System for enclosing an object in a packaging structure

A method of enclosing an article comprising the steps of:

• (a) coupling a bundle of flexible packaging structures connected to a common header with a platform,
• each of said packaging structures including first and second opposed ends, said packaging structures being configured as a bag presenting an open end adjacent said first end and having a pouch defined therein with an opening adjacent said second end,
• said platform presenting front and rear, opposed sides with a platform surface therebetween, and including a pair of upstanding tines coupled adjacent said rear side, there being an open space adjacent said front side presenting an open area therebeneath,
• said bundle including joining means for joining said first ends of said structures, and including apertures defined therethrough in registration with said tines for receiving said tines,
• step (a) further including the step of receiving said tines through said apertures for coupling said bundle with said platform;
• (b) extending said bundle from said rear side, under said platform surface, around said front side and onto said platform surface with said openings above said platform surface,
• (c) selecting the topmost of said packaging structures as a selected structure;
• (d) inserting an article into said pouch of said selected structure;
• (e) positioning a sealing device forward of said front side with said open space therebetween and using said sealing device for sealing said opening of said selected structure thereby enclosing the article in said pouch of said selected structure;
• (f) releasing said selected structure to permit passage of the pouch through said open space for suspending said selected structure under said header;
• and
• (g) repeating steps (c), (d) and (e) for all of said structures.

A method for enclosing an article comprising the steps of:

• (a) coupling a plurality of flexible packaging structures with a platform,
• each of said packaging structures including first and second opposed ends, said packaging structures being configured as a bag presenting an open end adjacent said first end and having a pouch defined therein with an opening adjacent said second end,
• said platform presenting front and rear, opposed sides with a platform surface therebetween, and including means for coupling said bags at the first ends thereof to the rear side of said platform, there being an open space adjacent said front side presenting an open area therebetween,
• (b) extending said plurality of packaging structures from said rear side under said platform, through said open space and onto said platform surface, and folding said plurality of packaging structures to orient said second end toward said rear side;
• (c) selecting the topmost of said packaging structures as a selected structure;
• (d) inserting an article into said pouch of said selected structure;
• (e) positioning a sealing device forward of said front side with said open space therebetween and using said sealing device for sealing said opening of said selected structure thereby enclosing the article in said pouch of said selected structure;
• (f) releasing said selected structure to permit passage of said pouch through said open space;
• and
• (g) repeating steps (c) , (d) and (e) for all of said structures.

An apparatus for enclosing an article in a packaging structure presenting first and second, opposed ends and having a pouch defined therein with an opening for receiving an article, said apparatus comprising:

• a platform presenting front and rear, opposed sides with a platform surface therebetween;
• sealing means for sealing a packaging structure;
• and
• framework means for positioning said sealing means forwardly of said front side with an open space between said sealing means and said front side and for positioning said platform surface with an open area thereunder,
• said platform including coupling means for coupling the packaging structure adjacent the first end thereof with said platform adjacent said rear side,
• said platform and framework cooperatively presenting means for supporting the packaging structure extending from said rear side, under said platform surface through said open area, around said front side through said open space and onto said platform surface with the pouch opening supported above a support surface, for allowing insertion of an article into the pouch through the opening while supported above said support surface, and thereafter, for positioning the pouch opening for sealing thereof by said sealing means thereby enclosing the article.