U.S. patent application number 16/084983 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-14 for a method of operating a packaging machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.. Invention is credited to Marcello Barbieri, Luisa D'Amato, Roberto De Pietri Tonelli, Davide Morciano.
Application Number | 20190077527 16/084983 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55628757 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190077527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
De Pietri Tonelli; Roberto ;
et al. |
March 14, 2019 |
A METHOD OF OPERATING A PACKAGING MACHINE
Abstract
A method of operating a machine for producing sealed packages
for a product, comprises the step of changing the configuration of
the machine so that the machine, which was producing a package (2)
having a first conformation, becomes capable of producing a package
(102) having a second conformation. The first conformation is
different from the second conformation. The package (2) having the
first conformation is produced from a first sheet packaging
material (1) comprising a first basic unit (3) having a length (L)
and a width (W), the package (102) having the second conformation
being produced from a second sheet packaging material (101)
comprising a second basic unit (103) having a length (L) and a
width (W) respectively equal to the length (L) and width (W) of the
first basic unit (3).
Inventors: |
De Pietri Tonelli; Roberto;
(Colombaro di Formigine, IT) ; Morciano; Davide;
(Modena, IT) ; Barbieri; Marcello; (Modena,
IT) ; D'Amato; Luisa; (Modena, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. |
Pully |
|
CH |
|
|
Family ID: |
55628757 |
Appl. No.: |
16/084983 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
March 2, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/054853 |
371 Date: |
September 14, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 59/003 20190501;
B65B 9/2056 20130101; B65B 43/10 20130101; B65B 55/103 20130101;
B65B 9/2049 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 9/20 20060101
B65B009/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 17, 2016 |
EP |
16160795.7 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A method of operating a machine for producing sealed packages
for a product, the method comprising: advancing a sheet packaging
material along an advancement direction; sealing the sheet
packaging material longitudinally with respect to the advancement
direction to form a continuous tube; sealing and cutting the tube
transversely with respect to the advancement direction to obtain
from the tube respective preliminary sealed packaging units filled
with the product and to produce corresponding packages having a
first package conformation; adjusting a configuration of the
machine to produce packages having a second conformation, wherein:
the first conformation is different from the second conformation,
the packages having the first conformation is produced from a first
sheet packaging material comprising a first basic unit having a
first length and a first width, the packages having the second
conformation is produced from a second sheet packaging material
comprising a second basic unit having a second length and a second
width respectively equal to the first length and the first width of
the first basic unit, and the first basic unit and the second basic
unit having respective crease patterns that differ from each
other.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the packages having
the first conformation has a shape that is different from the shape
of the packages having the second conformation.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the packages having
the first conformation has a volume that is different from the
volume of the packages having the second conformation.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: the packages having
the first conformation has at least a first end cross-section, the
packages having the second conformation having at least a second
end cross-section, the first end cross-section and the second end
cross-section being perpendicular to a main dimension of the
corresponding package, the first end cross-section and the second
end cross-section having the same linear dimension.
19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the package having
the first conformation has at least a first longitudinal border
zone and the package having the second conformation has at least a
second longitudinal border zone, the first longitudinal border zone
and the second longitudinal border zones having respective shapes
that differ from each other.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the first
longitudinal border zone comprises a straight longitudinal
edge.
21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the second
longitudinal border zone comprises a corner panel interposed
between a side wall and a front wall of the package having the
second conformation.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the corner panel is
delimited by two borders obtained by folding the second basic unit
respectively along two crease lines that extend between common
points.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the two crease lines
are each concave, with respective concavities facing one
another.
24. The method according to claim 22, wherein each one of the two
crease lines is selected from a group comprising: a curved crease
line, a crease line defined by a sequence of at least two straight
crease segments, a combination of a curved crease line and a
straight crease segment.
25. The method according to claim 15, wherein the advancement
direction is parallel to the length of at least one of the first
basic unit and the second basic unit.
26. The method according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the
first sheet packaging material and the second sheet packaging
material are advanced along the advancement direction by at least a
pair of gripping jaws.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a method of operating a packaging
machine intended to process a sheet packaging material in order to
produce a sealed package for products, particularly pourable food
products. More in detail, the method according to the invention
makes it possible to change the shape and size of packages that can
be produced on the packaging machine.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] As is known, many liquid or pourable food products, such as
fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high-temperature treated) milk, wine,
tomato sauce, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized
packaging material.
[0003] A typical example is the parallelepiped-shaped package for
liquid or pourable food products known as Tetra Brik Aseptic
(registered trademark), which is made by folding and sealing
laminated strip packaging material. The packaging material has a
multilayer structure comprising a base layer, e.g. of paper,
covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic
material, e.g. polyethylene. In the case of aseptic packages for
long-storage products, such as UHT milk, the packaging material
also comprises a layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an
aluminium foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-sealable
plastic material, and is in turn covered with another layer of
heat-sealable plastic material forming the inner face of the
package eventually contacting the food product.
[0004] The package is produced starting from a basic unit of
packaging material, which is normally conformed as a portion of a
web of packaging material advanced through the packaging machine
along an advancement direction.
[0005] The basic unit of packaging material used to form a package
has usually a rectangular shape with two main dimensions, namely a
major dimension or width and a minor dimension or length. The
advancement direction along which the sheet packaging material is
advanced on the packaging machine is normally parallel to the
length of the basic unit.
[0006] The web of packaging material is sterilized on the packaging
machine, and subsequently maintained in a closed, sterile
environment. In this environment, opposite longitudinal borders of
the sheet packaging material are sealed together to form a
continuous tube, which is filled with a sterilized or
sterile-processed food product.
[0007] Known packaging machines comprise two chain conveyors
defining respective endless paths, each of which supports a
plurality of jaws. The two paths comprise respective branches
substantially facing and parallel to each other, and between which
the tube of packaging material is fed. The jaws on one conveyor
cooperate, along the facing branches of the respective paths, with
corresponding jaws on the other conveyor to grip the tube and
advance the latter along an advancement direction.
[0008] On other known packaging machines, the jaws--instead of
being supported by opposite chain conveyors--can be supported by
other kinds of driving devices, for example two shafts that move
the jaws forwards and backwards.
[0009] Each pair of cooperating jaws is provided with a sealing
device for sealing the tube along a transverse sealing band
arranged transversely to the advancement direction. Each pair of
cooperating jaws is further provided with a cutting device for
cutting the tube through the transverse sealing band. Preliminary
packaging units, each of which is completely sealed and filled with
the required amount of product, can thus be separated from the
tube.
[0010] The preliminary packaging units formed by the jaws have a
shape that is different from the final shape of the finished
package. The finished package is given its final shape in a folding
unit provided downstream of the jaws.
[0011] However, the jaws exert a forming action on the preliminary
packaging unit by starting to fold the sheet packaging material
along a plurality of creases, some of which are arranged along the
advancement direction, i.e. are parallel to the length of the sheet
packaging material. To this end, each jaw is provided with a half
shell hinged or connected thereto. Two facing half shells mutually
cooperate to surround the tube of packaging material as pairs of
opposite jaws seal the latter. Each half shell is provided with a
concave forming surface intended to interact with the packaging
material.
[0012] Thus, the cross-section of the preliminary packaging unit
formed by the jaws is quite similar to the cross-section of the
finished package.
[0013] Alternatively, the packaging material may be cut into
blanks, which are formed into packages on forming spindles, and the
packages are then filled with the food product and sealed. In this
case, the basic unit from which the package is produced is
configured as a precut blank.
[0014] Although the parallelepiped-shaped package that has been
mentioned above is one of the most common sealed packages for
containing food products, other kind of package shapes can also be
produced. In particular, packages provided with so-called design
elements are known. These packages may comprise at least one
longitudinal border zone that, instead of being rectilinear, has a
three-dimensional shape defined for example by two non-straight
crease lines extending between respective common end points.
[0015] Producers of packaged products normally appreciate being
capable of manufacturing differently shaped packages on the same
machine. This allows the producers to offer more flexibility to
their customers, as well as to vary, within a certain range, the
quantity of product that may be contained within a single package.
This is due to the fact that differently shaped packages have
different internal volumes and hence are capable of containing
different quantities of product.
[0016] On known packaging machines, if it is desired to change the
shape and hence the volume of the package to be formed, a different
kind of sheet packaging material needs to be used, having a basic
unit with a length and a width that are different from the length
and width of the basic unit of the previously used sheet packaging
material. Hence, the pitch between two consecutive advancement
devices intended to advance the sheet packaging material and/or the
preliminary packaging unit on the packaging machine needs to be
modified. In particular, there is the need to modify the pitch
between consecutive pairs of jaws that advance the sheet packaging
material and form the preliminary packaging units therefrom.
[0017] This operation is quite complicated and time consuming,
since also the driving devices that move the jaws need to be
replaced. Hence, changing the shape of the package to be produced
requires the packaging machine to be stopped for long periods, with
consequent loss in productivity.
[0018] In some old machines, changing the pitch of the jaws and/or
other advancement devices is not even possible. Hence, only one
kind of package can be produced on these machines.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0019] An object of the invention is to improve known methods for
producing packages for products, particularly pourable food
products.
[0020] A further object is to increase flexibility of machines for
producing packages for products, by modifying the shapes and hence
the volume of the packages that these machines are capable of
producing.
[0021] Another object is to simplify the adjusting operations that
need to be performed in order to allow a packaging machine to start
producing a package different from the previously produced one.
[0022] Another object is to allow packages having different shapes
and hence volumes to be produced also on old packaging
machines.
[0023] According to the invention, there is provided a method of
operating a machine for producing sealed packages for products,
comprising the step of changing the configuration of the machine so
that the machine, which was producing a package having a first
conformation, becomes capable of producing a package having a
second conformation, the first conformation being different from
the second conformation, wherein the package having the first
conformation is produced from a first sheet packaging material
comprising a first basic unit having a length and a width, the
package having the second conformation being produced from a second
sheet packaging material comprising a second basic unit having a
length and a width respectively equal to the length and width of
the first basic unit.
[0024] The method according to the invention ensures that the
packaging machine is capable of producing packages according to at
least two different conformations, which may differ for example in
the shape of the package and hence in the volume of product that
each package may contain. The range of sealed packages that can be
offered by a producer of packaged products is therefore
widened.
[0025] Furthermore, since two different package conformations can
be obtained from respective basic units having the same width and
length, there is no need to change the pitch of the advancement
devices intended to advance the sheet packaging materials on the
packaging machine. For example, in packaging machines in which the
sheet packaging material is advanced by pairs of jaws, which also
cut and transversely seal the sheet packaging material, there is no
need to change the pitch between consecutive pairs of jaws.
[0026] This greatly simplifies the operations that need to be
carried out in order to change the configuration of the packaging
machine, so that a machine, which was previously producing a
certain kind of package, can be made capable of producing a
different kind of package in a relatively short time, e.g. a few
hours.
[0027] The time periods in which the machine needs to be stopped in
order to make it capable of producing a package having a different
conformation are thus significantly reduced.
[0028] Furthermore, the conformation of the packages to be produced
can be changed also on old machines, which do not allow the pitch
between consecutive pairs of jaws or other advancement devices to
be modified.
[0029] In an embodiment, the package according to the first
conformation has at least a first end cross-section, the package
according to the second conformation having at least a second end
cross-section, the first end cross-section and the second end
cross-section having the same width and depth.
[0030] This further reduces the number of operations that need to
be carried out in order to change the configuration of the
packaging machine, so that the latter, which was previously
producing packages according to the first conformation, becomes
capable of producing packages according to the second conformation.
In particular, since the width and depth of at least one end
cross-section of the package remain unchanged, the number of
components of the packaging machine that need to be replaced can be
further decreased. Consequently, also the time needed to change the
configuration of the machine is strongly reduced.
[0031] In an embodiment, the package according to the first
conformation has at least a first longitudinal border zone and the
package according to the second conformation has at least a second
longitudinal border zone, the first longitudinal border zone and
the second longitudinal border zone having respective shapes that
differ from each other.
[0032] By changing the shape of at least one longitudinal border
zone, the shape of the package according to the first conformation
can be made different from the shape of the package according to
the second conformation, and the respective internal volumes
thereof can be modified. Hence, flexibility of the packaging
machine can be increased.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention will be better understood and carried out with
reference to the enclosed drawings, which show some exemplifying
and non limiting embodiments thereof, wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a basic unit for forming a
package according to a first conformation;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a basic unit for forming a
package according to a second conformation;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the package
according to the first conformation;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the package
according to the second conformation;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a step of
obtaining a sealed preliminary packaging unit;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a step of
forming a package from the sealed preliminary packaging unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] FIG. 1 shows a sheet packaging material 1 for producing a
package 2 according to a first conformation as shown in FIG. 3. The
package 2 is a sealed package particularly suitable for containing
a product, for example a pourable food product.
[0041] The sheet packaging material 1 may be configured as a basic
unit 3 that can be used to produce the package 2. The basic unit 3
may be a precut blank, or a portion of a web of packaging material
comprising a succession of basic units.
[0042] If the basic unit 3 is a precut blank, the basic unit 3 is
folded on a folding spindle, is filled with the food product, and
is sealed at the top to form the package.
[0043] If the basic unit 3 is a portion of a web of packaging
material, this web, which comprises a succession of basic units 3,
is: [0044] folded to form a vertical tube and longitudinally
sealed; [0045] filled continuously with the food product; and
[0046] sealed transversely and cut into sealed preliminary
packaging units, which are then folded to form respective
packages.
[0047] The sheet packaging material 1 has a multilayer structure
comprising a base layer, e.g. of paper, for stiffness, and a number
of lamination layers covering both sides of the base layer.
[0048] For example, the lamination layers may comprise a first
layer of oxygen-barrier material, e.g. an aluminum foil, and a
number of second layers of heat-sealable plastic material covering
both sides of both the base layer and the first layer. In other
words, such solution comprises, in succession and from the side
eventually forming the inside of a package, a layer of
heat-sealable plastic material, a layer of barrier material,
another layer of heat-sealable plastic material, the base layer,
and another layer of heat-sealable plastic material.
[0049] The inner layer of heat-sealable plastic material contacting
the food product, in use, may, for example, be made of strong, in
particular, high-stretch, metallocene-catalyzed, low-linear-density
(LLD) polyethylene.
[0050] Normally, the layers of heat-sealable plastic material are
laminated on the base layer in a melted state, with successive
cooling.
[0051] As a possible alternative, at least the inner layers of
plastic material may be provided as prefabricated films, which are
then laminated on the base layer.
[0052] The basic unit 3 has a crease pattern 20, comprising a
number of crease lines defining respective fold lines, along which
the sheet packaging material 1 is folded to form a finished
package.
[0053] The basic unit 3 has a quadrilateral shape, particularly a
rectangular or square shape. The basic unit 3 is delimited by a
first transverse border 21 and by a second transverse border 22,
which are parallel to one another and bound opposite sides of the
basic unit 3.
[0054] The basic unit 3 is further delimited by a first
longitudinal border 23 and by a second longitudinal border 24,
which are parallel to one another and bound opposite sides of the
basic unit 3. The first transverse border 21 and the second
transverse border 22 are each interposed between the first
longitudinal border 23 and the second longitudinal border 24. The
first transverse border 21 and the second transverse border 22
extend transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first
longitudinal border 23 and to the second longitudinal border
24.
[0055] The adjectives "transverse" and "longitudinal" are used in
this context to indicate whether the line or border at issue will
be arranged in a transverse direction or respectively in a
longitudinal direction in the finished package.
[0056] The basic unit 3 has a first dimension or length L and a
second dimension or width W. In the example shown, the width W is
the linear dimension of the first transverse border 21 and of the
second transverse border 22, whereas the length L is the linear
dimension of the first longitudinal border 23 and of the second
longitudinal border 24.
[0057] If the basic unit 3 is a portion of a continuous web of
packaging material, the latter is intended to be advanced on a
packaging machine along an advancement direction F1 that is
parallel to the length L.
[0058] The crease pattern 20 comprises a first transverse crease
line or top transverse crease line 4, intended to form a plurality
of top edges 40, 41, 42, 43 of the package 2. The top transverse
crease line 4 is parallel to the first transverse border 21 and to
the second transverse border 22 of the basic unit 3.
[0059] The crease pattern 20 comprises a further top transverse
crease line 5, which is parallel to the top transverse crease line
4. The further top transverse crease line 5 is closer to the first
transverse border 21 than the top transverse crease line 4. The
further top transverse crease line 5 is intended to allow a top
transverse sealing band 44 of the package 2 to be folded.
[0060] The crease pattern 20 further comprises a second transverse
crease line or bottom transverse crease line 6, intended to form a
plurality of bottom edges of the package 2, only two of which are
shown in FIG. 3 and are indicated by numbers 60, 63.
[0061] The bottom transverse crease line 6 is parallel to the top
transverse crease line 4, as well as to the first transverse border
21 and to the second transverse border 22 of the basic unit 3.
[0062] A further bottom transverse crease line 7, which is parallel
to the bottom transverse crease line 6, is also provided. The
further bottom transverse crease line 7 is intended to allow a
bottom transverse sealing band of the package 2 to be folded.
[0063] The adjectives "top" and "bottom" are used in this context
to indicate whether the line at issue will be arranged in a top
region or respectively in a bottom region of the finished
package.
[0064] In the example shown, the top transverse crease line 4, the
further top transverse crease line 5, the bottom transverse crease
line 6 and the further bottom transverse crease line 7 are each
configured as a straight crease line. However, the transverse
crease lines 4, 5, 6, 7 may also have shapes that are different
from those shown in FIG. 1. For example, the top transverse crease
line 4 may be conformed as a sequence of straight segments that are
tilted relative to each other. In this case, a package having a
slanted top wall can be obtained.
[0065] The crease pattern 20 comprises a plurality of further
crease lines that may include: [0066] a longitudinal crease line 8;
[0067] a first longitudinal crease line 9; [0068] a second
longitudinal crease line 10; [0069] a further longitudinal crease
line 11.
[0070] In the example shown, the longitudinal crease line 8, the
first longitudinal crease line 9, the second longitudinal crease
line 10 and the further longitudinal crease line 11 are parallel to
one another.
[0071] The longitudinal crease line 8, the first longitudinal
crease line 9, the second longitudinal crease line 10 and the
further longitudinal crease line 11 are arranged transversely, in
particular perpendicularly, to the top transverse crease line 4 and
to the bottom transverse crease line 6.
[0072] The longitudinal crease line 8, the first longitudinal
crease line 9, the second longitudinal crease line 10 and the
further longitudinal crease line 11 extend continuously from the
further bottom transverse crease line 7 to the further top
transverse crease line 5.
[0073] The first longitudinal crease line 9 and the second
longitudinal crease line 10 are adjacent to one another and are
interposed between the longitudinal crease line 8 and the further
longitudinal crease line 11.
[0074] The longitudinal crease line 8, the first longitudinal
crease line 9, the second longitudinal crease line 10 and the
further longitudinal crease line 11 are intended to form a
plurality of longitudinal edges of the package 2, only three of
which are shown in FIG. 3 and are indicated by numbers 51, 52,
53.
[0075] The longitudinal crease line 8, the first longitudinal
crease line 9, the second longitudinal crease line 10 and the
further longitudinal crease line 11 intersect the top transverse
crease line 4 respectively at points P1, P2, P3, P4. The
longitudinal crease line 8, the first longitudinal crease line 9,
the second longitudinal crease line 10 and the further longitudinal
crease line 11 intersect the bottom transverse crease line 6
respectively at points Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4.
[0076] The crease pattern 20 further comprises: [0077] a first
oblique crease line 12 and a second oblique crease line 13 that,
respectively from points P1, P2 converge in a common point C1 on
the further top crease line 5; [0078] a further first oblique
crease line 14 and a further second oblique crease line 15 that,
respectively from points P3, P4 converge in a common point C2 on
the further top crease line 5; [0079] a first tilted crease line 16
and a second tilted crease line 17 that, respectively from points
Q1, Q2 converge in a common point C3 on the further bottom crease
line 7; [0080] a further first tilted crease line 18 and a further
second tilted crease line 19 that, respectively from points Q3, Q4
converge in a common point C4 on the further bottom crease line
7.
[0081] The first oblique crease line 12 and the second oblique
crease line 13 are intended to define, together with a portion of
the top transverse crease line 4 interposed between points P1, P2,
a flat, substantially triangular lateral top flap of packaging
material. Similarly, the further first oblique crease line 14 and
the further second oblique crease line 15 are intended to define,
together with a portion of the top transverse crease line 4
interposed between points P3, P4, a flat, substantially triangular
further lateral top flap 27 of packaging material. The lateral top
flap and the further lateral top flap 27 are intended to be folded
coplanar with and respectively onto opposite side walls of the
package 2.
[0082] The first tilted crease line 16 and the second tilted crease
line 17 are intended to define, together with a portion of the
bottom transverse crease line 6 interposed between points Q1, Q2, a
flat, substantially triangular bottom flap of packaging material.
Similarly, the further first tilted crease line 18 and the further
second tilted crease line 19 are intended to define, together with
a portion of the bottom transverse crease line 6 interposed between
points Q3, Q4, a flat, substantially triangular further bottom flap
of packaging material. The triangular bottom flap and the further
triangular bottom flap are intended to be folded coplanar with and
respectively onto opposite regions of a bottom wall of the package
2.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the package 2 according to the first
conformation, which is obtained from the basic unit 3, comprises a
top wall 45, delimited by the top edges 40, 41, 42, 43.
[0084] The package 2 further comprises a bottom wall 46, opposite
the top wall 45 and delimited by four bottom edges, only two of
which (60, 63) are visible in FIG. 3. In the example shown, the top
wall 45 is parallel to the bottom wall 46. However, this condition
is not essential.
[0085] The package 2 further comprises a front wall 47, interposed
between the top wall 45 and the bottom wall 46. The front wall 47
is delimited by the bottom edge 60, the top edge 40 and the
longitudinal edges 51, 52.
[0086] A back wall 48 is further provided, opposite the front wall
47. The back wall 48 is delimited by the top edge 42, a bottom edge
that is not visible in FIG. 3, the longitudinal edge 53 and a
further longitudinal edge that is not visible in FIG. 3.
[0087] In the example shown, the front wall 47 and the back wall 48
are parallel to one another.
[0088] The package 2 further comprises a side wall 49, interposed
between the front wall 47 and the back wall 48. The side wall 49 is
delimited by the longitudinal edge 51, the top edge 41, a bottom
edge and a further longitudinal edge that are not visible in FIG.
3. The side wall 49 may be perpendicular to the front wall 47 and
to the back wall 48.
[0089] The package 2 comprises a further side wall 50, opposite the
side wall 49, delimited by two longitudinal edges 52, 53, the top
edge 43 and the bottom edge 63.
[0090] The further side wall 50 is interposed between the front
wall 47 and the back wall 48. In the example shown, the further
side wall 50 is parallel to the side wall 49 and hence
perpendicular to the front wall 47 and to the back wall 48.
[0091] The package 2 according to the first conformation further
comprises a top transverse sealing band 44 that extends across the
top wall 45, between opposite top edges 41, 43.
[0092] A similar bottom transverse sealing band, which is not shown
in FIG. 3, extends across the bottom wall 46, between opposite
lower edges.
[0093] The top transverse sealing band 44 divides the top wall into
a first wall portion 25 and a second wall portion 26. The first
wall portion 25, which is adjacent to the front wall 47 and bounded
by the top edge 40, defines an area on which a reclosable opening
device may be applied. The opening device, which is not shown, may
be made of a plastic material.
[0094] The opening device is applied to the package 2 by
conventional fastening systems, such as adhesives, or by
microflame, electric-current-induction, ultrasound, laser, or other
heat-sealing techniques. The opening device may also be directly
moulded on the sheet packaging material 1.
[0095] The second wall portion 26, which is adjacent to the back
wall 48 and bounded by the top edge 42, comprises, in a center
region thereof, an end portion of a flat longitudinal sealing band
28 of package 2.
[0096] More specifically, the longitudinal sealing band 28 extends
perpendicularly between the top transverse sealing band 44 and the
bottom transverse sealing band, and substantially along the
centerline of the back wall 48.
[0097] The top transverse sealing band 44 extends beyond the top
wall 45 into respective flat, substantially triangular lateral top
flaps 27 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 3) of packaging
material folded coplanar with and respectively onto the side wall
49 and the further side wall 50.
[0098] The top transverse sealing band 44 also forms, lengthwise, a
rectangular flat top tab 29 projecting from portions 25, 26 and
from lateral top flaps 27 and folded onto the second wall portion
26 along a bend line formed at the base of top tab 29.
[0099] Similarly, the bottom transverse sealing band divides the
bottom wall 46 into two wall portions, one of which is adjacent to
the back wall 48 and comprises, in a central region thereof, an end
portion of the longitudinal sealing band 28.
[0100] The bottom transverse sealing band comprises a main portion
and a pair of end portions, which are arranged on opposite lateral
sides of the main portion. The main portion is folded onto the
bottom wall 46 while the end portions form two respective flat,
substantially triangular lateral bottom flaps of packaging material
folded over the main portion.
[0101] In conclusion, the package 2 according to the first
conformation has a substantially parallelepiped shape.
[0102] The package 2 has three main dimensions, namely a height H,
a width W1 and a depth D1.
[0103] The height H, in the example shown, is the distance between
the bottom wall 46 and the top wall 45.
[0104] The height H is also equal to the distance between the top
transverse crease line 4 and the bottom transverse crease line 6 on
the sheet packaging material 1.
[0105] The width W1, in the example shown, is the distance between
the side wall 49 and the further side wall 50. The width W1 is also
equal to the distance between the first longitudinal crease line 9
and the second longitudinal crease line 10 on the sheet packaging
material 1.
[0106] The depth D1, in the example shown, is the distance between
the front wall 47 and the back wall 48. The depth D1 is also equal
to the distance between the longitudinal crease line 8 and the
first longitudinal crease line 9 (or between the second
longitudinal crease line 10 and the further crease line 11, which
is the same).
[0107] Since the package 2 has a substantially constant
cross-section along its height H, the width W1 and the depth D1 are
substantially constant in any cross-section taken perpendicularly
to the longitudinal edges 51, 52, 53.
[0108] FIG. 2 shows a sheet packaging material 101 that can be used
to produce a package 102 according to a second conformation, i.e. a
package 102 of the kind shown in FIG. 4.
[0109] The sheet packaging material 101 is configured as a basic
unit 103 that can be used to produce the package 102. The basic
unit 103 may be a precut blank, or a portion of a web of packaging
material comprising a succession of basic units.
[0110] Like the basic unit 3 shown in FIG. 1, the basic unit 103
has a quadrilateral shape, particularly a rectangular or square
shape.
[0111] In other words, the basic units 3, 103 have the same
shape.
[0112] The basic unit 103 has a first dimension or length L and a
second dimension or width W. The length L and the width W of the
basic unit 103 are the same as the length L and the width W of the
basic unit 3. In other words, the basic unit 3 and the basic unit
103 have the same overall dimensions. If the basic unit 3 were laid
over the basic unit 103, the two basic units would completely
overlap, as far as their outer dimensions are concerned. The parts
of the basic unit 103 that are common to the basic unit 3 will be
indicated by the same reference numbers that have been used in FIG.
1 and will not be described in detail herebelow.
[0113] The basic unit 103 differs from the basic unit 3 due to its
crease pattern 120, which is not identical to the crease pattern 20
of the basic unit 3.
[0114] The crease pattern 120 differs from the crease pattern 20
mainly because it comprises, in place of the first longitudinal
crease line 9, a pair of longitudinal crease lines including a
first crease line 90 and a second crease line 91.
[0115] The first crease line 90 and the second crease line 91 may
be concave crease lines, with respective concavities facing each
other.
[0116] The first crease line 90 comprises a succession of two
straight segments, namely a first straight segment 71 and a further
first straight segment 72, which intersect in a point A. Similarly,
the second crease line 91 comprises a succession of two straight
segments, namely a second straight segment 73 and a further second
straight segment 74, which intersect in a point B.
[0117] The first straight segment 71 and the second straight
segment 73 both originate in point P2 and diverge towards points A
and B respectively.
[0118] The further first straight segment 72 and the further second
straight segment 74 both originate in point Q2 and diverge from
point Q2 towards points A and B respectively.
[0119] The first crease line 90 and the second crease line 91 can
be symmetrical relative to a straight line connecting points P2 and
Q2.
[0120] The distance between the top transverse crease line 4 and
points A and B is less than the distance between the bottom
transverse crease line 6 and points A and B.
[0121] The basic unit 103 further comprises, in place of the second
longitudinal crease line 10, a pair of further longitudinal crease
lines including a further first crease line 92 and a further second
crease line 93.
[0122] The further first crease line 92 comprises a succession of
two straight segments 75, 76 that intersect in a point C.
Similarly, the further second crease line 93 comprises a succession
of two further straight segments 77, 78 that intersect in a point
D. The segments 76, 78 diverge from point Q3 respectively towards
points C and D. The segments 75, 77 diverge from point P3 towards
points C and D.
[0123] The further first crease line 92 and the further second
crease line 93 may have the same shape and dimensions as the first
crease line 90 and the second crease line 91 respectively.
[0124] By folding the basic unit 103 along the crease lines of the
crease pattern 120, it is possible to obtain a package according to
a second conformation, namely the package 102 shown in FIG. 4.
[0125] The parts of the package 102 that are common to the package
2 will be indicated by the same reference numbers that have been
used in FIG. 3 and will not be described in detail herebelow.
[0126] The package 102 differs from the package 2 mainly because it
comprises, in place of the straight longitudinal edges 51, 52,
respective longitudinal border zones that are not shaped as sharp,
rectilinear edges.
[0127] In particular, the package 102 comprises, in place of the
straight longitudinal edges 51, 52, respectively a first corner
panel 81 and a second corner panel 82.
[0128] The first corner panel 81 is interposed between a front wall
147 and a side wall 149 of the package 102. The first corner panel
81 is delimited by a first border 83, adjacent to the side wall
149, and by a second border 84, adjacent to the front wall 147.
[0129] The first border 83 is obtained by folding the basic unit
103 along the first crease line 90, whereas the second border 84 is
obtained by folding the basic unit 103 along the second crease line
91. Hence, the first corner panel 81 corresponds to the region
interposed between the first crease line 90 and the second crease
line 91 of the basic unit 103.
[0130] The second corner panel 82 is interposed between the front
wall 147 and a further side wall 150 of the package 102. The second
corner panel 82 is delimited by a further first border 85, adjacent
to the further side wall 150, and by a further second border 86,
adjacent to the front wall 147.
[0131] The further first border 85 is obtained by folding the basic
unit 103 along the further second crease line 93, whereas the
further second border 86 is obtained by folding the basic unit 103
along the further first crease line 92. Hence, the second corner
panel 82 corresponds to the region interposed between the further
first crease line 92 and the further second crease line 93 of the
basic unit 103.
[0132] The package 102 further comprises a back wall 48, interposed
between the side wall 149 and the further side wall 150, which
remains unchanged with respect to the package 2. Also the top wall
45 and the bottom wall 46 remain unchanged.
[0133] The first border 83 and the second border 84 each extend
between two vertexes V1, V2 respectively of the top wall 45 and of
the bottom wall 46. Vertex V1 corresponds to point P2 on the basic
unit 103, whereas vertex V2 corresponds to point Q2 on the basic
unit 103.
[0134] Each one of the further first border 85 and the further
second border 86 extends between two vertexes V3, V4 respectively
of the top wall 45 and of the bottom wall 46. Vertexes V3, V4
respectively correspond to points P3, Q3 on the basic unit 103.
[0135] The package 102 has a height H that, in the example shown,
is the distance between the top edge 42 and the corresponding
bottom edge delimiting the back wall 48.
[0136] The height H of the package 102 is equal to the distance
between the top transverse crease line 4 and the bottom transverse
crease line 6 on the basic unit 103.
[0137] The first corner panel 81 and the second corner panel 82
have a linear dimension, measured parallelly to the bottom wall 46,
which varies along the height H of the package 102. This is due to
the fact that the distance between the first border 83 and the
second border 84 varies from the vertex V1 to the vertex V2.
Similarly, the distance between the further first border 85 and the
further second border 86 varies from vertex V3 to vertex V4.
[0138] Hence, the cross-section of the package 102 according to the
second conformation does not have a rectangular or square shape.
The cross-section of the package 102 varies along the height H and
has generally the shape of a six-sided polygon. However, the bottom
wall 46 has a quadrilateral, particularly rectangular, shape. More
in detail, the bottom wall 46 has a width W1 and a depth D1.
[0139] The width W1, in the example shown, is the distance between
the bottom edges that delimit the side wall 149 and the further
side wall 150 respectively.
[0140] Since, in the example shown, the top wall 45 has the same
shape and dimensions as the bottom wall 46, the top wall 45 and the
bottom wall 46 have the same width W1.
[0141] The width W1 is also equal to the distance between points Q2
and Q3 (or P2 and P3) on the basic unit 103.
[0142] The depth D1, in the example shown, is the distance between
the bottom edges that delimit the front wall 147 and the back wall
48. Since the top wall 45 has the same shape and dimensions as the
bottom wall 46, the width W1 is also equal to the distance between
the top edges that delimit the front wall 147 and the back wall
48.
[0143] The depth D1 is also equal to the distance between points P1
and P2 (or Q1 and Q2, or P3 and P4, or Q3 and Q4) on the basic unit
103.
[0144] Hence, at least one end cross-section of the package 102
according to the second conformation, namely the bottom wall 45
(and, in the example shown, also the top wall 46) has the same
width W1 and the same depth D1 as the width W1 and the depth D1 of
the package 2 according to the first conformation.
[0145] Packages 2 and 102 are obtained from respective sheet
materials 1, 101 comprising basic units 3, 103 having the same
length L and the same width W. If it is desired to switch
production between packages 2 and 102, the folding devices used to
fold the packaging material along the crease lines thereof on the
packaging machine need to be changed. However, there is no need to
change the advancement devices that advance the packaging material
along the packaging machine, because the length L or pitch does not
change. Hence, the modifications that need to be made on the
packaging machine are limited.
[0146] The replacements and adjustments that need to be carried out
on the packaging machine in order to change the conformation of the
produced package are further decreased because the packages 2, 102
(produced from respective basic units 3, 103 having the same
overall dimensions) have the same width W1 and the same depth D1,
at least in one end cross-section of the package.
[0147] This simplifies the operations to be carried out in order to
change the configuration of the packaging machine.
[0148] Owing to the different conformation of the packages 2, 102,
flexibility in the shape of the finished package can be achieved.
Furthermore, the volume defined by the package 2 according to the
first conformation differs from that defined by the package 102
according to the second conformation. This is due to the
differences between the cross-section of the packages 2 and 102
along the height H.
[0149] Packages 2 and 102 can therefore be used to contain
respective different quantities of products.
[0150] Although, in the embodiment disclosed with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 4, the crease pattern 20 of the package 2 according to
the first conformation and the crease pattern 120 of the package
102 according to the second conformation differ from each other
only for the crease lines intended to form two adjacent
longitudinal border zones of the respective packages, alternative
embodiments could be provided in which the crease patterns 20, 120
differ from each other for the crease lines intended to define only
one, or more than two, longitudinal border zones of the finished
package.
[0151] Furthermore, the crease lines of the crease patterns 20 and
120 could also have a shape that is different from the shape shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the crease lines 90, 91 and/or 92,
93 could have a curved shape.
[0152] Finally, the crease lines of the crease pattern 20 and/or of
the crease pattern 120 intended to define a first longitudinal
border zone of the finished package may have a shape that is
different from the shape of the crease lines of the crease pattern
20 and/or of the crease pattern 120 intended to define a second
longitudinal border zone of the same finished package.
[0153] The package 2 according to the first conformation and the
package 102 according to the second conformation may be produced on
a packaging machine of the known type, which processes a web of
sheet packaging material comprising a succession of basic units 3,
103. The web of sheet packaging material is advanced along an
advancement direction, sealed longitudinally to form a continuous
tube, sealed transversely to the advancement direction and cut so
as to obtain from the tube respective preliminary sealed packaging
units that have already been filled with the product. The sheet
packaging material may be advanced by pairs of gripping jaws that,
while transversely sealing and cutting the packaging material, also
fold the latter along the crease lines of the crease patterns 20 or
120, particularly along the crease lines interposed between the top
transverse crease line 4 and the bottom transverse crease line 6,
in order to obtain the sealed preliminary packaging units. The
final shape of the package will then be defined in a subsequent
forming section.
[0154] In an alternative embodiment, the package 102 according to
the second conformation may be produced by a method whose main
steps are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The method is also applicable to
the package 2 according to the first conformation or to other
packages, particularly having a different shape of at least one
longitudinal border zone.
[0155] A web of sheet packaging material, comprising a sequence of
a plurality of basic units 103, is advanced along an advancement
direction F1 for example by an advancement device that is not
shown. The advancement device may comprise at least two pairs of
gripping jaws that move synchronously along the advancement
direction F1, supported by a driving chain or any other kind of
driving device.
[0156] The web of sheet packaging material is sealed
longitudinally, i.e. parallel to the advancement direction F1, in
order to form a tube that is open at opposite ends thereof. To this
end, the first longitudinal border 23 of the sheet packaging
material 101 is laid over an overlapping band 30 adjacent to the
second longitudinal border 24. The first longitudinal border 23 is
then sealed to the overlapping band 30 by any suitable sealing
technique.
[0157] The tube thus formed is further processed in order to obtain
therefrom a sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 as shown in FIG.
5. The sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 is obtained by sealing
the tube along a first transverse sealing band 203 and along a
second transverse sealing band 204 that may be parallel to each
other. The first transverse sealing band 203 and the second
transverse sealing band 204 are arranged transversely, particular
perpendicularly, to a longitudinal sealing band that has been
created by sealing the sheet packaging material 101 along the
overlapping band 30.
[0158] The first transverse sealing band 203 and the second
transverse sealing band 204 extend transversely, particular
perpendicularly, to the advancement direction F1.
[0159] The first transverse sealing band 203 may be intended to
form the top transverse sealing band 44 of the package 102.
Similarly, the second transverse sealing band 204 may be intended
to form the bottom transverse sealing band of the package 102.
[0160] The first transverse sealing band 203 is created when the
sheet packaging material 101 is sealed in a region interposed
between the further top transverse crease line 5 and the first
transverse border 21. The second transverse sealing band 204 is
created when the sheet packaging material 101 is sealed in a region
interposed between the further bottom transverse crease line 7 and
the second transverse border 22.
[0161] While the tube is being processed to obtain the sealed
preliminary packaging unit 200 therefrom, and before completely
sealing the sheet packaging material 101 along the second
transverse sealing band 204, the product is introduced inside the
tube, for example by means of known filling devices.
[0162] The sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 is delimited,
transversely to the advancement direction F1, by a first transverse
cutting line 201 and by a second transverse cutting line 202, which
may be parallel to one another. More in detail, the first
transverse cutting line 201 delimits the first transverse sealing
band 203, whereas the second transverse cutting line 202 delimits
the second transverse sealing band 204.
[0163] The first transverse cutting line 201 corresponds to the
first transverse border 21 of the basic unit 103, whereas the
second transverse cutting line 202 corresponds to the second
transverse border 22 of the basic unit 103.
[0164] The first transverse cutting line 201 and the second
transverse cutting line 202 may be obtained by any suitable cutting
device that follows the sheet packaging material 101 as the latter
advances along the advancement direction F1. For example, two pairs
of jaws can be provided, particularly a first pair of jaws acting
in an end region of the sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 near
the first transverse cutting line 201 and a second pair of jaws
acting in a further end region of the sealed preliminary packaging
unit 200 near the second transverse cutting line 202. The first
pair of jaws and the second pair of jaws each comprise a pair of
opposite jaws that are movable between a disengagement position and
a gripping position. In the gripping position, the sheet packaging
material 101 is firmly gripped between the jaws of a pair, so that
the sheet packaging material 101 may be advanced by the gripping
jaws along the advancement direction F1. In the disengagement
position, the gripping jaws are distanced from one another and do
not interact with the sheet packaging material.
[0165] Each pair of gripping jaws may be provided with a sealing
element and with a cutting element for respectively forming either
the first transverse sealing band 203 and the second transverse
sealing band 204, and cutting the sheet packaging material 101
along either the first transverse cutting line 201 or the second
transverse cutting line 202.
[0166] The sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 further comprises
a first end region 206 located near the first transverse sealing
band 203, so that the latter is interposed between the first
transverse cutting line 201 and the first end region 206. The first
end region 206 is intended to form an end wall of the package 102,
for example the top wall 45 thereof.
[0167] The first end region 206 is provided with a first lateral
protrusion 208 and a further first lateral protrusion 209 that
project from opposite zones of the first end region 206. The first
lateral protrusion 208 and the further first lateral protrusion 209
are intended to form two triangular lateral flaps of the package
102, for example the lateral top flaps 27.
[0168] The sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 further comprises
a second end region 207 opposite the first end region 206. The
second end region 207 is located near the second transverse sealing
band 204, so that the latter is interposed between the second
transverse cutting line 202 and the second end region 207. The
second end region 207 is intended to form a further end wall of the
package 102, for example the bottom wall 46 thereof.
[0169] The second end region 207 is provided with a second lateral
protrusion 210 and a further second lateral protrusion 211 that
project from opposite zones of the second end region 207. The
second lateral protrusion 210 and the further second lateral
protrusion 211 are intended to form two triangular lateral flaps of
the package 102, for example the lateral bottom flaps.
[0170] Between the first end region 206 and the second end region
207 a central portion 205 is interposed. The central portion 205 is
intended to form the portion of the package 102 that is arranged
between the bottom wall 46 and the top wall 45. The central portion
205 has a substantially constant cross-section.
[0171] FIG. 5 shows the sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 after
the latter has interacted with the gripping jaws or other
advancement devices. At this stage, the sheet packaging material
101 has been folded along the top transverse crease line 4 and the
further top transverse crease line 5, so as to define the first end
region 206.
[0172] Furthermore, the sheet packaging material 101 has been
folded along the first oblique crease line 12, the second oblique
crease line 13, the further first oblique crease line 14 and the
further second oblique crease line 15, thereby defining the first
lateral protrusion 208 and the further first lateral protrusion
209.
[0173] Similarly, the sheet packaging material 101 has been folded
along the bottom transverse crease line 6, the further bottom
transverse crease line 7, the first tilted crease line 16, the
second tilted crease line 17, the further first tilted crease line
18 and the further second tilted crease line 19.
[0174] However, the sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 has been
obtained by processing the sheet packaging material 101 without
folding the latter along the longitudinal crease line 8, the first
crease line 90, the second crease line 91, the further first crease
line 92, the further second crease line 93 and the further crease
line 11. In other words, the sealed preliminary packaging unit 200
is obtained without folding the sheet packaging material 101 along
the crease lines interposed between the bottom transverse crease
line 6 and the top transverse crease line 4 and extending
transversely to these two transverse crease lines. In the example
shown in FIG. 2, this means that the sealed preliminary packaging
unit 200 is obtained without folding the sheet packaging material
101 along the crease lines joining the top transverse crease line 4
and the bottom transverse crease line 6.
[0175] In other words, the sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 is
obtained by a mechanical arrangement that does not comprise
components specifically intended to act on the sheet packaging
material 101 in order to fold the latter along the crease lines 8,
90, 91, 92, 93, 11. The above mentioned mechanical arrangement is
configured to give the central portion 205 a cross-sectional shape
that is different from the cross-sectional shape of the finished
package 102.
[0176] In particular, the sealed preliminary packaging unit 200,
near the crease lines 8, 90, 91, 92, 93, 11, is delimited by
respective rounded longitudinal areas. These rounded longitudinal
areas are different from the clearly defined edges that are usually
obtained when folding a sheet packaging material along a crease
line.
[0177] The mechanical arrangement intended to obtain the sealed
preliminary packaging unit 200 is configured to seal and cut the
sheet packaging material 101, so that a preset volume is defined
inside the sealed preliminary packaging unit 200. This preset
volume may be defined by squeezing to a certain extent the central
portion 205 before completely sealing the sealed preliminary
packaging unit 200. In order to squeeze the central portion 205,
the mechanical arrangement acting on the latter is configured to
contact the sheet packaging material 101, without however exerting
a folding action on the crease lines 8, 90, 91, 92, 93, 11. For
example, a pair of concave squeezing elements may be provided,
which encircle the central portion 205. These concave squeezing
elements may have a cross-section delimited for example by a
rounded or curved profile. The squeezing elements, when interacting
with the central portion 205, define a passage having a
cross-section that is different from the cross-section of the
finished package 200.
[0178] The mechanical arrangement that forms the sealed preliminary
packaging unit 200 may therefore be considered as a volume defining
arrangement.
[0179] The mechanical arrangement that forms the sealed preliminary
packaging unit 200 is furthermore configured to fill the latter
with a desired quantity of product, which is introduced inside the
tube of sheet packaging material 101 before completely sealing the
sealed preliminary packaging unit 200.
[0180] Downstream of the volume defining arrangement, there is
provided a forming arrangement for forming the sheet packaging
material 101 of the sealed preliminary packaging unit 200, in order
to obtain from the latter a finished package 102. FIG. 6 shows the
package a few moments before the latter is given its final
conformation.
[0181] The sheet packaging material 101 defining the sealed
preliminary packaging unit 200 is folded along the longitudinal
crease line 8 and the further longitudinal crease line 11, as well
as along the first crease line 90, the second crease line 91, the
further first crease line 92 and the further second crease line 93.
Thus, the back wall 48, the side wall 149, the first corner panel
81, the front wall 147, the second corner panel 82 and the further
side wall 150 are obtained.
[0182] In other words, the shape of the cross-section of the
central portion 205 is modified so as to give the latter the shape
of the cross-section of the finished package 102.
[0183] The forming arrangement also acts on the first end region
206 and on the second end region 207 of the sealed preliminary
packaging unit 200, although these two end regions had already been
partially formed by the volume defining arrangement.
[0184] In particular, the sheet packaging material 101 is folded
more strongly along the top transverse crease line 4 and along the
bottom transverse crease line 6, so as to originate a well-defined
top wall 45 and bottom wall 46.
[0185] The first transverse sealing band 203 and the second
transverse sealing band 204 are folded around the further top
transverse crease line 5 and the further bottom transverse crease
line 7 respectively, so as to be superimposed to the top wall 45
and to the bottom wall 46 respectively.
[0186] The first lateral protrusion 208 and the further first
lateral protrusion 209 are further folded so as to become
superimposed to the side wall 149 and to the further side wall
150.
[0187] Similarly, the second lateral protrusion 210 and the further
second lateral protrusion 211 are further folded, until they become
superimposed to the bottom wall 46.
[0188] A finished package 102 is thus obtained.
[0189] By providing a sealed preliminary packaging unit 200 that is
obtained without folding the corresponding sheet packaging material
101 along the crease lines interposed between the top transverse
crease line 4 and the bottom transverse crease line 6, stress on
the sheet packaging material 101 is decreased. This is due to the
fact that, along the crease lines interposed between the top
transverse crease line 4 and the bottom transverse crease line 6,
the sheet packaging material 101 is folded only once, namely by the
forming arrangement.
[0190] Furthermore, the same volume defining arrangement may be
used to produce packages having different shapes and consequently
different volumes, thereby increasing flexibility of the packaging
machine.
* * * * *