Method and machine for forming flat bottom bags having side gussets

Claim 5

A method of forming side gusset bags as defined by claim 2 further including the steps of opening each bag after completing the formation of the bottom of the bag, squaring the bottom of the bag as the latter is opened, and filling the bag with a product.

Claim 6

A method of forming side gusset bags as defined by claim 3 further including the steps of transferring the bag onto a second conveyor, holding the bag for movement with said second conveyor, unclamping said bag from said first conveyor after filling the bag, advancing said second conveyor in timed relation with said first conveyor, tucking the gussets toward each other adjacent the top of said bag, and sealing together the upper end portion of the opposite sides of said bag to close the bag.

Claim 7

A machine for forming side gusset bags from a strip of interconnected bags, said strip having cross-seals connecting said bags together and having side gussets along opposite margins and each defined by two inwardly tucked panels which face one another, said machine including means for advancing said strip step-by-step along a predetermined path into a pick off station, a splitter sandwiched between the two facing panels of each gusset and operable to keep the panels separated as the leading bag is advanced into the pick off station, a cutter adjacent said pick off station and operable to sever the leading bag from said strip along one edge of one of said cross-seals to leave the severed bag with one end closed by one of said cross-seals and with the other end unsealed, a transfer splitter receiving said leading bag at said pick off station prior to cutting of the bag, said transfer splitter being sandwiched between the two facing panels of each gusset and being movable from said pick off station to swing the severed bag into an upright position while keeping each of the two panels separated from each other, a conveyor having one end located adjacent said pick off station and operable to move said bag step-by-step along a continuation of said path in timed relation with the advancement of said strip, grippers carried by said conveyor and operable to clamp said bag in its upright position for movement with said conveyor, said grippers keeping each of said two panels separated from each other so as to permit subsequent expansion of said gussets to open said bag as the latter remains clamped to said conveyor, means for folding a portion of the sealed end of said bag upwardly against one side of the bag, and means for sealing said folded portion to the side of the bag to complete formation of the bag prior to opening and filling of the bag.

Claim 8

A machine for forming side gusset bags from a strip of interconnected bags, said strip having cross-seals connecting said bags together and having side gussets along opposite margins and each defined by two inwardly tucked panels which face one another, said machine including means for advancing said strip step-by-step along a predetermined path into a pick off station, a splitter sandwiched between the two facing panels of each gusset and operable to keep the panels separated as the leading bag is advanced into the pick off station, a cutter adjacent said pick off station and operable to sever the leading bag from said strip along one edge of one of said cross-seals to leave the severed bag with one end closed by one of said cross-seals and with the other end unsealed, a transfer splitter receiving said leading bag at said pick off station prior to cutting of the bag, said transfer splitter being sandwiched between the two facing panels of each gusset and being movable from said pick off station to swing the severed bag into an upright position while keeping each of the two panels separated from each other, a conveyor having one end located adjacent said pick off station and operable to move said bag step-by-step along a continuation of said path in timed relation with the advancement of said strip, grippers carried by said conveyor and operable to clamp said bag in its upright position for movement with said conveyor, said grippers keeping each of said two panels separated from each other so as to permit subsequent expansion of said gussets to open said bag as the latter remains clamped to said conveyor, means for folding a portion of the sealed end of said bag upwardly against one side of the bag, and means for sealing said folded portion to the side of the bag to complete formation of the bag prior to opening and filling of the bag.

Claim 9

A machine as defined by claim 5 further including means for applying adhesive across said bag adjacent the sealed end thereof prior to folding said portion of the sealed end against the side of the bag.

Claim 10

A machine as defined by claim 6 wherein said conveyor advances said bag through an opening station and a filling station, a bag opener located at said opening station, adapted to open said bag and to square the bottom of the bag, a dispenser located at said filling station and operable to deposit a charge of product into said bag, and a second conveyor operable in timed relation with said first conveyor for receiving said bag from said first conveyor and holding said bag for advancement along a further continuation of said path to be sealed closed.