U.S. patent number 3,559,874 [Application Number 04/727,464] was granted by the patent office on 1971-02-02 for series bag construction.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Dow Chemical Company. Invention is credited to Oliver R. Titchenal.
United States Patent |
3,559,874 |
Titchenal |
February 2, 1971 |
SERIES BAG CONSTRUCTION
Abstract
A bag construction embodied in a chain of connected bag elements
and an efficient method for filling the same. In novel feeding and
mounting concepts, the chain of bag elements is preferably fed to
the filling apparatus from a folded pile, and is initially received
by a mandrel which mounts the same in a curtain-and-rod-like
fashion by means of a loop or tunnel located along the top end of
each bag. In the chain, the bag elements are substantially
separated from one another such that their complete separation
after filling can be easily achieved, as for example, by a gentle
pulling action. In specific bag constructions, loading or filling
through gusseted sections of the bag elements is made possible
through novel gusset designs and filling methods, and scrap
minimized, for example, by thinning strategic portions of the bag
elements which later are customarily trimmed therefrom following
sealing operations.
Inventors: |
Titchenal; Oliver R. (Berea,
OH) |
Assignee: |
The Dow Chemical Company
(Midland, MI)
|
Family
ID: |
24922773 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/727,464 |
Filed: |
May 8, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/69;
383/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B
9/087 (20130101); B65B 9/093 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65B
9/08 (20060101); B65B 9/06 (20060101); B65d
027/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;229/69,53,55
;150/5,4,62 ;53/14 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bockenek; David M.
Claims
I claim:
1. A chain of connected bag elements which when strung out define a
longitudinal axis, each of said bag elements comprising bottom and
top ends and two sides, and bag elements arranged in said chain in
generally side-by-side relationship with said top and bottom ends
extending in planar relationship with said longitudinal axis, each
of said bag elements closed across the top and bottom ends thereof,
said two sides closed except at the too uppermost extend thereof,
thereby forming an open ended loop at the top end of each bag
element, the channels defined by said loops being longitudinally
aligned with each other and being of sufficient width such that
said chain of bag elements can be mounted in a curtain-and-rod-like
fashion by means of the loop located at the top end of each bag
element.
2. A chain of bag elements which when strung out defines a
longitudinal axis, said bag elements comprising a tubular body
flattened for to form first and second edge portions extending
longitudinally thereon and first and second walls located opposite
each other, said bag elements defined by seams extending generally
transversely to said longitudinal axis and securing together said
first and second walls at spaced intervals along said tubular body,
respective pairs of said seams forming the two opposite sides of
each bag element with said first and second edge portions
comprising the respective top and bottom ends thereof, the
uppermost extend extent of said side seams terminating at points in
spaced relationship with the leading edge of said first edge
portion, whereby the first edge portion forms an open ended loop at
the top end of each bag element, the channels defined by said loops
being generally longitudinally aligned with each other and being of
a sufficient width so that said chain of bag elements can be
mounted in a curtain-and-rod-like fashion by means of said
loops.
3. A chain of connected bag elements which when strung out defines
a longitudinal axis, said bag elements including first and second
opposed wall portions and being arranged in said chain in
side-by-side relationship, a separate continuous strip of material
connecting together said bag elements and extending parallel along
said longitudinal axis, said strip secured together along one
longitudinal edge thereof with said first wall portion, and topwise
folded over and secured together along the opposite longitudinal
edge thereof with said second wall portion the channel definite by
said loop being continuous and communicating with the interiors of
said bag elements, said channel being of sufficient size for
mounting said bag elements in curtain-and-rod-like fashion.
4. In a chain of containers of the general type connected together
to permit continuous feed of the containers to filling apparatus,
the containers being successively fillable at the top ends thereof
between opposed portions of material forming the containers, the
improvement which comprises, material substantially closing said
top ends and joined together along its opposite longitudinal edges
with said opposed portions, respectively, the longitudinally
extending central portion of said material defining a
noninterrupted guide channel of sufficient width to permit mounting
of said chain in a curtain-and-rod-like fashion.
5. The containers of claim 4 wherein said containers comprise
connected bag elements.
6. The containers of claim 5 wherein a line of weakness is located
in the connected region between successive bag elements in said
chain.
7. The containers of claim 5 wherein said bag elements include a
gusset, a let of said gusset comprising said loop structure.
8. The containers of claim 7 wherein said leg is offset beyond the
opposite leg of said gusset.
9. The containers of claim 5 wherein said bag elements include
gussets extending along the opposite sides thereof, respectively,
said loop structure being located adjacent a common end of each of
said bag elements, respectively.
10. The bag elements of claim 5 wherein said bag elements comprise
at least two layers of material, at least one of said layers
comprising material porous to the passage of air, said bag elements
including means to permit air to pass from the interior of said bag
elements through said porous layer and to the space exterior of the
bag elements. 11the bag elements of claim 10 wherein said porous
layer comprises the innermost layer of said bag elements, and
wherein said means comprises apertures formed in a layer
of said bag elements exterior to said innermost layer. 12. In
containers of the general type including opposite side and opposed
portions of material extending between its opposite sides such that
the containers are fillable through the area between the opposed
portions, and wherein the containers are side-by-side connected
together to form a chain of containers, the improvement which
comprises, and open ended loop associated with the top end of each
container and comprising material extending between and joined
together with said opposed portions, respectively, said loops being
of sufficient size for mounting said containers in a
curtain-and-rod-like fashion, the channel defined collectively by
said loops being uninterrupted along the longitudinally extending
central region of the loops so that said central region is slip
slittable longitudinally to form freely spreadable flaps of
generally equal height between which said containers can be
progressively filled. 13The containers of claim 12 wherein said
containers comprise bag
elements. 14. The containers of claim 13 wherein the material
comprising said loop is continuous. 15A chain of containers
connected together in successive fashion, said chain including a
tunnel extending longitudinally thereon, the channel defined by
said tunnel communicating from container to container and further
communicating with the interior of said containers said channel
extending longitudinally contiguous with an upper longitudinal edge
of said chain so that said tunnel is slittable longitudinally
generally along the midregion thereof to form freely spreadably
flap portions of generally equal height between which the
containers can be progressively filled, said channel being of
sufficient
size for mounting said containers in a curtain-and-rod-like manner.
16. The containers of claim 15 wherein said containers comprise
bag
elements. 17. The containers of claim 16 wherein said tunnel
includes cutout portions whereby said tunnel is divided into
segments associated
with said containers, respectively. 18. The containers of claim 17
wherein a strip of material connects between successive tunnel
segments in
said chain. 19. The bag elements of claim 5 wherein at least a
portion of said loop structure is of less thickness that than a
region of said bag
elements remote therefrom. 20. The bag elements of claim 7 wherein
said
loop is parted and comprised comprises freely spreadably flaps. 21.
The bag elements of claim 9 wherein said loop is parted and
comprises freely
spreadably flaps. 22. The bag elements of claim 19 wherein said
loop is
parted and comprises freely spreadable flaps. 23. The bag elements
of claim 10 wherein said loop is parted and comprises freely
spreadably flaps.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to novel bag constructions as
embodied in a chain of connected bag elements and further relates
to a novel and improved method for feeding, filling and sealing the
same.
It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an
improved method for filling a chain of connected bag elements
wherein the bag elements can be fed to filling apparatus from a
folded pile, if desired, thereby permitting economies and
advantages heretofore unknown in such filling methods.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved method for filling a chain of connected bag elements
wherein a novel means of mounting the connected bag elements in the
filling apparatus is provided to minimize the possibility of
fouling the filling apparatus by misdirecting the bag elements
thereto.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved method for filling a chain of connected bag elements
wherein the method allows for efficient filling of the bag elements
while requiring only relatively low cost and uncomplicated filling
apparatus.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved method for filling a chain of connected bag elements
wherein a special cutting step to part the bag elements after
filling operations can be advantageously eliminated from the
method.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved bag construction wherein the bags are normally connected
together in a chain and wherein the novel construction of the bag
elements permits economies and advantages heretofore unknown in the
prior art.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such
bag constructions wherein the sterile condition of the bag elements
is better insured during bag manufacture, shipping, and the
eventual filling and sealing of the bags.
It is s a still further object of the present invention to provide
such bag constructions wherein the bag elements are equipped with
an improved valve especially adapted for powdered products whereby
the valve can include a novel filter concept that serves to allow
air to escape from the confines of the bag, but is an effective
barrier to powdered or finely divided products.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such
bag constructions wherein the bag elements are so formed that their
proper alignment in the filling apparatus is insured such that the
possibility of the connected bag elements fouling the apparatus by
being misfed thereto is minimized.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide
such bag constructions wherein the bags are so formed that waste
and scrap accompanying the filling of the same as, for example, in
sealing and trimming operations is minimized.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such
bag elements wherein the bag elements can include gussets along the
sides or ends thereof strategically arranged and formed so as not
to interfere with the sealing and filling operations to be
performed on the bag elements.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide
such bag elements wherein unique constructions are employed to
allow filling through a gusseted portion thereof.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a
chain of connected and flattened containers as, for example, folded
cartons or flexible bags wherein the containers are connected
together in a clotheslinelike fashion to simplify the filling of
the same and to permit efficiencies and advantages heretofore
unknown.
Briefly then, the present invention contemplates an improved method
for filling a chain of connected bag elements wherein each bag
normally includes closed bottom and top ends, and two sides closed
except at their uppermost extent so as to form an open ended loop
across a top edge portion of each bag element. Most beneficially,
the chain of connected bag elements is fed to the filling apparatus
from a folded pile with each bag element being substantially broken
away from the ones adjacent thereto. From the pile, the bags are
initially received by a mandrel on which they are mounted in a
curtain-and-rod-like fashion be means of the loop at the top end of
each bag element. The loop is then parted in the longitudinal
direction, as for example, by a knife fixed to the top edge of the
mandrel, whereby fill openings are formed between the two closed
side of each bag element and the two parted edges of the loop.
Thereafter the bag elements are directed to a filling station which
plows open the two parted edges and deposits a product into each
bag element through the respective fill opening thereof, which fill
openings are then closed in a suitable manner. The weakly connected
bag elements a can thereafter be easily parted from each other
without requiring a special cutting step. In specific embodiments,
the weakening of the connection between the bag elements is
beneficially accomplished in several different ways, each having
enhanced value for specific filling arrangements. For instance,
where maintaining sterile conditions is of importance, a breakaway
type seam is taught wherein the seam is thinned and weakened along
its centerline such that is imperforate, but yet easily ruptured
without cutting. Also, advantageous chain arrangements are taught
for connecting together the bag elements. FOr example, in one
embodiment the bag elements are connected together side by side in
a clotheslinelike fashion be a strip of material secured along one
edge to one side of the mouth or fill openings of each bag element,
and the folded over and secured along the other edge to the
opposite side of the mouth. In this arrangement, the strip of
material also forms the loop on which the chain of bag elements are
mounted. Yet other specific embodiments of the invention include
unique bag constructions wherein, for instance, filling is possible
through a gusseted portion of the bag, and scrap or waste
accompanying trimming of the parted edges of the bag elements is
reduced by minimizing the material forming the parted edges.
Yet additional objects and advantages of the present invention, and
its numerous and cognate benefits are even more apparent and
manifest and by the ensuing description and specification taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which wheresoever
possible, like characters of reference designate corresponding
material and parts throughout the several views thereof in
which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a chain of
connected bag elements constructed according to the principles of
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the connected bag elements of
FIG. 1 taken along reference line 2-2 thereof;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the connected bag elements of
FIG. 1 taken along reference line 3-3 thereof;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the
connected bag elements of FIG. 1 showing modifications thereof;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of filling apparatus illustrating
schematically the practice of the principles of the method of the
present invention;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the filling apparatus of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the filling apparatus of FIG. 5
taken along reference line 7-7 thereof;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the filling
apparatus of FIG. 5 taken along reference line 8-8 thereof;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the filling
apparatus of FIG. 5 taken along reference line 9-9 thereof;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the filling
apparatus of FIG. 5 taken along reference line 10-10 thereof;
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the filling apparatus of FIG.
6 taken along reference line 11-11 thereof and showing the method
of closing the connected bag elements after filling operations;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a filled, sealed, closed and
trimmed bag element shown in FIG. 5 and taken along reference line
12-12 thereof;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a filled, sealed,
closed, and trimmed bag element as modified according to FIG.
4;
FIG. 14 is an isometric view showing a modification of the
connected bag elements of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connected bag
elements of FIG. 14 taken along reference line 15-15 thereon;
FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the connected bag
elements of FIG. 14 taken along reference line 16-16 thereof;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of connected bag
elements of FIG. 14 taken along reference line 17-17 thereof, and
show a modified break away seam construction;
FIG. 18 is an isometric view showing a modification of the connect
bag elements of FIG. 14;
FIG. 19 is a view like FIG. 1 only showing still another modified
form of the connected bag elements of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connect bag elements of
FIG. 19 taken along reference line 20-20 thereof;
FIG. 21 is a view like FIG. 1 only showing yet another modified
form of the connected bag elements of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the connected bag elements of
FIG. 21 taken along reference line 22-22 thereof;
FIG. 23 is a view like FIG. 22 only showing yet another modified
form of the connected bag elements of the invention;
FIG. 24 is a view like FIG. 22 only showing still another modified
form of the connected bag elements of the present invention;
FIG. 25 is a view like FIG. 1 showing still another modified form
of the connected bag elements of the present invention and involves
a novel valve construction.
FIG. 26 is a front view of a chain of connected bag elements
showing yet another modification of the present invention wherein
the bag elements are connected together as on a clotheslinelike
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the bag elements of FIG. 26
taken along reference line 27-27 thereof;
FIG. 28 is a view like FIG. 27 only showing a modification
thereof;
FIG. 29 is a view like FIG. 28 showing yet another modification of
the present invention;
FIG. 30 is a view like FIG. 26 only showing a modified form of the
invention wherein each of the bag elements are provided with
gussets extending along the two opposite sides thereof; and
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of connected bag elements of FIG.
30 taken along reference line 31-31.
Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in
FIG. 1 a chain of connect bag elements 10 arranged or strung out
along a generally longitudinally defined axis 12. Specifically, the
connected bag elements 10 comprise a length of tubular material 14
flattened to form first and second longitudinally extending edge
portions 16 and 18, and first and second walls or portions of
material 20 and 22, respectively, located opposite each other. The
first and second walls 20 and 22 are intermittently secured to each
other in the transverse direction by seams 24 located at spaced
intervals along tubular material 14. In particular, seams 24 divide
tubular material 14 into separate bag elements 10 with respective
pairs of the seams forming the two closed sided sides 26 and 28 of
each bag element. The second edge portion 18, as divided by seams
24, forms and or comprises the respective bottom end 30 of each bag
element 10 with the first edge portion 16 accordingly referenced as
comprising the respective top end 32 thereof.
As can be readily observed for FIG. 1, seams 24 extend upwardly
from the second edge portion 18 of each of the bag element 10 to a
point adjacent but spaced from their respective top ends 32. This
inherently forms a loop of tunnel structure 34 across the top end
32 of each bag element 10 with the opposite longitudinally
extending edges 36 and 38 of the loop respectively merging together
with the first and second walls 20 and 22. The longitudinally
extending central or intermediate portion of loop 34, existing
between edges 36 and 38, defines an uninterrupted guide channel 40
which communicates from bag element to bag element whereby the
chain of connect bag elements 10 can be mounted in a
curtain-and-rod-like fashion by inserting an elongated element
through loop 34, which method of mounting is discussed more fully
hereinafter.
In order to realize the full benefit of the method described
hereinafter, the connection between each of the bag elements 10 has
been substantially weakened such that the bags can be parted from
each other by a gently pulling action. In bag elements 10 this is
achieved by forming slits 42 and 44 parting each seam 24 along the
transverse or length dimension thereof. Specifically, the two slits
42 and 44 are interrupted by a joined portion or land 46 which
connects together the bag elements 10 adjacent their bottom ends
30.
Each bag element 10 can further include a bottom gusset 50 which
extends across the bottom end 30 thereof. Structurally, bottom
guide gusset 50 comprises first and second lets 52 and 54 with each
let 52 and 54 respectively comprising first and second panels 56
and 58, and 60 and 62. The second panels 58 and 60 of legs 52 and
54 together form what is generally referred to as an inverse fold
and are merged or joined together with each other along their
respective inner longitudinally extending edges 64 and 66. The two
outer longitudinally extending edges 68 and 70 of the composite or
joined second panels 60 and 62 are respectively joined together
with the adjacent longitudinal edges 72 and 74 of the first panels
56 and 62. The opposite longitudinal edges 76 and 78 of first
panels 56 and 62 in turn respectively merge together with the first
and second walls 20 ad and 22 of each bag element 10 thereby
longitudinally closing gusset 50. To close ends of each gusset 50,
the four panels of legs 52 and 54 are edgewise joined together at
each side 26 and 28 of the individual bag elements 10 by seams
24.
Referring now specifically to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown an
apparatus 80 adapted for efficiently filling the chain of connected
bag elements 10 according to the principles of the unique method
taught by the present invention. As illustrated particularly in
FIG. 5, the chain of connected bag elements 10 are preferably and
most beneficially fed to apparatus 80 from a folded pile 82 instead
of the usual supply roll arrangements customarily used in the prior
art filling methods. In pile 82 the connected bag elements 10 are
located face down one on top of the other in a continuous Z-like
stacking arrangement wherein the sides 26 and 28 of the bag
elements 10 are respectively aligned in two vertical rows 84 and
86.
Apparatus 80 includes a mandrel 88 which initially receives the bag
elements 10 from pile 82. Specifically, loop 34 of the chain of
connected bag elements 10 is fed about mandrel 88 such that the
connected bag elements 10 are strung or mounted on the mandrel in a
curtain-and-rod-like fashion. Particularly, this method of mounting
has been found to achieve precise aligning ad and indexing of bag
elements 10 in apparatus 80 such that a fouling of the apparatus by
misdirected bag element is avoided.
In the prior art filling methods, the function of properly feeding
and aligning the bag elements in the apparatus is customarily
facilitated by first winding the bags on a supply roll. Since these
bags, then, were previously correctly mounted on a supply roll,
problems as to misfeeding were made less difficult to overcome.
However, when feeding from a folded pile, like pile 82, no really
effective initial alignment of the connected bag elements 10 is
provided. By the employment of the unique mandrel concept taught
herein, however, an effective method of feeding the bag elements
from a pile is provided whereby the method in cob combination with
particularly beneficial bag le elements constructions accomplishes
important advantage. For instance, the usual tension forces
incurred in the winding of the connected bag elements on a supply
roll are eliminated. Accordingly, the connect bag element 10 can be
almost completely severed from each other prior to being received
by apparatus 80, as for example, by the slits 42 and 44 made in
seams 24 of the connected bag elements 10. Thus, a special cutting
station to part the connected bag element 10 after filling can be
eliminated from the filling apparatus. Furthermore, the bearings,
couplings, frames and the like necessary to rotatably mount the
supply roll in the apparatus can also be dispensed with.
In particular, the shape of mandrel 88 is preferably of a generally
dew-drop cross sectional configuration with the tapered or
sharpened edge of the dew-drop comprising the top edge 90 of the
mad mandrel. This configuration facilitates automatic centering of
the fold or crease 92 of loop 34 on mandrel 88 such that the chain
of connected bag elements 10 drape from mandrel 88 in generally
precise vertical alignment
A parting means of knife 94 is mounted atop mandrel 88 downwardly
of the leading edge 96 thereof as concerns the direction of travel
of connected bag elements 10, which direction is indicated by arrow
98. Specifically, knife 94 parts the loop 34 longitudinally as the
chain of bag elements 10 proceed past knife 94. Parting of loop 34
forms a separate fill opening 100 for each bag element 10 with the
separate fill openings 100 defined between the two parted edges 102
and 104 of the loop and the two closed sides 26 and 28 of each bag
element edges 102 and 104 dividing loop 34 ti into freely
spreadable flaps of generally equal height between which the bag
elements can be progressively filled, as will be explained more
fully hereinafter.
As the connected bag elements 10 pass from mandrel 88 and knife 94,
the two parted edges 102 and 104 are engaged by a pair of endless
belts 106 and 108 driven by separate pulley systems 110 and 112.
Specifically, the two parted edges 202 and 104 are squeezed
together between the belts 106 and 108, as illustrated in FIG. 9,
whereby the chain of connected bag elements 10 is directed to a
filling station 114 which includes a hopper 116.
Hopper 116 is suitably mounted so as to bisect the two part edges
102 and 104 of bag elements 10 such that the edges 102 and 104 are
plowed open by hopper 116 and pass about the opposite sides 118 and
120 thereof. Accordingly, hopper 116 can be employed to deposit a
product into each bag element 10 through the separate fill openings
100 thereof located between the plowed open parted edges 102 and
104. Most simply the filling of bag elements 10 is accomplished on
an intermittent basis wherein belts 106 and 108 direct the bag
element to hopper 116 one at a time. Accordingly with a bag element
10 positioned beneath hopper 116, the belts 106 and 108 are stopped
for a time interval sufficient to allow the charge or fill to be
dropped through hopper 116 into the particular bag element being
filled.
In the apparatus 80 described, belts 106 and 108 are designed to
support parted edges 102 and 104 entirely about the periphery of
hopper 116 and thereafter direct the filled bag elements 10 to a
closure station as is described more fully hereinafter. To this
end, pulley systems 110 and 112 cooperate together to provide a
first pair of nip pulleys 122 and 124 located adjacent the front or
plowing end 126 of hopper 116, and a second paid of nip pulleys 128
and 130 disposed adjacent the opposite end of the hopper, that is,
the rear or back end 132 thereof. Accordingly, belts 106 and 108
support and squeeze together parted edges 102 and 104 at the front
end 126 of hopper 116 by means of the pressure supplied by the
first pair of nip pulleys 122 and 124, and thereafter the belts
respectively snuggle pass about the opposite sides 118 and 120 of
hopper 116, whereby parted edge 102 is supported by being squeezed
between belt 108 and side 118, while parted edge 104 is supported
in the same manner between belt 106 and side 120. The belts 106 and
108 with the parted edges 102 and 104 squeezed between them, are
then reunited at the rear end 132 of hopper 116 by means of the
second pair of nip pulleys 128, and 130.
Thereafter, belts 106 and 108 with the parted edges 102 and 104
squeezed between them, are directed between third and fourth pairs
of nip pulleys 134 and 136, and 138 and 140. Located generally
between and directly below the two pairs of nip pulleys 134 and
136, and 138 and 140 are a pair of cooperating impulse sealing bars
142 and 144. Sealing bars 142 and 144 are of the conventional sort,
heated, for example, by electric current to a temperature suitable
for sealing bag elements 10 having heat sealable qualities as, for
example, those formed of thermoplastic materials such as
polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride and the like. Specifically, bars
142 and 144 are activated during the stop interval accompanying
filling operations whereby the bars 142 and 144 close together
across the first edge portion 16 of the particular bag element 10
positioned therebetween. The heat and pressure supplied by bars 142
and 144 form seal 146 welding together the first and second walls
20 and 22 across the first edge portion 16 of the bag element 10,
with the seal formed connecting together with the seams 24 at each
side 26 and 28 thereof to provide a leak proof closure of fill
opening 100.
After completion of sealing operation, belts 106 and 108 direct the
filled and sealed bag elements 10 to a fifth pair of nip pulleys
148 and 150. Specifically, pulleys 148 and 150 respectively anchor
the separate pulley systems 110 and 112 thereby returning the belts
106 and 108 to the first pair of nip pulleys 122 and 124 via a
route including tension pulleys 152 and 154, and 156 and 158.
Beneficially, the tension pulleys are slidingly mounted to move
either inwardly or outwardly of their shown positions whereby the
tension on belts 106 and 108 can be adjusted.
As the two belts 106 and 108 a pass about the anchor pulleys 148
and 150, they separate from each other thereby releasing their grip
on the parted edges 102 and 104 of the filled and sealed bag
elements 10.
Beneficially assisting belts 106 and 108 in their driving function
is a conveyor system 160 including an endless conveyor belt 162,
which supports and drives the bottom ends 30 of the connected bag
element 10 during filling and sealing operations. Specifically,
conveyor belt 162 is anchored at each end and travels about (in the
direction indicated by arrow 164) a pair of drive rollers 166 and
168. Located intermediate of drive rollers 166 and 168 is a pivot
roller 170 which works in combination with drive roller 166 to form
a settling station for apparatus 80. Specifically, roller 166 is
reciprocally mounted (as, for example, by a conventional cam
mechanism not shown) to vibrate generally upwardly and downwardly
about the axis of roller 170 thereby causing likewise vibration of
the portion of the conveyor belt 162 located beneath hopper 116.
This vibrating action shakes the bottom ends 30 of the bag element
10 during filling operations such that a more complete fill and
settling of the product in the bottom end 30 of the bag is
obtained.
From roller 170, conveyor belt 162 directs the bottom ends 30 of
the filled bag 10 to the aforementioned impulse sealing bars 142
and 144. Thereafter, conveyor belt 162 returns to roller 166
whereby support for the bottom ends 30 of the filled and sealed bag
elements 10 is terminated. Termination of the support provided by
conveyor belt 162, together with the release of the top ends 32 of
bag elements 10 by belts 106 and 108, frees the filled and sealed
bag elements 10 from apparatus 80. Thus, by their own weight, the
bag elements 10 are allowed to fall away from apparatus 80 usually
substantially breaking apart from each other during the
process.
Assisting in the breaking apart of the connected a bag elements 10
is a trimmer mechanism 172. Trimmer 172 generally includes a pair
of rotatably mounted and peripherally sharpened discs 174 and 176
disposed on each side of bag elements 10 at a location directly
below belts 106 and 108, and adjacent the anchor pulleys 148 and
150. Discs 174 and 176 cooperate together to shear or cut off the
parted edges 102 and 104 of bag elements 10 across the top edge 178
of seam 146. Beneficially the removal of the parted edges 102 and
104 further weakens the connection between each of the bag elements
10 whereby the bag elements 10 more easily part from each other
upon their release by apparatus 80. Preferably, the trimmed parted
edges 102 and 104 are directed to a reel 180 upon which they are
wound and conveniently placed out of the way.
In particular, belts 106 and 108 and conveyor belt 162 can be
activated from a single power outlet driving these two mechanisms
in synchronized intermittent motion. This is customarily achieved
by employing an electric eye which focuses on a printed legend on
each bag element 10. The electric eye is usually circuited to the
electric motor (not shown) which drives belts 106 and 108 and
conveyor belt 162. Specifically, the electric eye functions to cut
the power supplied to e the electric motor thereby stopping the
operation with one bag element located directly beneath the hopper
116. After filling operations are completed, by means of a suitable
timer, the electric motor can be restarted whereby the filling
cycle is repeated. Similarly, the dropping of a change or product
through hopper 116 and the activating of sealing bars 142 and 144
during the stop intervals, is customarily achieved by incorporating
a second timer into the system whereby upon stoppage of belts 106
and 108 and conveyor belt 162, the drop mechanism depositing the
product through hopper 116 is activated together with the sealing
bars 142 and 144, which seal closed the fill opening 100 of a
previously filled bag element 10. Parts for intermittently driving
apparatus 80 as, for example, suitable electric eye circuits,
electric motors, timer mechanisms, etc., are widely known and
available as well as commonly employed in filling apparatus. Their
proper and efficient selection for apparatus 80 would be usually a
matter of choices will within the powers of those skilled in the
art in view of the disclosure of invention herein.
In FIGS. 4 and 13 a modification is shown wherein the loop 34 is
fitted with two beadlike locking members extending longitudinally
thereon and more specifically a female member 182 and a male member
184. These type locking members are well known in the art and are
particularly described in detail in U. S. Pat. No. 3,338,284 which
shows and teaches a particular advantageous embodiment of such a
locking system. Such locking members, in fact, can be extruded
directly with the tubular material as, for example, in a method
like that illustrated in detail in Canadian Pat. No. 7000,470. What
has bee found unique in such a locking system is that when the
parted edges 102 and 104 are trimmed and the members locked
together as, for example, like that shown in FIG. 13, an especially
effective mechanical closure of the bag element is obtains. This is
not the result one would expect since this type locking feature is
widely known for its easy opening abilities. However, with the
parted edges 102 and 104 trimmed from loop 34 such that the locking
members 182 and 184 are disposed adjacent the trimmed edges 186 and
188 of the filled bag element 10, an s especially secure and
tamperproof mechanical lock closing fill opening 100 is
provided.
Bag elements 10 having such a mechanical locking feature are
particularly desired since the closure of these bags after filling
is particularly simple and easy to accomplish without requiring
special heat sealing or another closing apparatus. Furthermore, the
closing of such bag elements can be accomplished on a continuous
basis whereby filling operations are speeded up allowing for
heretofore unknown economies especially suited for high volume
packagers.
Referring to FIGS. 14 through 17, there is shown another
modification of the unique bag construction taught herein.
Generally, bag elements 10a are like those described above with
each bag element including closed bottom and top ends 30a and 32a,
and two sides 26a and 28a closed except at their uppermost extent
to form the open ended loop 34a across the top end of each bag
element 10a. Each bag element 10a, however, further includes both a
bottom gusset 36a and a top gusset 36a'. Gussets 36a and 36a' are
similar to gussets 36 of bag elements 10 with the exception that in
the top gussets 36a' the first leg 190 is offset beyond the second
leg 192, as is best illustrated in FIG. 15. Thus, the first and
second panels 194 and 196 of the first leg 190 extend beyond panels
198 and 200 of second leg 192 whereby the offset portions of panels
194 and 196 are advantageously positioned to form the loop 34a at
the top end of each bag element 10a. Specifically, loop 34a is
defined by means of terminating the seams 24a adjacent the leading
edge 202 of the second leg 192, leaving the offset portion of first
let 190 substantially unseamed. Accordingly, there is formed a
channel 40a defined by the offset portions of panels 194 and 196,
which channel 40a extends from bag element to bag element
substantially uninterrupted. At locations below the leading edge
202 of the second leg 192, the four plies of the first an second
panels of legs 190 and 192 are secured together at each side 26a
and 28a of the bag elements 10a by seams 24a. Accordingly, seams
24a securely hold the top gusset 36a' in its folded position during
the filling and sealing operations performed by apparatus 80.
Bag elements 10a further include a unique breakaway seam 24a
construction as best shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 17.
Seam 24a is particularly designed for bag elements formed of
thermoplastic material, and allows the bag elements to be of the
breakaway variety without the need for extra perforating or
slitting steps. This is accomplished by thinning a strip A along
the center of the seam 24a as illustrated in FIG. 17 with the
material originally located along strip A being displaced and
forming tubular shaped ridges B on each side of the thinned strip.
The strip A, of course, substantially weakens the strength of the
connection between each of the bag elements 10a with the thickened
tubular sections B forming especially tough seams at the sides 26a
and 28a of each bag element 10a. To facilitate the bread breakaway
construction of seams 24a, an aperture 204 can be cut through the
panels 194 and 196 of the first leg 190 adjacent the upper
terminating end of the seam. After trimming, the portion above
aperture 204 is removed as, for instance, by trimming mechanism
172, with the aperture 204 then being located in a position to
initiate the parting of seam 24a along weakened strip A.
FIG. 18 shows yet another modified form of the invention as
embodied in a chain of connected bag elements 10b, constructed
generally like those illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, but
additionally defining triangular shaped cutouts 206 and 208
removed, respectively, from gussets 36b and 36b' adjacent the
opposite ends of each seam 24b. Cutouts 206 and 208 trim back the
opposite ends 210 and 212 of each gusset 36b and 36b', at an angle
of about 45.degree., whereby the bag elements 10b, when filled and
separated, tend to square out nicely at their corners. The four
panels comprising the first and second legs of each gusset 36b and
36b', and specifically excluding the offset portion of the first
leg 190b of the top gusset 36b', are secured together at each end
210 and 212 by seams 214 which in turn merge into and comprise a
part of seams 24b closing the sides of each bag element 10b.
Specifically seams 214 are of a breakaway construction, that is,
the inner portion of seams 214 joining together the facing surfaces
of the respective sound panels of gussets 36b and 36b' at each end
210 and 212, provide only a relatively light bond whereby upon
filling bag elements 10b, the first and second legs of each gusset
36b and 36b', break apart from each other More specifically, the
seams 214 closing top gussets 36b', terminate in spaced
relationship with the leading or folded edge 218 of the first leg
190b. This leaves the offset portion of the first leg 190b at least
partially open at end 210 and 212, thereby forming the open ended
loop 34b at the top end of each bag element 10b. Yet even more
specifically, the cutouts 208 made in gussets 36b' leave a strip of
material 220 intact and connecting together adjacent loops 34b of
the bag elements 10b. The continuous loop structure provided by
strips 220, enables a smoother feeding of the elements 10b about
mandrel 88 whereby the possibility of a loop 34b catching on the
leading edge of the mandrel is minimized A variation is seams 24b
is also shown in bag elements 10b, wherein a series of perforations
216 are employed to substantially part each seam 24a down the
middle thereof such that the connected bag elements 10b can be more
easily separated from each other as described above.
In FIGS. 19 and 20 yet another modified embodiment of the invention
is illustrated in the form of connected bag elements 10c. Each bag
element 10c includes a both a bottom and a top gusset 36c and
36c'respectively, which are generally like those shown in FIG. 18
but with the two legs of each gusset 36 c and 36c' located
approximately 180.degree. apart. Specifically, in top gussets 36c',
the first legs 222 thereof are disposed or oriented generally
upright and form the top ends 32cof bag elements 10c, with the
second legs 224 of gussets 36c' folded over to a position generally
superposed with the second walls 22c. The upright position of first
legs 222 strategically positions the same to form the open ended
loop 34c at the top end 32c of each bag element, whereby the first
legs 222 need not be of a deeper construction, that is, offset
beyond the second legs 224 in order to allow sealing and trimming
operations to be performed without interference from the second
legs.
More specifically, the folding apart of the legs 222 and 224 is
made possible by seaming the legs 222 and 224 separately at the
opposite ends 226 and 228 of gussets 36c'. Thus, the two panels 230
and 232 of first leg 224 are secured together at the opposite ends
226 and 228 thereof by seams 234, which seams terminate in spaced
relationship with the folded edge 236 of legs 222 to form loops
34c. Likewise, panels 238 and 240 of legs 224 are secured together
at ends 226 and 228 by seams 242. In particular, both seams 234 and
242 merge together with seams 24c to close the sides 26c and 28c of
each bag element 10c, except at the uppermost extend thereof
whereat the channel 40c is located.
Generally, the bottom gussets 36c are formed like top gussets 36c',
except that both the first and second legs of gusset 36c are
completely closed off at the opposite ends 226 and 228 by seams 244
and 248. Also, the opposite ends 226 and 228 of gusset 36c and
36c', are trimmed back at an angle of approximately 45 .degree. ,
like in bag elements 10b, with the one exception that in the first
leg 222 of gussets 36c', a strip of material is not left intact. In
particular, removal of such a strip may in some instances be
desired, for example, to simplify the ti trimming and sealing
operations necessary to form the top gussets.
FIGS. 21 through 24 illustrate yet another modified embodiment of
the present invention wherein the material forming the loop of each
bag element is thinned somewhat such that the scrap accompanying
trimming of the loop, or more aptly, the two edges or freely
spreadably flaps formed by parting the same, is reduced. In FIGS.
21 and 22 this is accomplished by forming the bag elements 10d from
laminated plies of material wherein the loop 34d, for example, can
be a single ply of a relatively light gauge material and wherein
the first together second walls 20d and 22d of bag elements 10d of
are of multi-ply construction. Specifically, in the illustrated
embodiment, tubular material 14d comprises an inner ply 254 of
preferably relatively thin gauge lightweight material (but capable
of suitably supporting bag elements 10d through fill, sealing and
closing operations) which has laminated over portions thereof,
excluding the loop 34d, a relatively heavy gauge outer ply 256.
More specifically, the heavy gauge ply 256 extends from the
longitudinal edge 36d of the loop 34d, in intimately joined
relationship with the inner ply 254, around the bottom end 30d of
bag elements 10d to the opposite longitudinal edge 38d of the
loop.
In FIG. 23, showing bag elements 10e, material savings are
accomplished by using a double wall concept like that shown in FIG.
22, with the exception that the outer ply or layer 258 is secured
together with the inner ply or layer 260 at only strategic areas
as, for example, along the opposite longitudinally extending edges
36a and 38d of loop 34e.
In bag elements 10f of FIG. 24, material savings are accomplished
in a more direct fashion by actually thinning the material
comprising loop 34f as, for example, by extruding tubular material
14f having a thinner cross section at the edge portion 262 thereof
forming the loop. This would be suitable, of course, only for bag
elements 10 f comprised of thermoplastic or like materials which
can be readily thinned at strategic portions be extrusion or other
equally effective techniques.
A further modification of the bag elements 10d illustrated in FIG.
21, relates to a series of notches or cutouts 266 removed at spaced
and regular intervals along the loop 34d thereof. Beneficially,
notches 266 provide means to index the location of bag elements 10d
in apparatus 80. Thus, notches 266 can be employed, for example, to
precisely time and trigger the filling and closing operations to be
performed in the bag elements. Still yet another variation of bag
elements 10d concerns seams 24d, each of which comprises a pair of
closely spaced and parallel seams 268 and 270, extending from the
bottom ends 30d of bag elements 10d, to adjacent the opposite
longitudinal edges 36d and 38d of the loop. Perforations 272 are
located between each pair of seams 268 and 270, for the reasons
discussed above, and extend upwardly therefrom through loop 34d.
Weakening of the loop 34d by perforations 272 would usually be
advantageous for bag elements to be filled and sealed by apparatus
not including a trimming mechanism as, for example, one like
mechanism 172 shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 25 illustrates yet another modified form of the invention as
embodied in connected bag element 10g. In particular, the loop of
these bag elements is preslit or parted, whereby the filling of bag
elements 10g would customarily be from a supply roll-like
arrangement. This illustrates generally the versatility of the bag
constructions of the present invention, wherein, if desired, they
can be readily adapted for use in the more conventional filling and
sealing apparatus.
Further modifications b to bag elements 10g concern the provision
of a valve integrally formed in the bag construction, and
especially suited for powdered or finely divided products, whereby
excess air trapped within the bag can escape through a filter in
the valve, the filter is made impervious to the passage of the
product. Such a valve is particularly beneficial for use in
combination with powdered products and the like, since these
products seem to actually absorb or trap air particles, which tend,
after filling, to bloat the bat. Specifically the filter is formed
of paper or like material, pervious to air but substantially
impervious to the product, and comprises in an inner ply or layer
276 forming at least a portion of the walls 20g and 22g of each bag
element 10g. Layer 276 is covered by and along its two opposite
longitudinal edges 279 and 281, joined together with an outer ply
or layer 278. Where the outer layer 278 comprises an air or gas
impervious material, as, for example, a thermoplastic film, the
same can include a multitude of perforations 280. Accordingly, the
excess air entrapped within the powdered product is able to pass
through the inner filter layer 276, and the through perforations 18
280, such that excessive air is expelled from the confines of the
bag elements 10g automatically. Beneficially, the outer layer 278
extends beyond the inner layer 276, at the top end 32g of each bag
element 10g, to form the parted edges 102g and 104g thereof,
whereby the concept of material sea savings by minimizing scrap is
constructed into bag elements 10g.
FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate yet another modified form of the
invention wherein bag elements 10h are strung or draped in
side-by-side relationship, as, for example, like on a clothesline.
This is accomplished by means of a strip of material 286 which is
joined together along one of its longitudinal edges 288 with the
respective first walls 20h of each bag elements 10 h, and then
topwise folded over and joined together along its opposite
longitudinal edge 290 with the respective second walls 22h thereof,
as is best illustrated in FIG. 27. More specifically, the seams 292
and 294, securing together walls 20h and 22h along sides 26h and
28h, terminate in spaced relationship with the folded edge 296 of
strip 286, whereby the folded strip 286 forms the opened ended loop
34h at the top end of each bag element 10h. Most beneficially, the
seams, adhesive means of the like 298, joining walls 20h and 22h
with the opposite edges 288 and 290 of strip 286, do not extend
across the entire top end 34h of bag elements 10h, but terminate at
a spaced distance from the opposite sides 26h and 28h thereof. This
seam construction allows for a greater expansion of the fill
openings of each bag le element 10h, formed after parting loop 34h
such that loading or filling operations are facilitated.
A further connection between adjacent bag elements 10h is provided
near their bottom ends 30h by means of short strips of material
302, respectively connecting together adjacent bag elements 10h
thereat. A connection at this location stabilized the bag elements
10h on strip 286 such that when feeding from a pile located in a
box or like container, catching of the bottom ends of the bag
elements on an edge of the container is avoided.
FIGS. 28 and 29 show modifications of the general inventive concept
illustrated in FIG. 26 wherein the concept is adapted to allow for
loading or filling through gusseted sections of the bag elements.
Specifically, FIG. 28 shows a top gusset 36i constructed generally
like gussets 36a', with the exception that in gusset 36i the two
panels 304 and 306 forming the first let 190i thereof, are not
joined directly to each other, but to the opposite edges 288 and
290 of strip 286. In FIG. 29, a likewise joining of strip 287 to a
gusset 36j is shown wherein gusset 36j is of the general type
having the two legs thereof folded 180.degree. apart, as was
described in detail with regard to FIGS. 19 and 20.
In FIGS. 30 and 31, yet another embodiment of the general inventive
concept of FIG. 26 is shown, wherein the bag elements 10k of FIG.
30 each include along the opposite sides 26k and 28k thereof, side
gussets 310 and 312. Gussets 310 and 312 are generally of the
inverse fold type described in detail in regard to FIG. 1, and each
include two legs 318 and 320. The four panels of legs 318 and 320
are edgewise secured together at the respective bottom ends 30k of
each bag element 10k by seams 322 and 324. More specifically, seams
322 and 324 merge into and comprise a portion of seams 314 securing
together the first and second walls 20k and 22 k across the bottom
end of bag elements 10k. The four panels of each leg 318 and 320
are also edges edgewise secured together adjacent the respective
top ends 32k of each bag element by seams 316 and 328.
Beneficially, seams 316 and 328 are employed to maintain gussets
310 and 312 in a folded position to assist closing operations
whereby after filling a neat appearing seam can be made across the
top ends 32k of bag elements 10k.
The clothesline chain concept illustrated in FIGS. 26 through 31
can be employed for folded cartons as, for example, those formed of
paperboard, as well as bag elements as described in detail
above.
The bag elements of the present invention can be formed from
conventional packaging materials, as, for example, paper, burlap,
cotton, plastic film, plastic sheeting and the like with
polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride being examples of
the latter. When formed from plastic film or sheeting, the bag
elements would be conventionally manufactured from either tubular
material or a single web or from two webs superposed upon each
other and edgewise sealed in the longitudinal direction.
Specifically, those bag elements formed with an open ended loop at
the top end thereof would normally be formed from tubular material,
while those having edges at the top end thereof like those bag
elements shown in FIG. 25, formed from a single web suitably folded
such that the opposite longitudinal edges of the web form the edges
at the top end of the bag element.
Seams and like attachments as described above can be formed by the
usual techniques, as, for example, by heat sealing methods,
adhesives, solvents, sewing, and the like as would be appropriate
for the materials involved.
While certain representative embodiments and details have been
shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *