MX2016005688A

Method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package.

Abstract

A method and apparatus for making a structurally elastic package to a desired shape in a vertical shape fill and seal machine. The method comprises sealing a film to form a back seal; forming a first end seal to form a first partially formed package; flattening a first side of the partially formed first package to form a flat first side; filling the first partially formed package with product; forming a second end seal on the first partially formed package to form a first package from the first partially formed package; flattening the second side of the first package to form a second flat side, where the flattening of the first side and the flattening of the second side occur in a first machine.

MX2016005688A, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 22

Term

8.1 yearsleft in the term

Expires 31 October 2034.

43 claims: 2 independent, 41 dependent

1
REIVINDICACIONES 1. Un método para hacer un primer empaque estructuralmente elástico con una forma deseada en una máquina de llenado y sellado de forma vertical, el método que comprende los pasos:b. sellar una película para formar un sello trasero;c. formar un primer sello de extremo para formar un primer empaque parcialmente formado, en donde el primer sello de extremo es aproximadamente perpendicular al sello trasero y en donde el primer sello de extremo está colocado en un primer lado del primer empaque parcialmente formado;d. aplanar el primer lado del primer empaque parcialmente formado para formar un primer lado plano;e. llenar el primer empaque parcialmente formado con producto;f. formar un segundo sello de extremo en el primer empaque parcialmente formado para formar un primer empaque a partir del primer empaque parcialmente formado, en donde el segundo sello de extremo está colocado en un segundo lado del primer empaque;g. aplanar el segundo lado del primer empaque para formar un segundo lado plano, en donde aplanar el segundo lado comprende utilizar escuadras de refuerzo superiores para presionar el segundo lado del primer empaque cerca de las mordazas de sello y en donde el aplanamiento del primer lado y el aplanamiento del segundo lado ocurren en una primera máquina.
2
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde la primera máquina es una máquina de llenado y sellado de forma vertical y los pasos b a g tienen lugar en la primera máquina.
3
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde las mordazas de sello se mueven hacia contacto con la película para formar el primer sello de extremo en el primer empaque.
4
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde escuadras de refuerzo de fondo se mueven hacia contacto con el primer empaque para formar escuadras de refuerzo adyacentes al primer lado del primer empaque.
5
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde escuadras de refuerzo de fondo presionan el primer lado del primer empaque contra mordazas de sello para aplanar el primer lado del primer empaque.
6
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde las mordazas de sello se mueven hacia contacto con la película para formar el segundo sello de extremo en el primer empaque.
7
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde un elevador levanta el primer empaque mientras las escuadras de refuerzo superiores se mueven hacia contacto con el primer empaque para formar escuadras de refuerzo adyacentes al segundo lado del primer 5 empaque.
8
El método de la reivindicación 7, en donde pecheras se mueven hacia contacto con el primer empaque y aplican presión a las escuadras de refuerzo adyacentes al segundo lado del primer empaque.
9
El método de la reivindicación 8, en donde las escuadras de refuerzo superiores giran para presionar el segundo lado del primer empaque contra las pecheras.
10
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde las escuadras de refuerzo superiores giran para presionar el segundo lado del primer empaque contra las mordazas de sello.
11
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde el primer empaque se mueve a lo largo de la primera máquina mientras las mordazas de sello, un elevador y las escuadras de refuerzo superiores están acopladas con el primer empaque.
12
El método de la reivindicación 11, en donde las mordazas de sello, el elevador y las escuadras de refuerzo superiores se desacoplan del primer empaque antes de que salga el primer empaque de la primera máquina.
13
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde la película tiene un espesor entre aproximadamente 0.00508 y 0.01016 cm (2 y 4 milis).
14
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde el primer empaque comprende una abertura resellable.
15
El método de la reivindicación 14, en donde la abertura resellable comprende líneas de marca y una lengüeta de tiro.
16
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde la primera máquina es una máquina de llenado y sellado de forma vertical;y en donde el primer empaque sale de la máquina de llenado y sellado de forma vertical con una forma deseada, dicha forma que comprende el 5 primer lado plano y el segundo lado plano.
17
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde el método comprende además el paso:a. formar por lo menos un sello de dobladillo en la película.
18
El método de la reivindicación 17, en donde el paso a tiene lugar antes de que la película sea introducida a la primera máquina.
19
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde el primer empaque comprende:una cara frontal;una cara trasera;una cara superior y una cara de fondo que conectan las caras frontal y trasera;un primer lado y un segundo lado que conectan las caras frontal y trasera, en donde el primer y el segundo lados son perpendiculares a las caras frontal y trasera y en donde el primer lado comprende el primer sello de extremo y el segundo lado comprende el segundo sello de extremo;un primer sello de dobladillo superior colocado en la intersección aproximada de la cara frontal y la cara superior;un primer sello de dobladillo inferior colocado en la intersección aproximada de la cara frontal y la cara de fondo.
20
Un aparato que comprende una máquina mejorada de llenado y sellado de forma vertical para hacer un primer empaque con una forma deseada, dicha máquina de llenado y sellado de forma vertical que comprende un conducto de producto, un transportador, escuadras de refuerzo de fondo y mordazas de sello; en donde el transportador está posicionado para hacer contacto con una película de empaque que está enrollada alrededor del conducto de producto; en donde el transportador mueve la película de empaque a lo largo del conducto de producto; en donde las mordazas de sello están posicionadas adyacentes a lados opuestos de la película de empaque para formar un primer sello de extremo en la película de empaque por lo que se forma un primer lado del primer empaque y por lo que se forma el primer sello de extremo del primer empaque cuando las mordazas de sello se mueven juntas y la película de empaque es presionada entre las mordazas de sello; en donde las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo están posicionadas para formar escuadras de refuerzo adyacentes al primer sello de extremo del primer empaque; en donde el conducto de producto está posicionado de manera que un producto que pasa a través del conducto de producto entrará al primer empaque después de salir del conducto de producto; en donde el conducto de producto está posicionado arriba de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo; en donde las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo están posicionadas arriba de las mordazas de sello; y en donde las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo están adyacentes a un primer lado de las mordazas de sello; en donde la mejoría comprende:escuadras de refuerzo superiores;en donde las mordazas de sello están posicionadas arriba de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, en donde un primer lado de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores está adyacente a un segundo lado de las mordazas de sello, en donde el segundo lado de las mordazas de sello es opuesto al primer lado de las mordazas de sello y en donde un segundo lado de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores es opuesto al primer lado de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores.
21
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:en donde las mordazas de sello se mueven entre una posición acoplada de las mordazas de sello y una disposición acoplada de las mordazas de sello;en donde, en la posición acoplada de las mordazas de sello, el primer empaque es presionado entre una primera superficie de cada mordaza de sello para formar un sello de extremo;y en donde, en la posición desacoplada de las mordazas de sello, las mordazas de sello no hacen contacto con el primer empaque.
22
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:en donde las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo se mueven entre una primera posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo, una segunda posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo y una posición desacoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo;en donde, en la primera posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo, las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo hacen contacto con el primer lado del primer empaque para formar escuadras de refuerzo;en donde, en la segunda posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo, las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo presionan el primer lado del primer empaque contra las mordazas de sello;y en donde, en la posición desacoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo, las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo no hacen contacto con el primer empaque.
23
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:en donde las escuadras de refuerzo superiores se mueven entre una primera posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, una segunda posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores y una posición desacoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores;en donde, en la primera posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, las escuadras de refuerzo superiores hacen contacto con un segundo lado del primer empaque para formar escuadras de refuerzo;en donde, en la segunda posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, las escuadras de refuerzo superiores presionan el segundo lado del primer empaque contra las mordazas de sello;y en donde, en la posición desacoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, las escuadras de refuerzo superiores no hacen contacto con el primer empaque.
24
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:que comprende además pecheras;en donde las escuadras de refuerzo superiores están posicionadas adyacentes a las pecheras;en donde las pecheras se mueven entre una posición acoplada de las pecheras y a posición desacoplada de las pecheras;en donde, en la posición acoplada de las pecheras, las pecheras hacen contacto con el empaque;y en donde, en la posición desacoplada, las pecheras no hacen contacto con el empaque.
25
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:que comprende además a elevador;en donde el elevador se mueve entre una posición acoplada del elevador y una posición desacoplada del elevador;en donde, en la posición acoplada del elevador, el elevador levanta el primer empaque;en donde, en la posición desacoplada del elevador, el elevador no está en contacto con el primer empaque.
26
El aparato de la reivindicación 21:en donde las mordazas de sello comprenden, cada una, hendiduras en la primera superficie de las mordazas de sello.
27
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:en donde las mordazas de sello comprenden una línea de corte, en donde la línea de corte comprende ranuras coincidentes en cada mordaza de sello y en donde, cuando las mordazas de sello se cierran para formar un sello de extremo, las ranuras se alinean para permitir que una cuchilla pase a través de las ranuras.
28
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:en donde las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo tienen una superficie plana para aplanar el primer extremo del primer empaque.
29
El aparato de la reivindicación 22:en donde cada escuadra de refuerzo de fondo comprende un extremo puntiagudo y en donde, en la primera posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo, el extremo puntiagudo hace contacto con el primer empaque para formar una escuadra de refuerzo.
30
El aparato de la reivindicación 20;en donde las escuadras de refuerzo superiores comprenden, cada una, una bisagra en un eje de rotación y dos porciones que está fijas a la bisagra, en donde las dos porciones son giratorias a lo largo del eje de rotación para formar tanto una configuración plegada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores como una configuración plana de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores.
31
El aparato de la reivindicación 24:en donde cada pechera comprende un extremo ahusado.
32
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:en donde una película de empaque está enrollada alrededor del conducto de producto.
33
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:en donde el aparato comprende una pluralidad of transportadores posicionados para transportar la película de empaque a lo largo del conducto de producto en substancialmente una sola velocidad a lo largo de un perímetro de la película de empaque.
34
El aparato de la reivindicación 20:en donde el conducto de producto se selecciona del grupo que consiste de un tubo, una tolva, un ducto y un conducto.
35
El aparato de la reivindicación 22:en donde, cuando las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo están en la segunda posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo, las escuadras de refuerzo de fondo están orientadas de manera que una superficie plana con un área superficial suficiente para aplanar el primer lado del primer empaque es adyacente al primer lado de las mordazas de sello.
36
El aparato de la reivindicación 23:en donde, cuando las escuadras de refuerzo superiores están en la segunda posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, las escuadras de refuerzo superiores están en una configuración plana de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores.
37
El aparato de la reivindicación 30:en donde, cuando las escuadras de refuerzo superiores acoplan con el primer empaque y las escuadras de refuerzo superiores están en una configuración plegada, el primer lado de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores presiona un segundo lado del primer empaque contra las pecheras.
38
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde en el paso g las escuadras de refuerzo superiores están orientadas paralelas a una superficie de las mordazas de sello cuando las escuadras de refuerzo superiores se utilizan para presionar el segundo lado del primer empaque cerca de las mordazas de sello.
39
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde en el paso g las escuadras de refuerzo superiores están orientadas horizontalmente cuando las escuadras de refuerzo superiores se utilizan para presionar el segundo lado del primer empaque cerca de las mordazas de sello.
40
El método de la reivindicación 1, en donde las mordazas de sello del paso g forman tanto el primer sello de extremo en el primer empaque como el segundo sello de extremo en el primer empaque.
41
El aparato de la reivindicación 20, en donde las escuadras de refuerzo superiores se mueven entre una posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores y una posición desacoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores;en donde, en la posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, las escuadras de refuerzo superiores hacen contacto con un segundo lado del primer empaque para formar escuadras de refuerzo y el primer lado de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores está orientado de manera paralela al segundo lado de las mordazas de sello;y en donde, en la posición desacoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, las escuadras de refuerzo superiores no hacen contacto con el primer empaque.
42
El aparato de la reivindicación 20, en donde las escuadras de refuerzo superiores se mueven entre una posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores y una posición desacoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores;en donde, en la posición acoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, las escuadras de refuerzo superiores hacen contacto con un segundo lado del primer empaque para formar escuadras de refuerzo y el primer lado de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores está orientado de manera horizontal;y en donde, en la posición desacoplada de las escuadras de refuerzo superiores, las escuadras de refuerzo superiores no hacen contacto con el primer empaque.
43
El aparato de la reivindicación 20, 5 en donde las mordazas de sello comprenden una primera mordaza de sello y una segunda mordaza de sello para formar tanto el primer sello de extremo en el primer empaque como un segundo sello de extremo en el primer empaque.

Independent claims43

305 paragraphs in 1 section, as filed

(54) Title: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING.

(54) Title: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A STRUCTURALLY RESILIENT PACKAGE.

(57) Summary

(57) Abstract

A method and apparatus for making a structurally reslllent package with a despered shape on a vertical form, flll, and seal machine. The method comprises sealing a film to form a back seal; forming a first end seal to form a partially formed first package; flattening a first side of the partially formed first package to form a fiat first side; filling the partially formed first package with product; forming a second end seal on the partially formed first package to form a first package from the partially formed first package; flattening the second side of the first package to form a fiat second side, wherein the flattening the first side and the flattening the second side occur on a first machine.

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO MAKE A STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING

Background of the invention

Cross reference with related requests

This PCT application claims the priority of, is based on, and has been filed within twelve months of the filing date of US Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 528,692, filed October 30, 2014, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING ”which is a non-provisional application of several provisional US applications, including US provisional patent application No. No. 62/072093, filed on October 29, 2014, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING", the technical description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, US Provisional Patent Application No. No. 61/898593, filed November 1, 2013, entitled "STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING," the technical description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/898626 , presented on 1or of November 2013, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING A STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING”, the technical description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; Additionally, this application claims the priority of, is based on, and has been filed within twelve months of the filing date of US Provisional Patent Application No. No. 62/072093, filed on October 29, 2014, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING", the technical description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, US Provisional Patent Application No. serial 61/898593, released 1or November 2013, entitled “STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING,” the technical description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/898626, filed on 1or November 2013, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING A STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING", the technical description of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a structurally elastic package and to an apparatus and method for its manufacture. Description of Related Art

Many foods, such as potato chips, are packaged in pillow bag packages. These packages are called pillow bag packages because they are shaped like a pillow. Such packages do not stand vertically and must be supported by another product to remain vertical. When such packaging is opened, consumers should take care to prevent the packaging from falling and spilling its contents. Thus, consumers must support and guide the packaging so that the packaging remains stable. Consequently, it is desirable to have a package that is stable, self-standing, and structurally elastic.

Brief description of the drawings

The novel aspects believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a further preferred mode of use, objectives, and advantages thereof, will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1a is a top front perspective view of a package in one embodiment;

Figure 1b is a rear top perspective view of a package in one embodiment;

Figure 2 is a top view of the packaging of Figures 1a and 1b;

Figure 3 represents a flow chart of the manufacturing process in an embodiment using a vertical fill and seal machine.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 4a to 4c are schematic views showing the sequence of operation of forming a package in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5a to 5h are schematic views showing the sequence of operation of forming the packaging film according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 depicts a flow chart of the manufacturing process in an embodiment in which a package has a desired shape as it exits a fill and seal machine vertically.

Figure 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention depicting the film being fed to the mode.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention depicting various components of the embodiment.

Figures 9a to 9d show an embodiment of the invention from a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, a top view and a bottom view, respectively.

Detailed description of the invention

Various embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise indicated, similar items will be identified by identical numbers in all figures. The invention suitably illustratively described herein may be practiced in the absence of any item not specifically described herein.

Fig. 1a is a top front perspective view of a package in one embodiment. Fig. 1b is a top rear perspective view of a package in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the package comprises a generally cube shape. Although an embodiment using a cube shape will be described, that is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. You can also a rectangular shape and other polygonal shapes.

The packaging can comprise virtually any material commonly used for packaging. In one embodiment, the packaging film is a composite polymer produced by a film converter. For example, in one embodiment the composite film utilizes a sealable inner or side layer of the product, typically comprising metallized oriented polypropylene ("OPP") or metallized polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"). A sealant layer disposed on the product side of the metallized film allows a hermetic seal to be formed by sealing jaws at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the film. In one embodiment, the sealant layers include an ethylene-propylene copolymer and an ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer, although this is not limiting as virtually any packaging film can be used.

In one embodiment, the film comprises barrier properties in one or more layers to protect the product within the package from light, oxygen, or moisture. There is such a need, for example, for food protection, that they can risk loss of taste, chipping or spoilage if barrier properties are lacking.

In one embodiment, adjacent to the inner metallized layer is a laminated layer, such as a polyethylene extrusion, and an outer layer for ink or graphics. The ink layer is used for the presentation of graphics that can be seen through a transparent outer layer, which can comprise OPP or PET. The total film thickness can be adjusted due to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, cost, desired stiffness of the package, etc. In the prior art, a thinner film is preferred as this results in reduced material costs as well as reduced shipping costs. However, in one embodiment a thicker film is used. In one embodiment the film has a thickness between 0.00508 and 0.01016 cm (2 and 4 millis). Although such thickness goes against the teachings of the prior art, such thickness adds increased rigidity to the package. This allows a gasket to be constructed that has sufficient rigidity to maintain a desired shape, as will be discussed in more detail later.

As shown, the package comprises a front face 105 and a rear face 107 (shown in FIG. 1b). Front face 105 is parallel to rear face 107. In one embodiment, front face 105 comprises a rectangular shape. Perpendicular to and connecting the front 105 and rear 107 faces are a top face 103 and a bottom face 104. Also perpendicular to and connecting the front 105 and rear 107 faces are a left side 108 and a right side 109.

At the approximate intersection between the front 105 and back 107 faces and the upper side 103 are hem seals 106a, b. Also, at the approximate intersection between the front 105 and rear 107 faces and the bottom side 104 are hem seals 106c, d. Hem seals, as used herein, refers to a seal that seals one or more adjacent layers to form a hem. Although some embodiments of the invention are described with the use of hem stamps, hem stamps are not required in all embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, hem seals are not used.

The hem seals 106 offer increased structure for packaging. Such seals typically would not be used because they result in increased manufacturing costs due to the increased amount of film needed to make a package. However, as noted above, the hem seals 106 increase the structural rigidity of the package and help the package maintain the desired shape.

The embodiment shown comprises four hem seals: two upper seals 106a, hem b and two lower hem seals 106c, d. This is not limiting, however, as any number of hem seals can be used. Furthermore, all of the hem seals 106 depicted are all parallel, in other embodiments one or more hem seals 106 may be perpendicular to other hem seals 106. For example, referring to Figure 1a, in one embodiment the hem seals are located at the intersection between the front face

105 and left 108 and right 109 sides. Hem seals 106 provide structural rigidity and help maintain a desired shape. As depicted, the desired shape is a rectangular cube or prism shaped package. As used herein, the term "cube shape" or the term "cubic" can refer to an actual cube or in some cases it can refer to a shape that looks like a cube. Hem seals 106 help define the cube shape by defining square boundaries of the front 105 and back 107 faces. Hem seals 106 also help define an approximately ninety degree intersection between, for example, the front face. 105 and the top face 103. Such an intersection helps the product to perish and maintain the desired shape. In one embodiment, in the absence of hem seals 106 the intersection would be rounded.

Hem seals 106 can comprise virtually any shape and thickness. In one embodiment the hem seals 106 comprise a line, however this is not limiting. In other embodiments, the hem seals 106 comprise a non-linear shape such as a sine wave or a V chevron shape.

The width of the hem seal 106 can be adjusted to control the stiffness and structure of the package. In one embodiment, the hem seal 106 comprises a width of between 1mm and about 5mm.

The left side 108 and the right side 109 each comprise an end seal 101a, b. As represented, the stamps

End 101a, b are perpendicular to the orientation of the hem seals 106. The end seals 101 can comprise any end seal known in the art and can be created with any device known in the art, including sealing jaws. The width of the end seals 101 can vary and, in one embodiment, ranges from 0.635 cm (0.25 ") to about 2.54 cm (1").

The package further comprises reinforcing brackets 102a, b visible from the top perspective. As shown, these reinforcement brackets are of minimum height to give a cubic packing. This allows the left 108 and right 109 sides to be flatter than round.

Graphics are not shown in Figures 1a and 1b for the sake of simplicity and clarity, but in one embodiment one or more faces of the package comprise graphics. In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1a, the graphics are located on the front face 105 and run perpendicular to the end seals 101a, b. Thus, when the package is oriented so that the end seals 101a, b are vertical, the graphics, such as text, are legible on the front face 105.

Referring to Figure 1b, rear seal 110 is shown. Rear seal 110, in one embodiment, is oriented perpendicular to end seals 101. The back seal 110 can comprise any seal known in the art and can be created with any device known in the art, including sealing jaws.

Figure 2 is a top view of the package of Figure 1. As shown, the front face 105 comprises a resealable opening 112. A resealable opening is any opening that once opened can be resealed. This can be done via a variety of methods, including adhesives, zippers, etc. Virtually any device that provides a resealable opening can be used. As depicted, resealable opening 112 comprises a marking line on the outer film layer with adhesive positioned on the inner film layer such that once opening 112 is opened, the exposed adhesive allows opening 112 to be resealed. . As depicted, resealable opening 112 comprises a tab that allows the consumer to open the package.

Although an embodiment where the adhesive is placed on the bottom layer has been discussed, that is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In other embodiments, the adhesive is placed on the top layer. Additionally, in other embodiments, the aperture aspect may be positioned on different faces, for example on the top face 103 or the left 108 or right 109 faces. Also, the resealable opening can be replaced with just one opening without the resealable appearance. Also, the resealable opening look can be placed on any face, in any orientation. Although, in some embodiments, there is no resealable opening appearance and, for example, a user opens the package at an end seal.

There are several benefits to the packaging described herein. The first is increased structural stiffness. Due to various factors including increased film thickness and hem seals, the package has increased structural rigidity which allows the package to retain its desired shape. Thus, a user can open the package and the package will stand upright without external forces. The user can open the package on a flat surface such as a table or the user can open the package on their lap. The increased rigidity allows the package to maintain its shape which reduces or eliminates the need for the user to exercise caution to prevent the package from tipping over and spilling. Second, because of the stiffness, the gasket can act like a bowl. Consumers frequently dump potato chips into a bowl. Due to the increased rigidity, the packaging acts as a bowl which means that consumers can reap the benefits of one bowl without having to retrieve a second bowl. Third, because the package, in one embodiment, is opened on its front side which has an increased surface area compared to its top side or side, retrieval of the content from the front side is easier for the consumer.

The above-described packaging can be done in a variety of ways. The process may include steps used to make so-called "upright bags" in a vertical form fill and seal machine, such as the process described in US Patent Nos. 7,500,340, 7,197,859, 7,299,608, 7,032,362, 6,860,084, 6,679,034 and 6,722,106, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Figure 3 represents a flow chart of the manufacturing process in an embodiment using a vertical fill and seal machine. Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of the flow chart can be rearranged. Thus, Figure 3 is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

The first step in Figure 3 is to form the hem seals. Packaging film is typically unwound from rolls of rolled film. In one embodiment, hem seals 106 are added before the film is fed to the former in the vertical fill and seal machine. The film is pulled and bunched together at the desired placement of the hem seal 106 and sealed. In one embodiment, the stamp jaws are used. Once formed, the film is wound around the former.

The film is then formed into a vertical tube wound around a product delivery cylinder. The riser is vertically sealed along its length to form a back seal 110.

The vertical tube is then pushed down and a transverse lower seal is formed. The lower transverse seal becomes the left end seal 101a when the packing is properly oriented.

In one embodiment, the lower transverse seal of an upstream package is made simultaneously with the upper transverse seal of a downstream package. In such an embodiment, a pair of sealing jaws simultaneously creates the lower transverse seal and the upper transverse seal of a downstream gasket and breaks the two gaskets with a knife or other cutting device.

In one embodiment, simultaneously with the sealing of the upper and lower transverse seals, a reinforcing bracket is created adjacent to the seals. The reinforcing bracket may comprise any reinforcing bracket mechanism known in the art, including the reinforcing bracket mechanisms described in US patents 7,500,340, 7,885,574, 8,132,395 and EP patents, EP 2332841B1 and EP 2218647B1, of which are incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. In one embodiment, a continuous motion rotary reinforcement bracket and sealing jaws are used to create the end seals 101 and reinforcement brackets 102. In one embodiment, the continuous motion rotary reinforcement bracket and sealing jaw mechanism they move at a vertical speed slower than the vertical speed at which the film is pushed. This causes the film to bundle at the location of the backing bracket mechanism, resulting in flatter and more square left and right sides of the final package.

After the lower transverse seal is formed, the product is delivered to the partially sealed package. The film is then pulled down and a transverse top seal is created which will later become the right end seal 101b. As noted, in one embodiment, simultaneously with the creation of the upper transverse seal, the pack is broken from the upstream film resulting in an intermediate pack.

The intermediate packing resembles the final packing, but in one embodiment, additional steps are taken to further increase stiffness and the ability to maintain the desired shape. These steps can take place on the same machine that does the packaging, for example on the vertical fill and seal machine. Or a separate machine can perform these additional steps. In one embodiment, after the intermediate package is formed, the package is placed in a cube-forming mechanism. The hub-forming mechanism manipulates the intermediate packing to ensure it is more cube-like in shape and to increase structural rigidity.

In one embodiment, the package is dropped into a bucket-forming mechanism comprising a paddle conveyor. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the pallet conveyor correspond to the desired shape of the finished product. In one embodiment, the pallet conveyor surrounds the periphery of the package such that each side but one is in contact with the pallet conveyor. This allows the pallet conveyor to apply pressure against all sides except one face. In one embodiment, the right side 109 is the face that is not in contact with the pallet conveyor.

In one embodiment, the cube-forming mechanism first conditions the intermediate package. This is done by vibrating and rocking the packing in an up and down motion. This helps force air into the corners of the package allowing for a more square package.

In one embodiment, during the conditioning step, the pallet conveyor applies and removes pressure multiple times while rocking back and forth. In one embodiment, the package is dropped onto the pallet conveyor such that the package rests on the left face 108, with the right face 109 being exposed. By applying pressure and depressurizing multiple times while rocking back and forth, the pressure and weight of the packing forces the bottom of the packing, which becomes the left face 108, square. Simultaneously, the bottom of the paddle conveyor, which is in contact with the left side hot end seal 101a 108, cools the end seal 101a. This cooling step further helps to set the shape of the left side 108 of the package. Additionally, as noted, the movement and rocking during the conditioning step pushes air into the corners of the package, allowing the package to become more square. In some embodiments, the conditioning step optionally includes the application of heat.

After conditioning, the film is heat treated by increasing the temperature of the film. In one embodiment, a hot plate is contacted with the package to soften the film. The temperature of the hot plate can fluctuate from approximately 65.5 ° C (150 ° F) to approximately 121 ° C (250 ° F). In other embodiments, the temperature of the hot plate fluctuates from approximately

82.2 ° C (180 ° F) to approximately 104.4 ° C (220 ° F). In one embodiment, the contact time with the hot plate ranges from about 1 to about 4 seconds. In one embodiment, the hot plate comprises a plurality of hot plates surrounding the periphery of the intermediate gasket.

After heat treatment, the film is cooled to set the film in place. This cooling step increases the structural rigidity of the film. The film hardens as it cools and as it cools into the desired shape, it will maintain that desired shape. Thus, heat treatment followed by a cooling step increases the structural rigidity of the film.

Another embodiment of the invention will now be discussed with respect to Figure 4. In this embodiment, a first machine 402 (eg the vertical form fill and seal machine) forms a package 404 (eg bag) with hem seals ( for example hem seals 106a, c, d). Although, in some embodiments, the packaging does not comprise hem seals. The package has a flat left face 108 (which is the bottom as the bag is made on the first machine). However, the right face 109 of the gasket is not formed flat, but merely braced inward using reinforcement brackets (eg, upper reinforcement brackets 406a, b, which are shown as vertical reinforcement brackets). In other words, after the package is created by the first machine, the left face 108 is flat, but the right face 109 is not flat. The package is then sent to a second machine (for example a cube forming mechanism or rectangular prism forming mechanism) to form a flat right face 109 and to form a package with a desired shape (for example cube, rectangular prism, polygon , etc.). Although this modality has many advantages, it can also have disadvantages. For example, the second machine used to form a package to a desired shape can be complicated, expensive, and requires significant floor space in a packaging room. Accordingly, it may also be desirable to form a package with a desired shape (eg cube) on a first machine (eg vertical form fill and seal machine) without using a second machine (eg form mechanism. cube).

Now another embodiment will be discussed with respect to Figures 4a to 4c and Figures 5a to 5h. As an initial matter, Figures 4a to 4c show a partially formed package being converted into a package, although components of a package manufacturing apparatus have been omitted. Meanwhile, Figures 5a to 5h show various (but not all) components of the packaging manufacturing apparatus, but the packaging has been omitted for clarity. The embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4c and 5a to 5h saves time, space, equipment, and money compared to the mode discussed with respect to Figure 4. In this embodiment, a package 404a is first fully formed into a desired shape at a first machine 402 (eg, vertical form fill and seal machine). In other words, the package does not need to be sent to a second machine (eg, cube-forming mechanism) to be fully formed into the desired shape. For example, in one embodiment, while the first package 404a is in the vertical fill and seal machine 402, both sides, the left side 108 and the right side 109, of the package are flattened. Because the package exits the machine with a flat left face 108 and a flat right face 109, there is no need for a second machine to flatten the right face.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 4a to 4c and 5a to 5h, a first end seal (for example, left end seal 101a of a second package 404b, for example, left end seal 101a shown in Fig. Figure 1a) and a second end seal (for example, the right end seal 101b of a first package 404a). In a first step, as shown in figure 4a, a packaging film is provided and wound around the filled tube of a filling and sealing machine vertically.

Second, as shown in Figures 4b and 5b, the first and second stamp jaws 408a, b move from an initial position toward the film (eg, in directions 412a, b). These seal jaws form both the first gasket end seal and the first gasket end seal as they are pressed against the film. In some embodiments, the seal jaws also cut the film to separate the first end seal from the second package and the second end seal from the first package.

Third, as shown in Figure 5b, as the first and second seal jaws 408a, b move toward the film, the bottom gusset brackets 502a, b, and the top gusset brackets 406a, b also move on. directions 416a, b towards the film and away from a starting position. Upon contact with the packing, the bottom reinforcement brackets and the upper reinforcement brackets form bottom reinforcement brackets 102a, c in the second packing and upper reinforcement brackets 102b, d in the first packing, respectively. For example, first and second upper reinforcement brackets 406a, b form upper reinforcement brackets (for example, third and fourth reinforcement brackets 102b, d, respectively, in the first package 404a) adjacent to the right face 109 of the first 404a packaging. Simultaneously, the first and second bottom reinforcement brackets 502a, b form bottom reinforcement brackets (for example, first and second reinforcement brackets 102a, c, respectively, in the second package 404b) adjacent to the left face 108 of the second package 404b. As shown in Figure 5b, the bottom brace brackets are horizontal brace brackets and the upper brace brackets are rotating brace brackets or collapsible brace brackets.

Fourth, as shown in Figure 4b, as the upper gusset brackets 406a, b move toward the film, a lift 410 lifts the first package 404a to recover the weight of the first package 404a on the packaging film. In other words, the first gasket 404a is supported from below by the elevator 410 instead of being suspended from the seal jaws 408a, b. This allows the upper gusset brackets 406a, b to form the right face 109 of the package in a flat shape without tearing the film or having a substantial probability of tearing the film. As shown in Figure 4b, the upper gusset brackets approximate the first packing in a flat, horizontal configuration. However, in some embodiments, the upper gusset brackets approximate the first package in a folded configuration as shown in Figure 5b. In some embodiments, the upper reinforcement brackets comprise a hinge with collapsible portions. In other embodiments, the upper reinforcement brackets do not comprise a hinge and do not fold.

Fifth, as shown in Figure 5c, while the seal jaws 408a, b and bottom and top reinforcement brackets 502a, b, 406a, b are in contact with the packing film, bibs 504a, b move toward the film and away from a starting position (for example, in directions 506a, b). The bibs make contact with the first gasket (for example on the front face and the back face) and apply pressure to the first gasket. Consequently, the bibs indirectly apply pressure to the upper reinforcing brackets 102b, d of the first gasket 404a. In some embodiments, by putting pressure on the upper reinforcing brackets, the bibs condition the film so that the film is tight and flat (eg, to avoid wrinkling). In some embodiments, the bibs compress gas in the package to condition the package and provide a film that is tight and flat.

Sixth, as shown in Figures 5d to 5e, the upper reinforcement brackets 406a, b rotate up in directions 508a, b and push the second side (for example right face 109) of the first gasket 404a against the bibs 504a, b as bibs move away from first pack in opposite directions 510a, b. This keeps the film under tension as the bibs separate. Also, as the bibs move away from the first package they expose a bottom surface of the seal jaws 408a, b, which are hot. The upper gusset brackets press the second side of the first gasket against the exposed surface. This process flattens the second side (eg right face 109) of the first package 404a. In some embodiments, the film is heated through the use of conduction heating of the seal jaws. In some embodiments, the seal jaws are at a temperature of 110 ° C to 160 ° C (230 ° F - 320 ° F). Although, in some embodiments, the stamp jaws can seal, flatten, or fold the film through the use of other technologies (eg, the stamp jaws can be ultrasonic stamp jaws using ultrasonic technology). In some embodiments, the second side of the gasket is pressed against the seal jaws for about 50 to about 250 milliseconds.

Seventh, the bottom brackets 502a, b press the first side (eg, left face 108) of the second gasket 404b against an exposed upper surface of the sealing jaws 408a, b. In some embodiments, the bottom reinforcement brackets are assisted in the formation of the reinforcement brackets in and that flatten the first side of the second package by means of a product conduit 414 (for example, anterior 414), which supports the second package of the interior along its entire length (for example, from first side to second side) and has a rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, the bottom gusset brackets slide between the product chute and seal jaws 408a, b to form gusset brackets on the first side of the second package and then press the first side of the second package against the seal jaws. stamp.

Figure 5h shows a side schematic view corresponding to the schematic perspective view shown in Figure 5e. As shown in Figure 5h, a bottom gusset bracket (e.g., gusset bracket 502b) can be used to fold the first side 108 of the second gasket 404b against the top surface of the seal jaws 408a, b in a first location 514. An upper gusset bracket (for example, gusset 406b) can be used to raise the second side 109 of the first gasket 404a and press the second side flush or at right angles against the bottom surface of the sealing jaws 408a, b at a second location 518. A cut line 516 can be used to separate the first end seal 101a from the second package 404b (eg, left end seal 101a of FIG. 1a) and the second end seal 101b from the first package 404a. For example, a knife can be inserted at cut line 516 between the seal jaws and the knife can be used to separate the first and second gaskets. For example, this can occur while the seal jaws are still engaged with the first and second gaskets and the bottom gusset brackets press the first side of the second gasket against the seal jaws and the top gusset brackets press the second side. of the first gasket against the seal jaws.

Eighth, as the packing (and consequently the upper transverse seal 101b) moves down to the first machine (for example in direction 420), the seal jaw, the upper reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets and the elevator remain coupled with a first and / or second package and travel down to the first machine with the first and / or second package. These components remain coupled with the first and / or second package for a period of time while the second side 109 of a first package 404a and the first side 108 of a second package 404b are flattened to provide packages with a desired shape (e.g. example first flat side 108 and second flat side 109). Although in some embodiments the components of the first machine remain engaged with the first and / or second packages and travel down to the first machine, in other embodiments the components of the first machine are stationary while remaining engaged with the first and / or or the second package. In other words, the first and / or second gaskets can be paused in the vicinity of the components so that the stationary components can engage the first and / or second gaskets. Consequently, in some embodiments, the first and / or second packages are sealed and flattened while the first and / or second packages move with components from the first machine, while in other embodiments, the first and / or second packages are sealed and flattened while the first and / or second package and components of the first machine are stationary.

Ninth, as shown in Figure 5f, after sufficient time to seal and secure the top and bottom of the package, the 25 components are decoupled from the packages as appropriate to allow the first package to exit the first machine. The first machine components (eg, seal jaws, bottom gusset brackets, top gusset brackets, and bibs) are detached, moved away from the package, and returned to their respective open initial positions. For example, after the upper reinforcement brackets 406a, b are in their initial position, they rotate downward (for example, in directions 512a, b) so that they are in the same position and orientation as they had been before. move to packaging. An example of initial position for the respective components can be seen in Figures 5a and 5g.

As the first package exits the first machine, it has the desired shape (for example, the shape of a rectangular or cube prism) even without being processed by a second machine. It is useful to note that while the second package 404b will initially be provided with a first flat side 108, as the second package moves down (for example, in direction 420) to the first machine, the second package 404b will subsequently be in position. of the first gasket 404a and will be provided with a second flat side 109. Consequently, as the second package 404b exits the machine, the second package will also have the desired shape (eg, rectangular prism or cube).

Although the steps have been described for one embodiment of the invention, in other embodiments the steps may occur at different times. For example, the steps can occur simultaneously or sequentially. As another example, the order of the steps can be varied as appropriate. For example, in some modes, the second, third, and fourth steps occur simultaneously, but in other modes, they occur sequentially. In some modalities, the sixth and seventh steps occur simultaneously, but in other modalities they occur at different times or start at different times even when they overlap.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises sealing the film to form a back seal; forming a first end seal to form a first partially formed package; flattening a first side of the first package to form a flat first side; filling the first partially formed package with product; forming a second end seal on the first partially formed package to form a first package from the first partially formed package; flattening the second side of the first package to form a second flat side, where the flattening of the first side and flattening of the second side occur in a first machine. As can be seen in Figure 4c, in some embodiments the first flat side and the second flat side do not comprise folds and / or folds as can be formed when a package is simply folded to form one side of the first package. Accordingly, some embodiments of this invention can make more efficient use of the packaging film and provide a more aesthetically pleasing package than packages with first and / or second ends formed by simply folding the packaging film over itself.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with respect to Figure 6. First, in a supply step 602, a film is provided on a fill and seal machine vertically (for example, the film may be wound around a 5 tube filling machine).

Second, in a first sealing step 604, the seal jaws move into contact with the film to form a first end seal on a first package.

Third, in a first side stiffening bracket 10 placement step 606, the bottom stiffening brackets move into contact with the first gasket to form first and second stiffening brackets adjacent to the first side of the first packing.

Fourth, in a first-side flattening step 610, the bottom reinforcing brackets press the first side of the first gasket against an exposed upper surface of the seal jaws and thereby flatten the first side.

Fifth, in a first package movement step 612, the first package moves through the fill and seal machine vertically so that the first package is in position 20 to form a second end seal on the first. packing.

Sixth, in a second sealing step 614, the seal jaws move into contact with the film to form the second end seal on the first package.

Seventh, in a lifting step 616, an elevator lifts the first package to relieve the weight of the first package on the packaging film.

Eighth, in a second side gusset placement step 618, the upper gusset brackets move into contact with the first gasket to form the third and fourth gusset brackets adjacent to a second side of the first gasket.

Ninth, in a pressure application step 620, the bibs are moved into contact with the first gasket to apply pressure to the third and fourth reinforcing brackets of the first gasket.

Tenth, in a second side flattening step 622, the upper reinforcement brackets rotate to press the second side of the first package against the bibs as the bibs move away from the first package. When the bibs are no longer between the upper gusset brackets and the seal jaws, the upper gusset brackets press the second side of the gasket against an exposed surface of the seal jaws.

Eleventh, in a second package movement step 624, the first package moves along (for example down) the fill and seal machine vertically towards an outlet of the machine while the seal jaws, the elevator and the upper reinforcement brackets remain engaged with the first gasket.

Twelfth, in a disengagement step 626, the seal jaws, riser, and upper gusset brackets are disengaged from the first package before the first package exits the fill and seal machine vertically.

Thirteenth, in an exit step 628, the first package exits the fill and seal machine vertically in a desired shape (eg, a rectangular prism, polygon, cube, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the first end seal is on a first side of the package and the second end seal is on a second side of the first package. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first side and the second side of the first package are flattened before the package exits the fill and seal machine vertically. Consequently, in some embodiments, the first package exits the first machine with a first flat side and a second flat side.

In some embodiments, the seal jaws simultaneously make the second end seal of the first package and the first end seal of a second package. Consequently, in some embodiments, the second sealing step for a first package and a first sealing step for a second package occur simultaneously. In some embodiments, the step of placing the second side gusset bracket of a first package and a step of placing the first side gusset bracket of a second package occur simultaneously. Additionally, in some embodiments, the following steps can occur simultaneously: the seal jaws move to the second side of a first package and the first side of a second package, the elevator lifts the second package, the upper reinforcement brackets move to the second side of the first gasket and the bottom reinforcement brackets move to the first side of the second gasket.

In some embodiments, a first side flattening step of a second package and the second side flattening step 5 of the first package occur simultaneously.

In some embodiments, during the second package movement step, the first package moves vertically through the fill and seal machine while the seal jaws remain engaged with the first package and the second package, the elevator. remains engaged with the first gasket, the top gusset brackets remain engaged with the first gasket, and the bottom gusset brackets remain engaged with the second gasket. Consequently, in some embodiments, both the first package and the second package move vertically through the fill and seal machine during the second package movement step. Similarly, in some embodiments, a first package movement step for the second package occurs simultaneously with the second package movement step for the first package.

In some embodiments, during the uncoupling step, the seal jaws, riser, top gusset brackets, and bottom gusset brackets are disengaged from the first pack and the second pack before the first pack exits the sealing machine. filling and sealing vertically.

In some embodiments of the invention, the second end seal of the first package is integral with a first end seal of a second package. In some embodiments, the second package end seal and the second package end seal are cut on a cut line to separate the first package from the second package. In some embodiments, the seal jaws comprise a cutting line and a blade is inserted into the seal jaws to separate the first package from the second package.

In some embodiments, having a sufficient amount of air in the gasket helps to ensure that the gasket is provided with a flat right face 109. For example, air can provide resistance such that as a flat surface is pushed against the side right side of the packaging, the right side of the packaging is flattened rather than, for example, being crushed or wrinkled. Although the invention has been described with respect to making a flat right face, other faces can also be flat. For example, the left face or another face can be flat in addition to or instead of the right face.

In some embodiment, an external former may be used instead of, or in addition to, an internal former (eg fill tube of a vertical form fill and seal machine) to provide a packaging film of a desired shape.

In some embodiments adhesive labels are used on one side of the package to provide additional rigidity, stability, strength, or to form or otherwise hold the package in a desired shape.

In some embodiments, although the invention is described with a film that is wrapped around a fill tube, in other embodiments the film can also be wrapped around different formed structures (eg, hollow structure, solid structure, rectangular prism, prism triangular, cylinder, etc.) although a hollow structure is useful if the structure will also serve to provide a conduit for filling the package with a product.

Although the invention has been discussed with the use of packaging that is made in one particular orientation, packaging can also be made in different orientations with appropriate modifications. For example, the first end seal may be the right end seal 101b, such that as a package 404 moves down a vertical fill and seal machine, the right side 109 of the package is below the left side. 108. In other words, in some embodiments the right end seal may be the first end seal to be formed by a vertical fill and seal machine, but in another embodiment the left end seal may be the first end seal to be formed. be formed by machine.

Another embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 4a to 4c and Figures 5a to 5h. The embodiment comprises an apparatus for making a first package with a desired shape. As shown, the apparatus comprises sealing jaws 408a, b, backing brackets 502a, bottom b, top backing brackets 406a, b, bibs 504a, b, and a product conduit 414.

In some embodiments, the stamp jaws move between an engaged position of the stamp jaws (eg as shown in Figures 5c to 5e, 5h) and a disengaged position of the 5 stamp jaws (eg home position shown in Figures 5a, 5g). In the engaged position of the seal jaws, the first gasket 404a is pressed between a first surface (e.g., first surface 418a, b in Figure 5a) of each seal jaw to form an end seal (e.g. end 10 101b in figure 1a). In the mated arrangement of the seal jaws, the seal jaws separate and are not in contact with the first gasket. As shown, for example, in Figure 5a, the stamp jaws each comprise indentations in the first surface 418a, b of the stamp jaws. As shown in Figure 5h, the stamp jaws comprise a cut line 516.

The cut line comprises mating grooves in each seal jaw and the grooves are aligned to allow a blade to pass through the grooves when the seal jaws are closed to form an end seal.

In some embodiments, the bottom reinforcement brackets move between a first engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, a second engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, and a mated arrangement of the bottom reinforcement brackets. In the first mated position of the bottom gusset brackets 25, the bottom gusset brackets contact a first side of the first gasket to form gusset brackets. An example of the bottom reinforcement brackets moving to the first engaged position is shown in Figure 5b. In the second mated position of the bottom gusset brackets, the bottom gusset brackets press the first side of the first gasket against the sealing jaws. An example of the bottom reinforcement brackets in the second engaged position is shown in Figures 5c to 5e and Figure 5h. In the mated arrangement of the bottom gusset brackets, the bottom gusset brackets do not contact the first gasket. An example of the mated arrangement (eg home position) of the bottom reinforcement brackets is shown in Figures 5a and 5g. As shown, for example, in FIG. 5a, the bottom reinforcement brackets are flat and each bottom reinforcement bracket comprises a pointed end 520a, b. In the mated position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the pointed end contacts the first gasket to form a reinforcement bracket.

In some embodiments, the upper gusset brackets move between a first engaged position of the upper gusset brackets, a second engaged position of the upper gusset brackets, and an engaged arrangement of the upper gusset brackets. In the first mated position of the upper gusset brackets, the upper gusset brackets contact a second side of the first gasket to form gusset brackets. An example of the upper gusset brackets moving to the first engaged position is shown in Figures 4b and 5b. In the second mated position of the upper gusset brackets, the upper gusset brackets press the second side of the first gasket against the seal jaws. An example of the upper reinforcement brackets in the second engaged position is shown in Figures 5e and 5h. In the mated arrangement of the top gusset brackets, the top gusset brackets do not contact the first gasket. An example of the mated arrangement (eg home position) of the upper reinforcement brackets is shown in Figures 5a and 5g. As shown in figure 5a, for example, the upper reinforcement brackets each comprise a hinge 522a, b on a rotation axis 524a, b and two portions 526a, b, c, d that are both attached to The hinge. The two portions are rotatable along the axis of rotation to form both a folded configuration as shown, for example, in Figure 5a, and a flat configuration as shown, for example, in Figures 5e and 5f.

In some embodiments, the bibs are moved between a mating position of the bibs and a mating arrangement of the bibs. In the mating position of the bibs, the bibs make contact with the gasket. Figure 5c shows an example of bibs moving into the engaged position. In the coupled arrangement, the bibs do not contact the packaging. Figure 5d shows an example of bibs moving out of an engaged position to an engaged arrangement. As shown, for example, in Figures 5a and 5h, each bib comprises a tapered end 528a, b configured such that, when the upper reinforcement brackets are in the folded configuration and press a second side of the first gasket against the end taper of each of the bibs (see, for example, fig. 5d), as the bibs are moved away from each other the upper reinforcing brackets can gradually unfold into the flat configuration (see, for example, figs. 5d to 5e) while the second side of the first gasket is under tension and the tension prevents wrinkles from forming on the second side of the first package. In some embodiments, the upper gusset brackets are moved (eg partially retracted) into the mated arrangement of the upper gusset brackets prior to or during rotation of the upper gusset brackets from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration. Although the upper gusset brackets move toward the mated arrangement, they can stop and return to the first mated position before the upper gusset brackets lose contact with the first gasket. In some embodiments, after the upper gusset brackets move toward the mated arrangement of the upper gusset brackets, the upper gusset brackets return (for example, extend) to the first mated position of the gusset bracket again . In some embodiments, the upper gusset brackets move toward the upper gusset brackets engaged arrangement and then return to the upper gusset first mated position prior to or during rotation of the upper gusset brackets from the configuration. folded to unfolded configuration.

In some embodiments, the product conduit provides a conduit 414 for filling the first package with a product. For example, the film to form a second package 404b and / or first package 404a is wrapped around the product conduit 414 (see, for example, Figures 4b and 4c) when the first package 404a is filled and before the second package is formed. end seal of first gasket. In some embodiments, the film to form a second package 404b is wrapped around the product conduit 414 when components of the package-making apparatus (eg, seal jaws, upper gusset brackets, bibs) engage the second side of the package. first gasket 404a to form the second end seal of the first gasket. In some embodiment, the product conduit is a tube, hopper, duct or passage, or some other structure that serves to support the film as it is formed into a desired shape. In some embodiments, when the components of the apparatus are in an engaged position (eg, seal jaws, bottom gusset brackets, top gusset brackets, bibs), the components are positioned below the product chute. In some embodiments, the product conduit is positioned above and adjacent to the bottom reinforcing brackets although the product conduit does not contact the bottom reinforcement brackets.

In some embodiments, when the bottom reinforcement brackets are in the second mated position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets are adjacent to a first side 530a, b of the seal jaws, for example, as shown in figure 5h. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5e and 5h, the bottom gusset brackets are oriented so that a flat surface 532a, b with sufficient surface area to flatten the first side 108 of the first package 404a is adjacent to the first side of seal jaws 408a, b;

In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5h, when the stamp jaws 408a, b are in the engaged position of the stamp jaws, a second side 534a, b of the stamp jaws, opposite the first side 530a, b , of the seal jaws, is adjacent to a first side 536a, b, of the upper gusset brackets (see, for example, Figs. 5f and 5h).

In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in Figures 5e and 5h, when the upper reinforcement brackets are in the second coupled position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets are in the flat configuration and a second Side 538a, b of the upper reinforcement brackets, opposite the first side 536a, b of the upper reinforcement brackets, lies behind the sealing jaws 408a, b. As shown, for example, in Figure 5d, when the upper gusset brackets 406a, b mate with the first packing and the upper gusset brackets are in the folded configuration, the first side 536a, b of the gusset brackets The tops press the second side 109 of the first gasket 404a against the tapered end of the bibs 504a, b.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1a, 4a, 4c, 5a, 5f, 5h, 7 and 8. The embodiment is an improved vertical form fill and seal machine for making a first package 404a with a desired shape. In some embodiments, the components of the fill and seal machine are vertically aligned along a vertical line 706. The vertical form fill and seal machine comprises a product chute 414 (for example, a former 414), a conveyor 714a, b (for example, pull belts 714a, b), reinforcement brackets 502a, b bottom and seal jaws 408a, b. The conveyor is positioned to contact a packaging film 702 that is wrapped around the product chute. The conveyor moves the packaging film along the product chute. In some embodiments, a sheet of film 702 is conveyed (eg in direction 704) to a forming mechanism 710 that wraps the sheet of film around the product chute. In some embodiments, the film sheet is fed from a film roll 700.

The seal jaws are positioned adjacent opposite sides 105, 107 of the packing film to form a first end seal 101a on the packing film whereby a first side 108 of the first packing is formed as the seal jaws move gaskets and the gasket film is pressed between the seal jaws. The bottom gusset brackets are positioned to form the gusset brackets 102a, c adjacent the first end seal of the first gasket. The product conduit is positioned so that a product 422 passing through the product conduit will enter the first package after exiting the product conduit. The product chute is positioned above the bottom reinforcement brackets. The bottom reinforcement brackets are positioned above the seal jaws. The bottom reinforcing brackets are adjacent to a first side 530a, b of the seal jaws.

When the term "up" is used herein to describe a location relative to an object, the term is not necessarily limited to locations that would be on a line that passes through the object and is parallel to the direction of gravitational acceleration. For example, the term "above" can be used to describe a location that is at a higher elevation than the object even if the location is to the left or right of the object.

As shown in Figures 1a, 4a, 5f, 5h, 7 and 8, the enhancement for the vertical form fill and seal machine comprises upper reinforcement brackets 406a, b and bibs 504a, b. The first side 536a, b (eg, upper) of the upper gusset brackets is positioned at approximately the same height as the top of the bibs, where a first side 536a, b of the upper gusset brackets is adjacent to a second side 534a, b of the seal jaws. The second side of the stamp jaws is opposite the first side of the stamp jaws. A second side 538a, b of the upper gusset brackets is opposite the first side of the upper gusset brackets and the second side of the upper gusset brackets faces away from the seal jaws when the upper gusset brackets are in one second coupled position of the upper reinforcement brackets. Additionally, in some embodiments, when the upper reinforcement brackets are in a second mated position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets are adjacent to the bibs.

In some embodiments, the improved vertical form fill and seal machine comprises an elevator 410. Although some embodiments do not comprise an elevator. The elevator moves between an engaged elevator position and a engaged elevator arrangement. In the docked position of the elevator, the elevator lifts the first packing. In the coupled arrangement of the riser, the riser is not in contact with the first packing.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of conveyors 714a, b positioned to convey the packaging film along the product chute at substantially the same speed along a perimeter 800 of the packaging film.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 8. The embodiment is an apparatus comprising a frame 802a, b that maintains the appropriate relative positions of the apparatus components. The frame can be a single structure or multiple structures. The frame may comprise a first set 804a, b of supports. The frame may comprise a first carriage 806. The first set of brackets fixes the first carriage to the frame. The first carriage supports a component (eg, at least one component selected from the group consisting of seal jaws, bottom reinforcement brackets, top reinforcement brackets, bibs, and any combination thereof) of the apparatus. The frame may comprise a second set 807a, b of supports. The frame may comprise a second carriage 808. The second set of brackets fixes the second carriage 808 to the frame. The second carriage supports a component (eg, at least one component selected from the group consisting of seal jaws, bottom brace brackets, top brace brackets, bibs, and any combination thereof) of the apparatus. A component (for example, at least one component selected from the group consisting of seal jaws, bottom gusset brackets, top gusset brackets, bibs, and any combination thereof) of the apparatus may be attached to an arm (for example, arms 809a, b). In some embodiments, the arms can be actuated to move the component that is attached to the arm.

Although pairs of various components (eg, carriages, supports, arms) of the frame have been shown, in some embodiments, each component is used individually or as part of a plurality of each component.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 9a to 9d. The embodiment comprises several components that have already been described (eg, reinforcement brackets 502a, bottom b, seal jaws 408a, b seal, upper reinforcement brackets 406a, b and bibs 504a, b). The embodiment also comprises a frame 806, arms 809, and actuators 902. The actuators can be used to actuate the arms and move the components of the modality (eg, to or from an engaged position or engaged arrangement).

Although this invention is particularly shown and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments, 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. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate and the inventors intend that the invention be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of subject matter mentioned in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, any combination of the items described herein, in all possible variations thereof, is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise clearly contradicts context.

Additional description.

The following clauses are offered as a further description of the disclosed invention.

1. A package comprising:

a front face;

a rear face;

a top face and a bottom face connecting said front and rear faces;

a left side and a right side connecting said front and rear faces, wherein said left and right sides are perpendicular to said front and rear faces;

wherein said left side and said right side each comprise a vertical end seal;

a first top hem seal positioned at the approximate intersection of said front face and said top face;

a first bottom hem stamp placed at the approximate intersection of the front face and the bottom face.

2. Packaging according to any preceding claim further comprising:

a second top hem stamp positioned at the approximate intersection of the back face and the top face, a second bottom hem stamp positioned at the approximate intersection of the back face and the bottom face.

3. The packaging according to any preceding claim comprising a film.

Four. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein said film has a thickness of between approximately 0.00508 and 0.01016 cm (2 and 4 millis).

5. The package according to any preceding claim, wherein said front face comprises a resealable opening.

6. The package according to claim 5, wherein said resealable opening comprises marking lines and a pull tab.

7. The packaging according to claim 2, wherein said first upper and said second upper hem seals are approximately parallel.

8. The packaging according to any preceding claim, wherein said first upper hem seal and said first lower hem seal are approximately parallel.

9. The package according to any preceding claim, wherein said front face comprises graphics and wherein said graphics are oriented to be legible when said end seals are oriented vertically.

10. The package according to any preceding claim, wherein said front face comprises graphics and wherein said graphics are oriented perpendicular to said end seals.

eleven. The package according to any preceding claim, wherein said rear face comprises a rear seal, wherein said rear seal is perpendicular to said end seals.

12. A method to make a packaging, said method that includes the steps of:

to. forming at least one hem seal on a film;

b. sealing said film to form a back seal;

c. forming a right end seal to form a partially formed gasket, wherein said right end seal is approximately perpendicular to said rear seal;

d. filling said partially formed package with product;

and. forming a left end seal to form an intermediate gasket;

F. conditioning said intermediate packaging;

g. heat the film in the intermediate packaging;

h. cool the film to create a final package.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said final packaging comprises:

a front face;

a rear face;

a top face and a bottom face connecting said front and rear faces;

a left side and a right side connecting said front and rear faces, wherein said left and right sides are perpendicular to said front and rear faces;

wherein said left side and said right side each comprise a vertical end seal;

a first top hem stamp positioned at the approximate intersection of said front face and said top face , a first bottom hem stamp positioned at the approximate intersection of the front face and the bottom face.

14. The method according to claims 12 to 13, wherein steps bae take place in a vertical filling and sealing machine.

fifteen. The method according to claim 14, wherein step a takes place before the film is fed into a vertical filling and sealing machine.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein steps fah take place in a separate hub-forming mechanism.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein steps fah take place on a pallet conveyor.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein said intermediate packing created in step e) is transferred to a separate hub-forming mechanism.

19. The method according to claims 12 to 18, wherein said conditioning comprises vibrating and balancing said intermediate packing.

twenty. The method according to claims 12 to 19, wherein said heating of step g) comprises using a hot plate with a temperature between 65.5 ° C (150 ° F) and about 121 ° C (250 ° F).

twenty-one. The method according to claims 12 to 20, wherein said cooling of step h) comprises transferring heat from the film to a pallet conveyor by contact between the film and the pallet conveyor.

22. The method according to claims 12 to 21, wherein said film has a thickness of between approximately 0.00508 and 0.01016 cm (2 and 4 millis).

2. 3. The method according to claims 12 to 22, wherein said final package comprises a resealable opening.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said resealable opening comprises score lines and a pull tab.

25. An apparatus for making a first package with a desired shape comprising:

a product conduit;

bottom reinforcement brackets;

seal jaws;

upper reinforcement brackets;

bibs;

wherein the product conduit is positioned above the bottom reinforcement brackets when the bottom reinforcement brackets are in a second coupled position of the bottom reinforcement brackets;

wherein, when the bottom reinforcement brackets are in the second engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets are adjacent to a first side of the seal jaws;

wherein, when the stamp jaws are in an engaged position of the stamp jaws, a second side of the stamp jaws, opposite the first side of the stamp jaws, is adjacent to a first side of the upper gusset brackets ;

wherein, when the upper reinforcement brackets are in the second mated position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets are adjacent to the bibs.

26. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the stamp jaws move between the engaged position of the stamp jaws and an engaged arrangement of the stamp jaws;

wherein, in the engaged position of the seal jaws, the first gasket is pressed between a first surface of each seal jaw to form an end seal; and wherein, in the mating arrangement of the stamp jaws, the stamp jaws are spaced apart.

27. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the bottom reinforcement brackets move between a first engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the second engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, and a mated arrangement of the bottom reinforcement brackets;

wherein, in the first mated position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets contact a first side of the first package to form reinforcement brackets;

wherein, in the second engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets press the first side of the first gasket against the sealing jaws; and wherein, in the mated arrangement of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets do not contact the first gasket.

28. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the upper reinforcement brackets move between a first engaged position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the second engaged position of the upper reinforcement brackets, and a mated arrangement of the upper reinforcement brackets;

wherein, in the first mated position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets contact a second side of the first package to form reinforcement brackets;

wherein, in the second mated position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets press the second side of the first gasket against the seal jaws; and where, in the mated arrangement of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets do not contact the first packing.

29. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the bibs are moved between a mating position of the bibs and a mating arrangement of the bibs;

wherein, in the mating position of the bibs, the bibs make contact with the gasket; and wherein, in the coupled arrangement, the bibs do not make contact with the packaging.

30. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the product conduit provides a conduit for filling the first package with a product.

31. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the stamp jaws each comprise grooves in the first surface of the stamp jaws.

32. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the seal jaws comprise a cut line, wherein the cut line comprises mating grooves in each seal jaw, and where, when the seal jaws are closed to form an end seal, the grooves align to allow a blade to pass through the slots.

33. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the bottom reinforcement brackets have a flat surface to flatten a first end of the first gasket.

3. 4. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein each bottom reinforcement bracket comprises a pointed end and wherein, in the first mated position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the pointed end contacts the first gasket to form a reinforcement bracket.

35. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the upper reinforcement brackets each comprise a hinge on an axis of rotation and two portions that are attached to the hinge, wherein the two portions are rotatable along the axis of rotation to form both a folded configuration of the upper gusset brackets as a flat configuration of the upper gusset brackets.

36. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein each bib comprises a tapered end.

37. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein a packaging film is wrapped around the product chute.

38. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the product conduit provides a conduit for filling the first package with a product.

39. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein the product conduit is selected from the group consisting of a tube, a hopper, a conduit, and a conduit.

40. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein, when the bottom reinforcement brackets are in the second mated position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets are oriented such that a flat surface with sufficient surface area to flatten the first side of the first gasket is adjacent to the first side of the seal jaws.

41. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein, when the upper reinforcement brackets are in the second engaged position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets are in a flat configuration of the upper reinforcement brackets.

42. The apparatus of claim 25:

wherein, when the upper gusset brackets mate with the first gasket and the upper gusset brackets are in a folded configuration, the first side of the upper gusset brackets presses a second side of the first gasket against the bibs.

43. A method of making a structurally elastic first package with a desired shape on a vertical shape fill and seal machine, the method comprising the steps:

b. seal a film to form a back seal;

c. forming a first end seal to form a first partially formed package, wherein the first end seal is approximately perpendicular to the rear seal and wherein the first end seal is positioned on a first side of the first partially formed package;

d. flattening the first side of the first partially formed package to form a flat first side;

and. filling the first partially formed package with product;

F. forming a second end seal on the first partially formed package to form a first package from the first partially formed package, wherein the second end seal is positioned on a second side of the first package;

g. flattening the second side of the first gasket to form a second flat side, where flattening the second side comprises using upper reinforcement brackets to press the second side of the first gasket close to the seal jaws and where the flattening of the first side and the Second side flattening occurs in a first machine.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the first machine is a vertically fill and seal machine and the bag steps take place in the first machine.

Four. Five. The method of claim 43, wherein the seal jaws move into contact with the film to form the first end seal on the first package.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the bottom gusset brackets are moved into contact with the first gasket to form gusset brackets adjacent the first side of the first gasket.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the bottom reinforcement brackets press the first side of the first gasket against the seal jaws to flatten the first side of the first gasket.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the seal jaws move into contact with the film to form the second end seal on the first package.

49. The method of claim 43, wherein an elevator lifts the first gasket while the upper reinforcement brackets move into contact with the first gasket to form reinforcement brackets adjacent to the second side of the first gasket.

fifty. The method of claim 49, wherein the bibs move into contact with the first gasket and apply pressure to the reinforcing brackets adjacent to the second side of the first gasket.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the upper gusset brackets rotate to press the second side of the first gasket against the bibs.

52. The method of claim 43, wherein the upper gusset brackets rotate to press the second side of the first gasket against the seal jaws.

53. The method of claim 43, wherein the first pack is moved along the first machine while the seal jaws, a riser, and upper reinforcement brackets are engaged with the first pack.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the seal jaws, riser, and upper gusset brackets disengage the first package before the first package exits the first machine.

55. The method of claim 43, wherein the film has a thickness of between about 0.00508 and 0.01016 cm (2 and 4 millis).

56. The method of claim 43, wherein the first package comprises a resealable opening.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the resealable opening comprises score lines and a pull tab.

58. The method of claim 43, wherein the first machine is a vertical form fill and seal machine; and wherein the first package exits the filling and sealing machine vertically with a desired shape, said shape comprising the first flat side and the second flat side.

59. The method of claim 43, wherein the method further comprises the step:

of forming at least one hem seal on the film.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein step a occurs before the film is fed into the first machine.

61. The method of claim 43, wherein the first package comprises:

a front face;

a rear face;

a top face and a bottom face connecting the front and rear faces;

a first side and a second side connecting the front and rear faces, wherein the first and second sides are perpendicular to the front and rear faces and wherein the first side comprises the first end seal and the second side each comprises the second end seal;

a first top hem stamp positioned at the approximate intersection of the front face and the top face, a first bottom hem stamp positioned at the approximate intersection of the front face and the bottom face.

62. An apparatus comprising an improved vertical form filling and sealing machine for making a first package with a desired shape, said vertically filling and sealing machine comprising a product chute, a conveyor, bottom reinforcing brackets and jaws stamp; wherein the conveyor is positioned to contact a packaging film that is wrapped around the product chute; wherein the conveyor moves the packaging film along the product chute; wherein the seal jaws are positioned adjacent opposite sides of the packing film to form a first end seal on the packing film whereby a first side of the first packing is formed and whereby the first end seal is formed. end of the first packing when the seal jaws move together and the packing film is pressed between the seal jaws; wherein the bottom reinforcement brackets are positioned to form reinforcement brackets adjacent to the first end seal of the first gasket; wherein the product conduit is positioned such that a product passing through the product conduit will enter the first package after exiting the product conduit; wherein the product conduit is positioned above the bottom reinforcement brackets; wherein the bottom reinforcement brackets are positioned above the seal jaws; and wherein the bottom reinforcement brackets are adjacent to a first side of the seal jaws; where the improvement includes:

upper reinforcement brackets;

wherein the seal jaws are positioned above the upper gusset brackets, where a first side of the upper gusset brackets is adjacent to a second side of the seal jaws, where the second side of the seal jaws is opposite the first side of the seal jaws and wherein a second side of the upper reinforcement brackets is opposite the first side of the upper reinforcement brackets.

63. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein the stamp jaws are moved between an engaged position of the stamp jaws and an engaged arrangement of the stamp jaws;

wherein, in the engaged position of the seal jaws, the first gasket is pressed between a first surface of each seal jaw to form an end seal; and wherein, in the mated arrangement of the seal jaws, the seal jaws do not contact the first gasket.

64. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein the bottom reinforcement brackets move between a first engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, a second engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, and a mated arrangement of the bottom reinforcement brackets;

wherein, in the first mated position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets contact the first side of the first package to form reinforcement brackets;

65. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein the upper reinforcement brackets move between a first engaged position of the upper reinforcement brackets, a second engaged position of the upper reinforcement brackets, and a mated arrangement of the upper reinforcement brackets;

wherein, in the first mated position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets contact a second side of the first package to form reinforcement brackets;

66. The apparatus of claim 62: 'further comprising bibs;

wherein the upper reinforcement brackets are positioned adjacent the bibs where the bibs move between a mating position of the bibs and a mating arrangement of the bibs;

wherein, in the mating position of the bibs, the bibs make contact with the gasket; and where, in the coupled arrangement, the bibs do not contact the packaging.

67. The apparatus of claim 62:

further comprising an elevator;

wherein the elevator moves between an engaged elevator position and a engaged elevator arrangement;

wherein, in the elevator engaged position, the elevator lifts the first package;

wherein, in the coupled arrangement of the riser, the riser is not in contact with the first package.

68. The apparatus of claim 63:

wherein the stamp jaws each comprise grooves in the first surface of the stamp jaws.

69. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein the seal jaws comprise a cut line, where the cut line comprises mating grooves in each seal jaw, and where, when the seal jaws close to form an end seal, the grooves align to allow a blade to pass through the slots.

70. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein the bottom reinforcement brackets have a flat surface to flatten the first end of the first gasket.

71. The apparatus of claim 64:

72. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein the upper reinforcement brackets each comprise a hinge on an axis of rotation and two portions that are fixed to the hinge, wherein the two portions are rotatable along the axis of rotation to form both a folded configuration of the upper gusset brackets as a flat configuration of the upper gusset brackets.

73. The apparatus of claim 66:

wherein the chest piece comprises a tapered end.

74. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein a packaging film is wrapped around the product chute.

75. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of conveyors positioned to convey the packaging film along the product chute at substantially a single speed along a perimeter of the packaging film.

76. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein the product conduit is selected from the group consisting of a tube, a hopper, a conduit, and a conduit.

77. The apparatus of claim 64:

78. The apparatus of claim 65:

79. The apparatus of claim 62:

80. The method of claim 43:

wherein flattening the second side comprises using upper reinforcement brackets to press the second side of the first gasket against the sealing jaws.

81. The method of claim 43, wherein bottom reinforcement brackets press the first side of the first gasket near the seal jaws to flatten the first side of the first gasket.

82. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein, in the first mated position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets contact the first side of the first package to form reinforcement brackets;

wherein, in the second engaged position of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets press the first side of the first gasket near the seal jaws; and wherein, in the mated arrangement of the bottom reinforcement brackets, the bottom reinforcement brackets do not contact the first packing.

83. The apparatus of claim 62:

wherein, in the first mated position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets contact a second side of the first package to form reinforcement brackets;

wherein, in the second mated position of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets press the second side of the first gasket near the seal jaws; and where, in the mated arrangement of the upper reinforcement brackets, the upper reinforcement brackets do not contact the first packing.

25 members in 6 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim

Priority claims24

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
201361898593	United States of America	P	2013-11-01
201361898593	United States of America	P	2013-11-01
201361898626	United States of America	P	2013-11-01
201361898626	United States of America	P	2013-11-01
61898593	United States of America	–	2013-11-01
61898626	United States of America	–	2013-11-01
201462072093	United States of America	P	2014-10-29
201462072093	United States of America	P	2014-10-29
62072093	United States of America	–	2014-10-29
14528692	United States of America	–	2014-10-30
201414528692	United States of America	A	2014-10-30
201414528692	United States of America	A	2014-10-30
2014063474	United States of America	W	2014-10-31
2014063474	United States of America	W	2014-10-31
14528692	–	–	–
61898593	–	–	–
61898626	–	–	–
62072093	–	–	–
PCTUS2014063474	–	–	–
US201361898593P	–	–	–
US201361898626P	–	–	–
US201414528692	–	–	–
US201462072093P	–	–	–
WO2014US63474	–	–	–

Members25

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
CA2929260A1	Canada	A1	2015-05-07
CA2929261A1	Canada	A1	2015-05-07
US2015121811A1	United States of America	A1	2015-05-07
US2015121813A1	United States of America	A1	2015-05-07
WO2015066466A2	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A2	2015-05-07
WO2015066503A2	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A2	2015-05-07
WO2015066503A3	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A3	2015-07-09
WO2015066466A3	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A3	2015-11-12
AU2014342063A1	Australia	A1	2016-06-16
AU2014342119A1	Australia	A1	2016-06-16
EP3063071A2	European Patent Office (EPO)	A2	2016-09-07
EP3063073A2	European Patent Office (EPO)	A2	2016-09-07
MX2016005690A	Mexico	A	2016-12-16
MX2016005688AThis record	Mexico	A	2017-01-05
EP3063073A4	European Patent Office (EPO)	A4	2017-07-26
EP3063071A4	European Patent Office (EPO)	A4	2017-08-02
US9840346B2	United States of America	B2	2017-12-12
US9902517B2	United States of America	B2	2018-02-27
AU2014342119B2	Australia	B2	2018-03-01
AU2014342063B2	Australia	B2	2018-03-08
MX355942B	Mexico	B	2018-05-07
MX359261B	Mexico	B	2018-09-20
CA2929260C	Canada	C	2018-10-02
CA2929261C	Canada	C	2018-12-11
EP3063071B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2019-02-13

Method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package.

Abstract

Term

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO MAKE A STRUCTURALLY ELASTIC PACKAGING

Priority claims24

Members25

Events

Numbers

Titles2

Classification