Process and apparatus for forming overwrap container using clamping and reforming

1. A method for forming an overwrap container, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a base container having a first side seam on a side wall that extends along a longitudinal axis to define an internal volume, and a bottom secured to the side wall;

b) providing the side wall of the base container with connecting elements on an outer periphery of the side wall;

c) providing an overwrap having a second side seam over the side wall of the base container such that the overwrap is joined in spaced apart relationship by the connecting elements to the side wall of the base container;

d) clamping the overwrap to the base container along the second side seam to form a first compressed area;

e) clamping the overwrap to the base container in an area spaced 180° from the second side seam to form a second compressed area; and

f) applying a vacuum to the overwrap along the second compressed area to separate the overwrap from the side wall of the base container to reproduce the spaced apart relationship between the side wall of the base container and the overwrap at the second compressed area to define an overwrap container having a substantially uniform spacing and air gap between the base container and the overwrap except in the first compressed area.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step b) includes applying a plurality of elongated adhesive beads protruding outwardly from the outer periphery of the side wall of the base container.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the adhesive beads are applied with heated glue.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the adhesive beads are formed generally parallel to each other.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein step c) includes overlapping opposite side edges of the overwrap and sealing the overlapped side edges together to form the second side seam.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connecting elements applied in step b) are absent along the complete length of the first side seam.

7. A method for forming an overwrap container, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a base container having a first side seam on a side wall that extends along a longitudinal axis to define an internal volume, and a bottom secured to the side wall;

b) providing the side wall of the base container with connecting elements on an outer periphery of the side wall except for an adhesive-free area at a location along the side wall of the base container reserved for clamping;

c) providing an overwrap having a second side seam over the side wall of the base container such that the second side seam is in an area 180° from the adhesive-free area, and such that the overwrap is joined in spaced apart relationship by the connecting elements to the side wall of the base container except in the adhesive-free area along the side wall of the base container;

d) clamping the overwrap to the base container along the second side seam to form a first compressed area;

e) clamping the overwrap to the base container in the area spaced 180° from the second side seam and coextensive with the adhesive-free area to form a second compressed area; and

f) applying a vacuum to the overwrap along the second compressed area to separate the overwrap from the side wall of the base container to reproduce the spaced apart relationship between the side wall of the base container and the overwrap at the second compressed area to define an overwrap container having a substantially uniform spacing and air gap between the base container and the overwrap except in the first compressed area.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the step b) includes applying a plurality of elongated adhesive beads protruding outwardly from the outer periphery of the side wall of the base container.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the adhesive beads are applied with heated glue.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the adhesive beads are formed generally parallel to each other.

11. The method of claim 7 , wherein step c) includes overlapping opposite side edges of the overwrap and sealing the overlapped side edges together to form the second side seam.