Web packaging system with ergonomic tooling change

A method for servicing packaging apparatus packaging a product between upper and lower webs, and having a web transport conveyor transporting said lower web from upstream to downstream through a series of stations receiving the product in a lower web package at a loading station, and closing the package with the upper web at a closing station, and including a forming station upstream of said loading station, and forming a downwardly depending product cavity pocket in said lower web into which said product is loaded, said forming station including a forming tooling die box supported on a base plate, said base plate being moveable between a first position in which said forming tooling die box engages said lower web and forms said lower web into a product cavity pocket, and a second position in which said forming tooling die box is moved away from said lower web, said forming tooling die box having a first position supported on said base plate in said first position of said base plate, said forming tooling die box having a second position supported on said base plate in said second position of said base plate, said method comprising the steps of:

• changing tooling by removing said forming tooling die box from said base plate along a direction different than said movement of said base plate between said first and second positions;
• removing said forming tooling die box from said base plate along a direction transverse to said movement of said base plate between said first and second positions;
• moving said forming tooling die box along said transverse direction to a third position removed from and laterally adjacent said base plate, wherein:
• said web transport conveyor transports said lower web from upstream to downstream along a horizontal transport direction, and
• said base plate moves along a vertical forming direction between an upwardly raised said first position, and a downwardly lowered said second position;
• moving said forming tooling die box along a lateral horizontal side-extraction direction to said third position;
• wherein said transport direction, said forming direction, and said side-extraction direction are orthogonal to each other;
• providing a guide track assembly at said forming station extending laterally of said base plate;
• removing said forming tooling die box from said base plate by sliding said forming tooling die box laterally along said side-extraction direction along said laterally extending guide track assembly to said third position;
• and
• moving said guide track assembly between a first retracted position and a second extended position, said guide track assembly in said extended position extending laterally of said base plate and supporting said forming tooling die box during said movement thereof along said side-extraction direction to said third position.