DK178173B1 - Method and apparatus for packing items, liquid or loose goods in foil bags and a bag web - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of packing items, liquid or loose goods in foil bags is described which, in a continuous bag web of bag items, is conveyed through a filling station wherein the bag mouths are kept open for receiving items while the bags are then closed and separated from the web. In order to increase the filling speed and make the bags cheaper, the bag web is provided with a central carrying area extending along the length of the bag web connecting bag items which are placed side by side in the transverse direction of the web. The central support area is advanced on a support rail along the transport path through the filling station, and is formed as a complete or partially closed channel. The edge areas of the bag blanks at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are brought into control with guide means which are arranged to hold and guide rim areas at the opposing bag mouth edges along a conveyor path through the filling station. The guide means will, in connection with this passage, force the bag mouth edges apart to successively open the bags in the filling station and then, after filling the bags, re-compose the bag mouth edges for closing the bags.

Description

Method and apparatus for packing items, liquid or loose goods in foil bags and a bag web

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of packing items, liquid or loose goods in foil bags, which are conveyed in a continuous web of bag items through a filling station, wherein the bag mouths are kept open for receiving items, after which the bags are closed and separated from the web, the bag web initially and along its orifice edges communicated with guide means adapted to retain and fabricate edge areas at the opposing bag mouth edges along a conveyor path through the filling station, the guiding means associated with this passage forcing the bag mouth edges apart for successive opening of the bags in the filling station and then, after filling the bags, again joins the bag mouth edges to close the bags, by which method the opposing bag mouth edges are unfolded, and by which method the bag web when advancing on a support s rail is inserted. Res engaged with guide means which ensure retention of the bag web along the conveyor track through the filling station.

The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a method, and comprises: - a filling station where the bag openings are kept open for receiving items, - guiding means which are arranged to hold and fabricate peripheral areas at the opposite outer bag mouth edges along a transport path through the filling station, the guide means in connection with this passage forcing the bag mouth edges apart to successively open the bags in the filling station and then, after filling the bags, again associate the bag mouth edges for closing the bags; and - a support rail for advancing the bag web for engagement with the guide means.

The invention further relates to a bag web for use in such a method and in such an apparatus, the bag web comprising a continuous series of bag items separated by a plurality of slits extending from a bottom edge of the web up to one piece below a web. the upper edge of the web, where the side edges of the webs are closed by welds, and comprise a central carrying area extending along the length of the web web, connecting bag items which are placed side by side in the web's transverse direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A basic example of this technology is disclosed in EP-696997, which states that the opposing upper edge regions of the bag blank are provided with bent channel forming edge portions for retraction on feed rods, which in the feed direction have a mutual expansion to produce an opening of the bag items. so that these can be filled e.g. through an overlying filling funnel, whereupon the guide rods are narrowed again to each other for tentative closure of the filled bag blanks. These can then be finally closed by welding down the said duct portions, after which they are cut off and the items separated. It is stated as an alternative that edge thicknesses can be used instead of the channel parts, which can be accommodated in slotted guide pipes for quite similar feeding of the bag blanks.

Other means have been proposed since then for gripping and carrying the opposing upper edges of the bag blanket, e.g. as disclosed in EP 0 555 321 B, where special gripping chains are used for the purpose, without special requirements for the design of the upper edge areas of the folded bag blanket web. This is of major importance in that as a starting product a simple coiled flat film web without local thicknesses can be used, but on the other hand there are significant problems both with respect to the direction of the opposite bag blank edges for secure engagement with the chains and with respect to a desirable inexpensive execution of these chains.

It is further stated in EP 0 396 838 and EP 0 825 116 that a flat tube web of the foil can be worked, which can be continuously cut along its top edge, with associated integrated unfolding and gripping of the thus cut-up edges, without these being specially designed neither as channels nor with thickens, which will signify a marked simplification of the requirements for the formation of the bag web. The cut upper portions are unfolded for squeezing between respective moving belts which are formed with longitudinal recesses and corresponding indentation cords, whereby a suitable fixed support engagement can be established.

However, this intervention is no more than just the fact that axial slides may occur between the upper edges of the bag web and the associated belt conveying means, whereby uncertainty may arise as to whether a conveyed item has been conveyed fully in sync with the conveyor belts. In addition, there may be discrepancies in the height position of the area of the web sides being squeezed between the conveyor belts, which may affect whether the filled bags are closed at the exact location intended, e.g. seen in relation to the print on the bag.

EP 1 087 890 discloses a technique using a simplified flat bag web, said mouth edge being simply closed, the web being fed to a single support bar and continuously cut into a station in which the resulting edge strip portions are unfolded for deposition on opposing chains. These strip parts are formed in advance with a series of holes which, when unfolded, are lowered onto upright holding pins on the support chains, whereby, without special profiling of the mouth edges, a secure carrying and propulsion engagement is obtained.

EP 1 451 069 describes a similar technique. Here, edge strip portions will also be formed in advance with a series of holes which, when folded down, are lowered on protruding holding pins on the support chains, so that without special profiling of the orifice edges a safe support and propulsion engagement is achieved.

Common to all these known systems, the bag web is conveyed with a longitudinal row of bag items which are filled successively.

US 2003/0165278 A, EP 1733970 A, US 2004/0134166 A, WO 02/070349 A, and DE 3839336 A disclose all the filling of different bag types in two rows of pouches with a central extending carrying area extending longitudinally foil web.

There has been a desire for many years to be able to increase the filling speed and to make the bags cheaper. It is primarily a desire associated with the technique of the latter two European patents where the use of pins provides a secure carrying and propulsion intervention. However, it is a similar desire in connection with the other known techniques described.

The object of the invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for packing articles, liquid or loose goods in foil bags which are conveyed in a continuous web through a filling station which provides a high filling rate.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bag web of bag items which enables a high filling rate as well as a cheap manufacture of the bags.

Description of the Invention

This object is achieved according to the present invention with a method of the kind mentioned in the first, which is characterized in that the bag web is provided with a central carrying area extending along the length of the bag web which is formed as a fully or partially closed channel and where the central carrying area connects bag items. which are positioned side by side in the transverse direction of the web and which central carrier area is advanced on the support rail along the conveying path through the filling station and that it is the peripheral regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges of two juxtaposed bag blanks which are brought into control with the guide members.

An apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the support rail extends along the conveying path through the filling station for supporting the bag web at a central carrying area extending longitudinally of the bag web, which connects bagpieces which are placed side by side in the transverse direction of the web, the support rail being adapted to receive in the fully or partially closed channel in the central carrying area of the bag web.

A bag web according to the invention comprises a central carrying area extending longitudinally of the bag web, which connects bag items which are placed side by side in the transverse direction of the web, and is characterized in that the central carrying area is formed as a complete or partially closed channel, and that the border areas of the bag web at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are arranged to be guided with guide means.

It has been found possible that in a surprisingly simple manner it is possible to significantly increase the filling speed and at the same time reduce the cost of making and filling the bags simply by providing a bag web having bag items placed side by side in the transverse direction of the web. Thus, the bag web has two juxtaposed rows of continuous bag items. These two rows are connected to the central carrying area extending along the length of the bag web.

This central support area is supported on the support rail known from the technique of the two European patents EP 1 087 890 and EP 1 451 069. It is only necessary to extend such a support rail so that it extends along the transport path through the filling station to support the two juxtaposed bag lanes in the filling station. Thus, bagpieces from each of the two rows at their common central carrying area will be supported by the common central guide rail and at each of the peripheral regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bagpieces will be supported by the guide members.

When the central carrying area is formed as a complete or partially closed channel, a more secure control of the bag path is achieved. In addition, the advantage is obtained that an unequal weight in the two juxtaposed bags will not skew the web. By using a channel in the central carrier area, it becomes possible to fill the two juxtaposed bags with different weights. They can also be filled at different times. Thus, requirements for placement of filling hoppers and similar filling equipment will be more flexible than they are in a situation where two simultaneous bags must be simultaneously filled.

Thus, the guide means may be formed according to the known techniques described above, and the edge regions of the bag blanks may be formed according to the known techniques. There is only a need to modify the filling station in such a way that it has, for example, two filling units simultaneously filling the two juxtaposed bag blanks.

Carriers or the like in the guide means can thus be moved through a course in which they will pull the two outer bag edges apart in the filling station in such a way that the two juxtaposed bag blanks thereby open to enable a filling of products from above or possibly from the side in in the two bag items. Thereafter, the poxants can be reassembled for the final closure and cut of the filled bag items.

At the end of the filling station, the guide means will typically be pulled apart so that freshly cut bags can be grasped and transported or simply dropped onto a conveyor belt.

It will be irrelevant to how accurately the conveyance occurs, if a particular feature of the bag web occurs during the conveyance, if carrier chains are provided with pins, since the bag web will certainly be conveyed fully synchronously with the carrier chains.

According to one embodiment, the method may be characterized in that the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges of two juxtaposed bag blanks are mutually welded together or welded together with the central carrier region. This provides better control of the outer bag mouth edges.

According to a further embodiment, the method may be characterized in that the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are free edge regions. This simplifies the bag making itself, but the free border areas place greater demands on control during the conveying of the bag path through the apparatus.

According to one embodiment, the apparatus may be characterized in that the support rail comprises an endless belt a strap or the like for use in supporting the bag web. Thereby, the straps or straps may contribute to the conveyor path advancement. However, it is generally preferred that a smooth guide rail is used where the bag web slides.

According to a further embodiment, the apparatus may be characterized in that the filling station comprises a first and a second filling unit or alternatively comprises a displaceable filling unit for filling the two side bags placed side by side. The choice of filling unit depends on whether it is the same items being filled in both bags or whether alternatively the advantage obtained by the invention is utilized in the form of the possibility of filling different items in two parallel feeding items.

According to a further embodiment, the apparatus may be characterized in that the guide means comprise supply chains with pin parts which are freely projecting from the supply chains and which can engage perforations or holes in respective peripheral regions, a guide channel which can engage a bead. in respective peripheral regions, guide rails which can engage with a channel in respective peripheral regions or clamped chains or belts which may, by friction, engage with respective peripheral regions. As mentioned, in the invention the possibilities known from the prior art can be used.

According to one embodiment, the bag web may be characterized in that the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag items are interlaced or welded together with the central carrying area. This provides a better control of the outermost regions when passing through the apparatus.

According to a further embodiment, the bag web may be characterized in that the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are free border areas. This simplifies bag making itself.

According to a further embodiment, the bag web may be characterized in that the bag web is formed of a foil web which is folded about longitudinal lines of the bag web, the fold lines being spaced approximately a quarter of the width of the foil web from each side of the foil web for forming the two side-by-side bags. Thus, the two juxtaposed bag blanks can advantageously be made from one foil web without the need for multi-foil web compositions.

According to a further embodiment, the bag web may be characterized in that the edge areas of the bag web at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are each provided with a series of perforations for the guide means in an apparatus according to the invention. This ensures a secure and firm grasp of the peripheral areas.

According to a further embodiment, the bag web may be characterized in that the edge areas of the bag web at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are each provided with a longitudinal bead for engagement with the guide means in an apparatus according to the invention. The guide means will comprise a channel or a chain which, by friction, may grip the bead.

According to a further embodiment, the bag web may be characterized in that the edge areas of the bag web at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag items are each provided with a longitudinal channel for engaging the guiding means in an apparatus according to the invention. The guide means will comprise guide rails which can be accommodated in the channels and thereby provide a safe guide of the peripheral areas.

Thus, in practicing the invention, the design details of the bag web and apparatus known from the art of the two European patents EP 1 087 890 and EP 1 451 069 can be used. Thus, no detailed explanation thereof is given.

Likewise, only bag runways with two juxtaposed bags are mentioned. However, within the idea of the invention, it will also be possible to expand the number of juxtaposed bags so that there are also three or more bags juxtaposed in the transverse direction and passed through a filling apparatus.

Character description

The invention will then be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, in which the essential channel of the invention in the central support is only seen in FIG. 8-9, and where

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a technique known from EP 1 087 890 with a bag web comprising a single row of bag items;

FIG. Figure 2 shows a perspective partial view of a bag web having two rows of juxtaposed bag items - in a partially opened condition - in a bag web according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the one shown in FIG. 2 with bag subjects in a fully open condition,

FIG. 4A-4F show six different possible bag webs according to the invention,

FIG. 5A-5C are sectional views illustrating three steps of inserting a bag web as shown in FIG. 4A in a filling apparatus,

FIG. 5D is a perspective partial view of a bag web in the first step shown in FIG. 5A,

FIG. 6A-6C show sectional views to illustrate three steps of inserting a bag web as shown in FIG. 4B-4F in a filling apparatus,

FIG. 6D is a perspective partial view of a bag web in the first step shown in FIG. 6A with a weld,

FIG. 6E shows a perspective partial view of a bag web in the first step shown in FIG. 6A with two welds,

FIG. 7A-7D show sectional views to illustrate four alternative guides in an apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 8A-8B show two further possible bag webs according to the invention and Figs. 9A-9C show sectional views to illustrate three steps of inserting a bag web as shown in FIG. 8A and 8B in a filling apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the description of the figures, identical or similar elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the various figures. Thus, no explanation of all details will be given in connection with each figure / embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows prior art and serves to illustrate a principle for designing edge areas at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges as well as guide means adapted to retain and fabricate the edge areas at the opposing bag mouth edges.

In FIG. 1, it is shown that a foil web 4 can be wound from a stock roll 2 consisting of a double foil folded about a bottom edge 6, which is gathered along the top edge by a simple weld 8, without any bending or thickening of any kind. Therefore, it may also be a tube film. In the web there are a series of slits 10 extending from the bottom edge 6 up to a distance below the top edge 8, so that the web occurs with mutually separated bag blanks 12, whose side edges are closed by welds 14. Just above the top of the slots 10 is the double web intersected by horizontal respective lines 16 which project a short distance to both sides of the corresponding slots 10.

Between the top edge 8 and the cutting strip 16, the edge regions 40 of the web are pierced by a single row of perforation holes 18.

This pre-made web 4, which, rather than being rolled up, can appear better in a zig-zag-folded storage box, is wound by a filling assembly on a support bar or rail 20 starting from a fixed support portion 22 of the assembly and serving. for simple support of the closed top edge 8 of the web 4.

A little in front of the support part 22, the support bar 20 has a projecting knife element 24 which, when extending the web 4, will continuously cut its upper edge, and then a continuing support system consisting of opposing parallel chain feed 26, which is formed with upstanding holding pins 28 for engaging the holes 18 in the respective, upper edge portions of the web 4, and of a pressure roller 30 which, after entering the foil web, acts to pull the said folded upper regions of the web 4 against the firmly supported support chains 26, for horizontal abutment towards their upper sides and thereby during pivoting of the holes 18 in such a way that the holes 18 are pivoted and engaging over the chain pins 18. The pressure roller 30 has retracted grooves 32 to allow a free passage of the outer end portions of the chain pins 28, and in these tracks are not shown in a transverse position, which in a gear-like manner can interact with ed the chain pins 28 for automatic synchronous drive of the pressure roller 30.

The opposite upper portions of the web 4 will then be firmly anchored to the supporting pins 28, and the carrier chains may then be guided through a desired course of successive opening of the bag blanks as indicated at 34, whereby they may be filled by a filling apparatus 36 located above the open bag blank and for closing the blanks after filling them. The filling apparatus 36 is provided with a filling unit in the form of a filling nozzle 38. It is unnecessary to state this in more detail. However, it should be noted that the pins 28 are disposed in the neutral lines of the chains so that the bag blanket is not subjected to stretching or slacking during passages with directional changes.

By welding closure of the bag blanks immediately below the top of the slots 10 and, optionally, a subsequent cutting, the filled bags are released from the remaining portion of the web, which is wound up as excess.

It should be mentioned that on the fixed support part 22 there is preferably arranged a guide body with a double-wing plow-cut shape, which actively produces or initiates the shown unfolding of the perforated web edge areas, whereby improved safety can be achieved with regard to the essential function of the downhole of the holes. over pins 28 are.

FIG. 2 shows an apparatus according to the invention in which a bag web with two juxtaposed bag blanks is used. The bag blanks 12 have pierced the outer sides 40 of the bag sides with perforation holes 18 which allow attachment to the holding pins 28. At the bag sides located adjacent each other, the peripheral regions of the bag sides are formed by a central carrier area 42 extending in the length of the bag web. The central support area 42 is located on the support rail 20. In accordance with the invention, the support rail 20 is extended relative to that of FIG. 1. Thus, the support rail 20 will extend along the conveying path through a filling station 44 where the filling apparatus 36 is disposed. The filler 36 has two juxtaposed filling nozzles 38 for simultaneously filling the two juxtaposed bag blanks 12.

In a situation prior to that in FIG. 2, the film web can be handled by a system as described with reference to FIG. 1. In a situation similar to that of FIG. 2, the bag webs can be closed and cut in a manner analogous to that explained in connection with the one shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 but viewed from above. Here we see how the bag items 12 are moved farther apart so that they are now fully open. In this situation, the bag blanks 12 will be at the filling station 44 (which is not shown in Figure 3 for the sake of clarity).

The bag blanks 12 have side edges closed by welds 14.

FIG. 4A-4F show various possible folds for bag webs according to the invention. The provision of a central carrier area 42 serves to connect two juxtaposed bag blanks 12. The central carrier area 42 also serves to support the support rail 20 upon introduction of the bag webs into an apparatus of the invention.

In FIG. 4A, it is seen that the two outermost opposed edge regions 40 are provided as free edge regions which are not attached to each other or to the support region 42.

FIG. 4B shows a situation in which the peripheral regions 40 are attached to the central supporting region 42 by means of welds 46.

FIG. 4C shows how the two opposing peripheral regions 40 are welded together with one weld 48. This one weld 48 can optionally be manufactured with or without connection to the central support region 42.

FIG. 4D shows how the two welds 46 are provided as individual welds.

FIG. 4E shows an alternative where only one weld 46 'is provided, which simultaneously welds the two outermost edge portions 40 to the central support region 42.

FIG. 4F illustrates how a weld 48 is used to weld the free edge regions 40 in a manner without connection to the central support region 42.

FIG. 5A-5C illustrate how a bag web is guided and opened when inserted into a packaging apparatus. FIG. 5A shows the two bag webs without being opened and resting on the support during their advance for engagement with the guide means.

FIG. 5B shows the situation in which the bag web is engaged with the guide means in the form of the pins 28, which engage with perforations on the outermost opposed edge regions 40.

FIG. 5C shows how the guide means have separated the outermost opposing bag mouth edges so that the bag blanks 12 are open for filling.

FIG. 5D is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5A to illustrate how the bag web with the two juxtaposed bag items 12 is suspended and rests on the support rail 20 via the central support region 42.

FIG. 6A-6E are figures similar to FIGS. 5A-5D. The difference is that the outermost opposite peripheral areas are not free but are similar in a way as explained with reference to fig. 4B-4F. In this construction, welds 46 and 18, respectively, will provide guide channels 50 in which supplementary guide rails 52 are positioned at a distance parallel to guide rail 20. This provides good control in feeding the bag web to the filler. At the filling apparatus, a cutting occurs, as explained in connection with FIG. 1 so that the channels 50 are opened, whereby the outermost opposed edge regions 40 can be engaged with the guide means in the form of the pins 28.

FIG. 7A-7D show alternative designs of the guide means.

FIG. Fig. 7A shows a configuration in which the outer edge regions 40 are provided with a bead 54 which is guided in a channel 56 which is fixed to the filling apparatus and which serves to hold and project the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges through the filling station.

FIG. 7B illustrates that the outer rim areas 40 are provided with a channel 58. The channel 58 maintains and guides the rim areas 40 along the conveying path through the filling station.

FIG. 7C shows how the outer edge areas 40 are engaged with the gripping chains 62. The gripping chains 62 can, by clamping action, hold and drive the edge areas along the transport path through the filling station. These guide means 64 may, for example, comprise cords or the like, which can hold and fabricate the peripheral regions 40.

FIG. 8A-8B show two additional folding bags for bags according to the invention.

In the central support area 42 which connects the two juxtaposed bag blanks 12, there is provided a closed channel 65 which serves to support the support rail 20 upon introduction of the bag webs into an apparatus according to the invention.

In FIG. 8A, it is seen that the closed channel 65 is formed by welding a separate foil strip 66 which is welded via two welds 67 to the foil web 4 which is used to make the bag blank 12.

FIG. 8B shows an embodiment in which the closed channel 65 is formed. The foil web 4 is provided with a fold 68 forming the channel 65 which is closed by a weld 69.

In FIG. 8A and 8B, closed channels are shown, welds 67 and 69 being continuous welds extending along the entire length of the film web 4. However, spot welds may alternatively be used so that the channel appears as a partially closed channel.

FIG. 9A-9C are figures corresponding to Figures 6A-6C. The difference in this embodiment is that, in this situation, the central support area 42 located on the support 20 is formed as a closed channel 65. This avoids the risk of the film web not being skewed by uneven filling in two juxtaposed bags. 12th

The guide rail disclosed in the various embodiments may consist of a smooth rail on which the central support area slides. Alternatively, the guide rail may comprise belts, chains or the like, which are positioned with an endless barrel in such a way that they assist in advancing the bag web along the conveying path into and through the filling station.

Claims (14)

A method of packing items, liquid or loose goods in foil bags, which is conveyed in a continuous web of bag items through a filling station, wherein the mouths of the bags are kept open for receiving items, after which the bags are closed and separated from the web, the bag web is initially and along its mouth edges communicated with guide means which are arranged to retain and fabricate edge areas at the opposing bag mouth edges along a conveying path through the filling station, the guide means in connection with this passage forcing the bag mouth edges apart for successive opening of the bags and then, after filling the bags, again associates the bag opening edges for closing the bags, by which method the opposing bag mouth edges are unfolded and by which method the bag web is fed into the guide rail by feeding on the support rail. ne ensuring the holding of the bag web along the conveying path through the filling station, characterized in that the bag web is provided with a central carrying area extending along the length of the bag web which is formed as a complete or partially closed channel and wherein the central carrying area connects bag items which are placed side by side. side in the transverse direction of the web and which central carrier area is advanced on the support rail along the conveying path through the filling station and that it is the peripheral regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges of two juxtaposed bag blanks which are brought in direct contact with the guide means. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are welded together or welded together with the central carrier area. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are free edge regions. 4. Apparatus for packing items, liquid or loose goods in foil bags, which is conveyed in a continuous web of bag items through a filling station, in which the bag mouths are kept open for receiving items, while the bags are then closed and separated from the web, initially and along its orifice edges are brought into contact with guide means which are arranged to retain and fabricate edge areas at the opposing bag mouth edges along a conveying path through the filling station, the guide means in connection with this passage forcing the edge of the edges apart to successively open the bags at the filling station and then, after filling the bags, again joins the bag opening edges for closing the bags, by which method the opposing bag mouth edges are unfolded, and by which method the bag web is advanced by means of guide means to advance on a support s rail. providing the holding of the bag web along the conveying path through the filling station, and wherein the bag web is provided with a central carrying area extending along the length of the bag web formed as a wholly or partially closed channel and wherein the central carrying area connects bag items placed side by side in the transverse direction of the web and which central carrying area is advanced on the support rail along the conveying path through the filling station, and that it is the peripheral regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges of two juxtaposed bag blanks which are brought in control with the guide means and wherein the apparatus comprises: - a filling station where the bag openings are held for receiving items, - guiding means adapted to retain and fabricate peripheral areas at the opposing outer bag mouth edges along a transport path through the filling station, the guide means for this passage forcing the bag mouth edges apart for success iv opening the bags in the filling station and then, after filling the bags, again joins the bag opening edges for closing the bags, and - a support rail for advancing the bag web for engagement with the guide means, characterized in that the support rail extends along the conveying path for the filling station. supporting the bag web at a central carrying area extending along the length of the bag web connecting bag items placed side-by-side in the transverse direction of the web, the support rail being adapted to receive in the fully or partially closed channel in the central carrying area of the bag web. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the support rail comprises an endless belt or belt for use in supporting the bag web. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the filling station comprises a first and a second filling unit or alternatively comprises a displaceable filling unit for filling the two side bags placed side by side. Apparatus according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the guide means comprise feed chains with pin parts which are freely projecting from the feed chains and which can engage perforations or holes in respective peripheral regions, a guide channel which can engage with a bead in respective peripheral regions, guide rails which can engage with a channel in respective peripheral regions or clamped chains or belts which may frictionally engage with respective peripheral regions. A bag web for use in the practice of a method according to claim 1 and in an apparatus according to claim 4, comprising a continuous series of bag items separated by a plurality of slits extending from a bottom edge of the web up to one piece. beneath an upper edge of the web, where the side edges of the webs are closed by welds, the bag web comprising a central carrying area extending along the length of the bag web connecting bag items placed side by side in the transverse direction of the web, characterized in that the central carrying area is formed as a fully or partially closed channel, and that the edge regions of the bag web at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are arranged to be guided with guide means. The bag web according to claim 8, characterized in that the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag items are interlaced or welded together with the central carrying area. The bag web according to claim 8, characterized in that the edge regions at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are free border areas. The bag web according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the bag web is formed of a foil web which is folded about longitudinal lines of the bag web, the fold lines being spaced substantially a quarter of the width of the foil web. from each side of the foil web to form the two side bags placed side by side. The bag web according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the edge areas of the bag web at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag pieces are each provided with a series of perforations for the guide means in an apparatus according to claim 4. The bag web according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the edge areas of the bag web at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag blanks are each provided with a longitudinal bead for engagement with the guide means in an apparatus according to claim 4. The bag web according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the edge areas of the bag web at the outermost opposing bag mouth edges from two juxtaposed bag pieces are each provided with a longitudinal channel for engaging the guiding means in an apparatus according to claim 4.