The present invention relates to an apparatus for transporting tubular bag bodies on a bag making production line. In particular, it relates to an apparatus and a method for transporting cut piece in the direction of their longitudinal axis followed by gradually changing the direction of their transport transversely to the longitudinal axis. The invention further relates to a cut piece of planar object (or simply a cut piece) which can be a sheet (metallic or non-metallic or corrugated, fabric), or woven or non-woven fabric (either non tubular or tubular including gusseted or non-gusseted)or wooden sheets as the case may be.
Background Of Invention
Many transport devices and methods have long been known for transporting bag bodies. Document DE 19 29 600 Al describes a device for transporting flat tube sections from which bags are made. The tube pieces are alternately deposited in the longitudinal transport direction via a wedge-shaped pivotable switch element on an ascending upper conveying surface and a descending lower conveying surface. A transfer device adjoins the upper or lower conveying surface, each having a support surface on which the tube pieces pass from the longitudinal transport direction into the transverse transport direction. The pieces of tubing then transported in the transverse direction are brought together again by means of conveyor belts.
In above prior art, the drawback is that tubular bag bodies are travelling in two levels that makes system complicated and also have accessibility issues. The issues involve various factors such as more complex assembly and number of parts which hinders the easy removal of bag bodies if stuck due to machine breakdown.
Further, EP 3148789B1 discloses a device for transporting tubular sack bodies, with a longitudinal transport device with which the tubular sack bodies can be transported essentially in the direction of their longitudinal extent, with a transverse transport device with which the tubular sack bodies can be transported substantially

perpendicular to their longitudinal extent. The main drawback of such kind of system is that while transport bag bodies from one direction to another, the system must stop for a moment so as to ensure that the bag does not deviate from the desired position and thus ensure there is no sideways movement of bag. Further, EP 3148789B1, also discloses a complex structure of bag transportation which reduces the overall efficiency of the system.
Document DE 102009000893A1, describes a device for changing the direction of transport of flat pieces of tubing. The tube pieces are pushed one after the other in the longitudinal direction onto a support surface in order to be taken along by a transfer device in the transverse direction. Before a tube piece can be transported away in the transverse direction, the tube piece must first rest with its side area on the transverse transport plane so that the side area can be grasped by the transfer device. The tubular fabric moves first in the longitudinal direction, then it stops momentarily before starting to move in the transverse direction. A drawback of this scheme is that due to the momentary stoppage of the tubular bag there are chances of bag shifting to occur.
All the above methods of bag transfer involve movement of bag both in the longitudinal directional as well as traverse direction while transferring the bag by 90 degrees. As a result bag has to travel a greater distance which in turn increase the time of bag transferring.
In order to overcome the above mentioned problems associated to the transport devices used in bag making production line as disclosed in the above mentioned prior art documented, the present invention provides a simplified and efficient transfer device which provides a smooth and gradual change in direction during the transport of the tubular bag bodies is brought about.

Objects of Invention:
The main objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method of transferring cut piece from a longitudinal transport device to a cross-transport device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method to transfer cut piece from longitudinal to transverse direction with structurally straightforward means and at the same time ensuring absence of operational failures.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method to transfer cut piece from longitudinal to transverse direction in such a way that the production rate of the finished bag bodies is increased.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method to transfer cut piece from longitudinal to transverse direction wherein the cut piece moves continuously and gradually without any stoppage.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method to transfer cut piece from longitudinal to transverse direction such that cutting apparatus, longitudinal transport device and cross transport device are synchronised in order to provide better repeatability of final position of tubular bag bodies such that level shifting of the bag can be avoided.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method to transfer cut piece from longitudinal to transverse direction wherein the tubular bag bodies are being transported run on a single plane to get better accessibility.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method to transfer cut piece from longitudinal to transverse direction with reduced maintenance and incidences of malfunction.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method to transfer cut piece from longitudinal to transverse direction that is suitable for different tubular bag sizes with minimal manual adjustment.
Brief Description Of Figures:
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the apparatus/device position of the present
invention and the movement of cut piece
Figure 2 shows perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of top of the upper deck
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of bottom of the upper deck
Figure 5 shows a transport means
Figure 6 shows a gripping means
Figure 6A shows cross section view of gripping means as shown in figure 6
Figure 6B shows an embodiment of the gripping means
Figure 7 shows mounting of upper gripping means and its movement different
positions of gripping
Figure-7 A shows movement of gripping means inside the grooved path and over
the collar track
Figure 7B shows the pin arrangement inside the chain as well as gripping means
Figure 8 shows cross sectional view of the gripping means and its movement
during cut piece transfer
Figure 9 shows air nozzle system pushing cut piece as indicated by arrow
List of parts:
1. Cutting device 2A. First conveyer
D 2. Longitudinal transport device 2B. First conveying belts

3. Cross transport device
4. Transverse transport device 4A. Second conveyer
4B. Second conveying belts
5 5. Cut piece or bag body
6. Gripping means
6'. Upper gripping unit
6". Lower gripping unit
6A. Carrier body
D 6B. Upper flange
6C. Lower flange
6D. Guide pin
6E. Guiding slot
6F. First connecting shaft
5 6F. Second connecting shaft
6G. Gripping block
6H. Gripping magnet
61. Protrusion
6J. Holes
D 6K. Inner housing
6L. Outer housing
7. Transport means
7A. Chain
7B. Geared drive
5 7C. Connecting flange
7D. Chain guide
8. Apparatus of the present
invention
9. Continuous fabric
D 10. Upper deck

10A. First support plate
10A'. Upper surface of first
support plate
10A". Lower surface of first
35 support plate
10B. First Belt
IOC. First set of pulleys
10D. First grooved plate
10D'. Upper surface of first 40 grooved plate
10D". Lower surface of first
grooved plate
10E. Spacer
10F. First set of idler pullies
45 11. Lower deck
11 A. Second support plate
11 A'. Upper surface of second
support plate
11 A". Lower surface of second
50 support plate
1 IB. Second grooved plate
1 IB'. Upper surface of second
groove plate
1 IB". Lower surface of second 55 groove plate
12. First motor
12A. Motor flange 12B. Connecting shaft
13. Cylinder
60 14. Connecting rod

15. Hinge 20. Sprocket
16. Rotatory connection 21. Collar track
17. Air nozzle 22. Chain guide pin
18. Flow controller 23. Spring 5 19. Groove path
Summary Of Invention:
The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for transporting tubular bag bodies on a bag making production line. The apparatus and a method describe herein how to transport cut piece in the direction of their longitudinal axis followed by gradually changing the direction of their transport transversely to the longitudinal axis.
The invention disclosed herein has one longitudinal transport device (2), one cross transport device (3) on which apparatus of invention (8) is mounted, and a transverse transport device (4) to transfer cut piece (5) from longitudinal direction to traverse direction. The cut piece (5) can be woven or non-woven fabric or can be a sheet of variable thickness or can be corrugated preferably lighter in weight. The cut piece (5) is made to transfer gradually from longitudinal direction to traverse direction.
The apparatus of present invention (8) is disclosed for the smooth movement of cut piece gradually from longitudinal direction to the traverse direction without stoppage. The apparatus (8)further gradually, gently and synchronously, transports the cut piece (5) in an inclined line or direction and a transverse transport device synchronously transports the cut piece (5) in the transverse direction of the tubular bag.
The movement of the cut piece (5) in the inclined line makes movement path shorter when compared to the movement of bag bodies that occurs in the perpendicular

fashion. Such kind of inclined movement makes the cut piece (5) to move without stopping momentarily at the time of the direction change which reduces the overall timing of the movement of the cut piece (5) from cutting device (1) to the final disposition.
As the cut piece (5) is transferred from the longitudinal direction further towards the pull of direction, the gripping means (6), which comprises of gripping unit (6', 6"), follows a groove path (19) such that during one cycle of cut piece (5) transfer, the upper and lower gripping units (6', 6") come in contact with each other such that gap between them is near to zero, thereby gripping the cut piece (5) between them and transporting it gradually along the inclined direction leading to the traverse direction. As soon as the cut piece (5) reaches near the start point of the traverse direction, due to the uneven groove path (19) (as shown in figure 8) the upper gripping unit is pulled upwards (6') and lower gripping unit (6") is pulled downwards to create a gap. The created gap releases the cut piece (5) which then travels in the transverse direction. Further, air nozzles (17) are provided which not only push the cut piece (5) further in the forward direction of traverse but also creates a pressure onto the cut piece (5) such that it is not deviated from its position.
The cut piece (5) is now transferred for further processing required to be converted into bag.
Detail Description Of Invention:
The device and the method of present invention is disclosed hereunder.
Figure 1 shows few units of an automated system of bag manufacturing, comprising a longitudinal transport device (2) which moves cut piece (5) in the longitudinal extension direction after they are cut from the continuous fabric (9) by a cutting device (1). The longitudinal transport device (2) is synchronously driven with respect to the cutting device (1) such that tubular bag bodies (5) can easily be transported in the longitudinal direction without any lag in operation due to the

synchronous transport means (7). A plurality of the gripping means (6) is provided to hold the cut piece (5) in a position that allows the cut piece (5) to be continuously and gradually transported to a cross transport device (3). The longitudinal transport device (2) further comprises of first conveyor (2A) on which the continuous fabric
(9) is being transported. The continuous fabric (9) is gripped by the first conveying
belts (2B) such that the fabric is being transported in the longitudinal direction
without being deviated from the edge of the conveyor. Figure 2 shows a perspective
view of the apparatus (8) of invention which is mounted on cross transport device
(3) responsible for transferring the cut piece (5) from longitudinal direction to the
traverse direction with gradual change in direction. This gradual change in direction
is performed by apparatus (8). The cross transport device (3) mainly comprises of
plurality of belts on the conveying system to provide a base to a cut piece (5) and
an inventive apparatus (8) is mounted over it. The apparatus (8) comprises of an
upper deck (10) and a lower deck (11) which are mirrored to each other in
construction but not necessarily so. The upper deck (10) is connected with a
cylinder (13) at one end and can swivel about rotatory connection (16) at other end
as shown by arrow in figure 2. The cylinder (13) is connected to a hinge (15) which
is mounted first support plate (10A). The connection of the hinge (15) with first
support plate (10A) can be obtained by various methods like bolting, screwing,
welding, or any kind of method which provides a sturdy connection between them.
The apparatus (8) further comprises of at least one or more but preferably three
transport means (7) and at least one or more but preferably two gripping means (6),
wherein each transport means (7) carries the cut piece (5) to change the direction of
movement of the cut piece (5) gradually.
The transport means (7), which are identical in construction for both upper deck
(10) and lower deck (11), are mounted on lower surface of first support plate
(10A'') and upper surface of second support plate (11 A') respectively.

Further, during a malfunction situation, manual actuation of the cylinder (13) in the upward direction lifts the upper deck (10) in the direction shown in the figure 2 such that the upper deck (10) is opened and a large gap is created between the upper deck (10) and lower deck (11). This gap helps in the maintenance during any fault or for removing cut piece (5) when stuck during high- speed movement.
Figure 3 shows the perspective view of the upper deck (10) showing its constructional features. The upper deck (10) comprises of first support plate (10A) which can be made from a thick sheet or plate of metallic or non-metallic material such that it bears the load of the components mounted on it. Multiple first set of pulleys (10C) is placed alternatively one after the other, on the upper surface of the first support plate (10A'). Pulleys (10C), which are free to rotate, are connected to upper surface of upper deck (10A') via connecting flange (7C). First set of idler pulleys (10F) are mounted on the upper surface of upper deck (10A') in same fashion as that of pulleys (10C), and placed alternatively between the first set of pulleys (10C). Further, the first belt (10B) is rolled over the pulleys (10C) and idlers pulleys (10F) to provide synchronous drive to each pulley of the first set of pulleys (10C) and the idler pulleys (10F). A first motor (12) is mounted on the upper surface of the first support plate (10A') via motor flange (12A) and is connected to pulleys (10C and 10F) and belt via a connecting shaft (12B) such that rotation of the first motor (12) provides equal rotations to the first set of pulleys (10C). The main purpose of the first set of idler pulleys (10F) is that they provide adequate tension to the first belt (10B) such that there is no slippage between the belt (10B) and pulley (10C, 10F) during belt movement.
Further, a plurality of connecting flange (7C) is mounted on the upper surface of the first support plate (10A') which are connected to the sprocket (20) as shown in figure 5. As shown in figure 9, plurality of air nozzles (17) through which controlled amount of air is flown by the flow controller (18) are present such that controller air is thrown onto the cut piece (5) which make it move forwards in the

traverse direction just after been thrown by the gripping means (6). A uniform pressure is built up due to the air nozzles (17) such that it secures the cut piece (5) in its position without deviating from its path. The upper deck (10) further comprises of first grooved plate (10D) which is connected with the first support plate (10A) via spacers (10E). The spacers (10E) can be rectangular or circular in cross section or of any shape such that it creates a gap between the first support plate (10A) and first grooved plate (10D). The gap created to accommodate the transport means (7) as well as gripping means (6).
Now, the lower surface of the first support plate (10A") which is connected with the first grooved plate (10D) via plurality of spacers (10E). The first grooved plate (10D) has upper surface (10D') and lower surface (10D") which are identical surfaces having collar track (21) all around it. The first grooved plate (10D) can be constructed from plate which can be metallic or non-metallic preferably high grade plastic material. The main reason or preference of using high grade plastic material is that the collar track (21) which is engraved to a depth on the upper and lower surface ( 10D', 10D" ) can be easily constructed as well as it provides a smooth movement to gripping means (6) which move inside the groove path (19) as well as supported on the collar tack (21) as further shown in figure 7. The depth of the collar track (21) is atleast one fourth of the width of the upper or lower flange. The use of metallic element in construction of the grooved plate (10D) might create a friction during movement of gripping means (6) and can cause wear and tear in long run. But not necessarily, the material chosen can be metallic which high grade finish, stainless steel which super finish or brass which impregnated copper for extra lubrication.
Figure 5 shows the transport means (7) which comprises of first set of pulleys (IOC) which are connected to the sprocket (20) via connecting flange (7C). The sprocket (20) has same rotational speed as that of the pulleys (IOC) which is being driven by the first motor (12). All the driven pulleys (IOC) and plurality of

sprocket (20) are synchronised at same speed. An endless chain (7A) is provided which is connected to the sprocket (20) to move in the predetermined path. The chain (7A) are the mechanical drive elements which can be chosen from the set of roller chains, silent chain, leaf chain, flat top chain, engineering steel chain or any other type of chain which transmit the object from one place to another without any slippage. As an example, if we consider roller chain which comprises of an inner plate (roller link plate), outer plate (pin link plate), bushes, pins, and rollers. The rollers are placed equidistantly between chain links. A chain guide (7D) which can be C- or U-channel, is provided such that it guides the chain (7A) between it to make it travel in the predetermined track. The chain guide (7D) is preferably made up of softer material than steel or can be made of plastic such that any looseness in the chain (7A) will not create metal to metal frictional forces. Further, the upper gripping unit (6') is connected to the chain (7A) with the help of chain guide pin (22) as shown in figure 7.
Figure 6 shows constructional features of the gripping means (6). The gripping means (6) comprises of upper gripping unit (6') and lower gripping unit (6"). The upper gripping unit (6') consists of carrier body (6A) which is circular in cross section. The carrier body (6A) has upper and lower flange (6B, 6C) protruding outside which follows the same path of cross section as that of carrier body (6A). The carrier body (6A) is made light in construction such that it does not creates pressure on the collar track (21) during its movement and provide a less friction operation. The carrier body (6A) can be constructed by choosing materials such as high grade plastic or metallics or non-metallics such as aluminium, brass, or stainless steel or normal steel can also be used to construct such that weight of the carrier body obtained is as minimum as can be. Thus, to obtain less weight pularity of cuts are made to remove the extra laden material.
Further, the carrier body (6A) carries guide pin (6D) in an elongated guiding slot (6E). The slot (6E) facilitates the up and down movement of the guide pin (6D).

The guide pin (6D) is attached to a griping block (6G) via a first connecting shaft (6F) to form a single body. Making a single body will eventually move the gripping block (6G) along with the guide pin (6D).
The guiding slot (6E) can be coated which the layer of nonabrasive material to provide frictionless surface for guide pin (6D) to move up and down. The guide pin (6D) has a protrusion (61) out of the guiding slot (6E) which is guided in the grooved path (19) as shown in figure 7 . Holes (6 J) at the top of the carrier body (6A) is provided for the chain guide pin (22) to be inserted inside.
The gripping means (6) further comprises of lower gripping unit (6") which has an identical carrier body (6A). The lower gripping means (6") differs from the upper gripping means (6') such that the gripping block (6G) is replaced by the gripping magnet (6H). The gripping magnet (6H) comes in contact with the gripping block (6G) (which is metallic in construction) along with the cut piece (5) and grips it to transfer it to the desired location.
Another aspect of the present invention is that the heads of the gripping units (6', 6") are rotatable as shown in figure 6A. A cross sectional view of figure 6 is shown in figure 6A where gripping means (6) are shown. The shaded part shown in the figure 6A forms a single unit and can be rotated about an axis as shown by broken line. The shaded part in case of upper gripping unit (6') comprises of the first connecting shaft (6F), gripping block (6G) can be rotated inside the carrier body (6A) whereas in case of lower gripping unit (6") comprises of a second connecting shaft (6F'), gripping magnet (6H) can be rotated inside the carrier body (6A). This rotation facilitates the smooth gradual transfer of the cut piece (5) along the corners. Gripping means (6) while moving along the corners or while changing the direction/ path due to the rotational movement does not restrict the cut piece (5) to stuck while changing direction in a curve path.

In one of the embodiments as shown in figure 6B, the upper and lower gripping unit (6', 6") can be constructed such that the protrusion (61) is welded or bolted with the outer housing (6L) which is coupled with the first and second connecting shafts (6F and 6F') thereby connected with the gripping block (6G) or gripping magnet (6H). Further, gripping unit has an inner housing (6K) which can be slid inside the outer housing (6L). The sliding movement is performed by the motion of the protrusion (61) inside the curved grooved path (19). The inner housing (6K) is driven by the chain (7A) connected via pin arrangement or can be welded or screwed. The inner housing (6K) can be made up of materials with low frictional properties such that it can slide inside the outer housing (6L). The materials can be like high grade plastic with super finish, brass with impregnated copper, super finish stainless steel, or can be any type of material which creates very less to no friction. In this type of arrangement, the carrier body (6A) does not have upper and lower flange (6B, 6C) which minimises the frictional losses occurred during contact type movement of the flange (6B) with the collar track (21).
Further, the apparatus (8) has a unique constructional arrangement or assembly of the gripping means (6) with the transport means moving along the grooved path (19) as shown in figure 7 and 7A. Further from the figure 7, the chain (7A) which is driven by the sprocket (20) is coupled with the upper gripping means (6'). The connection of the chain (7A) with the carrier body (6A) of gripping means (6') is done via chain guide pin (22). As shown in figure 7B, the cone end of the chain guide pin (22) is inserted into the holes (6J) on the carrier body (6A) and second end is inserted into the chain (7A) to form a single body. Thus, the chain (7A) drives the upper gripping means (6') along the groove path (19) such that the upper flange (6B) follows the collar track (21).
Due to the non-uniform construction of the grooved path (19) as shown in figure 8 and 1, the upper and lower gripping unit (6', 6") at position A comes in contact with each other creating zero gap or no gap while at position B both, the upper and lower gripping unit (6', 6") are a distance apart creating a gap between the

gripping block (6G) and gripping magnet (6H). The no-gap condition directly relates to the position of cut piece (5) gripped by the gripping means (6) and at the with-gap condition the cut piece (5) is released to the predetermined position. The upper gripping unit (6') which has a gripping block (6G) comprises of a spring (23) contained inside it which provides a cushioning effect during griping of the cut piece (5).
The constructional features of the lower deck (11) are not explicitly defined as it can be corelated to the upper deck (10) with similar in construction. But the second grooved plate (1 IB) is just a mirror of the first grooved plate (10 D) such that the profile of the groove path (19) is different due to which opposite movement of the upper and lower gripping unit (6', 6") happens .
Thus, the apparatus of invention (8) comprises of following:
a) Cut piece (5) which are formed by cutting a continuous fabric (9) by the cutting device (1).
b) Longitudinal transport device (2) which transports cut piece(5) in the longitudinal direction.
c) Gripping means (6) which rotates about the transport means (7) to comes to position A and grips the cut piece(5).
d) Cross transport device (3) which transport the cut piece(5) in the inclined direction to the transverse direction to release at position B.
e) Transverse transport device (4) to transport cut piece (5) further in the transverse direction.
The method of transporting tubular bag bodies from longitudinal to transverse direction in a smooth, gradual, synchronised, and continuous manner involves following steps:
a) Cut pieces (5) are formed by cutting a continuous fabric (9) by the cutting device (1).

b) The cut piece (5)are transported in the longitudinal direction by longitudinal transport device (2).
c) Gripping means (6) rotates about the transport means (7) and comes to position A.
d) The upper gripping means (6') and lower gripping means (6") comes in contact which each other along with the cut piece in between.
e) Cut piece (5) are gripped at position A.
f) Cut piece (5) now transported in the inclined direction by cross transport device (3) due to the movement of the chain (7 A) which is placed in the inclined fashion.
g) Cut piece (5) gripped by gripping means (6) and travelling over transport
means (7), are transported in the transverse direction to position B where
the upper and lower gripping unit (6', 6") are far apart.
h) Cut piece (5) are then transported in the transverse direction by the transverse transport device (4).
It is therefore evident that the invention has a number of embodiments.
In its preferred embodiment, the invention discloses an apparatus (8) for gradually changing the transport direction of a cut piece (5) of a tubular bag body. The characterising aspects of the apparatus is that it comprises:
one longitudinal transport device (2), one cross transport device (3), and a transverse transport device (4) situated after cross transport device (3) to the transfer cut piece (5) from longitudinal direction to transverse direction, wherein said apparatus (8) is mounted on said cross transport device (3); an upper deck (10) and a lower deck (11), wherein said upper deck (10) is connected with a cylinder (13) at one end and can swivel about rotatory connection (16) at another end, and wherein said cylinder (13) is connected to a hinge (15) which is mounted first support plate (10A) and wherein said lower deck (10) is a mirror image of said upper deck (11),

at least one transport means (7) and at least one gripping means (6), wherein
each transport means (7) is capable of carrying the cut piece (5) to change the
direction of movement of the cut piece (5) gradually, wherein the transport
means (7) in the form of an endless chain (7A), which is identical in
construction for both upper deck (10) and lower deck (11), is mounted on
lower surface (10A") of a first support plate (10A) and upper surface (11A')
of a second support plate (11A) respectively, wherein said first support plate
(10A) supports the upper deck (10) and the second support plate (11 A)
support the lower deck (11), and wherein the gripping means (6) comprises
of upper gripping unit (6') and lower gripping unit (6"),
a first set of pulleys (IOC) placed alternatively one after the other, on the
upper surface of the first support plate (10A'), said pulleys (IOC) being
connected to upper surface (10A') via a connecting flange (7C) through a set
of sprockets (20); a first set of idler pulleys (10F) mounted on said upper
surface (10A') in same fashion as that of pulleys (IOC), and placed
alternatively between the first set of pulleys (IOC),
a first belt (10B) rolled over the pulleys (IOC) and idlers pulleys (10F) to
provide synchronous drive to each pulley of the first set of pulleys (IOC) and
the idler pulleys (10F)
a first motor (12) mounted on the upper surface (10A') via a motor flange
(12A) and is connected to pulleys (IOC and 10F) and belt via a connecting
shaft (12B) such that rotation of the first motor (12) provides equal rotations
to the first set of pulleys (IOC),
a plurality of connecting flanges (7C) mounted on the upper surface (10A')
which are connected to a sprocket (20) over which said transport means (7)
passes,
a plurality of air nozzles (17) through which controlled amounted of air is
flown by a flow controller (18) are present such that controlled air is thrown
onto the cut piece (5) which make it move forwards in the traverse direction
just after been thrown by the gripping means (6),

a first grooved plate (10D) provided on said upper deck (10) and connected with the first support plate (10A) via spacers (10E) to create a gap between the first support plate (10A) and first grooved plate (10D) within which the transport means (7) as well as the gripping means (6) are accommodated, wherein the first grooved plate (10D) has upper surface (10D') and lower surface (10D") which are identical surfaces having a collar track (21) all around it,
a chain guide (7D) in the form of a C- or U-channel, is provided to guide the endless chain (7A) between it to make it travel in the predetermined track, and wherein said gripping means (6) are connected to the endless chain (7A) with a chain guide pin (22).
In an embodiment of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment, the connection of the hinge (15) with first support plate (10A) is obtained by bolting, screwing, or welding.
In another embodiment, all driven pulleys (IOC) and plurality of sprocket (20) are synchronised at same speed.
In a further embodiment of the apparatus, the spacers (10E) rectangular or circular in cross section.
In yet another embodiment, the first grooved plate (10D) is metallic or non-metallic, preferably high grade plastic material.
In still another embodiment, the depth of the collar track (21) is at least one fourth of the width of the upper or lower flanges (10, 11).
In a further embodiment, the amount of air thrown out through nozzles (17) is controlled by flow controller (18).

In a still further embodiment, the gripping means (6) comprises of upper gripping unit (6') and lower gripping unit (6"), wherein the upper gripping unit (6') consists of carrier body (6A) which is circular in cross section and protruding outside and which follows the same path of cross section as that of carrier body (6A), and wherein the carrier body (6A) has upper and lower flange (6B, 6C) protruding outside which follows the same path of cross section as that of carrier body (6A).
In a yet further embodiment, the carrier body (6A) is constructed of high grade plastic or metallics or non-metallics such as aluminium, brass, or stainless steel or steel.
In another embodiment, the carrier body (6A) has a guide pin (6D) in a guiding slot (6E) that facilitates the up and down movement of the guide pin (6D) which is attached to a griping block (6G) via connecting shaft (6F) to form a single body, thereby allowing the gripping block (6G) to move along with the guide pin (6D).
In yet another embodiment, the guiding slot (6E) is coated which the layer of nonabrasive material to provide frictionless surface for the movement of the guide pin (6D).
In still another embodiment, the guide pin (6D) has a protrusion (61) out of the guiding slot (6E) which is guided in a grooved path (19) that is provided on the underside of the lower surface (10A") of first support plate (10A).
In a further embodiment, the holes (6J) are provided at the top of the carrier body (6A) the chain guide pin (22) to be inserted inside.
In yet further embodiment, the lower gripping means (6") has a gripping magnet (6H) in place of the gripping block (6G).

In a still further embodiment, the heads of the gripping units (6', 6") are rotatable.
In another embodiment, the upper gripping unit (6') has a first connecting shaft (6F) provided on the gripping block (6G) with which it can be rotated inside the carrier body (6A).
In yet another embodiment, the lower gripping unit (6") has a second connecting shaft (6F) to which the gripping magnet (6H) is attached and with which it is rotatable inside the carrier body (6A).
In still another embodiment, the grooved path (19) has an uneven profile whereby during the movement of the endless chain (7A), the upper gripping unit is pulled upwards (6') and lower gripping unit (6") is pulled downwards to create a gap between the gripping block (6G) and the gripping magnet (6H), the gap being closed when the cut piece (5) travels in the transverse direction.
In one embodiment, the gripping means (6) comprises of upper gripping unit (6') and lower gripping unit (6") each consisting of an outer housing (6L) into which an inner housing (6K) which is driven by the chain (7A) is slidable, and wherein the protrusion (61) is welded or bolted with the outer housing (6L), further wherein the outer housing (6L) which is coupled with the first and second connecting shafts (6F and 6F') thereby connected with the gripping block (6G) or gripping magnet (6H).
In a further embodiment, the inner housing (6K) is made up of high grade plastic, brass with impregnated copper, or stainless steel, or low friction coefficient material.
In another preferred embodiment, the invention discloses a method for gradually changing the transport direction of a cut piece (5) of a tubular bag body using the

apparatus as disclosed in the foregoing embodiments. The characterising aspect of the method is that it has the following steps:
a. transporting the cut piece (5) in the longitudinal direction by the longitudinal
transport device (2),
b. rotating the gripping means (6) rotates about the transport means (7) and
bringing it to position A,
c. bringing the upper and lower gripping means (6', 6) in contact which each
other along with the cut piece in (5) between and thereby gripping the cut
piece (5) between the upper and lower gripping means (6, 6') at the position
A.
d. transporting the gripped cut piece (5) in a direction inclined to the
longitudinal direction by the cross transport device (3) using the movement
of the chain (7A) whence it is transported to the transverse direction to
position B where the upper and lower gripping unit (6', 6'') are moved apart
from each other thereby releasing the cut piece (5) from their grip,
e. transporting the cut piece (5) in the transverse direction by the transverse
transport device (4).
In an embodiment of the preferred method, at the end of step f, controlled amounted of air is flown out of the air nozzles (17) by a flow controller (18) are present such that the released cut piece moves forwards in the traverse direction just after been thrown by the gripping means (6).
While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitation in the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof. It must be realized that modifications and variations are possible based on the disclosure given above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

We claim:

1. An apparatus (8) for transporting tubular bag bodies on a bag making
production line and gradually changing the transport direction of a cut piece (5) of a tubular bag body, characterised in that said apparatus (8) comprises:
- one longitudinal transport device (2), one cross transport device (3), and a transverse transport device (4) situated after cross transport device (3) to the transfer cut piece (5) from longitudinal direction to transverse direction, wherein said apparatus (8) is mounted on said cross transport device (3);
- an upper deck (10) and a lower deck (11), wherein said upper deck (10) is connected with a cylinder (13) at one end and can swivel about rotatory connection (16) at other end, and wherein said cylinder (13) is connected to a hinge (15) which is mounted at first support plate (10A) wherein said lower deck (10) is a mirror image of said upper deck (11),
- at least one transport means (7) and at least one gripping means (6), wherein each transport means (7) is capable of carrying the cut piece (5) to change the direction of movement of the cut piece (5) gradually, wherein the transport means (7) in the form of an endless chain (7A), which is identical in construction for both upper deck (10) and lower deck (11), is mounted on lower surface (10A'') of a first support plate (10A) and upper surface (11A') of a second support plate (11A) respectively, wherein said first support plate (10A) supports the upper deck (10) and the second support plate (11 A) support the lower deck (11), and wherein the gripping means (6) comprises of upper gripping unit (6') and lower gripping unit (6"),
- a first set of pulleys (10C) placed alternatively one after the other, on the upper surface of the first support plate (10A'), said pulleys (10C) being connected to upper surface (10A') via a connecting flange (7C) through a set of sprockets (20); a first set of idler pulleys (10F) mounted

on said upper surface (10A') in same fashion as that of pulleys (IOC), and placed alternatively between the first set of pulleys (IOC),
- a first belt (10B) rolled over the pulleys (IOC) and idlers pulleys (10F) to provide synchronous drive to each pulley of the first set of pulleys (IOC) and the idler pulleys (10F)
- a first motor (12) mounted on the upper surface (10A') via a motor flange (12A) and is connected to pulleys (IOC and 10F) and belt via a connecting shaft (12B) such that rotation of the first motor (12) provides equal rotations to the first set of pulleys (IOC),
- a plurality of connecting flanges (7C) mounted on the upper surface (10A') which are connected to a sprocket (20) over which said transportmeans (7) passes,
- a plurality of air nozzles (17) are present such that controlled air is thrown onto the cut piece (5) which makes it move forward in the traverse direction just after been thrown by the gripping means (6),
- a first grooved plate (10D) provided on said upper deck (10) and connected with the first support plate (10A) via spacers (10E) to create a gap between the first support plate (10A) and first grooved plate (10D) within which the transport means (7) as well as the gripping means (6) are accommodated, wherein the first grooved plate (10D) has upper surface (10D') and lower surface (10D") which are identical surfaces having a collar track (21) all around it,
- a chain guide (7D) in the form of a C- or U-channel, is provided to guide the endless chain (7A) to make it travel in the predetermined track, and wherein said endless chain (7A) is connected to gripping means (6) with a chain guide pin (22).
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection of the hinge (15) with first support plate (10A) can be by bolting, screwing, or welding.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein all driven pulleys (IOC) and plurality of sprocket (20) are synchronised at same speed.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the spacers (10E) may be a rectangular or circular in cross section.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein, the first grooved plate (10D) is metallic or non-metallic, preferably high grade plastic material.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein the depth of the collar track (21) is at least one fourth of the width of the upper or lower flanges (10,11).
7. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 6, wherein the amount of air thrown out through nozzles (17) is controlled by flow controller (18).
8. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein the gripping means (6) comprises of upper gripping unit (6') and lower gripping unit (6"), wherein the upper gripping unit (6') consists of carrier body (6A) which is circular in cross section and protruding outside and follows the same path of cross section as that of carrier body (6A), wherein the carrier body (6A) has upper and lower flange (6B, 6C) protruding outside and also follows the same path of cross section as that of carrier body (6A).
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the carrier body (6A) is constructed of high grade plastic or metallics or non-metallics such as aluminium, brass, or stainless steel or steel.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claims 8 and 9, wherein the carrier body (6A) has a guide pin (6D) in a guiding slot (6E) that facilitates the up and down

movement of the guide pin (6D) which is attached to a griping block (6G) via connecting shaft (6F) to form a single body, thereby allowing the gripping block (6G) to move along with the guide pin (6D).
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the guiding slot (6E) is preferably coated with the layer of nonabrasive material to provide frictionless surface for the movement of the guide pin (6D).
12. The apparatus as claimed in claims 10 and 11, wherein the guide pin (6D) has a protrusion (61) out of the guiding slot (6E) which is guided in a grooved path (19) that is provided on the underside of the lower surface (10A") of first support plate (10A).
13. The apparatus as claimed in claims 8 to 12, wherein holes (6J) are provided at the top of the carrier body (6 A) for the chain guide pin (22) to be inserted inside.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claims 8 to 13, wherein the lower gripping means (6") has a gripping magnet (6H) in place of the gripping block (6G).
15. The apparatus as claimed in claims 8 to 14, wherein the heads of the gripping units (6', 6") are rotatable.
16. The apparatus as claimed in claims 8 to 15, wherein the upper gripping unit (6') has a first connecting shaft (6F) provided on the gripping block (6G) with which it can be rotated inside the carrier body (6A).
17. The apparatus as claimed in claims 8 to 16 wherein the lower gripping unit (6") has a second connecting shaft (6F) to which the gripping magnet (6H) is attached and with which it is rotatable inside the carrier body (6A).

18. The apparatus as claimed in claims 14 to 17, wherein the grooved path (19) has an uneven profile whereby during the movement of the endless chain (7A), the upper gripping unit (6') is pulled upwards and lower gripping unit (6") is pulled downwards to create a gap between the gripping block (6G) and the gripping magnet (6H), the gap being closed when the cut piece (5) travels in the transverse direction.
19. The apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein the gripping means (6) comprises of upper gripping unit (6') and lower gripping unit (6") each consisting of an outer housing (6L) into which an inner housing (6K) which is driven by the chain (7A) is slidable, wherein the protrusion (61) is welded or bolted with the outer housing (6L), and the outer housing (6L) is coupled with the first and second connecting shafts (6F and 6F which in turn connected with the gripping block (6G) or gripping magnet (6H).
20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the inner housing (6K) is made up of high grade plastic, brass with impregnated copper, or stainless steel, or low friction coefficient material.
21. A method for gradually changing the transport direction of a cut piece (5) of a tubular bag body using the apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the said method consisting of the following steps:
a. transporting the cut piece (5) in the longitudinal direction by the
longitudinal transport device (2),
b. rotating the gripping means (6) about the transport means (7) and
bringing it to position A,
c. bringing the upper and lower gripping means (6', 6) in contact
which each other along with the cut piece in (5) between and

thereby gripping the cut piece (5) between the upper and lower gripping means (6, 6') at the position A.
d. transporting the gripped cut piece (5) in a direction inclined to the
longitudinal direction by the cross transport device (3) using the
movement of the chain (7 A) thereby it is transported to the
transverse direction to position B where the upper and lower
gripping unit (6', 6") are moved apart from each other thereby
releasing the cut piece (5) from their grip,
e. transporting the cut piece (5) in the transverse direction by the
transverse transport device (4) for further processing in a bag
making production line .
22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein at the end of step d, controlled amounted of air is flown out of the air nozzles (17) by a flow controller (18) are present such that the released cut piece moves forwards in the traverse direction just after been thrown by the gripping means (6).
23. A bag making machine having apparatus (8) for transporting tubular bag bodies and gradually changing the transport direction of a cut piece (5) of a tubular bag body.