Method for making side opening flexible bag with longitudinally oriented

Abstract

Method and apparatus for making an easy open substantially rectangular bag of compressed flexible articles having a handle extending in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of compression of the articles. The preferred method includes the steps of: (a) providing at least two discrete portions of a continuous line of weakness in a web of flexible material; (b) forming a 'W'-shaped cross-section in the web; (c) feeding a web of the material forming the handle parallel to the web of bag material; (d) nesting the web of handle material within the web of 'W'-shaped material; (e) sealing the nested webs to one another forming unerected flexible bags; (f) severing the discrete unerected flexible bags from the web in the sealed areas of the web; (g) partially erecting each flexible bag; (h) forming a stack of flexible articles; (i) compressing the stack of flexible articles between a pair of opposed knife belt assemblies; (j) moving the knife belt assemblies and the partially erected bags relative to one another so that the knife belt assemblies pass into the partially erected bags; (k) simultaneously driving the opposed knife belts in a direction which advances the stack of compressed articles into the partially erected flexible bag; (l) moving the knife belt assemblies and the partially erected flexible bags relative to one another so that the knife belt assemblies are completely retracted from each of the flexible bags; (m) folding the open bottom end of each bag to form a closed bottom panel; and (n) securing the bottom panel in a closed position to complete the bag.