Apparatus and methods for non-contact adhesive dispensing to manufacture bags

A method of forming a bag, comprising:

• dispensing an elongate first sheet from a roll;
• feeding the first sheet through a bag forming machine;
• applying hot melt adhesive from a dispenser to selected portions of the first sheet without contacting the first sheet with the dispenser;
• folding the first sheet to contact another portion of the first sheet with the hot melt adhesive;
• whereby a tube is formed by folding opposite side edges of the first sheet to overlap one another such that the overlapping side edges are bonded together by the adhesive without being bonded to other portions of the first sheet;
• feeding a second sheet material through the bag forming machine;
• wherein the hot melt adhesive is applied to a side surface of at least one of the first or second sheets;
• and
• directing the first and second sheets together for confronting contact such that respective side surfaces are joined together with the hot melt adhesive disposed therebetween;
• applying hot melt adhesive from a dispenser along a first side edge of the joined first and second sheets without contacting the sheets with the dispenser, wherein the first sheet is in the form of a tubular web;
• and
• folding the joined first and second sheets such that the first side edge and a second, oppositely disposed side edge overlap one another and the hot melt adhesive applied along the first side edge joins the first and second side edges to form a tube surrounding the tubular web formed by the first sheet.