Tubular Bag, Method for Producing a Tubular Bag and Packaging Machine for Carrying Out The Method for Producing a Tubular Bag

Abstract

A tubular bag includes a top side and a bottom side running parallel to the top side and further has a first seam running parallel to the top side and to the bottom side. The first seam is produced by bonding, and the tubular bag includes at least two lateral second seams connecting the top side to the bottom side. The second seams are produced by bonding, wherein a flap is formed on and / or in the first seam. Furthermore, a method is provided for producing the tubular bag and a packaging machine is provided for carrying out the method.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2024 128 917.1 filed on Oct. 8, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a tubular bag, a method for producing a tubular bag, and a machine for carrying out the production method.BACKGROUND

[0003] In the prior art, it is known for tubular bags to be produced by forming a film web into a tube via a forming shoulder and then connecting the edges of the film web with a longitudinal connecting unit. Subsequently, a first lateral transverse seal is produced by a transverse connecting unit, onto which a product to be packaged is introduced by a metering unit. A second transverse seal is formed above the packaged product. The second transverse seal can simultaneously form the first side of a new tubular bag.

[0004] It is also known for closure devices such as zip locks to be sealed into the film tube so that the tubular bag can be closed again after it has been opened for the first time. An exemplary design for such a tubular bag is known from document DE 20 2018 106 482 U1.

[0005] A disadvantage of the zip lock bag is that the zip lock has to be supplied in a complex manner during production and must be sealed onto the film along its entire length. Especially in the area of the transverse seal forming the sides of the tubular bag, there is also the problem of insufficient heating of the film during the production of the transverse seal, which can lead to leaks in the sides of the tubular bag. In addition, the zip lock is often made of a different material than the tubular bag, which makes recycling the tubular bag difficult or impossible. These tubular bags are therefore complex and thus expensive to produce.

[0006] Furthermore, it is known for an opened tubular bag to be closed again it by rolling and / or folding it and then securing it with a rubber band or a clip, for example. Such a bag clip is known from DE 69 303 472 T2, for example.

[0007] One disadvantage of securing the folded tubular bag with a rubber band or a clip is that the rubber band or the clip must be available in sufficient numbers in the household or elsewhere, as they are usually sold and distributed separately from the packaging. Especially when traveling, the closure aids are not at hand in most cases. However, folding and / or rolling alone without additional securing does not sufficiently prevent the tubular bag from opening unintentionally.SUMMARY

[0008] Hence, there is a great need for a tubular bag that can be reclosed. Furthermore, the tubular bag should be inexpensive and quick and easy to produce. The tubular bag should also be leak-proof and keep the product securely inside after reclosing. Particular attention is paid to the possibility of recycling the tubular bag as fully as possible. The object of this disclosure is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and provide such a tubular bag.

[0009] This object is attained in a surprisingly simple but effective manner by a tubular bag as described herein, a method for producing a tubular bag as described herein, and a packaging machine as described herein.

[0010] According to this disclosure, a tubular bag is proposed, the tubular bag comprising a top side and a bottom side running parallel to the top side, the tubular bag comprising a first seam running parallel to the top side and the bottom side, the first seam being produced by bonding, and the tubular bag comprising at least two lateral second seams connecting the top side and the bottom side, the second seams being produced by bonding. The tubular bag is characterized in that a flap is formed on and / or in the first seam.

[0011] The basic idea behind this disclosure is that the tubular bag, when open at the top side, can be closed by simply folding and / or crumpling the top side and then inserting the top side into the flap. The flap can simply and preferably be made of the same material as the rest of the tubular bag. This ensures easy recyclability. In addition, the formation of a flap is simple and quick in terms of production and therefore cost-effective. Since the flap is significantly thinner than a zip lock, a reliably connecting production of all seams, in particular the transverse seam, is possible.

[0012] The tubular bag is formed by first shaping a film web into a tube, the edges of the film web being bonded together using a connecting unit, for example a longitudinal connecting unit, to form a first seam. The film web can be made to overlap at the edges, meaning one side of the film is placed on top of the other side of the film. The edges point in opposite directions. Alternatively, the edges can point in the same direction, meaning the edges are placed on top of each other on the inside of the film. Depending on the orientation of the tubular bag, the first seam is preferably a longitudinal seam or a transverse seam.

[0013] The bonded first seam is preferably produced by applying heat, the material of the film or of a single layer or individual layers of the film being at least partially melted and brought into contact with each other, in particular under pressure. The first seam is particularly preferably produced by sealing or fusing the film.

[0014] The tubular bag has a top side and a bottom side, which run parallel to each other. The top side is the side that is at the top when used as intended. The bottom side is opposite the top side and is therefore at the bottom when used as intended. In addition or alternatively, the top side and the bottom side can be defined by print. Basically, it is arbitrary which side is the top side and which is the bottom side. In the case of symmetrical tubular bags, the top side can be defined by the fact that this side is the one being opened. In the simplest version, the top side and the bottom side are formed by simply folding the film web. To reinforce the folding, the folds produced in them can be flattened to improve the shape of the tubular bag. Preferably, a perforation is introduced at the top side. The perforation serves to make the tubular bag easier to tear open at the top side. Preferably, the top side 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 enable the tubular bag to be hung up.

[0015] On the sides, the tubular bag is limited by two second seams, which connect the bottom side and the top side. The second seams form the sides of the tubular bag. The tubular bag is therefore closed. The second seams are formed by pressing the tube together and then bonding the sections of the tube that are pressed together. It is particularly preferred for the second seams to run parallel to each other and / or at a right angle to the top side and / or the bottom side. However, it is also conceivable that, for a visually striking design of the tubular bag, the second seams run at an angle to each other and / or to the top side and the bottom side. Depending on the orientation of the tubular bag, the second seam is preferably a transverse seam or a longitudinal seam. Furthermore, the terms “first seam” and “second seam” do not specify any order of production. In particular, it is also conceivable that one of the second seams or the second seams is / are produced prior to the first seam.

[0016] The bonded second seams are preferably produced by applying heat, the material of the film or of a single layer or individual layers of the film being at least partially melted and brought into contact with each other, in particular under pressure. The second seams are particularly preferably produced by sealing or fusing the film.

[0017] In order to enable the tubular bag to be closed after being opened, the tubular bag comprises a flap formed on and / or in the first seam. According to this disclosure, this flap is intended to accommodate and fix the opened top side of the tubular bag after folding, crumpling and / or rolling the top side. Preferably, the top side is folded into a triangle or a trapezoid and folded over to fix the triangle or trapezoid in the flap. It has been found that clamping the top side under the flap provides sufficient friction in most applications to prevent the tubular bag from opening. It is conceivable to additionally secure the closure by further measures, such as attaching an adhesive strip. According to this disclosure, the top side is opened and fixed by the flap, but it is alternatively conceivable for to the bottom side to be opened and fixed in the same manner. Preferably, the flap extends across 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. Further preferably, the flap extends across 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 a fin, which is described elsewhere, 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 fin. It is particularly preferred for the flap to be fixed to the tubular bag at both ends.

[0018] Preferably, the flap and the film web 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.

[0019] The tubular bag can be a block bottom bag, a stand-up pouch, a pillow pouch, a flat bag, a sealed-edge bag, and / or a side gusset bag.

[0020] The tubular bag can basically be intended for any kind of use. It is particularly suitable for pourable goods, especially in the food sector. In this sector, part of the content is often removed, while the remainder is to be protected from spillage and against insects by closing the tubular bag. The pourable goods can be enclosed in the process of the production of the tubular bag.

[0021] The term “flap” refers to a flat, narrow element that serves to hold another part of the tubular bag. The manner in which a flap can be formed is described elsewhere.

[0022] The tubular bag according to this disclosure makes it possible to provide a tubular bag that is quick, simple, and inexpensive to produce and can be reclosed to protect the content. Furthermore, the tubular bag can be easily recycled and is leak-proof.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of this disclosure, which can be realized individually or in combination, are described in the dependent claims.

[0024] It is conceivable for the first seam to comprise a fin and for the flap to be formed by a cut and / or a perforation in the fin. A fin is formed when the longitudinal edges of the film are placed one on top of the other, preferably with the longitudinal edges, while facing in the same direction during the formation of the tube, and the film is then closed on both sides by a connecting unit, preferably a longitudinal connecting unit, to form a tube. The fin is not connected to the tube, at least in the area of the flap, and at least one edge of the fin remains connected to the tubular bag. Preferably, the cut and / or perforation runs parallel to the first seam and / or completely in the fin. This fixes the flap to the tubular bag at both ends. It is preferably conceivable for the fin to be fixed to the tube in the area of the second seam. If a film coated with a sealing layer on one side is used, it is also possible to prevent the fin from adhering to the tube.

[0025] In one embodiment, it is conceivable for the tubular bag to have print and / or be embossed and for the print and / or embossing to comprise a fold line running parallel above the flap and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second seams and above the flap and running toward the top side. Preferably, the print and / or embossing comprises two fold lines each starting at the second seams and above the flap and running toward the center of the top side. The fold lines simplify or clarify the intended folding of the tubular bag for closing the top side. In particular, the embossing makes it easy to create a clean fold for reclosing the tubular bag. The print simplifies the communication of the intended function of the flap.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the tubular bag to comprise at least one third seam and / or at least one fold on the top side and / or on the bottom side. The at least one fold and / or the at least one third seam allow the bag types described elsewhere to be produced. Particularly preferably, the tubular bag comprises at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten head-side folds. It is further preferred for the tubular bag to comprise at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten bottom-side folds. Even more preferably, the tubular bag comprises at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten third seams. In this context, it is preferably conceivable for the at least one fold to be incorporated on the bottom side, in particular to increase the stand-up stability. The fold is uninterrupted and is preferably reinforced by at least one third seam, in particular a longitudinal seams. In particular, a W-shaped folding is conceivable, the outward-facing folds of the folding being reinforced by two third seams. In this design, the bottom side is the side on which the tubular bag stands when used as intended. It is also conceivable for the bottom side and / or the top side to be folded into a block bottom bag in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. It is particularly preferred for previously introduced folds of the bottom side and / or the top side to be integrated into the second seam in such a manner that the folds can no longer unfold. The third seam preferably runs along a fold.

[0027] It is particularly preferred for the third seam to be produced by bonding preferred. The bonded third seam is further preferably produced by applying heat, the material of the film or a single layer or individual layers of the film being at least partially melted and brought into contact with each other, in particular under pressure. The third seam is particularly preferably produced by sealing or fusing the film.

[0028] In an embodiment of this disclosure, it is conceivable for the tubular bag and / or the flap to be made of a film comprising polyethylene (PE), in particular oriented-polyethylene (OPE) film, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), monoaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (MOPET), and / or biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET), polypropylene (PP), in particular oriented-polypropylene (OPP) film, cast polypropylene (CPP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), and / or biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and / or paper, in particular paper coated with a sealing layer. It is particularly preferred for the weight percentage of paper to be at least 80%, 85%, 90% or 95%. It is further preferred for the film, the tubular bag, and / or the flap to be 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 makes it possible to produce mono-composites with combinations of characteristics that were previously achievable only by combining different materials. Mono-composites are particularly advantageous in terms of recyclability and disposability and enable high environmental standards to be achieved and maintained. In addition, at least one non-volatile and / or washable substance can be disposed between two or more layers to form an aroma barrier. The content of the substance is preferably no more than 5% of the weight of the mono-composite, which preserves recyclability. It is further preferred for the substance to be a metal or a metal alloy, the aroma barrier being produced by metallization. The substances ethyl vinyl alcohol (EVOH), aluminum oxide (ALOX), and / or silicon oxide (SIOX) are particularly preferred.

[0029] It shall be assumed that the definitions and / or explanations of the above terms apply to all aspects described in this description below, unless otherwise specified. In addition, method steps and / or features of method steps described above in connection with the tubular bag and / or below in connection with the packaging machine are also conceivable embodiments of the method for producing the tubular bag described below, and features of the tubular bag and / or of the packaging machine described below in connection with the method for producing the tubular bag are conceivable features of the tubular bag described above and / or of the tubular bag machine described below.

[0030] According to this disclosure, a method for producing a tubular bag described elsewhere is further proposed, in which a film web is formed into a tube by a forming shoulder, the tube being longitudinally connected by bonding by a longitudinal connecting unit to form a first seam, and the tube being bonded transversely twice by a transverse connecting unit, thus forming at least two second seams, to form a tubular bag. The method is characterized in that a flap is formed on and / or in the first seam and / or parallel to the first seam.

[0031] This method allows a tubular bag with the advantages described elsewhere to be produced. The film web can be advanced intermittently or continuously. It is also conceivable for the second seam to be formed on two tubular bags simultaneously, these tubular bags being separated from each other by a cutting member, which can be disposed below or in the transverse connecting unit. It is also conceivable for the method to comprise a step of filling the tubular bag, which takes place after the formation of the first seam and prior to the formation of the second seam. It is particularly preferred for the bonding to be sealing and / or fusing. Depending on the type of bag to be produced, the forming shoulder is preferably symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0032] It is conceivable for the longitudinal connecting to result in the formation of a fin and for the fin to be cut and / or perforated to form a flap. The cut and / or the perforation can take place prior to, after, and / or during the longitudinal connecting. If the cut and / or the perforation takes place prior to the formation of the fin, the film web is cut and / or perforated on both sides in the area that later forms the fin.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the film to be printed on and / or embossed and for the print and / or the embossing to comprise a fold line running parallel above the flap and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second seams and running toward the top side. Preferably, the print and / or embossing comprises two fold lines each starting at the second seams and above the flap and running toward the center of the top side. It is particularly preferred for the film to be printed on before it is formed at the symmetrical or asymmetrical forming shoulder. Embossing is also preferably carried out prior to forming. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the film to be embossed using an embossing roller after it has been formed into a tube and before it is filled. Furthermore, the embossing may comprise a perforation on the top side of the tubular bag as described elsewhere. The print and / or embossing facilitates or clarifies the intended folding of the opened tubular bag.

[0034] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the film and / or the tube longitudinally connected by a first longitudinal connecting unit to form the first seam is folded inward on one or both sides and / or longitudinally connected for a second time. This allows the bag types described elsewhere to be produced. The inward folding on one or both sides is preferably carried out prior to the transverse connecting with the transverse connecting unit. The at least second longitudinal connecting is preferably carried out during the first longitudinal connecting and / or prior to the transverse connecting.

[0035] Moreover, it is conceivable for the tube to be filled horizontally or vertically after the formation of a first one of the second seams and prior to the formation of a second one of the second seams. This enables simple, fast, and airtight packaging for products. Preferably, pourable products, in particular pourable foodstuffs, are filled vertically. It is particularly preferred for divisible piece products, in particular divisible piece products such as, but by no means limited to, cheese and pastries, to be filled horizontally.

[0036] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the method to comprise a “flattening” step in which the folds produced in the top side and / or the bottom side of the tubular bag are flattened to produce clean folded edges.

[0037] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a packaging machine is proposed for carrying out a method described elsewhere for producing a tubular bag described elsewhere, the packaging machine comprising a forming shoulder for forming a tube from a film web, a first longitudinal connecting unit for producing a first seam, and a transverse connecting unit for producing at least two second seams. The packaging machine is characterized in that the packaging machine comprises a flap forming member for forming a flap running along and / or in the first seam. The longitudinal connecting with the longitudinal connecting unit and the transverse connecting with the transverse connecting unit involve bonding, preferably under the influence of heat and / or pressure. It is particularly preferred for the transverse connecting unit to be a transverse fusing unit and / or a transverse sealing unit. It is even more preferred for the first longitudinal connecting unit to be a longitudinal fusing unit and / or a longitudinal sealing unit.

[0038] The packaging machine can be used to produce tubular bags having the advantages described elsewhere. The first longitudinal connecting unit connects the film forming the tubular bag in such a manner that it is closed into a tube by the first seam. The transverse connecting unit applies the second seams transversely to the tube so that the resulting bags are closed on all sides. It is particularly preferred for the packaging machine to be a horizontal or vertical forming and filling machine. The forming shoulder is preferably symmetrical or asymmetrical, depending on the type of bag produced.

[0039] The terms “longitudinal connecting unit” and “transverse connecting unit” refer to connecting units that connect the film web longitudinally or transversely with respect to the film web in order to form the first and second seams, respectively.

[0040] The term “flap forming member” refers to a device that enables the formation, attachment, and / or introduction of a flap on the tubular bag. Examples of possible designs are disclosed elsewhere.

[0041] In one embodiment, it is conceivable for the flap forming member to be a cutting knife and / or a perforating knife. It is particularly preferred for the cutting knife and / or the perforating knife to be disposed in the first longitudinal connecting unit. It is further preferred for the cutting knife and / or the perforating knife to be disposed upstream or downstream of the first longitudinal connecting unit. The cutting knife cuts and / or the perforating knife perforates, at least partially, a fin formed by the first longitudinal connecting unit or an area of the film that will form the fin in order to thus form the flap.

[0042] Moreover, it is conceivable for the packaging machine to comprise a printing unit for producing a print and / or an embossing unit for producing an embossing. In particular, it is conceivable for the embossing unit to be an embossing roller. This allows the advantages of a print or an embossing described elsewhere to be achieved.

[0043] In an embodiment of this disclosure, it is conceivable for the packaging machine to comprise at least one folding unit and / or at least one second longitudinal connecting unit. By the at least one folding unit, it is possible to perform single-sided and / or double-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. By the at least second longitudinal connecting unit, further longitudinal seams can be produced to increase the dimensional stability and / or the stand-up stability. It is particularly preferred for the packaging machine to comprise at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten second longitudinal connecting units.

[0044] It is conceivable for the packaging machine to comprise at least one vertical or horizontal feeding unit. The feeding unit can be used to fill products directly into the tubular bags to be produced.

[0045] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following descriptions of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. The features mentioned can be realized individually or in combination with each other. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements or elements that correspond to each other in terms of their function.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tubular bag according to this disclosure in the unopened state;

[0047] FIG. 2 shows the process of opening the tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 3 shows the process of removing products from the tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 4 shows the process of a first folding of the tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 5 shows the process of a second folding of the tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 6 shows the process of a third folding of the tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 7 shows the process of preparing to close the tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0053] FIG. 8 shows the process of closing the tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a first perspective view of a closed tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 10 is a second perspective view of a closed tubular bag according to this disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an unopened tubular bag designed as a stand-up pouch;

[0057] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an unopened tubular bag designed as a pillow pouch;

[0058] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method according to this disclosure; and

[0059] FIG. 14 is a packaging machine according to this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tubular bag 1 according to this disclosure in an unopened state. The tubular bag 1 has a top side 2 and a bottom side 3 opposite the top side 2. The bottom side 3 is folded inward in a known manner, meaning 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 seam 4, at which the film web has been joined lengthwise. On the sides, the top side 2 and the bottom side 3 are connected by two second seams 5, which are transverse seams and which close the tubular bag 1. The longitudinal connecting process consisted in placing the respective sides of the film webs that form the inside of the tubular bag according to this disclosure on top of each other. This has created a fin. A cut 6 has been made in the center of the fin, creating a flap 7. The cut 6 is approximately half the width of the tubular bag 1.

[0061] FIG. 2 shows the process of opening the tubular bag 1 according to this disclosure. The tubular bag 1 is cut open at the top side 2 with scissors. It is also conceivable for the tubular bag 1 to have a perforation (not shown) on the top side 2, the perforation enabling the tubular bag 1 to be easily torn open. The tubular bag 1 may also have a tear tab on the top side 2.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows the process of removing products from the tubular bag 1. For this purpose, the tubular bag 1 is tilted to the side so that products (not shown) can fall out of the opened top side 2 of the tubular bag 1. It is also conceivable to remove the products from the tubular bag 1 by inserting a hand into it.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows the process of an initial folding the tubular bag 1. For this purpose, a first corner on the top side 2 is folded from the second seam 5 toward the middle of the top side 2 in the direction of the first seam 4. This process can be explained by a print (not shown) in the form of a corresponding fold line on the tubular bag 1 and / or simplified by an embossing (not shown). The folding serves to enable the tubular bag 1 to be closed. The folding is made at an angle of approximately 45°. Depending on the distance of the flap 7, steeper or more acute angles are conceivable.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows the process of a second folding of the tubular bag 1. Starting from the second seam 5, the second corner of the top side 2 is folded over in the direction of the first seam 4. The second folding is also made approximately to the middle of the top side 2. In the case at hand, the folding is made at an angle of approximately 45°. The first folding and the second folding form a trapezoid on the top side 2.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows the process of a third folding of the tubular bag 1. The trapezoid formed by the first folding and the second folding on the top side 2 is folded over with the tip in the direction of the flap 7. This folding can also be explained by a print and / or simplified by an embossing.

[0066] FIG. 7 shows the process of preparing to close the tubular bag 1. The short side of the trapezoid formed by the folding on the top side 2 of the tubular bag 1 is guided toward the flap 7.

[0067] FIG. 8 shows the process of closing the tubular bag 1. To close the tubular bag 1, the short side of the trapezoid is pulled under the flap 7. Friction and a form fit hold the top side 2 in its folded and turned-over position in the flap 7 and prevent the tubular bag 1 from opening. Partial opening of the first and second folds in the flap 7 further supports 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. It can simply be reclosed as described above. In addition to the trapezoidal shape, it is also conceivable for the top side 2 to be folded into a triangular shape, with the first two folds meeting in the middle of the top side or partially overlapping. Depending on where the flap 7 is positioned, one of the two folds may also be omitted. If the flap 7 extends across the entire width of tubular bag 1, it is also conceivable to close the bag without the first two folds by sliding the top side 2 under the flap 7 without folding it first.

[0068] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 each show a perspective view of the closed tubular bag 1. The top side 2 has been shaped by folding in such a manner that a tip could be pulled through the flap 7. The flap 7 is formed by a cut 6 in the fin. Since this is a stand-up pouch, the closed tubular bag 1 can stand on the bottom side 3 when it is closed.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an unopened tubular bag 1 in the form of stand-up pouch. The tubular bag 1 comprises a top side 2 and an opposite bottom side 3. A first seam 4, which comprises a fin, runs centrally between the top side 2 and the bottom side 3. The fin has a flap 7 formed by a cut 6. Laterally, the tubular bag 1 has two second seams 5, which run from the bottom side 3 to the top side 2 and which complete the tubular bag 1. A folding with two outward-facing folds 8 and one inward-facing fold 8 is formed on the bottom side 3, the folding being held in shape by the second seams 5. In addition, respective third seams 9 are disposed on the outward-facing folds 8 and on the top side 2.

[0070] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an unopened tubular bag 1 in the form of a pillow pouch. The tubular bag 1 comprises a top side 2 and an opposite bottom side 3. A first seam 4, which comprises a fin, runs between the top side 2 and the bottom side 3. The fin has a flap 7 formed by a cut 6. The tubular bag 1 is completed by two second seams 5, each disposed laterally on the tubular bag 1 between the top side 2 and the bottom side 3. The tubular bag 1 has a folding with folds 8 both on the bottom side 2 and on the top side 1, which are partially unfolded to form the pillow pouch.

[0071] FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of a method according to this disclosure. The method can be carried out on a packaging machine 10 according to this disclosure (see FIG. 14). In a first step 100, a film web is formed into a tube via a forming shoulder. In a subsequent second step 200, the tube is first cut at one edge by a cutting knife to form a flap and then bonded longitudinally by a first longitudinal connecting unit, resulting in a first seam. Then, in a third step 300, a first transverse seam, which is a second seam of the tubular bag, is produced by a transverse connecting unit by bonding. The production step of the first transverse seam can also be the production step of a second transverse seam of a tubular bag produced immediately prior. During and / or after the production of the first transverse seam, the tubular bag is filled. Finally, in a fourth step 400, a second transverse seam, which is also a second seam of the tubular bag, is produced by the transverse connecting unit by bonding. The production step of the second transverse seam can also be the production step of a first transverse seam of a tubular bag produced immediately afterwards. After and / or during the production of the transverse seam, the tubular bags are separated.

[0072] FIG. 14 shows a packaging machine 10 in which a film web 11 is pulled over a symmetrical forming shoulder 12 and formed into a tube with overlapping edges of the film web. The overlapping edges are cut by a flap forming member 13 in the form of a cutting blade and then connected by a first longitudinal connecting unit 14, which results in a first seam, in such a manner that the film web 11 forms a tube. A transverse connecting unit 15 connects the tube transversely, resulting in e a second seam, which is both part of a tubular bag that has thus been completed and part of a tubular bag that is currently being produced. In the process, a folding made on the bottom side by a folding unit 16 is also fixed by the transverse connecting unit 15. During and / or after the production of the second seam, the tubular bag currently being produced is filled by a vertical feeding unit 17.

Claims

1. A tubular bag comprising a top side and a bottom side running parallel to the top side,the tubular bag comprising a first seam running parallel to the top side and to the bottom side, the first seam being produced by bonding, andthe tubular bag comprising at least two lateral second seams connecting the top side to the bottom side, the second seams being produced by bonding,whereina flap is formed on and / or in the first seam.

2. The tubular bag according to claim 1,whereinthe first seam comprises a fin, and the flap is formed by a cut and / or a perforation in the fin.

3. The tubular bag according to claim 1,whereinthe tubular bag has a print and / or is embossed, and the print and / or the embossing comprises a fold line running parallel above the flap and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second seams and above the flap and running toward the top side.

4. The tubular bag according to claim 1,whereinthe tubular bag comprises at least one third seam and / or at least one fold on the top side and / or on the bottom side.

5. The tubular bag according to claim 1,whereinthe tubular bag and / or the flap are made of a film comprising polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and / or paper.

6. A method for producing a tubular bag according to claim 1, a film web being formed into a tube by a forming shoulder;the tube being longitudinally connected by bonding by a first longitudinal connecting unit to form a first seam, andthe tube being bonded transversely twice by a transverse connecting unit,thus forming at least two second seams, to form a tubular bag,whereina flap is formed on and / or in the first seam.

7. The method according to claim 6,whereinthe longitudinal connecting results in the formation of a fin, and the fin is cut and / or perforated during the longitudinal connecting to form the flap.

8. The method according to claim 6,whereinthe film is printed on and / or embossed, and the print and / or the embossing comprises a fold line running parallel above the flap and / or at least one fold line starting at one of the second seams and above the flap and running toward the top side.

9. The method according to claim 6,whereinthe film and / or the tube longitudinally connected by a first longitudinal connecting unit to form the first seam is folded inward on one or both sides and / or longitudinally connected for a second time.

10. The method according to claim 6,whereinafter the formation of a first one of the second seams and prior to the formation of a second one of the second seams, the tube is filled horizontally or vertically.

11. A packaging machine for carrying out the method according to claim 6, the packaging machine comprising a forming shoulder for forming a tube from a film web,a first longitudinal connecting unit for producing a first seam, anda transverse connecting unit for producing two second seams of the tube,whereinthe packaging machine comprises a flap forming member for forming a flap running along and / or in the first seam.

12. The packaging machine according to claim 11,whereinthe flap forming member is a cutting knife and / or a perforating knife, which is disposed in the first longitudinal connecting unit.

13. The packaging machine according to claim 11,whereinthe packaging machine comprises a printing unit for producing a print and / or an embossing unit for producing an embossing.

14. The packaging machine according to claim 11,whereinthe packaging machine comprises at least one folding unit and / or a second longitudinal connecting unit.

15. The packaging machine according to claim 11,whereinthe packaging machine comprises at least one vertical or horizontal feeding unit.

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