Patent ID: 8226534
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: B31B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for making packages, said apparatus comprising: a reel loader that, during operation, loads a first film/laminate roll on an unwind; means for splitting the loaded first film/laminate into a top web and a bottom web; a first unit that, during operation, forms a tube web for a side gusset from a second film/laminate, the second film/laminate having a first portion and a second portion, the first unit, during operation, folds the longitudinal edges of the first portion of the second film/laminate towards the bottom web to form the tube web; means for pulling and feeding the tube web over the bottom web; a first sealing unit that, during operation, seals the tube web with the bottom web after the tube web is fed over the bottom web, the first sealing unit, during operation, seals the folded longitudinal edges of the first portion of the second film/laminate with the bottom web to seal the tube web with the bottom web; a cutting unit that, during operation, forms a side gusset tube by cutting the second film/laminate to sever the tube web formed by the first portion of the second film/laminate from the second portion of the second film/laminate, the cutting unit being co-located with the first sealing unit such that the tube web is sealed with the bottom web when the cutting unit cuts the second film/laminate; a second sealing unit that, during operation, seals the side gusset tube formed by the cutting unit with the top web; a second unit that, during operation, forms and tags a bottom gusset, a third film/laminate is provided from the side of the apparatus such that the top web, the bottom web and the side gusset tube remain together; a third sealing unit that, during operation, seals the bottom gusset with the top web, the bottom web and one end of the side gusset tube; a third unit that, during operation, fixes a top closing means at a top portion of the package; and a fourth unit that, during operation, strip cuts and forms one or more packages from the top web, the bottom web, the side gusset tube, the bottom gusset and the top closing means.