Abstract: The present invention was directed to an expandable package which facilitates packaging of compressible articles, such as sanitary products, disposable diapers and the like. The expandable package includes an outer bag body, and at least one inner expansion element, which is maintained in a folded condition so that articles within the package are maintained in a compressed state. The package includes at least one preferentially weakened area in the outer bag body, which when opened, permits the inner expansion elements to unfold, thus facilitating convenient separation and removal of individual articles from within the package by consumers.

Abstract: A method of forming a bag with at least one gusset on one side including the steps of (a) forming a bag blank having a front panel and a back panel connectable along opposite sides, (b) forming a gusset along one side of one of the front and back panels, the gusset comprising first and second gusset panels inwardly V-folded, which gusset panels have a removable gusset portion at a selected position on the one side, (c) adhesively adhering one side of a patch to one of the gusset panels to a location adjacent the removable gusset portion, the patch having a second adhesive on portions extending beyond the one gusset panel location to the removable gusset portion and beyond the V-fold, and (d) removing the removable gusset portion from the gusset.

Abstract: A method of forming a bag with at least one gusset on one side including the steps of (a) forming a bag blank having a front panel and a back panel connectable along opposite sides, (b) forming a gusset along one side of one of the front and back panels, the gusset comprising first and second gusset panels inwardly V-folded, which gusset panels have a removable gusset portion at a selected position on the one side, (c) adhesively adhering one side of a patch to one of the gusset panels to a location adjacent the removable gusset portion, the patch having a second adhesive on portions extending beyond the one gusset panel location to the removable gusset portion and beyond the V-fold, and (d) removing the removable gusset portion from the gusset.

Abstract: A system for inspecting individual bags during stacking facilitates defect-free stacking of the bags for subsequent use with automated filling equipment. The present system includes a camera inspection system which is operated to inspect a predetermined portion of each bag, such as a header portion thereof, preferably in conjunction with stacking of each bag on an associated wicket. The present system is particularly suited for identifying bags having a folded corner and/or determining that only one of a pair of holes of a hag has been placed on the associated wicket.

Abstract: A block of bags for a product filling process includes a plurality of bags stacked in overlying relationship. Each bag of the block has a top edge, a bag mouth and opposite first and second side edges. First and second weakened segments extend from adjacent edge points on respective opposite lateral edges of the bag. A central line of perforations extends between inner ends of the first and second weakened segments. A tear-off region is defined between the central line of perforations and the top edge. During automatic filling of the bag, the weakened segments are torn to form an open bag mouth, and the central line of perforations is torn after filling to separate the bag from the block. The weakened segments can be cuts and are spaced from the lateral edges of the bag to define frangible bridges at the lateral edges, wherein the frangible bridges are broken during opening of each bag.

Abstract: A block of bags for a product filling process includes a plurality of bags stacked in overlying relationship. Each bag of the block has a top edge, a bag mouth and opposite first and second side edges. First and second edge lines of perforations extend from edge points on respective opposite lateral edges of the bag. The edge points are spaced closely to the bag mouth of the bag. A central line of perforations extends between inner ends of the first and second edge lines of perforations. The central line of perforations is offset from the edge points, away from the bag mouth. A tear-off region is defined between the central line of perforations and the top edge. During automatic filling of the bad, the edge lines of perforations are torn to form an open bag mouth, and the central line of perforations is torn after filling to separate the bag from the block.

Abstract: A block of bags for a product filling process includes a plurality of bags stacked in overlying relationship. Each bag of the block has a top edge, a bag mouth and opposite first and second side edges. First and second weakened segments extend from adjacent edge points on respective opposite lateral edges of the bag. A central line of perforations extends between inner ends of the first and second weakened segments. A tear-off region is defined between the central line of perforations and the top edge. During automatic filling of the bag, the weakened segments are torn to form an open bag mouth, and the central line of perforations is torn after filling to separate the bag from the block. The weakened segments can be cuts and are spaced from the lateral edges of the bag to define frangible bridges at the lateral edges, wherein the frangible bridges are broken during opening of each bag.

Abstract: A block of bags for a product filling process includes a plurality of bags stacked in overlying relationship. Each bag of the block has a top edge, a bag mouth and opposite first and second side edges. First and second edge lines of perforations extend from edge points on respective opposite lateral edges of the bag. The edge points are spaced closely to the bag mouth of the bag. A central line of perforations extends between inner ends of the first and second edge lines of perforations. The central line of perforations is offset from the edge points, away from the bag mouth. A tear-off region is defined between the central line of perforations and the top edge. During automatic filling of the bad, the edge lines of perforations are torn to form an open bag mouth, and the central line of perforations is torn after filling to separate the bag from the block.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making plastic bags or the like from a continuous film of material comprising a sealing drum having at least one seal bar for imparting transverse seals to the film at regularly spaced intervals and a perforator having a rotatable perforator blade for imparting transverse perforations to the film at regularly spaced intervals, the film comprising print marks appearing thereon at regularly spaced intervals, an apparatus and method are disclosed for tracking the positions of each print mark and each perforation and comparing the difference between these positions to a desired difference and thereafter adjusting the angular position of the perforator blade until the difference between the positions of each print mark and each perforation is equal to the desired difference to thereby maintain a desired spacing between each print mark and each perforation.

Abstract: In combination with a web winding machine comprising a spindle for winding up a web of material having a leading edge and an apparatus for transporting the web to the spindle, an air horn proximate the spindle having an arm, a first air tube connected to a forward portion of the arm and a second air tube connected to the arm rearward of the first air tube, wherein the arm comprises an inner surface generally conforming to the spindle and a plurality of apertures extending between each of the first and second air tubes and the inner surface; and wherein the first and second air tubes are connected with a source of air, whereby the air is directed through the apertures to force the leading edge up off of the conveyor belt and against the spindle.