillow pouches can also be used with the invention therefore saving in per bag cost.
- the invention allows for the formation of bags that emulate a horizontal stand-up pouch using a completely different method that takes advantage of the economics of vertical form and fill machine technology.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section views of prior art packaging films
- FIG. 2 a is a schematic cross-section view of a tube of packaging film illustrating the formation of a prior art lap seal
- FIG. 2 b is a schematic cross-section of a tube of packaging film illustrating the formation of a prior art fin seal
- FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a prior art vertical flex bag
- FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of a prior art flat bottom bag
- FIGS. 4 a , 4 b , and 4 c are perspective views in elevation of a prior art horizontal stand-up pouch
- FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of a tube of packaging film formed by the present invention methods
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tucker mechanism, forming plates, and tension bar in elevation of the present invention in relation to a forming tube and sealing jaws of a vertical form and fill machine;
- FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are perspective views of the vertical stand-up bag of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tucker mechanism of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a simplified perspective view of a form, fill, and seal machine adapted to manufacture a stand-up package having an integrated reclose strip in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus for applying the reclose strip incorporated into the supply mechanism of the form, fill, and seal machine shown in FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic elevation view of the apparatus for applying the reclose strip shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged overhead view of a portion of the apparatus for applying the reclose strip shown in FIG. 10 ;
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b are perspective views of the vertical stand-up bag or package having an integrated reclose strip of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 c is a perspective view of the vertical stand-up package having an integrated reclose strip shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b that has been opened and subsequently folded over to reseal the top in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 13 d is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 13 d - 13 d of FIG. 13 a.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the basic components used with the method of the proposed invention.
- the same reference numbers are used to identify the same corresponding elements throughout all drawings unless otherwise noted.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of a tube of packaging material (film) formed by the present invention method.
- the tube of packaging film shown in FIG. 5 is illustrated as a cross-sectional area immediately below the forming tube 101 of FIG. 6 .
- the tube of packaging film comprises an outer layer 116 and an inner layer 110 , and can comprise material typically used in the field of art for making a standard vertical flex bag, such as discussed in relation to FIG. 1 .
- the tube in FIG. 5 has been formed by sealing one sheet of film with a vertical back seal, as previously described with regard to discussions of prior art vertical form and fill machine methods.
- FIG. 6 shows a forming tube 101 typical in most respects to those used with prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines.
- This forming tube 101 can be a cylinder, have a rectangular cross section, or any number of shapes, but is preferably cylindrical as illustrated.
- the film illustrated in FIG. 5 is initially formed around the forming tube 101 of FIG. 6 .
- This forming tube 101 is shown in elevation but would normally be integrally attached to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- a pair of prior art sealing jaws 108 likewise illustrated in elevation. Not shown in FIG. 6 is the sealing jaw carriage on which such sealing jaws 108 would be mounted below the forming tube 101 .
- the practice in the prior art in the manufacture of a vertical flex bag involves feeding a continuous packaging film directed around the forming tube 101 .
- a back seal is formed on a single layer of film in order to create a tube of film around the forming tube 101 .
- the seal jaws 108 close on the thus formed tube of packaging film, thereby forming a bottom transverse seal.
- Product is then dropped through the forming tube 101 into the tube of packaging film.
- the tube is then driven downward by friction against rotating belts (not shown), and the seal jaws 108 are used to form another transverse seal above the level of the product found inside the tube.
- This seal is subsequently cut horizontally such that a top transverse seal is formed at the top of the filled bag below and a bottom transverse seal is formed on the tube of packaging film above.
- the packaging film during the prior art operation described above is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal translation of the film so as to be readable by an operator of the machine as the film travels down the forming tube 101 .
- This orientation provides graphics 39 on the formed prior art bag that are readable by a consumer when the formed bag is placed on a retail display shelf while resting on its bottom transverse seal 33 as seen in FIG. 3 a .
- the orientation of the graphics on the film packaging for Applicants' invention is 90° off of the prior art orientation, such that the graphics appear sideways as viewed by the operator of the vertical form and fill machine as the film is pulled down the forming tube 101 of FIG. 6 .
- the graphics on the packaging film are oriented perpendicular to the direction of film travel.
- the invention adds three basic components to a prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- Two forming plates 104 and one tension bar 102 are used to hold the packaging film tube in tension from inside the tube, as indicated by the arrows illustrated on FIG. 5 .
- the forming plates 104 and tension bar 102 can be attached directly to the forming tube 101 or, alternatively, to any supporting structure on the vertical form, fill, and seal machine, as long as the forming plates 104 and tension bar 102 are positioned within the tube of packaging material, below the bottom of the forming tube 101 , and above the heat sealing jaws 108 .
- Tension is applied on the outside of the film and in the opposite direction of the tension provided by the forming plates 104 by a fixed or stationary tucker mechanism 106 , alternatively referred to herein as a tucker bar 106 , positioned between said forming plates 104 .
- the tucker bar 106 is preferably attached to the sealing carriage for the vertical form, fill, and seal machine and is adjustable along all three axes (in/out, up/down, and front/back).
- the tucker bar 106 can be attached to the frame of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine or any other point that can supports its function outside the film tube.
- the tucker bar 106 When moved forward into position (i.e., toward the forming plates 104 ), the tucker bar 106 provides a crease or fold in the tube of the packaging film between the two forming plates 104 . This crease is formed prior to formation of the transverse seal by the seal jaws 108 . Consequently, once the transverse seal is formed, the crease becomes an integral feature of one side of the package.
- the vertical form and fill machine thereafter operates basically as previously described in the prior art, with the sealing jaws 108 forming a lower transverse seal, product being introduced through the forming tube 101 into the sealed tube of packaging film (which now has a crease on one side), and the upper transverse seal being formed, thereby completing the package.
- a crease is formed on one side (which later becomes the bottom of the formed package) using the fixed mechanism described and that the graphics on the packaging film used by the invention are oriented such that when the formed package is stood onto the end with the crease, the graphics are readable by a consumer.
- FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show the outside layer of the packaging film 116 with the graphics 179 oriented as previously described.
- the construction of the invention's vertical stand-up pouch shares characteristics with the prior art vertical flex bags shown in FIG. 3 a .
- the transverse seals 131 , 133 of the vertical stand-up bag of the invention are oriented vertically once the bag stands up on one end, as shown in FIG. 7 b .
- FIG. 7 a shows the crease 176 that was formed by the tucker bar 106 and forming plates 104 discussed in relation to FIGS. 5 and 6 .
- a diversion plate 160 within the forming tube 101 .
- This diversion plate 160 in the embodiment illustrated, is a flat plate welded vertically inside the forming tube 101 that extends from the bottom of the forming tube 101 to some distance above (for example, at least two or three inches) the bottom of the forming tube 101 , where it then is sealed against the inside of the forming tube 101 .
- the diversion plate 160 in a preferred embodiment accomplishes two functions. First, the diversion plate 160 keeps product that is dropped down the forming tube 101 away from the area where the crease is being formed on the tube of packaging film. Second, the diversion plate 160 , can be used as a channel for a gas or nitrogen flush. In such instance, the diversion plate 160 at some point above the bottom of the forming tube 101 seals at the top of the plate 160 against the forming tube 101 . Below such seal (not shown) an orifice can be drilled into the forming tube 101 in order to provide gas communication between an exterior gas (for example, nitrogen or oxygen) source and the cavity formed between the diversion plate 160 and the interior of the forming tube 101 .
- the diversion plate 160 as shown in FIG. 6 is a flat plate, but it should be understood that it can be of any variety of shapes, for example, having a curved surface, provided that it accomplishes the functionality of diverting the product away from the area where the tuck is formed on the tube of film.
- the present invention eliminates the need for a separate gas tube to be placed inside the forming tube 101 that normally accomplishes the same function in the prior art.
- the added benefit of providing a relatively large volume channel formed by the diversion plate 160 and the interior of the forming tube 101 is that a relatively large volume of flushing gas can be introduced into a filled and partially formed package at a significantly lower gas velocity compared to prior art gas tubes. This allows for the filling of packages using this embodiment of the present invention that may contain low weight product that might otherwise be blown back into the forming tube by prior art flushing tubes.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the tucker bar 106 .
- This embodiment of the tucker bar 106 comprises a head 180 attached to a support 182 . Drilled within the support 182 and head 180 is a gas channel 184 shown in phantom on FIG. 8 .
- This gas channel 184 provides a gas communication from an exterior gas source (not shown) through the support 182 , through the head 180 , and out three orifices 186 .
- the gas channel 184 allows for a metered burst of pressurized gas (typically air) that helps keep the tuck illustrated in FIG. 5 taut throughout the forming and sealing operation without the necessity of moving the tucker bar in and out during bag formation.
- pressurized gas typically air
- the tucker bar 106 is always stationary. It should further be noted that the head 180 necessarily cannot extend along the entire length of the crease formed by the tucker bar 106 and forming plates 104 . Further, it should be understood that when the sealing jaws 108 close onto the tube of film, the lateral dimensions of the tube of film change. All of these facts are compensated for by the use of the pressurized air bursting from the orifices 186 .
- the pressurized air keeps an even amount of pressure on the tuck as it is being formed in the various stages of the forming and sealing process.
- the air burst can be continuous, but is preferably metered to start as the film for the next bag is being pulled down through the completion of the transverse seal.
- the head 180 can comprise any non-stick material but is preferably a fluoropolymer, such as Teflon®.
- the tucker bar 106 can comprise one integral piece of metal with the head portion 180 being coated with a fluoropolymer.
- the curved contact area of the head 180 allows for the continuous formation of the tuck illustrated in FIG. 5 without tearing the packaging film as it is pushed down below the forming tube. While shown with three orifices 186 , the head 180 can comprise any number of orifices from one on.
- the tension bar 102 bends outwardly away from the center of said tube of film along the length of the tension bar 102 and the forming plates 104 are hinged by a horizontal hinge 105 . If the tension bar 102 is designed otherwise (e.g., strictly vertical) excess slack occurs in the area of the film tube near the transverse seal.
- the forming plates 104 comprise horizontal hinges 105 that allow the forming plates to fold inward (i.e., toward each other) slightly while the lower transverse seal is formed. Otherwise, the tube of packaging film would be ripped by the tips of the forming plates 104 during this step.
- the present invention offers an economic method of producing a stand-up pouch with numerous advantages over prior art horizontal stand-up pouches and methods for making them. Examples of these advantages are illustrated in Table 1 below.
- Table 1 Commercially Available Applicants' Horizontal Stand- Vertical Stand-Up Current Up Pouches Bag Machine Type Standard Vertical FFS Pouch Form, Fill, Seal Standard Vertical FFS Machine Cost $75,000.00 $500,000.00 $75,000.00 Film Cost $0.04/bag $0.08/bag $0.04/bag Gas Flush Less than 2% O 2 Only to 5% O 2 Less than 2% O 2 Size Change Easy, change former 2 hours Easy, change former Format Change Flex Bag Only Stand-Up Pouch Only Both, simple change Continuous Feed No Yes Yes Zipper Option Bag Size Range in (Width/Height) (Width/Height) (Width/Height) Inches 5/5 through 14/24 5/5 through 10/12 5/5 through 24/11
- the present invention further includes an apparatus and method for producing a stand-up package having a reclose strip incorporated therein.
- the apparatus for applying the reclose strip is incorporated into the supply mechanism 200 that supplies a continuous sheet of packaging material or film 120 to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 .
- the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 includes a forming/fill tube 91 and a former section 92 around which a sheet of packaging material 120 is directed and formed into a tubular shape in the conventional manner. While the forming/fill tube 91 illustrated in FIG. 9 is shown as having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, it is understood 10 that the cross-sectional shape of the forming/fill tube 91 may be any of various other shapes, such as circular, oval, or square. The forming/fill tube 91 illustrated in FIG. 9 may also have a diversion plate 160 , as previously described, incorporated therein.
- the supply mechanism 200 includes an apparatus incorporated therein, which attaches a length of reclose strip 140 to the underside of the sheet of packaging material 120 such that when the sheet of packaging material 120 is supplied to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 and formed into a tubular shape in the conventional manner, the reclose strip 140 is positioned along a longitudinal axis on the outer surface of the formed tube 120 A.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 an embodiment of the supply mechanism 200 depicted in FIG. 9 is shown that includes an apparatus for applying a length of reclose strip 140 to the sheet of packaging material or film 120 being supplied to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 .
- the supply mechanism 200 includes a mechanism for unrolling a sheet of packaging material 120 from a supply spool 220 so as to direct a continuous sheet towards the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 .
- the supply mechanism 200 may comprise a horizontal spindle 210 and a series of rollers 212 , 214 .
- the supply spool 220 is placed on the spindle 210 and a sheet of packaging material 120 is unrolled and fed through the series of rollers 212 , 214 in the direction of arrows a, b, and c.
- the rollers 212 , 214 control the speed, direction, and tension of the continuous sheet of packaging material 120 directed to the towards the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 .
- roller 214 might be a powered roller which advances the sheet of packaging material 120 off the supply spool 220 while rollers 212 might be idler rollers, which support, smooth or direct the sheet of packaging material 120 during its course of travel through the supply mechanism 200 and control the tension imparted to the sheet of packaging material 120 as it is directed towards the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 .
- both the spindle 210 and roller 214 might be a powered rollers which advance the sheet of packaging material 120 off the supple spool 220 in a synchronized manner.
- the supply mechanism 200 of the present invention also includes an apparatus for applying a length of reclose strip 140 to the sheet of packaging material or film 120 .
- the apparatus includes a spool arbor 204 onto which a spool 240 of reclose strip 140 is attached, and a pivoting arm assembly 230 , which directs and applies the reclose strip 140 onto the sheet of packaging material 120 .
- the spool arbor 204 and pivoting arm assembly 230 are positioned and supported by a support bracket 202 , which is integrally attached to the supply mechanism 200 .
- the pivoting arm assembly 230 comprises a pivot arm 232 pivotally attached to the support bracket 202 by a pivot pin 234 .
- the pivot arm 232 is free to rotate about the pivot pin 234 in the directions shown by the arrows in FIG. 10 .
- the pivoting arm assembly 230 further includes an accessory plate 232 a attached to the pivot arm 232 and an application roller 236 located at the distal end of the pivot arm 232 .
- the accessory plate 232 a includes a roller guide mechanism 250 , a strip bar guide 256 , an extension bar 254 , and a weight assembly 238 attached thereon.
- a length of reclose strip 140 is played out from spool 240 and applied, by means of the pivoting arm assembly 230 , to the outer peripheral surface of the sheet of packaging material 120 being advanced from the supply spool 220 as described previously.
- the length of reclose strip 140 from spool 240 is threaded through a roller guide mechanism 250 and a bar guide 256 extending from accessory plate 232 a , so as to position align, and apply the length of reclose strip 140 to the sheet of packaging material 120 being advanced from the supply spool 220 .
- the application roller 236 located at the distal end of the pivot arm 232 further presses the length of reclose strip 140 onto the sheet of packaging material 120 ensuring a good bonding between the reclose strip 140 and the packaging material 120 .
- a weight assembly 238 may be attached to accessory plate 232 a to increase the force applied by the application roller 236 upon the reclose strip 140 and the sheet of packaging material 120 as well as stabilize the entire pivoting arm assembly 230 .
- a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a spool 240 comprised of layer of multiple windings of reclose strip 140 arranged generally adjacent to one another as illustrated. As the length of reclose strip 140 is unwound from the spool 240 , it oscillates back and forth across the width of the spool as illustrated in phantom and by the arrows.
- the roller guide mechanism 250 is fitted with a guide frame 252 , which is pivotally attached to the an stationary extension bar 254 , extending from the accessory plate 232 a , which in turn is attached to the pivot arm 232 .
- the roller guide mechanism 250 may comprise a cylinder having flange elements on the outer edges that channel the lateral edges of the length of reclose strip 140 .
- the pivoting arm assembly 230 may be quickly modified to change the placement of the length of reclose strip 140 on the sheet of packaging material 120 .
- the stationary extension bar 254 can be lengthened or shortened, thereby adjusting the lateral placement of the length of reclose strip 140 on the sheet of packaging material 120 .
- the length of reclose strip 140 is, thereafter, continually and automatically unwound from spool 240 and applied to the sheet of packaging material 120 by the periodic advance of the sheet of packaging material 120 from the supply spool 220 of the supply mechanism 200 as described previously.
- the length of reclose strip 140 is attached to the underside of the sheet of packaging material 120 such that when the sheet of packaging material 120 is supplied by the supply mechanism 200 of the present invention to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 and formed into a tubular shape in the conventional manner, the reclose strip 140 is positioned along a longitudinal axis on the outer surface of the formed tube 120 A.
- the tubular shaped packaging film 120 is driven downward by an advancing mechanism (e.g., friction against rotating belts 93 , 94 ), whereupon a heat seal bar 95 reciprocates into contact with the tubular shaped packaging film 120 imparting a vertical back seal 130 and forming a tube 120 A.
- the reciprocating heat seal bar 95 reciprocates consecutively with the advancing means. That is to say, the advancing means advances a specific length of the tubular shaped packaging film 120 and stops; whereupon the back heat seal bar 95 reciprocates imparting a vertical back seal 130 .
- the length of reclose strip 140 attached to the exterior of the formed tube 120 A is also advanced.
- FIG. 9 Also shown in FIG. 9 are a pair of prior art sealing jaws 108 illustrated in elevation. Not shown in FIG. 9 is the sealing jaw carriage on which such sealing jaws 108 would be mounted below the forming/fill tube 91 .
- a crease-forming mechanism as previously described, comprised of two forming plates 104 , a fixed or stationary tucker mechanism 106 , and a tension bar 102 , is installed which modifies the standard vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 so as to produce a stand-up packages.
- the forming plates 104 can swing towards each other by rotating about a hinge 105 . This arrangement allows for the forming plates 104 to rotate towards one another and avoid ripping of the packaging film 120 when transverse seals are being formed below the forming plates 104 by the transverse seal jaws 108 as shown in FIG. 9 .
- the two forming plates 104 and the tension bar 102 are used to hold the formed tube 120 A in tension from inside of the tube 120 A.
- Tension is applied on the exterior surface of the formed tube 120 A and in the opposite direction of the tension provided by the forming plates 104 by the tucker mechanism 106 , alternatively referred to herein as a tucker bar 106 , positioned between said forming plates 104 .
- the tucker bar 106 is preferably attached to the sealing carriage for the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 and is adjustable along all three axes (in/out, up/down, and front/back).
- the tucker bar 106 can be attached to the frame of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 or any other point that can supports its function outside the film tube 120 A. These adjustments in all three axes allow for the tucker bar 106 to be easily moved out of the way to convert the vertical form and fill machine 100 back to standard operation and is accomplished, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , by a tension screw 162 that can lock the tucker bar 106 in place when tightened. While the tucker bar 106 is adjustable, unlike in the prior art, it is fixed or stationary during operation.
- the tucker bar 106 When moved forward into position (i.e., toward the forming plates 104 ), the tucker bar 106 provides a crease or fold in the tube of the packaging film between the two forming plates 104 . This crease is formed prior to formation of the transverse seal by the seal jaws 108 . Consequently, once the transverse seal is formed, the crease becomes an integral feature of one side of the package.
- the forming/fill tube 91 illustrated in FIG. 9 may also incorporate a diverter plate mechanism, like the one previously described and shown in FIG. 6 , to keep product away from the vertical gusset areas.
- the vertical form, fill, and seal machine 100 of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 thereafter operates basically as previously described in the prior art, with the sealing jaws 108 forming a lower transverse seal, product being introduced through the forming/fill tube 91 into the sealed tube 120 A of packaging film (which now has a crease on one side and a length of reclose strip attached), and the upper transverse seal being formed, thereby completing the package.
- This seal is subsequently cut horizontally across the traverse such that a top transverse seal is formed at the top of the filled bag below and a bottom transverse seal is formed on the tube of packaging film above.
- the packaging film during the prior art operation is typically oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal translation of the film so as to be readable by an operator of the machine as the film travels down the forming tube 91 .
- this orientation provides graphics 39 on the formed prior art bag that are readable by a consumer when the formed bag is placed on a retail display shelf while resting on its bottom transverse seal 33 .
- the orientation of the graphics on the film packaging is 90° off of the typical prior art orientation, such that the graphics appear sideways as viewed by the operator of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine as the film is pulled down the forming tube 91 of FIG. 9 .
- FIGS. 13 a - 13 c show the outside layer of the packaging film 116 with the graphics 179 oriented as previously described.
- the construction of the invention's vertical stand-up pouch shares characteristics with the prior art vertical flex bags shown in FIG. 3 a .
- the transverse seals 131 , 133 of the vertical stand-up bag of the invention are oriented vertically and the vertical back seal 130 is oriented horizontally once the bag stands up on one end, as shown in FIG. 13 b .
- FIG. 13 a shows the crease 176 that is formed by the tucker bar 106 and forming plates 104 and a segment length of reclose strip 140 positioned and applied on the package exterior as previously discussed in relation to FIGS. 9-12 .
- the reclose strip 140 used in the present invention may be of any conventional construction.
- the reclose strip 140 may comprise a composite of several layers of material applied to the exterior surface of the package constructed of the sheet of packaging material or film 120 .
- An adhesive 148 bonds a layer of tape 146 to the packaging material 120 .
- On the side of the tape remote from the packaging material 120 is a second adhesive 144 which has a bonding strength of less than the first adhesive 148 .
- the reason for this is simple. It is desired that the reclose strip 140 remain bonded to the external surface of the packaging material 120 . Therefore, the bonding strength of the adhesive 148 must be greater than that of 144 .
- the reclose strip 140 would peel off of the package when it adhered to a second surface. Because the adhesive 144 is of less peel strength than the adhesive 148 , a peel strip 142 is bonded to the adhesive 144 and serves the purpose of preventing premature bonding of the reclose strip 140 to undesired surfaces.
- the resulting vertical stand-up pouch or package having an integrated reclose strip shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b is opened by cutting or tearing the top portion 118 of the package to provide an opening allowing the user to retrieve the contents of the package or a part thereof.
- the resulting vertical stand-up pouch or package having an integrated reclose strip shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b is opened by cutting or tearing the top portion 118 of the package to provide an opening allowing the user to retrieve the contents of the package or a part thereof.
- not all the contents of a package is consumed at one time and thus the desire to close and reseal the package is achieved where the package is manufactured according to the above discussed procedure. As shown in FIG.
- the package may be opened to remove part of the contents and resealed to prevent moisture from causing premature deterioration of the contents; the peel strip 142 has been stripped away from the adhesive 144 and two or more folds are made in the top portion 118 of the package in a direction toward the reclose strip 140 .
- the folded portion of the package which previously represented the side of the package away from the reclose strip 140 is adhered to the reclose strip 140 and thereby the package may be returned to a storage compartment for subsequent retrieval and consumption.
- the reclose strip 140 is functional anyplace on the package, it is desirable that the reclose strip 140 be applied on the upper half of the resulting package and preferably a position about one-third of the way down from the top portion 118 of the resulting package. Placing the reclose strip 140 on the lower half of the bag could cause the user to crush the contents remaining in the bag when it is resealed. However, the exact location of the reclose strip 140 depends upon the goods being packaged.
- a crease 176 is formed on one side (which later becomes the bottom of the formed package) using the fixed mechanism described, that a length of reclose strip 140 is attached to the exterior of the formed package using the apparatus incorporated into the supply mechanism 200 described, and that the graphics on the packaging film used by the invention are oriented such that when the formed package is stood onto its end with the creased end generally at the bottom, the graphics are readable by a consumer and the integrated reclose strip is oriented generally parallel to the top of the package.
- the added ability to attach the length of reclose strip 140 to a package available on Applicants' invention is not available using current vertical form, fill, and seal machine technology. This is due, in part, to the orientation of the film graphics used on the packaging film of the present invention. Since the graphics are oriented 90° from the prior art, a length of reclose strip 140 can be run longitudinally along the forming tube adjacent with the packaging film as it is being formed into a tube and subsequent package. This is not possible with the prior art, because such orientation of a vertical length of reclose strip would place such a strip in a vertical orientation once the package is formed and stood up for display
- the invention is further an improvement over methods for manufacturing prior art flat bottom bags. Since the tucker mechanism of Applicants' invention is stationary during bag formation, the present invention eliminates the need for moving parts that push against the film tube for the formation of a gusset. This elimination of moving parts allows for increased bag production rates, significantly lower changeover times to pillow pouch production, and significantly fewer maintenance issues.
Abstract
A vertical stand-up pouch or flexible package having an integrated reclose strip, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The modified machine includes a crease-forming mechanism and an apparatus for applying a reclose strip to the sheet of material. The apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip from a single sheet of packaging film by creating a vertical crease along one edge of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. Said vertical crease is formed using a stationary tucker bar positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. The reclose strip is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material prior to forming the sheet into a tube in the conventional manner. The reclose strip includes a peel strip which is removable to allow the package, when opened, to be folded down and sealed against an adhesive which will be exposed upon the removal of the peel strip. In a preferred embodiment, the reclose strip comprises a length of two-sided adhesive tape.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/100,370, filed on Mar. 18, 2002, the technical disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The present invention relates to a vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip constructed using a modified vertical form and fill packaging machine, and the method for making same, that provides for a single piece construction of a vertical stand-up bag suitable for retail snack food distribution. The invention allows for use of existing film converter and packaging technology to produce a stand-up package for moisture sensitive food products or the like with minimal increased costs and minimal modification. The resulting stand-up package may be opened, a part of the contents removed and the package resealed to prevent premature deterioration of the quality of the contents because of exposure to moisture in the air.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Vertical form, fill, and seal packaging machines are commonly used in the snack food industry for forming, filling, and sealing bags of chips and other like products. Such packaging machines take a packaging film from a sheet roll and forms the film into a vertical tube around a product delivery cylinder. The vertical tube is vertically sealed along its length to form a back seal. The machine applies a pair of heat-sealing jaws or facings against the tube to form a transverse seal. This transverse seal acts as the top seal on the bag below and the bottom seal on the package being filled and formed above. The product to be packaged, such as potato chips, is dropped through the product delivery cylinder and formed tube and is held within the tube above the bottom transverse seal. After the package has been filled, the film tube is pushed downward to draw out another package length. A transverse seal is formed above the product, thus sealing it within the film tube and forming a package of product. The package below said transverse seal is separated from the rest of the film tube by cutting across the sealed area.
- The packaging film used in such process is typically a composite polymer material produced by a film converter. For example, one prior art composite film used for packaging potato chips and like products is illustrated in
FIG. 1 , which is a schematic of a cross-section of the film illustrating each individual substantive layer.FIG. 1 shows a sealable inside, or product side,layer 16 which typically comprises metalized oriented polypropylene (“OPP”) or metalized polyethylene terephtalate (“PET”). This is followed by alaminate layer 14, typically a polyethylene extrusion, and an ink orgraphics layer 12. Theink layer 12 is typically used for the presentation of graphics that can be viewed through a transparentoutside layer 10, whichlayer 10 is typically OPP or PET. - The prior art film composition shown in
FIG. 1 is ideally suited for use on vertical form and fill machines for the packaging of food products. The metalized insidelayer 16, which is usually metalized with a thin layer of aluminum, provides excellent barrier properties. The use of OPP or PET for theoutside layer 10 and theinside layer 16 further makes it possible to heat seal any surface of the film to any other surface in forming either the transverse seals or back seal of a package. - Typical back seals formed using the film composition shown in
FIG. 1 are illustrated inFIGS. 2 a and 2 b.FIG. 2 a is a schematic of a “lap seal” embodiment of a back seal being formed on a tube of film.FIG. 2 b illustrates a “fin seal” embodiment of a back seal being formed on a tube of film. - With reference to
FIG. 2 a, a portion of the inside metalizedlayer 26 is mated with a portion of theoutside layer 20 in the area indicated by the arrows to form a lap seal. The seal in this area is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to the film in such area. The lap seal design shown inFIG. 2 a insures that the product to be placed inside the formed package will be protected from the ink layer by the metalized insidelayer 26. - The fin seal variation shown in
FIG. 2 b also provides that the product to be placed in the formed package will be protected from the ink layer by the metalized insidelayer 26. Again, theoutside layer 20 does not contact any product. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 b, however, theinside layer 26 is folded over and then sealed on itself in the area indicated by the arrows. Again, this seal is accomplished by the application of heat and pressure to the film in the area illustrated. - Regardless of whether a lap seal or fin seal is used for constructing a standard package using a vertical form, fill, and seal packaging machine, the end result is a package as shown in
FIG. 3 a with horizontally oriented top and bottomtransverse seals FIGS. 2 a and 2 b runs vertically along the bag and is typically centered on the back of the package shown inFIG. 3 a, thus not visible inFIG. 3 a. Because of the narrow, single edge base on the package shown inFIG. 3 a formed by the bottomtransverse seal 33, such prior art packages are not particularly stable when standing on one end. This shortcoming has been addressed in the packaging industry by the development of a horizontal stand-up pouch such as the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c. As can be seen by reference to said Figures, such a horizontal stand-up pouch has a relatively broad andflat base 47 having two contact edges. This allows for the pouch to rest on thisbase 47 in a vertical presentation. Manufacture of such horizontal stand-up pouches, however, does not involve the use of standard vertical form, fill, and seal machines but, rather, involves an expensive and relatively slow 3-piece construction using a pouch form, fill, and seal machine. - Referring to
FIGS. 4 b and 4 c, the horizontal stand-up pouch of the prior art is constructed of three separate pieces of film that are mated together, namely, afront sheet 41, arear sheet 43, and abase sheet 45. Thefront sheet 41 andrear sheet 43 are sealed against each other around their edges, typically by heat sealing. Thebase sheet 45 is, however, first secured along its outer edges to the outer edges of the bottom of thefront sheet 41 andrear sheet 43, as is best illustrated inFIG. 4 c. Likewise, the mating of thebase sheet 45 to thefront sheet 41 and therear sheet 43 is also accomplished typically by a heat seal. The requirement that such horizontal stand-up pouch be constructed of three pieces results in a package that is significantly more expensive to construct than a standard form, fill, and seal vertical flex bag. - Further disadvantages of using horizontal stand-up pouches include the initial capital expense of the horizontal stand-up pouch machines, the additional gas flush volume required during packaging as compared to a vertical flex bag, increased down time to change the bag size, slower bag forming speed, and a decreased bag size range. For example, a Polaris model vertical form, fill, and seal machine manufactured by Klick Lock Woodman of Georgia, USA, with a volume capacity of 60-100 bags per minute costs in the range of $75,000.00 per machine. A typical horizontal stand-up pouch manufacturing machine manufactured by Roberts Packaging of Battle Creek, Mich., with a bag capacity of 40-60 bags per minute typically costs $500,000.00. The film cost for a standard vertical form, fill, and seal package is approximately $0.04 per bag with a comparable horizontal stand-up pouch costing roughly twice as much. Horizontal stand-up pouches further require more than twice the oxygen or nitrogen gas flush. Changing the bag size on a horizontal stand-up pouch further takes in excess of two hours, typically, while a vertical form and fill machine bag size can be changed in a matter of minutes. Also, the typical bag size range on a horizontal stand-up pouch machine is from 4 oz. to 10 oz., while a vertical form and fill machine can typically make bags in the size range of 1 oz. to 24 oz.
- One advantage of a horizontal stand-up pouch machine over a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, however, is the relatively simple additional step of adding a reclosable seal or a zipper seal at the top of the bag for reclosing of the bag. Vertical form, fill, and seal machines typically require substantial modification and/or the use of reclosable or zipper seals premounted on the film oriented horizontally to the seal facings used to seal the horizontal transverse seals.
- For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,201 to Boston discloses a system for applying a segment of seal strip to the external surface of a bag manufactured using a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, such that, when it is desired, the bag may be closed (i.e., resealed) after it has been opened. According to the Boston '201 disclosure, the seal strip includes a peel strip which is removable to allow the package, when opened, to be folded down and sealed against an adhesive which will be exposed upon the removal of the peel strip. In accordance with the Boston '201 disclosure, the bag is typically folded a plurality of times in the direction of the seal strip and the external surface of the bag is applied to an exposed adhesive on the seal strip and thereby the bag is resealed for storage of the contents. However, the Boston '201 invention necessitate the precise placement of discrete segments of seal strip across the traverse of the sheet of packaging material such that the applied seal strip is positioned parallel to the top traverse seal on the resulting bag and perpendicular to the vertical back seal. While effective, the Boston '201 system is unduly complex. Moreover, the Boston '201 system is only directed at and adapted for the production of conventional vertical flex bags or pillow pouches.
- An alternative approach taken in the prior art to producing a bag with more of a stand-up presentation is the construction of a flat bottom bag such as illustrated in
FIG. 3 b. Such a bag is constructed in a method very similar to that described above with regard to prior art pillow pouches. However, in order to form thevertical gussets 37 on either side of the bag, the vertical form, fill, and seal machine must be substantially modified by the addition of two movable devices on opposite sides of the sealing carriage that move in and out to make contact with the packaging film tube in order to form the tuck that becomes thegussets 37 shown inFIG. 3 b. Specifically, when a tube is pushed down to form the next bag, two triangular shaped devices are moved horizontally towards the packaging film tube until two vertical tucks are formed on the packaging film tube above the transverse seals by virtue of contact with these moving triangular shaped devices. While the two triangular shaped devices are thus in contact with the packaging tube, the bottom transverse seal is formed. The package is constructed with anouter layer 30 that is non-sealable, such as paper. This causes the formation of a V-shapedgusset 37 along each vertical edge of the package when thetransverse seals transverse seal 33. The triangular shaped devices are then removed from contact with the tube of packaging film and the film is pushed down for the formation of the next package. The process is repeated such that the lowertransverse seal 33 of the package above and uppertransverse seal 31 of the package below are then formed. This transverse seal is then cut, thereby releasing a formed and filled package from the machine having the distinctivevertical gussets 37 shown inFIG. 3 b. - The prior art method described above forms a package with a relatively broad base due to the V-shaped
vertical gussets 37. Consequently, it is commonly referred to in the art as a flat bottom bag. Such flat bottom bag is advantageous over the previously described horizontal stand-up pouch in that it is formed on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, albeit with major modifications. However, the prior art method of making a flat bottom bag has a number of significant drawbacks. For example, the capital expense for modifying the vertical form, fill, and seal machine to include the moving triangular-shaped devices is approximately $30,000.00 per machine. The changeover time to convert a vertical form, fill, and seal machine from a standard pillow pouch configuration to a stand-up bag configuration can be substantial, and generally in the neighborhood of one-quarter man hours. The addition of all of the moving parts required for the triangular-shaped devices to move in and out of position during each package formation cycle also adds complexity to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine, inevitably resulting in maintenance issues. Importantly, the vertical form, fill, and seal machine modified to include the moving triangular-shaped devices is significantly slower than a vertical form, fill, and seal machine without such devices because of these moving components that form the vertical gussets. For example, in the formation of a six inch by nine inch bag, the maximum run speed for a modified vertical form, fill, and seal machine using the triangular-shaped moving devices is in the range of 15 to 20 bags per minute. A standard vertical form, fill, and seal machine without such modification can construct a similarly sized pillow pouch at the rate of approximately 40 bags per minute. - Consequently, a need exists for a method to form a stand-up pouch, similar in appearance and functionality to the prior art horizontal stand-up pouches, using vertical form, fill, and seal machine technology and a single sheet of packaging film. Moreover, a need also exists for a simpler method of incorporating a reclosable strip into such a formed stand-up pouch using the vertical form, fill, and seal machine technology. This method should allow for reduced film cost per bag as compared to horizontal stand-up pouches, ease in size change, little capital outlay, and the ability to easily add a zipper seal to the bags, all while maintaining bag forming speeds typical of vertical form, fill, and seal machine pillow pouch production. Such method should ideally produce a vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip, and constructed of material commonly used to form standard vertical flex bags.
- The proposed invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or package having an integrated reclose strip, and constructed of a single sheet of packaging material using a slightly modified vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The modified machine includes a crease-forming mechanism and an apparatus for applying a reclose strip to the sheet of material. The crease-forming mechanism includes a tension bar and forming plates located below the forming tube and a stationary but adjustable tucker mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine which, when positioned between the two forming plates, creates a vertical tuck along the length of the package while it is being formed. The apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The reclose strip is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material prior to forming the sheet into, a tube in the conventional manner. The reclose strip includes a peel strip which is removable to allow the package, when opened, to be folded down and sealed against an adhesive which will be exposed upon the removal of the peel strip. In a preferred embodiment, the reclose strip comprises a length of two-sided adhesive tape.
- The graphics on the packages are oriented 90° from a standard presentation such that the tuck forms the bottom of the package. The reclose strip can be easily added to the manufacture of such a vertical stand-up package since the reclose strip, which is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material, can accompany the single sheet of packaging film through a vertical form, fill, and seal machine in the conventional manner. The transverse seals on the formed package are therefore oriented vertically and the reclose strip is oriented horizontally when the package is placed on display. Thus, when opened, the top of the package can be double folded and pressed against the exposed adhesive strip thereby providing a reclosable seal feature.
- The method disclosed and the package formed as a consequence is a substantial improvement over prior art horizontal stand-up pouches or packages and flat bottom bags. The method works on existing vertical form, fill, and seal machines requiring very little modification. There are no substantial moving parts or jaw carriage modifications involved with the crease-forming mechanism. Moreover, the apparatus for applying the reclose strip may be easily incorporated into the supply mechanism that supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- The modified vertical form, fill, and seal machines can also be easily converted back to a conventional pillow pouch configuration by selectively disengaging the crease-forming mechanism and discontinuing the supply of reclose strip. The same metalized or clear laminations used as materials in pillow pouches can also be used with the invention therefore saving in per bag cost. The invention allows for the formation of bags that emulate a horizontal stand-up pouch using a completely different method that takes advantage of the economics of vertical form and fill machine technology.
- The above as well as additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following written detailed description.
- The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section views of prior art packaging films; -
FIG. 2 a is a schematic cross-section view of a tube of packaging film illustrating the formation of a prior art lap seal; -
FIG. 2 b is a schematic cross-section of a tube of packaging film illustrating the formation of a prior art fin seal; -
FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a prior art vertical flex bag; -
FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of a prior art flat bottom bag; -
FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c are perspective views in elevation of a prior art horizontal stand-up pouch; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of a tube of packaging film formed by the present invention methods; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tucker mechanism, forming plates, and tension bar in elevation of the present invention in relation to a forming tube and sealing jaws of a vertical form and fill machine; -
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are perspective views of the vertical stand-up bag of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tucker mechanism of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a simplified perspective view of a form, fill, and seal machine adapted to manufacture a stand-up package having an integrated reclose strip in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus for applying the reclose strip incorporated into the supply mechanism of the form, fill, and seal machine shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic elevation view of the apparatus for applying the reclose strip shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is an enlarged overhead view of a portion of the apparatus for applying the reclose strip shown inFIG. 10 ; -
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b are perspective views of the vertical stand-up bag or package having an integrated reclose strip of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 c is a perspective view of the vertical stand-up package having an integrated reclose strip shown inFIGS. 13 a and 13 b that has been opened and subsequently folded over to reseal the top in accordance with the present invention; and -
FIG. 13 d is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 13 d-13 d ofFIG. 13 a. - Where used in the various figures of the drawing, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.
- All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.
-
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the basic components used with the method of the proposed invention. The same reference numbers are used to identify the same corresponding elements throughout all drawings unless otherwise noted.FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section of a tube of packaging material (film) formed by the present invention method. The tube of packaging film shown inFIG. 5 is illustrated as a cross-sectional area immediately below the formingtube 101 ofFIG. 6 . The tube of packaging film comprises anouter layer 116 and aninner layer 110, and can comprise material typically used in the field of art for making a standard vertical flex bag, such as discussed in relation toFIG. 1 . The tube inFIG. 5 has been formed by sealing one sheet of film with a vertical back seal, as previously described with regard to discussions of prior art vertical form and fill machine methods. -
FIG. 6 shows a formingtube 101 typical in most respects to those used with prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines. This formingtube 101 can be a cylinder, have a rectangular cross section, or any number of shapes, but is preferably cylindrical as illustrated. The film illustrated inFIG. 5 is initially formed around the formingtube 101 ofFIG. 6 . This formingtube 101 is shown in elevation but would normally be integrally attached to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. Also shown inFIG. 6 are a pair of priorart sealing jaws 108 likewise illustrated in elevation. Not shown inFIG. 6 is the sealing jaw carriage on whichsuch sealing jaws 108 would be mounted below the formingtube 101. - As previously described, the practice in the prior art in the manufacture of a vertical flex bag involves feeding a continuous packaging film directed around the forming
tube 101. A back seal is formed on a single layer of film in order to create a tube of film around the formingtube 101. Theseal jaws 108 close on the thus formed tube of packaging film, thereby forming a bottom transverse seal. Product is then dropped through the formingtube 101 into the tube of packaging film. The tube is then driven downward by friction against rotating belts (not shown), and theseal jaws 108 are used to form another transverse seal above the level of the product found inside the tube. This seal is subsequently cut horizontally such that a top transverse seal is formed at the top of the filled bag below and a bottom transverse seal is formed on the tube of packaging film above. The packaging film during the prior art operation described above is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal translation of the film so as to be readable by an operator of the machine as the film travels down the formingtube 101. This orientation providesgraphics 39 on the formed prior art bag that are readable by a consumer when the formed bag is placed on a retail display shelf while resting on its bottomtransverse seal 33 as seen inFIG. 3 a. As will be described in further detail below, the orientation of the graphics on the film packaging for Applicants' invention is 90° off of the prior art orientation, such that the graphics appear sideways as viewed by the operator of the vertical form and fill machine as the film is pulled down the formingtube 101 ofFIG. 6 . In other words, the graphics on the packaging film are oriented perpendicular to the direction of film travel. - The invention adds three basic components to a prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machine. Two forming
plates 104 and onetension bar 102 are used to hold the packaging film tube in tension from inside the tube, as indicated by the arrows illustrated onFIG. 5 . As shown inFIG. 6 , the formingplates 104 andtension bar 102 can be attached directly to the formingtube 101 or, alternatively, to any supporting structure on the vertical form, fill, and seal machine, as long as the formingplates 104 andtension bar 102 are positioned within the tube of packaging material, below the bottom of the formingtube 101, and above theheat sealing jaws 108. - Tension is applied on the outside of the film and in the opposite direction of the tension provided by the forming
plates 104 by a fixed orstationary tucker mechanism 106, alternatively referred to herein as atucker bar 106, positioned between said formingplates 104. Thetucker bar 106 is preferably attached to the sealing carriage for the vertical form, fill, and seal machine and is adjustable along all three axes (in/out, up/down, and front/back). Alternatively, the tucker bar 106 can be attached to the frame of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine or any other point that can supports its function outside the film tube. These adjustments in all three axes allow for the tucker bar 106 to be easily moved out of the way to convert the vertical form and fill machine back to standard operation and is accomplished, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 , by atension screw 162 that can lock thetucker bar 106 in place when tightened. While thetucker bar 106 is adjustable, unlike in the prior art, it is fixed or stationary during operation. Therefore, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the art in that there are no moving parts to the tucker mechanism during bag making. This improvement is what Applicants intend to describe when referring to the tucker bar 106 as “stationary” or “fixed.” Because of this stationary tucker bar feature, bag making speeds can match typical pillow pouch manufacturing rates. - When moved forward into position (i.e., toward the forming plates 104), the
tucker bar 106 provides a crease or fold in the tube of the packaging film between the two formingplates 104. This crease is formed prior to formation of the transverse seal by theseal jaws 108. Consequently, once the transverse seal is formed, the crease becomes an integral feature of one side of the package. The vertical form and fill machine thereafter operates basically as previously described in the prior art, with the sealingjaws 108 forming a lower transverse seal, product being introduced through the formingtube 101 into the sealed tube of packaging film (which now has a crease on one side), and the upper transverse seal being formed, thereby completing the package. The major differences between a prior art package and Applicants' package, however, are that a crease is formed on one side (which later becomes the bottom of the formed package) using the fixed mechanism described and that the graphics on the packaging film used by the invention are oriented such that when the formed package is stood onto the end with the crease, the graphics are readable by a consumer. - An example of the formed package of the instant invention is shown in
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, which show the outside layer of thepackaging film 116 with thegraphics 179 oriented as previously described. As can be seen fromFIGS. 7 a and 7 b, the construction of the invention's vertical stand-up pouch shares characteristics with the prior art vertical flex bags shown inFIG. 3 a. However, thetransverse seals FIG. 7 b.FIG. 7 a shows thecrease 176 that was formed by thetucker bar 106 and formingplates 104 discussed in relation toFIGS. 5 and 6 . - Returning to
FIG. 6 , another optional feature that can be incorporated into this invention is the use of adiversion plate 160 within the formingtube 101. Thisdiversion plate 160, in the embodiment illustrated, is a flat plate welded vertically inside the formingtube 101 that extends from the bottom of the formingtube 101 to some distance above (for example, at least two or three inches) the bottom of the formingtube 101, where it then is sealed against the inside of the formingtube 101. - The
diversion plate 160 in a preferred embodiment accomplishes two functions. First, thediversion plate 160 keeps product that is dropped down the formingtube 101 away from the area where the crease is being formed on the tube of packaging film. Second, thediversion plate 160, can be used as a channel for a gas or nitrogen flush. In such instance, thediversion plate 160 at some point above the bottom of the formingtube 101 seals at the top of theplate 160 against the formingtube 101. Below such seal (not shown) an orifice can be drilled into the formingtube 101 in order to provide gas communication between an exterior gas (for example, nitrogen or oxygen) source and the cavity formed between thediversion plate 160 and the interior of the formingtube 101. Thediversion plate 160 as shown inFIG. 6 is a flat plate, but it should be understood that it can be of any variety of shapes, for example, having a curved surface, provided that it accomplishes the functionality of diverting the product away from the area where the tuck is formed on the tube of film. - By using the
diversion plate 160 as a channel for the gas flush, the present invention eliminates the need for a separate gas tube to be placed inside the formingtube 101 that normally accomplishes the same function in the prior art. The added benefit of providing a relatively large volume channel formed by thediversion plate 160 and the interior of the formingtube 101 is that a relatively large volume of flushing gas can be introduced into a filled and partially formed package at a significantly lower gas velocity compared to prior art gas tubes. This allows for the filling of packages using this embodiment of the present invention that may contain low weight product that might otherwise be blown back into the forming tube by prior art flushing tubes. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of thetucker bar 106. This embodiment of thetucker bar 106 comprises ahead 180 attached to asupport 182. Drilled within thesupport 182 andhead 180 is agas channel 184 shown in phantom onFIG. 8 . Thisgas channel 184 provides a gas communication from an exterior gas source (not shown) through thesupport 182, through thehead 180, and out threeorifices 186. Thegas channel 184 allows for a metered burst of pressurized gas (typically air) that helps keep the tuck illustrated inFIG. 5 taut throughout the forming and sealing operation without the necessity of moving the tucker bar in and out during bag formation. It should be noted that during operation (bag making) thetucker bar 106 is always stationary. It should further be noted that thehead 180 necessarily cannot extend along the entire length of the crease formed by thetucker bar 106 and formingplates 104. Further, it should be understood that when the sealingjaws 108 close onto the tube of film, the lateral dimensions of the tube of film change. All of these facts are compensated for by the use of the pressurized air bursting from theorifices 186. The pressurized air keeps an even amount of pressure on the tuck as it is being formed in the various stages of the forming and sealing process. The air burst can be continuous, but is preferably metered to start as the film for the next bag is being pulled down through the completion of the transverse seal. - The
head 180 can comprise any non-stick material but is preferably a fluoropolymer, such as Teflon®. In an alternative embodiment, the tucker bar 106 can comprise one integral piece of metal with thehead portion 180 being coated with a fluoropolymer. The curved contact area of thehead 180 allows for the continuous formation of the tuck illustrated inFIG. 5 without tearing the packaging film as it is pushed down below the forming tube. While shown with threeorifices 186, thehead 180 can comprise any number of orifices from one on. - To further compensate for the change in the width of the film tube as the transverse seal is formed by the
seal jaws 108 ofFIG. 6 , it should be noted that thetension bar 102 bends outwardly away from the center of said tube of film along the length of thetension bar 102 and the formingplates 104 are hinged by ahorizontal hinge 105. If thetension bar 102 is designed otherwise (e.g., strictly vertical) excess slack occurs in the area of the film tube near the transverse seal. The formingplates 104 comprisehorizontal hinges 105 that allow the forming plates to fold inward (i.e., toward each other) slightly while the lower transverse seal is formed. Otherwise, the tube of packaging film would be ripped by the tips of the formingplates 104 during this step. - The present invention offers an economic method of producing a stand-up pouch with numerous advantages over prior art horizontal stand-up pouches and methods for making them. Examples of these advantages are illustrated in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1 Commercially Available Applicants' Horizontal Stand- Vertical Stand-Up Current Up Pouches Bag Machine Type Standard Vertical FFS Pouch Form, Fill, Seal Standard Vertical FFS Machine Cost $75,000.00 $500,000.00 $75,000.00 Film Cost $0.04/bag $0.08/bag $0.04/bag Gas Flush Less than 2% O2 Only to 5% O2 Less than 2% O2 Size Change Easy, change former 2 hours Easy, change former Format Change Flex Bag Only Stand-Up Pouch Only Both, simple change Continuous Feed No Yes Yes Zipper Option Bag Size Range in (Width/Height) (Width/Height) (Width/Height) Inches 5/5 through 14/24 5/5 through 10/12 5/5 through 24/11 - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , in another embodiment the present invention further includes an apparatus and method for producing a stand-up package having a reclose strip incorporated therein. The apparatus for applying the reclose strip is incorporated into thesupply mechanism 200 that supplies a continuous sheet of packaging material orfilm 120 to the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100 includes a forming/fill tube 91 and aformer section 92 around which a sheet ofpackaging material 120 is directed and formed into a tubular shape in the conventional manner. While the forming/fill tube 91 illustrated inFIG. 9 is shown as having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, it is understood 10 that the cross-sectional shape of the forming/fill tube 91 may be any of various other shapes, such as circular, oval, or square. The forming/fill tube 91 illustrated inFIG. 9 may also have adiversion plate 160, as previously described, incorporated therein. - As will be subsequently explained in greater detail, the
supply mechanism 200 includes an apparatus incorporated therein, which attaches a length ofreclose strip 140 to the underside of the sheet ofpackaging material 120 such that when the sheet ofpackaging material 120 is supplied to the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100 and formed into a tubular shape in the conventional manner, thereclose strip 140 is positioned along a longitudinal axis on the outer surface of the formed tube 120A. - Referring now to
FIGS. 10 and 11 , an embodiment of thesupply mechanism 200 depicted inFIG. 9 is shown that includes an apparatus for applying a length ofreclose strip 140 to the sheet of packaging material orfilm 120 being supplied to the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100. Thesupply mechanism 200 includes a mechanism for unrolling a sheet ofpackaging material 120 from asupply spool 220 so as to direct a continuous sheet towards the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100. - For example, in accordance with the conventional art, the
supply mechanism 200 may comprise ahorizontal spindle 210 and a series ofrollers supply spool 220 is placed on thespindle 210 and a sheet ofpackaging material 120 is unrolled and fed through the series ofrollers rollers packaging material 120 directed to the towards the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100. For example,roller 214 might be a powered roller which advances the sheet ofpackaging material 120 off thesupply spool 220 whilerollers 212 might be idler rollers, which support, smooth or direct the sheet ofpackaging material 120 during its course of travel through thesupply mechanism 200 and control the tension imparted to the sheet ofpackaging material 120 as it is directed towards the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100. In another embodiment, both thespindle 210 androller 214 might be a powered rollers which advance the sheet ofpackaging material 120 off thesupple spool 220 in a synchronized manner. - Of particular note, the
supply mechanism 200 of the present invention also includes an apparatus for applying a length ofreclose strip 140 to the sheet of packaging material orfilm 120. As shown in the Figures, the apparatus includes aspool arbor 204 onto which aspool 240 ofreclose strip 140 is attached, and a pivotingarm assembly 230, which directs and applies thereclose strip 140 onto the sheet ofpackaging material 120. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, thespool arbor 204 and pivotingarm assembly 230 are positioned and supported by asupport bracket 202, which is integrally attached to thesupply mechanism 200. - The pivoting
arm assembly 230 comprises apivot arm 232 pivotally attached to thesupport bracket 202 by apivot pin 234. Thepivot arm 232 is free to rotate about thepivot pin 234 in the directions shown by the arrows inFIG. 10 . The pivotingarm assembly 230 further includes anaccessory plate 232 a attached to thepivot arm 232 and anapplication roller 236 located at the distal end of thepivot arm 232. Theaccessory plate 232 a includes aroller guide mechanism 250, astrip bar guide 256, anextension bar 254, and aweight assembly 238 attached thereon. - In accordance with the present invention, a length of
reclose strip 140 is played out fromspool 240 and applied, by means of the pivotingarm assembly 230, to the outer peripheral surface of the sheet ofpackaging material 120 being advanced from thesupply spool 220 as described previously. The length ofreclose strip 140 fromspool 240 is threaded through aroller guide mechanism 250 and abar guide 256 extending fromaccessory plate 232 a, so as to position align, and apply the length ofreclose strip 140 to the sheet ofpackaging material 120 being advanced from thesupply spool 220. Theapplication roller 236 located at the distal end of thepivot arm 232 further presses the length ofreclose strip 140 onto the sheet ofpackaging material 120 ensuring a good bonding between thereclose strip 140 and thepackaging material 120. Aweight assembly 238 may be attached toaccessory plate 232 a to increase the force applied by theapplication roller 236 upon thereclose strip 140 and the sheet ofpackaging material 120 as well as stabilize the entirepivoting arm assembly 230. - While the
spool 240 ofreclose strip 140 utilized in the present invention could theoretically be a single wound spool, as shown in the Figures and particularly inFIG. 12 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes aspool 240 comprised of layer of multiple windings ofreclose strip 140 arranged generally adjacent to one another as illustrated. As the length ofreclose strip 140 is unwound from thespool 240, it oscillates back and forth across the width of the spool as illustrated in phantom and by the arrows. - In order to smoothly accommodate the gentle oscillation of the unwinding reclose
strip 140, theroller guide mechanism 250 is fitted with aguide frame 252, which is pivotally attached to the anstationary extension bar 254, extending from theaccessory plate 232 a, which in turn is attached to thepivot arm 232. Theroller guide mechanism 250 may comprise a cylinder having flange elements on the outer edges that channel the lateral edges of the length ofreclose strip 140. Thus, theroller guide mechanism 250 is automatically aligned with the relative angle of the length ofreclose strip 140 unwinding from thespool 240 thereby smoothly guiding the length ofreclose strip 140 along to thebar guide 256, which aligns the length ofreclose strip 140 with the sheet ofpackaging material 120. - As shown particularly in
FIGS. 10 and 12 , the pivotingarm assembly 230 may be quickly modified to change the placement of the length ofreclose strip 140 on the sheet ofpackaging material 120. For example, thestationary extension bar 254 can be lengthened or shortened, thereby adjusting the lateral placement of the length ofreclose strip 140 on the sheet ofpackaging material 120. - Once attached to the sheet of
packaging material 120, the length ofreclose strip 140 is, thereafter, continually and automatically unwound fromspool 240 and applied to the sheet ofpackaging material 120 by the periodic advance of the sheet ofpackaging material 120 from thesupply spool 220 of thesupply mechanism 200 as described previously. Thus, as shown in the Figures, the length ofreclose strip 140 is attached to the underside of the sheet ofpackaging material 120 such that when the sheet ofpackaging material 120 is supplied by thesupply mechanism 200 of the present invention to the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100 and formed into a tubular shape in the conventional manner, thereclose strip 140 is positioned along a longitudinal axis on the outer surface of the formed tube 120A. - With reference once again to
FIG. 9 , the tubular shapedpackaging film 120 is driven downward by an advancing mechanism (e.g., friction againstrotating belts 93, 94), whereupon aheat seal bar 95 reciprocates into contact with the tubular shapedpackaging film 120 imparting avertical back seal 130 and forming a tube 120A. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 9 , the reciprocatingheat seal bar 95 reciprocates consecutively with the advancing means. That is to say, the advancing means advances a specific length of the tubular shapedpackaging film 120 and stops; whereupon the backheat seal bar 95 reciprocates imparting avertical back seal 130. Thus, as the formed tube 120A is advanced down the forming/fill tube 91, the length ofreclose strip 140 attached to the exterior of the formed tube 120A is also advanced. - Also shown in
FIG. 9 are a pair of priorart sealing jaws 108 illustrated in elevation. Not shown inFIG. 9 is the sealing jaw carriage on whichsuch sealing jaws 108 would be mounted below the forming/fill tube 91. - At the bottom of the forming/
fill tube 91, a crease-forming mechanism, as previously described, comprised of two formingplates 104, a fixed orstationary tucker mechanism 106, and atension bar 102, is installed which modifies the standard vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100 so as to produce a stand-up packages. As with previous embodiments, the formingplates 104 can swing towards each other by rotating about ahinge 105. This arrangement allows for the formingplates 104 to rotate towards one another and avoid ripping of thepackaging film 120 when transverse seals are being formed below the formingplates 104 by thetransverse seal jaws 108 as shown inFIG. 9 . - As in previously described embodiments, the two forming
plates 104 and thetension bar 102 are used to hold the formed tube 120A in tension from inside of the tube 120A. Tension is applied on the exterior surface of the formed tube 120A and in the opposite direction of the tension provided by the formingplates 104 by thetucker mechanism 106, alternatively referred to herein as atucker bar 106, positioned between said formingplates 104. Thetucker bar 106 is preferably attached to the sealing carriage for the vertical form, fill, andseal machine 100 and is adjustable along all three axes (in/out, up/down, and front/back). - Alternatively, the tucker bar 106 can be attached to the frame of the vertical form, fill, and
seal machine 100 or any other point that can supports its function outside the film tube 120A. These adjustments in all three axes allow for the tucker bar 106 to be easily moved out of the way to convert the vertical form and fillmachine 100 back to standard operation and is accomplished, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 9 , by atension screw 162 that can lock thetucker bar 106 in place when tightened. While thetucker bar 106 is adjustable, unlike in the prior art, it is fixed or stationary during operation. - When moved forward into position (i.e., toward the forming plates 104), the
tucker bar 106 provides a crease or fold in the tube of the packaging film between the two formingplates 104. This crease is formed prior to formation of the transverse seal by theseal jaws 108. Consequently, once the transverse seal is formed, the crease becomes an integral feature of one side of the package. - As with previous described embodiments of the invention, the forming/
fill tube 91 illustrated inFIG. 9 may also incorporate a diverter plate mechanism, like the one previously described and shown inFIG. 6 , to keep product away from the vertical gusset areas. - The vertical form, fill, and
seal machine 100 of the present invention shown inFIG. 9 , thereafter operates basically as previously described in the prior art, with the sealingjaws 108 forming a lower transverse seal, product being introduced through the forming/fill tube 91 into the sealed tube 120A of packaging film (which now has a crease on one side and a length of reclose strip attached), and the upper transverse seal being formed, thereby completing the package. - This seal is subsequently cut horizontally across the traverse such that a top transverse seal is formed at the top of the filled bag below and a bottom transverse seal is formed on the tube of packaging film above. As previously describe, the packaging film during the prior art operation is typically oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal translation of the film so as to be readable by an operator of the machine as the film travels down the forming
tube 91. Thus, as shown inFIG. 3 a, this orientation providesgraphics 39 on the formed prior art bag that are readable by a consumer when the formed bag is placed on a retail display shelf while resting on its bottomtransverse seal 33. Conversely, in accordance with the present invention, the orientation of the graphics on the film packaging is 90° off of the typical prior art orientation, such that the graphics appear sideways as viewed by the operator of the vertical form, fill, and seal machine as the film is pulled down the formingtube 91 ofFIG. 9 . - An example of the resulting formed package of the instant invention is shown in
FIGS. 13 a-13 c, which show the outside layer of thepackaging film 116 with thegraphics 179 oriented as previously described. As can be seen fromFIGS. 13 a and 13 b, the construction of the invention's vertical stand-up pouch shares characteristics with the prior art vertical flex bags shown inFIG. 3 a. However, thetransverse seals vertical back seal 130 is oriented horizontally once the bag stands up on one end, as shown inFIG. 13 b.FIG. 13 a shows thecrease 176 that is formed by thetucker bar 106 and formingplates 104 and a segment length ofreclose strip 140 positioned and applied on the package exterior as previously discussed in relation toFIGS. 9-12 . - The
reclose strip 140 used in the present invention may be of any conventional construction. For example, as shown inFIG. 13 d, in one embodiment thereclose strip 140 may comprise a composite of several layers of material applied to the exterior surface of the package constructed of the sheet of packaging material orfilm 120. An adhesive 148 bonds a layer oftape 146 to thepackaging material 120. On the side of the tape remote from thepackaging material 120 is asecond adhesive 144 which has a bonding strength of less than thefirst adhesive 148. The reason for this is simple. It is desired that thereclose strip 140 remain bonded to the external surface of thepackaging material 120. Therefore, the bonding strength of the adhesive 148 must be greater than that of 144. Otherwise, thereclose strip 140 would peel off of the package when it adhered to a second surface. Because the adhesive 144 is of less peel strength than the adhesive 148, apeel strip 142 is bonded to the adhesive 144 and serves the purpose of preventing premature bonding of thereclose strip 140 to undesired surfaces. - In typical use, the resulting vertical stand-up pouch or package having an integrated reclose strip shown in
FIGS. 13 a and 13 b is opened by cutting or tearing thetop portion 118 of the package to provide an opening allowing the user to retrieve the contents of the package or a part thereof. Oftentimes, not all the contents of a package is consumed at one time and thus the desire to close and reseal the package is achieved where the package is manufactured according to the above discussed procedure. As shown inFIG. 13 d, the package may be opened to remove part of the contents and resealed to prevent moisture from causing premature deterioration of the contents; thepeel strip 142 has been stripped away from the adhesive 144 and two or more folds are made in thetop portion 118 of the package in a direction toward thereclose strip 140. The folded portion of the package which previously represented the side of the package away from thereclose strip 140 is adhered to thereclose strip 140 and thereby the package may be returned to a storage compartment for subsequent retrieval and consumption. - While the
reclose strip 140 is functional anyplace on the package, it is desirable that thereclose strip 140 be applied on the upper half of the resulting package and preferably a position about one-third of the way down from thetop portion 118 of the resulting package. Placing thereclose strip 140 on the lower half of the bag could cause the user to crush the contents remaining in the bag when it is resealed. However, the exact location of thereclose strip 140 depends upon the goods being packaged. - Thus, as shown by comparing
FIGS. 3 a-3 c withFIGS. 13 a-13 c, the major differences between a prior art package and this embodiment of Applicants' package are that acrease 176 is formed on one side (which later becomes the bottom of the formed package) using the fixed mechanism described, that a length ofreclose strip 140 is attached to the exterior of the formed package using the apparatus incorporated into thesupply mechanism 200 described, and that the graphics on the packaging film used by the invention are oriented such that when the formed package is stood onto its end with the creased end generally at the bottom, the graphics are readable by a consumer and the integrated reclose strip is oriented generally parallel to the top of the package. - As noted previously, the added ability to attach the length of
reclose strip 140 to a package available on Applicants' invention, is not available using current vertical form, fill, and seal machine technology. This is due, in part, to the orientation of the film graphics used on the packaging film of the present invention. Since the graphics are oriented 90° from the prior art, a length ofreclose strip 140 can be run longitudinally along the forming tube adjacent with the packaging film as it is being formed into a tube and subsequent package. This is not possible with the prior art, because such orientation of a vertical length of reclose strip would place such a strip in a vertical orientation once the package is formed and stood up for display - The invention is further an improvement over methods for manufacturing prior art flat bottom bags. Since the tucker mechanism of Applicants' invention is stationary during bag formation, the present invention eliminates the need for moving parts that push against the film tube for the formation of a gusset. This elimination of moving parts allows for increased bag production rates, significantly lower changeover times to pillow pouch production, and significantly fewer maintenance issues.
- While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (17)
1. A flexible reclosable stand-up package formed on a form, fill, and seal packaging machine from a continuous sheet of packaging film, said package comprising after formation:
a package body having a top end, a bottom end, a front wall, and a back wall disposed between two vertical edge seals, said walls formed from a segment of said sheet of packaging film and having a longitudinal formation axis extending between said vertical edge seals, said bottom end having a crease formed in the packaging material, said film joined to itself at said vertical edge seals and at a back seal extending along said back wall between said vertical seals, said top end, bottom end, crease and back seal being generally parallel with said longitudinal formation axis; and a reclose strip attached to an exterior surface of said back wall and extending between said vertical edge seals, said strip being generally parallel with said longitudinal formation axis and spaced from said top end a distance sufficiently great as to allow the package to be manually folded in a direction from the top toward the strip before the fold engages the strip.
2. The flexible reclosable stand-up package of claim 1 , wherein said sheet of packaging film includes a graphics layer which is oriented for viewing by a consumer when said package is stood on its bottom end.
3. The flexible reclosable stand-up package of claim 1 , wherein said reclose strip comprises a two-sided length of tape with a first side bonded to said exterior surface of said back wall by a first pressure sensitive adhesive of some strength and a second side of said tape being coated with a second pressure sensitive adhesive having a strength less than the strength of the first adhesive and having the characteristics of bonding to both the tape and the exterior surface of the package and in tension, releasing the package material before releasing the tape such that the second adhesive will remain on the tape when the surface of the package material separates from the second adhesive.
4. The flexible reclosable stand-up package of claim 3 , wherein said reclose strip further comprises a peel strip attached to and covering the second adhesive, the second adhesive having the characteristic when in tension of releasing the peel strip prior to releasing the tape.
5-8. (canceled)
9. A vertical flexible reclosable stand-up package formed by a method comprising the steps of:
a) advancing a continuous sheet of packaging film towards said vertical form, fill, and seal machine, wherein said packaging film has lettering oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel of said film;
b) attaching a length of reclose strip to a surface of said advancing sheet of packaging film along the longitudinal axis of said sheet of packaging film, said reclose strip having an adhesive layer facing away from said surface;
c) feeding said packaging film into said vertical form, fill, and seal machine;
d) forming said packaging film into a tube on said vertical form, fill, and seal machine and forming a longitudinal seal, wherein said surface of packaging film having said reclose strip attached thereto is situated on the exterior of said tube;
e) forming a vertical crease in said tube of packaging film prior to sealing said tube traversely;
f) forming a first traverse seal on said tube, said first traverse seal sealing all layers of said tube together, wherein said first traverse seal includes a portion of said vertical crease;
g) dropping a product into the partially formed package created by steps a) through f);
h) forming a second traverse seal on said tube, said second traverse seal sealing all layers of said tube together, wherein said second traverse seal includes a portion of said vertical crease; and
i) severing said package from said tube at said second traverse seal;
wherein said vertical crease is heat-sealed only at said first and second traverse seals.
10. A vertical form, fill, and seal machine for making a flexible stand-up package having a reclose strip incorporated therein, comprising:
a) a mechanism for supplying and advancing a continuous sheet of packaging film towards said vertical form, fill, and seal machine, wherein said packaging film has graphics oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel of said film;
b) an apparatus for attaching a length of reclose strip to a surface of said advancing sheet of packaging film along a longitudinal axis of said sheet of packaging film;
c) a former section for receiving and forming said sheet of packaging film into a tubular shape about a forming/fill tube such that said surface to which the reclose strip is attached is on the exterior of said tubular shape, said forming/fill tube having an entrance portion above said former section and an exit portion below said former section;
d) a heat seal mechanism for forming a back seal on said tubular shape thereby creating a film tube;
e) an apparatus for imparting a crease in said film tube; and
f) a pair of heat sealing jaws for imparting a traverse seal on said film tube, wherein said sealing jaws include a cutting mechanism for severing said package from said tube.
11. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 10 , wherein said attaching apparatus is integral to said supplying and advancing mechanism.
12. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 10 , wherein said length of reclose strip comprises a composite structure which includes a two-sided tape having a first side coated with a first pressure sensitive adhesive of some strength and a second side being coated with a second pressure sensitive adhesive and covered by a peel strip, said first pressure sensitive adhesive having a bonding strength greater than that of said second pressure sensitive adhesive, said second adhesive having the characteristic when in tension, of releasing the peel strip prior to releasing the tape.
13. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 12 , wherein said second pressure sensitive adhesive has the characteristics of bonding to both the tape and the surface of said sheet of packaging film and in tension, and releasing the packaging film before releasing the tape such that the second adhesive will remain on the tape when the surface of the packaging film separates from the second adhesive.
14. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 10 , wherein said attachment apparatus comprises a mechanism for feeding said length of reclose strip adjacent to said surface of said sheet of packaging film as it is advancing, and for positioning and adhering said length of reclose strip to said surface.
15. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 14 , wherein said attachment apparatus comprises a pivoting arm assembly which includes a roller guide mechanism which receives the length of reclose strip from a supply spool and directs it to a stationary bar guide assembly, said bar guide assembly positioning said length of reclose strip a lateral distance across the traverse of said advancing sheet of packaging film and an application roller for bringing said length of reclose strip into contact with said sheet of packaging film.
16. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 15 , wherein said pivoting arm assembly further includes a weight assembly.
17. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 15 , wherein said roller guide mechanism is pivotally attached to said pivoting arm assembly.
18. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 15 , wherein said bar guide assembly may be adjusted to increase or decrease the lateral distance said length of reclose strip is positioned across the traverse of said advancing sheet of packaging material.
19. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 10 , wherein said crease imparting apparatus comprises two forming plates attached to and extending below said forming/fill tube, at least one tension bar attached to and extending below said forming tube at a location approximately opposite from said forming plates; and at least one stationary tucker bar positioned between said forming plates.
20. The vertical form, fill, and seal machine of claim 19 , wherein said crease imparting apparatus further comprises a mechanism for blowing a pressurized gas against said packaging film, wherein said gas is blown against the exterior surface of said tube of packaging film at a point between said forming plates, wherein said mechanism for blowing a pressurized gas comprises gas ports in said tucker bar in communication with a pressurized gas source.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/358,522 US20060140514A1 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/100,370 US6722106B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2002-03-18 | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US10/696,982 US7032362B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2003-10-30 | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip |
US11/358,522 US20060140514A1 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/696,982 Division US7032362B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2003-10-30 | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060140514A1 true US20060140514A1 (en) | 2006-06-29 |
Family
ID=28039796
Family Applications (7)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/100,370 Expired - Lifetime US6722106B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2002-03-18 | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US10/124,669 Expired - Lifetime US6729109B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2002-04-17 | Method and apparatus for making flat bottom bags |
US10/696,982 Expired - Fee Related US7032362B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2003-10-30 | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip |
US10/721,953 Expired - Fee Related US6935086B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2003-11-25 | Double-bag package and perforation knife |
US10/778,839 Abandoned US20040161174A1 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2004-02-13 | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US10/778,555 Expired - Lifetime US6886313B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2004-02-13 | Method and apparatus for making flat bottom bags |
US11/358,522 Abandoned US20060140514A1 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2006-02-21 | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip |
Family Applications Before (6)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/100,370 Expired - Lifetime US6722106B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2002-03-18 | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US10/124,669 Expired - Lifetime US6729109B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2002-04-17 | Method and apparatus for making flat bottom bags |
US10/696,982 Expired - Fee Related US7032362B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2003-10-30 | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip |
US10/721,953 Expired - Fee Related US6935086B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2003-11-25 | Double-bag package and perforation knife |
US10/778,839 Abandoned US20040161174A1 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2004-02-13 | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US10/778,555 Expired - Lifetime US6886313B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2004-02-13 | Method and apparatus for making flat bottom bags |
Country Status (11)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (7) | US6722106B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1485295B1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP3947164B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100675446B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100391799C (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003225754B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0308073B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2476541C (en) |
ES (1) | ES2431042T3 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI247714B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003080441A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040161174A1 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-08-19 | Bartel Lawrence Joseph | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US20090194554A1 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2009-08-06 | Gary Scott Bliss | Wipes Canister |
US20090194553A1 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2009-08-06 | Rebecca Hoefing | Wipes Canister |
US20100072205A1 (en) * | 2006-08-24 | 2010-03-25 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Diaphragm |
US8132395B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2012-03-13 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Variable tension gusseting system |
EP2520424A1 (en) | 2011-05-06 | 2012-11-07 | Constantia Hueck Folien GmbH & Co. KG | Packaging compound film and packaging |
US9499307B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2016-11-22 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US9505525B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2016-11-29 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US9540145B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2017-01-10 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US10239644B2 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2019-03-26 | Kellogg Company | Flat-bottom stand-up bag, vertical form, fill, and seal system and methodology for utilizing the same |
US10532856B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2020-01-14 | Bemis Company, Inc. | Self-closing manually re-openable package |
WO2021106927A1 (en) * | 2019-11-26 | 2021-06-03 | 大倉工業株式会社 | Inner pouch for cylindrical container and composite container using same |
Families Citing this family (74)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7516596B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2009-04-14 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Bandolier format packaging |
US7299608B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2007-11-27 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Quick change module with adjustable former attachments |
US6860084B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2005-03-01 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch with zipper seal quick change module |
US7770355B2 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2010-08-10 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Medicine feeding device |
US7166671B2 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2007-01-23 | Cellresin Technologies, Llc | Grafted cyclodextrin |
US7385004B2 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2008-06-10 | Cellresin Technologies, Llc | Enhanced lubrication in polyolefin closure with polyolefin grafted cyclodextrin |
US8129450B2 (en) | 2002-12-10 | 2012-03-06 | Cellresin Technologies, Llc | Articles having a polymer grafted cyclodextrin |
EP1508519A1 (en) * | 2003-08-20 | 2005-02-23 | Mars Incorporated | Method and device for packaging products and array of packaged products |
US7191575B2 (en) * | 2004-04-27 | 2007-03-20 | Cmd Corporation | Vertical pouch machine |
GB2414011B (en) * | 2004-05-11 | 2007-05-23 | United Biscuits Ltd | Improvements in or relating to packages for multiple food items |
ATE480592T1 (en) | 2004-05-24 | 2010-09-15 | Cellresin Tech Llc | AMPHOTERE GRAFTED BARRIER MATERIALS |
US7717620B2 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2010-05-18 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Flexible packaging structure with a built-in opening and reclose feature, and method for making same |
US7908826B2 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2011-03-22 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Method and apparatus for providing end seals on vertical stand-up packages |
US7275354B2 (en) * | 2005-01-05 | 2007-10-02 | Cmd Corporation | Vertical form, fill and seal packaging system |
US7178313B2 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2007-02-20 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Method for making a package having at least two items |
US7458195B2 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2008-12-02 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Method for making a multi-compartment microwavable package having a permeable wall between compartments |
ES2284307B1 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2008-09-16 | Giro Gh, S.A. | DEVICE TO VARY THE STORAGE CAPACITY OF A TUBULAR MESH BAG. |
US20060251342A1 (en) * | 2005-05-04 | 2006-11-09 | Forman Josephine A | Reclosable packages |
US7305805B2 (en) * | 2005-09-22 | 2007-12-11 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Method for making a flexible reclosable package |
US20070104905A1 (en) * | 2005-11-08 | 2007-05-10 | Floyd Thomas M Jr | Reinforced bags |
US20070128386A1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2007-06-07 | Knoerzer Anthony R | Laminate structure for sealing channel leakers |
DE102005062609A1 (en) * | 2005-12-23 | 2007-07-05 | Lachenmeier A/S | Method for packing articles e.g. palleted stack of goods with a film hood, involves folding flat hose in v-shape, after final removal from supply and before closing outer sides |
US20070248292A1 (en) * | 2006-04-25 | 2007-10-25 | Tim Wolf | Snack bag |
US20080063322A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2008-03-13 | Hsiehyueh Wang Liang | Easy open re-closable packaging bag |
US20080113070A1 (en) * | 2006-11-15 | 2008-05-15 | Mansour Nagi A | Fresh ready onion and spice mix |
US20080154221A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | Kelly Thornton | Package to accommodate feminine hygiene article |
EP1967465A1 (en) | 2007-03-05 | 2008-09-10 | Mars Incorporated | Packaged products and array or bandoleer of packaged products |
US7726098B2 (en) * | 2007-05-01 | 2010-06-01 | Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc | Method for manufacturing an ingredient package |
US20080274239A1 (en) * | 2007-05-01 | 2008-11-06 | Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. | Ingredient Package and Method |
WO2008146160A2 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-04 | Philips Morris Products S.A. | Product in seal deflection device |
US8517609B2 (en) * | 2007-07-19 | 2013-08-27 | Christopher W. Conner | Resizable food container |
US8066137B2 (en) | 2007-08-08 | 2011-11-29 | Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. | Flexible, stackable container including a lid and package body folded from a single sheet of film |
US8231024B2 (en) | 2007-08-08 | 2012-07-31 | Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. | Flexible, stackable container and method and system for manufacturing same |
US20120088009A1 (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2012-04-12 | Mullin Keith | Saleable cognitive performance snack food items and methods of preparing, packaging and using same |
US20090161995A1 (en) * | 2007-12-21 | 2009-06-25 | Eric Henderson | Flexible film plate-mat bag |
US7681732B2 (en) * | 2008-01-11 | 2010-03-23 | Cryovac, Inc. | Laminated lidstock |
US9296171B2 (en) * | 2008-03-11 | 2016-03-29 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Method for making a flat bottom pillow pouch |
JP5133777B2 (en) * | 2008-05-23 | 2013-01-30 | 株式会社イシダ | Packaging machine |
EP2376338A4 (en) | 2008-11-06 | 2012-12-26 | Clear Lam Packaging Inc | Flexible, stackable container and method and system for manufacturing same |
US20110083810A1 (en) * | 2009-10-13 | 2011-04-14 | David Lin | Container Sealing Machine for Food Packaging |
US8388886B2 (en) | 2010-06-10 | 2013-03-05 | Smart Bottle, Inc. | Blow-molded plastic bottle and method of manufacture |
NZ587481A (en) * | 2010-10-28 | 2011-08-26 | Technopak Ltd | Heat sealing of bag passing through a product security means such as OVD |
DE102011003875A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2012-08-09 | Wacker Chemie Ag | Method and device for dosing and packaging polysilicon fragments as well as dosing and packaging unit |
US8709558B2 (en) | 2011-06-14 | 2014-04-29 | Cryovac, Inc. | Sterilizable film for aseptic packaging |
AU2013302308B2 (en) * | 2012-08-15 | 2015-05-14 | Paper Australia Pty Ltd | Envelope manufacturing process |
US20150274393A1 (en) | 2012-10-08 | 2015-10-01 | Amcor Flexibles | Reclosable Flowpack |
EP2716566A1 (en) | 2012-10-08 | 2014-04-09 | Amcor Flexibles | Reclosable flowpack |
US10207850B2 (en) | 2012-10-26 | 2019-02-19 | Primapak, Llc. | Flexible package and method of making same |
AU2013334078B2 (en) | 2012-10-26 | 2018-02-22 | Primapak, Llc | Flexible package and method of making the same |
US9955715B1 (en) | 2013-06-12 | 2018-05-01 | Biosilo Foods, Inc | Manufacture of vegetable-based cluster-type snack-food product with low sugar binder |
WO2014204465A1 (en) * | 2013-06-20 | 2014-12-24 | Bemis Performance Packaging, Inc. | A self-forming container |
CN103568365B (en) * | 2013-11-20 | 2016-03-09 | 无锡鼎茂机械制造有限公司 | Self stand bag inserts end building mortion |
NL2012647B1 (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2016-07-18 | Otium Packaging Tech B V | Multi-compartment bag. |
EP3145819B1 (en) | 2014-05-19 | 2020-12-02 | Primapak, LLC | Apparatus and method for making a flexible package |
US20160075098A1 (en) * | 2014-09-15 | 2016-03-17 | Eric Anthony Link | Bag folding machine |
CN104260951B (en) * | 2014-09-16 | 2016-04-13 | 西安建筑科技大学 | A kind of sample collects encapsulation code device and method automatically |
KR101510157B1 (en) * | 2014-09-22 | 2015-04-14 | 한수연 | packaging bag |
US20160304230A1 (en) * | 2014-10-15 | 2016-10-20 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Method and Apparatus for Producing Perforated Strings of Separable Packages |
CA2919466C (en) | 2015-02-10 | 2023-06-27 | Nova Chemicals Corporation | Stand up pouch |
KR101663419B1 (en) * | 2015-04-14 | 2016-10-07 | 이영석 | Apparatus of making zip plastic bag having bottom space |
CA2998754A1 (en) | 2015-09-18 | 2017-03-23 | Primapak, Llc | Apparatus and method for making a flexible package |
WO2017146698A1 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2017-08-31 | Bemis Company, Inc. | Multilayer pouch with heat-shrinkable layer |
WO2018042299A1 (en) | 2016-09-01 | 2018-03-08 | Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. | Recyclable package made from co-extruded film structure |
US10155615B2 (en) | 2016-09-26 | 2018-12-18 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Seal bar and process for using same |
US10173821B2 (en) | 2016-09-26 | 2019-01-08 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | Flexible fitment for flexible container |
CN110198832B (en) | 2017-02-21 | 2021-07-09 | 宝洁公司 | Method for making an open-celled flexible container |
CN110225865B (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2021-12-31 | 宝洁公司 | Method of making a flexible container having a structural support frame |
US20180297725A1 (en) * | 2017-03-24 | 2018-10-18 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Methods of opening flexible containers |
BR112020018241A2 (en) | 2018-03-08 | 2020-12-29 | Nova Chemicals (International) S.A. | FILMS IN MULTIPLE LAYERS AND SEALED PACKAGES MADE OF THESE FILMS |
US11338975B2 (en) | 2018-05-16 | 2022-05-24 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Container blanks for flexible packages and methods of making flexible packages |
DE102018124586A1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2020-04-09 | DIENES WERKE FüR MASCHINENTEILE GMBH & CO. KG | Tubular bag machine and bag pack made with it |
CN113830378B (en) * | 2021-06-12 | 2023-04-25 | 张志坚 | Packaging machine, packaging bag bottom shaping mechanism and packaging bag bottom shaping process |
CN113998193B (en) * | 2021-10-29 | 2022-11-22 | 黄山至德新材料科技有限公司 | Roll up membrane cutting and sealing device suitable for thermal contraction film |
WO2023196708A1 (en) | 2022-04-04 | 2023-10-12 | Csp Technologies, Inc. | Package configured to hold, preserve, and/or extend the useful life or perishable product, and method of making and using same |
Citations (90)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US729608A (en) * | 1903-03-21 | 1903-06-02 | Edward A Kuntz | Carpenter's scaffolding. |
US2194451A (en) * | 1936-03-20 | 1940-03-19 | Owens Illinois Glass Co | Package for coffee or the like |
US2248471A (en) * | 1938-05-25 | 1941-07-08 | Pad Y Wax Company Inc | Packaging method and machine |
US2260064A (en) * | 1939-08-16 | 1941-10-21 | Stokes & Smith Co | Method of making containers |
US2385897A (en) * | 1942-09-04 | 1945-10-02 | Harry F Waters | Continuous filling and packaging machine |
US2718105A (en) * | 1948-12-31 | 1955-09-20 | Jl Ferguson Co | Bag-like containers of flexible strip material, process of making same, process of filling same, and apparatus for accomplishing these purposes |
US2836291A (en) * | 1956-08-13 | 1958-05-27 | Pad Y Wax Company Inc | Edible strip package and method of making same |
US2925695A (en) * | 1957-07-24 | 1960-02-23 | George H Fry | Bag handling machines |
US2925699A (en) * | 1955-04-18 | 1960-02-23 | Ozor Louis | Device for intucking the mouths of paper bags |
US2978853A (en) * | 1959-01-23 | 1961-04-11 | Lipton Inc Thomas J | Apparatus for producing multipocket packages |
US3149771A (en) * | 1962-10-09 | 1964-09-22 | Equitable Paper Bag Co | Air sickness bag |
US3173601A (en) * | 1962-08-23 | 1965-03-16 | Nat Distillers Chem Corp | Dispensing sheet material in predetermined lengths |
US3199756A (en) * | 1963-04-09 | 1965-08-10 | Coroga Company | Package chain assembly and conveying means |
US3309834A (en) * | 1963-10-04 | 1967-03-21 | Brown Co | Dispensing carton suitable for plastic bags and the like |
US3337117A (en) * | 1964-04-17 | 1967-08-22 | Lehmacher Michael | Beverage package |
US3372787A (en) * | 1966-12-22 | 1968-03-12 | Apsco Products | Tape embossing apparatus with tape visible proximate the embossing means |
US3382644A (en) * | 1963-12-30 | 1968-05-14 | Clarence W. Vogt | Apparatus for and method of continuously forming and filling bags |
US3385024A (en) * | 1965-05-10 | 1968-05-28 | Continental Can Co | Method of forming a multiple-unit package |
US3397505A (en) * | 1965-03-15 | 1968-08-20 | Eastman Kodak Co | Packaging machine |
US3508374A (en) * | 1966-11-26 | 1970-04-28 | Centra Anstalt | Method for manufacturing bags of thermoplastic material and bag obtained thereby |
US3537636A (en) * | 1968-02-14 | 1970-11-03 | Robert D Rochette | Reclosable package |
US3647060A (en) * | 1969-03-25 | 1972-03-07 | Mobil Oil Corp | Roll double-pocketed bag structures |
US3659775A (en) * | 1970-04-17 | 1972-05-02 | Dixico Inc | Upstanding pouch of flexible material |
US3719021A (en) * | 1971-02-11 | 1973-03-06 | New Jersey Machine Corp | Packaging machine |
US3741778A (en) * | 1971-03-09 | 1973-06-26 | Nabisco Inc | Package with self-contained handle for storing and heating food and method of forming same |
US3785636A (en) * | 1971-09-20 | 1974-01-15 | Ethyl Corp | Bag folding apparatus |
US3785112A (en) * | 1971-09-21 | 1974-01-15 | Mira Pak Inc | Method and apparatus for forming shaped package |
US3935993A (en) * | 1973-01-26 | 1976-02-03 | Leon Doyen | Free-standing container |
US3980225A (en) * | 1974-12-25 | 1976-09-14 | Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha | Self-standing bag |
US4079662A (en) * | 1976-11-30 | 1978-03-21 | Triangle Package Machinery Company | Bag making machine |
US4194438A (en) * | 1976-12-21 | 1980-03-25 | Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh & Co. Kg. | Flexible tube bagging machine |
US4328895A (en) * | 1977-05-13 | 1982-05-11 | Klara Jaeger | Disposable ash container |
US4584201A (en) * | 1984-02-17 | 1986-04-22 | Borden, Inc. | Resealable package, method of making and use |
US4597103A (en) * | 1985-05-24 | 1986-06-24 | Sonoco Products Company | Bag construction with improved gussets |
US4604854A (en) * | 1983-12-05 | 1986-08-12 | Golden Valley Foods Inc | Machine for forming, filling and sealing bags |
US4604852A (en) * | 1983-03-05 | 1986-08-12 | Overbeck Gmbh & Co. | Process and apparatus for producing consecutive packages for drinking straws or the like |
US4697403A (en) * | 1986-01-16 | 1987-10-06 | Usm Corporation | Bag spreaders |
US4894975A (en) * | 1988-03-09 | 1990-01-23 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method and apparatus for making reclosable bags with fastener strips in a form fill and seal machine |
US4913561A (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1990-04-03 | Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. | Gussetted flexible package with presealed portions and method of making the same |
US4925438A (en) * | 1987-08-05 | 1990-05-15 | Stiegler Gmbh Maschinenfabrik | Bags made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin sheeting and process for the production of said bags |
US4986054A (en) * | 1989-07-17 | 1991-01-22 | Zip-Pak Incorporated | Fill tube spreader |
US5030190A (en) * | 1988-08-24 | 1991-07-09 | The Dow Chemical Company | Gussetted plastic bags having relief seals and method of making same |
US5046300A (en) * | 1990-10-19 | 1991-09-10 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Method and apparatus for forming a reclosable package |
US5094657A (en) * | 1990-11-29 | 1992-03-10 | Cloud Corporation | Method and apparatus for continuously forming and sealing low density polyethylene bags at high speed |
US5127208A (en) * | 1990-10-19 | 1992-07-07 | Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. | Method and apparatus for forming a reclosable package |
US5150561A (en) * | 1989-12-15 | 1992-09-29 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for making side opening flexible bag with longitudinally oriented carrying handle secured to side panels |
US5242516A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1993-09-07 | Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. | Co-extruded profile strip containing lateral webs with adhesive subdivided into ribs |
US5246416A (en) * | 1989-09-29 | 1993-09-21 | Dowbrands L.P. | Air separation method and apparatus for pleating a plastic film web |
US5255497A (en) * | 1991-11-04 | 1993-10-26 | Triangle Package Machinery Co. | Flat sided forming tube for a form-fill-seal machine |
US5322579A (en) * | 1993-03-30 | 1994-06-21 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Method of forming side seams for zippered bags or packages |
US5345750A (en) * | 1992-02-06 | 1994-09-13 | Pvt Piepenbrock Verpackungstechnik Gmbh | Apparatus for supplying and sealing flat articles |
US5398486A (en) * | 1992-06-06 | 1995-03-21 | Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh | Tubular bagging machine for the continuous manufacture of bags having folded sides |
US5400565A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1995-03-28 | Pacmac, Inc. | Vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine for making recloseable product filled bags |
USRE34905E (en) * | 1986-12-22 | 1995-04-18 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method and apparatus for making reclosable bags in a form, fill and seal machine |
US5412924A (en) * | 1994-04-11 | 1995-05-09 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method of making reclosable plastic bags on a form, fill and seal machine |
US5425215A (en) * | 1993-04-16 | 1995-06-20 | Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation | Apparatus for packaging loose leaf material |
US5425216A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1995-06-20 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method of making reclosable plastic bags on a form, fill and seal machine with open zipper profiles |
US5505037A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1996-04-09 | Pacmac, Inc. | Vertical form, fill and seal machine for making recloseable bags |
US5540032A (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 1996-07-30 | Elpack Packaging Systems, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for attaching headers to plastic bags |
US5551208A (en) * | 1995-05-31 | 1996-09-03 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method for applying zipper to film at tube on a form-fill-and-seal |
US5561966A (en) * | 1988-09-06 | 1996-10-08 | Kcl Corporation | Apparatus and method for manufacturing flexible reclosable containers |
US5564259A (en) * | 1992-05-22 | 1996-10-15 | Kcl Corporation | Method and apparatus for resealable closure addition to form, fill and seal bag |
US5590783A (en) * | 1993-03-16 | 1997-01-07 | Capy; Gilbert | Device combining a disposable napkin with a fast food container, and method for continuously producing same |
US5620087A (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1997-04-15 | Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc. | Printed label structure for packaging arrangements |
US5746043A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1998-05-05 | Pacmac, Inc. | Convertible form, fill and seal packaging machine and method |
US5768852A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1998-06-23 | Pacmac, Inc. | Vertical form, fill and seal machine, components and method for making reclosable bags |
US5768969A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1998-06-23 | Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft | Perforating knife |
US5862652A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 1999-01-26 | Rovema Packaging Machines, L.P. | Tubular bagging machine with an asymmetrical forming shoulder and tubular bags with an edge-side longitudinal seam |
US5887722A (en) * | 1997-06-18 | 1999-03-30 | American Creative Packaging | Bandoleer packaging with edge heat sealed to backing |
US5916685A (en) * | 1996-07-09 | 1999-06-29 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, Sa | Transparent high barrier multilayer structure |
US5930983A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1999-08-03 | Pacmac, Inc. | Form, fill and seal packaging machine with bag squeezer and method |
US5971613A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1999-10-26 | Kapak Corp. | Bag constructions having inwardly directed side seal portions |
US6021919A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 2000-02-08 | Kelly; Kevin J. | Dispenser for sanitary gloves |
US6030652A (en) * | 1997-08-05 | 2000-02-29 | Hanus; John | Food bag featuring gusset opening, method of making the food bag, and method of using the food bag |
US6049521A (en) * | 1996-06-05 | 2000-04-11 | Sony Corporation | Optical recording medium and method for producing same |
US6134864A (en) * | 1997-03-21 | 2000-10-24 | Slidell, Inc. | Bag handling mechanism |
US6398412B2 (en) * | 2000-10-06 | 2002-06-04 | Bischof Und Klein & Co. Kg | Gusseted bag made of a flexible weldable material |
US20030009989A1 (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2003-01-16 | Knoerzer Anthony Robert | Vertical multipack |
US6526733B1 (en) * | 1999-01-14 | 2003-03-04 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Device for aligning a packing material tube with a position mark |
US6543206B2 (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 2003-04-08 | Molins Plc | Apparatus and method for formation of sealed packages |
US6560948B1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2003-05-13 | Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. | Tear-off cushions of loose fill packing material, and machine and method for making the same |
US6600999B2 (en) * | 2000-10-10 | 2003-07-29 | Sperry Rail, Inc. | Hi-rail vehicle-based rail inspection system |
US6615567B2 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2003-09-09 | Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh | Vertical tubular bagging machine |
US6679034B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-01-20 | Recot, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch quick change module |
US6722106B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-04-20 | Recot, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US6802172B1 (en) * | 2002-11-20 | 2004-10-12 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Particle aerosol belt |
US6860084B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2005-03-01 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch with zipper seal quick change module |
US7254930B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2007-08-14 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Stationary tucker bar mechanism |
US7516596B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2009-04-14 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Bandolier format packaging |
US7552574B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2009-06-30 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Variable tension gusseting system |
Family Cites Families (28)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1285835A (en) * | 1916-01-26 | 1918-11-26 | Sunderman Corp | Rotary internal-combustion engine. |
US1943937A (en) * | 1931-01-05 | 1934-01-16 | Gustafson Carl Gustaf | Rotary internal combustion engine |
US2265075A (en) * | 1939-12-06 | 1941-12-02 | Thomas M Royal & Company | Method of making bags |
US2417894A (en) * | 1943-09-23 | 1947-03-25 | Gienn J Wayland | Rotary diesel engine |
US3543467A (en) * | 1967-12-19 | 1970-12-01 | Mira Pak Inc | Method and apparatus for packaging with a movable mandrel |
FR2102442A5 (en) * | 1970-08-04 | 1972-04-07 | Prepac Sarl | |
US4061326A (en) * | 1976-01-26 | 1977-12-06 | Donald Lewis Proudman | Apparatus for folding flatwork |
WO1982000986A1 (en) * | 1980-09-20 | 1982-04-01 | Knights M | Vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine |
FR2508473A1 (en) | 1981-06-26 | 1982-12-31 | Chloe Chemie | PROCESS FOR TREATING A POLYMERIZATION REACTOR |
JPH02191159A (en) | 1989-01-19 | 1990-07-27 | Toyo Shoji:Kk | Packaging bag and manufacturing device therefor |
DE9002694U1 (en) | 1990-03-08 | 1990-05-10 | Rovema - Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh, 6301 Fernwald, De | |
AU1758892A (en) * | 1991-03-27 | 1992-11-02 | Chicago Dryer Company | Folder construction |
US5256281A (en) | 1991-06-20 | 1993-10-26 | The Lemna Corporation | Baffle system for anaerobic sewage treatment pond |
RU2107647C1 (en) | 1992-03-27 | 1998-03-27 | Капи Жильбер | Thin sheet forming bag for loose products |
JP3111299B2 (en) * | 1993-04-21 | 2000-11-20 | 株式会社生産日本社 | Chuck bag with enclosure |
JP3744948B2 (en) * | 1993-11-30 | 2006-02-15 | 株式会社川島製作所 | Vertical bag making and filling machine |
JPH07187138A (en) * | 1993-12-27 | 1995-07-25 | Ishida Co Ltd | Expanding mechanism for bag in packing apparatus |
US5561996A (en) * | 1994-08-30 | 1996-10-08 | Chang; Chao S. | Gearshift lock |
GB2298850A (en) * | 1995-03-14 | 1996-09-18 | Gainsborough Craftsmen Limited | A stand-up pack |
US5578969A (en) * | 1995-06-13 | 1996-11-26 | Kain; Aron Z. | Split dielectric resonator stabilized oscillator |
IT1280255B1 (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 1998-01-05 | Ica Spa Soc | VERTICAL FORMER TUBE PACKAGING MACHINE. |
AU716763B2 (en) * | 1997-11-20 | 2000-03-09 | Orihiro Engineering Co., Ltd. | Forming, filling and sealing machine for standing pouch |
JP2000190908A (en) * | 1998-12-25 | 2000-07-11 | Ica Spa | Packaging device provided with forming tube |
US6071011A (en) * | 1999-08-12 | 2000-06-06 | Tenneco Packaging, Inc. | Fill-through-the-top package |
JP4436517B2 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2010-03-24 | 株式会社川島製作所 | Self-standing bag making and filling and packaging equipment |
US6481183B1 (en) * | 2000-04-21 | 2002-11-19 | Cmd Corporation | Vertical form fill seal bag with recloseable seal and method of making thereof |
US6609999B2 (en) | 2001-08-21 | 2003-08-26 | Rex International Incorporated | Perforation blade for forming a burst-resistant easy-open corner in a heavy duty bag |
US7299608B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2007-11-27 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Quick change module with adjustable former attachments |
-
2002
- 2002-03-18 US US10/100,370 patent/US6722106B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-04-17 US US10/124,669 patent/US6729109B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-03-12 BR BRPI0308073-0A patent/BR0308073B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-03-12 KR KR1020047014732A patent/KR100675446B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-03-12 ES ES03745100T patent/ES2431042T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-03-12 WO PCT/US2003/007505 patent/WO2003080441A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2003-03-12 EP EP03745100.2A patent/EP1485295B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-03-12 CA CA2476541A patent/CA2476541C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-03-12 CN CNB038059886A patent/CN100391799C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-03-12 JP JP2003578222A patent/JP3947164B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-03-12 AU AU2003225754A patent/AU2003225754B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-03-13 TW TW092105731A patent/TWI247714B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-10-30 US US10/696,982 patent/US7032362B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-11-25 US US10/721,953 patent/US6935086B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-02-13 US US10/778,839 patent/US20040161174A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-02-13 US US10/778,555 patent/US6886313B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2006
- 2006-02-21 US US11/358,522 patent/US20060140514A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-02-07 JP JP2007027765A patent/JP4499116B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (99)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US729608A (en) * | 1903-03-21 | 1903-06-02 | Edward A Kuntz | Carpenter's scaffolding. |
US2194451A (en) * | 1936-03-20 | 1940-03-19 | Owens Illinois Glass Co | Package for coffee or the like |
US2248471A (en) * | 1938-05-25 | 1941-07-08 | Pad Y Wax Company Inc | Packaging method and machine |
US2260064A (en) * | 1939-08-16 | 1941-10-21 | Stokes & Smith Co | Method of making containers |
US2385897A (en) * | 1942-09-04 | 1945-10-02 | Harry F Waters | Continuous filling and packaging machine |
US2718105A (en) * | 1948-12-31 | 1955-09-20 | Jl Ferguson Co | Bag-like containers of flexible strip material, process of making same, process of filling same, and apparatus for accomplishing these purposes |
US2925699A (en) * | 1955-04-18 | 1960-02-23 | Ozor Louis | Device for intucking the mouths of paper bags |
US2836291A (en) * | 1956-08-13 | 1958-05-27 | Pad Y Wax Company Inc | Edible strip package and method of making same |
US2925695A (en) * | 1957-07-24 | 1960-02-23 | George H Fry | Bag handling machines |
US2978853A (en) * | 1959-01-23 | 1961-04-11 | Lipton Inc Thomas J | Apparatus for producing multipocket packages |
US3173601A (en) * | 1962-08-23 | 1965-03-16 | Nat Distillers Chem Corp | Dispensing sheet material in predetermined lengths |
US3149771A (en) * | 1962-10-09 | 1964-09-22 | Equitable Paper Bag Co | Air sickness bag |
US3199756A (en) * | 1963-04-09 | 1965-08-10 | Coroga Company | Package chain assembly and conveying means |
US3309834A (en) * | 1963-10-04 | 1967-03-21 | Brown Co | Dispensing carton suitable for plastic bags and the like |
US3382644A (en) * | 1963-12-30 | 1968-05-14 | Clarence W. Vogt | Apparatus for and method of continuously forming and filling bags |
US3337117A (en) * | 1964-04-17 | 1967-08-22 | Lehmacher Michael | Beverage package |
US3397505A (en) * | 1965-03-15 | 1968-08-20 | Eastman Kodak Co | Packaging machine |
US3385024A (en) * | 1965-05-10 | 1968-05-28 | Continental Can Co | Method of forming a multiple-unit package |
US3508374A (en) * | 1966-11-26 | 1970-04-28 | Centra Anstalt | Method for manufacturing bags of thermoplastic material and bag obtained thereby |
US3372787A (en) * | 1966-12-22 | 1968-03-12 | Apsco Products | Tape embossing apparatus with tape visible proximate the embossing means |
US3537636A (en) * | 1968-02-14 | 1970-11-03 | Robert D Rochette | Reclosable package |
US3647060A (en) * | 1969-03-25 | 1972-03-07 | Mobil Oil Corp | Roll double-pocketed bag structures |
US3659775A (en) * | 1970-04-17 | 1972-05-02 | Dixico Inc | Upstanding pouch of flexible material |
US3719021A (en) * | 1971-02-11 | 1973-03-06 | New Jersey Machine Corp | Packaging machine |
US3741778A (en) * | 1971-03-09 | 1973-06-26 | Nabisco Inc | Package with self-contained handle for storing and heating food and method of forming same |
US3785636A (en) * | 1971-09-20 | 1974-01-15 | Ethyl Corp | Bag folding apparatus |
US3785112A (en) * | 1971-09-21 | 1974-01-15 | Mira Pak Inc | Method and apparatus for forming shaped package |
US3935993A (en) * | 1973-01-26 | 1976-02-03 | Leon Doyen | Free-standing container |
US3980225A (en) * | 1974-12-25 | 1976-09-14 | Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha | Self-standing bag |
US4079662A (en) * | 1976-11-30 | 1978-03-21 | Triangle Package Machinery Company | Bag making machine |
US4194438A (en) * | 1976-12-21 | 1980-03-25 | Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh & Co. Kg. | Flexible tube bagging machine |
US4328895A (en) * | 1977-05-13 | 1982-05-11 | Klara Jaeger | Disposable ash container |
US4604852A (en) * | 1983-03-05 | 1986-08-12 | Overbeck Gmbh & Co. | Process and apparatus for producing consecutive packages for drinking straws or the like |
US4604854A (en) * | 1983-12-05 | 1986-08-12 | Golden Valley Foods Inc | Machine for forming, filling and sealing bags |
US4584201A (en) * | 1984-02-17 | 1986-04-22 | Borden, Inc. | Resealable package, method of making and use |
US4597103A (en) * | 1985-05-24 | 1986-06-24 | Sonoco Products Company | Bag construction with improved gussets |
US4697403A (en) * | 1986-01-16 | 1987-10-06 | Usm Corporation | Bag spreaders |
USRE34905E (en) * | 1986-12-22 | 1995-04-18 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method and apparatus for making reclosable bags in a form, fill and seal machine |
US4925438A (en) * | 1987-08-05 | 1990-05-15 | Stiegler Gmbh Maschinenfabrik | Bags made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin sheeting and process for the production of said bags |
US4894975A (en) * | 1988-03-09 | 1990-01-23 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method and apparatus for making reclosable bags with fastener strips in a form fill and seal machine |
US4894975B1 (en) * | 1988-03-09 | 1991-12-03 | Minigrip Inc | |
US5030190A (en) * | 1988-08-24 | 1991-07-09 | The Dow Chemical Company | Gussetted plastic bags having relief seals and method of making same |
US5561966A (en) * | 1988-09-06 | 1996-10-08 | Kcl Corporation | Apparatus and method for manufacturing flexible reclosable containers |
US4913561A (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1990-04-03 | Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. | Gussetted flexible package with presealed portions and method of making the same |
US4986054A (en) * | 1989-07-17 | 1991-01-22 | Zip-Pak Incorporated | Fill tube spreader |
US5246416A (en) * | 1989-09-29 | 1993-09-21 | Dowbrands L.P. | Air separation method and apparatus for pleating a plastic film web |
US5150561A (en) * | 1989-12-15 | 1992-09-29 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method for making side opening flexible bag with longitudinally oriented carrying handle secured to side panels |
US5046300A (en) * | 1990-10-19 | 1991-09-10 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Method and apparatus for forming a reclosable package |
US5127208A (en) * | 1990-10-19 | 1992-07-07 | Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. | Method and apparatus for forming a reclosable package |
US5242516A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1993-09-07 | Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. | Co-extruded profile strip containing lateral webs with adhesive subdivided into ribs |
US5094657A (en) * | 1990-11-29 | 1992-03-10 | Cloud Corporation | Method and apparatus for continuously forming and sealing low density polyethylene bags at high speed |
US5255497A (en) * | 1991-11-04 | 1993-10-26 | Triangle Package Machinery Co. | Flat sided forming tube for a form-fill-seal machine |
US5345750A (en) * | 1992-02-06 | 1994-09-13 | Pvt Piepenbrock Verpackungstechnik Gmbh | Apparatus for supplying and sealing flat articles |
US5564259A (en) * | 1992-05-22 | 1996-10-15 | Kcl Corporation | Method and apparatus for resealable closure addition to form, fill and seal bag |
US5398486A (en) * | 1992-06-06 | 1995-03-21 | Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh | Tubular bagging machine for the continuous manufacture of bags having folded sides |
US6029428A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 2000-02-29 | Pacmac, Inc. | Convertible form, fill and seal packaging machine |
US6047521A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 2000-04-11 | Pacmac, Inc. | Vertical form, fill and seal machine for making reclosable bags |
US5505037A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1996-04-09 | Pacmac, Inc. | Vertical form, fill and seal machine for making recloseable bags |
US5400565A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1995-03-28 | Pacmac, Inc. | Vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine for making recloseable product filled bags |
US5930983A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1999-08-03 | Pacmac, Inc. | Form, fill and seal packaging machine with bag squeezer and method |
US5746043A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1998-05-05 | Pacmac, Inc. | Convertible form, fill and seal packaging machine and method |
US5768852A (en) * | 1992-06-29 | 1998-06-23 | Pacmac, Inc. | Vertical form, fill and seal machine, components and method for making reclosable bags |
US5590783A (en) * | 1993-03-16 | 1997-01-07 | Capy; Gilbert | Device combining a disposable napkin with a fast food container, and method for continuously producing same |
US5322579A (en) * | 1993-03-30 | 1994-06-21 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Method of forming side seams for zippered bags or packages |
US5425215A (en) * | 1993-04-16 | 1995-06-20 | Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation | Apparatus for packaging loose leaf material |
US5412924A (en) * | 1994-04-11 | 1995-05-09 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method of making reclosable plastic bags on a form, fill and seal machine |
US5540032A (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 1996-07-30 | Elpack Packaging Systems, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for attaching headers to plastic bags |
US5425216A (en) * | 1994-06-06 | 1995-06-20 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method of making reclosable plastic bags on a form, fill and seal machine with open zipper profiles |
US5620087A (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1997-04-15 | Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc. | Printed label structure for packaging arrangements |
US5768969A (en) * | 1994-09-06 | 1998-06-23 | Koenig & Bauer-Albert Aktiengesellschaft | Perforating knife |
US5862652A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 1999-01-26 | Rovema Packaging Machines, L.P. | Tubular bagging machine with an asymmetrical forming shoulder and tubular bags with an edge-side longitudinal seam |
US5551208A (en) * | 1995-05-31 | 1996-09-03 | Minigrip, Inc. | Method for applying zipper to film at tube on a form-fill-and-seal |
US6021919A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 2000-02-08 | Kelly; Kevin J. | Dispenser for sanitary gloves |
US6049521A (en) * | 1996-06-05 | 2000-04-11 | Sony Corporation | Optical recording medium and method for producing same |
US5916685A (en) * | 1996-07-09 | 1999-06-29 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, Sa | Transparent high barrier multilayer structure |
US6543206B2 (en) * | 1996-09-17 | 2003-04-08 | Molins Plc | Apparatus and method for formation of sealed packages |
US6134864A (en) * | 1997-03-21 | 2000-10-24 | Slidell, Inc. | Bag handling mechanism |
US5971613A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1999-10-26 | Kapak Corp. | Bag constructions having inwardly directed side seal portions |
US5887722A (en) * | 1997-06-18 | 1999-03-30 | American Creative Packaging | Bandoleer packaging with edge heat sealed to backing |
US6030652A (en) * | 1997-08-05 | 2000-02-29 | Hanus; John | Food bag featuring gusset opening, method of making the food bag, and method of using the food bag |
US6526733B1 (en) * | 1999-01-14 | 2003-03-04 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Device for aligning a packing material tube with a position mark |
US6560948B1 (en) * | 1999-04-08 | 2003-05-13 | Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. | Tear-off cushions of loose fill packing material, and machine and method for making the same |
US6615567B2 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2003-09-09 | Rovema Verpackungsmaschinen Gmbh | Vertical tubular bagging machine |
US6398412B2 (en) * | 2000-10-06 | 2002-06-04 | Bischof Und Klein & Co. Kg | Gusseted bag made of a flexible weldable material |
US6600999B2 (en) * | 2000-10-10 | 2003-07-29 | Sperry Rail, Inc. | Hi-rail vehicle-based rail inspection system |
US20030009989A1 (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2003-01-16 | Knoerzer Anthony Robert | Vertical multipack |
US6729109B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-05-04 | Recot, Inc. | Method and apparatus for making flat bottom bags |
US6722106B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-04-20 | Recot, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US6679034B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-01-20 | Recot, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch quick change module |
US20040161174A1 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-08-19 | Bartel Lawrence Joseph | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US6860084B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2005-03-01 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch with zipper seal quick change module |
US6886313B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2005-05-03 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Method and apparatus for making flat bottom bags |
US6935086B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2005-08-30 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Double-bag package and perforation knife |
US7032362B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2006-04-25 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip |
US7213385B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2007-05-08 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Vertical stand-up pouch with zipper seal quick change module |
US7254930B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2007-08-14 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Stationary tucker bar mechanism |
US7516596B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2009-04-14 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Bandolier format packaging |
US7552574B2 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2009-06-30 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Variable tension gusseting system |
US6802172B1 (en) * | 2002-11-20 | 2004-10-12 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Particle aerosol belt |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040161174A1 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2004-08-19 | Bartel Lawrence Joseph | Vertical stand-up pouch |
US8132395B2 (en) | 2002-03-18 | 2012-03-13 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Variable tension gusseting system |
US20100072205A1 (en) * | 2006-08-24 | 2010-03-25 | Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. | Diaphragm |
US20090194554A1 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2009-08-06 | Gary Scott Bliss | Wipes Canister |
US20090194553A1 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2009-08-06 | Rebecca Hoefing | Wipes Canister |
EP2520424A1 (en) | 2011-05-06 | 2012-11-07 | Constantia Hueck Folien GmbH & Co. KG | Packaging compound film and packaging |
DE102011075466A1 (en) | 2011-05-06 | 2012-11-08 | Constantia Hueck Folien Gmbh & Co. Kg | Packaging composite film and packaging |
US9630760B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2017-04-25 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US10040615B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2018-08-07 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag having at least one shift region and a cuff region |
US9540145B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2017-01-10 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US9499307B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2016-11-22 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US9637276B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2017-05-02 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US9637277B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2017-05-02 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US9776781B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2017-10-03 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag having shift regions and a cuff line |
US9505525B2 (en) | 2014-03-11 | 2016-11-29 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Stand-up plastic storage bag |
US10239644B2 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2019-03-26 | Kellogg Company | Flat-bottom stand-up bag, vertical form, fill, and seal system and methodology for utilizing the same |
US11667415B2 (en) | 2015-03-18 | 2023-06-06 | Kellogg Company | Flat-bottom stand-up bag, vertical form, fill, and seal system and methodology for utilizing the same |
US10532856B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2020-01-14 | Bemis Company, Inc. | Self-closing manually re-openable package |
WO2021106927A1 (en) * | 2019-11-26 | 2021-06-03 | 大倉工業株式会社 | Inner pouch for cylindrical container and composite container using same |
JPWO2021106927A1 (en) * | 2019-11-26 | 2021-06-03 | ||
US11932453B2 (en) | 2019-11-26 | 2024-03-19 | Okura Industrial Co., Ltd. | Inner pouch for cylindrical container and composite container using same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20040091183A1 (en) | 2004-05-13 |
US20040161174A1 (en) | 2004-08-19 |
US6722106B2 (en) | 2004-04-20 |
CN1642810A (en) | 2005-07-20 |
WO2003080441A1 (en) | 2003-10-02 |
BR0308073A (en) | 2005-04-26 |
KR100675446B1 (en) | 2007-01-26 |
CA2476541C (en) | 2010-01-26 |
TW200304419A (en) | 2003-10-01 |
US6935086B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 |
KR20040093166A (en) | 2004-11-04 |
US6886313B2 (en) | 2005-05-03 |
US7032362B2 (en) | 2006-04-25 |
US20040159081A1 (en) | 2004-08-19 |
US20040226849A1 (en) | 2004-11-18 |
CN100391799C (en) | 2008-06-04 |
EP1485295B1 (en) | 2013-08-07 |
EP1485295A1 (en) | 2004-12-15 |
JP4499116B2 (en) | 2010-07-07 |
US6729109B2 (en) | 2004-05-04 |
CA2476541A1 (en) | 2003-10-02 |
ES2431042T3 (en) | 2013-11-22 |
AU2003225754A1 (en) | 2003-10-08 |
EP1485295A4 (en) | 2010-07-14 |
TWI247714B (en) | 2006-01-21 |
AU2003225754B2 (en) | 2007-07-26 |
BR0308073B1 (en) | 2012-08-07 |
JP3947164B2 (en) | 2007-07-18 |
US20030172625A1 (en) | 2003-09-18 |
JP2005529802A (en) | 2005-10-06 |
US20030172624A1 (en) | 2003-09-18 |
JP2007112520A (en) | 2007-05-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7032362B2 (en) | Vertical stand-up pouch with integrated reclose strip | |
US6679034B2 (en) | Vertical stand-up pouch quick change module | |
US7197859B2 (en) | Vertical stand-up pouch with zipper seal quick change module | |
US7305805B2 (en) | Method for making a flexible reclosable package | |
US7552574B2 (en) | Variable tension gusseting system | |
US7254930B2 (en) | Stationary tucker bar mechanism | |
US7299608B2 (en) | Quick change module with adjustable former attachments |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERCIA, INC, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DIERL, MARTIN B;GEHRING, JAY E;KNOERZER, ANTHONY R;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017462/0194 Effective date: 20060405 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |