Patent ID: 8132395
Filing Date: 2012-03-13
Classification: B65B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A method for making a flexible package, said method comprising the steps of: a) feeding a continuous sheet of packaging film into a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, wherein said packaging film has labeling graphics oriented perpendicular to the direction of travel of said film; b) forming said packaging film into a tube on said vertical form, fill, and seal machine and thereafter forming a longitudinal seal on said tube; c) forming a vertical crease in said tube of packaging film with a mechanical pivoting tucker mechanism positioned between a pair of forming plates prior to sealing said tube horizontally; wherein said pivoting tucker mechanism comprises a substantially planar plow mechanism having a protruded tucker device, and wherein said plow mechanism is allowed to rotate by its own weight so that said protruding tucker device engages said outer surface of said film tube exerting a generally constant force on said film tube, wherein the forming of said crease requires no pneumatic or cam-driven actuation to impart said crease; d) forming a first horizontal seal on said tube, wherein said first horizontal seal includes a portion of said vertical crease, said first horizontal seal sealing all layers of said tube and said crease together; e) dropping a product into a partially formed package created by steps a) through d); f) forming a second horizontal seal on said tube, wherein said second horizontal seal includes a portion of said vertical crease, said second horizontal seal sealing all layers of said tube and said crease together; and g) cutting said tube segment from the remainder of said tube at said second horizontal seal, thus forming said stand-up pouch; wherein said vertical crease forms a base of said package and is heat-sealed only at said first and second horizontal seals.