OUTER BAG WITH PRODUCT THEREIN, PRODUCTION METHOD THEREFOR, AND BAG BODY SUPPLY METHOD

Abstract

A product-containing outer bag in which a plurality of bags that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for parts of the bags, which are products, to overlap each other are wrapped with a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener to be integrated while a stacked state of the bags is held. The cylindrical outer bag with the fastener is made of a resin film as a base material and has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending along a cylinder length direction (X), at least one opening portion to be opened along the cylinder length direction (X), and the fastener on an inner wall side of the base material along an edge of the opening portion, and the fastener is engaged.

Claims

1. A product-containing outer bag in which a plurality of bags that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for parts of the bags, which are products, to overlap each other are wrapped with a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener for outer packaging to be integrated while a stacked state of the bags is held, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener is made of a resin film as a base material and has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending along a cylinder length direction, at least one opening portion to be opened along the cylinder length direction, and the fastener on an inner wall side of the base material along an edge of the opening portion, and the fastener is engaged.

2. The product-containing outer bag according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of bags that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for the parts of the bags, which are products, to overlap each other are placed on the base material formed of a flat sheet-shaped resin film with the fastener for outer packaging, and the base material is folded to wrap the plurality of bags with the base material, so that the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener is obtained and the bags are integrated while the stacked state of the bags is held.

3. The product-containing outer bag according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener includes one fastener and the fastener is located and engaged above a stacking surface of the bags.

4. The product-containing outer bag according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener includes one fastener and the fastener is located and engaged on either a right lateral end side or a left lateral end side of the bags.

5. The product-containing outer bag according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener includes two fasteners and the fasteners are located and engaged on a right lateral end side and a left lateral end side of the bags, respectively.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. A wound product or a zigzag-folded product of a product-containing outer bag, wherein the product-containing outer bag according to claim 1 is wound by roll winding or hank winding or is zigzag-folded in a state where a cross section of the product-containing outer bag is flat.

9. A production method for a product-containing outer bag in which a plurality of bags that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for parts of the bags, which are products, to overlap each other are wrapped with a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener for outer packaging to be integrated while a stacked state of the bags is held, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener is made of a resin film as a base material and has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending along a cylinder length direction, at least one opening portion to be opened along the cylinder length direction, and the fastener on an inner wall side of the base material along an edge of the opening portion, the opening portion has a structure where the opening portion is closed when the fastener is engaged, and the production method comprises a first step of preparing the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener; a second step of causing the fastener to be disengaged and widening the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener; a third step of stacking the bags continuously or intermittently in a row along a longitudinal direction of the base material on the base material for the parts of the bags to overlap each other; and a fourth step of folding the base material to wrap the plurality of bags with the base material while moving the base material, on which the plurality of bags are placed, in the longitudinal direction of the base material and causing the fastener to be engaged, to obtain the product-containing outer bag.

10. The production method for a product-containing outer bag according to claim 9, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener includes one fastener, in the second step, the base material is horizontally widened, in the third step, the base material is widened into a flat sheet shape and the bags are placed on the base material, and in the fourth step, the fastener is disposed and engaged above a stacking surface of the bags.

11. The production method for a product-containing outer bag according to claim 9, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener includes one fastener, in the second step, the base material is widened, so that a cross section in the longitudinal direction of the base material has a U shape or V shape, and in the third step, the bags are put into an inside of the base material having the U shape or V shape in a state where either a right lateral end side or a left lateral end side of the bags faces downward.

12. The production method for a product-containing outer bag according to claim 9, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener includes two fasteners, in the second step, one part of the base material that is divided into two parts when the fasteners are disengaged is horizontally widened and the other part of the base material is horizontally widened above the one part of the base material, in the third step, the one part of the base material is widened into a flat sheet shape and the bags are placed on the one part of the base material in a state where the fasteners located on both end sides in a width direction of the one part of the base material are located on a right lateral end side and a left lateral end side of the bags, respectively, and in the fourth step, the bags are covered with the other part of the base material and the fasteners each are engaged.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. A production method for a wound product or a zigzag-folded product of a product-containing outer bag, the method comprising: a fifth step of winding the product-containing outer bag according to claim 1 by roll winding or hank winding or zigzag-folding the product-containing outer bag in a state where a cross section of the product-containing outer bag is flat.

18. A method for supplying a bag, the method comprising: a sixth step of opening an engaged portion, a joint portion, or a location other than the engaged portion or the joint portion in an outer bag while pulling out the product-containing outer bag according to claim 9 or the outer bag of the wound product or the zigzag-folded product of a product-containing outer bag according to claim 17; and a seventh step of sequentially supplying the bags in the opened outer bag to a filling machine.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG. 1 is a front schematic view illustrating a first example of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A in FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B in FIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view illustrating a first example of a fastener in a region 20 of FIG. 2.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view illustrating a second example of the fastener in the region 20 of FIG. 2.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a front schematic view illustrating one form of a bag to be accommodated in the product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line C-C in FIG. 6.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a front schematic view illustrating a second example of the product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line D-D in FIG. 8.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a front schematic view illustrating a third example of the product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line E-E in FIG. 10.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a front schematic view illustrating a fourth example of the product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment, and is a view illustrating a form where the outer bag is closed by bonding or heat welding.

[0055] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along line F-F in FIG. 12.

[0056] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating a first example of a wound product of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line G-G in FIG. 14.

[0058] FIG. 16 is a schematic view for describing a first production method for a wound product of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment, and is a view illustrating a form where a product-containing outer bag is the product-containing outer bag illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0059] FIG. 17 is a schematic view for describing a second production method for a wound product of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment, and is a view illustrating a form where a product-containing outer bag is the product-containing outer bag illustrating in FIG. 8.

[0060] FIG. 18 is a schematic view for describing a third production method for a wound product of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment, and is a view illustrating a form where a product-containing outer bag is the product-containing outer bag illustrating in FIG. 10.

[0061] FIG. 19 is a schematic view for describing a fourth production method for a wound product of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment, and is a view illustrating a form where a product-containing outer bag is the product-containing outer bag illustrating in FIG. 12.

[0062] FIG. 20 is a schematic view for describing one form of a method for supplying a bag according to the present embodiment, and is a view illustrating a form where a wound product of a product-containing outer bag is the wound product of a product-containing outer bag obtained by the first production method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0063] Next, the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to embodiments; however, the disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the descriptions. As long as the effects of the disclosure are exhibited, the embodiments may be modified in various forms.

(Cylindrical Outer Bag with a Fastener)

[0064] A cylindrical outer bag with a fastener according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. A cylindrical outer bag 1 with a fastener according to the present embodiment is a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener for outer packaging, wherein the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is made of a resin film as a base material 5 and has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending along a cylinder length direction X, at least one opening portion 6 to be opened along the cylinder length direction X, and the fastener 4 on an inner wall side along an edge 6a of the opening portion 6, the opening portion 6 is closed when the fastener 4 is engaged, and the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is wound by roll winding or hank winding or is zigzag-folded in a state where the cross section of the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is flat.

[0065] The outer packaging refers to a form (including both secondary packaging and tertiary packaging) where a plurality of goods for sale (including not only goods but also goods that are individually and primarily packaged) are packaged in a unit of bundle. In addition, the outer bag refers particularly to a bag for outer packaging. Therefore, the cylindrical outer bag in the embodiment refers to a bag that has a cylindrical shape and is used for outer packaging.

[0066] The material of the resin film as the base material 5 is, for example, polyethylene resin or polypropylene resin and any one from <1> to <29> provided below as examples is adopted; however, in the present embodiment, the material is not particularly limited. [0067] <1> High density polyethylene (HDPE) [0068] <2> Medium density polyethylene (MDPE) [0069] <3> Low density polyethylene (LDPE) [0070] <4> Polypropylene (PP) [0071] <5> Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) [0072] <6> Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) [0073] <7> Polystyrene (PS) [0074] <8> Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) [0075] <9> Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) [0076] <10> ABS resin (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin) [0077] <11> AS resin (SAN) [0078] <12> Acrylic resin (PMMA) [0079] <13> Polyamide (PA)/Product name: Nylon [0080] <14> Polyacetal (POM) [0081] <15> Polycarbonate (PC) [0082] <16> Modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE, modified PPE, PPO) [0083] <17> Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) [0084] <18> Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [0085] <19> Cyclic polyolefin (COP) [0086] <20> Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) [0087] <21> Polysulfone (PSF) [0088] <22> Polyether sulfone (PES) [0089] <23> Amorphous polyarylate (PAR) [0090] <24> Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) [0091] <25> Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) [0092] <26> Thermoplastic polyimide (PI) [0093] <27> Polyamide imide (PAI) [0094] <28> Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) [0095] <29> Fluororesin (PTFE)

[0096] In addition, it is desirable that the thickness of the base material 5 formed of a single-layer film is approximately 0.2 to 1.5 mm, and it is desirable that the thickness of the base material 5 formed of a multi-layer film is approximately 0.4 to 2.0 mm. In addition, the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending in the cylinder length direction X when the inside of the cylinder is widened. The inner diameter (diameter) is, for example, 1.5 to 65 cm, but is not limited to this range. In addition, an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the cylindrical shape may be opened, or may be closed by bonding, heat welding, or binding.

[0097] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the opening portion 6 is provided in the base material 5 along the cylinder length direction X. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener has at least one opening portion 6. In a case where one opening portion 6 is provided, when the opening portion is widened, the base material becomes one belt-shaped film. The cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 has one opening portion 6. In a case where two opening portions 6 are provided, when the opening portions are widened, the base material becomes two belt-shaped films. Here, it is preferable that the opening portions are provided for the two belt-shaped films to have the same width. Incidentally, it is preferable that the opening portion 6 is formed over both ends of the cylindrical shape.

[0098] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fastener 4 is provided on the inner wall side along the edge 6a of the opening portion 6. The fastener 4 may have any structure as long as the structure is an openable and closable structure where the fastener 4 is closed when engaged and is opened when disengaged. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the fastener 4 includes a female member 4b having a female base portion 4b1 and a female portion 4b2 that have a strip shape and extend in the cylinder length direction X, and a male member 4a having a male base portion 4a1 and a male portion 4a2 that have a strip shape and extend in the cylinder length direction X, and the fastener 4 has a chuck structure where the fastener 4 is closed when the male portion 4a2 is engaged with the female portion 4b2. The male base portion 4al and the female base portion 4b1 of the fastener 4 illustrated in FIG. 4 are bonded to an inner wall surface of the base material 5. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the fastener 4 may have a female portion 4d extending in the cylinder length direction X and a male portion 4c extending in the cylinder length direction X, and may have a chuck structure where the fastener 4 is closed when the male portion 4c is engaged with the female portion 4d. The male portion 4c and the female portion 4d of the fastener 4 illustrated in FIG. 5 is formed integrally with the base material 5. In the present embodiment, the fastener 4 is not limited to having the chuck structure illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, and may have, for example, a structure where female portions engage with each other.

[0099] The cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is wound by roll winding or hank winding or is zigzag-folded in a state where the cross section is flat. The state where the cross section is flat refers to a state where inner wall surfaces of the cylindrical shape face each other and are in contact with each other. The roll winding includes bobbin winding, core winding, and coreless winding. In the form of roll winding and hank winding, since the cross section of the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is in a flat state, a space in the cylinder is deaerated and thus the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener has a strip shape, and it is preferable that the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is wound such that flat outer wall surfaces are in contact with each other. The volume of the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener which is wound can be reduced. In addition, also in the form of zigzag-folding, namely, in the form of folding in a zigzag manner, the cross section of the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is in a flat state, the space in the cylinder is deaerated and thus the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener has a strip shape, and it is preferable that the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is folded such that the flat outer wall surfaces are in contact with each other. The volume of the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener which is zigzag-folded can be reduced.

(Product-Containing Outer Bag: First Example)

[0100] Next, a product-containing outer bag 100 (first example) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 6 and 7. The product-containing outer bag 100 according to the present embodiment is a product-containing outer bag in which a plurality of bags 3 that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn), which are products, to overlap each other are wrapped with the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener for outer packaging to be integrated while a stacked state of the bags is held, wherein the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is made of a resin film as the base material 5 and has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending along the cylinder length direction X, at least one opening portion 6 to be opened along the cylinder length direction X, and the fastener 4 on the inner wall side of the base material 5 along the edge 6a of the opening portion 6, and the fastener 4 is engaged.

[0101] In the product-containing outer bag 100 (first example) according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that, in the product-containing outer bag 100, the plurality of bags 3 that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for the parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn), which are products, to overlap each other are placed on the base material 5 formed of a flat sheet-shaped resin film with the fastener for outer packaging, and the base material 5 is folded to wrap the plurality of bags 3 with the base material 5, so that the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is obtained and the bags are integrated while the stacked state of the bags 3 is held.

[0102] In the product-containing outer bag 100 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of bags that are products are accommodated in the cylinder of the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener for outer packaging. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a bag p1 that is a product is a plastic bag made of resin and having an opening portion 8 and an accommodating portion 7, and a chuck 9 is provided along an end of the opening portion 8. The chuck 9 has a fastener structure, for example, the same structure as that of the fastener 4 of the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener, and is openable and closable. The bags p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn that are products are bags have the same structure as that of the bag p1. Since the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) that are products have a flat structure, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the bags can be the plurality of bags 3 that are stacked in a row for parts thereof to overlap each other. Here, in the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener, the plurality of bags 3 may be arranged to be continuously connected along the cylinder length direction X, or may be arranged intermittently, namely, may be arranged to be interrupted at locations on the way. It is preferable that the intermittent arrangement is, for example, an arrangement where a predetermined number of bags are stacked in a row for parts thereof to overlap each other and then a gap is provided, the same number of the bags are successively stacked in a row for parts thereof to overlap each other and then a gap is provided again, and this pattern is repeated. The number of the bags is easily confirmed. In the present embodiment, the plurality of bags 3 that are stacked in a row for parts thereof to overlap each other are integrated in the form of the product-containing outer bag 100, and thus may be simply referred to as the plurality of bags 3 or the bags 3.

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the product-containing outer bag 100 wraps the plurality of bags 3 with the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener. Here, it is preferable that when the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener accommodates the plurality of bags 3, the width of the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is slightly larger than the width of the plurality of bags 3, for example, it is preferable that the width is larger by 1 to 10 mm, and in this case, it is preferable that the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener has a holding force to such an extent that the arrangement of the plurality of bags 3 does not collapse when the fastener 4 is closed. The bags 3 can be more integrated while a stacked state thereof is held, and since extra air does not infiltrate into the cylinder, an increase in volume can be suppressed. When the fastener 4 is engaged, the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener integrates the bags 3 in a state where the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener contains the bags 3.

[0104] Since the product-containing outer bag 100 can not only handle the plurality of bags 3 as bulk during transport, during storage, or during both transport and storage, but also fix a state of arrangement of bags to be sequentially produced from a bag making machine, even if the bag making machine and a filling machine are installed in different places, the inline production can be substantially reproduced.

[0105] It is preferable that, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener includes one fastener 4 and the fastener 4 is located and engaged above a stacking surface of the bags 3. The bags 3 can be easily wrapped in the form of palm clapping with the outer bag and the fastener 4 is easily engaged. For this reason, production is easily performed by an apparatus having a simple structure. In addition, the fastener 4 can be disengaged in the form of double doors. It is more preferable that, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the fastener 4 is located in a central portion of the stacking surface of the bags 3. An engagement operation and a disengagement operation can be more stably performed, and roll winding, hank winding, or zigzag folding can be more stably performed.

(Product-Containing Outer Bag: Second Example)

[0106] Next, a product-containing outer bag 200 (second example) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In the product-containing outer bag 200 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that a cylindrical outer bag 11 with a fastener includes one fastener 14 and the fastener 14 is located and engaged on either a right lateral end side or a left lateral end side of bags 13. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the product-containing outer bag 200 is the same as the product-containing outer bag 100 except that the position of the fastener 14 is different. Namely, in the product-containing outer bag 200, when a plurality of the bags 13 are wrapped with the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener and the fastener 14 is engaged, the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener integrates the bags 13 in a state where the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener contains the bags 13. In the product-containing outer bag 200, the adhesion of a base material 15 to the bag 13 is further enhanced. Also in the product-containing outer bag 200, similar to the case of the product-containing outer bag 100, it is preferable that when the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener accommodates the plurality of bags 13, the width of the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener is slightly larger than the width of the plurality of bags 13, for example, it is preferable that the width is larger by 1 to 10 mm. In FIG. 9, the fastener 14 is located on a left lateral end side of the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener, and thus an opening portion 16 is provided in a left lateral end portion and a left edge becomes an edge 16a of the opening portion 16. FIG. 9 illustrates a form where the fastener 14 is located on the left lateral end side of the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener; however, the fastener 14 may be located on a right lateral end side. The product-containing outer bag 200 according to the present embodiment has a form where bags can be neatly aligned by gravity when bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are put into the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener, and after the bags 13 are integrated by the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener, the bags 13 are aligned in a more orderly manner in the product-containing outer bag 200.

(Product-Containing Outer Bag: Third Example)

[0107] Next, a product-containing outer bag 300 (third example) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. In the product-containing outer bag 300 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that a cylindrical outer bag 21 with a fastener includes two fasteners 24a and 24b and the fasteners 24a and 24b are located and engaged on a left lateral end side and a right lateral end side of bags 23, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the product-containing outer bag 300 is the same as the product-containing outer bag 100 except that the two fasteners 24a and 24b are provided and the positions of the fasteners 24a and 24b are different. Namely, in the product-containing outer bag 300, when a plurality of the bags 23 are wrapped with the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener and the fasteners 24a and 24b each are engaged, the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener integrates the bags 23 in a state where the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener contains the bags 23. In the product-containing outer bag 300, similar to the product-containing outer bag 200, the adhesion of a base material 25 to the bag 23 is further enhanced. Also in the product-containing outer bag 300, similar to the case of the product-containing outer bag 100, it is preferable that when the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener accommodates the plurality of bags 23, the width of the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener is slightly larger than the width of the plurality of bags 23, for example, it is preferable that the width is larger by 1 to 10 mm. In FIG. 11, the fastener 24a is located on a left lateral end side of the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener, and thus an opening portion 26 is provided in a left lateral end portion and a left edge becomes an edge 26a of the opening portion 26. In addition, the fastener 24b is located on a right lateral end side of the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener, and thus an opening portion 27 is provided in a right lateral end portion and a right edge becomes an edge 27a of the opening portion 27. When the fastener 24a and the fastener 24b each are disengaged, the base material 25 of the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener is divided into a base material 25a (also referred to as the other part 25a of the base material) and a base material 25b (also referred to as one part 25b of the base material) for the product-containing outer bag 300 according to the present embodiment to be opened, and thus the bags 23 can be easily taken out.

(Product-Containing Outer Bag: Fourth Example)

[0108] Next, a product-containing outer bag 400 (fourth example) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In the product-containing outer bag 400 according to the present embodiment, the outer bag is closed by bonding or heat welding. The product-containing outer bag 400 according to the present embodiment is a product-containing outer bag in which a plurality of bags 33 that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn), which are products, to overlap each other are wrapped with a cylindrical outer bag 31 for outer packaging to be integrated while a stacked state of the bags is held, wherein the cylindrical outer bag 31 is made of a resin film as a base material 35 and has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending along a cylinder length direction X and at least one cut portion 36 along the cylinder length direction X, and inner walls or an inner wall and an outer wall of the base material 35 are mutually bonded or heat-welded along an edge 36a of the cut portion 36.

[0109] In the product-containing outer bag 400 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of bags which are products are accommodated in the cylinder of the cylindrical outer bag 31 for outer packaging. The bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) which are products are the same as the bag (bag p1 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7) described in the product-containing outer bag 100. In addition, a state of the plurality of bags 33 is the same as the state of the plurality of bags 3 in the product-containing outer bag 100.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the product-containing outer bag 400 wraps the plurality of bags 33 with the cylindrical outer bag 31. In this case, the cylindrical outer bag 31 has a joint portion 39 in which inner walls 38a and 38b of the base material 35 are bonded or heat-welded. Here, it is preferable that when the cylindrical outer bag 31 accommodates the plurality of bags 33, the width of the cylindrical outer bag 31 is slightly larger than the width of the plurality of bags 33, for example, it is preferable that the width is larger by 1 to 10 mm. It is preferable that the fastening of the plurality of bags 33 by the cylindrical outer bag 31 has a holding force to such an extent that the arrangement of the plurality of bags 33 does not collapse. The bags 33 can be more integrated while a stacked state thereof is held, and since extra air does not infiltrate into the cylinder, an increase in volume can be suppressed. When the inner walls 38a and 38b of the base material 35 are bonded or heat-welded, the cylindrical outer bag 31 integrates the bags 33 in a state where the cylindrical outer bag 31 contains the bags 33. Alternatively, when the inner wall 38a of the base material 35 and an outer wall 38d of the base material 35 are bonded or heat-welded, the cylindrical outer bag 31 may integrate the bags 33 in a state where the cylindrical outer bag 31 contains the bags 33 (not illustrated). In the present embodiment, the bonding is joining by adhesive agents including, for example, a glue and tape, and the heat welding is joining by heat sealing, ultrasound sealing, high frequency sealing, spot sealing, an impulse sealer, or laser. The cut portion 36 represents a discontinuous portion that is present at the location of the joint portion 39 in the cylindrical outer bag 31, which is closed, in a circumferential direction of a trunk of the base material 35. Regarding the cut portion 36, a portion where the films facing each other closer to outside than the joint portion 39 of the films are not bonded may be provided or may not be provided. In the cylindrical outer bag 31, not only one cut portion 36 may be provided as in the form illustrated in FIG. 13, but also two or more cut portions may be provided. For example, a form where the cut portions are provided at locations corresponding to the positions of the fasteners 24a and 24b in FIG. 11, respectively, and a total of two cut portions are provided may be adopted (not illustrated).

[0111] Similar to the product-containing outer bags 100, 200, and 300, since also the product-containing outer bag 400 can not only handle the plurality of bags 33 as bulk during transport, during storage, or during both transport and storage, but also fix a state of arrangement of bags to be sequentially produced from the bag making machine, even if the bag making machine and the filling machine are installed in different places, the inline production can be substantially reproduced.

[0112] In the cylindrical outer bag 31, when the base material 35 is cut along the cylinder length direction X, the bags 33 can be sequentially taken out. It is preferable that the cutting location is the cut portion 36. In order to unseal the cylindrical outer bag 31, in addition to a method of peeling the joint portion 39 to unseal the cylindrical outer bag 31 as illustrated in FIG. 13, for example, a method where a weak portion is provided in the film of the cylindrical outer bag 31 by scratching or half cutting and the cylindrical outer bag 31 is unsealed from the weak portion may be used.

(Wound Product of Product-Containing Outer Bag)

[0113] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a wound product 50 of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment, wherein the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 according to the present embodiment is wound by roll winding in a state where the cross section is flat. As one form of roll winding, FIG. 14 illustrates a form where the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 is wound around a bobbin 51. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the bobbin rotates around a rotary shaft 95 to perform winding. A form where core winding is performed around a cylindrical core instead of the bobbin 51 may be adopted (not illustrated), or coreless winding may be performed without using the bobbin 51 (not illustrated). In addition, instead of roll winding in a state where the cross section is flat, the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 may be wound by hank winding or may be zigzag-folded in a state where the cross section is flat (not illustrated). Here, the state where the cross section is flat refers to a state where the flat surfaces of the plurality of bags 3, 13, 23, or 33 accommodated in the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 are in contact with the inner wall surface of the base material 5, 15, 25, or 35 having a cylindrical shape and a cross section where the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of bags 3, 13, 23, or 33 is reflected has an elongated shape. FIG. 15 illustrates a form where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 is in a flat state, for example, has a substantially rectangular shape. When the product-containing outer bag 100 including the fastener 4 is roll-wound, the fastener 4 is in a state of being laid sideways, namely, in a state where the opening portion 6 is bent to lie in the base material 5. Since the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 is in a flat state, a space in the cylinder is deaerated and thus the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 has a strip shape, and it is preferable that the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 is wound such that outer wall surfaces thereof are in contact with each other. The volume of the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 which is wound can be reduced. In addition, also in the form of zigzag folding, namely, in the form of folding in a zigzag manner, since the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 is in a flat state, the space in the cylinder is deaerated and thus the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 has a strip shape, and it is preferable that the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 is folded such that the outer wall surfaces thereof are in contact with each other. The volume of the product-containing outer bag 100, 200, 300, or 400 which is folded can be reduced.

(Production Method for Wound Product of Product-Containing Outer Bag)

[0114] Next, a production method for a wound product of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. A production method for a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment is a production method for a product-containing outer bag in which the plurality of bags 3 that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn), which are products, to overlap each other are wrapped with the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener for outer packaging to be integrated while a stacked state of the bags 3 is held, wherein the cylindrical outer bag with the fastener is made of a resin film as the base material 5 and has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending along the cylinder length direction X, at least one opening portion 6 to be opened along the cylinder length direction X, and the fastener 4 on the inner wall side of the base material 5 along the edge 6a of the opening portion, the opening portion 6 has a structure where the opening portion 6 is closed when the fastener 4 is engaged, and the production method includes a first step of preparing the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener; a second step of causing the fastener 4 to be disengaged and widening the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener; a third step of stacking the bags continuously or intermittently in a row along a longitudinal direction Y of the base material 5 on the base material 5 for the parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) to overlap each other; and a fourth step of folding the base material 5 to wrap the plurality of bags 3 with the base material 5 while moving the base material 5, on which the plurality of bags 3 are placed, in the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 5 and causing the fastener 4 to be engaged, to obtain the product-containing outer bag 100.

(First Production Method)

[0115] In the first production method, a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener for outer packaging and a product-containing outer bag are the cylindrical outer bag 1 with a fastener and the product-containing outer bag 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, a bag is the bag p1 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the product-containing outer bag 100 is wound around the same bobbin as the bobbin 51 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 5 is the same as the cylinder length direction X with reference to the base material 5.

(First Step)

[0116] A wound product 53 of an outer bag, namely, the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener for outer packaging that is wound around a bobbin 52 is prepared. The cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener for outer packaging is wound around the bobbin 52 in a state where the fastener 4 is engaged and the cylinder is crushed to be flat such that the fastener 4 is located at the lateral end. The cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener for outer packaging is fed out in the direction of the cylinder length direction X to be delivered to a dance roll 61a and a pinch roll 62a. Incidentally, when the fastener 4 is separate from the base material 5, the first step includes step 1A of preparing a cylindrical film or half-cut film to which the fastener 4 is not bonded, and step 1B of attaching fastener tape to the cylindrical film or half-cut film.

(Second Step)

[0117] The fastener 4 is disengaged and the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is widened. Namely, the fastener 4 of the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener for outer packaging which has passed through the pinch roll 62a is disengaged by a claw guide roll 63, and the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is widened and delivered to a pinch roll 62b in a state where the base material 5 is not overlapped.

(Third Step)

[0118] The base material 5 is widened into a flat sheet shape and the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are placed on the base material 5. Specifically, the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener is widened and the bags are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row along the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 5 on the base material 5, that is not overlapped, for the parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) to overlap each other. FIG. 16 illustrates a form where the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are stacked continuously in a row. Here, the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are placed and delivered one by one on a transport conveyor 65 located downstream of the bag making machine (not illustrated). The bags, for example, the bags p4, p5, p6, and p7 on the transport conveyor 65 are to be sequentially placed on the base material 5.

(Fourth Step)

[0119] While the base material 5 on which the plurality of bags 3 are placed is moved in the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 5, the plurality of bags 3 are wrapped with the base material 5 by a claw guide roll 63b and the fastener 4 is engaged, so that the product-containing outer bag 100 is obtained. It is preferable that the product-containing outer bag 100 in which the fastener 4 is engaged is delivered to a touch roll 64, a pinch roll 62c, and a dance roll 61b in a state where the opening portion 6 is laid sideways in the vicinity of a base of the fastener 4. The inside of the product-containing outer bag 100 is deaerated, and thus the volume thereof is reduced.

(Fifth Step)

[0120] The product-containing outer bag 100 is wound around the bobbin 51 in a state where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 100 is flat, so that the wound product 50 of the product-containing outer bag is obtained. FIG. 16 illustrates the form of roll winding; however, the product-containing outer bag 100 may be wound by hank winding or may be zigzag-folded in a state where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 100 is flat.

[0121] According to the first production method, the cylindrical outer bag 1 with the fastener includes one fastener 4, in the second step, the base material 5 is horizontally widened, and in the fourth step, the fastener 4 is disposed and engaged above the stacking surface of the bags 3. According to the first production method, the bags 3 can be easily wrapped in the form of palm clapping with the outer bag 1 and the fastener 4 is easily engaged. For this reason, production is easily performed by an apparatus having a simple structure. In addition, the fastener 4 can be disengaged in the form of double doors.

(Second Production Method)

[0122] Next, a second production method for a wound product of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 17. Here, a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener for outer packaging and a product-containing outer bag are the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener and the product-containing outer bag 200 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a bag is the bag p1 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the product-containing outer bag 200 is wound around the same bobbin as the bobbin 51 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 (the illustration of the bobbin is omitted in FIG. 17). Furthermore, the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 15 is the same as the cylinder length direction X with reference to the base material 15.

(First Step)

[0123] A first step is the same as that in the first production method. The illustration of the first step is omitted in FIG. 17. Incidentally, when the fastener 14 is separate from the base material 15, the first step includes step 1A of preparing a cylindrical film or half-cut film to which the fastener 14 is not bonded, and step 1B of attaching fastener tape to the cylindrical film or half-cut film.

(Second Step)

[0124] In the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener for outer packaging which has passed through an opening claw 66, the base material 15 is widened, so that the cross section in the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 15 has a U shape or V shape and the fastener 14 is disengaged, so that the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener is widened.

(Third Step)

[0125] It is preferable that the bags are put into the inside of the base material having the U shape or V shape in a state where either a right lateral end side or a left lateral end side of the bags faces downward. Since the bags can be neatly aligned by gravity, the bags are aligned in a more orderly manner in the product-containing outer bag. Namely, the cylindrical outer bag 11 with the fastener is widened and the bags are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row along the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 15 inside the base material 15 having the U shape or V shape for parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) to overlap each other by a positioning device 68. FIG. 17 illustrates a form where the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are stacked continuously in a row. Here, the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are placed and delivered one by one on a transport conveyor 65 located downstream of the bag making machine (not illustrated). The bags, for example, the bags p4, p5, p6, and p7 on the transport conveyor 65 are to be sequentially put into the inside of the base material 15.

(Fourth Step)

[0126] While the base material 15, into which the plurality of bags 13 are put, is moved in the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 15, the plurality of bags 13 are wrapped with the base material 15 by a hooking claw 67 and the fastener 14 is engaged, so that the product-containing outer bag 200 is obtained. The inside of the product-containing outer bag 200 is deaerated, and thus the volume of the product-containing outer bag 200 in which the fastener 14 is engaged is reduced.

(Fifth Step)

[0127] The product-containing outer bag 200 is wound around the bobbin in a state where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 200 is flat, so that a wound product 54 of the product-containing outer bag is obtained. FIG. 17 illustrates the form of roll winding; however, the product-containing outer bag 200 may be wound by hank winding or may be zigzag-folded in a state where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 200 is flat.

(Third Production Method)

[0128] Next, a third production method for a wound product of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18. Here, a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener for outer packaging and a product-containing outer bag are the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener and the product-containing outer bag 300 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, a bag is the bag p1 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the product-containing outer bag 300 is wound around the same bobbin as the bobbin 51 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 25 is the same as the cylinder length direction X with reference to the base material 25.

(First Step)

[0129] A wound product 55 of an outer bag, namely, the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener for outer packaging that is wound around a bobbin 56 is prepared. The cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener for outer packaging includes two fasteners and is wound around the bobbin 56 in a state where the fasteners 24a and 24b each are engaged and the cylinder is crushed to be flat such that the fasteners 24a and 24b are located at both lateral ends, respectively. The cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener for outer packaging is fed out in the direction of the cylinder length direction X to be delivered to the opening claw 66. Incidentally, when the fasteners 24a and 24b are separate from the base material 25, a first step includes step 1A of preparing a cylindrical film or half-cut film to which the fasteners 24a and 24b are not bonded, and step 1B of attaching fastener tape to the cylindrical film or half-cut film.

(Second Step)

[0130] In the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener for outer packaging which has passed through the opening claw 66, the one part 25b of the base material 25 that is divided into two parts when the fasteners 24a and 24b are disengaged is horizontally widened and the other part 25a of the base material is horizontally widened above the one part 25b of the base material. The one part 25b of the base material is delivered to the pinch roll 62a. The other part 25a of the base material is also delivered to a pinch roll (not illustrated).

(Third Step)

[0131] It is preferable that the one part 25b of the base material is widened into a flat sheet shape and the bags are placed on the one part 25b of the base material in a state where the fasteners 24a and 24b located on both end sides in a width direction of the one part 25b of the base material are located on the left lateral end side and the right lateral end side of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn), respectively. Namely, the one part 25b of the base material is widened and the bags are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row along the longitudinal direction Y for parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) to overlap each other by the positioning device 68. FIG. 18 illustrates a form where the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are stacked continuously in a row. Here, the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are placed and delivered one by one on a transport conveyor 65 located downstream of the bag making machine (not illustrated). The bags, for example, the bags p4, p5, p6, and p7 on the transport conveyor 65 are to be sequentially placed on the one part 25b of the base material.

(Fourth Step)

[0132] It is preferable that while the plurality of bags 23 are moved in the longitudinal direction Y in a state where the plurality of bags 23 are placed on the one part 25b of the base material, the bags 23 are covered with the other part 25a of the base material which has been simultaneously moved in the longitudinal direction Y and the fasteners 24a and 24b each are engaged by the hooking claw 67. The fasteners 24a and 24b each are engaged to obtain the product-containing outer bag 300. When the product-containing outer bag 300 in which the fasteners 24a and 24b each are engaged passes through the pinch rolls 62b and 62c, the inside of the product-containing outer bag 300 is deaerated, and thus the volume thereof is reduced. The bags 23 can be put into the cylindrical outer bag 21 by a simple operation where the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener for outer packaging is divided into upper and lower parts, namely, the one part 25b of the base material and the other part 25a of the base material, the bags 23 are disposed therebetween, and the cylindrical outer bag 21 with the fastener for outer packaging is closed as before.

(Fifth Step)

[0133] The product-containing outer bag 300 is wound around the bobbin 51 in a state where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 300 is flat, so that a wound product 57 of the product-containing outer bag is obtained. FIG. 18 illustrates the form of roll winding; however, the product-containing outer bag 300 may be wound by hank winding or may be zigzag-folded in a state where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 300 is flat.

[0134] Next, a production method for a wound product of a product-containing outer bag, which is a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment and in which a cylindrical outer bag that is a type of an outer bag not including a fastener is used, will be described with reference to FIG. 19. A production method for a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment is a production method for a product-containing outer bag in which the plurality of bags 33 that are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row for parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn), which are products, to overlap each other are wrapped with the cylindrical outer bag 31 for outer packaging to be integrated while a stacked state of the bags 33 is held, the method including: a step A of preparing a strip-shaped resin film with a uniform width as the base material 35; a step B of widening the base material 35; a step C of stacking the plurality of bags continuously or intermittently in a row along the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 35 on the base material 35 for the parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) to overlap each other; and a step D of folding the base material 35 to wrap the plurality of bags 33 with the base material 35 while moving the base material 35, on which the plurality of bags 33 are placed, in the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 35, and mutually bonding or heat-welding the inner walls 38a and 38b or the inner wall 38a and the outer wall 38d of the base material 35 along both end edges 35a and 35b in a width direction of the base material 35 to form the base material 35 into a cylindrical shape, to obtain the product-containing outer bag 400.

(Fourth Production Method)

(Step A)

[0135] Subsequently, a fourth production method will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 19. A strip-shaped resin film with a uniform width is prepared as the base material 35. In FIG. 19, one wound product 58 of the cylindrical outer bag 31, in which the cylindrical outer bag 31 that is a cylindrical resin film produced by inflation film molding and has a cylindrical shape having a uniform inner diameter and continuously extending along the cylinder length direction is wound around a bobbin 59, is prepared. In FIG. 19, the cylindrical outer bag 31 is fed out in the direction of the cylinder length direction X to be delivered to the dance roll 61a and the pinch roll 62a.

(Step B)

[0136] The base material 35 is to be widened. A cut is made at one location in a trunk portion along the cylinder length direction to obtain the strip-shaped resin film with a uniform width. Namely, after the cylindrical outer bag 31 that has passed through the pinch roll 62a passes through a guide roll 74, a cut is made at one location in the trunk portion along the cylinder length direction by a cutter 72 and the base material 35 is horizontally widened by a guide roll 73 to be delivered to the pinch roll 62b in a state where the base material 35 is not overlapped. Alternatively, in the step A, a wound product in which the strip-shaped resin film with a uniform width after cutting is wound around the bobbin is prepared and in the step B, the wound product may be delivered to the pinch roll 62b in a state where the wound product is horizontally widened without using the cutter.

(Step C)

[0137] The base material 35 is widened into a flat sheet shape and bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are placed on the base material 35. Specifically, a plurality of the bags are stacked continuously or intermittently in a row along the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 35 on the base material 35 that is widened, for parts of the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) to overlap each other. FIG. 19 illustrates a form where the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are stacked continuously in a row. Here, the bags (p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn) are placed and delivered one by one on a transport conveyor 65 located downstream of the bag making machine (not illustrated). The bags, for example, the bags p4, p5, p6, and p7 on the transport conveyor 65 are to be sequentially placed on the base material 35.

(Step D)

[0138] While the base material 35 on which the plurality of bags 33 are placed is moved in the longitudinal direction Y of the base material 35, the plurality of bags 33 are wrapped with the base material 35 by the claw guide roll 63b and the inner walls 38a and 38b of the base material 35 are mutually bonded or heat-welded along both the end edges 35a and 35b in the width direction of the base material 35 by a heat sealing machine 69 to form the joint portion 39 and form the base material 35 into a cylindrical shape, so that the product-containing outer bag 400 is obtained. Here, it is preferable that both the end edges in the width direction of the base material 35 are disposed above the stacking surface of the bags 33 and both the end edges in the width direction of the base material 35 are mutually bonded or heat-welded. The bags 33 can be easily wrapped in the form of palm clapping with the outer bag and bonding or heat welding is easily performed. For this reason, production is easily performed by an apparatus having a simple structure. In the product-containing outer bag 400, the plurality of bags 33 are wrapped with the cylindrical outer bag 31 for outer packaging. It is preferable that the product-containing outer bag 400 that is heat-sealed is delivered to the touch roll 64, the pinch roll 62c, and the dance roll 61b. At this time, the product-containing outer bag 400 is delivered in a state where the joint portion 39 is laid sideways. The inside of the product-containing outer bag 400 is deaerated, and thus the volume thereof is reduced. FIG. 19 illustrates a form where the inner walls 38a and 38b of the base material 35 are bonded or heat-welded; however, a form of bonding or heat-welding the inner wall 38a and the outer wall 38d or a form of bonding or heat-welding the inner wall 38b and an outer wall 38c may be adopted. FIG. 19 illustrates a form where heat sealing is performed by the heat sealing machine 69; however, bonding may be performed by gluing. In the step A, in either form of a form of using the wound product 58 of the cylindrical outer bag 31 and a form of using a wound product in which the strip-shaped resin film with a uniform width after cutting is wound around the bobbin, after the joint portion 39 is formed, the plurality of bags 33 can be in a state of being wrapped with the cylindrical outer bag 31 for outer packaging.

(Fifth Step)

[0139] The product-containing outer bag 400 is wound around the bobbin 51 in a state where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 400 is flat, so that a wound product 70 of the product-containing outer bag is obtained. FIG. 19 illustrates the form of roll winding; however, the product-containing outer bag 400 may be wound by hank winding or may be zigzag-folded in a state where the cross section of the product-containing outer bag 400 is flat.

(Fifth Production Method)

[0140] Next, a fifth production method will be described. The fifth production method is the same as the second production method except that the base material is bonded or heat-welded to obtain a product-containing outer bag instead of a form where the fastener is engaged to obtain a product-containing outer bag. Namely, in the step A, one base material is prepared, in the step B, the base material is widened, so that the cross section in a longitudinal direction of the base material has a U shape or V shape, and in the step C, the bags are put into the inside of the base material having the U shape or V shape in a state where either a right lateral end side or and a left lateral end side of the bags faces downward. FIG. 19 illustrates a form where the base material 35 is widened horizontally and flat, as a form of widening the base material 35; however, a form where as illustrated in FIG. 17, the base material is widened such that the cross section has a U shape or V shape and the bags 33 are stacked therein in a state where the bags 33 are vertically placed such that lateral ends of the bags 33 are in contact with each other is adopted. In this form, the joint portion of the base material is located on a lateral end side of the bags 33.

(Sixth Production Method)

[0141] Next, a sixth production method will be described. The sixth production method is the same as the third production method except that the base material is bonded or heat-welded to obtain a product-containing outer bag instead of a form where the fastener is engaged to obtain a product-containing outer bag. Namely, in the step A, two base materials are prepared, in the step B, one base material is horizontally widened and the other base material is horizontally widened above the one base material, in the step C, the one base material is widened into a flat sheet shape and the bags are placed on the one base material in a state where both ends in a width direction of the one base material are located on a right lateral end side and a left lateral end side of bags, respectively, and in the step D, the bags are covered with the other base material and the one base material and the other base material are mutually joined. The bags can be put into the outer bag by a simple operation where the two base materials are disposed on upper and lower sides, the bags are disposed therebetween, and the outer bag is closed. In this form, the joint portions of the base material are located on both lateral end sides of the bags 33.

(Method for Supplying Bag)

[0142] A method for supplying a bag according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. The method for supplying a bag according to the present embodiment includes a sixth step of opening an engaged portion or a location other than the engaged portion in an outer bag while pulling out the product-containing outer bag 100 according to the present embodiment or the outer bag of the wound product 50 of a product-containing outer bag according to the present embodiment, and a seventh step of sequentially supplying the bags 3 in the opened outer bag to the filling machine. The product-containing outer bag 200, 300, or 400 may be used as the product-containing outer bag. In addition, the wound product 54, 57, or 70 of the product-containing outer bag may be used as the wound product of a product-containing outer bag. When the product-containing outer bag 400 or the wound product 70 of the product-containing outer bag is used, while the outer bag is pulled out, the joint portion or a location other than the joint portion in the outer bag is opened. Furthermore, a zigzag-folded product of the product-containing outer bag may be used. When a location other the engaged portion in the outer bag, the joint portion, or a location other than the joint portion in the outer bag is opened, it is preferable that opening is performed by using a cutter. In addition, when a weak portion is provided at a location other than the engaged portion in the outer bag, the joint portion, or a location other than the joint portion in the outer bag, the outer bag may be opened from the weak portion.

(Sixth Step)

[0143] As illustrated in FIG. 20, a step is performed in reverse order of the production method for the product-containing outer bag 100 or the outer bag of the wound product 50 of a product-containing outer bag. Namely, the wound product 50 of a product-containing outer bag is delivered to a dance roll 80, a pinch roll 81, and a touch roll 82 and subsequently, the fastener 4 that is laid sideways is raised by a guide roll 83. Subsequently, the female member 4b and the male member 4a each are guided by a claw guide roll 84, and the engaged portion of the fastener 4 or a location other than the engaged portion in the outer bag is opened. Incidentally, when the product-containing outer bag 400 or the wound product 70 of a product-containing outer bag is used, while the outer bag is pulled out, the joint portion or a location other than the joint portion in the outer bag is opened. In the sixth step, a packed state of the bags 3 can be reproduced as it is. Incidentally, the outer bag 1 is delivered to a pinch roll 87 and a touch roll 93 and is further wound around a bobbin 91, so that a wound product 90 of an outer bag 1 is obtained. The outer bag 1 after use, wound in the wound product 90 of the outer bag 1, is discarded.

(Seventh Step)

[0144] The bags 3 in the outer bag 1 that is opened are sequentially supplied to the filling machine. Here, the bag p4 that is a leading one of the bags 3 placed on the base material 5 is detected by a bag detection tool 86 and is taken out to be placed on one end side of a positioning device 92 by a suctioning tool 85, to become the bag p3. The bag p3 placed on the one end side of the positioning device 92 is moved to the other end side of the positioning device 92 by a suctioning tool 88, to become the bag p2. A bag detection tool 89 detects whether or not a bag is present at the position of the bag p2. Then, the bag p2 is supplied to the filling machine (not illustrated) as the bag p1.

[0145] In the sixth step and the seventh step, the product-containing outer bag 100 or the wound product 50 of a product-containing outer bag can substantially reproduce the bag making machine, and the bags 3 can be supplied to the filling machine at high speed. Namely, it can be said that the inline of the bag making machine can be substantially reproduced in the filling machine. Then, it can be seen that the operation of binding bags is not required and an inspection step associated with the operation is also not required.

[0146] The present embodiment has a plurality of forms, and a part of each embodiment can be appropriately replaced or modified within the scope of the effects of the disclosure.

[0147] In the present embodiment, a form where a plurality of bags are wrapped with a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener to obtain a product-containing outer bag has been described; however, the product is not limited to the bag illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, and for example, the disclosure is also applicable to a card-shaped product. It is preferable that the products can be stacked in a row for parts thereof to overlap each other, and the product may be, for example, a paper product such as an advertisement, a pamphlet, or a booklet, a sheet-shaped desiccant, a toilet sheet for pets, or sheet-shaped food materials such as an edible sheet or seaweed. In addition, it is also feasible that products not having a card shape are arranged in a row at equal intervals and are wrapped with a cylindrical outer bag with a fastener or a cylindrical outer bag so as to hold the state.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0148] 100, 200, 300, 400 PRODUCT-CONTAINING OUTER BAG [0149] 1, 11, 21 CYLINDRICAL OUTER BAG WITH A FASTENER [0150] p1, p2, p3, p4, . . . , pn BAG [0151] 3, 13, 23, 33 PLURALITY OF BAGS (BAGS) [0152] 4, 14, 24a, 24b FASTENER [0153] 4a1 MALE BASE PORTION [0154] 4a2, 4c MALE PORTION [0155] 4a MALE MEMBER [0156] 4b1 FEMALE BASE PORTION [0157] 4b2, 4d FEMALE PORTION [0158] 4b FEMALE MEMBER [0159] 5, 15, 25, 35 BASE MATERIAL [0160] 25b ONE PART OF BASE MATERIAL [0161] 25a OTHER PART OF BASE MATERIAL [0162] 6, 16, 26, 27 OPENING PORTION OF OUTER BAG [0163] 6a, 16a, 26a, 27a EDGE OF OPENING PORTION OF OUTER BAG [0164] 7 ACCOMMODATING PORTION [0165] 8 OPENING PORTION OF BAG [0166] 9 CHUCK [0167] 20 REGION [0168] 31 CYLINDRICAL OUTER BAG (WITHOUT A FASTENER) [0169] 35a, 35b BOTH END EDGES IN WIDTH DIRECTION OF BASE MATERIAL [0170] 36 CUT PORTION [0171] 36a EDGE OF CUT PORTION [0172] 38a, 38b INNER WALL [0173] 38c, 38d OUTER WALL [0174] 39 JOINT PORTION [0175] 50, 54, 57 WOUND PRODUCT OF PRODUCT-CONTAINING OUTER BAG [0176] 58 WOUND PRODUCT OF CYLINDRICAL OUTER BAG [0177] 51, 56, 59, 91 BOBBIN [0178] 61a, 61b, 80 DANCE ROLL [0179] 62a, 62b, 62c, 81, 87 PINCH ROLL [0180] 63, 63b, 84 CLAW GUIDE ROLL [0181] 64, 82, 93 TOUCH ROLL [0182] 65 TRANSPORT CONVEYOR [0183] 66 OPENING CLAW [0184] 67 HOOKING CLAW [0185] 68 POSITIONING DEVICE [0186] 69 HEAT SEALING MACHINE [0187] 72 CUTTER [0188] 73, 74, 84 GUIDE ROLL [0189] 85 SUCTIONING TOOL [0190] 86 BAG DETECTION TOOL [0191] 89 BAG DETECTION TOOL [0192] 90 WOUND PRODUCT OF OUTER BAG [0193] 92 POSITIONING DEVICE [0194] 95 ROTARY SHAFT OF BOBBIN [0195] X CYLINDER LENGTH DIRECTION [0196] Y LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION OF BASE MATERIAL