Tubular bag, method for producing a tubular bag and packaging machine for carrying out the method for producing a tubular bag

Abstract

The invention relates to a tubular bag (1) comprising a head (2) and a bottom (3) extending parallel to the head (2), wherein the tubular bag (1) comprises a first connection (4) extending along the head (2), along the bottom (3), or parallel to both the head (2) and the bottom (3), the first connection (4) being formed by a material bond, and wherein the tubular bag (1) comprises at least two lateral second connections (5) connecting the head (2) to the bottom (3), the second connections (5) being formed by a material bond, and wherein a flap (7) is formed on the outside parallel to the first connection (4). The invention further relates to a method for producing a tubular bag (1) and a packaging machine (10) for carrying out the method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a tubular bag according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for producing a tubular bag according to claim 6 and a machine for carrying out the manufacturing method according to claim 11.

[0002] In the prior art, it is known to produce tubular bags by forming a film web into a tube over a forming shoulder and then sealing the edges of the film web with a longitudinal sealing unit. Subsequently, a first lateral transverse seal is created using a transverse sealing unit, onto which the goods to be packaged are placed by means of a dosing unit. A second transverse seal is created above the packaged goods. This second transverse seal can simultaneously form the first side of a new tubular bag.

[0003] It is also known to integrate sealing devices such as zip closures into the film tube so that the tubular bag can be resealed after initial opening. An exemplary design for such a tubular bag is known from German patent application DE 20 2018 106 482 U1.

[0004] A disadvantage of zip-lock pouches is that the zip closure is complex to manufacture and must be sealed along the entire length of the film. Particularly in the area of ​​the cross-seal forming the sides of the pouch, there is the problem of insufficient heating of the film during the sealing process, which can lead to leaks in the sides of the pouch. Furthermore, the zip closure is often made of a different material than the pouch itself, making recycling difficult or impossible. These pouches are therefore complex and expensive to produce.

[0005] It is also known to reseal a tubular bag after opening it by rolling and / or folding and then securing it, for example, with a rubber band or a clip. Such a bag clip is known, for example, from DE 69 303 472 T2.

[0006] A disadvantage of securing a folded pouch with a rubber band or clip is that a sufficient number of these items must be readily available at home or elsewhere, as they are usually sold and distributed separately from the packaging. Especially when traveling, these closure devices are often not readily available. However, simply folding and / or rolling the pouch without additional securing is insufficient to prevent it from opening unintentionally.

[0007] There is therefore a great need for a resealable tubular bag. Furthermore, the tubular bag should be cost-effective, as well as quick and easy to manufacture. It should also be leak-proof and securely contain the product after resealing. Particular emphasis is placed on the possibility of extensive recycling of the tubular bag. The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and provide such a tubular bag.

[0008] This problem is solved in a surprisingly simple but effective way by a tubular bag according to the teaching of main claim 1, a method for producing a tubular bag according to the teaching of claim 6 and a packaging machine according to the teaching of claim 11.

[0009] According to the invention, a tubular bag is proposed, wherein the tubular bag comprises a head and a bottom parallel to the head, wherein the tubular bag comprises a first connection extending at the head, at the bottom, or parallel to both the head and bottom, the first connection being materially bonded, and wherein the tubular bag comprises at least two second connections laterally connecting the head and bottom, the second connections being materially bonded. The tubular bag is characterized in that a flap is formed on the outside parallel to the first connection.

[0010] The basic idea of ​​the invention is that the tubular bag, which is open at the top, can be closed by simply folding and / or crumpling the top edge and then inserting it into the flap. The flap can be formed easily and preferably from the same material as the rest of the tubular bag. This ensures easy recyclability. Furthermore, forming a flap is quick and easy from a manufacturing perspective, and therefore cost-effective. Since the flap is significantly thinner than a zip closure, a reliably tight seal can be achieved at all connections, especially the cross-connection.

[0011] The tubular bag is formed by first forming a film web into a tube, with the edges of the film web being joined together by a connecting unit, for example, a longitudinal connecting unit, thus creating a first bond. The film web can be overlapped at the edges, so that one side of the film is folded onto the other side of the film. The edges point in opposite directions. Alternatively, the edges can point in the same direction, so that the edges are folded together on the inside of the film. Preferably, the first bond is either a longitudinal or a transverse bond, depending on the orientation of the tubular bag. Depending on the folding of the tubular bag, the first bond can later form the top or the bottom.

[0012] The first material-bonded connection is preferably achieved by applying heat, whereby the material of the film or of a single layer or layers of the film is at least partially melted and brought into contact with each other, particularly under pressure. The first connection is especially preferably produced by sealing or welding the film.

[0013] The tubular bag has a top and a bottom side that run parallel to each other. The top side is the side that is on top when used as intended. The bottom side is opposite the top side and is therefore on the bottom when used as intended. Additionally or alternatively, the top and bottom sides can be defined by printing. Essentially, it is arbitrary which side is the top and which is the bottom. In symmetrically constructed tubular bags, the top side can be defined by the fact that this is the side that opens. In the simplest version, the top and bottom sides are formed by simply folding the film. To reinforce the fold, they can be creased to improve the shape of the tubular bag. Preferably, a perforation is incorporated at the top side. The perforation facilitates the opening of the tubular bag at the top.It is preferably conceivable that the head end comprises at least one recess and / or at least one connecting surface, in particular a connecting surface with a recess. The recess and / or the connecting surface make it possible to hang the tubular bag.

[0014] The tubular bag is laterally bounded by two secondary connections that link the bottom and top ends. These secondary connections form the sides of the tubular bag, thus sealing it. The secondary connections are formed by compressing the tubular bag and then bonding the compressed sections together. Depending on the compression method, the first connection can form an edge, thus constituting the top end, the bottom end, or a portion thereof. Preferably, the secondary connections run parallel to each other and / or at a right angle to the top and / or bottom end. However, it is also conceivable that, for a visually striking design, the secondary connections could run at an angle to each other and / or to the top and bottom ends.The second connection, depending on the orientation of the tubular bag, is preferably a transverse or longitudinal connection. Furthermore, the terms "first connection" and "second connection" do not define a production sequence. In particular, it is also conceivable that the second connection(s) is / are made before the first connection.

[0015] The second, material-bonded bonds are preferably created by applying heat, whereby the material of the film or of a single layer or layers of the film is at least partially melted and brought into contact with each other, particularly under pressure. The second bonds are especially preferably produced by sealing or welding the film.

[0016] To enable the tubular bag to be closed after opening, the tubular bag includes a flap formed on the outside parallel to the first connection. According to the invention, this flap is designed to receive and secure the opened head of the tubular bag after it has been folded, crumpled, and / or rolled. Preferably, the head is folded into a triangle or trapezoid and then folded to the side to secure the triangle or trapezoid within the flap. It has been shown that clamping the head under the flap provides sufficient friction in most applications to prevent the tubular bag from opening. It is conceivable to further secure the closure by additional measures, such as applying an adhesive strip. According to the invention, the head is opened and secured by means of the flap; however, it is alternatively conceivable to open and secure the bottom in the same manner.Preferably, the flap extends over at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the width of the tubular bag and / or a maximum of 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, and / or 5% of the width of the tubular bag. Particularly preferably, the flap extends over the entire width of the tubular bag. Most preferably, the flap is fixed to both ends of the tubular bag.

[0017] Preferably, the flap and the film sheet from which the tubular bag is formed are made of the same material. This can improve and / or simplify the recycling of the tubular bag.

[0018] The tubular bag can be a block bottom bag, a stand-up bottom bag, a pillow bag, a flat bag, a sealed edge bag and / or a side gusset bag.

[0019] Essentially, the intended use of a tubular bag is arbitrary. It is particularly suitable for bulk goods, especially in the food industry. In this sector, a portion of the contents is often dispensed, while the remaining contents are protected from spillage and insect ingress by sealing the tubular bag. The bulk goods can be enclosed during the manufacturing process of the tubular bag.

[0020] The term "tab" refers to a flat, narrow element used to hold another part of the tubular bag. The various ways in which a tab can be formed are described elsewhere.

[0021] The term "outside" refers to the outside of the tubular bag.

[0022] Using the tubular bag according to the invention, it is possible to provide a tubular bag that is quick, easy, and cost-effective to manufacture and is resealable to protect the contents. Furthermore, the tubular bag is easily recyclable and leak-proof.

[0023] Advantageous further developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are presented in the dependent claims.

[0024] It is conceivable that the flap is formed by a strip preferably integrated into and / or glued onto the second connections. Preferably, the strip is made of the same material as the tubing. Particularly preferably, the strip is connected to the tubing at both ends and / or glued onto the tubing. Most preferably, the strip is connected to the second connections during their production. This eliminates the need for a separate work step and connection unit for joining the strip to the tubing. The strip forming the flap can be fed by a feeding device. Particularly preferably, the strip is fed as a continuous strip and separated together with the finished tubing.When the strip is glued on, it is particularly advantageous to use a heat-activated adhesive that can be activated by the heat of a connecting unit. The gluing can be carried out in the same step as the production of the second connection. The advantage of strips that are connected to the hose at specific points at their ends is that they only need to be attached at these two points. This allows the strip to be made of a different material than the hose, as it can be easily separated, resulting in only a small amount of non-recyclable mixed material. The application process is also technically simple. It is preferable for the strip to be printed and / or a partially coated label.

[0025] In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the tubular bag is printed and / or embossed, and that the print and / or embossing includes a parallel fold line running above the flap and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second joints and above the flap and extending towards the top. Preferably, the print and / or embossing includes two fold lines, each starting at the second joints and above the flap and extending towards the center of the top. The fold lines simplify and clarify the intended folding of the tubular bag for closing the top. In particular, the embossing makes it easy to create a clean fold for resealing the tubular bag. The print simplifies the communication of the intended function of the flap.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the tubular bag includes at least one third connection and / or at least one fold at the top and / or bottom. The at least one fold and / or the at least one third seal allow the production of the bag types described elsewhere. The tubular bag preferably includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten folds at the top. More preferably, the tubular bag includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten folds at the bottom. Even more preferably, the tubular bag includes at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten third connections. It is particularly conceivable that the at least one fold is incorporated at the bottom, especially to increase stability.The fold is continuous and preferably reinforced by at least one third connection, in particular a longitudinal connection. A W-shaped fold is particularly conceivable, wherein the outward-facing folds are reinforced by two third connections. In this embodiment, the bottom side is the side on which the tubular bag stands during intended use. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the bottom side and / or top side are folded into a block bottom bag in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Particularly preferably, previously formed folds of the bottom side and / or top side are integrated into the second connection in such a way that the folds can no longer unfold. The third connection preferably runs along a fold. The first connection can also be part of the fold of the bottom side or top side.

[0027] Preferably, the third connection is a metallurgical bond. More preferably, the third connection is achieved by applying heat, whereby the material of the film or of a single layer or layers of the film is at least partially melted and brought into contact with one another, particularly under pressure. Most preferably, the third connection is produced by sealing or welding the film.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable that the tubular bag and / or the flap are made of a film comprising polyethylene (PE), in particular oriented polyethylene film (OPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), monoaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (MOPET) and / or biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), polypropylene (PP), in particular oriented polypropylene film (OPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP) and / or biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and / or paper, in particular paper with an applied sealing layer. The weight fraction of paper is particularly preferably at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%. The film, tubular bag, and / or flap are also preferably made of a mono-composite. A mono-composite is a composite material in which the individual layers are made of the same material or of chemically similar materials.This allows the production of monocomposites with combinations of features that were previously only achievable through a combination of different materials. Monocomposites are particularly advantageous with regard to recyclability and disposal, enabling the achievement and maintenance of high environmental standards. Furthermore, at least one non-volatile and / or washable substance can be arranged between two or more layers to form an aroma barrier. The proportion of this substance is preferably no more than 5% by weight of the monocomposite, thus preserving its recyclability. More preferably, the substance is a metal or a metal alloy, with the aroma barrier being produced by metallization. Ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH), aluminum oxide (ALOX), and / or silicon oxide (SIOX) are particularly preferred substances.

[0029] It is assumed that the definitions and / or explanations of the terms mentioned above apply to all aspects described below, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, process steps and / or features of process steps described above in connection with the tubular bag and / or below in connection with the packaging machine are also conceivable embodiments of the tubular bag manufacturing process described below, and features of the tubular bag and / or the packaging machine described below in connection with the tubular bag manufacturing process are conceivable embodiments of the tubular bag and / or the tubular bag manufacturing machine described above.

[0030] According to the invention, a method for producing a tubular bag described elsewhere is further proposed, in which a film web is formed into a tube by means of a forming shoulder, wherein the tube is longitudinally joined by means of a longitudinal joining unit to form a first connection, and wherein the tube is transversely joined twice by means of a transverse joining unit to form a tubular bag, creating at least two second connections. The method is characterized in that a flap is formed on the outside parallel to the first connection.

[0031] This process allows the production of a tubular bag with the advantages described elsewhere. The film web can be advanced intermittently or continuously. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the formation of the second connection occurs simultaneously on two tubular bags, with these bags being separated from each other by a cutting device that can be located below or within the cross-connection unit. It is also conceivable that the process includes a filling step for the tubular bag that takes place after the formation of the first and before the formation of the second connection. Particularly preferred is the material-bonded joining by sealing and / or welding. The forming shoulder is preferably symmetrical or asymmetrical, depending on the type of bag to be produced.

[0032] It is conceivable that the flap is formed by gluing and / or bonding a strip, preferably using the cross-connection unit. The strip can also be separated by the cutting device and / or supplied as a continuous film or strip, like the film web. Particularly preferably, the strip is fixed at both ends with point fixings.

[0033] Preferably, the bonding is carried out using a heat-activated adhesive, which is activated by the cross-connection unit. Particularly preferred is the material-bonded joining by sealing and / or welding.

[0034] The term "continuous film" refers to a film web that is many times longer than the length or width of the tubular bags to be produced.

[0035] The term "endless strip" refers to a strip that is many times longer than the length of the strip that forms a flap on the tubular bag.

[0036] Alternatively, the flap can be attached by gluing on a strip. Preferably, the adhesive is a heat-activated adhesive that is heated by the transverse sealing unit. In this way, the strip can be glued on using the transverse sealing unit. The adhesive can be applied to the strip itself or applied to the film and / or the strip by an applicator. Preferably, the strip is glued on both ends.

[0037] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the film is printed and / or embossed, and that the printing and / or embossing includes a fold line running parallel above the flap and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second connections and extending towards the top. Preferably, the printing and / or embossing includes two fold lines, each starting at the second connections and above the flap and extending towards the center of the top. It is particularly preferred that the film be printed before forming at the symmetrical or asymmetrical forming shoulder. The embossing is also preferably carried out before forming. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the film is embossed after being formed into a tube and before being filled using an embossing roller. The embossing can also include a perforation at the top of the tubular bag, as described elsewhere. The printing and / or embossing facilitates or...illustrates the intended folding of the opened tube bag.

[0038] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the film and / or the tube, which is longitudinally connected by means of a second longitudinal connection unit to form the first connection, is folded on one or both sides and / or connected longitudinally a second time. This allows the production of the bag types described elsewhere. The one-sided or two-sided folding preferably takes place before the transverse connection with the transverse connection unit. The at least second longitudinal connection preferably takes place during the first longitudinal connection and / or before the transverse connection.

[0039] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the tube is filled horizontally or vertically after the formation of the first of the two connections and before the formation of the second of the two connections. This enables simple, quick, and airtight packaging of products. Pourable products, especially pourable foodstuffs, are preferably filled vertically. Divisible piece products, especially divisible piece products such as, but not exclusively, cheese and pastries, are particularly preferably filled horizontally.

[0040] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the process includes a "folding" step, in which the top and / or bottom of the tubular bag are folded to produce clean fold edges.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the invention, a packaging machine is proposed for carrying out a method for producing tubular bags described elsewhere, comprising a forming shoulder for forming a tube from a film web, a first longitudinal joining unit for producing a first joint, and a transverse joining unit for producing at least two second joints. The packaging machine is characterized in that it includes a flap forming means for creating a flap running parallel to the first joint on the outside. The longitudinal joining with the longitudinal joining unit and the transverse joining with the transverse joining unit are material-bonded, preferably under the influence of heat and / or pressure. The transverse joining unit is particularly preferably a transverse welding unit and / or a transverse sealing unit.Even more preferred is a longitudinal welding unit and / or a longitudinal sealing unit for the first longitudinal joining unit.

[0042] The packaging machine can produce tubular bags with the advantages described elsewhere. The first longitudinal sealing unit joins the film forming the tubular bag in such a way that it is sealed into a tube by the first connection. The transverse sealing unit applies the second seals transversely to the tube, so that the resulting tubular bags are closed on all sides. The packaging machine is preferably a vertical forming and filling machine. The forming shoulder is preferably symmetrical or asymmetrical, depending on the type of bag being produced.

[0043] The terms "longitudinal joining unit" and "transverse joining unit" refer to joining units that connect the film web longitudinally or transversely with respect to the film web to create the first or second connections.

[0044] The term "flashing device" refers to a device that enables the formation, attachment, and / or insertion of a flap onto the tubular bag. Examples of possible embodiments are disclosed elsewhere.

[0045] In one embodiment, the lamination agent may be a feeding device for supplying a strip. Furthermore, the lamination agent may include a connecting unit. It is preferably conceivable that the strip is fed to the cross-connecting unit and connected to the tube by means of the cross-connecting unit during the production of the second seal. It is further preferably conceivable that the lamination agent is an applicator for gluing a strip, comprising a feeding device for supplying the strip. In this way, the strip can be glued to the tubular bag. It is conceivable that the applicator is arranged upstream of the cross-connecting unit and applies a heat-activated adhesive. The cross-connecting unit then activates the adhesive with the heat used to produce the second connection, thus adhering the strip to the tubular bag.

[0046] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the packaging machine includes a printing unit for producing a print and / or an embossing unit for producing an embossing. In particular, it is conceivable that the embossing unit is an embossing roller. This allows the advantages of the printing and embossing processes described elsewhere to be achieved.

[0047] In a further development of the invention, it is conceivable that the packaging machine comprises at least one folding unit and / or at least one second longitudinal joining unit. The at least one folding unit enables one-sided and / or two-sided folding to form the various bag types. Preferably, the packaging machine comprises at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten folding units. The at least second longitudinal joining unit allows for the introduction of further longitudinal joins to increase dimensional stability and / or sturdiness. Particularly preferably, the packaging machine comprises at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten second longitudinal joining units.

[0048] It is conceivable that the packaging machine includes at least one vertical or horizontal filling unit. Using this filling unit, products can be filled directly into the packaging being produced.

[0049] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their function.

[0050] Specifically, we show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tubular bag according to the invention in its unopened state; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the first embodiment of the tubular bag according to the invention in the open state; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the first embodiment of the tubular bag according to the invention with two folds; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the first embodiment of the closed tubular bag according to the invention; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tubular bag according to the invention in its unopened state; Fig. 6 a frontal view of the second embodiment of a tubular bag according to the invention in its unopened state; Fig. 7 a frontal view of a third embodiment of a tubular bag according to the invention in its unopened state; Fig. 8 a flowchart of a process according to the invention; and Fig. 9 a perspective view of a packaging machine according to the invention.

[0051] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tubular bag 1 according to the invention in its unopened state. The tubular bag 1 has a head 2 and a bottom 3 opposite the head 2. A perforation is visible on the head 2. The bottom 3 is folded in a known W-shape with a crease 8, so that the tubular bag 1 is designed as a stand-up pouch. Since the tubular bag 1 is made from a film web, it has a first connection 4 at which the film web has been longitudinally joined. Laterally, the head 2 and the bottom 3 are connected by two second connections 5, designed as transverse connections, which close off the tubular bag 1. The longitudinal joining process is carried out such that the film webs are each placed with their sides forming the inside of the tubular bag 1 according to the invention facing each other. In this way, a flap is formed.To form a flap 7, a strip is incorporated into the second connections 5, with the strip being fixed at both ends. The flap 7 extends completely across the entire width of the tubular bag 1 and runs parallel to the first connection 4.

[0052] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the tubular bag 1 according to the invention in its open state. The open state was achieved by tearing the tubular bag 1 open along the perforation at the top 2. The perforation serves to facilitate tearing.

[0053] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the tubular bag 1 according to the invention, featuring two folds. The folds are each made at the corners of the head side 2 in the direction of the first connection 4. This process can be explained by a printed fold line (not shown) on the tubular bag 1 and / or simplified by an embossed design (not shown). The fold serves to enable the tubular bag 1 to be closed. The fold is made at an angle of approximately 45°. Depending on the distance of the flap 7, steeper or more acute angles are conceivable.

[0054] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the closed tubular bag 1 according to the invention. The trapezoid formed by the two folds at the head 2 is folded with its short side towards the flap 7. This fold can also be indicated by printing and / or simplified by embossing. The short side of the trapezoid at the head 2 of the tubular bag 1 is pulled under the flap 7. Friction and positive locking hold the head 2 in its folded and folded position within the flap 7, preventing the tubular bag 1 from opening. Partially opening the first and second folds in the flap 7 further secures the closure of the tubular bag 1. The tubular bag 1 can be opened at any time by pulling the trapezoid out of the flap 7. Resealing is still possible in the simple manner described above.Besides the trapezoidal shape, it is conceivable to fold the head end 2 into a triangular shape, in which the first two folds meet in the middle of the head end or partially overlap. Depending on where the flap 7 is positioned, it is also conceivable to omit one of the two folds. Because the flap 7 extends across the entire width of the tubular bag 1, it is also conceivable to create the closure without the first two folds by inserting the head end 2 under the flap 7 without prior folding.

[0055] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tubular bag 1 according to the invention in the unopened state and Fig. 6 A frontal view of the second embodiment of the tubular bag 1 according to the invention in its unopened state. The second embodiment can be produced, in particular, on both horizontal and vertically operating forming and filling machines. The second embodiment also comprises a head 2 and an opposite bottom 3. A first connection 4 forming the tubular bag 1 is arranged at the head 2. At the bottom 3, the tubular bag 1 is folded with a pleat 8, thereby forming a stand-up pouch. The pleat is further reinforced by two third connections 9. Laterally, the head 2 and the bottom 3 are connected by two second connections 5 designed as transverse connections, which close the tubular bag 1. To form a flap 7, a strip is incorporated into the second connections 5 parallel to the first connection 4, with the strip being fixed at both ends.The flap 7 extends across the entire width of the tubular bag 1.

[0056] Fig. 7 Figure 1 shows a frontal view of a third embodiment of a tubular bag 1 according to the invention in its unopened state. This third embodiment can be produced, in particular, on both horizontal and vertical forming and filling machines. The third embodiment also comprises a head 2 and an opposite bottom 3. A first connection 4 forming the tubular bag 1 is arranged at the head 2. At the bottom 3, the tubular bag 1 is additionally reinforced by a third connection 9. Laterally, the head 2 and the bottom 3 are connected by two second connections 5, designed as transverse connections, which close the tubular bag 1. To form a flap 7, a strip is incorporated into the second connections 5 and parallel to the first connection 4, with the strip being fixed at both ends.The flap 7 extends completely across the entire width of the tubular bag 1.

[0057] Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention. The method can be performed on a packaging machine 10 according to the invention (see Fig. 9 The process is carried out as follows: In a first step (100), a film web is formed into a tube over a forming shoulder. In a subsequent second step (200), the tube is joined lengthwise by a longitudinal joining unit, creating a first joint. Then, in a third step (300), a first transverse joint, which is a second joint of the tubular bag, is produced by a transverse joining unit. The production step of the first transverse joint can also be the production step of a second transverse joint of a tubular bag produced immediately beforehand. A continuous strip is incorporated into the transverse joint, which is fed to the transverse joint by a lashing device designed as a feeding unit. During and / or after the production of the first transverse joint, the tubular bag is filled by a filling unit.Finally, in a fourth step, a second cross-connection, which is also a second connection of the tubular bag, is produced using the cross-connection unit, whereby the continuous strip is also incorporated. The production step of the second cross-connection can also be the production step of a first cross-connection of a tubular bag produced immediately afterward. After and / or during the cross-connection, the tubular bag chain is separated into tubular bags and the continuous strip into strips.

[0058] Fig. 9Figure 10 shows a packaging machine in which a film web 11 is drawn over a symmetrical forming shoulder 12 and formed into a tube with overlapping edges. The overlapping edges are joined together by a first longitudinal joining unit 14, forming a first joint, such that the film web 11 forms a tube. A transverse joining unit 15 joins the tube transversely, forming a second joint that is part of both a finished tubular bag and a tubular bag currently being manufactured. The transverse joining unit 15 also incorporates a continuous strip fed by a lamination device 13. A fold made on the bottom side by a folding unit 16 is also fixed by the transverse joining unit 15.The tubular bag currently being manufactured is filled during and / or after the production of the second connection by means of a vertical filling unit 17.

Claims

1. Tubular bag (1) comprising a head side (2) and a bottom side (3) extending parallel to the head side (2), wherein the tubular bag (1) comprises a first connection (4) extending at the head side (2), at the bottom side (3) or parallel to the head side (2) and the bottom side (3), wherein the first connection (4) is formed by a material bond, and wherein the tubular bag (1) comprises at least two lateral second connections (5) connecting the head side (2) to the bottom side (3), wherein the second connections (5) are formed by a material bond. characterized by that parallel to the first connection (4) a tab (7) is formed on the outside.

2. Tubular bag (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the tab (7) is formed by a strip preferably incorporated and / or glued into the second connections (5).

3. Tubular bag (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by thatthe tubular bag (1) is printed and / or embossed and the printing and / or embossing includes a fold line running parallel above the flap (7) and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the first connections (5) and above the flap (7) and running towards the head side (2).

4. Tubular bag (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the tubular bag (1) has at least one third connection and / or at least one fold at the head end (2) and / or at the bottom end (3).

5. Tubular bag (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the tubular bag (1) is made of a film comprising polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and / or paper.

6. Method for producing a tubular bag (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a film web (11) is formed into a tube by means of a forming shoulder (12); wherein the tube is longitudinally joined by means of a first longitudinal joining unit (14) to form a first connection (4) and wherein the tube is transversely joined twice by means of a transverse joining unit (15) to form at least two second connections (5) to form a tubular bag (1). characterized by that parallel to the first connection (4) a tab (7) is formed on the outside.

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized by that The formation of the tab (7) is carried out by gluing and / or joining a strip using a material bond, preferably by means of the cross-connection unit (15).

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by thatthe foil is printed and / or embossed and the printing and / or embossing includes a fold line running parallel above the flap (7) and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second connections (5) and above the flap (7) and running towards the head side (2).

9. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the film and / or the hose which is longitudinally connected by means of a first longitudinal connection unit (14) to form the first connection (4) is folded on one side or both sides and / or is connected longitudinally a second time.

10. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by that the hose is filled horizontally or vertically after forming a first of the second connections (5) and before forming a second of the second connections (5).

11. Packaging machine (10) for carrying out one of the methods according to claims 6 to 10 comprising a forming shoulder (12) for forming a tube from a film web, a first longitudinal joining unit (14) for producing a first joint (4) and a transverse joining unit (15) for producing two second joints (5) of the tube, characterized by that the packaging machine (10) comprises a flap forming a flap (7) running parallel to the first connection (4) on the outside.

12. Packaging machine according to claim 11, characterized by that the splatter (13) is a feeding device for feeding a strip.

13. Packaging machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the packaging machine (10) comprises a printing unit for producing a print and / or an embossing unit for producing an embossing.

14. Packaging machine according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the packaging machine (10) comprises at least one folding unit (16) and / or at least one second longitudinal joining unit.

15. Packaging machine according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by that the packaging machine (10) comprises at least one vertical or horizontal filling unit (17).

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