Patent Application
20190161218
It belongs to the industry of the manufacture of flexible three-dimensional, heat sealable, disposable or reusable packages which stand alone on their own because they generate, among other things, flat faces to lean on.
The machines and methods of this invention will participate jointly within an integral solution together with other machines already existing in the market, because the method of the invention is a transformation of an initial package or bag sealed by at least one side and of at least two faces that has been previously manufactured by another machine, although it can also be all integrated in a same machine that at the same time would make the initial packaging and then transform it into a 3D package.
For example, machines of vertical/horizontal filling of liquids or solids are those that, previously, will manufacture the initial package from which we start, which is none other than a package with at least two faces (although it may have another secondary face or fold, as it is the case in the English type packages or in the stabilo pack®) sealed with one or more welds and that inside contains at least one fluid (for example: liquid/pasty or/and air/gas) and, optionally or in addition, a solid or solids, granulated or powdery.
The materials used to manufacture the initial packages are flexible of the film type in a coil such as plastic, aluminum or cardboard (the latter is dispensable since the welding lines of the invention provide rigidity and consistency to the package). In addition, they can be monolayer or multilayer/complex as for example: the attached sheets of different types such as plastic-aluminum or plastic-aluminum-cardboard. Likewise, they can also be arranged in tube or semi-tube.
The procedure, the machine and the 3D-transformed packages of the invention are useful in well-differentiated sectors:
a.1) Plastic ice cubes for drinks (sangria, beer, champagne, wine, cider, gazpacho), organ transplant, etc. These are cubic packages, with water in their interior, of plastic material type film in coil that are going to be sterilized by the outer contour of the plastic and, depending on the case, they will be wrapped in a second wrap.
a.2) three-dimensional packages that contain liquid or pasty foods and, in addition, solid foods, such as beverages, yoghurts, purées, sauces.
a.3) three-dimensional packages that contain solid foods such as: corn flakes, nuts, chips, olives, snacks.
b.1) three-dimensional packages that contain liquids or pasty and, in addition, solids, such as: mineral or synthetic oils, gels or shampoos, perfume-colognes, creams, paints, chemicals or cleaning products.
b.2) 3D packages that contain solids inside such as: hardware (screws, washers, etc.), toy or household items.
This Application for Patent of invention is a continuation or is related to two Applications for Patent of invention that I have previously submitted and published: PCT/ES2012/000261-WO2013/039037 dated 13 Sep. 2013 and PCT/E52014/000041-WO2014/140464 dated 11 Mar. 2014. They describe different procedures and machines to transform flexible initial packaging into final packages in the form of three-dimensional geometric bodies such as the cube, rectangular prism, rhomboidal pyramid, cylinder or multiple and varied forms of irregular polyhedra.
On the other hand, the flexible initial packaging of at least two sides can be manufactured by means of other filling and sealing machines such as: vertical or horizontal machines existing in the market for about 25 years or more.
In general, the initial packages are double-sided, although they can also have another secondary one, such as: packages of the type stabilo pack®, English type (with flaps inwards), doy pack, etc.
The vertical or horizontal machines that make the initial packaging can use different formats and materials:
A) In tube (monolayer/multilayer and complex) in which the machine makes two seals or transverse welds up and down.
B) Semitube (monolayer/multilayer and complex) in which the machine makes three seals or welds: two transversals up and down and one longitudinal to one side left or right.
C) Laminates (monolayer/multilayer and complex) in which the machine can make three, four or more seals or welds: two or more transversals up and down and others, one, two or more longitudinal to one side (left or/and right) or in the middle on the front face or/and the one on the back.
Therefore, the transformation in 3D can be carried out in any type of initial packaging that is flexible, of at least two faces and with at least one welding line.
There are other methods that also make a package that stands on its own, but are different from the invention; they are the following:
The packages type tetrabrik®, SIG®, IpI®, which must necessarily be made with cardboard film-type film in coil—apart from others such as aluminum and plastic—, since this material is the one that confers rigidity and consistency to the package. In addition, previously, to this sheet of cardboard are made marks or indentations as a die cut that serve as a guide so that, a posteriori, acquires the cubic or three-dimensional form at the time of being compressed around by rollers, when the film in a coil, that has already formed a vertical cylindrical tube, moves from top to bottom in a vertical liquid filling machine.
The package of the Doy pack system has a support base face but is less stable, less volumetric and less economical (since it requires a special three-layer complex plastic in order to provide rigidity and consistency to the package). In addition, this package is almost flat—except from just the bottom part—and with two lines of welding on the sides: it makes it more difficult to dose or use it because it generates a narrow mouth and, also, because in the case of containing liquids in its Inside, less pressure is exerted on the packaged product.
1—In the case of flexible initial packages of at least two sides (such as the sachet, pillow, pouch, stand up, stabilo, flat bottom or English type, etc.) that have been transformed into three-dimensional flexible packages by means of sealing and cutting at least one flap or triangular body:
On the one hand, it solves and guarantees that these three-dimensional packages remain tightly closed without leaks, preventing and avoiding the fluid [(liquid and/or pasty) or/and (air and/or gas)] packaged inside from escaping or evacuating from the package through the seal welding line of the cut flap. This is because just at the centre or middle of this weld line there is a zone or point at which there is a narrow gap (generated when the flap is formed when two contiguous perimeter sides of the initial package are joined) that is going to generate an escape route, since it does not contain enough plastic to heat-seal well this point or area.
That is why over time or when pressing on the outer contour of the package (for example, when another package is placed on top of it): the fluid packed inside escapes or flows out and, in the case of contain packaged foods inside, these are contaminated.
On the other hand, it also solves and guarantees that none of the packages are manufactured defective since it is common (approximately 40%) when the flaps (or triangular bodies) are generated, that folds or wrinkles are formed in the line of intersection between the flap (or triangular body) and the rest of the package causing pores or cracks to arise (where the fluid will escape) once the flap is sealed, precisely, by this line of intersection.
Therefore, the system to fold at least once on itself the flap/triangular body or strip and, previously and/or subsequently, seal it at least once: it allows not only not to cut the flap (triangular body) or strip, but also allows to seal the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and the body of the package with lower temperature and less time, thus preventing cracks or pores from forming in this welding line, as well as avoids pores or cracks in the cases in which a wrinkle or crease has formed in this area when the flap is generated). In addition, when this line of welding is going to serve as an opening line through which serving the packaged product inside the package: it will facilitate with greater convenience the opening of this line, being sealed with less intensity.
Likewise, the initial packaging containing solids, granules or powders inside, these will also generate pores and cracks {to stay residual precisely between the two sides of the flap (or triangular body) generated} at the time of seal and cut the flap. That is why it is essential that the flap/triangular body can be sealed with a low temperature and sealing time to obtain a reliable and safe three-dimensional flexible packaging that enables the commercialization of these. Finally, it also solves and guarantees that the three-dimensional transformed package permanently maintains the same three-dimensional body shape intact, since it does not crush or wrinkle, because of the fact that is does not lose fluids.
2—In the case of flexible packaging of at least two sides (such as sachet, pillow, pouch, stabilo, flat bottom or English type, etc.) that have been transformed into three-dimensional flexible packages by means of adhering or attaching at least one flap (or triangular body) to the body of the flexible packages:
It resolves and guarantees that these flaps stuck or adhered to the body of the package do not distort and alter the acquired three-dimensional shape of the package (especially in the face that acts as a base), because the triangular flaps or body exert pressure (pulling it) on the package causing it to bulge producing a deformation and less vertical stability of the package.
It also prevents the flap from peeling off or loosening, so it is guaranteed that the packaging does not alter its three-dimensional body shape or the stability of the package.
Likewise, from the economic and environmental point of view: it is essential that it is not necessary to use adhesives or glues, such as contact glue or a plastic strip, to adhere or stick the flaps or triangular bodies to the package.
Procedure for manipulating or transforming the flap (or triangular body) or at least part of the flap (or triangular body) or strip, generated from a flexible package or flexible wrapper, which can be, for example, any type of plastic or cardboard, as well as, for example, being a wrapper in tube, semitube or laminates (monolayer, multilayer, complex). Different modes of manipulation are given, mainly by folding or bending at least once on itself and towards at least one direction, at least a part of at least one triangular flap/body or strip on at least part of another part of the same flap/triangular body or strip.
Procedures and devices for transforming packages or initial flexible sealed packages of at least two faces and containing in their interior at least one fluid (for example, air or/and gas) and optionally or in addition solid or solids, granules or powders, in three-dimensional packages, by means of different manipulation modes of the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap or triangular body) or strip [or also in any other configuration manner, in which the flap or triangular body previously, in a former, first stage is sealed and cut] (generated from the flap/triangular body) but, mainly, by folding or bending at least once on itself and towards at least one direction of at least a part of at least one flap/triangular body (or at least part of at least one flap or triangular body) or strip (or any other configuration) toward or over at least part of at least another part of the same or another flap/triangular body (or at least part of at least one flap or triangular body) or strip (or of any other configuration).
In addition, this system involves improvements in terms of the inalterability of the package, the economic and the ecological, as well as three-dimensional packaging products of different shapes are configured in terms of their external appearance related to the triangular flaps/bodies (36) or the strip (37) (or any other configuration).
Then, the different procedures for manipulating at least one flap (or triangular body) generated from an initial flexible package or package that is to be transformed into a three-dimensional package are set forth:
1—The flap (or triangular body) is permanently attached to the body of the flexible package, when folded, bent or joined at least once to at least one direction (towards the body of the package or any of the adjacent sides of the package) at least part of at least a part of the flap or triangular body on at least part of at least another part of the same or another triangular flap (or at least part of at least the flap or triangular body) {one together to the other or also side by side}, in which they can also be, for example: superimposed in parallel or with some degree of rotation to one side or another, as well as folding/bending at least once the flap (or triangular body) on itself, for example, rectilinearly, obliquely or semicircularly.
Subsequently, the flap/triangular body (or at least part of at least the flap or triangular body) will be sealed (which is folded or bent at least once on itself of at least two parts or two halves, which they can be making contact or being next to each other} by at least one side and being able to choose between any of the following options:
1a) sealing with at least one welding line (they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) by at least one face of at least part of the edge (or at least part of the edge and in turn also at least part of the area contiguous to the edge) generated by bending or folding over itself the flap (or triangular body).
1b) sealing at least once with at least one welding line (rectilinear, semicircular, oblique, diagonal, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) by at least one face at least part of the area adjacent to the edge generated by bending or folding on itself the flap or triangular body and, preferably, in parallel, although it can also be made, for example, obliquely, diagonally or semicircularly.
1c) sealing with at least two welding lines (they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) of which at least one is made prior to the folding or bending of the flap/triangular body and, at least one more, is carried out after folding the flap/triangular body, as described below:
First: sealing, prior to the bending or folding over itself of the flap/triangular body, at least one welding line (rectilinear, semicircular, diagonal, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) at the height which is wanted, or, in the line or zone of intersection between the flap/triangular body and the body/rest of the package, or, separated above the zone or line of intersection between the flap/triangular body and the body/rest of the package.
Likewise, the combination between these two options can be given, in such a way that it can be sealed for example with a welding line (they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, in saw, in two or more directions, etc.) the zone or line of intersection between the flap/triangular body and the body/rest of the package and at the same time, separated from the previous welding line, at least one welding line (can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) separated and parallel to the welding line that has been made in the intersecting area of flap or triangular body and the body of the package.
In addition, any of these welding lines prior to bending or folding the flap or triangular body, optimize the folding or bending procedure of the flap/triangular body on itself because it facilitates quickly and conveniently that the flap/triangular body is fold or bent over itself, precisely, by the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and any one of the welding lines made prior to bending or folding the flap/triangular body on itself as for example the one made in the intersection of flap/triangular leather and package body.
Second: sealing, once the flap/triangular body is already folded or bent at least once on itself, with at least one welding line (rectilinear, semicircular, diagonal, in saw, in two or more directions, etc.) by at least one of its faces. Two options can be given, either sealing on at least part of the edge that is generated when bending or folding over the flap (or triangular body), or sealing at least once over at least part of the area contiguous to the edge. Likewise, both options can be combined, so that it can be sealed, for example: with a welding line (they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) all the edge and, at the same time, separated from the previous welding line, other one or two welding lines (they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) separated from each other and parallel, or not, to the welding line that has been made on the edge.
2—The flap or triangular body is sealed (by at least one of its faces) and cut (or cauterized) in the manner [or in any other manner of configuration, in which the flap or triangular body previously in an earlier, first stage has been sealed and cut/cauterized] next: in the lower part, a welding line (rectilinear, oblique, diagonal, semicircular, etc.) by at least one face in the intersection area between the flap/triangular body and the body of the package and, followed by the previous one upwards, two welding lines (they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) vertical, parallel and separated between them that are joined and converge to the anterior transverse weld line forming, preferably, a 90 degree angle.
In this way, a strip can be generated because at least two segments of triangular configuration on the left and right side of the flap or triangular body are sectioned or cut, and because at least part of the segment is also left uncut/un-cauterized at least part of the longitudinal zone/strip of just half of the flap (or triangular body) since runs on one side of the triangular body/flap of the transversal a welding line that has been made at the time of manufacturing of the initial package (specifically, it is the transverse welding lines that close up and down the initial package). Therefore, when not cutting this welding line is found longitudinally dividing the flap or triangular body from the tip of its peak towards the middle of the welding line made in the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and the body of the package, on the one hand, it is obtained a flap or triangular body reduced in size in the form of a strip that occupies less space and does not hinder and, on the other hand, a reliable and safe package because it prevents leakage of the fluid packaged in the inside of the package.
The most optimized way of sealing and cutting is when a welding line is made (it can be, for example: straight, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) with the same shape similar to that traced by the capital letter “L” and with the peculiarity that both the “L” on one side and the other: their respective vertical sticks are flanking this welding line that corresponds to the transverse welding line up and down made before the initial packaging was made.
At the same time, optionally, this strip can be manipulated by choosing between any of the procedures and steps outlined above in points [1, 1a, 1b, 1c], so that it can now be called: [2.1, 2.1a, 2.1b, 2.1c].
3—The flap (or triangular body) is permanently attached to the body of the flexible package, because it comprises two steps:
by folding or bending at least once to at least one direction (towards the package body or any of the adjacent faces of the package) at least part of at least a portion of the flap or triangular body over at least part of at least another part of the same or another flap (or triangular body) {one next to the other, or but also, side by side}, which also may be, for example: superimposed in parallel or with some degree of rotation towards one side or the other, as well as folding/bending at least once the flap (or triangular body) on itself, for example, straight, obliquely or semicircularly, and adhering or gluing, by means of an adhesive or glue like a contact glue or a heat strip, at least once by at least one face of at least part of at least a part of the flap/triangular body (36) or strip (37) on at least part of at least another part of the same flap/triangular body (36) or strip (37), in which both parts have been folded or bent at least once upon themselves.
4—In any of the options [1], [1a], [1 b], [1c], [2.1], [2.1a], [2.1b], [2.1c], [3] optionally, it can also be taken additional steps consisting of manipulating only the part of the flap/triangular body or strip [or any other configuration mode, in which the flap or triangular body previously in an earlier, first stage has been sealed and cut/cauterized] which remains loose from the last welding line made in the flap/triangular body to the peak or the tip of the flap (since this is not folded/bent and/or sealed together with at least another part of the same flap), choosing from any of the following options:
i) crushing the flap or loose strip on the body of the package (because it is already next to the body of the package), by means of a push mode, and at least part of this flap (or triangular body) or loose strip is stuck to the body of the package by means of an adhesion mode such as for example contact glue.
ii) sealing, by means of a heat source such as for example a resistance or ultrasound, at least once by at least part of at least one of the faces of the flap (or triangular body) or loose strip.
iii) sealing, by means of a heat source such as for example a resistance or ultrasound, at least once on at least part of at least one of the faces of the flap (or triangular body) or loose strip; crushing the flap or loose strip on the body of the package (because it is already next to the body of the package), by means of a push mode, and paste this flap/triangular body or strip (or any other form of configuration) to the package body by means of an adhesion mode such as, for example, contact glue.
iiii) cutting (or cauterizing), by means of a cutting mode such as that of a blade, totally or partially, at least part of the flap or strip that is loose.
iiiii) sealing, by means of a heat source such as for example a resistance or ultrasound, at least once on at least one face of the flap or loose strip; and cutting (cauterizing), by means of a cutting mode such as that of a blade, totally or partially, at least part of the flap (or triangular body) or strip that is loose.
iiiiii) attaching, by means of a folding or bending system, at least once to at least one direction of at least a part of the flap (or triangular body) or loose strip towards at least part of at least another part of the same flap (or triangular body) or loose strip and, followed, this flap (or triangular body) or loose strip that is folded or bent at least once on itself, will be manipulated by choosing between any of the options [i], [ii], [iii], [iiii] and [iiiii] described above. Optionally, a previous step can be given in which this flap (or triangular body) or loose strip is sealed at least once by at least one face.
5—The flap (or triangular body) or also the strip that is generated when sealing and cutting the flap or triangular body arches due to the use of a wrapping with a flexible material between 20 to 40 microns thick (or approximately) and of the type, for example, of Polypropylene, Biorentated Polypropylene or mono-oriented and monolayer or multilayer Polypropylene (for example: 2 layers), and because the welding lines are made (for example: straight, diagonal, oblique, n saw, semicircular concave/convex, in two or more directions, etc.) following:
4a) when at least another welding line is made (rectilinear, semicircular, oblique, diagonal, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) separated from the previous one, approximately, between at least 0.1 to 5 millimetres {when it is more optimized is between 0.1 and 2 millimetres} and, preferably, parallel: from the welding line (rectilinear, semicircular, oblique, diagonal, saw, in two or more directions, etc.) made in the intersection of the flap (or triangular body) or the strip and the body of the package, in such a way that the flap (or triangular body) or the strip: folds (although it is unstable because its bending is not consistent) and it also arches (in the area where the welding lines are made) towards at least one side of the package (towards the side faces, the package being upright, and towards the base faces from above and below, the package being in a horizontal position).
4b) when the flap or strip (or triangular body) is sealed completely or at least ¾ (or approximately), in which the flap (or triangular body) or strip arches towards the side of the package.
6—All the procedures and processes described above can be carried out individually or combined randomly between any of them, for the same flexible package transformed three-dimensionally. So the flaps (or triangular bodies) or strips of the same package can be manipulated in many different ways, as shown in the combinations of the following examples:
when the two flaps (or triangular bodies) or strips of the upper part of the package are handled by means of the process [4-] and the two below by the process [2a)].
when the two flaps or triangular bodies of the upper part of the package are handled by means of the process [1] and the two below by means of the process [2b)].
when one of the flaps (or triangular bodies) or strips of the upper part of the package is handled by the process or procedure of point [2b] and the other [2a)], and the two below by means of the process [1)].
when one of the flaps or triangular bodies of the upper part of the package is handled by the process of point [4.2) and the other [4.3a)], and the two below by the process [4.3a)].
when the four flaps or triangular bodies of the package are handled by means of the process or procedure [2b)].
when the two flaps or triangular bodies of the upper part of the package are handled by means of the process [4], and the two below by means of the processes: [3a)] and [iiiii] of the process [5]].
7—All the Procedures of points 1 to 6 set forth and described above, can also be given as refinement and improvement of other manufacturing processes of packages of three-dimensional configuration that are manufactured with flexible materials, where the process comprises the following steps:
generating a package body starting, for example, from the film in a reel, and
generation means of at least one flap or triangular body.
8—The invention is also protected in two types of machines:
8a) The machines that transform flexible initial packages into three-dimensional packages, in which the package shelters at least one fluid and optionally or in addition can shelter a solid or solids, granules or powders, equipped mainly with:
at least one support, at least one sensor for detecting the initial package or the package initially introduced in the machine, and
at least one movable impact body [driven by means of linear or rotational displacement] or/and immobile: intended to press in one, two or more lateral directions of the outer perimeter contour, of at least part of at least one or more perimeter lateral sides to generate at least one flap/triangular body or strip, and
at least one sealing jaw or sealing and cut jaw operated by means of linear or rotational displacement, intended to seal or seal and cut, by means of a cutting mode such as that of a blade, by one or more of the faces and/or in part of the perimeter or lateral outer contour, of at least part of at least one of said flaps (or triangular body) or strip, in which the sealing jaws have at least one mode of heat source, to maintain permanently supporting face or additional face generated,
where the machine is characterized by what is comprises
8b) Filling and sealing machines for flexible packages that contain at least one fluid inside and, optionally or in addition, can shelter a solid or solids, granules or powders, comprising:
Any of the machines [8a] or [8b], will be equipped with:
at least one device intended to join, by means of a folding or bending mode, at least once on itself towards at least one direction: at least a part of a flap/triangular body or strip on at least part of at least another part of the same flap/triangular body or strip, as indicated and expressed in each point of sections [A1], [A.1.1], [A.1.2], [A.1.3], [A .1.4], [A2], [A.2.1] and [A.2.2], and
at least one, two or more adhesion or attachment systems such as, for example, contact glue or at least one welding system (arranged, each time, for a flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip}, by means of a heat source such as a resistance, laser or ultrasound, which can be fixed, for example, on at least one of the lateral faces {which will be in contact with at least one of faces of the flaps/triangular bodies (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip, when this is generated} of an impact body or/and of a closing jaw: intended to seal,
on the one hand, optionally and prior to the triangular flap/body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip being folded or bent at least once on itself: at least one, two or more times (2a) , 2b, 2ae, 2be) by at least one side of the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip, in such a way that it will subsequently facilitate the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip is folded or bent, precisely, by at least any of the welding lines (2a, 2b, 2ae, 2be) {can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, semicircular concave/convex, saw, etc.} that have been wanted and,
on the other hand, after the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip is folded or bent at least once on itself, at least sealing one, two or more times (2ac, 2bc, 2ad, 2bd) by at least one side of the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip on at least part of the edge {generated by folding or bending at least once the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip} or/and of the contiguous zone and separated from this edge, in such a way that it will permanently maintain the triangular body/flap (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip folded or bent at least once on itself; and, optionally, it can also be provided:
at least one adhesion or fixing system such as, for example, contact glue or at least one welding system {by means of a heat source such as, for example, a resistance element, for sealing at least once with at least one line of welding at least part of at least one face of the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or loose strip} or/and cutting/cauterizing system {by means of a cutting mode such as a blade for cutting all or at least part of the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or loose strip}, arranged for the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap or triangular body) or strip that remains loose after being folded or bent at least once on itself. Furthermore, they can be fixed, for example: on at least one of the lateral faces {which will come into contact with at least one of the faces of the flaps/triangular bodies (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip, when it is generated} or in the cavity of both the impact body or/and a closing jaw.
Next, we describe different devices for manipulating at least one flap (or triangular body) generated from an initial flexible container of at least two faces and which is transformed into a three-dimensional container. These devices can be fixed both in the impact bodies (those that generate the flaps) and in the closing grips (located on the sides of the impact body).
A.1—System or device, mainly, by means of at least one cavity and one stylet (or thrust body) with which the flap (or triangular body) or strip is folded or bent at least once over itself, as well as sealing or/and sealing and cutting at least one, two or more times the flap (or triangular body) or strip on at least one face of at least part of the generated edge or/and the area or line adjacent to this edge.
For this, the impact body (the one that generates the flap or triangular body) or/and the closing grip (which when activated, once the flap or triangular body has been generated, joins the impact body to trap and crush the flap or triangular body that is located between them), have the following devices:
A.1.1) at least one slot-hole and cavity, located on at least one of the side faces of the impact body or of the closing grip, where the flap (or triangular body), when generated, comes into contact with this side face when being parallel and at par, so that in this way and after introducing at least part of the flap (or triangular body) through the slot-hole, into the cavity, it folds or bends over itself, at least two parts of the flap (or triangular body) toward at least one of the faces adjacent to the flap or triangular body.
The slot-hole, optionally, can be covered by means of a closing mode such as, for example, that of a mobile gate, in which it will also be able to open or close, alternatively, by means of a mode of displacement such as: turning over itself or moving up and down. This allows—once the closing grip meets the impact body—that almost the entire surface of the two faces of the flap (or triangular body) are pressed against each other, obtaining as a result the extraction towards the body or rest of the container, of the packaged contents (liquid/thick or/and air/gas) that is at that moment between the two faces of the flap or triangular body.
A.1.2) at least one mode of displacement of the flap (or triangular body) such as that of a stylet (or thrust body), which being narrower than the slot-hole and thus, able of being introduced into the cavity, will be able to also, at the same time, drag or introduce into the cavity at least part of the flap or triangular body; thereby generating a folding over itself of at least part of the flap or triangular body.
The driving stylet (thrust body) can be fixed, either in the same impact body with or without slot-hole, or in the closing grip, with or without slot-hole.
A.1.3) at least one welding system unit (or heat source) or/and welding system and cauterization system (or cutting) which, being located inside the cavity and above or/and below at least one part of the two folded parts of the flap or triangular body, they will seal or/and seal and cauterize (or cut) at least once the generated edge or the area adjacent to the edge of the flap or triangular body, when operating and moving downwards or/and upwards.
A.1.4) optionally or in addition, at least one welding system unit located on at least one of the faces (which comes into contact with at least one of the faces of the flap or triangular body) of the impact body or/and closing grip and at the height desired {above or below (preferably, in the area of intersection between the flap and the body or rest of the container) of the height at which the slot-hole is}, so that in this way, at least one welding line is made previously (once the closing grip, when activated, comes into contact with the impact body and the flap/triangular body: crushing and trapping it).
Also, a way to optimize the procedure of folding or bending the flap/triangular body is when, prior to folding or bending, at least part of at least one welding line is made in the same line/area of intersection between the flap/triangular body and the body/rest of the container, or/and, above it: because it facilitates quickly and comfortably the folding or bending of the flap/triangular body, just above finishing any of these welding lines that are made before folding or bending the flap or triangular body.
In addition, this welding line can be made in different ways such as: rectilinear, semicircular (so that the initial container transformed has the shape of a cylinder) or diagonal.
A.2—System or device, mainly, by means of at least one stylet (or thrust body) with which the flap (or triangular body) or strip is folded or bent at least once over itself, as well as, subsequently or/and previously: it seals and/or seals and cuts at least one, two or more times the flap (or triangular body) or strip per at least one face of at least part of the edge (generated by folding the flap over itself) or/and the area adjacent to this edge.
For this, the impact body (the one that generates the flap or triangular body) or/and the closing grip {the one that when activated, once the flap or triangular body has been generated, joins the impact body to trap and crush the flap or triangular body that is now located in the middle}, have the following devices:
A.2.1) at least one mode of displacement of the flap (or triangular body) such as, for example, that of a stylet (or thrust body), which will displace at least part of the flap (or triangular body) toward at least one of the faces adjacent to the flap (or triangular body) generated, in such a way that at least one folding or bending over itself of at least part of the flap or triangular body is generated. The stylet (or thrust body) can be fixed, on the one hand, to the impact body or/and the closing grip and, on the other hand, for example, it can be fixed both horizontally and diagonally so that when operating or moving, it will follow a straight or diagonal path.
A.2.2) at least one welding system unit or welding and cutting system (or cauterization), located on at least one face (which comes into contact with at least one of the faces of the flap or triangular body) of the impact body or/and closing grip and at the desired height, so that in this way it is carried out before or after the folding or bending of the flap (or triangular body): at least one welding line (once the closing grip, when activated, comes into contact with the impact body and the flap/triangular body crushing and trapping it) by at least one face of the flap (or triangular body) or/and by at least one of the faces of the flap (or triangular body) already folded at least once over itself. So it can be, for example, at the height of the generated edge or area adjacent thereto, or else more above or more below (preferably, at the intersection area of the flap and the body of the container). Also, a way of optimizing the procedure of folding or bending the flap/triangular body is when, prior to folding or bending, at least part of a welding line is made above the line of intersection of the flap and the body of the container, because it facilitates quickly and comfortably the folding or bending of the flap (or triangular body) just in the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and this welding line that is made before folding and bending the flap or triangular body over itself.
In addition, any of these welding lines can be made in different ways, such as: rectilinear, semicircular (so that the initial container transformed has the shape of a cylinder), oblique or saw. A.3) The flap/triangular body or strip can also be folded or bent to at least one side and folded or bent at least once over itself: by dividing into at least two (or at least three units or pieces when the impact body has a closing grip on two sides) pieces or units the impact body or/and the closing grip, in which at least one of the pieces or units at the top is mobile {activated by means of a mode, such as for example a linear cylinder or linear translation unit which can additionally be fixed to the side faces or base faces in which the flap or strip does not come into contact with them}, in such a way that at least one of these units will be able to move, for example, to the sides or up or down: destined, in a first instance, to fold or bend towards at least one side the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip and, in a second instance, fold or bend at least once over itself the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip (by means of a thrust mode such as for example a stylet, a rotating rod or guillotine (moving from top to bottom) fixed on at least one of the faces of the impact body or/and the closing grip}; as well as sealing {previously or/and subsequently to the folding or bending over itself of the flap (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip} at least once with a welding line (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex or in two or more directions) at least one part of the flap (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip without folding or folded over itself.
Next, an execution mode of the Procedure or device in six steps:
First, the impact body and the closing grip are going to come together (when at least one of them is activated, but especially the closing grip) in order to, on the one hand, block or trap especially at least part of two faces from the bottom of the flap/triangular body or strip and, on the other hand, optionally, seal at least once with a welding line (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, in saw or in two or more directions) {by means of a heat source such as a resistance or a strip that can be fixed both in the impact body and in the closing grip} in the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and the body of the container or area adjacent to the previous welding line.
Second, when wanting to fold the flap or strip towards the outside face, the piece or unit of the top part of the closing grip will move out leaving a space between the two pieces above.
Third, the piece or unit of the upper part of the impact body is going to move outwards to fold the flap or strip when pushing the desired part of these, and that, in this case, is going to be the intersection area {of the welding line made in the intersection area of the flap and the body of the container} and the rest of the flap or strip.
Fourth, the piece or unit of the bottom part of the closing grip will return to the starting point, moving outwards, in order to free up space so that the flap or strip can be folded to the side face of the container, by means of a thrust mode such as a stylet, a rotating rod or guillotine (moving from top to bottom) installed or fixed on the underside face or side face of the piece or unit of the upper part of the impact body or also, as the case may be, in the closing grip.
Fifth, the piece or unit of the bottom part of the closing grip is activated to seal at least once with a welding line (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, in saw or in two or more directions) the flap/triangular body (or at least part of the flap/triangular body) or strip (or in any other configuration) that is folded or bent over itself, for which the stylet or the rotating rod, in a synchronized manner, will be introduced into the impact body or return to the starting point to allow it to meet the lower part of the impact body. Also, the rotating rod, being able to have more width than the flap or strip folded over itself: it is not necessary for it to return to the starting point as it is not going to get in the way of the piece or unit from the lower part of the closing grip.
On the other hand, the unit of the upper part of the impact body can be kept protruding outwardly because it facilitates the fixing of the flap or strip folded at least once over itself.
Sixth, both the piece or unit of the upper part of the impact body and the piece or unit of the lower part of the closing grip will return to the starting point.
B—System or device to seal (by at least one of its faces) and cut (or cauterize) the flap or triangular body prior to it folding, bending or joining at least one part in at least one direction towards or over itself.
Next, I describe by means of an example a way to realize this system [B] with one of the most efficient ways to do it.
System or device to seal (at least once on at least one face or side) and cut (or cauterize) two segments of triangular configuration on the left and right side of the flap/triangular body, which is also left without cutting/cauterizing at least part of the longitudinal area/strip of just half of the flap (or triangular body), in such a way that a strip is generated.
In this strip, on one of its faces, there is or runs a welding line that corresponds precisely with the top and bottom transverse welding lines that are made when the initial containers are made, for example, of the tube or pillow type.
Therefore, a welding line is going to be made that configures the following form:
In the lower part, a line (rectilinear, oblique, diagonal, semicircular, etc.) transverse to the flap in the area of intersection between the flap/triangular body and the body/rest of the container.
At the top, two welding lines (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, in saw, in two or more directions, etc.) vertical, parallel and separated between them {in the extend that frees, at least, just the welding line that runs to the longitudinal half and on one of the faces of the flap or triangular body} that converge and are joined to the transversal welding line forming a 90 degree angle.
To do this, the impact body (the one that generates the flap or triangular body) or/and the closing grip (which when activated, once the flap or triangular body has been generated, joins the impact body to trap and crush the flap or triangular body, which is now located in the middle), have the following devices:
B.1.1) at least one unit of a welding system or heat source, such as a resistor or by ultrasonics, to seal the flap or triangular body.
B.1.2) at least one unit of a cutting or cauterizing system such as a blade, for cutting two triangular segments of the flap or triangular body.
This welding or cutting line has a shape as described above in the second and third paragraphs of section [B], but it can also be done in different ways such as: rectilinear, semicircular (so that the initial container transformed has the shape of a cylinder), diagonal, etc.
Optionally, once this strip is obtained as a result of the sealing and cutting (or cauterizing) of the flap or triangular body, this can be manipulated in the same way as the flap or triangular body, as it is explained and described in each point of sections [A1], [A.1.1], [A.1.2], [A.1.3], [A.1.4], [A2], [A.2.1] and [A.2.2].
C—The flap/triangular body or strip that is manipulated as set forth in any of the previous sections [A1], [A.1.1], [A.1.2][A.1.3], [A.1.4], [A2], [A.2.1], [A.2.2], [A.2.2], [B], [B.1] and [B.2], additionally and optionally, it will also be possible to manipulate the part of the flap (or triangular body) or strip that is loose {from the last welding line made to the flap/triangular body or strip to the peak or tip of the flap or strip, as it is not folded/bent or/and sealed together with at least one other part from the same flap or strip}, choosing from any of the following options:
C.1) the flap or loose strip is crushed on the body of the container (because it is already next to the body of the container) by means of a thrust mode; and at least part of this flap (or triangular body) or loose strip is glued to the body of the container, by means of an adhesion mode such as, for example, contact glue.
C.2) it is sealed, by means of a heat source such as a resistor or by ultrasonics, at least once in at least part of at least one of the faces.
C.3) it is sealed at least once on at least part of at least one of the faces of the flap (or triangular body) loose strip; the flap or loose strip is crushed on the body of the container (because it is already next to the body of the container) by means of a thrust mode, and this flap/triangular body or strip is glued to the body of the container, by means of an adhesion mode such as, for example, contact glue.
C.4) it is cut (cauterized), by means of a cutting mode such as that of a blade, totally or partially at least part of the flap or triangular body that is loose.
C.5) it is sealed, by means of a heat source such as that of a resistor or by ultrasonics, at least once by at least part of at least one of the faces; and it is cut (cauterized), by means of a cutting mode such as that of a blade, totally or partially at least part of the flap (or triangular body) or strip that is loose.
C.6) joining, by means of a folding or bending system, at least once to at least one direction of at least a part of the flap (or triangular body) or loose strip towards at least part of at least one other part of the same flap (or triangular body) or loose strip and, next, this flap (or triangular body) or loose strip that is folded or bent at least once over itself, will be manipulated by choosing between any of the options [C.1], [C.2], [C.3], [C.4] and [C.5] described above.
Optionally, a pre-step can be made in which this flap (or triangular body) or loose strip is sealed at least once by at least one face.
A—Procedure for transforming flexible initial sealed containers of at least two faces and containing in their interior at least a fluid and optionally or complementarily solid or solids, granulated or powdery, in three-dimensional containers: by means of pressing with a 45° inclination at least part of the end of a perimeter lateral side of the container. It is characterized by the fact that in the stage of pressing an initial container: a flap and a peak (or peak neck) is generated at the same time, which is subsequently transformed into a flap or triangular body, by means of the following steps:
First step: pressing by using at least one impact body in the direction of the interior of the container with an inclination of approximately 45 degrees, or, first pressing in parallel and then pressing with an inclination of approximately 45 degrees on at least part of the total part of the left or right side of the same lateral side of the initial container, so that part of the fluid is displaced towards the contour of the container, increasing the pressure inside the container, as well as producing a local inflation effect, obtaining:
Second step: pressing by using at least one double set of one or two grips or/and one or two impact bodies, towards the interior of the container, positioned facing each other and moving: on at least one part of the two perimeter lateral sides adjacent to the peak (or peak neck), so that part of the fluid is displaced towards the contour of the container, increasing the pressure inside the container, as well as producing a local inflation effect, obtaining:
B—Optional procedure and prior to the pressing stage in which at least one flap or triangular body is generated, characterized in that it comprises the displacement preferably of the solids (for example: lettuce, vegetables, cereals or nuts), granulated or powdery packed and located in the corners or areas adjacent to the vertices of an initial container: in the direction towards the interior, preferably towards the middle and the center of the initial container (such as square or rectangular of two sides, which has four vertices or corners), in order to free up from at least one solid or solids the area adjacent to the vertex or corner where it is going to generate, precisely, a flap or triangular body.
The procedure comprises two steps:
pressing by using at least one impact body or grip {activated by means of a mechanical mode such as at least one linear or rotating cylinder} in the direction of the interior of the container with a preferably oblique path of 45 degrees (or approximately) from the end of the vertex to the middle and/or the center of the initial container [or in parallel (or approximately) in at least part of at least one peripheral lateral side adjacent to the vertex, preferably, the area closest to this vertex], so that the content packed inside, especially that which is located precisely in the area or the lateral sides adjacent to the vertex where a flap or triangular body is going to be generated, will be moved or introduced towards inside, preferably, towards the middle and center of the container, and
next, at least this impact body or grip (or impact bodies or grips) that has been introduced into the container, returns or moves to the starting point of departure, to obtain a free area of mainly solids adjacent to the vertex or corner where the flap is going to be generated, in such a way that once it is deployed (or unrolled) and goes backwards [for example: when pressing the container or initial container with the clamping grips] the part of the wrapper that has been folded or introduced into the container, obtaining:
In addition, also the device that is going to introduce the vertex or the corner towards the inner enclosure of the container can be made by means of a set of at least two grips activated by means of a mechanical mode, such as for example a clamp cylinder or/and linear cylinders, in which in addition this set of two grips before and during the procedure (explained in two steps) of displacement or dragging of solids, they will exert the following function: grab and trap between the two grips at least part of the vertex or at least part of the lateral sides or sides adjacent to the vertex, obtaining:
in the first step: an improvement in the folding of the vertex towards the interior and center of the container, by directing with more control and precision the orderly folding of the corresponding part of the wrapper of the container.
in the second step: it allows to place again in the initial position the part of the wrapper and folded vertex because, during the whole procedure of the two steps, the set of two grips will not release the part of the vertex (or lateral sides adjacent to the vertex or corner) that holds gripped, so that when it returns backward {activated, for example, by mechanical means such as at least one linear or rotating cylinder} to the initial starting point or intermediate point (where the grips are separated or opened), it will drag back to the vertex, causing the initial container to recover the original shape of for example: an initial square or rectangular two-sided container.
C—Procedure of transforming an initial container of at least two faces into a three-dimensional container, by means of creating a cavity in which the initial container adapts and engages, generating the flaps or triangular bodies, as well as the 3D shape of the initial container.
the initial container is introduced or will be placed between sets of grips or impact bodies, so that, when activated, they will form a cubic or three-dimensional cavity on at least three sides and, at the same time, blocking and pressing the perimeter lateral sides of the initial container: this, in an inductive and spontaneous way, will acquire the three-dimensional shape by adapting and coupling to the created cavity {cubic or three-dimensional} whose formation has been desired, as well as one, two, three, four or more flaps or triangular bodies.
Second Stage: next, by means of a displacement mode such as, for example, at least one linear or rotating cylinder, at least one impact body will be activated in order to hit at least one of the faces where at least one flap or triangular body has been generated, so that in this way, first, the triangular bodies/flaps are better formed and, secondly, it also serves as a support and part of a two-part set consisting of an impact body and a closing grip with which to manipulate the flap or triangular body, choosing between any of the following options:
Optionally, sealing {by means of a heat source mode such as for example a resistor or by ultrasonics} at least once per at least one side of the flap/triangular body; folding or bending the flap/triangular body at least once per at least one face at least part of at least two parts of the flap or triangular body and, finally, resealing at least once per at least one face at least part of the generated edge {when folding the flap/triangular body over itself} or/and at least once per at least one face of at least part of the adjacent and separated area to the edge. Also, the loose flap or triangular body, by means of a sealing system {by means of a heat source such as a resistor or by ultrasonics} and/or cutting {by means of a cutting system such as a blade}, it will be able to be manipulated between the following options: crushing and gluing/adhering to the body of the container; sealing, crushing and gluing/adhering to the body of the container; only sealing; only cutting or sealing or cutting.
D—Procedure to transform an initial container or flexible bag of at least two faces and sealed with fluid (liquid and/or air/gas) and with solids in its interior: into a container with a three-dimensional geometric body shape such as a cube, rectangular prism, cylinder, elliptical cylinder or irregular polyhedron.
In this procedure, in order for these flaps to be generated and that at the same time the initial container that has fluids with solids in its interior acquires the pretended three-dimensional geometric body shape, the initial container will be placed, preferably, in q vertical position so that the solids fall down and thus leave a solid/granular/powder free zone in the part, at least, above the container or adjacent area of at least one of the perimeter lateral sides of the uppermost part of the container.
The procedure comprises the following steps:
First: by means of at least one grip or a set of two or more clamping grips, the initial container is grasped or/and locked by any of the zones or parts thereof, with the exception of the adjacent zone of at least one of the perimeter lateral sides of the upper part of the container in which at least one flap or triangular body will originate. At the same time that the initial container is held or/and locked, optionally, a constant pressure force can be maintained therein and with adjustable cushioning towards the interior of the same initial container by at least one or more of its sides, in order to insufflate at least the packaged fluid inside the container towards the outer contour of the container or towards at least one of the perimeter lateral sides that is located in the upper part of the container.
It can also be used, in a supplementary and optional way, at least one grip or a set of two or more pusher grips and which, depending on the case, can fulfill at least one more of the following functions:
At least one pusher grip or/and at least one set of two or more pusher grips may be, for example, fixed to:
Second: on at least one perimeter side of the uppermost part of the initial container, at least one flap/triangular body will be generated (or at least part of at least one flap or triangular body) by means of at least one impact body as well as, at the same time, at least one flat surface or supporting face is generated and, likewise, the initial container will suffer (the corresponding part) a transformation of its volumetry into a three-dimensional geometric body shape, when an effect of inflation of the container occurs.
Third: at least one of the flaps or triangular bodies will be manipulated, being able to choose, for example, from among the options of sections [A], [B] or [C]. In any of these options, it will allow the container to permanently maintain the corresponding shape of a three-dimensional geometric body.
Fourth: followed immediately, by means of a way to flip the container that is in vertical position, it will turn this container 180 degrees (or approximately) over itself so that, in this way, on the one hand, the solids packed inside the container will fall downwards by the gravitational effect {thus releasing the area where at least one flap (or triangular body) is to be generated and manipulated on at least one other perimeter side of the container} and, on the other hand, positioning at least one of the perimeter lateral sides (previously located in the lower part of the container) towards the uppermost part of the container.
This rotation can be done in two different ways:
a) at least one or two flaps (sealed or unsealed) that are first generated, are trapped between the sealing, cutting, clamping and folding/bending grips of the flap over itself, so that in this way and by not cutting the flap or triangular body: these grips or sets of grips can rotate 180° (or approximately) to the container. In this way, the lateral side that was previously positioned in the base or bottom of the container, will now be placed or positioned in the upper part so that the flaps/triangular bodies can be generated and manipulated (or at least part of at least one flap or triangular body).
b) it is the same process explained in section (a), but with the exception that the container will rotate it by 180° (or approximately) only the clamping grips, so that the flaps will not be trapped between the grips and where, in addition, only one set of grips or impact and sealing grips or sealing and cutting grips are needed on the machine. The machine is one story.
Fifth: Finally, steps one, two, three and four are going to be followed again.
For the fact of not having to install a system for cutting flaps (or triangular bodies) such as a blade.
For the fact of not having to set up the machine to ensure that the flaps (or triangular bodies) that have been cut are not deposited in the 3D transformer of initial containers of at least two faces.
For the fact of not having to have a worker and container to collect the flaps (or triangular bodies) that have been cut or cauterized.
For the fact that there is no need of any adherent such as for example: contact glue, glue or a piece of sticky tape in order to adhere the flap (or triangular body) to the body of the container.
For the fact of preventing cross contamination of food, because the flaps/triangular bodies or the area that delimits the contour of the strip is not going to be cut, causing no pores or leaks to be generated by the cutting line of the entire flap/triangular body, thus avoiding packaged food inside the containers to come in contact with other elements such as air or humidity.
It is not necessary to use adhesives or contact glues such as glue or a piece of sticky tape in order to keep the flap (or triangular body) or strip folded or next to the body of the container.
Less garbage units are generated and both recycling and garbage collection are simplified, as there is no need to cut one, two, three, four or more flaps or triangular bodies for each container.
Since it is possible to manufacture reliable three-dimensional flexible containers without pores or leaks such as a cube, rectangular prism, cylinder, rhomboid or trapezoidal pyramid, this eliminates the need to use cardboard sheets, thus favoring energy savings on fossil fuels {not having to cut trees, extract pulp or distribute it by road transport}; as well as encouraging the use of elaborated biological plastic materials, for example, from the peeling of potatoes or from olive bones, being able to assume the increase of the price of these biological plastics with the saving in cardboard sheets.
The folding or bending and subsequent sealing system (so that it remains folded or bent over time) of the flap/triangular body, as well as the sealing and cutting of the flap/triangular body to obtain a strip or/and subsequent folding or bending and sealing thereof: guarantees to 100% in both cases, the useful life of the container {since its transformation into 3D, later opening and consumption of the packaged product}: the non-deformation and non-alteration of its three-dimensional configuration, keeping all its visual and commercial aesthetics.
Not as is the case, for example, with flexible containers in which the flaps or triangular bodies, in some cases, have been sealed and cut, or, in other cases, have been adhered (for example, with contact glue) to the body of the container: due to the fact that this system bulges the containers and also because the base face is not kept flat, as well as the fact that also in a percentage of approximately 10% the flaps/triangular bodies are detached of the container by the pressure exerted by the fluid packed inside the container.
By ensuring that in the Production Plant none of the initial containers transformed into 3D are defective, due to three reasons:
By avoiding the problem when during sealing and cutting the flap (or triangular body) a piece or section of a solid packed in the interior, for example, lettuce, chips or cereals stays right in between the two faces of the flap, specifically, in the area where it is going to be sealed. Therefore, the problem is solved by folding the flap at least once over itself and sealing it, since this avoids having to cut the flap/triangular body and because it also allows to make a welding with lower temperature and time.
By avoiding the use of a blade, a more compatible and safe machine is achieved by reducing the risk of accidents, as well as reducing noise pollution.
By preventing pores or cracks from arising (where the fluid may escape or exit) through the sealing line made at the intersection between the flap/triangular body, the strip and the rest of the container, as it allows the sealing of this intersection line: with less intensity in terms of temperature and, also, less time.
By eliminating the need to cut/cauterize the flaps or triangular bodies.
For the fact that any of the containers of the invention can easily and conveniently be opened without the need for scissors, but especially it is based on the fact that the flap/triangular body or strip folded/bent at least once over itself and sealed at least once by the edge (generated by folding or bending the flap at least once over itself) can be torn or detached by pulling them, tearing precisely by this sealed edge.
Using the folding or bending system of the flap or triangular body also facilitates the opening just by the sealing line that is made in the line or area of intersection between the flap and the body/rest of the container, since it allows that this welding line can be made with lower temperature intensity and shorter sealing time, so there is less adhesion or gluing of the sealed plastics: thus facilitating the opening by this sealing line.
The opening of the strip {generated when sealing and cutting the flap or triangular body}, is also very easy and comfortable: because you only have to grab and stretch outwards at least part of the two faces adjacent to the strip, so as to make the container open by the welding line that is around the strip and
The container is more stable because the support face is wider and more consistent, as more support surface is generated in the base because part of the flap (or triangular body), folded/bent at least once over itself, remains flat and in extension, as a wing, of the side face of the container and that, depending on the case, may have smaller or larger surface area and less or greater rigidity, depending on the number and width of the welding lines available to each wing.
Innovative designs that can break into the market very successfully for their simplicity, efficiency, design and ease of consumption.
FIG. 1: shows a detailed view of the elevation of part of the components of a vertical machine that transforms flexible initial containers into 3D containers, where the devices to seal (optional), fold/bend the flap at least once over itself in two parts and, subsequently, seal the folded or bent flap can be appreciated.
The initial container (manufactured by a vertical or horizontal machine for filling liquids or solids, available in the markets for more than 20 years), which in this case is square, double-sided and also inside it has been packed at least a fluid and optionally with solids or without them, is located—in this case—between the clamping grips (3) {activated by means of a drive mode such as for example the clamp cylinder or linear or rotating cylinder} that are grabbing and pressing it (not necessarily) to facilitate the formation of the flap. In the upper part of the initial container there is a triple set {an impact body (6) in the center, and a closing grip (8) to the left and right} of manipulation of the flaps or triangular bodies, where the impact body (6) which is activated has hitsss downwards and towards the inside of the perimeter lateral side of the upper part of the initial container generating two flaps (36a) or triangular bodies (36a) located next to the lateral faces of the impact body.
The side faces of the impact body (6) {in this case is immobile because the initial container is the one that hits or collides against the impact body, in order to generate the flaps. If, on the contrary, it is mobile, it will be activated by means of a mode such as, for example, a linear cylinder (9) or a rotating cylinder}, in this case, they have a cavity (42b) and two welding systems (or sources of heat) fixed inside the impact body (6), which are located above and below (although it could be, for example, only below or also only above) of two parts of the folded flap and, in addition, each of these are activated—in this case—by means of two linear cylinders (9) in vertical position. The two closing grips (8) have, on the one hand, a stylet (46a) {activated, in this case, by two linear cylinders (9)} located in an interior cavity of the side face that precisely makes contact with the flap (36a) when the closing grip (8) is activated and, on the other hand, optionally, has two welding systems (38ae) (or heat source) fixed above and below the stylet (46a) with which the flap will be sealed, in this case, transversely with a rectilinear welding line. Also, the heat source system at the bottom, which is optional, is arranged at that particular height so that the intersection area between the flap and the rest of the container is sealed, in order to give consistency and rigidity to the container; and, additionally, the heat source system of the upper part, which is optional, is arranged at that particular height, for two reasons: First, to give consistency and rigidity to the folding or bending of the flap and, secondly, so that this welding line (38ae), once the flap is folded, coincides just next to the generated edge, so that later on when the edge is sealed the flap can easily be torn.
The stylet (46a), when activated and advancing forward, with the closing grip (8) {in this case, activated by a linear cylinder (9)} next to the impact body (6), will introduce at least part of the flap/triangular body inside the cavity (42b) of the impact body (6), resulting in the folding or bending of the flap/triangular body into two parts.
In the lower part of the drawing, there is a hatch (10) holding the initial two-sided, square flexible container, in which this can be static (if only one or two flaps/triangular bodies are to be generated in the initial container or, on the contrary, the initial container is rotated 180 degrees so that also one or two flaps are generated on the perimeter lateral side of the bottom part) or mobile activated by at least one displacement mode such as for example a linear (9) or rotating cylinder.
In addition, also the impact body (6) of the triple set of grips (6, 8) is immobile because it is not fixed to the rod, for example, of a linear or rotating cylinder that activates it. For this reason, in this case, a means—either manually or otherwise using automated mechanical means such as a robot claw—has been used in order to activate or to reach the perimeter lateral side of the initial container towards/to the impact body (6).
Next, I describe only the differences in the operation and the different elements, devices and parts with respect to the machine of the invention exposed in
The side faces of the impact body (6)—although they can also be fixed in the closing grip (8)—have, in this case, a gate (43b) activated by a rotating cylinder (16) so that it can turn 90 degrees inwards), and also have two welding systems (or heat sources) fixed in the upper part inside the impact body (6), which are located on top (although it could be, for example, only down, or up and down) of the two parts of the folded flap and, in addition, each of these are activated—in this case—by means of two linear cylinders (9) in vertical position.
The two closing grips (8) have, on the one hand, a stylet (46a) {activated, in this case, by two linear cylinders (9)} located in the interior cavity of the side face which, precisely, makes contact with the flap when the closing grip is activated (8) and, on the other hand, optionally, has a welding system (38ae) (or heat source) fixed above the stylet (46a) with which the flap is to be sealed, in this case, transversally with a rectilinear welding line. In addition, this heat source system, which is optional, has been arranged at that specific height for two reasons: First, to give consistency and rigidity to the folding or bending of the flap and, second, so that this welding line (38ae), once the flap is folded, coincides just next to the generated edge, so that, later, after the edge is sealed, the flap can be torn easily.
The operation of the impact body (6) and the closing grips (8), is as follows:
Once the flap or triangular body is generated, the closing grip (8) is activated by crushing the flap to thereby expel the packaged content inside the two faces of the flap and, on the other hand, to seal the flap.
Next, simultaneously or before the stylet (46a) is activated: the gate (43b), in order to open a hole, will rotate 90 degrees inwards into the impact body (6), and the stylet (46a) will advance horizontally forward to thus enter the interior of the impact body (6) and, at the same time, also introduce at least part of the flap in order to fold or bend the flap in two parts over itself.
Immediately after, the stylet (46a) returns to the starting point and, next, the welding system is activated which, in this case, has two differentiated heat sources (39ac, 39ad): in order to seal the generated edge when bending or folding the flap over itself and, also, the area adjacent and parallel to this edge; both welding lines (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, two or more directions, etc.) are separated by the desired distance in millimeters.
Finally, both the welding system (39ac, 39ad) and the closing grip (8) [although the latter can also do so when the stylet (46a) returns to the starting point] will return to the starting point, releasing the container already transformed into 3D.
The stylet (46) diagonally has been designed in this way to optionally enable or fix one more welding system: just in the lower part of the closing grip (8) with which to seal a welding line (38a) in the area or line of intersection between the flap and the container body. Thus, in order to be able to make at least two welding lines (38a, 38ae) prior to bending or folding the flap, which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique/semicircular concave/convex, etc.).
Next, I describe only the differences in the operation and the different elements, devices and parts with respect to the machine of the invention exposed in
The side faces of the impact body (6)—although they can also be fixed in the closing grip (8)—, in order to fold or bend the flap over itself, in this case, have at least one inclined stylet (44) or/and a rotating rod (45) {both can be activated by means of a mode such as a linear cylinder (9) or a rotating cylinder (1)}, and can also optionally have at least one welding system (38bc) (or heat sources) set to the precise height as desired to be able to seal choosing between the following options: the area of intersection between the flap and the body of the container, or/and (the edge generated when folding or bending the flap, or/and, at least once, the area or line adjacent to the edge and, preferably, in parallel).
The closing grips (8), optionally, can also have fixed at least one welding system (38a) (or heat sources) with the same characteristics as those described in the previous paragraph.
Also, this welding system/heat source, which is optional, has been set at that specific height for two reasons: First, to give consistency and rigidity to the folding or bending of the flap and, second, so that this welding line (38ae), once the flap is folded, coincides right next to the generated edge, so that later on when the edge is sealed the flap can easily be torn.
The operation of the impact body (6) and the closing grips (8), is as follows:
Once the flap or triangular body is generated, the closing grip (8) is activated by crushing the flap to thereby expel the packaged content inside the two faces of the flap and, on the other hand, to seal the flap.
Next, simultaneously or before the stylet (46a) is activated, the gate (43b), in order to open a hole, will rotate 90 degrees inwards into the impact body (6), and the stylet (46a) will advance horizontally forward to thus enter the interior of the impact body (6) and, at the same time, also introduce at least part of the flap in order to fold or bend the flap in two parts over itself.
Immediately after, the stylet (46a) returns to the starting point and, next, the welding system is activated which, in this case, has two differentiated heat sources (39ac, 39ad): in order to seal the generated edge when bending or folding the flap over itself and, also, the area adjacent and parallel to this edge; both welding lines (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, two or more directions, etc.) are separated by the desired distance in millimeters.
Finally, both the welding system (39ac, 39ad) and the closing grip (8) [although the latter can also do so when the stylet (46a) returns to the starting point] will return to the starting point, releasing the container already transformed into 3D.
Next, I describe only the differences in the operation and the different elements, devices and parts with respect to the machine of the invention exposed in
This device, in this case, has the shape of a transverse rectilinear welding line (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, two or more directions, semicircular concave/convex, etc.) in the area of intersection between the flap and container body and two vertical rectilinear welding lines (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, two or more directions, etc.), parallel and separated from each other {to the extent that at least the welding line (1) flowing through the longitudinal half of the face of each flap that is making contact with the side faces of the impact body (6) is released} converging and being joined to the transverse welding line forming a 90 degree angle.
The container may have been generated, for example, by another procedure or machine not of the invention that has or has acquired any of the devices of the invention in order to seal, fold over itself and seal the flap/triangular body or, on the contrary, the initial container used to be transformed into 3D, has the shape of a rectangle and, in this case, is of the tube type with two welding lines at the top (1) and below (1), and in addition has been generated only two flaps (or triangular bodies) on one of the perimeter lateral sides of shorter length.
On the left and right side of the underside of the basket container, the flap (or triangular body) has been folded (over itself) towards the bottom face (36b) and, subsequently, the area or parallel and adjacent line has been sealed (separated, in this case, about two millimeters) to the edge (d) {generated when bending or folding the flap over itself} with a rectilinear welding line (2b) [made by the impact body (6)].
In the top of the container no flaps have been generated, so there is only the welding line (1) where the container will be opened.
The initial container used to be transformed into 3D has a square shape and, in this case, is of the pillow type with three welding lines: two parallel {the one above (1) and the one below (1)} and one longitudinal and perpendicular (4) to the previous ones {in the middle of the front face or the rear face}. In addition, four flaps have been generated: two flaps on two of the perimeter lateral sides of shorter length.
On the left and right side of the top face of the cube-shaped container, the flap (or triangular body) has been bent (over itself) towards the side face (36a) and, subsequently, the edge has been sealed (c) {generated when bending or folding the flap over itself} with a rectilinear welding line (2a) [made by the closing grip (8)].
On the left and right side of the bottom face of this cube-shaped container, the flap (or triangular body) has been bent (over itself) towards the bottom face (36b) and, subsequently, the edge has been sealed (c) {generated when bending or folding the flap over itself} with a rectilinear welding line (2b) [made by the impact body (6)].
The initial container used to be transformed into 3D has a rectangular shape and, in this case, is of the pillow type (for example: containers containing chips) with three welding lines: two parallel {the one above (1) and the one below (1)} and one longitudinal and perpendicular (4) to the previous ones (in the middle of the front face or the rear face}. In addition, four flaps have been generated: two flaps on two of the perimeter lateral sides of shorter length.
On the left and right side of the top face of the rectangular Prism container, the following steps have been taken: first, the flap/triangular body (36a) has been sealed with a welding line (2b) [made by the impact body (6), having a welding system fixed on its side face] in the area of intersection between the flap and the body of the container; second, this sealed flap (2b) has been folded (over itself) towards the lateral face, just by a parallel line and separated about 7 millimeters from the welding line (2b); third, the edge (c) {generated when bending or folding the flap over itself} has been sealed with a rectilinear welding line (2b) [made by the impact body (6)].
On the left and right side of the underside of this rectangular Prism container, a strip (37a) has been generated from sealing (2af) a flap (on each side) and, subsequently, each of these strips (37) has been folded (over itself) towards the side face (37a) and, next, the edge has been sealed (2ac) {generated when bending or folding the flap over itself} with a rectilinear welding line (2a) [made by the closing grip (8)].
On the top face, a cover (48) is generated, after tearing the flap along the edge, when the container is opened by the following welding lines (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, oblique, semicircular concave/convex, two or more directions, etc.), on the left and right side two perpendiculars (2) {in the area of intersection between the flap and the body of the container} and one of edge (3).
The container may have been generated by another procedure or machine not of the invention or, on the contrary, may have been generated by a procedure of the invention, in which the initial container used to be transformed into 3D, has a rectangular shape and, in this case, it is of the tube type with two welding lines above (1) and below (1). In addition, three flaps or triangular bodies have been generated: two flaps on the perimeter lateral side of shorter length of the lower part, and one flap on the lateral side of shorter length of the upper part.
On the left side of the top face of this Jug container, the flap (or triangular body) has been folded or bent at least once over itself (at the desired height) towards the side face (36a) and, subsequently, the vertex (c) {generated when bending or folding the flap over itself} has been sealed with a rectilinear welding line (2a) [made by the closing grip (8)].
On the left and right side of the underside of this Jar container, a flap (36) has been generated, which has been sealed—prior to being folded or bent at least once over itself—with a welding line (2a) [made by the closing grip (8), having a welding system fixed on its side face] in the area of intersection between the flap and the body of the container; next, this sealed flap (2a) has been folded or bent at least once over itself, towards the side face of the container, just in the line of intersection between the welding line (2a) and the rest of the flap or triangular body and, finally, the edge (c) {generated when bending or folding the flap over itself} has been sealed with a rectilinear welding line (2a) [made by the closing grip (8)].
The initial container used to be transformed into 3D has rectangular shape in a horizontal position and, in this case, is of the tube type with two welding lines above (1) and below (1), and it has been generated only two flaps or triangular bodies on one of the perimeter lateral sides of longer length. Subsequently, two segments of triangular configuration to the left and right have been sealed and cut to each flap, as well as being sealed (2b/f) with a rectilinear welding line (2) in the area of intersection between the flap and the body of the container: obtaining as a result a Strip (37) which, in this case, is arched because the strip has also been sealed (the whole, ¾ of it or with at least one or two welding lines (they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, semicircular concave/convex, two or more directions, etc.) separated from each other between the two welding lines that flank it on both sides and by at least one face before or after being generated. If it is not sealed, precisely this area remains rectilinear.
Therefore, on the left and right side of the underside of this Basket container, a strip (37) has been generated on each side from a flap.
In the top of the Basket container, a welding line has been made, precisely where the container will be opened.
The initial container used to be transformed into 3D has a rectangular shape in a vertical position and, in this case, is of the pillow type with three welding lines: two parallel {the one above (1) and the one below (1)} and one longitudinal and perpendicular (4) to the previous ones {in the middle of the front face or the rear face}.
In addition, four flaps have been generated: two flaps/triangular bodies on the perimeter lateral side of shorter length of the bottom, and two other flaps on the perimeter lateral side of shorter length of the top and which, subsequently, have been transformed into Strips (37) by sealing (2af) the flap or triangular body.
The strip (37a) from above to the right, in this case, is arched because the strip has also been sealed (the whole, ¾ of it or with at least one or two welding lines separated from each other) between the two welding lines (which can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, semicircular concave/convex, two or more directions, etc.) that flank it on both sides and by at least one side and, on the left, it is in a rectilinear position because it has only been sealed in the flanked area (2a/f) around the strip (37) and not inside; in addition, it also carries the welding line at the intersection of the flap/triangular body (36) and the body of the container (2a).
On the left and right side of the underside of this rectangular Prism container, the flap (or triangular body) has been folded (or bent at least once over itself) towards the side face (36a) of the container and, subsequently, the parallel and adjacent area has been sealed (separated, in this case, by about 4 millimeters to the edge (d) {generated when bending or folding the flap over itself} with a rectilinear welding line (2a/d)) [made by the closing grip (8)].
On the top side, the container is opened by any of the two {(2a/37a), where the packaged product of the interior will be served.
The initial container used to be transformed into 3D has a square shape and, in this case, is of the pillow type with three welding lines: two parallel {the one above (1) and the one below (1)} and one longitudinal and perpendicular (4) to the previous ones {in the middle of the front face or the rear face}. In addition, four flaps or triangular bodies have been generated to the initial container: two flaps/triangular bodies on one of the perimeter lateral sides and two more flaps on the perimeter lateral side parallel to the anterior perimeter lateral side.
On the left and right side of the top face of this cube-shaped container, a strip (37a) has been generated by sealing (2af) a flap or triangular body (on each side) and, subsequently, each of these strips (37) has been folded (over itself) towards the side face (37a) and, next, the edge has been sealed (c) {generated when bending or folding the flap or triangular body over itself} with a rectilinear welding line (2a) [made by the closing grip (8)].
On the left and right side of the top face of the cube-shaped container, the flap or triangular body (36) has been folded (over itself) towards the side face (a) and, subsequently, it has been sealed with two rectilinear welding lines (2a/d) (which can be, for example: diagonal, semicircular concave/convex, two or more directions, etc.) [made by the closing grip (8)] and parallel (separated between them, in this case, about four millimeters), which, in turn, are parallel and contiguous (d) (separated, in this case, by about three millimeters) to the edge generated by bending or folding the flap or triangular body over itself.
On the top side, the container is opened by either of the two welding lines (2af/37a), so that the product packaged inside can be served. Optionally, prior to the opening of this welding line (2af/ 37a), the strip (37a) can be torn at the edge (2ac) to facilitate, later on, the opening of the container by the welding line (2af) of the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and the body of the container.
The initial container that will be transformed into 3D, has a rectangular shape in horizontal and, in this case, is of the pillow type with three welding lines: two parallel (the top one (1) and the bottom one (1)} and one longitudinal and perpendicular (4) to the previous ones {in the middle of the front face or the back face}.
In addition, four flaps have been generated: two flaps on two of the longer side perimeter sides.
On the left and right side of the top face of this rectangular Prism container, a Strip (37), has been generated from a flap (or triangular body) by sealing (2af, 2bf) and cutting around the longitudinal zone, and the middle of the flap/triangular body has been arched because the strip has also been sealed (in the whole, ¾ of it or with at least one or two welding lines separated from each other) between the two welding lines (can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, two or more directions, semicircular concave/convex, saw, etc.) that flank on both sides and on at least one face before or after being generated.
On the left and right side of the underside of the rectangular Prism container, the flap (or triangular body) has been bent (on itself) towards the side face (36b) and, subsequently, the edge has been sealed (c) {generated when bending or folding over the flap} with a rectilinear welding line (2a) [made by the closing jaw (8)].
On the top side, a cover (48) is generated, when the container is opened by the following welding lines: on the left and right side two welding lines (they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, semicircular concave/convex, etc.) perpendicular (2af, 2bf) {in the area of intersection between the flap and the body of the container} and one at the edge (3). Likewise, the cap (48) generated can also be detached completely by pulling it outward, especially if the other parallel edge (3) of the top face has also been sealed.
In addition, optionally, a cap has been adhered or stuck on the top face.
The initial container that will be transformed into 3D, has a rectangular shape and, in this case, is of the tube type with two welding lines above (1) and below (1). In addition, four flaps or triangular bodies have been generated in the initial container: two flaps/triangular bodies on one of the longer side perimeter sides and two other flaps on the side perimeter side of greater length parallel to the previous one.
On the upper left side, the flap or triangular body has not been bent or folded at least once on itself, but it has been sealed with a rectilinear welding line (2a) in the intersection area between the flap and the impact body (6).
On the upper right side, the flap or triangular body has arched towards the side face (it has not been folded or bent at least once on itself) but it does not join with the body of the container, because the plastic of the wrapper is a complex material with a thickness of approximately 30 microns and because it has also been sealed with two rectilinear welding lines (2a) although they can be, for example: diagonal or semicircular concave/convex: one in the area of intersection between the flap and the impact body (6) and the other, parallel and separated from the previous one by at least one or two millimeters. The same result is also obtained, but with less arching: if a welding line of at least 10 millimeters width is made.
On the left side of the underside of this container, the flap or triangular body (36) has been folded at least once on itself {Device A} towards the bottom face (b) and, subsequently, it has been sealed with two rectilinear welding lines (they can be, for example: diagonal, oblique or semicircular concave/convex) and parallel: one (2a/c) [made by the impact body (6)] in the area intersecting between the flap and the body of the container and the other (2b/d) [made by the closing jaw (8)], parallel and contiguous with the edge (c) {generated when bending or folding the flap on itself }, in which both are separated, in this case, by about two millimeters.
On the right side of the underside of this container, first, a flap (36) has been generated that has been sealed—before folding it at least once on itself—with two welding lines (2a) {they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, semicircular concave/convex, two or more directions, saw, etc.} [made by the closing jaw (8), having a welding system fixed in its lateral face]: one in the area of intersection between the flap and the body of the container and the other (2a/d), parallel and contiguous to the previous one in which both are separated, in this case, about two millimeters. Then, this sealed flap (2a) has been folded at least once on itself toward the side of the container, just at the line of intersection between the second line of welding (2a) and the rest of the flap or triangular body and, finally, the edge (c) {generated when bending or folding over the flap} has been sealed with a rectilinear welding line (2b/c) [made by the impact body (6)].
On the left and right side of the underside of this rectangular prism container, the flap (or triangular body) has been folded or bent at least once on itself towards the side face (46a) of the container and, subsequently, the parallel and contiguous zone (separated, in this case, by about 4 millimeters from the edge) has been sealed (d) to the edge (c) {generated when bending or folding over the flap} with a line of rectilinear welding (2a/d) [made by the closing jaw (8)].
First, the flap (36a) of the base has been sealed—before being bent or folded at least once on itself
with two welding lines (2a/36b) {they can be, for example: rectilinear, diagonal, semicircular concave/convex, etc.} [made by the closing jaw (8), having a welding system fixed on its side face]: one in the intersection area (2a) between the flap and the body of the container and, the other (2a/d), parallel and contiguous to the previous one in which both are separated, in this case, about three millimeters.
Then, this sealed flap has been folded once on itself towards the side of the container just at the intersection line between the second weld line (2a/d) and the rest of the flap or triangular body and, finally, the edge {generated by bending or folding over the flap) has been sealed with a rectilinear welding line (2a/c) [made by the impact body (6)].
In the longitudinal perimeter outline and half of this 3D container, the welding line (1) made on the four perimeter sides of the initial container can be seen.
The container is the same as in
The initial container that is going to be transformed into a 3D container, has a rectangular shape and, in this case, is of the tube type with two welding lines above (1) and below (1). In addition, four flaps or triangular bodies (two of them on one of the perimeter sides of shorter length and the other two on the other side of a shorter length parallel to the previous one) have been generated with a semicircular setting because the impact body (6) and the closing jaw (8) can have a configuration in at least the side to be joined: either semi-cylindrical-concave, or semi-cylindrical convex, in such a way that they are to be assembled (to introduce section of one within section of the other) inserted into each other in order to arch the triangular flap/body in a semicircular configuration.
At the top, the two triangular flaps/bodies generated, first, have been sealed-before each being folded or bent at least once on itself-with a welding line {one on the outside (2ag) and , the top back, inside (2bg)} in the intersection area of the flap/triangular body with the body of the container, second, have been folded on themselves towards (outside) the side of the container, third, they have been sealed again with a welding line {the one on the front, wider and on the outside (2acg), and the one on the back, narrower and on the inside (2bcg)} in the area of the edge generated at fold the flap or triangular body over itself.
At the bottom, the two triangular flaps/bodies generated in a semicircular configuration, first, have been folded on themselves towards (inside) the base of the container, second, they have been sealed with a weld line (2beg) on the edge (c) generated by folding the flap or triangular body over itself. Also, once the flaps of the top face are torn by the edges {generated in the intersection area of at least two folded sections of the flap/triangular body}, the welding lines (2a/g/36a, 2b) /g/36b) will open (pulling outward in opposite directions at least section of each face adjacent to these welding lines) generating an opening mouth so as to subsequently detach or separate the cap generated from the top side: when pulling it up.
The initial container that is going to be transformed into 3D, has the shape of a rectangle and, in this case, is of the tube type with two welding lines above (1) and below (1); it only has two flaps (or triangular bodies) on one of the perimeter side edges of shorter length.
On the left side of the underside of the basket container, the flap (or triangular body), first, has been sealed (2b) with a rectilinear welding line (although it can also be, for example: diagonal, oblique or semicircular concave or convex) in the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and the body of the container}, it has been made with a width of about 12 millimeters; second, the flap/triangular body has been folded once on itself towards the base: precisely by the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and the previous welding line made in the area of intersection of the flap/triangular body and container.
Finally, the flap/triangular body folded on itself (by means of a heat source such as a resistance or by ultrasound) has been sealed with two rectilinear welding lines (although it can also be, for example: diagonal, oblique or semicircular) concave or convex), parallel and separated one from the other: an edge welding line (2b/c/36b) and a rectilinear welding line contiguous (2b/d) to the previous one and which, in this case, is located to the middle of the welding line (2b).
On the right side of the underside of the basket container, first, the flap (or triangular body) has been sealed on the outside with two rectilinear welding lines (although they can also be, for example: diagonal, oblique or concave or convex semicircular): one (2a) in the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and the body of the container and, the other (2a/e), parallel and separate from the previous one—in this case—by one or two millimeters; second, the flap/triangular body has been folded once on itself and towards the base: precisely by the intersection area of the flap/triangular body and the previous welding line (2a/e).
Finally, the flap/triangular body folded on itself (by using a heat source such as a resistance or by ultrasound) has been sealed with two rectilinear welding lines (although it can also be, for example: diagonal, oblique or semicircular) concave or convex), parallel and separated one from the other: an edge welding line (c) and a rectilinear welding line (d) which, in this case, is located in the middle of the welding line (2b).
In this case, two broad ledges as eaves on both sides in the lower section of the container has been left, as well as a small section of the triangular flap/body has been folded or bent over the other section of the flap/triangular body: so the container is more stable and the flap/triangular body is even closer to the base, once the welding lines (c) and (d) have been made.
In the top of the container no flaps have been generated, there is only the welding line (1) where the container will be opened.
Therefore, this drawing serves as an example of how in any of the flexible containers in addition to being manipulated the flaps/triangular bodies as expressed in any one of the Procedures or Devices of this invention, they can also be in a same flexible package where, at least, one flap/triangular body can be handled in another way such as for example by sealing (2) or sealing and cutting (2h); although this Procedure is not effective and safe for the preservation of the container or for the product packed inside it.
EXAMPLE (
1—In this case, as an example, we are going to start with a flexible two-sided initial container in tube format {two-sealed square container: the two transverse and parallel ones, above and below} which has inside chips and air/protective atmosphere (this causes that the container is inflated, but not at all), and we are going to transform it into a three-dimensional container with the shape similar to that of a jar (see
The procedure includes the following stages:
The container is placed standing upright on a hatch and between a set of two clamping jaws (3), followed by a sensor mode (optical, infrared, motion, etc.) that detects the initial container: it will give the order to actuate the jaws (3) {operated by a drive mode such as a clamp cylinder or linear cylinder or turn} to grip and block (exerting pressure but with cushioning allowing the container to inflate at the time of generating the flaps) the initial container, in which they will also maintain a constant but cushioned pressure (to allow the container to inflate when it becomes a three-dimensional geometric body) each of these two clamping jaws (3) on the faces of larger size of the initial container.
The hatch (10) which is optional, driven by a linear or rotating cylinder: is separated from the machine and, immediately, two are activated (one for each lateral side perimeter of the square container to be transformed in 3D) impact bodies (6) {which can be chosen, for example, from the following options: a double set (one impact body and a closing jaw, for each corner of the initial container), triple (one impact body and two closing jaws) to the sides, for each lateral side perimeter of the initial container) or quadruple (two impact bodies connected by a clamp cylinder and two clamping jaws on the sides) by means of a displacement mode such as a linear or rotating cylinder {also, in this case, the impact bodies are to be positioned in parallel (one above and the other below two parallel perimeter lateral sides of an initial square container with four corners)}, in order to collide each of the two impact bodies, in this case, in the middle of one of the perimeter lateral sides of the initial container): generating, on one hand, four flaps (triangular bodies) located each one of them at the ends of the lateral sides perimeter as well as parallel to one of the side faces of the impact body (two flaps for each body of impact) and, on the other hand, the initial packaging will acquire the intended shape of a three-dimensional geometric body, in which the clamping jaws (3) have been opened but keeping the pressure on the container, in order to allow the container to inflate (or redistribute the volumetrics in 3D) and also, at the same time, keep holding or/and locking the container already transformed into 3D and that, in this case, at the moment, has a cube shape because four flaps have been generated.
Then, four closing jaws (8) [one for each flap or triangular body] are operated by a displacement mode such as, for example, a linear or rotating cylinder, in which they are also positioned or located in parallel to the side faces of the impact body (6): in order to come into contact with the flaps generated and join the side faces of the impact body (6), and at the same time fixing/blocking the flap and eject the content packaged inside such as for example liquid/pasty or/and air/gas, since these are crushed when caught between the impact body and the closing jaw.
Immediately afterwards the flaps or triangular bodies will be manipulated.
In the explanation of this stage, as an example, we will take as reference
As follows: (see the devices of
The two flaps or triangular bodies generated on the face or the bottom of the container, on the left and right.
First, in this particular case, (38a, 38b, 38ac, 38bc, 38ae, 38be) will be sealed at the height you want with at least one rectilinear welding line (although it could be, for example, diagonal or semicircular) by means of at least one mode of welding system or heat source (38a, 38ae), which may be fixed on the side face of the closing jaw (8) or/and of the impact body (6). Therefore, it can be positioned: in the zone or line (39a) of intersection between the flap/triangular body and the body/rest of the container, below the stylus, or/and, in the area or line above the stylus.
Also, the welding line that may or may not be made before folding the flap will facilitate, especially in the case of the device [c]—that precisely the flap is folded or bent over this welding line (38a) or just the area of intersection between the last welding line (38a) and the rest of the flap or triangular body, as well as to facilitate the tearing of the flap or triangular body by the edge generated by bending or folding the flap over itself, mainly because it has been sealed twice: the first, with the welding line (38a) before folding or folding the flap and, the second, with the line of welding of the edge (38bc) made after bending or folding the flap or triangular body.
Any of the welding lines (Example:
Second, each flap will fold or fold over itself at least once [
Next, three different ways of folding or folding the flap (36) or triangular body (36) are exposed.
Once made, in this case, the first seal (38ae) of the flap/triangular body (could also not have been made) and the closing jaw (8) is positioned next to the impact body (6), at least one stylus (46a) {driven by a displacement mode like that of a linear cylinder (9) and which in this case is also fixed inside the closing jaw (8)} is going to advance forward the distance that is so as to be inserted into the cavity (42b) and, at the same time, also introduce into the cavity a section of the flap or triangular body: obtaining the folding or bending at least once on itself of at least a section of at least two sections of at least one flap/triangular body (or at least one section of at least two sections of at least one flap or triangular body).
Next, the stylus (46a) returns to the starting position and, immediately, at least one welding system or heat source is activated (driven by a displacement mode such as that of a linear cylinder (9) or rotating and that, in this case, are fixed inside the impact body (6) above and below the folded flap}, but this case two will be fixed: the one above (39ad), positioned more outwardly, will seal at least section (preferably, in the entire transverse area of the flap/triangular body) of a rectilinear welding line (although it could be, for example, semicircular, diagonal or oblique) and, preferably, parallel [although they could be one or more perpendiculars, and at the desired distance) to the edge generated when the flap (or triangular body) has been folded and the bottom one (39bc), which, being positioned more inwards, will seal at least section (preferably, in the entire transversal area of the flap/triangular body) of a rectilinear welding line (although it could be, for example, semicircular, diagonal or oblique) just on the edge generated when bending or folding on itself the flap or triangular body, or it can also be on the same edge (c) and in turn on at least section of the area or line contiguous to the edge (c).
Once a first seal is made (38a) of the flap/triangular body (could also not have been made) and with the closing jaw (8) positioned next to the impact body (6), simultaneously—or first the gate—they will be activated: at least one gate (43b) that will be opened (operated by means of a displacement mode such as, for example, a linear cylinder (9) or a rotating cylinder (16)), and can also be fixed both inside as on the outside of the impact body or/and the closing jaw (6)} and at least one stylus (46a) {operated by a displacement mode like that of a linear cylinder (9), and furthermore it can be fixed inside both the closing jaw (8) and the impact body (6)}, in this case, in horizontal position (46a
Then, the stylus (46a) returns to the starting position and, immediately, at least one welding system or heat source is activated [
Once made, at least a first seal (2a, 38a) of the triangular flap/body (may also not have been made) in at least section of the transverse or intersecting zone or line between the flap and the container body, and the closing jaw (8) being positioned next to the impact body (6): the closing jaw (8) will return to the starting point in order to free space so that the flap can be folded.
Then, immediately, the triangular flap/body that remains upright next to the side face of the impact body (6), will be displaced downward, to make the flap fold in at least two sections, by a push mode such as for example: that of a rotating rod (45b) that is to rotate (16) downward and toward the side of the flap, preferably 180 degrees; or that of an inclined stylus (44b): which will move from top to bottom, preferably at an angle of 60 degrees. Both are driven by means of a displacement mode, such as, for example, that of at least one linear cylinder (9) or one of rotation (16).
Likewise, the welding line (2a) that is made before folding the flap will facilitate the flap to be folded or bent above just this welding line (38a) or just the area intersecting between the last welding line (38a) and the rest of the flap or triangular body, as well as later facilitate the tearing of the flap or triangular body by the edge generated by bending or folding on itself the flap, due mainly to that it has been sealed twice: first, with the welding line (38a) before folding or folding the flap and, second, with the welding line of the edge (38bc) made after folding or folded the flap or triangular body.
Once the flap/triangular body is folded, again the closing jaw (8) will move forward until it makes contact with the flap and joins the impact body (6): to seal (38a) the folded flap, on one or both of its sides (a, b), by at least one section of at least one rectilinear welding line (can also be, for example, semicircular, diagonal or oblique) in at least one section of the flap folded, preferably, in the entire transverse area and also in the entire area or line of the edge (38bc), or/and, in the area or line contiguous with the edge (38a) with a rectilinear welding line (although it could be, for example, semicircular, diagonal or oblique) and, preferably, parallel (although they could be at least one or many more perpendicular welding lines) and at the desired distance.
In the case of the revolving rod (45): once rotated (16) down 180 degrees to fold the flap can either return to the starting point by rotating (16) up 180 degrees, or, remain positioned at the bottom (having rotated 180 degrees) during the process of sealing the flap/triangular body that is folded or folded at least once on itself in at least two sections, in order to facilitate sealing, but that once the sealing is finished and the closing jaw (8) has returned to the starting point: the rotating rod (45) will return to the starting point when climbing 180 degrees.
In the case, of the inclined Stylus (44): it can be inserted inwardly, before the closing jaw (8) is actuated to join the flap and the impact body (6); or else, it can be put inside the impact body (6) inside-in this case-of the impact body (6), in a synchronized and at the same time, just as it moves forward {until making contact with the flap and the impact body (6)} the closing jaw (8) with which the triangular flap/body that has been folded or folded at least once is to be sealed at least once.
One of the flaps or triangular bodies generated on the face or top of the container, being able to choose the one on the left or the right.
First, in this particular case, it will not be sealed (39a, 39b, 39ac, 39bc, 39ad, 39bd, 39ae, 39be) with no welding line (rectilinear, diagonal, semicircular, etc.) prior to folding or bending of the flap or triangular body.
Second, the flap on the left or on the right is going to fold or fold at least once on itself [
With the closing jaw (8) positioned next to the impact body (6), at least one stylus (46a) {operated by a displacement mode like that of a linear cylinder (9) and that, in this case, is fixed inside the closing jaw (8)} is going to move forward the distance that is wanted in order to enter inside the cavity (42b) and, at the same time, introduced towards the cavity at least section of the flap (or triangular body) to fold or bend over itself two sections.
Afterwards, the stylus (46a) returns to the starting position and, immediately, at least one welding system or heat source is activated (driven by a displacement mode such as that of a linear cylinder (9) or and in addition, in this case, it is fixed inside the impact body (6) above (39ad) of the folded flap}, which will be positioned just above the edge (c) generated when bending or folding over itself the triangular flap/body, in such a way that it will seal at least section (preferably, in the entire transverse area of the flap/triangular body) of a rectilinear welding line (although it could be, for example, semicircular , diagonal or oblique) on the same edge (generated when the flap is folded or folded), or it can also be on the same edge (c) and in turn on at least section of the area or line contiguous with the edge (d).
With the closing jaw (8) positioned next to the impact body (6), all the content (air/gas or/and liquid/pasty) packaged inside the flap/triangular body (36) has been ejected, that there is a mobile gate (43) on the side face of the impact body (6) that is in the closed position.
Immediately afterwards, or simultaneously, the gate (43b) will open (operated by a displacement mode such as, for example, a linear cylinder (9) or a rotating cylinder (16)), and it can also be fixed both inside as on the outside of the impact body or/and of the closing jaw (6)} moving, in this case, 90 degrees of backward rotation, for at least one stylus (46a) {operated by a displacement like that of a linear cylinder (9)} which in this case is also fixed inside the lateral face of the closing jaw (8): it will advance forward the desired distance so as to be introduced inside the cavity (42b) and, at the same time, also introduce into the cavity at least one section of two folded sections of the flap/triangular body (36).
Then, the stylus (46a) returns to the initial position and, immediately, at least one welding system or heat source is activated (driven by a displacement mode such as that of a linear cylinder (9) or turn and that, in this case, is fixed above (39ad) the interior of the cavity of the impact body (6) of the flap folded or folded on itself}, which will be positioned above the edge (c) generated by folding over the flap/triangular body (36), in such a way that it will seal at least section (preferably, the entire transverse area of the flap/triangular body) of a rectilinear welding line (it can be, for example: semicircular, diagonal or oblique) on the same edge (c), although it can also be sealed, in turn, on at least section of the area or line contiguous with the edge (c). Finally, once the container has been transformed into 3D: the gate (43b) will close when turning upwards to the right 90 degrees.
In this case, because the flap (or triangular body) is not going to be sealed prior to being bent (
Here are described the steps that this procedure comprises from generating the flap: In the first stage, the flap that is located next to and on the side of the impact body (6): will be blocked or grabbed (at the height desired by at least one Hook or Pin {powered by a displacement mode, such as, for example, the one of at least one linear cylinder (9) or of a rotation cylinder in the zone or line of the flap/triangular body that is desired, preferably, above the line of intersection between the flap and the body of the container.
In the second stage, the flap/triangular body will be displaced downwards, so as to cause the flap to fold in at least two sections, by a push mode such as: a rotating rod (45b) which is to rotate (16) downward and to the side of the flap, preferably 180 degrees; or an inclined stylus (44b) to be moved from top to bottom, preferably at an angle of 60 degrees. Both are operated by means of a displacement mode, such as, for example, that of at least one linear cylinder (9) or one of rotation (16).
In the Third stage, once the flap/triangular body is folded: one or more Hooks or Pins are going to return to the initial point, in order to allow the closing jaw (8) to join the impact body (6), as well as crush the lapel that is in between.
In the fourth stage, the closing jaw (8) will advance forward, until it makes contact with the flap and joins the impact body (6): in order to seal (38a) the folded flap, one or both of the sides (a, b), by means of at least a portion of at least one rectilinear welding line (may also be, for example, semicircular, diagonal or oblique) in at least section of the folded flap, preferably in the entire cross-sectional area and also in the entire area or line of the edge (38bc), or/and, in the area or line contiguous with the edge (38a) with a rectilinear welding line (although it could be example, semicircular, diagonal or oblique) and, preferably, parallel (although they could be at least one or many more perpendicular welding lines) and the desired distance.
In the particular case of
In the case, of the rotating rod (45): once rotated (16) down 180 degrees to fold on itself the flap can, or return to the starting point by rotating (16) upwards 180 degrees, or, remain positioned in the lower section (having rotated 180 degrees) during the process of sealing the flap/triangular body that is folded or folded at least once on itself in at least two sections, in order to facilitate the sealed, but once the sealing is completed and the closing jaw (8) has returned to the starting point: the rotating rod (45) will return to the starting point when climbing 180 degrees.
In the case, of the inclined Stylus(44): it can be inserted inwardly before the closing jaw (8) is actuated to join the flap and the impact body (6); or else, it can be inserted into the impact body (6), in a synchronized manner and at the same time, just as it moves forward (until it makes contact with the flap and the impact body (6)} the closing clamp (8) with which the triangular flap/body that has been folded at least once will be sealed at least once.
In the fifth stage, once the manipulation of all the triangular flaps/bodies has been completed which, in this case, are three (it could have been only one): the closing jaws (8) and the impact body (6) [also they can do it at the same time the clamping jaws (3), or if not later] they will return or move to the starting point (or start) releasing the container, in order to allow the folded flap (or triangular body) to be placed (adhere without adhesives) continuously over time: together some of the adjacent sides of the flap or triangular body, in which letter [a] expresses the face that is on the side(s) of the container already transformed into 3D and, letter [b], expresses the face that is up or down (supporting face) of the container already transformed in 3D.
On the other hand, the cylinder(s) (for example: a clamp cylinder or linear or rotating cylinders) that drive the clamping jaws (3) {since there may be one, two, three or more of four clamps (3) or sets of clamping jaws (3)} can, in turn, be fixed to one or more rotating or linear cylinders: in order to be able to move the 3D transformed container sideways, as well as finally be able to deposit the container, for example, on a transformer belt that is located next to the transformer of initial packaging in 3D containers.
2—Once at least one flap (or triangular body) has been generated next to the impact body (6), and this is positioned (alone) and parallel to the side face of the impact body (6); the following steps are given:
First Step: the closing jaw (8) is operated by a displacement mode such as, for example, a linear or rotating cylinder, in which, in addition, these are positioned or located parallel to the sides of the impact body (6): in order to come into contact with the generated flap (which is located in the middle) and join the side faces of the impact body (6), and at the same time to fix/block the flap and eject the contents packaged inside such as for example liquid/pasty or/and air/gas, since these are crushed when caught between the impact body and the closing jaw.
Second Step: Instantly, the flap or triangular body (5) is going to be sealed (2af, 2bf), for example, with a resistance (40a, 40b) or ultrasounds and then cut with a blade (41a, 41b); in which in addition any of them may be fixed on the side face of the impact body (6) or/and on the lateral face of the closing jaw (8).
So that a strip (37) is obtained in this way, because the triangular flap/body is to be sealed and cut, mainly, with a rectilinear welding line (although it can be, for example, diagonal or semicircular) crosswise in the area of intersection between the flap and the body of the container and, also, two vertical rectilinear welding lines (although it may be, for example, diagonal or semicircular), parallel and separated from each other as far as possible, at least, just the weld line (1) that runs along the longitudinal half and on one of the faces of the flap or triangular body} that converge and are joined to the transversal welding line forming a 90 degree angle .
Any of the welding lines (Example:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| P201531164 | Aug 2015 | ES | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/ES2016/000085 | 8/4/2016 | WO | 00 |
