POUCH-TYPE BAG MADE OF PAPER AS WELL AS METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING A POUCH-TYPE BAG MADE OF PAPER

The invention relates to a pouch-type bag made of paper having a first ply and a second ply, which are connected to one another on their lateral edges and form a filling space, wherein, at its closed end, the pouch-type bag comprises a block-type base or cross-type base and, at its open end via which the filling space can be filled, the lateral edges of the first and second plies terminate on the same plane, wherein at least one sheet is connected to the first ply, which sheet extends beyond the lateral edges of the first and second plies, wherein the sheet is arranged in particular on the side of the first ply facing away from the filling space.

The invention relates to a pouch-type bag made of paper according to claim1as well as a method and an apparatus for producing a pouch-type bag made of paper according to claims7and/or8.

Pouch-type bags made of paper have been known for decades and are used in order to transport a wide variety of products, for example, to transport goods purchased in retail.

The starting point of the present invention is such pouch-type bag, which comprises a first ply and a second ply made of paper, which are respectively connected to one another at their lateral edges. These two plies form a filling space in which products can be transported. One end of these pouch-type bags is an end closed with a base. The product can then be filled via the second, open end.

However, it is disadvantageous in these types of pouch-type bags that the goods to be transported are often voluminous, so that the open end is often wide open after the filling of the products, so that the products are not only exposed to weather effects, but also to curious looks from passers-by, especially when the products come from clothing retail. However, if one wishes to roll up the open end in the manner of a bread roll bag, additional paper material is necessary. In addition, the products could be damaged.

The problem addressed by the present invention is therefore to propose a pouch-type bag, a production method, and a production apparatus that at least partially eliminates these disadvantages.

The problem is solved according to the invention by all features of claim1. The dependent claims specify possible embodiments of the invention.

The subject matter of the present invention is a pouch-type bag made of paper having a first ply and a second ply, which are connected to one another on their lateral edges and form a filling space, wherein, at its closed end, the pouch-type bag comprises a cross-type base and, at its open end via which the filling space can be filled, the lateral edges of the first and second plies terminate on the same plane, wherein a sheet is connected to the first ply, which sheet extends beyond the lateral edges of the first and second plies, wherein the sheet is arranged in particular on the side of the first ply facing away from the filling space.

Accordingly, the invention relates in particular to pouch-type bags with a cross-type base, which are formed from a piece of tubing and are conveyed in a transport direction which extends parallel to the lateral edges, wherein the first ply and the second ply terminate at both a first end and a second end at the same point, and in which a cross-type base is molded at one end. This end is preferably the front end in the production method. The transport direction of the bags during production is simultaneously the longitudinal direction or main direction of the bags, which therefore extends between its two ends. The term cross-type base refers to bases that are created by pulling on one end of the piece of tubing while forming side flaps and side pockets and by pleating parts of the side flaps back.

The lateral edges between the first and the second ply can be configured as simple pleating edges or as side pleats, in which an inwardly folded paper strip is provided on each side, in particular between the two plies. If a pouch-type bag has side gussets, the pleated base is formed in particular as a block-type base. However, if the pouch-type bag does not have side gussets, the base is often referred to as a cross-type base. In both cases, the base of a filled pouch-type bag is essentially formed in a cuboid shape.

According to the invention, a sheet is now connected to the first side, which extends beyond the transverse edge of the first and the second ply, wherein the sheet is arranged in particular on the side of the first ply facing away from the filling space. It is now possible to fold this sheet over in order to cover the open end of the pouch-type bag. The sheet therefore essentially lies in the plane of the first ply prior to the use of the pouch-type bag. Before the filling space is filled, the pouch-type bag is usually opened, wherein the base, which often also substantially lies in the plane of the first ply, is unpleated. After filling the pouch-type bag, the sheet can now be folded over by, for example, 90 degrees but also further. In this way, the filling space is now better protected against weather effects, for example. The pleating edge over which the sheet is folded can be defined by means of a pre-embossing.

It is advantageous when the sheet is a separate workpiece that is connected to the first ply by means of a connection, in particular by means of an adhesive connection. The sheet can thus be applied to the first ply and fastened there, for example, after the pouch-type bag has been completely produced. However, it is preferable to apply it before the end of production and in particular before molding the base. An adhesive connection can be made, for example, by a cold glue, a heat-activated adhesive (hot-melt adhesive), or by applying an extrudate. An adhesive connection can also be produced by means of a piece of material that adheres on both sides, for example with double-sided adhesive labels. However, the separate sheet can also be connected to the first ply in another way, for example by means of adhesive clips, which are often also referred to as staples.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, handle strips are provided, which extend beyond the lateral edges of the first and the second ply, wherein the sheet comprises recesses in the region of the handle strips. In this further development, the handle strips serve to more easily transport the filled pouch-type bag. The handle strips can, for example, be cord handle strips, which consist of twisted yarns. Flat-handle strips are also conceivable, which usually consist of paper strips folded over one another multiple times. It is advantageous when the handle strips are fastened to the surfaces of the first and second plies facing the filling space. In order to be able to at least partially cover the filling space, it is provided according to the invention that the sheet comprises recesses in the region of the handle strips, so that the sheet can also be folded over through the handle strips. The term “recesses” is also intended to mean complete separations, i.e. the sheet can be made in multiple parts and can comprise sheet sections, which are respectively unconnected to another sheet section.

It is particularly advantageous when the sheet can be pleated onto the second ply in order to at least partially close the open end. In this case, not only the open end is covered; rather, the two plies are again moved towards one another in the region of the open end, so that the open end is made smaller by the fact that the sheet presses the first and the second ends together. For this purpose, the sheet is folded over a pleating edge by an angle of more than 90 degrees, but less than 180 degrees.

It is furthermore advantageous when at least one adhesive element is fastened on the second ply, with which adhesive element the sheet can be fastened on the second ply in a state of being pleated onto the second ply, wherein the adhesive element is arranged in particular on the side of the second ply facing away from the filling space. The adhesive element is thus preferably arranged on the outside of the pouch-type bag, just like the sheet. By using an adhesive element, it is now possible to again almost close the open end. The adhesive element can in turn be a double-sided adhesive tape. A liquefied extrudate or a liquefied adhesive glue can also be applied, which provide an adhesive force for the sheet in the recooled state.

In order to prevent the adhesive effect of the adhesive element from subsiding or to prevent other objects from adhere to the adhesive element, a protective element is advantageously provided, with which the adhesive element can be covered before it fulfills its intended purpose of use. The protective element can later be removed from the adhesive element by the user prior to pleating the sheet, so that the sticky outer side of the adhesive element is exposed. The sheet can then be folded over onto the adhesive element.

The aforementioned problem is additionally solved by a method for producing a pouch-type bag made of paper, wherein a paper web is provided, which is flipped over and connected to itself at its lateral edges in order to form a tube, wherein a piece of tube is separated from the tube, having a first ply and a second ply, which are connected to one another at their lateral edges and form a filling space, wherein a block-type base or cross-type base is molded onto the piece of tubing in order to form a closed end, and wherein one end is left open, via which the filling space can be filled, wherein the lateral edges of the first and second plies terminate at the open end on the same plane, wherein at least one sheet is connected to the first ply, which sheet extends beyond the lateral edges of the first and second plies, wherein the sheet is arranged in particular on the side of the first ply facing away from the filling space.

This achieves the same advantages that have already been described above in connection with the device according to the invention.

The aforementioned problem is further soled by an apparatus for producing a pouch-type bag made of paper,with an unwinding device for unwinding a paper web from a reel,with a tube formation device, with which parts of the paper web can be flipped over and connected to themselves at their lateral edges in order to form a tube, with a separating device, with which a respective piece of tubing having a first ply and a second ply, which are connected to one another at their respective lateral edges and form a filling space, can be successively separated from the tube,with a base-forming device for molding a block-type or cross-type base onto a respective piece of tubing in order to form a closed end, wherein one open end remains on the piece of tubing for filling the filling space, wherein, at the open end, the transverse edges of the first and second plies terminate on the same plane,with a sheet apparatus, with which a sheet can be applied onto the first ply of the piece of tubing and can be connected to the first ply, wherein the sheet extends beyond the lateral edges of the first and the second ply, wherein the sheet can be arranged in particular on the side of the first ply facing away from the filling space.

FIGS.1and2show perspective views of a pouch-type bag100according to the invention, which comprises a first ply101and a second ply102. These plies101and102are connected to one another, for example via side gussets103and104, as shown in the aforementioned figures. At the lower end of the pouch-type bag100, a non-visible base105is molded, which essentially has a rectangular shape in the unpleated state as shown. The pouch-type bag100comprises an open end106, via which the pouch-type bag can be filled. At this open end106, the two plies101and102each comprise a transverse edge107and108, which, when viewed in the main direction of the pouch-type bag, terminate on the same plane, which means that the edges lie directly on top of one another in the assembled state of the pouch-type bag.

A sheet110is connected to the first ply101, wherein the sheet is preferably located on the outer surface of the ply101. This sheet110extends beyond the transverse edge107. The sheet110preferably extends over at least 60% of the width of the pouch-type bag, in particular over at least 80% of the width of the pouch-type bag. In the region of the surface in which the first ply and the sheet overlap, there is the connecting surface111for the sheet on the first ply, wherein the connecting surface is coated with a connective material, which can for example be a cold glue, a hot-melt adhesive, or a double-sided adhesive material.

One or more adhesive surfaces112are preferably arranged on the second ply102. These adhesive surfaces112are coated with a protective material113, for example with a paper coated with silicone, so that the adhesive surfaces initially remain inactive.

Furthermore, the pouch-type bag comprises 100 handle elements120, which however can also be omitted. Preferably, one respective handle element120is arranged on the surfaces of each of the plies101and102facing the interior and is fastened there. In order to make the fastening more durable, reinforcement sheets121can be provided, which are glued onto the aforementioned surfaces of the plies101and102and are connected to a part of the handle elements120.

If handle elements120are present, it is advantageous when the sheet110comprises recesses122in the region of the handle elements120in order to enable a flipping-over that is unimpeded by the handle elements120.

FIG.3now shows the pouch-type bag according toFIGS.1and2, in which, however, the plies101and102are pressed together in the region of the open end106, the protective material113has been removed from the adhesive surfaces112, and the components of the sheet110have been flipped over onto the outer surface of the ply102and fastened there by means of the adhesive surfaces112.

FIG.4now illustrates essential method steps for producing a pouch-type bag100according to the invention. In step a), a section cut from a paper web200is initially visible, which represents the basis for the later pouch-type bag. The paper web is transported in the transport direction T, which is simultaneously the direction of the longitudinal axis of the later pouch-type bag. The later transverse separating lines201, along which the later tube is separated into pieces of tubing, are already seen here. These transverse separating lines run completely orthogonally to the transport direction T and are configured as straight lines. The interrupted lines, which run parallel to the transport direction, represent pleating edges202for forming the later side gussets. In a first method step, adhesive surfaces112and protective material113are applied to each later piece of tubing on the back of the paper web200, i.e. on the side facing away from the observer.

In a further step b), which can be carried out before, after, or even at the same time as the step described above, handle elements120and optional reinforcement sheets121are applied and fastened on the visible side of the paper web200. Subsequently, in a method step not shown, a tube is formed from the paper web200by flipping the edges of the paper web in the direction of the observer and connecting them to one another. The side gussets are inserted during this step or shortly thereafter. A step is then performed in which the tube is singled into pieces of tubing. This can be done by a cutting tool, which makes cuts along the lines201. A perforation of the lines201can also be carried out alternatively or additionally before the handle elements are applied. In the step of singling, a piece of tubing can then be torn away from the tube. In a further step, which does not necessarily take place before the steps described in connection withFIGS.5and6, a base, in particular a block-type base, is formed.

FIG.5shows a pouch-type bag as it appears after the method steps described in connection withFIG.4. The base105can now be seen in this illustration.

In a final method step, a sheet110is now applied onto the pouch-type bag100. For this purpose, a sheet can be separated from a sheet web (not shown) and equipped with optional recesses122. To carry out this step, one or more punching and/or cutting tools can be provided, which in turn are not shown. An adhesive can then be applied to the sheet122and/or to the region of the first ply101onto which the sheet is to be affixed. The next step is to apply and thus fasten the sheet onto the first ply101. This situation is shown inFIG.6.

FIG.7shows an apparatus1for producing pouch-type bags100. In this figure, the essential components of this apparatus are shown schematically. The apparatus1comprises an unwinding device2, to which the paper web200is fed in the form of a reel4. Starting from this reel4, the material web200is fed via guide rollers5to an optional transverse cutting station6or perforating station6. This station6can comprise one or more transverse cutting or transverse perforating blades, not shown in more detail, which rotate on a roller7. In particular, in this station, regions of the lines201can be pre-perforated or pre-cut, with which the handle element120later intersects. Instead of blades, contactless cutting apparatuses, such as a laser cutting apparatus, can also be used in this station.

In this station6, the material web200can run over a counterpressure roller8, the main purpose of which is to provide the counterpressure required for the cutting or perforating operation. During this cutting or perforation operation, the web is not cut all the way through.

In the further course, an optional handle application station30is now provided, with which handle elements120and reinforcement sheets121can be fastened to the paper web200according to the method steps described in connection withFIGS.4through6.

Downstream of the station6, an adhesive surface application station31is also provided, with which the adhesive surfaces112and the protective material113can be applied to the surface of the paper web200facing away from the handle element. The station31can also be arranged upstream of the station6.

The material web200then passes through a nip formed by a further guiding roller5and a roller designed as a longitudinal gluing unit26. The latter applies glue to one side region of the material web3so that both side regions are permanently bonded to one another after the tube formation described below.

In the following tube formation station9, a tube10is formed from the material web200by laterally pushing on the material web200by means of guide elements, such as guide plates, so that the edges of the material web then overlap. The subsequently overlapping regions have already been provided with a suitable adhesive by means of the longitudinal gluing unit26. Side gussets can also be inserted during the pushing of the paper web. However, in principle, the side gussets can also be inserted after the tube has been formed. The tube10is now fed further essentially in the transport direction T.

After the tube10has been produced, it is singled into pieces of tubing12in the singling station11. For this purpose, the tube10is fed through the nip of a pair of rollers13. One of the rollers of the pair of rollers13is designed as a cutting roller. It preferably comprises at least one cutting blade, which extends transversely to the transport direction T and in particular comprises recesses in the region of the handle elements in order not to cut through them. Of course, a plurality of individual blades can also be provided, which are spaced apart from one another in the region of the handle elements. The individual blades are nevertheless located on a single cutting line and can be displaced relative to the cutting roller.

During the further advance of the tube, it enters the nip of an optional second pair of rollers14. The rollers of the second pair of rollers can constantly or at least temporarily have a greater circumferential speed than the rollers of the first pair of rollers13in order to generate a distance between the last separated piece of tubing and the newly created leading end of the tube.

The piece of tubing torn away from the tube now reaches the base-pleating station15, whose exact assembly is not discussed further herein. In connection with the invention, however, the application station17is important for the sheets110, with which the sheets can be applied onto the pouch-type bag100. This application has already been described in further detail in connection withFIGS.4through6.

Once the pouch-type bag has been finished, it is placed on a table18by means of the base-making cylinder16. The pouch-type bags are usually arranged perpendicularly. The pouch-type bags can then be appropriately removed from this table18in batches.