EP3317199B1 - Procédé de fabrication d'un emballage à fermeture à glissière unisexe avec embouchure large - Google Patents

Procédé de fabrication d'un emballage à fermeture à glissière unisexe avec embouchure large Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3317199B1
EP3317199B1 EP16724999.4A EP16724999A EP3317199B1 EP 3317199 B1 EP3317199 B1 EP 3317199B1 EP 16724999 A EP16724999 A EP 16724999A EP 3317199 B1 EP3317199 B1 EP 3317199B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
zipper
reclosure
web
spaces
seal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16724999.4A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3317199A1 (fr
Inventor
Steven Ausnit
David Anzini
Lars Wihlborg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Original Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/754,755 external-priority patent/US20150298864A1/en
Application filed by Illinois Tool Works Inc filed Critical Illinois Tool Works Inc
Publication of EP3317199A1 publication Critical patent/EP3317199A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3317199B1 publication Critical patent/EP3317199B1/fr
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
    • B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B70/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
    • B31B70/813—Applying closures
    • B31B70/8131—Making bags having interengaging closure elements
    • B31B70/8133—Applying the closure elements in the cross direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/18—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for making package-opening or unpacking elements
    • B65B61/188—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for making package-opening or unpacking elements by applying or incorporating profile-strips, e.g. for reclosable bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
    • B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
    • B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2155/00—Flexible containers made from webs
    • B31B2155/001—Flexible containers made from webs by folding webs longitudinally
    • B31B2155/0012—Flexible containers made from webs by folding webs longitudinally having their openings facing in the direction of movement

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for manufacturing reclosable packages on a machine, specifically a vertical form fill seal machine.
  • VFFS vertical form fill seal
  • some VFFS applications which include transverse placement of the joined zipper can deal with issues such as a propensity for inner flange sealing exacerbated by poor heat transfer films; slide between the male and female zipper elements resulting in "inch worming" or open zippers jamming the equipment; lateral movement of elements resulting in offset elements that jam in the cassette or on the lip of the filling tube; poor stomping of joined zipper ends required to prevent slide of male and female elements or to promote ease of closure which then fail upon forcibly being opened to full mouth opening; premature knife wear as a result of cutting the two elements together; and zipper camber due to unbalanced flanges and the complexity of different sized flanges resulting in unreliable zipper transport or jumping off of or out of the guide, improper placement of the zipper, or unwanted zipper curvature.
  • some current transverse direction zipper production applications may incur increased costs. These increased costs may occur due to joining equipment which increases scrap and reduces production speeds, increased sensitivity to winding conditions, the use of more expensive materials to prevent inner flange sealing, increased costs of sealant layers and the inherent complexity of working with male/female profiles.
  • the opening of some reclosable pouches may be restricted or smaller than the full mouth opening because of the zipper.
  • the zipper may be stomped which reduces the opening even further.
  • ease in opening is not always fully satisfactorily achieved by a pouch manufactured in a transverse direction application.
  • some single profiles do not close as well as some double zipper profiles.
  • the percentage mouth opening lost is relatively small compared to that of gusseted bags, yet the end stomps of the zipper still remove some the mouth opening in the pillow bag.
  • Many current gusseted bags use a zipper that is short of the width of the bag's front panel, thereby restricting the opening size of the bag. In many applications, it is desirable that the opening of a pillow or gusseted bag be as large as possible to enable ease of scooping out or pouring out the product, or filling.
  • European Patent Application EP 3 072 821 A1 relates to a method of continuous packaging.
  • EP 3 072 821 A1 forms part of the state of art according to Article 54(3) EPC.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,655,862 on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, relates to a method of making recloseable bags and material for making the bags.
  • the method may be for providing a package, pouch or bag, that includes a zipper reclosure which is typically a unisex style zipper, possibly including double profiles.
  • a zipper reclosure which is typically a unisex style zipper, possibly including double profiles.
  • the zipper or reclosure can be fully attached to the claimed web in a transverse direction application.
  • the claimed gap makes it easier to form a fin or other seal, as compared to a similar arrangement without such a gap.
  • the zipper or reclosure can have one or two flanges. The flanges may be sealed to the pouch film in the transverse direction applicator.
  • the method may be for forming a bag with side gussets.
  • Figures 1 and 2 disclose an exemplary package 10 made using an embodiment of the invention.
  • the package 10 is formed from front wall 12 and rear wall 14 (including fin seal 60).
  • Figures 1 and 2 further disclose a double profile, unisex, multi- track, self- mating zipper or reclosure 20, illustrated as including two flanges 22, 24.
  • Figures 3 and 4 disclose a similar exemplary package 10, also made using an embodiment of the invention, and a unisex multiple alignment zipper or reclosure 20', illustrated as including only one flange 22.
  • a unisex zipper or reclosure is one which can be folded and mated or interlocked with itself. It is envisioned that this reclosure is not limited to a zipper, and that various kinds of reclosures, such as those made by Aplix or hook-and-eye closures such as Velcro®, may be substituted for the zipper.
  • the zipper 20 or 20' is attached in a transverse direction to the film which is subsequently formed into a tubular shape thereby forming front and rear walls 12, 14 of package 10. This attachment is performed by a transverse direction applicator so that gap 23 is formed between the ends of the zipper 20 or 20'.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a variation of a zipper applied in a transverse direction across a web, further including a peel seal. All flanges are sealed to the pouch seal in the transverse direction.
  • the zipper or reclosure 20 extends across the web 42.
  • the zipper or reclosure 20 has first and second ends 20A, 20B which are separated from respective first and second edges 42A, 42B of the web 42.
  • First space 61 (a portion of web 42 free of zipper 20) is formed between the first end 20A of zipper 20 and first edge 42A of web 42 and second space 62 (a portion of web 42 free of zipper 20) is formed between the second end 20B of zipper 20 and second edge 42B of web 42.
  • the edges 42A, 42B are brought together, thereby bringing spaces 61, 62 together, to form a lap seal 58, or, alternatively, as shown in Figure 8 , a fin seal 60, and additionally aligning the ends 20A, 20B of the zipper or reclosure 20 (or 20') so that the interlocking elements proximate to the ends 20 A, 20B of the zipper or reclosure 20 (or 20') are placed into unmated opposing end-wise alignment.
  • Examples not made using an embodiment according to the invention may have only a single space 61, formed between first end 20A of zipper or reclosure 20 (or 20') and first edge 42A of web 42, while the second end 20B of the reclosure 20 (or 20') extends to second edge 42B of web 42, thereby eliminating space 62.
  • Both the first and second examples are produced by bringing the edges 42A, 42B of the web 42 together, thereby forming the pouch over a forming machine in pillow pouch fashion.
  • the machine is a vertical form fill seal (VFFS) machine.
  • the interlocking elements of the zipper (or reclosure) 20 or 20' are placed into unmated opposing end- wise alignment with each other and first and second spaces 61, 62 are sealed to each other to form a fin seal 60 (or alternatively, a lap seal 58).
  • the zipper 20 or 20' is formed in a circular or tubular shape around the fill tube along with the film, with a gap 23 formed from spaces 61 and 62 between the ends 20A, 20B of the zipper 20 or 20'.
  • This gap 23 makes it easier to form to the fin seal 60, the lap seal 58, or other seal, as compared to a similar embodiment without such a gap.
  • the package 10 As the pouch makes its way to the seal jaws of the VFFS machine, the package 10 is sealed above the zipper 20 or 20' with the intention that the zipper 20 or 20' is not hit by seal jaws forming the bottom of the subsequent package or pouch.
  • the pouch can be cut to open or perforated to open. In the case of a consumer application, the top may frequently not be sealed, but merely cut off as the bottom of the next bag is sealed in the jaws.
  • Figures 1 and 3 are illustrations of the package 10 with the zipper 20 or 20' sealed and the package 10 closed above the zipper 20 or 20'.
  • the package 10 may be left open and unfilled until a subsequent process.
  • the formation of sequential bags or packages typically includes a cross-sealing step to form transverse direction seals at the top and bottom of the packages.
  • the pouch created is essentially a sealed tube of film with a zipper 20 or 20' attached in the transverse direction (not including the gap 23) along the entire circumference. Because the pouch was created with the film in tubular or circular form, the natural tendency of the film is typically to stay open in the tube shape, as shown in Figures 2 and 4 . This is counteracted at the bottom of the package 10 by the bottom seal 30 created by the seal jaws to close the bottom of the bag.
  • Prior art zippers with end stomps in the zipper, and wherein the zipper is attached to the pouch in the flat state typically have a tendency to remain in a flat and interlocked state rather than a circular state.
  • the package 10 is well-adapted as a consumer storage bag.
  • the tendency of the package 10 to remain open when the zipper is not interlocked is desirable to many consumers who may hold the package or bag 10 with one hand, while the mouth of the bag remains wide open, which typically may make it much easier for the consumer, compared with a typical consumer bag.
  • This disclosure further includes improvements in form fill seal pouches in that the wide mouth feature of the pouch will allow the user to efficiently dispense the contents.
  • the first exemplary pouch 10 i.e. the pouch 10 of Figures 1 and 2
  • reclosure of the pouch has been rendered easier through the double unisex profile zipper logic.
  • the combination of double profile with a multi- alignment or unisex profile design creates the most forgiving package from a reclosure point of view.
  • the zipper could be designed to have a single flange or could have two flanges of equal or different lengths.
  • the profile could be placed in the center of the two flanges to form a symmetric design but it could also be an asymmetric design.
  • production costs are typically reduced as less costly materials are used, no joining is required, less sensitive winding is required, and less complex profiles typically have reduced scrap.
  • the reclosure illustrated in Figure 9 adds hermeticity to the packages 10 by adding a peel seal coating to the flange above the profile.
  • a unisex zipper segment 20 or 20' (single or double flange zipper segments may be used) is applied in the transverse direction to the width of the film web 42 on a VFFS machine, but is configured so that spaces 61 and 62 form gap 23 when the zipper is in closed configuration, whereby the ends 40A, 40B of the zipper are spaced away from the fin seal 60 or other seal.
  • the web 42 is formed by the VFFS machine. While not illustrated, the resulting package may include side gussets. As described above, the use of a unisex zipper also allows for a full mouth opening for gusseted bags.
  • the zipper or reclosure segment 20 includes first and second flanges 22, 24 as well as interlocking profile 48. Additionally, as indicated, a strip of peel seal material 50 is provided on first flange 22.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Procédé de fabrication d'emballages refermables sur une ensacheuse verticale, comprenant les étapes de la fourniture d'une bande (42) se déplaçant dans un sens machine ;
    la fixation d'une refermeture (20 ; 20') à travers la bande (42) dans un sens transversal, dans lequel la refermeture (20 ; 20') comprend un élément de verrouillage et comprend en outre des première et deuxième extrémités (20A, 20B) qui sont décalées vers l'intérieur par rapport aux premier et deuxième bords respectifs (42A, 42B) de la bande (42), fournissant ainsi des premier et deuxième espaces respectifs (61, 62) de la bande (42) adjacents vers l'intérieur à partir des premier et deuxième bords respectifs (42A, 42B) de la bande, les premier et deuxième espaces (61, 62) de la bande (42) étant adjacents vers l'extérieur à partir des première et deuxième extrémités respectives (20A, 20B) de la refermeture ; et
    le rapprochement des premier et deuxième espaces (61, 62) de la bande (42) ensemble, positionnant ainsi des parties de l'élément de verrouillage à proximité des première et deuxième extrémités (20A, 20B) de la refermeture (20) dans un alignement de bout à bout opposé non accouplé, caractérisé en ce que les première et deuxième extrémités (20A, 20B) de la refermeture (20) sont séparées par un espace (23).
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une étape de scellage des premier et deuxième espaces (61, 62) de la bande l'un à l'autre.
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'étape de scellage forme un scellage à bords repliés (60).
  4. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'étape de scellage forme un scellage chevauchant (58).
  5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la refermeture est une fermeture à glissière unisexe.
  6. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la refermeture est une fermeture à glissière à alignement multiple.
  7. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la refermeture comprend une bride (22).
  8. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la refermeture comprend deux brides (22, 24).
  9. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape du rapprochement des premier et deuxième espaces (61, 62) de la bande (42) ensemble forme en outre des première et deuxième parois (12, 14) de l'emballage (10).
  10. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la refermeture comprend une première bride (22) et un scellement de pelage (50) sur la bride.
  11. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape du rapprochement des premier et deuxième espaces (61, 62) de la bande (42) ensemble comprend en outre la formation de la refermeture en une boucle qui a tendance à rester ouverte.
  12. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une étape de scellage transversal entre des emballages séquentiels (10).
  13. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape de rapprochement des premier et deuxième espaces (61, 62) de la bande (42) ensemble comprend en outre l'étape de formation d'un tube.
EP16724999.4A 2015-06-30 2016-05-03 Procédé de fabrication d'un emballage à fermeture à glissière unisexe avec embouchure large Active EP3317199B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/754,755 US20150298864A1 (en) 2010-07-28 2015-06-30 Unisex zippered packages with wide mouth and other features
PCT/US2016/030524 WO2017003555A1 (fr) 2015-06-30 2016-05-03 Emballage à fermeture à glissière unisexe avec large embouchure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3317199A1 EP3317199A1 (fr) 2018-05-09
EP3317199B1 true EP3317199B1 (fr) 2021-08-18

Family

ID=57609372

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16724999.4A Active EP3317199B1 (fr) 2015-06-30 2016-05-03 Procédé de fabrication d'un emballage à fermeture à glissière unisexe avec embouchure large

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3317199B1 (fr)
BR (1) BR112017028421B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2986901C (fr)
MX (1) MX2017016463A (fr)
WO (1) WO2017003555A1 (fr)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3072821A1 (fr) * 2015-03-26 2016-09-28 Packaging Machinery Direct Limited Procédé d'emballage

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4655862A (en) * 1984-01-30 1987-04-07 Minigrip, Incorporated Method of and means for making reclosable bags and method therefor
JP5105714B2 (ja) * 2005-04-07 2012-12-26 シーアイ化成株式会社 ジッパー付サイドガゼット袋体

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3072821A1 (fr) * 2015-03-26 2016-09-28 Packaging Machinery Direct Limited Procédé d'emballage

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2986901C (fr) 2019-05-28
MX2017016463A (es) 2018-05-17
CA2986901A1 (fr) 2017-01-05
WO2017003555A1 (fr) 2017-01-05
EP3317199A1 (fr) 2018-05-09
BR112017028421B1 (pt) 2022-05-10
BR112017028421A2 (pt) 2018-08-28

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