U.S. patent application number 14/128994 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-15 for device for producing shock-absorbing inflatable package and method for filling it.
This patent application is currently assigned to PRONOVA AB. The applicant listed for this patent is Jostler Johan. Invention is credited to Jostler Johan.
Application Number | 20140130461 14/128994 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47528733 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140130461 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johan; Jostler |
May 15, 2014 |
DEVICE FOR PRODUCING SHOCK-ABSORBING INFLATABLE PACKAGE AND METHOD
FOR FILLING IT
Abstract
Bag blank (13) comprising an inflatable package blank (11) on a
running web, which package blank (11) comprises a semi-finished
product consisting of a first plane plastic sheeting (21) and a
second plane plastic sheeting (22), which plastic sheetings abut
with their plane surfaces against each other and are interconnected
by welds (18) so that a series of delimited transverse chambers
(16) is formed between the two plastic sheetings (21,22) across the
surface of the entire package blank (11), this semi-finished
product being folded or welded together along a longitudinal centre
line (14) so that its two long sides are parallel and face in the
same direction, and that a first longitudinal suspension
arrangement (15, 23a, 43a) is connected to the edge along the first
long side of the package blank (11) or the bag blank (13), and that
a second longitudinal suspension arrangement (23b, 43b) is applied
at the edge along the second long side of the package blank (11) or
the bag blank (13), as well that the bag blank (13) is provided
with transverse full-penetration weldings (18) having a length that
has been terminated a distance from the longitudinal suspension
arrangements.
Inventors: |
Johan; Jostler; (Halmstad,
SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johan; Jostler |
Halmstad |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
PRONOVA AB
Halmstad
SE
|
Family ID: |
47528733 |
Appl. No.: |
14/128994 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
June 22, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE2012/050582 |
371 Date: |
December 23, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/468 ;
53/284.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 43/123 20130101;
B31D 5/0073 20130101; B65B 55/20 20130101; B65B 43/267 20130101;
B65B 23/00 20130101; B65B 9/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/468 ;
53/284.7 |
International
Class: |
B65B 43/12 20060101
B65B043/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 22, 2011 |
SE |
1150573-2 |
Claims
1. Device in packing, which device comprises two control arms
provided with holder means arranged to hold up a continuous bag
blank by suspension arrangements arranged in the bag blank, which
holder means are formed as slide tracks or runners for the
suspension arrangements of the bag blank to slide on or in, the
control arms being arranged to be distanced from each other so that
the bag blank should open and be filled with a product at a filling
area, and which control arms run parallel near each other to allow
the package blank to be sealed at a sealing area, characterized in
that the bag blank comprises a series of delimited chambers across
the surface of the entire bag blank which chambers are provided
with inlet openings, the bag blank being arranged to be fed forward
along the control arms of the device from a magazine the device
being provided with at least one gas-filling nozzle formed with
discharge holes directed toward the inlet openings of the bag blank
so as to through the same fill gas into the chambers, which thereby
will form protecting gas cushions around the packed product.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the
gas-filling nozzle is formed as a cylindrical pin oriented parallel
to the holder means and the discharge holes of which are placed on
the periphery of the cylindrical pin, forming a discharge direction
perpendicular to the direction of the cylindrical pin.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the
gas-filling nozzle is provided with an externally placed seal
intended to seal between the gas-filling nozzle and a gas filling
channel arranged in the bag blank.
4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that a channel
knife is mounted adjacent to the gas-filling nozzle in order to cut
up the gas filling channel when the bag blank passes.
5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the
gas-filling nozzle is formed with a gas divider, which is arranged
to distribute filling gas to the inlet openings in the chambers
formed in the bag blank.
6. Device according claim 1, characterized in that nip rolls are
arranged adjacent to the gas-filling nozzle to block the inlet
openings into the chambers of the bag blank in order to prevent
premature gas-filling of the same.
7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is
provided with a pressing tool and a welding tool, which pressing
tool is arranged to press together the inlet openings of the
chambers after gas-filling and keep the inlet openings pressed
together during the period when the bag blank with the gas-filled
chambers passes said welding tool that seals the bag blank with the
chambers in the sealing area and forms separate gas-filled
bags.
8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a compressor
and/or a pressure vessel are connected to the gas-filling nozzle
via gas pipes.
9. Method in packing of goods in a continuous bag blank, which is
formed to slide on or in control arms, characterized in that the
bag blank is formed with a series of delimited chambers across the
surface of the entire bag blank, which chambers are provided with
inlet openings, the bag blank being filled with goods and fed
further forward along the control arms of the device toward a
gas-filling nozzle, which presses in gas through openings into the
delimited chambers formed in the bag blank, after which the
chambers and the bag blank are welded together into sealed
packages.
10. Method according to claim 9, characterized In that the inlet
openings of the chambers are pressed together after the gas-filling
and are kept pressed together until welding together of the inlet
openings has been effected.
11. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the chambers
are prevented from being gas-filled before they reach up to the
gas-filling nozzle in order to prevent a premature gas-filling.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a bag blank, which is
formed of an inflatable package blank and a method and a device to
pack products using such a bag blank. These package blanks are
formed with a plurality of channels, which can be gas-filled and
closed to obtain a shock-absorbing gas cushion, preferably air
cushion, around the packed product or products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The background of the invention is seen in the published
patent application US 201010251665, which shows a machine for the
inflation and sealing of an inflatable structure. Said structure is
provided with double layers of a plastic film, which layers are
welded in such a way that the structure forms transverse
bubble-like channels, which can be gas-filled and welded together
longitudinally to obtain a shock-absorbing gas-filled package
structure consisting of a plurality of gas occlusions oriented in
the cross-direction of the structure. The mentioned patent
application shows, however, primarily a machine for the gas-filling
of the structure from the long side thereof via filling nozzles as
well that the structure, after gas-filling, is welded together by a
sealing device. This gas-filled package structure may then be used
to wrap different types of products that need to be protected extra
carefully from impacts in transportation.
[0003] Such a wrapping of products with a gas-filled package
structure is a manual and time-consuming operation, which therefore
also becomes costly. In addition, this type of package structure
requires large transport vehicles by the fact that the structure is
gas-filled.
[0004] The background of the general packing technique is for
instance seen in the American patent specification U.S. Pat. No.
6,349,523, which shows a method and a device to form and fill
packages formed of package blanks manufactured by folding a
flexible strip of plastic material into the package blank that
consists of bag-like parts joined together one after the other.
Said parts are furthermore arranged to be supported and transported
along a web by support arms provided with channels or supporting
tubes in or on which the package blank slides. The bag-like parts
slide along the support arms for opening, filling, sealing and
separation into individual packages filled with contents. In the
publication, it is seen that the package blank is formed with upper
edge parts provided with thickenings, which are intended to slide
in each one of the channels in the support arms, which are situated
parallel in relation to each other. At a filling area, the support
arms curve off from each other and form a greater spacing between
themselves, the joined together bag-like parts being opened and
filling can take place. After the bag-like parts have passed said
filling area, the distance between the support arms decreases
again, an after-treatment in the form of sealing, separation, and
detachment from the support arms commencing.
[0005] Furthermore, the patent specification SE 525 741 (WO
2005/023693) discloses a method and a device for producing a
continuous edge thickening along the running direction of a
stretched and tensioned web of a positively and continuously
transported thermoplastic film. The thickening according to this
patent specification is provided by edge parts of the plastic film
being folded and welded into a final state for the use of the
plastic film as packages, e.g., in a packing machine according to
prior art, e.g. WO 02/083506.
[0006] These disclosed methods and devices for providing a package
do not afford a package having impact-protecting effect for goods
packed in such a way.
THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The object of the invention is to simplify handling and
packing of products that require an impact-protecting package.
[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a bag
blank in the form of inflatable bag-like packages as well as a
device and a method that use such bag blanks in the packing of
products.
[0009] The object of the bag blank is furthermore to afford a
simplified handling in packages that can afford products a package
protection by means of gas-filled cushions.
[0010] The object of the device is further to obtain an automatic
packing method wherein the package is provided with a number of
shock-absorbing gas-fillings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] By the present invention, as the same appears in the
independent claims, the above-mentioned objects are met, said
disadvantages having been eliminated. Suitable embodiments of the
invention are defined in the dependent claims.
[0012] The invention comprises bag blanks that are formed of
package blanks to become continuous bags. The walls of each bag
have two sheeting layers that are welded together in such a way
that there is formed a number of pockets between the bottom of the
bag and edge welds. These pockets are then filled with gas/air,
after the bag has been filled with the respective article. Either
the package blank or the bag blank is supplemented with a
suspension arrangement, for instance a so-called bag strip having
thickenings. The material of the suspension arrangement/package
blank may consist of different plastics and different layers of
film. Antistatic film is an example.
[0013] The possibility of delivering bag blanks without gas
occlusions to a potential customer implies large delivery
advantages of the bag blank. More inexpensive transports, less
storage space and in addition the possibility of simply and
smoothly packing products that require impact protection in
existing packing machines of standard type.
[0014] The suspension arrangement, for instance the thickenings of
the bag stripe, is introduced into a pair of support and opening
arms, in a way that is previously known. The arms open up a row of
bags for filling. The filled bags move further along the arms to an
auxiliary equipment that has the purpose of blowing air into the
pockets that are welded between the material of the bag walls.
Sealing of the bag and the air pockets takes place by means of a
welding device positioned in the packing machine.
[0015] The invention is arranged to handle all types of "bubble
bags", which are connected in long strips and then also bags that
are directed by chains having holes and spikes or that are kept in
place by friction.
[0016] The equipment for inflating "the bubbles" consists of a
separate compressor or in that the equipment can be coupled to an
existing compressed air net. The equipment is also provided with a
device that seals the way of the bag up to the friction straps of
the bag machine.
[0017] Further, the invention comprises a gas divider, in another
embodiment of the invention, which has the purpose of controlling
the inner film edges in a way that seals against the air current.
This control is formed to minimize the air that is given off in the
short ends of the bag. When the air is pressed into the
bubbles/chambers, it is important that the chambers are closed, so
that no air leaks out on the way into the friction straps.
[0018] The invention concerns a bag blank comprising an inflatable
package blank on a running web wherein the package blank comprises
a first plane plastic sheeting and a second plane plastic sheeting,
which plastic sheetings abut with their plane surfaces against each
other and are interconnected by welds in such a way that a series
of delimited transverse chambers are formed between the two plastic
sheetings over the entire surface thereof. This semi-finished
product is folded or welded together or welded together and folded
along a longitudinal centre line, which defines either the top of
the bag blank or the bottom of the bag blank. The two long sides of
the bag blank are parallel and face in the same direction, a first
longitudinal suspension arrangement being applied at the edge along
the first long side of the semi-finished product and a second
longitudinal suspension arrangement being applied at the edge along
the second long side of the semi-finished product. These suspension
arrangements may be applied to the semi-finished product before
folding/welding or after folding/welding. The suspension
arrangements may be formed as material strings having a thickness
of 2 mm at a preferred sheeting thickness in an interval of 25-250
urn. The semi-finished product is in addition provided with
transverse full-penetration weldings having a length that has been
terminated a distance from the longitudinal suspension arrangements
when the semi-finished product is folded/welded. Said inflatable
package blank is extraordinarily suitable for using as bag blanks
in packing machines that pack goods in bags on a running packing
web. It is also possible to supplement existing packing machines to
be able to handle also these inflatable bag blanks on a running web
so as to obtain an automatized package having gas-filled wrappings
around sensitive goods.
[0019] In one embodiment of a bag blank according to the invention,
each suspension arrangement consists of a thickening that is
connected to one outermost, plastic sheeting at the respective long
side.
[0020] In one embodiment of a bag blank according to the invention,
each suspension arrangement consists of a thickening that is
connected to the two plastic sheetings at the respective long
side.
[0021] In one embodiment of a bag blank according to the invention,
each suspension arrangement consists of a channel.
[0022] In one embodiment of a bag blank according to the invention,
the bag blank is provided with gas filling channels.
[0023] In one embodiment of a bag blank according to the invention,
the transverse full-penetration welding is terminated beside the
suspension arrangements having either a hole punching or a short
longitudinal full-penetration welding.
[0024] The invention also concerns a device in packing, which
device comprises two control arms provided with holder means. The
holder means are formed either as channels in which a bag blank can
slide or as tubular support rails on which a bag blank can slide
depending on if the bag blank is provided with thickenings or
channels. Thus, the holder means are arranged to hold up a
continuous bag blank. Accordingly, the control arms are formed with
slide tracks or runners for the bag blank to slide on or in. The
control arms run parallel near each other and are in addition
arranged to be distanced from each other for the bag blank to open
and be possible to be filled at a filling area, and which control
arms after that again run parallel near each other to allow the bag
blank to be sealed at a sealing area. Specifically, the device is
provided with at least one gas-filling nozzle formed with discharge
holes directed toward the bag blank. The gas-filling nozzle is
mounted and integrated in the device so that the gas-filling takes
place continuously when a bag blank adapted for gas-filling passes
the gas-filling nozzle. This gas-filling nozzle is suitably adapted
to the type of bag blank that is to be filled.
[0025] In one embodiment of a device according to the invention,
the gas-filling nozzle is formed as a cylindrical pin oriented
parallel to the holder means. The discharge holes of the
gas-filling nozzle are placed on the periphery of the cylindrical
pin for a discharge direction perpendicular to the direction of the
cylindrical pin. Such a formed gas-filling nozzle is suitable in
the use of bag blanks provided with gas filling channels, which
slide over the gas-filling nozzle and can gas fill chambers in the
side part of the bag blank. Suitable embodiments are also to
arrange double gas-filling nozzles placed in parallel, which
together fill the chambers of both sides in the bag blank. This
type of gas-filling nozzle is suitable for bag blanks having
thickenings as well as for bag blanks having channels as suspension
members but where said suspension members join the two plastic
sheetings at the respective side.
[0026] In one embodiment of a device according to the invention,
the gas-filling nozzle is provided with an externally placed seal
intended to seal between the gas-filling nozzle and a gas filling
channel arranged in the bag blank. This seal decreases the gas
consumption since gas does not ooze out from the gas filling
channel while this slides forward over the gas-filling nozzle.
[0027] In one embodiment of a device according to the invention, a
knife blade is mounted at the gas-filling nozzle in order to cut up
the gas filling channel when the bag blank passes. The knife blade
is preferably directed perpendicular to the direction of the
gas-filling nozzle. This placement of the knife blade is both
simple and cost-effective even if it would be feasible to place the
knife blade in other ways.
[0028] In one embodiment of a device according to the invention,
the gas-filling nozzle is formed with a gas divider, which is
arranged to distribute filling gas to openings in chambers formed
in the bag blank. Said gas-filling nozzle is formed to jointly and
simultaneously fill the gas filling channels arranged in the bag
blank when the bag blank is formed with suspension members that are
connected only to the outermost sheeting of the bag blank. In doing
so, the gas divider makes it possible to fill in gas between the
outermost sheeting and the free edge of the adjacent sheeting in
order to simultaneously fill the chambers of both sides in the bag
blank from one and the same gas source. This embodiment is shown in
more detail in FIGS. 3 and 6 and FIGS. 10a-c and 11a-c.
[0029] In one embodiment of a device according to the invention,
nip rolls are arranged adjacent to the gas-filling nozzle to block
the openings into the chambers of the bag blank in order to prevent
premature gas-filling of the same. The advantage of these nip rolls
is to only allow filling of the chambers when they reach up to the
gas-filling nozzle so that an uncontrolled early filling should not
take place, which would mean that the sides of the bag blank for
the chambers of several bag parts become expanded before they reach
up to the gas-filling nozzle.
[0030] In one embodiment of a device according to the invention,
the device is provided with a pressing tool and a welding tool,
which are placed so that they are passed by the bag blank after it
has passed the gas-filling nozzle. The pressing tool is arranged to
press together the openings of the chambers after gas-filling and
keep the openings pressed together during the period when the bag
blank with the gas-filled chambers passes said welding tool that
seals the bag blank with the chambers in the sealing area and forms
continuous bag-like packages. The advantage of the pressing tool is
to keep the chambers sufficiently gas-filled until the bag blanks
and thereby the chambers have been closed.
[0031] In one embodiment of a device according to the invention, a
compressor and/or a pressure vessel are connected to the
gas-filling nozzle via gas lines. A compressor can hold a
continuous filling pressure for the chambers of the bag blank. By a
pressure vessel, the filling pressure can be regulated more exactly
than by just a compressor. The pressure vessel may, in combination
with a compressor, work as a pressure accumulator, which accurately
can regulate the filling pressure through the discharge holes of
the gas-filling nozzle.
[0032] In addition, the invention concerns a method in packing of
goods in a continuous bag blank. The bag blank is formed to slide
on or in control arms and formed according to anyone of the
embodiments of bag blank indicated above.
[0033] This bag blank is fed forward toward a gas-filling nozzle,
which presses in gas through openings into chambers formed in the
bag blank, after which the chambers and the bag blank are welded
together into sealed packages. Thus, the method is adapted to said
embodiments of bag blank in combination with said embodiments of
packing device.
[0034] In one embodiment of the method in packing of goods, the
openings of the chambers are pressed together after the gas-filling
and are kept pressed together until welding together has been
effected. This eliminates that gas leaks out from the chambers,
which would result in a less shock-absorbing package.
[0035] In one embodiment of the method in packing of goods, the
openings into the chambers are pressed together before the
gas-filling is to be effected in order to prevent a premature
gas-filling. This method allows a controlled filling of the
chambers, which can be directly noticed by observation of the
filling area of the packing device.
[0036] The starting product for the bag blank according to the
invention is manufactured of a plastic film, preferably of, for
instance, polyethylene, wherein the plastic film is provided with
double layers between which chambers are arranged. This starting
product is delivered as piece goods in rolls of defined length. The
starting product is then worked up to a bag blank according to the
invention.
[0037] The device is formed to handle all weldable plastic films
and laminates and also sheetings of plastic-coated aluminium and
sheetings of plastic-coated paper, etc.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Now, the invention will be described in more detail,
reference being made in connection with the accompanying drawing
figures. The drawing figures show only explanatory sketches
intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a package blank and a bag
blank according to the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a section through a second embodiment of a bag
blank mounted in holder means according to the invention.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a section through a third embodiment of a bag
blank mounted in holder means according to the invention.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a section through a fourth embodiment of a bag
blank mounted on holder means according to the invention.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a section through a fifth embodiment of a bag
blank mounted on holder means according to the invention.
[0044] FIG. 6 schematically shows a top view of a device according
to the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 7 schematically shows a side view of the device
according to FIG. 6.
[0046] FIG. 8a shows a section A-A according to FIG. 7 of the
second embodiment according to FIG. 2.
[0047] FIG. 8b shows a section 8-8 according to FIG. 7 of the
second embodiment according to FIG. 2.
[0048] FIG. 8c shows a section C-C according to FIG. 7 of the
second embodiment according to FIG. 2.
[0049] FIG. 9a shows a section A-A according to FIG. 7 of the
fourth embodiment according to FIG. 4.
[0050] FIG. 9b shows a section 8-8 according to FIG. 7 of the
fourth embodiment according to FIG. 4.
[0051] FIG. 9c shows a section C-C according to FIG. 7 of the
fourth embodiment according to FIG. 4.
[0052] FIG. 10a shows a section A-A according to FIG. 7 of the
third embodiment according to FIG. 3.
[0053] FIG. 10b shows a section 8-8 according to FIG. 7 of the
third embodiment according to FIG. 3.
[0054] FIG. 10c shows a section C-C according to FIG. 7 of the
third embodiment according to FIG. 3.
[0055] FIG. 11a shows a section A-A according to FIG. 7 of the
fifth embodiment according to FIG. 5.
[0056] FIG. 11b shows a section 8-8 according to FIG. 7 of the
fifth embodiment according to FIG. 5
[0057] FIG. 11c shows a section C-C according to FIG. 7 of the
fifth embodiment according to FIG. 5
[0058] FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of an enlarged part from FIG.
6.
[0059] FIG. 13 shows an enlarged part of FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0060] FIG. 1 shows an inflatable package blank 11, which is
delivered on a running web. The package blank has a width that
corresponds to twice the measure of the depth of bags 12 of a bag
blank 13. The package blank 11 is folded along a centre line 14,
wherein suspension arrangements 15 for the edges of the bag blank
face in the same direction. The suspension arrangements are either
connected to the package blank before folding is carried out or are
connected after folding has taken place. The figure shows that the
suspension arrangements have been connected before folding and
maybe even in the manufacture of the package blank 11. The package
blank is provided with delimited transverse chambers 16 distributed
over its entire surface. The chambers are provided with inlet
openings 17 through which gas, usually air, can be introduced into
the chambers 16. The chambers have been formed by the fact that
welds 18 join surfaces from two plastic sheetings lying against
each other. The bag blank is furthermore provided with transverse
full-penetration weldings
[0061] 19, which are terminated a distance from the longitudinal
suspension arrangements 15 with either a full hole penetration 20
or a full slot penetration welding directed parallel to the
suspension arrangements 15. Accordingly, the formed bags 12 of the
bag blank 13 are continuous at the suspension arrangements.
[0062] FIGS. 2-5 show sections through four different embodiments
of package blanks where FIG. 2 shows a bag blank having a first
plane plastic sheeting 21 connected to a second plane plastic
sheeting 22, which plastic sheetings abut with their plane surfaces
against each other and are connected to the welds 18 in such a way
that chambers 16 are formed between the welds. The entire double
plastic sheeting with the two plastic sheetings thereof is folded
to form a delimitation A, which may be either the bottom of a bag
or the top of a bag. The folding may also consist of a welding
together of all four sheeting layers, l.e., the double sheeting
layers of both sides. The figure also shows that the suspension
arrangements are formed as two thickenings 23a, 23b, each one
connected to and joining the two plastic sheeting layers on the
respective side of the bag blank 13 so that gas cannot penetrate
out through the suspension arrangements. The figure also shows that
the thickenings 23a, 23b of the suspension arrangements run in
support channels as holder means 24 in each control arm 25. Thus,
the bag blank 13 slides in these control arms in a packing machine
wherein the bags are filled, closed and separated into individual
packages.
[0063] FIG. 3 shows a similar bag blank 13 where the only
difference to the one shown in FIG. 2 is that each one of the
suspension arrangements 23a, 23b is connected only to the first
plastic sheeting 21, the edges of the second plastic sheeting 22
being free. In this embodiment, gas is allowed to be pressed into
the chambers 16 from a space 31 between the two control arms
251,252. FIG. 3 shows that also the suspension arrangements
according to this embodiment are made as thickenings, which run in
support channels as holder means in each control arm according to
what has been shown in FIG. 2.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows a similar bag blank 13 according to what has
previously been shown, but where the suspension arrangements are
formed as channels 43a, 43b either connected to or formed of the
first sheeting 21 and the second sheeting 22. In the shown
embodiment, the respective channel 43a, 43b is accordingly
connected to both sheetings 21,22. The two channels of the bag
blank 13 slide on tubular control arms 41, 42 of a packing machine
wherein the bags are filled, closed and separated into individual
packages according to what has previously been described. In this
embodiment, the control arms work also as holder means in the form
of runners on which the bag blanks run.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows again a similar bag blank 13 according to what
has previously been shown where the suspension arrangements are
formed as channels 43a, 43b, which are connected or formed of only
the first plastic sheeting 21, the edges of the second plastic
sheeting 22 being free. The supply of gas to the chambers 16 is
carried out in the same way as indicated in connection with FIG.
3.
[0066] FIG. 6 shows the principle of a packing device 60 according
to the present invention. The device comprises two control arms 61,
62 provided with or formed as holder means arranged to hold up a
continuous bag-shaped package blank 13. In the embodiment
illustrated, the control arms 61, 62 are formed with slide tracks
or runners for the package blank to slide in or on in the direction
shown by the arrow in the figure. The control arms 61, 62 are
arranged to be distanced from each other at a filling area 63 so
that the package blank should open and be filled with products 64.
After the filling area, the control arms run again in parallel near
each other up to a gas-filling area 65 wherein gas/air is filled
into the previously described chambers in the package blank.
Furthermore, the package blank slides to a sealing area wherein the
bags 12 of the package blank are sealed when the same pass welding
jaws 66. In the embodiment illustrated, notched belts 67,68 are
arranged, which on one hand pull/feed forward and on the other hand
press together the continuous bags of the package blank by the
notched belts abutting against each other. The shown bag blank 13
is provided with a longitudinal full-penetration welding 61, which
terminates the transverse full-penetration welding 19 of the bag
blank.
[0067] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 6. The
continuous bag blanks 13 are fed from a magazine 71, wherein they
are lying cuttled, i.e., folded. From this magazine, they are fed
forward along the control arms 61, 62 of the packing device 60 in
the direction of the arrow via the filling area 63 to a gas-filling
area 72. The control arms are shown only a short distance in the
figure. In the gas-filling area 72, the device 60 is provided with
at least one gas-filling nozzle 73 formed with discharge holes 74
directed toward the bag blanks 13. As is indicated in the figure,
gas 75 is pressed in the direction of the arrow down into said
chambers 16, which only have been schematically drawn as circles in
the figure.
[0068] After gas has been pressed into the chambers, the same are
sealed temporarily by the notched belts 67,68 until the chambers
are permanently sealed by the bag blanks 13 passing the welding
jaws 66 where both the chambers and the rest of the bag blanks are
welded together. The embodiment shows also suspension arrangements
23 in the form of thickenings, which run in support channels as
holder means in each control arm 61, 62 according to the suspension
principle shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Naturally, the suspension
principle of the bag blanks according to FIGS. 4 and 5 can also be
applied to the device according to FIG. 7. Furthermore, FIG. 7
shows that the device is provided with a rotating cleaning and
trimming knife 76, which separates the waste strip 77 from the
suspension arrangement from the bags. In addition, channel knives
78 are mounted on the gas-filling nozzles to slot up the gas
filling channels in which the gas-filling nozzles slide.
[0069] In the following, the four shown embodiments of FIGS. 2-5
will be shown in sections taken in different positions according to
what has been indicated in FIG. 6. FIGS. 8a-8c show the embodiment
according to FIG. 2; FIGS. 9a-9c show the embodiment according to
FIG. 4; FIGS. 10a-10c show the embodiment according to FIG. 3, and;
FIGS. 11a-11 c show the embodiment according to FIG. 5.
[0070] FIG. 8a shows the bag blank 13 when it has passed the
filling area wherein a product 64 has been put down into the bag,
he chambers 16 of which have not yet been filled with gas/air. The
bag with the product and the suspension arrangements thereof slide
further in the respective support channel up to the position shown
in FIG. 8b, i.e., when the bag blank 13 has slid past the two
gas-filling nozzles of the device, the gas pipes 731, 732 of which
are shown in the figure. In doing so, the gas-filling nozzles have
slid into each a gas filling channel 81,82 in the bag blank 13. As
seen in the figure, the chambers 16 of the bag blank have, after
the passage of the gas-filling nozzles, been filled with gas so
that protecting gas cushions have been formed around the packed
product 64. After the chambers have been gas-filled and the
openings into the chambers have been pressed together, the bag
blank passes the previously mentioned channel knives, which cut up
the gas filling channels so that the bag blank can pass past the
pipe lines. The bag blank slides further past the mentioned
rotating cleaning and trimming knife, which separates the waste
strip from the suspension arrangement, to the position shown in
FIG. 8c. In this position, the welding jaws 661,662 will seal the
side of the entire bag blank, and thereby also the openings of the
gas channels. During the entire transportation of the bag blank
from the position in FIG. 8b until welding has been effected, the
opening of the bag blank has been closed by the notched belts 67,
68 that have been pressed against each other around the bag blank.
After the passage of the welding jaws, the bag blank has ended into
separate bag packages wherein a fragile product 64 has been packed
with surrounding gas occlusions. As seen in FIG. 8c, also the short
side of the product 64 has been protected with a gas occlusion
83.
[0071] FIG. 9a shows the bag blank 13 of a further embodiment when
it has passed the filling area wherein a product 64 has been put
down into the bag, the chambers 16 of which have not yet been
filled with gas/air. The bag with the product and the suspension
arrangements thereof, which in this embodiment are formed as
channels 43, slide further on the respective tubular control arms
up to the position shown in FIG. 9b, Le., when the bag blank 13 has
slid past the two gas-filling nozzles of the device, the gas pipes
731, 732 of which are shown in the figure. In doing so, the
gas-filling nozzles have slid into each a gas filling channel 81,
82 in the bag blank 13. As seen in the figure, the chambers 16 of
the bag blank have, after the passage of the gas-filling nozzles,
been filled with gas so that protecting gas cushions have been
formed around the packed product 64. After the chambers have been
gas-filled and the openings into the chambers have been pressed
together, the bag blank passes the previously mentioned channel
knives, which cut up the gas filling channels so that the bag blank
can pass past the pipe lines to the gas pipes 731,732. The bag
blank slides further past the mentioned rotating cleaning and
trimming knife, which separates the waste strip from the suspension
arrangement, to the position shown in FIG. 9c. In this position,
the welding jaws 661,662 will seal the side of the entire bag
blank, and thereby also the openings of the gas channels. During
the entire transportation of the bag blank from the position in
FIG. 9b until welding has been effected, the opening of the bag
blank has been closed by the notched belts 67, 68 that have been
pressed against each other around the bag blank. After the passage
of the welding jaws, the bag blank has ended into separate bag
packages wherein a fragile product 64 has been packed with
surrounding gas occlusions. As seen in FIG. 9c, also the short side
of the product 64 has been protected with a gas occlusion 83.
[0072] FIG. 10a shows the bag blank 13 of a further embodiment when
it has passed the filling area wherein a product 64 has been put
down into the bag, the chambers 16 of which have not yet been
filled with gas/air. The bag with the product and the suspension
arrangements thereof slide further in the respective support
channel up to the position shown in FIG. 10b, Le., when the bag
blank 13 has slid up to the gas-filling nozzle of the device, the
gas pipes 100 of which are shown in the figure. The gas pipe
presses gas/air down between the first plastic sheeting and the
free edge of the second plastic sheeting on both sides of the bag
blank by a sheeting divider 101 being arranged to support the free
sheeting edges. In doing so, the chambers 16 of the bag are gas
filled with gas/air so that protecting gas cushions are formed
around the packed product 64. After the chambers have been
gas-filled and the openings into the chambers have been pressed
together, the bag blank slides further past the mentioned rotating
cleaning and trimming knife, which separates the waste strip from
the suspension arrangement, to the position shown in FIG. 10c, In
this position, the welding jaws 661, 662 will seal the side of the
entire bag blank, and thereby also the openings of the gas
channels. During the entire transportation of the bag blank from
the position in FIG. 1Db until welding has been effected, the
opening of the bag blank has been closed by the notched belts 67,
68 that have been pressed against each other around the bag blank.
After the passage of the welding jaws, the bag blank has ended into
separate bag packages wherein a fragile product 64 has been packed
with surrounding gas occlusions. As seen in FIG. 10c, also the
short side of the product 64 has been protected with a gas
occlusion 83.
[0073] FIG. 11a shows the bag blank 13 of a further embodiment when
it has passed the filling area wherein a product 64 has been put
down into the bag, the chambers 16 of which have not yet been
filled with gas/air. The bag with the product and the suspension
arrangements thereof, which in this embodiment are formed as
channels 43, slide further on the respective tubular control arms
up to the position shown in FIG. 11b, Le., when the bag blank 13
has slid up to the gas-filling nozzle of the device, the gas pipes
100 of which are shown in the figure.
[0074] The gas pipe presses gas/air down between the first plastic
sheeting and the free edge of the second plastic sheeting on both
sides of the bag blank by a sheeting divider 101 being arranged to
support the free sheeting edges. In doing so, the chambers 16 of
the bag are gas filled with gas/air so that protecting gas cushions
are formed around the packed product 64. After the chambers have
been gas-filled and the openings into the chambers have been
pressed together, the bag blank slides further past the mentioned
rotating cleaning and trimming knife, which separates the waste
strip from the suspension arrangement, to the position shown in
FIG. 11c. In this position, the welding jaws 661, 662 will seal the
side of the entire bag blank, and thereby also the openings of the
gas channels. During the entire transportation of the bag blank
from the position in FIG. 11b until welding has been effected, the
opening of the bag blank has been closed by the notched belts 67,
68 that have been pressed against each other around the bag
blank.
[0075] After the passage of the welding jaws, the bag blank has
ended into separate bag packages wherein a fragile product 64 has
been packed with surrounding gas occlusions. As seen in FIG. 11c,
also the short side of the product 64 has been protected with a gas
occlusion 83.
[0076] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view from the underside of the
device at the gas-filling area 65 where the thickenings 23a, 23b of
the bag blank, which hold and join the two plastic sheeting layers
on the respective side of the bag blank, are schematically shown.
Each thickening with its double sheetings passes an outer nip roll
121 and an inner nip roll 122, which nip rolls abut against each
other for the channels of the bag blank to be pressed together and
prevented from being gas-filled before they reach up to the
respective gas-filling nozzle 73 with the discharge holes 74
thereof. As seen in the figure, the nip rolls and the gas-filling
nozzles are doubled in order to handle both sides of the bag blank.
The gas-filling nozzles 73 are formed as a cylindrical pin, which
is horizontally oriented parallel to the holder means and
terminated by a tapering rounded shape so that the nozzles should
slide easily in the respective gas filling channel in the bag
blank. As seen in the figure, the discharge holes 74 of the nozzles
are rectangular-shaped and having a length that corresponds to 3-5
times the width thereof. The discharge holes are shaped to obtain a
discharge direction perpendicular to the direction of the
cylindrical pin. Each gas-filling nozzle is connected to at least
one gas pipe 731, 732, which is connected to a compressor, not
shown, and/or gas accumulator for the gas supply of the nozzles.
After gas has been pressed into the chambers of the bag blank
through the inlet openings thereof, these are pressed together by
the fact that they pass between the notched belts 67, 68 so that
gas should not leak out from the chambers. The bag blank with the
continuous bags passes the rotating cleaning and trimming knife 76,
which removes the bag blank's suspension arrangements, gas filling
channels, and a part of the inlet openings in order to form
separate bags. Furthermore, the bags pass the welding jaws 661, 662
in a sealing area 120 wherein the bags are sealed by being welded
together, the packages being completed.
[0077] FIG. 13 shows a schematic side view of the gas-filling area
65 wherein a bag blank 13 has been fed up to a filling position
wherein the gas filling channel 82 of the bag blank has been
pressed together by the nip rolls 121 in order to prevent gas
supply to more chambers 16 than those that for the time being are
situated at the gas-filling nozzle 73, i.e., that gas flows to the
left in the gas filling channel 82 in the figure. Around the
gas-filling nozzle 73, a gas seal 131 is mounted, which seals
between the gas filling channel 82 and the gas-filling nozzle 73 in
order to prevent gas being filled into the chambers from flowing
past the gas-filling nozzle. The figure also shows that the channel
knives 78 are mounted on either the gas-filling nozzle or on the
connecting gas pipe 732 for allowing the bag blank to pass the gas
pipe 732. When the inlet openings 17 of the chambers 16 are right
opposite a first driving wheel 132 of the notched belt 68, the
inlet openings will be pressed together and kept pressed together.
The bag blank passes the rotating cleaning and trimming knife 76,
the bag blank's suspension arrangement 23b, gas filling channel 82,
and parts of the inlet openings being removed, wherein separate
gas-filled bags 133 including goods are formed. Said bags pass the
welding jaws 662 where a sealing of the side of the entire bag
takes place, after which the packing is terminated.
[0078] As seen in FIG. 13, the bag blank can be formed in several
different ways, for instance by the package blank being provided
with chambers that are placed on both sides of a folding line,
which means that the package then does not get a gas-filling on its
edge.
* * * * *