CA2484199C - Zipper and zipper arrangements and methods of manufacturing the same - Google Patents
Zipper and zipper arrangements and methods of manufacturing the same Download PDFInfo
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- CA2484199C CA2484199C CA002484199A CA2484199A CA2484199C CA 2484199 C CA2484199 C CA 2484199C CA 002484199 A CA002484199 A CA 002484199A CA 2484199 A CA2484199 A CA 2484199A CA 2484199 C CA2484199 C CA 2484199C
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- fastener strips
- web
- thermoplastic
- releasably engageable
- sliders
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Abstract
A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags that includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second opposing tracks (26, 32). The first track (26) has a first profile (28) and the second track (32) has a second profile (34). The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first track has one or more spaced primary notches (12a) interrupting the first profile. At least one slider (16b) is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of the primary notches (12b). The slider is adapted to engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to movement along the zipper. The second track may have one or more spaced primary notches (12b) interrupting the second profile. The spaced primary notches of the second track are generally aligned to respective ones of the primary notches of the first track. At least one slider is inserted onto the aligned pairs of primary notches via a respective one of the aligned notches.
Description
ZIPPER AND ZIPPER ARRANGEMENTS AND METHODS OF
MANUFACTURING THE SAME
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application Serial No.
MANUFACTURING THE SAME
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application Serial No.
2,336,693 filed on May 5, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to zippers, zipper arrangements, and methods of manufacturing the same. Specifically, the present invention is directed towards zipper arrangements having a notched zipper and at least one slider for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags and methods of manufacturing the same. It should be understood that 1 o the expression "the invention" and the Like encompasses the subject matter of both the parent and the divisional applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plastic bags are popular for storing food and other items. kippered plastic bags that can be securely closed and reopened are particularly popular due to their perceived ability 15 to maintain freshness of the food stored in the bags and/or to minimize or eliminate leakage into and out of the bag. These bags are used one at a time by consumers. These bags are also used by businesses to package items that are then sold to consumers. For example, nuts, candy, snacks, ingredients, salt, cheese, and other food and non-food products are packed in these bags by form, fill and seal machines.
2o Slider bags have become popular with customers for a variety of reasons, including difficulty in opening and closing a zippered bag without a slider. Product manufacturers have not, however, used zippers with sliders in their form, fill and seal machines for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include the difficulty in having a reliable assembly of sliders to zipper at form, fill and seal manufacturing rates, supplying zipper 25 with sliders that are not prone to machine jamming and excessive downtime;
and installing sliders in tight and constraining areas in form, fill and seal machine footprints.
Accordingly, a need exists to address the above-noted problems by supplying zippers in a convenient configuration and having methods of easily placing sliders onto zippers.
3o SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing bags includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track has a first profile and the WO OQ167603 PCT/US00/12t83 second track has a second profile- The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other- The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. The slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is adapted to engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to movement along the zipper.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second track has a second profile and one or more spaced primary notches intemtpting the second profile. The second primary notches are generally aligned with respective ones of the first primary notches to form aligned pairs.of primary notches. The slider is inserted ~o onto the first prof 1e via a respective one of the aligned pairs of primary notches.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a folded zipper includes frst and second opposing backs that each have one or more primary notches interrupting respective profiles. The primary notches are generally aligned to respective ones of the first primary notches to fomn aligned pairs of primary notches:
~s The zipper includes a plurality of fold areas generally transverse to a length of the zipper and the zipper is folded along the fold areas.
According to a further embodiment, a folded zipper has a first track having one or more primary notches and a second track having one or more spaced slits interrupting the second profile. The slits are generally aligned to respective ones of ~o the primary notches. The zipper includes a plurality of fold areas generally transverse to a length of the zipper and the zipper is folded along the fold areas.
According to one method of the present invention, a zipper and at least one slider are provided. The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. The slider is mounted onto a second pi-of le and into a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is slid onto the first prof le via a respective one the primary notches.
According to another method. a zipper and at Least one slider are provided.
The slider is positioned in a respective one of the aligned pairs of primary notches.
Each of the first and second opposing tracks has one or more primary notches interrupting respective profiles. The slider is slid onto, the first and second profiles via a respective one of the aligned pairs of priman~ notches.
2a Broadly then in one aspect the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, feeding the web of thermoplastic film, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, feeding the web of thermoplastic film, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
In another aspect, the invention provides a zipper arrangement comprising a male fastener strip including a male profile positioned along the length thereof, a female fastener strip including a female profile positioned along the length thereof, the female profile being adapted to releasable engage with the male profile, and a plurality of sliders slidably mounted to the male fastener strip and the female fastener strip, the plurality of sliders being adapted and configured to move the male and female fastener strips between open and closed positions by sliding movement thereon, wherein the zipper arrangement is detachable from a thermoplastic web to form a plurality of recloseable bags.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a 2b plurality of sliders, stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips after the stopping of the pair of fastener strips, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product in the thermopastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, stopping the moving web, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strip to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips before placing each of the plurality of sliders, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders 2c on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, feeding the web of thermoplastic film, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, feeding the web of thermoplastic film, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips after the stopping of the pair of fastener strips, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, stopping the moving web, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strip to the 2d web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips before placing each of the plurality of sliders, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of engaged fastener strips, stopping the moving web, attaching the fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
w0 00/67603 PCT/US00112183 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
FIG. I is a perspective view of a zipper having spaced primary notches to be used in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. ? is a perspective view of a portion of a recloseable package including a zipper and a slider according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper taken across line 3-3 of FIG. 2 prior to opening the tamper evident feature.
to FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a zipper arrangement including a zipper and a plurality of sliders according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. ~ is a perspective view of a zipper having spaced primary notches according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of basic components of a form, fill and seal machine.
ns FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a zipper arrangement to be folded according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7b is a perspective view of a folded zipper arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7c is a top view of the folded zipper arrangement of FIG. 7b.
~o FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a punching apparatus for forming spaced primary notches in a zipper according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 9-I 1 depict an operational sequence using an escapement mechanism for placing sliders onto a zipper according to one method of the present invention.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative ~s forms. specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to Iimil the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as def ned by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLL'STR.ATIVE E11IBODIRZENTS
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a zipper or fastener 10 having a plurality of generally aligned pairs of primary notches 12 according to one WO 00/676ti3 _ PCTNS00/12183 =I
embodiment of the present invention. The primary notches 12 are shown as being spaced at a distance W that generally corresponds to a width of a thermoplastic bag.
The primary notches 12 each have a distance D 1 extending from a top surface of the zipper 10_ FIG_ 2 illustrates a mouth portion of a recIoseable package or bag having a slider 16 on the zipper .10, while FIG. 3 illustrates the zipper 10 of the mouth portion of the recloseabIe package l4 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mouth portion of the recloseable package I4 includes a pair of opposing wall panels l8~and 20 made of polymeric film, mufti-layer and mufti=component laminates, or co-extrusions. The pair of opposing wall panels ~0 18 and 20 make up a package body 22 and define a receptacle space 24.
Connected to the wall panel i8 is a male track 26 having a male profile 28 and a frst fin portion 30 extending downward from the male profile 28. Connected to the other wall panel is a female track 32 having a female profile 34 and a second fn portion 36 extending downward from the female profile 34.
~s The male and female profiles 28, 34 are releasabIy engageabIe with each other to provide a recloseable seal to the package. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the lower edges of the first and second fin portions 30, 36 are joined to each other along a one time breakable preferential area of weakness or preferential tear area38 to form a one time openable tamper evident feature 40. The fins may also be formed zo from one piece that has an area of weakness or preferential tear area. The joined first and second ftn portions 30, 36 have a generally U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The tamper evident feature 40 is described in detail in U.S.
Patent No. 5,964,532.
It is not necessary that the first and second fin 30, 36 be releasably engaged to zs each other by a one time breakable preferential area of weakness. For example; the first fin 30 may be separate from the second fin 36 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The recloseable package 14 has the slider I 6 (FIG. 2) slidably mounted to the zipper I_0 for movement bet<veen a closed and open position. The male and female 3o profiles 28. 34 are engaged to each other, while the slider I6 is in the closed position, and movement of the slider I 6 from the closed position to the open position WO OO/b7603 PCTltjSaO/12183 disengages the male and female profiles 28. 34 from each other. The manner of operation of this zipper and slider arrangement is described in detail in U.S.
Patent loo. 5,063.644 to Herrington, Jr. et. al_ The sliders to be used in the present invention may include various sliders that are adapted to move and disengage the male and female profiles 28, 34 from each other. One such slider (slider 16) is depicted in FIG. 2. The slider I 6 of FIG. 2 is generally U-shaped and includes a transverse support member 42 with two depending legs 44, 46 therefrom. A separator finger 48 depends from the transverse support member 42 and is disposed between the depending legs 44, 46. The separator finger ~0 48 extends at least partially between the male and female profiles 28, 34 to aid in disengaging the male and female profiles 28. 34 as the slider I6 is moved along the zipper 10.
FIG. 4 illustrates a zipper arrangement 50 comprising a zipper 52 and a plurality of the sliders 16. A slider 16a is located in a spaced primary notch 12, while ~s the slider I6b is shown in a position straddling the male and female profiles.
Referring to FIGS. I, 3 and 4, the male track 26 has a plurality of spaced first primary notches 12a intemipting the male profile 28, while the female track 32 has a plurality of second primary notches I 2b interrupting the female profile 34. The first primary notches 12a are generally aligned with the second primary notches l2b to form the 'o aligned pairs of primary notches 12. The sliders I 6 are adapted to slide onto the male and female profiles 28, 34 via the respective aligned pairs of primary notches I2. At least one of the first and second primary notches I2a, 12b may inteixupt a portion of the first fin 30 and/or the second fin 36, respectively.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the zipper may have one slider instead of the plurality of sliders described in the zipper arrangement of FIG. 4. According to another embodiment of the present invention. the zipper may have one first primary notch and/or one second primary notch. Likewise, the zipper may have one secondary notch.
The plurality of primary notches 12 are preferably located near the ends of the recloseabIe package I4 for a variety of reasons. For example. Iocatine the primary notches I2 near the ends of the package 14 is generally more aesthetically pleasing to customers. in addition. this location allows the slider L6 to move and open the WO 40!67603 PCTfUS001~21$3 package 14 across a greater distance. resulting in a wider mouth of the package I4.
Locating the primary notches I 2 near the ends of the package 1=~ dray also assist in farming the side seals of the package 14 since the profiles do not need to be flattened.
Side seals of the package 14 may be formed more easily and/or eff ciently because of _ the reduction or elimination in temperatures, pressures, and times associated with fusing the male and female profiles 28. 34 together near the ends of the package 14.
Locating the primary notches near the ends of the package 14 may eliminate the need to fuse the male and females profiles 28, 34 together if the male and female profiles 28, 34 are cut away at the areas where the side sealing occurs.
to The relationship between the notch 12 and the slider I6 will be discussed with respect tv FIG. 4. A distance D 1 of the notch preferably is less than a distance D3 (the internal opening of the slider I 6) so that the slider may be placed more easily onto the profiles. As shown in FIG. 4, the sliders 16a, I6b overlap a portion of the fins tv assist in aligning the position of the sliders 16a, 16b prior to threading auto the is profiles. Specifically, the opening of the sliders 16a; I6b between the slider wings falls between the fins. The aligned primary notch 12 preferably has a width that is greater than a length L of the slider 16. The aligned primary notches I 2 of t=IGS. I
and 4 are shown as extending through the respective male and female"profiles in a direction generally transverse to a length of the zipper I6. The primary notches 12 do ?o nat, however, extend entirely through the first fin 30 and the seeand fin 36, respectively, in FIG. 4.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the zipper may include a plurality of secondary notches. Referring specifically to FIG. 4.
the male track 26 of the zipper arrangement 50 is further interrupted by a plurality of optional ~s first secondary notches 54a, while the female track 32 is further interrupted by a plurality of optional second secondary notches 54b according to another embodiment of the invention. The first secondary notches 54a are generally aligned with the second secondary notches 54b to form generally aligned pairs of secondary notches S4. The aliened notches 54 have a distance D2 extending from a top surface of the ~o, zipper 52.
The secondary notches ~4 are not adapted to engage the separator finer 48 of the zipper 16 which inhibits or prevents the slider 16 front disengaging the mate and female prof les 28, 34. In other words. the separator 48 is ineffective to.
force a top WO 00/67603 PCT/tJS00/12183 portion (the ears) of the male and female profiles 28, 34 apart so as open the package 1=1. The slider is considered to be "parked" when it is in this-condition. The secondary notches 54 also give a user of the package I4 the feel of a secure closure and assurance that the bag is closed with certainty. The secondary notches are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5;067,208, The secondary notches 54 are preferably located at the closed end of the bag.
As shown in FIG- 4, the first and second secondary notches 54a, 54b extend at least partially into the respective male and female profiles 28, 34. The aligned secondary notches 54 may be merged into respective aligned primary notches 12 as shown in FIG. 4 According to another embodiment (FIG. 5) to be used in the present invention, a zipper 60 comprises a male track 62 and a female track 64_ The male track includes a male profile 66 and a first fin 68. The male track 62 has a plurality of spaced primary notches 70 interrupting the male profile 66. The female track is shown in FIG. 5 as being continuous, and includes a female profile 72 and a second fin 74. A
slider (e.~., the slider in FIG. 4) is adapted to be placed onto the female prof le 72 in an area where the primary notch 70 has been formed. The slider is slid onto the male profile 66 via the primary notch 70. The zipper 60 may include one slider or a plurality of sliders. Likewise, according to yet another embodiment, a slider may be placed onto a continuaus male track (not shown) in an area where the female track has been interrupted by a primary notch. Then, the slider is slid onto the female profile via the primary notch.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention. a zipper (not shown) comprises a male track and a female track. The male track includes a male profile arid the female track includes a female profile. Neither the male track nor the female track comprises a first fin or a second fin, respectively, according to this embodiment. The zipper includes a plurality of generally aligned primary notches formed in the zipper. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a slider may be placed in a respective one of the plurality of aligned primary notches-A slider 3o is then slid onto the male and female profiles via a respective one of the aliQrred primary notches. Alternatively, a plurality of sliders are slid onto the male and female profiles via respective ones of the aliEned primary notches. Alternatively, a primary WO 001676fl3 PCT/USOO/IZ183 notch may interrupt only one of the profiles, as described above with respect to FIG.
A filled and sealed food or storage Gag may be formed by a form. fill and seal machine. The zipper arrangement of FIG. 6 includes a zipper I O and a plurality of sliders I 6. Bag film or web $Z; zippers 10, and sliders 16 are components for assembling into a complete bag. A schematic illustration of a form, fill and seal machine 80 is provided in FIG. 6. As depicted at the left side of FIG. 6, the plastic film or web 82 and a zipper l0 with sliders 16 thereon are fed into the form, fill and seal machine 80. The web 82 has already been formed into a generally U-shape to m def ne a first side wall 84, a second side wall 86, and an open top 88 that will become finished individual bags 90_ In FIG. 6, the sliders 16 are shown as_mounted on the zipper 10, but the sliders 16 may be first assembled and accumulated, and then mounted on the zipper 10 by the form, fill and seal machine 80.
The zipper 10 with the sliders 16 of FIG. 6 is attached to the first side wall is of the web 82 by a heated seal bar 92. Side seals 94 are then formed in the web 82 by a second heated seal bar 96, leaving the open top 88 as the only access to the interior of the formed bag 90. Another second heated seal bar (hidden in FIG. 6) is typically located on the opposite side of the second heated seat bar 96 and works in conjunction with the seal bar 96 in forming the side seals 94. The bag 90 is then moved under a ~o fill spout 98 through which a product 100 is deposited into the interior of each bag 90.
As discussed above, product I00 may be nuts, candy, snacks, ingredients, salt, cheese, and other food and non-food products. After the bag 90 is filled, the second side wall 86 of the bag 90 is sealed to the zipper 10 by a third heated seal bar 102.
The individual bags 90 are then separated from each other by a knife 104 that cuts the web 's 82 at the side seals 94. The filled bags 90 can then be shipped to retailers for sale to consumers.
The bag 90 may have an cnd termination or stop (not shown) for inhibiting or preventing the slider 16 from going past the ends of the zipper. The end terminations aisa hold the male and female profiles together to resist stresses applied to the profiles ;o during normal use of the plastic hag. pne type of end termination is in the form of a strap/clip that wraps over the top of a zipper. Further information concerning such an end termination may be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,067,208. One end ofthe strap is provided with a rivet-like WO 00!67603 PCT/US00112183 member that penetrates throueh the zipper tins and into a cooperating openine at the other end of the strap. Other types of end termination are disclosed in U.S.
Patent Nos. x,482,375, x,448.807, 5,442.83 7 , 5.40.478, 5,16 I ,286, 5,131,121 and 5,088,971.
The bag 90 may also have an end termination formed from first and second upstanding panels (not shown) extending upwardly from the respecCive first and second body panels. The opposing ends of the first upstanding panels are connected to the respective opposing ends of the second upstanding panel to form an open pocket in which the slider and zipper are captured. This is discussed in further detail io in U.S. Patent No. 5,713,669, The form, fill and seal machines may produce the bags in a different manner than as described in FIG. 6. For example, the individual bags 90 may be separated from each other by the knife 104 afrer side seals 94 are formed in. the bags by the seal bar 96, but before the individual bags 90 are filled with product 100 and sealed with is top seal 102. The zipper 10 with sliders 16 may be located at the bottom or c-fold of the web 82, opposite the open top 88. Other variations of the described form, fill and seal process of FIG. 6 are contemplated, such as, for example, having the zipper 10 sealed on the bag 90 after it has been filled with product 100. It is contemplated that the zipper and zipper arrangements of the present invention may be used in oth~c bag ~o making/packaging processes.
Prior to being used in, for example, a form, fill and seal machine, a zipper may be stored by a variety of methods, including being folded in a box. One example of a folded zipper arrangement 120 is shown in FIGS. 7b and 7c. The folded zipper arrangement 120 may, for example. have a similar shape as shown in FIG. 1. The ~s folded zipper arrangement 120 includes first and second opposing tracks where the first track has a plurality of first primary notches interrupting the male profile and the second track has a plurality of spaced second primary notches interrupting the second profile. The second primary notches are generally aligned with respective ones of the first primary notches to form aligned pairs of primary notches 124.
zo Referring to FIGS. 7a-c, the zipper 120 also includes a plurality of fold regions or areas 122 to assist in folding the zipper i 20. The plurality of fold areas 1 ~2 are generally transverse to a length of the zipper 10 and are aligned with respective ones of the aliened pairs of primary notches 124. The fold areas 123 divide the zipper 120 WO 00/67603 PCTlUS00/12183 into a plurality of zipper seuments: The zipper segments of the folded zipper I 20 are generally parallel to each other and generally correspond to a width of a thermoplastic bag. The zipper 120 may also include fold lines that assist in folding the zipper 120, such as, for example, score lines. The zipper may also include a breakable line of _ weakness or an area of weakness {not shown) located in the fold areas to assist in separating portions of the zipper from the remainder thereof. These perforation lines may be used in a method where the bag has been filled with product and the zipper is later added to the filled bag. The zipper 120 of FIGS. 7a-c is shown as being folded in a general shape of an accordion orz-fold along the fold areas 122.
io In another embodiment, a zipper includes a plurality of fold areas or regions to assist in folding the zipper along the fold areas. The zipper has a f rst track with a plurality of spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile and a second track with a plurality of spaced slits (not shown) interrupting the second prof le.
The slits are generally aligned with respective ones of the primary notches. The plurality of i ~ fold areas are generally aligned with respective ones of the aligned slits and primary notches. The zipper may include a breakable line of weakness or an area of weakness (not shown) located in the fold areas to assist in separating portions of the zipper from the remainder thereof.
It is contemplated, however, that the zipper may be folded in other shapes, zo such as being rolled or packef. The zipper 120 of one box may be spliced to a zipper arrangement (not shown) of a second box. The zipper may also be folded without the sliders 16 {not shown).
The zipper arrangement and sliders of the present invention may be made from a variety of suitable materials. -Some examples of materials that may be used in >; forming the profiles, tracks, and fins include the following resins: high density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low density pol~ethytene (LLDPE), metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE, polypropylene (PP), ethylene-propylene copolymer (E-P
copolymer), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE); and nylon.
3o The fins may be comprised of a plurality of layers where the outer layer is made of a Lower melting temperature material and the inner Iaver is made of a higher melting temperature material to assist in inhibiting fusion of the fins.
Similarly. one fin may be made of a plurality of layers where the outer layer is made of a lower WO 00/67603 PCTlUS00/12183 II
melting temperature material and the inner layer is made of a higher melting temperature material. For example, the lower melting temperature materials may include EVA, LDPE, VLDPE, LLDPE. and metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE.
The slider may be molded from any suitable plastic, such as, for example, . nylon. polypropylene, polystyrene, Delrin, or ABS. The opposing wall panels may be made from any suitable thermoplastic film such as. for example, polyethylene.
polypropylene, polyester, copolyester, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, the wall panels of the present invention can have multiple layers joined by coextrusion or lamination. Thus, one skilled in the an can design and coextrude mufti-layered n polymeric bags which will incorporate the various properties inherent in differing polyethylene and polypropylene compositions. It is further possible to incorporate pigments, metallic components, paper, and/or paper/plastic composites into or on the layer or layers of the polymeric bags of the instant invention.
Methods Of Forming Notches ~s The primary notches and optional secondary notches may be formed by a variety of methods. For example, one method of forming the primary notches in a zipper is shown in FIG. 8. FIG: 8 illustrates a punching apparatus 160 that forms aligned primary notches. The punching apparatus 160 includes a movable member 162 and an air cylinder mechanism I63. The air cylinder mechanism 163 controls the ~o movement of the moveable member 162.
The moveable member 162 is shown in FIG. 8 as punching aligned primary notches that extend through the mate and female profiles. The moveable member preferably leaves at least a portion of the first and second fzns so as to allow a slider to be placed onto a cut edge of the fns. A portion I64 from the zipper 10 is shown as being discharged from the zipper 10 by the moveable member 162. The moveable member 162 notches the zipper 10 at desired inten~als; Such as intervals being about a bag distance apart.
The punching apparatus I60 may also contain a second moveable member (not shown) that can form a plurality of secondary notches in a similar manner as described ;o above for the moveable member 162. Alternatively, the punching apparatus may comprise a tiered moveable member (not shown) that simultaneously punches a plurality of aligned primary and secondary notches. According to another embodiment. a punching apparatus knot shown) may be designed to punch a first track WO OOIb7b03 PCT/USOOII2183 l2 without punching a second track. One such punching apparatus would include a moveable member located vertically above the zipper and adapted to move in a downward direction for punching a lzrst track without punching a second track.
This embodiment may be employed without first separating the male and female prof les.
s Method Of Placing At Least One Slider Onto A Zipper One method of placing at least one slider onto a zipper is shown in FIGS. 9-1 i. Referring to FIG. 9, an escapement mechanism 180 drops the sliders l6 one at a time in respective ones of the aligned pairs of the primary notches of the zipper I 0.
The escapement mechanism I 80 is located downstream from the punching apparatus io 160 of FIG. 8. The escapement mechanism 180 is preferably one bag repeat downstream from the punching apparatus I60. The escapement mechanism 180 may be located upstream from the form, fill and seal machine discussed above in FIG. 6.
The escapement mechanism 180 comprises a slider holder 182, a threader or slider finger I 84, and a restraining finger 186. The slider holder 182 is designed to be xs compatible with an assembly of sliders 16 or individual sliders. The slider holder 182 includes a vertical column with a channel sized to hold the sliders I6. The channel of the slider holder 182 includes an open top and an open bottom_ It is contemplated that the slider holder 182 may be shaped in a different manner than shown in FIG.
9. For example, the slider holder may be rectangular ox square. Additional examples are shown in U.S. Patents 6,289,561 and 6,292,986. The shape of the slider holder generally corresponds to the shape of the assembly of the sliders or individual sliders. The slider holder 182 is preferably designed to allow one slider 16 at a time to be placed in a primary notch of the zipper 10.
As shown in FIG. 9, a zipper 10 is advanced toward the escapement mechanism 180 in a direction of the arrow. The zipper 10 may be pushed or pulled through the escapement mechanism 180. At a time when one of the aligned pairs of primary notches is generally located below the open bottom of the channel of the slider holder 182. a slider 16c is dropped in the aligned pair of primary notches (hidden in FIG. 9) of the zipper 10. The slider 16c may be placed in the notches by .v gravity and driven mechanically or electro-mechanically. The zipper 10 continues to move forward through the escapemem mechanism I 80. The threader finger 184 engages the dropped slider 16c and holds it in place as the zipper 10 is either pushed or pulled such that the slider 16c is threaded onto the profiles. An edge of the slider I6c abuts the threader finger I 84 and is prevented from moving forward with the zipper 10. Thus, the aligned pair of primary notches is moving away from the slider I 6c, while the slider 16c is being moved along the male and female profiles.
Referring to FIG. 10, the threader finger I 84 is then moved away from the path of the slider I6c, resulting in the slider I 6c moving forward with the zipper I0. The movement of the threader f nger 184 from the path of the slider 16c corresponds to the desired placement of the slider 16c relative to a primary notch 12c. If a greater ~u distance is desired between the slider I6c and the notch 12c, then the threader finger 184 remains abutting the slider 16c far a longer period of time. At the same time that the threader finger I84 is moved from the path of the slider I6c, the restraining fnger 186 is moved toward the sliders 16. The restraining finger 186 holds the next slider (lbd) in place as the zipper 10 is being advanced through the escapement mechanism ~s I80.
According to this embodiment, the threader finger 184 and the restraining finger 186 are powered by independent pistons. Internal air passages allow only one of the threader finger 184 and the restraining finger 186 to be fully retracted when the other is completely extended. Referring to FIG. 1 I, the tlueader finger i84 is returned ~o to the same position shown in FIG. 9 after the slider I 6c has advanced past the threader finger 184. At the same time, the restraining finger 186 returns to a position away from the assembly of sliders 16. The next slider ( 16d) will be placed into an aligned pair of primary notches 12d as the zipper I 0 is advanced forward.
According to one embodiment, the slider to be used in the method described above may be of the type described above in FIG. 2. A separator finger of the slider may extend at least partially between the male and female profiles so as to disengage the male and female profiles in response to movement along the zipper. It is preferable that the slider be positioned in the primary notch so that the separator finger of the slider remains between the male and female profiles.
3o According to another method of the present invention. a slider may be placed on a zipper as described above. The zipper may be of a length generally corresponding to a width of the bag afrer the slider is placed on the zipper.
According to yet another method of the present invention: a slider may be placed onto a zipper where only a first track has a plurality of spaced primary notches interrupting a first profile. In this method. the sliders are pushed downward onto a second profile and into respective ones of the primary notches. The sliders are slid onto the frst profile via the respective primary notches. This method may use a similar type of escapement mechanism 180 that would allow fhe sliders to be pushed downward onto a second prof le. 'The sliders of the type described above in FIG. 2 are preferably positioned so that a separator finger of the slider remains between the male and_ female profiles. Additional, a slider may be placed on a zipper having a length ~a generally corresponding to a width of the bag after the slider is placed on the zipper.
While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular embodiments illustrated. those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments and obvious variations thereof are contemplated ~s as falling within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to zippers, zipper arrangements, and methods of manufacturing the same. Specifically, the present invention is directed towards zipper arrangements having a notched zipper and at least one slider for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags and methods of manufacturing the same. It should be understood that 1 o the expression "the invention" and the Like encompasses the subject matter of both the parent and the divisional applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plastic bags are popular for storing food and other items. kippered plastic bags that can be securely closed and reopened are particularly popular due to their perceived ability 15 to maintain freshness of the food stored in the bags and/or to minimize or eliminate leakage into and out of the bag. These bags are used one at a time by consumers. These bags are also used by businesses to package items that are then sold to consumers. For example, nuts, candy, snacks, ingredients, salt, cheese, and other food and non-food products are packed in these bags by form, fill and seal machines.
2o Slider bags have become popular with customers for a variety of reasons, including difficulty in opening and closing a zippered bag without a slider. Product manufacturers have not, however, used zippers with sliders in their form, fill and seal machines for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include the difficulty in having a reliable assembly of sliders to zipper at form, fill and seal manufacturing rates, supplying zipper 25 with sliders that are not prone to machine jamming and excessive downtime;
and installing sliders in tight and constraining areas in form, fill and seal machine footprints.
Accordingly, a need exists to address the above-noted problems by supplying zippers in a convenient configuration and having methods of easily placing sliders onto zippers.
3o SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing bags includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track has a first profile and the WO OQ167603 PCT/US00/12t83 second track has a second profile- The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other- The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. The slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is adapted to engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to movement along the zipper.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second track has a second profile and one or more spaced primary notches intemtpting the second profile. The second primary notches are generally aligned with respective ones of the first primary notches to form aligned pairs.of primary notches. The slider is inserted ~o onto the first prof 1e via a respective one of the aligned pairs of primary notches.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a folded zipper includes frst and second opposing backs that each have one or more primary notches interrupting respective profiles. The primary notches are generally aligned to respective ones of the first primary notches to fomn aligned pairs of primary notches:
~s The zipper includes a plurality of fold areas generally transverse to a length of the zipper and the zipper is folded along the fold areas.
According to a further embodiment, a folded zipper has a first track having one or more primary notches and a second track having one or more spaced slits interrupting the second profile. The slits are generally aligned to respective ones of ~o the primary notches. The zipper includes a plurality of fold areas generally transverse to a length of the zipper and the zipper is folded along the fold areas.
According to one method of the present invention, a zipper and at least one slider are provided. The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. The slider is mounted onto a second pi-of le and into a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is slid onto the first prof le via a respective one the primary notches.
According to another method. a zipper and at Least one slider are provided.
The slider is positioned in a respective one of the aligned pairs of primary notches.
Each of the first and second opposing tracks has one or more primary notches interrupting respective profiles. The slider is slid onto, the first and second profiles via a respective one of the aligned pairs of priman~ notches.
2a Broadly then in one aspect the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, feeding the web of thermoplastic film, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, feeding the web of thermoplastic film, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
In another aspect, the invention provides a zipper arrangement comprising a male fastener strip including a male profile positioned along the length thereof, a female fastener strip including a female profile positioned along the length thereof, the female profile being adapted to releasable engage with the male profile, and a plurality of sliders slidably mounted to the male fastener strip and the female fastener strip, the plurality of sliders being adapted and configured to move the male and female fastener strips between open and closed positions by sliding movement thereon, wherein the zipper arrangement is detachable from a thermoplastic web to form a plurality of recloseable bags.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a 2b plurality of sliders, stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips after the stopping of the pair of fastener strips, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product in the thermopastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, stopping the moving web, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strip to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips before placing each of the plurality of sliders, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders 2c on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, feeding the web of thermoplastic film, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, feeding the web of thermoplastic film, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips after the stopping of the pair of fastener strips, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, stopping the moving web, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strip to the 2d web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags, and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips before placing each of the plurality of sliders, attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature, placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of engaged fastener strips, stopping the moving web, attaching the fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web, and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
w0 00/67603 PCT/US00112183 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
FIG. I is a perspective view of a zipper having spaced primary notches to be used in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. ? is a perspective view of a portion of a recloseable package including a zipper and a slider according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper taken across line 3-3 of FIG. 2 prior to opening the tamper evident feature.
to FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a zipper arrangement including a zipper and a plurality of sliders according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. ~ is a perspective view of a zipper having spaced primary notches according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of basic components of a form, fill and seal machine.
ns FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a zipper arrangement to be folded according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7b is a perspective view of a folded zipper arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7c is a top view of the folded zipper arrangement of FIG. 7b.
~o FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a punching apparatus for forming spaced primary notches in a zipper according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 9-I 1 depict an operational sequence using an escapement mechanism for placing sliders onto a zipper according to one method of the present invention.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative ~s forms. specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to Iimil the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as def ned by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLL'STR.ATIVE E11IBODIRZENTS
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a zipper or fastener 10 having a plurality of generally aligned pairs of primary notches 12 according to one WO 00/676ti3 _ PCTNS00/12183 =I
embodiment of the present invention. The primary notches 12 are shown as being spaced at a distance W that generally corresponds to a width of a thermoplastic bag.
The primary notches 12 each have a distance D 1 extending from a top surface of the zipper 10_ FIG_ 2 illustrates a mouth portion of a recIoseable package or bag having a slider 16 on the zipper .10, while FIG. 3 illustrates the zipper 10 of the mouth portion of the recloseabIe package l4 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mouth portion of the recloseable package I4 includes a pair of opposing wall panels l8~and 20 made of polymeric film, mufti-layer and mufti=component laminates, or co-extrusions. The pair of opposing wall panels ~0 18 and 20 make up a package body 22 and define a receptacle space 24.
Connected to the wall panel i8 is a male track 26 having a male profile 28 and a frst fin portion 30 extending downward from the male profile 28. Connected to the other wall panel is a female track 32 having a female profile 34 and a second fn portion 36 extending downward from the female profile 34.
~s The male and female profiles 28, 34 are releasabIy engageabIe with each other to provide a recloseable seal to the package. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the lower edges of the first and second fin portions 30, 36 are joined to each other along a one time breakable preferential area of weakness or preferential tear area38 to form a one time openable tamper evident feature 40. The fins may also be formed zo from one piece that has an area of weakness or preferential tear area. The joined first and second ftn portions 30, 36 have a generally U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The tamper evident feature 40 is described in detail in U.S.
Patent No. 5,964,532.
It is not necessary that the first and second fin 30, 36 be releasably engaged to zs each other by a one time breakable preferential area of weakness. For example; the first fin 30 may be separate from the second fin 36 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The recloseable package 14 has the slider I 6 (FIG. 2) slidably mounted to the zipper I_0 for movement bet<veen a closed and open position. The male and female 3o profiles 28. 34 are engaged to each other, while the slider I6 is in the closed position, and movement of the slider I 6 from the closed position to the open position WO OO/b7603 PCTltjSaO/12183 disengages the male and female profiles 28. 34 from each other. The manner of operation of this zipper and slider arrangement is described in detail in U.S.
Patent loo. 5,063.644 to Herrington, Jr. et. al_ The sliders to be used in the present invention may include various sliders that are adapted to move and disengage the male and female profiles 28, 34 from each other. One such slider (slider 16) is depicted in FIG. 2. The slider I 6 of FIG. 2 is generally U-shaped and includes a transverse support member 42 with two depending legs 44, 46 therefrom. A separator finger 48 depends from the transverse support member 42 and is disposed between the depending legs 44, 46. The separator finger ~0 48 extends at least partially between the male and female profiles 28, 34 to aid in disengaging the male and female profiles 28. 34 as the slider I6 is moved along the zipper 10.
FIG. 4 illustrates a zipper arrangement 50 comprising a zipper 52 and a plurality of the sliders 16. A slider 16a is located in a spaced primary notch 12, while ~s the slider I6b is shown in a position straddling the male and female profiles.
Referring to FIGS. I, 3 and 4, the male track 26 has a plurality of spaced first primary notches 12a intemipting the male profile 28, while the female track 32 has a plurality of second primary notches I 2b interrupting the female profile 34. The first primary notches 12a are generally aligned with the second primary notches l2b to form the 'o aligned pairs of primary notches 12. The sliders I 6 are adapted to slide onto the male and female profiles 28, 34 via the respective aligned pairs of primary notches I2. At least one of the first and second primary notches I2a, 12b may inteixupt a portion of the first fin 30 and/or the second fin 36, respectively.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the zipper may have one slider instead of the plurality of sliders described in the zipper arrangement of FIG. 4. According to another embodiment of the present invention. the zipper may have one first primary notch and/or one second primary notch. Likewise, the zipper may have one secondary notch.
The plurality of primary notches 12 are preferably located near the ends of the recloseabIe package I4 for a variety of reasons. For example. Iocatine the primary notches I2 near the ends of the package 14 is generally more aesthetically pleasing to customers. in addition. this location allows the slider L6 to move and open the WO 40!67603 PCTfUS001~21$3 package 14 across a greater distance. resulting in a wider mouth of the package I4.
Locating the primary notches I 2 near the ends of the package 1=~ dray also assist in farming the side seals of the package 14 since the profiles do not need to be flattened.
Side seals of the package 14 may be formed more easily and/or eff ciently because of _ the reduction or elimination in temperatures, pressures, and times associated with fusing the male and female profiles 28. 34 together near the ends of the package 14.
Locating the primary notches near the ends of the package 14 may eliminate the need to fuse the male and females profiles 28, 34 together if the male and female profiles 28, 34 are cut away at the areas where the side sealing occurs.
to The relationship between the notch 12 and the slider I6 will be discussed with respect tv FIG. 4. A distance D 1 of the notch preferably is less than a distance D3 (the internal opening of the slider I 6) so that the slider may be placed more easily onto the profiles. As shown in FIG. 4, the sliders 16a, I6b overlap a portion of the fins tv assist in aligning the position of the sliders 16a, 16b prior to threading auto the is profiles. Specifically, the opening of the sliders 16a; I6b between the slider wings falls between the fins. The aligned primary notch 12 preferably has a width that is greater than a length L of the slider 16. The aligned primary notches I 2 of t=IGS. I
and 4 are shown as extending through the respective male and female"profiles in a direction generally transverse to a length of the zipper I6. The primary notches 12 do ?o nat, however, extend entirely through the first fin 30 and the seeand fin 36, respectively, in FIG. 4.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the zipper may include a plurality of secondary notches. Referring specifically to FIG. 4.
the male track 26 of the zipper arrangement 50 is further interrupted by a plurality of optional ~s first secondary notches 54a, while the female track 32 is further interrupted by a plurality of optional second secondary notches 54b according to another embodiment of the invention. The first secondary notches 54a are generally aligned with the second secondary notches 54b to form generally aligned pairs of secondary notches S4. The aliened notches 54 have a distance D2 extending from a top surface of the ~o, zipper 52.
The secondary notches ~4 are not adapted to engage the separator finer 48 of the zipper 16 which inhibits or prevents the slider 16 front disengaging the mate and female prof les 28, 34. In other words. the separator 48 is ineffective to.
force a top WO 00/67603 PCT/tJS00/12183 portion (the ears) of the male and female profiles 28, 34 apart so as open the package 1=1. The slider is considered to be "parked" when it is in this-condition. The secondary notches 54 also give a user of the package I4 the feel of a secure closure and assurance that the bag is closed with certainty. The secondary notches are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5;067,208, The secondary notches 54 are preferably located at the closed end of the bag.
As shown in FIG- 4, the first and second secondary notches 54a, 54b extend at least partially into the respective male and female profiles 28, 34. The aligned secondary notches 54 may be merged into respective aligned primary notches 12 as shown in FIG. 4 According to another embodiment (FIG. 5) to be used in the present invention, a zipper 60 comprises a male track 62 and a female track 64_ The male track includes a male profile 66 and a first fin 68. The male track 62 has a plurality of spaced primary notches 70 interrupting the male profile 66. The female track is shown in FIG. 5 as being continuous, and includes a female profile 72 and a second fin 74. A
slider (e.~., the slider in FIG. 4) is adapted to be placed onto the female prof le 72 in an area where the primary notch 70 has been formed. The slider is slid onto the male profile 66 via the primary notch 70. The zipper 60 may include one slider or a plurality of sliders. Likewise, according to yet another embodiment, a slider may be placed onto a continuaus male track (not shown) in an area where the female track has been interrupted by a primary notch. Then, the slider is slid onto the female profile via the primary notch.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention. a zipper (not shown) comprises a male track and a female track. The male track includes a male profile arid the female track includes a female profile. Neither the male track nor the female track comprises a first fin or a second fin, respectively, according to this embodiment. The zipper includes a plurality of generally aligned primary notches formed in the zipper. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a slider may be placed in a respective one of the plurality of aligned primary notches-A slider 3o is then slid onto the male and female profiles via a respective one of the aliQrred primary notches. Alternatively, a plurality of sliders are slid onto the male and female profiles via respective ones of the aliEned primary notches. Alternatively, a primary WO 001676fl3 PCT/USOO/IZ183 notch may interrupt only one of the profiles, as described above with respect to FIG.
A filled and sealed food or storage Gag may be formed by a form. fill and seal machine. The zipper arrangement of FIG. 6 includes a zipper I O and a plurality of sliders I 6. Bag film or web $Z; zippers 10, and sliders 16 are components for assembling into a complete bag. A schematic illustration of a form, fill and seal machine 80 is provided in FIG. 6. As depicted at the left side of FIG. 6, the plastic film or web 82 and a zipper l0 with sliders 16 thereon are fed into the form, fill and seal machine 80. The web 82 has already been formed into a generally U-shape to m def ne a first side wall 84, a second side wall 86, and an open top 88 that will become finished individual bags 90_ In FIG. 6, the sliders 16 are shown as_mounted on the zipper 10, but the sliders 16 may be first assembled and accumulated, and then mounted on the zipper 10 by the form, fill and seal machine 80.
The zipper 10 with the sliders 16 of FIG. 6 is attached to the first side wall is of the web 82 by a heated seal bar 92. Side seals 94 are then formed in the web 82 by a second heated seal bar 96, leaving the open top 88 as the only access to the interior of the formed bag 90. Another second heated seal bar (hidden in FIG. 6) is typically located on the opposite side of the second heated seat bar 96 and works in conjunction with the seal bar 96 in forming the side seals 94. The bag 90 is then moved under a ~o fill spout 98 through which a product 100 is deposited into the interior of each bag 90.
As discussed above, product I00 may be nuts, candy, snacks, ingredients, salt, cheese, and other food and non-food products. After the bag 90 is filled, the second side wall 86 of the bag 90 is sealed to the zipper 10 by a third heated seal bar 102.
The individual bags 90 are then separated from each other by a knife 104 that cuts the web 's 82 at the side seals 94. The filled bags 90 can then be shipped to retailers for sale to consumers.
The bag 90 may have an cnd termination or stop (not shown) for inhibiting or preventing the slider 16 from going past the ends of the zipper. The end terminations aisa hold the male and female profiles together to resist stresses applied to the profiles ;o during normal use of the plastic hag. pne type of end termination is in the form of a strap/clip that wraps over the top of a zipper. Further information concerning such an end termination may be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,067,208. One end ofthe strap is provided with a rivet-like WO 00!67603 PCT/US00112183 member that penetrates throueh the zipper tins and into a cooperating openine at the other end of the strap. Other types of end termination are disclosed in U.S.
Patent Nos. x,482,375, x,448.807, 5,442.83 7 , 5.40.478, 5,16 I ,286, 5,131,121 and 5,088,971.
The bag 90 may also have an end termination formed from first and second upstanding panels (not shown) extending upwardly from the respecCive first and second body panels. The opposing ends of the first upstanding panels are connected to the respective opposing ends of the second upstanding panel to form an open pocket in which the slider and zipper are captured. This is discussed in further detail io in U.S. Patent No. 5,713,669, The form, fill and seal machines may produce the bags in a different manner than as described in FIG. 6. For example, the individual bags 90 may be separated from each other by the knife 104 afrer side seals 94 are formed in. the bags by the seal bar 96, but before the individual bags 90 are filled with product 100 and sealed with is top seal 102. The zipper 10 with sliders 16 may be located at the bottom or c-fold of the web 82, opposite the open top 88. Other variations of the described form, fill and seal process of FIG. 6 are contemplated, such as, for example, having the zipper 10 sealed on the bag 90 after it has been filled with product 100. It is contemplated that the zipper and zipper arrangements of the present invention may be used in oth~c bag ~o making/packaging processes.
Prior to being used in, for example, a form, fill and seal machine, a zipper may be stored by a variety of methods, including being folded in a box. One example of a folded zipper arrangement 120 is shown in FIGS. 7b and 7c. The folded zipper arrangement 120 may, for example. have a similar shape as shown in FIG. 1. The ~s folded zipper arrangement 120 includes first and second opposing tracks where the first track has a plurality of first primary notches interrupting the male profile and the second track has a plurality of spaced second primary notches interrupting the second profile. The second primary notches are generally aligned with respective ones of the first primary notches to form aligned pairs of primary notches 124.
zo Referring to FIGS. 7a-c, the zipper 120 also includes a plurality of fold regions or areas 122 to assist in folding the zipper i 20. The plurality of fold areas 1 ~2 are generally transverse to a length of the zipper 10 and are aligned with respective ones of the aliened pairs of primary notches 124. The fold areas 123 divide the zipper 120 WO 00/67603 PCTlUS00/12183 into a plurality of zipper seuments: The zipper segments of the folded zipper I 20 are generally parallel to each other and generally correspond to a width of a thermoplastic bag. The zipper 120 may also include fold lines that assist in folding the zipper 120, such as, for example, score lines. The zipper may also include a breakable line of _ weakness or an area of weakness {not shown) located in the fold areas to assist in separating portions of the zipper from the remainder thereof. These perforation lines may be used in a method where the bag has been filled with product and the zipper is later added to the filled bag. The zipper 120 of FIGS. 7a-c is shown as being folded in a general shape of an accordion orz-fold along the fold areas 122.
io In another embodiment, a zipper includes a plurality of fold areas or regions to assist in folding the zipper along the fold areas. The zipper has a f rst track with a plurality of spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile and a second track with a plurality of spaced slits (not shown) interrupting the second prof le.
The slits are generally aligned with respective ones of the primary notches. The plurality of i ~ fold areas are generally aligned with respective ones of the aligned slits and primary notches. The zipper may include a breakable line of weakness or an area of weakness (not shown) located in the fold areas to assist in separating portions of the zipper from the remainder thereof.
It is contemplated, however, that the zipper may be folded in other shapes, zo such as being rolled or packef. The zipper 120 of one box may be spliced to a zipper arrangement (not shown) of a second box. The zipper may also be folded without the sliders 16 {not shown).
The zipper arrangement and sliders of the present invention may be made from a variety of suitable materials. -Some examples of materials that may be used in >; forming the profiles, tracks, and fins include the following resins: high density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low density pol~ethytene (LLDPE), metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE, polypropylene (PP), ethylene-propylene copolymer (E-P
copolymer), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE); and nylon.
3o The fins may be comprised of a plurality of layers where the outer layer is made of a Lower melting temperature material and the inner Iaver is made of a higher melting temperature material to assist in inhibiting fusion of the fins.
Similarly. one fin may be made of a plurality of layers where the outer layer is made of a lower WO 00/67603 PCTlUS00/12183 II
melting temperature material and the inner layer is made of a higher melting temperature material. For example, the lower melting temperature materials may include EVA, LDPE, VLDPE, LLDPE. and metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE.
The slider may be molded from any suitable plastic, such as, for example, . nylon. polypropylene, polystyrene, Delrin, or ABS. The opposing wall panels may be made from any suitable thermoplastic film such as. for example, polyethylene.
polypropylene, polyester, copolyester, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, the wall panels of the present invention can have multiple layers joined by coextrusion or lamination. Thus, one skilled in the an can design and coextrude mufti-layered n polymeric bags which will incorporate the various properties inherent in differing polyethylene and polypropylene compositions. It is further possible to incorporate pigments, metallic components, paper, and/or paper/plastic composites into or on the layer or layers of the polymeric bags of the instant invention.
Methods Of Forming Notches ~s The primary notches and optional secondary notches may be formed by a variety of methods. For example, one method of forming the primary notches in a zipper is shown in FIG. 8. FIG: 8 illustrates a punching apparatus 160 that forms aligned primary notches. The punching apparatus 160 includes a movable member 162 and an air cylinder mechanism I63. The air cylinder mechanism 163 controls the ~o movement of the moveable member 162.
The moveable member 162 is shown in FIG. 8 as punching aligned primary notches that extend through the mate and female profiles. The moveable member preferably leaves at least a portion of the first and second fzns so as to allow a slider to be placed onto a cut edge of the fns. A portion I64 from the zipper 10 is shown as being discharged from the zipper 10 by the moveable member 162. The moveable member 162 notches the zipper 10 at desired inten~als; Such as intervals being about a bag distance apart.
The punching apparatus I60 may also contain a second moveable member (not shown) that can form a plurality of secondary notches in a similar manner as described ;o above for the moveable member 162. Alternatively, the punching apparatus may comprise a tiered moveable member (not shown) that simultaneously punches a plurality of aligned primary and secondary notches. According to another embodiment. a punching apparatus knot shown) may be designed to punch a first track WO OOIb7b03 PCT/USOOII2183 l2 without punching a second track. One such punching apparatus would include a moveable member located vertically above the zipper and adapted to move in a downward direction for punching a lzrst track without punching a second track.
This embodiment may be employed without first separating the male and female prof les.
s Method Of Placing At Least One Slider Onto A Zipper One method of placing at least one slider onto a zipper is shown in FIGS. 9-1 i. Referring to FIG. 9, an escapement mechanism 180 drops the sliders l6 one at a time in respective ones of the aligned pairs of the primary notches of the zipper I 0.
The escapement mechanism I 80 is located downstream from the punching apparatus io 160 of FIG. 8. The escapement mechanism 180 is preferably one bag repeat downstream from the punching apparatus I60. The escapement mechanism 180 may be located upstream from the form, fill and seal machine discussed above in FIG. 6.
The escapement mechanism 180 comprises a slider holder 182, a threader or slider finger I 84, and a restraining finger 186. The slider holder 182 is designed to be xs compatible with an assembly of sliders 16 or individual sliders. The slider holder 182 includes a vertical column with a channel sized to hold the sliders I6. The channel of the slider holder 182 includes an open top and an open bottom_ It is contemplated that the slider holder 182 may be shaped in a different manner than shown in FIG.
9. For example, the slider holder may be rectangular ox square. Additional examples are shown in U.S. Patents 6,289,561 and 6,292,986. The shape of the slider holder generally corresponds to the shape of the assembly of the sliders or individual sliders. The slider holder 182 is preferably designed to allow one slider 16 at a time to be placed in a primary notch of the zipper 10.
As shown in FIG. 9, a zipper 10 is advanced toward the escapement mechanism 180 in a direction of the arrow. The zipper 10 may be pushed or pulled through the escapement mechanism 180. At a time when one of the aligned pairs of primary notches is generally located below the open bottom of the channel of the slider holder 182. a slider 16c is dropped in the aligned pair of primary notches (hidden in FIG. 9) of the zipper 10. The slider 16c may be placed in the notches by .v gravity and driven mechanically or electro-mechanically. The zipper 10 continues to move forward through the escapemem mechanism I 80. The threader finger 184 engages the dropped slider 16c and holds it in place as the zipper 10 is either pushed or pulled such that the slider 16c is threaded onto the profiles. An edge of the slider I6c abuts the threader finger I 84 and is prevented from moving forward with the zipper 10. Thus, the aligned pair of primary notches is moving away from the slider I 6c, while the slider 16c is being moved along the male and female profiles.
Referring to FIG. 10, the threader finger I 84 is then moved away from the path of the slider I6c, resulting in the slider I 6c moving forward with the zipper I0. The movement of the threader f nger 184 from the path of the slider 16c corresponds to the desired placement of the slider 16c relative to a primary notch 12c. If a greater ~u distance is desired between the slider I6c and the notch 12c, then the threader finger 184 remains abutting the slider 16c far a longer period of time. At the same time that the threader finger I84 is moved from the path of the slider I6c, the restraining fnger 186 is moved toward the sliders 16. The restraining finger 186 holds the next slider (lbd) in place as the zipper 10 is being advanced through the escapement mechanism ~s I80.
According to this embodiment, the threader finger 184 and the restraining finger 186 are powered by independent pistons. Internal air passages allow only one of the threader finger 184 and the restraining finger 186 to be fully retracted when the other is completely extended. Referring to FIG. 1 I, the tlueader finger i84 is returned ~o to the same position shown in FIG. 9 after the slider I 6c has advanced past the threader finger 184. At the same time, the restraining finger 186 returns to a position away from the assembly of sliders 16. The next slider ( 16d) will be placed into an aligned pair of primary notches 12d as the zipper I 0 is advanced forward.
According to one embodiment, the slider to be used in the method described above may be of the type described above in FIG. 2. A separator finger of the slider may extend at least partially between the male and female profiles so as to disengage the male and female profiles in response to movement along the zipper. It is preferable that the slider be positioned in the primary notch so that the separator finger of the slider remains between the male and female profiles.
3o According to another method of the present invention. a slider may be placed on a zipper as described above. The zipper may be of a length generally corresponding to a width of the bag afrer the slider is placed on the zipper.
According to yet another method of the present invention: a slider may be placed onto a zipper where only a first track has a plurality of spaced primary notches interrupting a first profile. In this method. the sliders are pushed downward onto a second profile and into respective ones of the primary notches. The sliders are slid onto the frst profile via the respective primary notches. This method may use a similar type of escapement mechanism 180 that would allow fhe sliders to be pushed downward onto a second prof le. 'The sliders of the type described above in FIG. 2 are preferably positioned so that a separator finger of the slider remains between the male and_ female profiles. Additional, a slider may be placed on a zipper having a length ~a generally corresponding to a width of the bag after the slider is placed on the zipper.
While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular embodiments illustrated. those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments and obvious variations thereof are contemplated ~s as falling within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims (46)
1. A method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
feeding the web of thermoplastic film;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag.
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
feeding the web of thermoplastic film;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving a slider before the placing of the product.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastener strips include a tamper-evident feature.
4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising before the attaching of the releasably engageable fastener strips, creating a plurality of notches in the fastener strips that are adapted to park a respective one of the sliders.
5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the releasably engageable fastener strips include end terminations.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermoplastic bag is interconnected with at least one other thermoplastic bag.
7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, further including severing the thermoplastic bag from the web of thermoplastic film to form an individual bag and wherein the product is placed in the individual bag.
8. A method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
feeding the web of thermoplastic film;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
feeding the web of thermoplastic film;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising before the attaching of the releasably engageable fastener strips, creating a plurality of notches in the fastener strips that are adapted to park a respective one of the sliders.
10. The method of claim 8 or 9,, wherein the releasably engageable fastener strips include end terminations.
11. A zipper arrangement comprising:
a male fastener strip including a male profile positioned along the length thereof;
a female fastener strip including a female profile positioned along the length thereof, the female profile being adapted to releasable engage with the male profile; and a plurality of sliders slidably mounted to the male fastener strip and the female fastener strip, the plurality of sliders being adapted and configured to move the male and female fastener strips between open and closed positions by sliding movement thereon, wherein the zipper arrangement is detachable from a thermoplastic web to form a plurality of recloseable bags.
a male fastener strip including a male profile positioned along the length thereof;
a female fastener strip including a female profile positioned along the length thereof, the female profile being adapted to releasable engage with the male profile; and a plurality of sliders slidably mounted to the male fastener strip and the female fastener strip, the plurality of sliders being adapted and configured to move the male and female fastener strips between open and closed positions by sliding movement thereon, wherein the zipper arrangement is detachable from a thermoplastic web to form a plurality of recloseable bags.
12. The zipper arrangement of claim 11, wherein the releasably engageable fastener strips include end terminations.
13. The zipper arrangement of claim 11, wherein the fastener strips further include a plurality of notches formed therein that are adapted to park a respective one of the plurality of sliders.
14. The zipper arrangement of claim 11, wherein the releasably engageable fastener strips include a tamper-evident feature.
15. A method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips after the stopping of the pair of fastener strips;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product in the thermopastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips after the stopping of the pair of fastener strips;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product in the thermopastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the thermoplastic bag is interconnected with at least one other thermoplastic bag.
17. The method of claim 15 or 16, further including severing the thermoplastic bag from the web of thermoplastic film to form an individual bag and wherein the product is placed in the individual bag.
18. A method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
stopping the moving web;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strip to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
stopping the moving web;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strip to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the thermoplastic bag is interconnected with at least one other thermoplastic bag.
20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further including severing the thermoplastic bag from the web of thermoplastic film to form an individual bag and wherein the product is placed in the individual bag.
21. A method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips before placing each of the plurality of sliders;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips before placing each of the plurality of sliders;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
22. A method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of engaged fastener strips;
stopping the moving web;
attaching the fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of engaged fastener strips;
stopping the moving web;
attaching the fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
23. A method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
feeding the web of thermoplastic film;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag.
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
feeding the web of thermoplastic film;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein at least one of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein each of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
26. The method of claim 23, 24 or 25, wherein the thermoplastic bag is interconnected with at least one other thermoplastic bag.
27. The method of any one of claims 23 to 26, further including severing the thermoplastic bag from the web of thermoplastic film to form an individual bag and wherein the product is placed in the individual bag.
28. A method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
feeding the web of thermoplastic film;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
feeding the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
feeding the web of thermoplastic film;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein at least one of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein each of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
31. A method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips after the stopping of the pair of fastener strips;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips after the stopping of the pair of fastener strips;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein at least one of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein each of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
34. The method of claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein the thermoplastic bag is interconnected with at least one other thermoplastic bag.
35. The method of any one of claims 31 to 34, further including severing the thermoplastic bag from the web of thermoplastic film to form an individual bag and wherein the product is placed in the individual bag.
36. A method for making a thermoplastic bag and placing a product in the thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
stopping the moving web;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strip to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
stopping the moving web;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strip to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web;
separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags; and placing a product within the thermoplastic bag after the attaching of the fastener strips to the web.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein at least one of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein each of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
39. The method of claim 36, 37 or 38, wherein the thermoplastic bag is interconnected with at least one other thermoplastic bag.
40. The method of any one of claims 36 to 39, further including severing the thermoplastic bag from the web of thermoplastic film to form an individual bag and wherein the product is placed in the individual bag.
41. A method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips before placing each of the plurality of sliders;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
providing a pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips, a web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of releasably engageable fastener strips;
stopping the pair of moving releasably engageable fastener strips before placing each of the plurality of sliders;
attaching the releasably engageable fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein at least one of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein each of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
44. A method of making a thermoplastic bag, the method comprising:
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of engaged fastener strips;
stopping the moving web;
attaching the fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
providing a pair of releasably engageable fastener strips, a moving web of thermoplastic film, and a plurality of sliders, the fastener strips including end terminations and a tamper-evident feature;
placing the plurality of sliders on the pair of engaged fastener strips;
stopping the moving web;
attaching the fastener strips to the web of thermoplastic film after the placing of the plurality of sliders and after the stopping of the web; and separating the web of thermoplastic film to form thermoplastic bags.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein each of the releasably engageable fastener strips further forms a notch for receiving an inserted slider therein.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/307,937 | 1999-05-10 | ||
| US09/307,937 US6286189B1 (en) | 1999-05-10 | 1999-05-10 | Zipper and zipper arrangements and methods of manufacturing the same |
| CA002336693A CA2336693C (en) | 1999-05-10 | 2000-05-05 | Zipper and zipper arrangements and methods of manufacturing the same |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002336693A Division CA2336693C (en) | 1999-05-10 | 2000-05-05 | Zipper and zipper arrangements and methods of manufacturing the same |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2484199A1 CA2484199A1 (en) | 2000-11-16 |
| CA2484199C true CA2484199C (en) | 2007-01-16 |
Family
ID=34063991
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002484199A Expired - Lifetime CA2484199C (en) | 1999-05-10 | 2000-05-05 | Zipper and zipper arrangements and methods of manufacturing the same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2484199C (en) |
-
2000
- 2000-05-05 CA CA002484199A patent/CA2484199C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2484199A1 (en) | 2000-11-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20200505 |