Method for making a semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs
AssigneeFrito-Lay North America, Inc.
InventorPatrick Joseph Bierschenk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs, and method for manufacturing same, constructed from a gusseted bag. The invention provides for modifying a gusseted bag, heat sealing the gussets to their respective side walls, loading said gusseted bag with product, and then sealing the open end of the gusseted bag with a single sheet or web. The method of making this package is economical yet provides for a semi-rigid container ideal for use with single-serve pillow bags.
Claims9
A method for making a semi-rigid flexible film pack from a gusseted bag, said gusseted bag having an open end and five integral and intersecting walls consisting of a closed end wall and four side walls, two of which side walls are associated with a proximate gusset, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) cutting a slit at the intersection of each side wall of the gusseted bag, said slit starting at the open end of the gusseted bag to a defined distance towards the closed end, thus forming thereby four flanges at the open end of the gusseted bag;
- b) placing said gusseted bag over a rectangular male mandrel;
- c) heat sealing the gussets to their respective proximate side walls;
- d) placing said gusseted bag within a rectangular female mandrel, wherein further said female mandrel holds said flanges in a relatively perpendicular orientation to the side walls with which they are contiguous;
- e) loading said gusseted bag with a product;
- and
- f) sealing said open end of said gusseted bag with a sheet which mates with said flanges.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.