Wicketed and wicket-less bags and method of filling the bags

Abstract

A block of bags for a product filling process includes a plurality of bags stacked in overlying relationship. Each bag of the block has a top edge, a bag mouth and opposite first and second side edges. First and second edge lines of perforations extend from edge points on respective opposite lateral edges of the bag. The edge points are spaced closely to the bag mouth of the bag. A central line of perforations extends between inner ends of the first and second edge lines of perforations. The central line of perforations is offset from the edge points, away from the bag mouth. A tear-off region is defined between the central line of perforations and the top edge. During automatic filling of the bad, the edge lines of perforations are torn to form an open bag mouth, and the central line of perforations is torn after filling to separate the bag from the block. The bag can alternatively also include first and second substantially longitudinal lines of perforations extending from the central line of perforations upwardly to the top edge of the bag, extending substantially from opposite ends of the central line of perforations, forming corner tear-off regions. The corner tear off regions can be removed before the filling operation. The invention also provides a bag filling platform which holds bag lip portions at a depressed elevation so that lip portions that remain on the platform after bags are separated do not interfere with the filling of subsequent bags.