Vertical form, fill and seal packaging system

A method of vertically, forming, and sealing packages, comprising:

• feeding film;
• imparting at least one pleat to the film;
• attaching a closure to the film and forming a notch in the closure;
• measuring a length of the film after the pleat has been imparted;
• providing the measured film to a forming tube and imparting a vertical seal to the film, thereby forming a film tube;
• and
• applying a series of horizontal seals, thereby forming packages.

A vertical, form, fill and seal packaging machine, comprising:

• means for feeding film;
• means for imparting at least one pleat to the film;
• means for attaching a closure to the film and forming a notch in the closure, disposed to receive the film from the means for imparting;
• means for measuring a length of the film after the pleat has been imparted;
• means for forming a film tube and for feeding the film tube vertically downward, disposed to receive film from the means for measuring;
• and
• sealing means for receiving the film tube from the forming means and for sealing the film tube, thereby forming packages.

A vertical, form, fill and seal packaging machine, comprising:

• means for feeding film;
• means for imparting at least one pleat to the film;
• means for attaching a closure to the film and forming a notch in the closure, disposed to receive the film from the means for imparting;
• means for driving the film after the pleat has been imparted;
• means for forming a film tube and for feeding the film tube vertically downward, disposed to receive film from the means for driving.