Title:
BAG FOLDING METHOD AND APPARATUS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2000/067971
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for folding a filled bag by automated means. The method including the steps of: holding a foldable portion of the bag defined by an upper, unfilled portion of the bag and having a first edge defined by the top of the bag and a second edge adjacent the bag contents; adjusting the position of folding means (4) to define a fold line between the first and second edges which results in the first edge after folding, being substantially adjacent the second edge; and, folding the foldable portion intermediate the first and second edges, to form the fold line, by feeding the foldable portion of the bag through the folding means (4).
Inventors:
GROGAN JAMES LANGLEY (NZ)
GROSS DAVID RICHARD (NZ)
Application Number:
PCT/NZ2000/000069
Publication Date:
November 16, 2000
Filing Date:
May 08, 2000
Assignee:
ASHTON GROUP LTD (NZ)
GROGAN JAMES LANGLEY (NZ)
GROSS DAVID RICHARD (NZ)
International Classes:
B65B7/08; (IPC1-7): B27M/
Foreign References:
| GB2219269A | 1989-12-06 | | | |
| EP0768242A1 | 1997-04-16 | | | |
| US5271206A | 1993-12-21 | | | |
| DE4127485A1 | 1993-02-25 | | | |
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Hawkins, Michael Howard (NCR Building 342 Lambton Quay, Wellington, NZ)
Claims:
CLAIMS
| 1. |
A method of folding a filled bag, by automated means, said method including the steps of: holding a foldable portion of the bag defined by an upper, unfilled portion of the bag and having a first edge defined by the top of the bag and a second edge adjacent the bag contents; adjusting the position of folding means to define a fold line between the first and second edges which results in the first edge, after folding, being substantially adjacent the second edge; and folding the foldable portion intermediate the first and second edges, to form the fold line, by feeding the foldable portion of the bag through the folding means. |
| 2. |
The method according to claim 1 further including the step of closing the upper, unfilled portion of the bag to form the foldable portion. |
| 3. |
The method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the foldable portion already includes a first fold. |
| 4. |
The method according to any one of the proceeding claims further including the step of flattening the foldable portion prior to folding. |
| 5. |
The method according to any one of the proceeding claims further including the step of securing the folded position. |
| 6. |
The method according to claim 5 wherein the step of securing the folded portion is by adhesion. |
| 7. |
A bag folding apparatus adapted to fold a top portion of a filled bag on conveying means, the apparatus including: holding means adapted to hold a foldable portion of the bag defined by an upper, unfilled portion of the bag and having a first edge formed by the top of the bag and a second edge adjacent the bag contents; feeding means to feed the foldable portion of the bag through folding means; folding means to fold the foldable portion at a fold line intermediate the first and second edges; and adjustment means adapted to enable adjustment of the position of the fold line in relation to the bottom edge. |
| 8. |
The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the holding means is further adapted to close the upper unfilled portion of the bag to form the foldable portion. |
| 9. |
The apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the holding means includes rollers which flatten the foldable portion prior to folding. |
| 10. |
The apparatus according to any one of claims 7,8 or 9, wherein the holding means is adapted to hold a foldable portion of the bag which already includes a first fold. |
| 11. |
The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the apparatus further includes fold securing means. |
| 12. |
The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein folding means includes a first foldover guide adapted to fold the foldable portion, along the fold line, through substantially 90°, and a second foldover guide adapted to fold this folded portion from substantially 90° to substantially 180°. |
| 13. |
The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the second foldover guide is adjustable between an engaged configuration adapted to complete the fold and a disengaged configuration adapted to enable release of a bag from the folding means. |
| 14. |
The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 13 wherein the apparatus further includes release means adapted to disengage the holding means and/or feeding means from a bag. |
| 15. |
A bag folding apparatus adapted to fold a top portion of a filled bag on a conveying means, the apparatus including: holding means holding means adapted to hold a foldable portion of the bag defined by an upper, unfilled portion of the bag and having a first edge formed by the top of the bag and a second edge adjacent the bag contents; feeding means to feed the foldable portion of the bag through folding means; folding means to fold the foldable portion at a fold line intermediate the first and second edges; securing means to secure the fold of the foldable portion; and adjustment means adapted to enable adjustment of the position of the fold line in relation to the bottom edge. |
| 16. |
A bag folding apparatus substantially as herein described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. |
| 17. |
A method of folding apparatus substantially as herein described and with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. |
Description:
INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No. PCT/NZOO/00069 Box I Observations where certain claims were found unsearchable (Continuation of item 2 of first sheet) This international search report has not been established in respect of certain claims under Article 17 (2) (a) for the following reasons: 1. ClaimsNos: because they relate to subject matter not required to be searched by this Authority, namely: 2. 03 Claims Nos: 16 and 17 because they relate to parts of the international application that do not comply with the prescribed requirements to such an extent that no meaningful international search can be carried out, specifically : They rely on references to the description or drawings which do not comply with PCT Rule 6.2 (a). 3Claims Nos : because they are dependent claims and are not drafted in accordance with the second and third sentences of Rule 6. Ka) Box II Observations where unity of invention is lacking (Continuation of item 3 of first sheet) This International Searching Authority found multiple inventions in this international application, as follows: As all required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant, this international search report covers all searchable claims As all searchable claims could be searched without effort justifying an additional fee, this Authority did not invite payment of any additional fee. As only some of the required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant, this international search report covers only those claims for which fees were paid, specifically claims Nos.: No required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant. Consequently, this international search report is restricted to the invention first mentioned in the claims; it is covered by claims Nos.: Remark on Protest The additional search fees were accompanied by the applicant's protest. No protest accompanied the payment of additional search fees. INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No. Information on patent family members PCT/NZOO/00069 This Annex lists the known"A"publication level patent family members relating to the patent documents cited in the above-mentioned international search report. The Australian Patent Office is in no way liable for these particulars which are merely given for the purpose of information. Patent Document Cited in Search Patent Family Member Report GB2219269 FR2632606 EP768242DE19538164 US5271206 BR9202571 EP523394 ES2081522 DE4131810 DE4127485 EP538565 END OF ANNEX
