Process and apparatus for applying rigidity strips to a foil web

Apparatus for making a foil web for use in producing packages, comprising:

• transport means for transporting a sealable foil web in sequential transport steps in a web transport direction,
• loop forming means for forming v-shaped loops in the foil web at predetermined foil sections spaced from one another in the web transport direction,
• sealing means for sealing sides of the v-shaped loops to one another to form rigidity strips which extend collar-like from the web transversely to the web transport direction, and
• auxiliary loop forming means for forming controlled auxiliary loops in each foil section in which a v-shaped loop is formed, said auxiliary loops serving to accommodate for different lengths of the respective foil sections.

Apparatus for performing a process for making a foil web for use in producing packages by transporting a sealable foil web in sequential transport steps in a web transport direction, forming v-shaped loops in the foil web at predetermined foil sections spaced from one another in the web transport direction, sealing sides of the v-shaped loops to one another to form rigidity strips which extend collar-like from the web transversely to the web transport direction, and forming controlled auxiliary loops in each foil section in which a v-shaped loop is formed, the apparatus comprising:

• a joint folding knife which forms the v-shaped loops,
• two nipping jaw pairs arranged at the folding knife and clamping the foil web directly upstream and directly downstream of a respective one of the v-shaped loops,
• a pressing device which presses the sides of the loops toward one another,
• a heating device arranged at the pressing device, and
• a transport roller arranged at the folding knife and driven in sequences,
• wherein the transport roller is a drum having a diameter and comprising devices along its circumference for forming a plurality of v-shaped loops and auxiliary loops, said auxiliary loops serving to accommodate for different lengths of the respective foil sections.