Method of and apparatus for putting a product into a flexible repeatedly closeable container

(12) PATENT DESCRIPTION (19) PL (11) 201185 (13) B1 (21) Application number: 340428 ⁽¹³⁾ (22) Filing date: November 3, 1998 ^{(51) Int.Cl.}

B65B 9/06 (2006.01) (86) Date and number of the international application: B65B 61/18 (2006.01)

November 3, 1998, PCT / US98 / 23400 (87) International application publication date and number:

May 20, 1999, WO99 / ​​24325 PCT Gazette No. 20/99

Apparatus for placing a product in a flexible, reclosable container

<td>(30) Priority: 11/07/1997, US, 08 / 965,722</td><td>(73) The right holder of the patent: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC, Glenview, US</td>

<td>(43) Application was announced: February 12, 2001 BUP 04/01</td><td>(72) Inventor (s): Ronald G. Thieman, Noblesville, US</td>

<td>(45) The grant of the patent was announced:</td><td>(74) Representative:</td>

<td>March 31, 2009 WUP 03/09</td><td>Szlagowska-Kiszko Teresa, POLSERVICE, Kancelaria Rzeczników Patentowych Sp. z o. o</td>

(57) The present invention relates to a device for placing a product in a flexible reclosable container comprising means for feeding a web of flexible film with interlocking strapping strips, the strips having protrusions characterized by including a slider (48) for interlocking and disengaging the strapping straps (32, 34), the probe for disengaging the interlocking straps, machine (114) for installing the sliders, for assembling a slider (48) on fastening straps (32, 34), the slider assembling machine (114) including a rotating selector wheel (115) and a separating tab, the wheel (115) including a pocket (310) for receiving the slider ( 48) and moving the slider (48) while the slider contacts the separating tab such that the feet (54, 56) are moved apart sufficiently to pass through the protrusions (45, 47). a welding mechanism (130) for forming at least a partial cross seam across the film, and means (214) for placing the product within the flexible film (102), the probe (39) disengaging the interlocking straps (32, 34) before applying the sliders (48) ) onto the disconnected fastening straps (32, 34).

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PL 201 185 B1

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for placing a product in a flexible, reclosable container.

Reclosable flexible containers, such as plastic bags with zippers, represent a significant advance in individual goods packaging in both industrial and retail applications. The packaging industry recognizes the importance of using locking strips with interlocking profiles to ensure that the container is easy to reclose after its first use. Ease of releasable closure by the user of the interlocking strips is also important. For example, some containers use multi-color interlocking stripes to help the recipient determine whether the container is closed. Another way to ensure the reliability of tacking is to use a slider that opens the latches in one direction and closes them in the opposite direction.

Preferably, sliders on flexible reclosable containers do not need to be in place during filling in a form-fill-seal machine. All that is needed is a method of attaching the slider to a flexible reclosable container that is already formed, automatically filled with product, and closed.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved device for placing a product in a flexible reclosable container.

Apparatus for placing a product in a flexible reclosable container, comprising means for feeding a web of flexible film with hooked fastening strips, the strips having protrusions, is characterized according to the invention by that it comprises a slider for tacking and disengaging the fastening strips, a detachable probe interlocking straps, a machine for installing zippers, for placing a zipper on the straps, the slider applying machine includes a rotating selector wheel and a separating projection, the wheel having a pocket for receiving the slider and moving the slide when the slider contacts the separating projection, such that the feet are spread apart sufficiently to pass through the projections a welding mechanism to form at least partial transverse seam across the foil and elements for placing the product inside the flexible foil, the probe disengages the interlocking fastening strips prior to applying the sliders to the disengaged fastening straps.

It preferably further comprises means for moving the slider in relation to the fastening strips such that the fastening strips are closed.

Preferably, it further comprises a guide for orienting the fastening strips corresponding to receiving the slider from the pocket.

Preferably, the feeding means stops the web during rotation of the selector wheel to apply a slider to the binding strips.

Preferably the feeding means form the web into a tubular shape.

Preferably, the product placement means locate the product into the web in a vertical position.

Preferably, the application means form the flexible film in a fold shape.

Preferably the product placing means places the product in the web in a vertical position.

Preferably the product placing means places the product in the web in a horizontal position.

According to the invention, a device is provided for inserting a product into a flexible reclosable container. The device comprises means for feeding a web of flexible film with hooking fastening strips, the strips having protrusions. There is also a slider with feet, used to interlock and detach the fastening straps. The spool assuming machine includes a rotary selector wheel and a separating tab. The wheel is provided with a pocket for receiving the slider and moving the slider while it is in contact with the separating projection such that the feet are sufficiently separated for free passage through the projections of the fastening strips. A closure mechanism is also provided to form at least a partial transverse seam across the film. The device also includes means for placing the product inside the web of flexible film.

The subject of the invention is explained in more detail in the embodiments of the drawing, in which Fig. 1 shows, in several variations of embodiments of the present invention, a flexible, reclosable container, the container being shapeable, filled and closed, fig. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 as an enlarged section along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 with one side wall partially separated from the other, FIG. 2a the container of FIG. 2, partially sectioned along the line 2a-2a of Fig. 2, Fig. 3, schematically a device 100, one embodiment of the present invention, for forming, filling and closing a container in a substantially vertical manner, Fig. 4 - in a side view of a slider application machine, device according to the present invention, fig. 5 schematically a side view of another embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention for forming, filling and closing a container in a substantially horizontal configuration, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a molding apparatus 400 embodying another embodiment of the present invention; filling and closing the container in a substantially horizontal manner.

For purposes of understanding the nature of the invention, reference is made below to an embodiment shown in the drawing, and specific terminology is used to describe it. However, it is evident that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and that possible changes and modifications to the illustrated device are possible, as well as that further applications may be found to use the principles of the present invention, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

Fig. 1 shows a flexible reclosable container 20 containing a product, the container being structurally adapted to be shaped, filled and closed by a device according to the invention in several exemplary embodiments. The container 20 has first and second side walls 22 and 24, respectively, which may be made of any suitable thermoplastic film, for example low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, or the like. The side walls 22 and 24 have a first left side seam 28 and a second right side seam 30. The container 20 also has a pair of interlocking fastening strips 32 and 34 substantially opposite the bottom edge 26. The lower edge 26 may include a gusset between the side walls 22 and 24, such as in the case of a container formed using, in some embodiments a vertical version, a fill-seal device, or alternatively edge 26 may include a seam between the side walls 22 and 24, as in the case of container 20 shaped using other embodiments of the horizontal form-fill-seal device.

Fig. 2 shows the container of Fig. 1 in an enlarged section along the line 2-2 of Fig. 1, with one side wall 22 partially separated from the other side wall 24. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, interlocking the strips 32 and 34 of the clamping profiles extend along the top edge of the container 20. The strips 32 and 34 are welded together at the end stops 36 and 38. There is a resting station 39 near the end stop 36. The strips 32 and 34 are welded together and to the sidewalls 22 and 24 at the corner welds 40 and 42. The corner welds 40 and 42 are generally positioned below the projections 45 and 47 of the straps 32 and 34, respectively, and above the lower edges. , 45a and 47a of inner edges 44 and 46 of straps 32 and 34, respectively. In one embodiment, container 20 includes a tamper-evident closure 43 between sidewalls 22 and 24. The closure 43 may be an extension of the rims 46 and 44 extending inwardly across the opening of the container 20. The closure 43 may be integrally molded with the rims 44 and 46, or may be attached separately. A broken or non-broken state of closure 43 signals the user to open or not open container 20 beforehand. A tamper-evident closure is particularly useful with a form, fill, and seal machine that introduces a food product into a container.

The slider 48 is slidably mounted on the straps 32 and 34. Moving the slider 48 along the strapping profiles either causes the profiles 50 and 52 to interlock or the profiles 50 and 52 to become detached. bottom. In one embodiment, there is an upper closing member 50a that engages with the upper shutter 52a and a lower shutter 50b that engages with the lower shutter 52b. In a more preferred embodiment, the separator 60 has a length that is sufficient to separate the elements 50a and 52b, and furthermore, the aim is to keep its length as short as possible. In this way, the separator 60 does not engage the separator 314 of the slider application machine 114, as will be discussed below. Preferably, the slider 48 is cast or molded as one piece so that subsequent separation of the slider 48 in the application machine 114 does not create unnecessary stress at the joint between the individual slider parts.

PL 201 185 B1

Fig. 2a is a partial section view of the container of Fig. 2 taken along line 2a-2a of Fig. 2. The slider 48 is shown to include non-interlocking portions of the fastening strips 34 and 32. The separator 60 separates the closure members 50a and 52a. Feet 54 and 56 of slider 48 retain slider 48 on the interlocking strips by protrusions 45 and 47, respectively.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 100 for placing a product into a flexible reclosable container in one embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 is designed to form, fill, and close a reclosable container, e.g., container 20, in a substantially vertical direction. The device 100 includes rollers, belts, or the like for feeding the foil web 102 into the foil guide 103 that receives the sheet of web 102 and shapes it into a substantially tubular shape on the outer surface of the fill tube 104 with the web passing in the direction of arrow 101 The delivered foil 102 is in the form of a sheet as shown.

The interlocking strips 32 and 34 of the locking profile are supplied from the supply device 106. Alternatively, some embodiments of the device of the invention employ interlocking strips 32 and 34 that are prefabricated integral with the web 102. The strips 32 and 34 are provided substantially interlocked. and pass over one or more guide-tension rollers and then go between the free edges 107a and 107b of the web 102. The sealing mechanism 108 creates a continuous weld along the edge 107a of the web 102 and the strap 32, including a portion of the inner rim 44.

The welding mechanism 108 preferably is of the type that uses either heated metal rods or electric pulsed welding electrodes. Advantageously, edge 107a is welded to the periphery 44 overlapping it but not engaging in protrusion 45. Likewise, the outer edge 107b is welded longitudinally to the inner periphery 46 of the fastening strap 34 and preferably does not overlap the projection 47, although in some embodiments of the present invention it may overlap the outer edge and this projection. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the strips 32 and 34, relative to the edges 107a and 107b, respectively, are oriented such that the outer edges 107a and 107b are not between the feet 54 and 56, respectively, to facilitate the positioning of the slider 48 on the strips 32. and 34 by a slider application machine 114.

Vibratory hopper 110 serves to supply the sliders into channel 112, in an orientation suitable for inserting slider 48 onto straps 32 and 34. Preferably, slider 48 is directed over straps 32 and 34 such that the narrower engaging end 58 of slider 48 faces the direction of movement 101 of the foil web 102. The wider, disengaging end 59 of the slider 48 thus points opposite to the direction of movement 101. Channel 112 supplies the sliders to the slider application machine 114. According to the present invention, embodiments are also provided in which the splitting end 59 is directed in the direction of movement.

The slider applying machine 114 includes a motorized rotatable selector wheel 115 that rotates within the semicircular pocket of the mounting block providing a guide 302. The selector wheel 115 rotates in the direction of arrow 304 about a rotation axis 306. The side walls 22 and 24 of the web 102, with the binding strips 32 and 34 attached thereto, move towards 101. As the strips move towards the slider application machine 114, the stationary probe 309 moves the straps 32 and 34 apart. Probe 309 is shown protruding from channel 112 and passing preferably between both sets of closure members 50a and 52a and 50b and 52b. However, it is acceptable in some embodiments of the present invention with the probe 309 only between the top closure members 50b and 52b. This partial opening by the probe 309 could be useful in those embodiments of the present invention that employ sliders 48 that are not flared sufficiently enough to pass through the bottom closure members.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of a slider application machine suitable for use with the apparatus of the present invention. The selector wheel 115 internally includes four pockets 310. The first pocket 310a is shown after receiving the slider 48 from the channel 112. As seen in FIG. 5, as the selector wheel 115 is rotated, the rear edge 312 of the pocket pushes the slider 48 past the separating protrusion in the guide block 302. The protrusion contacts the feet 54 and 56 of the slider 48. The separating projection has a section width increasing in the direction of rotation of selector wheel 115. The height of the separating projection must match the length of the separator 60 of the slide 48 so that they do not catch each other during the separating operation.

PL 201 185 B1

By pushing the slide 48 along the separating lip, the feet 54 and 56 are moved apart a sufficient distance to pass through the closing members 50 and 52 and the protrusions 45 and 47. Embodiments are also envisaged in the present invention in which the feet 54 and 56 also extend over the edges. , 107a and 107b respectively.

The web 102 extends along fill tube 104, with strips 32 and 34 extending through a guide slot in the mounting block forming the guide 302. The guide ensures that the straps 32 and 34 are properly oriented before the slider 48 is applied to the strips. Preferably, web 102 stops temporarily while rotating selector wheel 115 90 degrees. Positional movements of selector wheel 115 and web 102 are synchronized such that a single slider 48 is placed on each container 20. In one embodiment of the present invention, timing is achieved by controlling both rotational movement of selector wheel 115 and web 102 flow. Control may be provided by an analog controller detecting the stall of web 102, e.g., a position sensor on the gear assembly driving the rotating seal mechanism 108, or an optical sensor that stops web 102 when a specific visual portion of web 102 passes the sensor. In another example, synchronism may be achieved with a digital electronic controller that actuates selector wheel 115 after it has been determined, based on information from the encoder, that a portion of web 102 equivalent to the width of the container 20 has passed through the machine 114 since the last slider 28 on strips 32 and 24 was attached. The pocket 310 with the slider therein rotates to position the slider 48 on the web 102. The slider 48 moves over the separating lip and is pulled open. The selector wheel 115 then places the slider 48 on the tie strips 32 and 34 in the first position before the time required for the feet 54 and 56 to return to their normal, non-expanded configuration has elapsed. The slider 48 returns to its non-obtuse configuration under the action of elastic forces within the slider 48. The selector wheel 115 stops rotation at a position where the front edge of the pocket is pulled away from contact with the engaging end 58 of the slider 48. The web 102 is free to continue along the fill tube 104 without being obstructed by the pocket 310. The edge 318 of the mounting block forming the guide 302 is cut past the slider at a distance allowing the slider 48 to pass freely. By temporarily stopping web 102 while rotating selector wheel 115, as well as moving the front edge of the pocket away from contact with slider 48, it becomes unnecessary to coordinate the speed of rotation of selector wheel 115 with the linear speed of web 102. It is preferred that web 102 is stationary when slider 48 is applied. . According to the present invention, embodiments are envisaged in which either the selector wheel 115 or the selector wheel 115 and the web 102 move substantially continuously.

After the slider 48 has been placed on the binding strips 32 and 34 in the first position, the slider 48 is then held in place by the positioning arm 116 and the slider receiver 118 while the film web 102 continues to be pulled along the fill tube 104. The positioning arm 116 and receiver 118 are elements for moving the slider. Arm 116 may be a pocket or paw located at the end of an air actuator, the pocket or paw having a shape complementary to a portion of the slider 48. Actuating the actuator places the pocket or paw near the slider 48 and limits the position of the slider 48. Receiver 118 may be a plate with pockets. or a flat plate that assists in restricting the movement of the slider 48 on actuation of the arm 116.

The arm 116 and receiver 118 thus position the slider 48 such that it does not interfere with the formation of the corner seals 40 and 42. Due to the orientation of the seaming end 58 in the flow direction of the web 102, and holding the slider 48 still as the web 102 continues to advance, it is ensured that that the interlocking strips 32 and 34 are interlocked behind each slide 48. For those embodiments of the present invention in which the disengaging end 59 faces the flow direction of web 102, it is envisaged to move the slider 48 relative to the web 102 such that the strips 32 and 34 are interlocked after each slider 48.

A portion of the interlocking length of the strips 32 and 34 extends between the welding arm 120 and the welding plate 122. A pneumatic actuator moves the arm 120 to a second position through the binding strips 32 and 34 and the outer ends 107a, 107b to the welding plate 122. Due to the action of heat, ultrasonic energy, or the like, the arm 120 causes a portion of the clamping strips and side walls to fuse between the arm 120 and the welding plate 122, and simultaneously forms a corner weld 40, an end stop 36 of the first container 20, and a weld.

Corner 42, and end stop 38 of adjacent second container 20. Preferably, arm 120 and sealing plate 122 do not modify projections 45 and 47 such that projections 45 and 47 remain substantially across the width of container 20 as a limitation. slide movement 48.

As web 102, tie strips 32 and 34, and slider 48 move downward across fill tube 104, a second movement of slider 48 occurs. Slider 48 is positioned adjacent to a second fused location by arm 120 and heat plate 122 by positioning arm 124 that holds. slider 48 stationary with respect to spool receiver 126, in a manner similar to positioning by arm 116 and receiver 118. It is preferred, but not necessary, that slider 48 is moved to interlock the strips 32 and 34 and positioned adjacent end-stop 36 before end-stop 36 completely hardens. The softened area of ​​strips 32 and 34 adjacent to end-stop 36 is thus permanently deformed by slider 48. This movement of slider 48 into the previously melted area has been found to reduce leakage from container 20. This permanently deformed area constitutes the resting area 39.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the tamper-evident seal 127 is inserted after the tensioning rollers into the second locking mechanism 128. The mechanism 128 fuses the outer tamper-evident seal 127 near the outer ends 107a and 107b of the web 102, and on the outside of the slider 48 and strips. connecting 32 and 34. In other embodiments of the present invention, an inner tamper-evident closure 43 is positioned within and between the binding strips 32 and 34 as shown by the dashed line 43 in Figure 1. In other embodiments, it is not necessary to provide a tamper-evident seal.

As web 102 drains from fill tube 104, cutter and seal mechanism 130 makes a seam transverse to side walls 22 and 24. With the first transverse seam of container 20 so formed, product may be introduced into vertically oriented fill tube 104 and thus fall into container 20. After filling the container 20 and sliding it off the tube 104, the seal and cut mechanism 130 forms the second transverse seam of the container 20, and cuts the container 20 from the web 102. The seal and cut mechanism 130 simultaneously shapes the bottom seam of the next container 20.

5 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the apparatus 200 for forming, filling and closing a container 20 in a substantially horizontal configuration. When used like reference numerals, the elements are essentially already described.

The film web 102 is fed on rolls and the folding guide 202 in the horizontal direction indicated by the arrow 201. The guide 202 folds the film 102 in half, with a fold preferably being

203 is located above the outer edges 107a and 107b. It is also acceptable to locate the fold 203 to the side of the edges 107a and 107b such that the web 102 is substantially in a horizontal plane. The feed straps 32 and 34 are guided into alignment with the outer edges 107a and 107b and welded therewith by the welder 108. Feed mechanisms.

204 mainly guiding and feeding web 102. Suitable for use as the feed mechanisms 204 are rolls, tapes, and the like.

The sliders 48 are arranged on the straps 32 and 34 by the machine 114 as previously described. The sliders 48 are positioned by arm 116 and receiver 118, the spot weld is formed by arm 120 and heat plate 12, and slider 48 is moved by arm 124 and receiver 126 as previously described. Tamper evidence 127 may if desired be applied to container 20 by heat sealer 128 as previously described.

Before forming the cross seams, it is necessary to open the lower edge 203 of the container 20 for the subsequent introduction of the product. The cutter 210 cuts the fold. Preferably, the cutter 210 is a static mechanism that cuts the lower edge 203 as the web 102 is pulled over the cutter 210. The lower edge 203 is cut into the lower outer edges 222 and 224. The web is further guided and fed by means of shortened rollers 212.

The pre-seal mechanism 206 provides the web 102 with sufficient amounts of heat and pressure to flatten the web, but not sufficient to melt the side walls of the web. This pre-seal mechanism 206 substantially removes wrinkles that may be present in the web 102. The sealing mechanism 208 creates partial cross seams.

For container 20 at locations where the web has flattened. The sealing mechanism 208 is preferably of the type that uses either heated metal bars or electric pulsed sealing bars. The welding mechanism 208 forms transverse partial seams 28 'and 301 that extend substantially, though not completely, through the side walls 22 and 24. A mechanism 208 fuses a cross seam from the outer edges 107a and 107b across the side walls 22 and 24 to a point about 12.7 mm (half an inch) from the lower outer edges 222 and 224. By incompletely forming cross seams across the side walls 22 and 24 remain portions at the lower outer edges 222 and 224 which are useful for guiding and feeding web 102 and for subsequent opening and filling of container 20.

After the transverse partial seams have been formed, the product is placed inside the container 20. The container 20 is useful for containing products that are fluid, such as fine candies, granular products, and liquids. For example, for products that are fluid in nature, it is preferable for the container 20 to be upright while moving horizontally. Fig. 5 depicts a flowing product, such as candy, being fed by gravity from the hopper product insertion means 214 into the container 20. The container opening mechanism 216 moves the lower outer edges 222 and 224 apart while temporarily stopping the movement of the web 102. Mechanism 216 for retention and extension edges 222 and 224, may be equipped with mechanical fingers. Alternatively, mechanism 216 therefrom may be provided with suction devices for grasping and spreading edges 222 and 224.

After the product has been introduced into the container 20, the outer edges 222 and 224 are fused together by the bottom sealing mechanism 218. The mechanism 218 forms a wide welding area on the container 20 such that a seam is formed that overlaps the transverse partial seams 281 and 301. about 12.7 mm (half inch) of seam not welded by welding mechanism 208 is welded by mechanism 218. After the bottom seam is in place, the cutting mechanism 230 cuts the adjacent containers 20 at full-width cross seams 28 and 30. It may also be necessary to trim a portion of the welded bottom edge of the container 20.

The container 20 is also useful for larger, well-defined shaped products such as cheeses and large candy bars. The web 102 may need to be reoriented depending on the type of product that will be packed in the container 20. When placing such products in a container 20 that are large and of a predetermined shape, it is preferred that the web 102 is in a substantially horizontal plane such that the outer ends 222 and 224 are at the same height as the straps 32 and 34. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus 400 of another embodiment of the present invention for forming, filling, and closing a container in a substantially horizontal orientation. Device 400 starts operating in a similar manner to device 200. Web 102 is fed through rollers 204 along a substantially horizontal path, preferably in a vertical orientation. Alternatively, web 102 may be pulled in a substantially horizontal plane. The straps 32 and 34 are attached and welded to the web 102, the straps are fitted with a slider 48, and a tamper-evident seal is attached as needed.

In those embodiments where the web 102 is pulled over rolls 204 in a vertical orientation, the web 102 is reoriented to a horizontal plane. As web 102 passes through the second set of rollers 204b, there is a twist 402 of 90 degrees prior to web 102 passing through the third set of rollers 204c. It is preferable to support the non-horizontal web 102 from below.

The support may take the form of, for example, a belt or roller conveyor.

Separation mechanism 216 'retains the outer edge 224 and raises it vertically to form an entrance 404 in web 102. In some embodiments, it may be helpful to allow a portion of web 102 downstream of mechanism 216' to return to mechanism 216 'so that lifting of outer edge 224 does not caused excessive stress on the sidewall 22. The product is placed between the side walls 22 and 24 of the web by the insertion mechanism 225 and the outer edge 224 is brought back into contact with the edge 222. The transverse side seams 28 and 30 across the web 102 are formed by a welding machine 208 '. The sealing machine 208 'places a full cross seam across the web 102. The sealing machine must also perform a separation sufficient for the product to pass between the walls of the container 20.

PL 201 185 B1

The outer edges 224 and 222 are then fused thermally, ultrasound or otherwise by the bottom sealer 218 '. Bottom seal machine 218 'applies a slightly narrower seal than bottom seal 218 due to seal mechanism 208' having a complete transverse seam. Thereafter, a transverse seam shutoff mechanism 230 then separates the container 20 from the web 102.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawing and the above description, this is to be considered exemplary and not limiting, with the understanding that only the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and that all changes and modifications consistent with the spirit of the invention are considered to be protected.