Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a covered cardboard container from a single template. The template is configured such that, when side panels are lifted off the top face of the template, a front panel and rear panel are lifted together with the side panels. The container is formed when the two side panels, the front panel and the rear panel are all in a substantially vertical position. After the container is formed it is filled with product, such as apples, pears, avocados, and the like. The container has two top panels that are folded over the product and adhered to one another to form a lid. Score lines in the top panel allow the container to accommodate products of varying size.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a package of a non-weldable material on a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine or a horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) machine. The method comprises providing a continuous web of the non-weldable material having exposed areas of adhesive. In an embodiment the method is implemented on a VFFS machine that has a fill tube designed and configured to avoid interaction with the adhesive exposing areas of the web. In a preferred embodiment the adhesive exposing areas are formed by providing a repeating pattern of sets of apertures in the web, and fully covering each set with a label that is coated with adhesive.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a windowed packaging material. According to the method a web of packaging material is cut in substantially the machine direction along a non-linear path. The cutting action provides two subwebs, each having protruding edge portions and recessed edge portions. The two subwebs are displaced relative to one another so that the protruding edge portions face one another. In this configuration opposing recessed edge portions form windows. The two subwebs are adhered to one another at the opposing protruding edge portions. The resulting windows may be covered with a material that is transparent and/or breathable. A strip of handle material may be applied spanning the respective windows.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a windowed packaging material. According to the method a web of packaging material is cut in substantially the machine direction along a non-linear path. The cutting action provides two subwebs, each having protruding edge portions and recessed edge portions. The two subwebs are displaced relative to one another so that the protruding edge portions face one another. In this configuration opposing recessed edge portions form windows. The two subwebs are adhered to one another at the opposing protruding edge portions. The resulting windows may be covered with a material that is transparent and/or breathable. A strip of handle material may be applied spanning the respective windows.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a two-compartment bag. The method comprises draping a sheet of bag forming material around a primary fill pipe and one or more secondary fill pipes, forming multiple compartments by sealing the sheet material around the respective fill pipes, filling the various compartments with material, and sealing the bag. The method comprises forming transverse seals so that a transverse seal area of a secondary compartment at least partially overlaps with a transverse seal area of the first compartment, so that the secondary compartment is fixedly folded against the first compartment. The method permits the volume of the secondary compartments to be varied independent from the volume of the primary compartment. Each compartment may be opened without opening the other compartments. In a preferred embodiment the bag is made of a microwave-compatible material, and at least one of the compartments contains a food material intended for reheating or preparation in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a two-compartment bag. The method comprises draping a sheet of bag forming material around a primary fill pipe and one or more secondary fill pipes, forming multiple compartments by sealing the sheet material around the respective fill pipes, filling the various compartments with material, and sealing the bag. The method comprises forming transverse seals so that a transverse seal area of a secondary compartment at least partially overlaps with a transverse seal area of the first compartment, so that the secondary compartment is fixedly folded against the first compartment. The method permits the volume of the secondary compartments to be varied independent from the volume of the primary compartment. Each compartment may be opened without opening the other compartments. In a preferred embodiment the bag is made of a microwave-compatible material, and at least one of the compartments contains a food material intended for reheating or preparation in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A method for forming a bag with a carrying handle from a continuous web of flexible material is described. The handle has an inactivated position, in which it extends substantially in a cross machine direction of the web, and an activated or in-use position, substantially perpendicular to the inactivated position. The method permits attachment of the handles to the web before the bag is formed, without a risk of inadvertently cutting the handle. The activated position of the handle provides optimum force distribution among the materials of the bag, thus minimizing or eliminating the need for using reinforcement materials.