Process for Producing Packaging Items for Light Goods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for packaging goods and a vertical packaging machine in a film, whereas cross seals are applied to a film tube ( 1 ) with sealing means ( 9 ).

1 .- 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A process for packaging goods on a vertical packaging machine into a film, comprising: 
 forming a film tube;    applying a cross-seal to a lower portion of the film tube to form a bottom of a packaging item;    fixing the film tube in a vertical position; and    moving the portion of the film tube located above the cross-seal downward toward the cross-seal such that the bottom of the packaging item is expanded.    
   
   
       17 . The process of  claim 16 , further comprising: 
 adding an item to be packaged to the film tube while the film tube is fixed in the vertical position.    
   
   
       18 . The process of  claim 17 , wherein adding the item to be packaged expands the bottom of the packaging item.  
   
   
       19 . The process of  claim 16 , further comprising: 
 providing a fill pipe for providing the item to be packaged; and    dropping the item to be packaged from the fill pipe such that the item to be packaged is compressed toward the bottom of the packaging item.    
   
   
       20 . The process of  claim 16 , wherein fixing the film tube in a vertical position includes using a cross-sealing device.  
   
   
       21 . The process of  claim 16 , wherein fixing the film tube in a vertical position includes using a fixing device.  
   
   
       22 . The process of  claim 16 , wherein the film tube comprises a flat film web with a longitudinal seal.  
   
   
       23 . The process of  claim 16 , wherein two packaging items are produced simultaneously.  
   
   
       24 . The process of  claim 16 , wherein the item to be packaged has a low and/or changing packaging density.  
   
   
       25 . The process of  claim 16 , wherein the item to be packaged is a salad.  
   
   
       26 . A process for packaging goods in a film on a vertical packaging machine, the process comprising: 
 a) cross-sealing a lower end of a film tube to form a bottom of a packaging item;    b) filling the film tube with a portion of an item to be packaged;    c) fixing the lower end of the film tube and the portion of an item to be packaged in a vertical position;    d) releasing the lower end of the film tube and the portion of an item to be packaged such that the bottom of the packaging item is expanded;    e) dropping the film tube in the vertical direction;    f) dropping the portion of an item to be packaged in the vertical direction;    g) fixing the film tube in a vertical position;    h) cross-sealing an upper end of the film tube to form a top of the packaging item; and    i) separating the packaging item from the remainder of the film tube.    
   
   
       27 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein steps a, b, c are performed first, followed by step e, and followed by steps d, e, f, g, h, and i.  
   
   
       28 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein the film tube is dropped in the vertical direction prior to releasing the lower end of the film tube and the portion of the item to be packaged such that wrinkles are formed in the film tube.  
   
   
       29 . The process of  claim 26 , further comprising lowering the film tube and the portion of the item to be packaged by a small extent prior to fixing the lower end of the film tube and the portion of an item to be packaged in a vertical position.  
   
   
       30 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein fixing the lower end of the film tube and the portion of an item to be packaged in a vertical position includes using a cross-sealing device.  
   
   
       31 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein fixing the lower end of the film tube and the portion of an item to be packaged in a vertical position includes using a fixing device.  
   
   
       32 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein the film tube comprises a flat film web with a longitudinal seal.  
   
   
       33 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein two packaging items are produced simultaneously.  
   
   
       34 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein the item to be packaged has a low and/or changing packaging density.  
   
   
       35 . The process of  claim 26 , wherein the item to be packaged is a salad.