Flexible package and process of making package

Abstract

A flexible package and method for making one includes a thermoplastic film section folded to form first and second opposing body panels. The first and second body panels are joined together along a top seal, first side seal, and second side seal; and have a fold section forming a bottom. A perforated section is provided in the first body panel to provide access to an interior of the package. The package can be used for a variety of packaging contents including, for example, a roll of bags.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of making a flexible package; the method comprising:
 (a) providing a thermoplastic film including a first film portion adjacent to a second film portion joined at a fold;   (b) forming a perforated section in the first film portion;   (c) forming a first side seal between the first film portion and second film portion;   (d) inserting packaging contents between the first and second film portions;   (e) forming a top seal and second side seal between the first film portion and second film portion, with the packaging contents contained between the first side seal, second side seal, top seal, and fold; the first film portion containing the perforated section; and   (f) cutting along at least the second side seal to result in an individual flexible package.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 (a) inserting a gussetter into the fold to form a gusset between the first film portion and second film portion. 
 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the step of forming a perforated section includes perforating a looped section in the first film portion. 
 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the step of cutting along at least the second side seal further includes cutting along the top seal. 
 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the steps of (i) forming a top seal and second side seal, and (ii) cutting along at least the second side seal, occur simultaneously. 
 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the step of providing a thermoplastic film includes unwinding pre-folded film from a roll, the pre-folded film including the first film portion adjacent to the second film portion joined at the fold. 
 
     
     
         7 . A method according  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the step of providing a thermoplastic film includes unwinding film from a roll and then folding the film into the first film portion adjacent to the second film portion joined at the fold. 
 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) before the step of forming a perforated section in the first film portion, separating the first film portion from the second film portion. 
 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the step of forming a top seal and second side seal between the first film portion and second film portion occurs simultaneously. 
 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the step of forming a top seal and second side seal between the first film portion and second film portion is done with a single seal bar having an L-shape. 
 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 1  further including:
 (a) after the step of cutting along at least the second side seal to result in an individual flexible package, putting the individual flexible package on a conveyor. 
 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein:
 (a) the step of inserting packaging contents between the first and second film portions includes inserting a roll of bags between the first and second film portions. 
 
     
     
         13 . A flexible package made according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         14 . A flexible package comprising:
 (a) a thermoplastic film section folded to form first and second opposing body panels; the first and second body panels being joined together along a top seal, first side seal, and second side seal; and having a fold section forming a bottom; the first and second body panels defining an interior volume therein;   (b) a perforated section in the first body panel; and   (c) packaging contents in the interior volume.   
     
     
         15 . A flexible package according to  claim 14  wherein:
 (a) the perforated section includes a perforated looped section sized to permit access to the packaging contents in the interior volume, when the perforated looped section is removed from the first body panel. 
 
     
     
         16 . A flexible package according to  claim 14  wherein:
 (a) the fold section includes a gusset. 
 
     
     
         17 . A flexible package according to  claim 14  wherein:
 (a) the packaging contents include a roll of bags. 
 
     
     
         18 . A flexible package according to  claim 14  wherein:
 (a) the package is self-supporting in an upright position when oriented on the bottom.