JP2004244112A - Re-closable bag with tamperproof and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reclosable bag with a tamperproof feature and a slider-operated string zipper, and to provide its manufacturing method. <P>SOLUTION: The reclosable bag includes an acceptance vessel having a mouth and an inner capacity, a string zipper mounted in the mouth, a slider attached to the string zipper, and the tamperproof feature intercepting access to the whole or part of the inner capacity. The tamperproof feature is in a form of an inner film defining the inner capacity or in a form of an outer header covering the string zipper. In the form having the defined inner capacity, the tamperproof feature includes a peelable seal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a reclosable bag having a plastic zipper actuated by a slider. In particular, the present invention relates to a reclosable bag having a cord operated zipper operated by a slider.

  This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 367,450, filed Feb. 14, 2003, entitled "Reclosable Packaging Having Slider-Operated String Zipper". I do.

  In the use of plastic bags, pouches and other packages, in particular bags for storing food, bags etc. may be purchased by the purchaser and the contents of the bag, brought home, and first the bags etc. It is important that they are hermetically sealed and tamper-proof until opened. Thus, it is commercially attractive and useful to consumers that bags and the like can be reclosed so that their contents are protected. Such bags and the like offer consumers the ability to easily store, even if they do not seal, unused portions of the packed product even after the package is first opened. Flexible plastic zippers have proven to be suitable for reclosable bags and the like because they are manufactured on high-speed equipment and are reliable for repeated reuse.

  Many reclosable bags include a receptacle having a mouth with a zipper actuated by a slider to open and close the bag. When the slider moves in the opening direction, the slider opens the zipper by passing over the zipper. Conversely, when the slider moves in the closing direction, the slider closes the zipper by passing over the zipper. Typically, the zipper of a reclosable bag includes a pair of closure strips formed in an interlockable profile connected at both ends of the mouth of the bag. The shape of the interlockable plastic zipper member can take various forms. For example, it takes the form of interlocking rib and groove elements having so-called male and female profiles, interlocking alternating hook-type closure elements, and the like. Reclosable bags with slider-operated zippers generally have sliderless zippers as they eliminate the need for consumers to align inter-engageable zipper profiles before engaging those profiles. More desirable to consumers than bags.

  Various additions have been made to the reclosable bag to provide a tamper proof seal or indication that exposes the bag if it has been opened or tampered with prior to purchase by the consumer. . It is known to provide reclosable package structures designed to give some permanent change to the appearance of the package when the package is first opened. For example, it is known to provide a tamper proof, non-reclosable peel seal on a reclosable package that positively indicates that the package has been broken when first opened. Similarly, it is also known to obscure a zipper (with or without slider) inside the enclosed header on the top of the bag. Another type of tamper proof feature is to provide a membrane on the product side of the zipper that defines an internal volume in an airtight manner.

  The need for new designs for reclosable bags with tamper proof features for hermetic or non-hermetic packages that can be manufactured at low cost continues.

U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 367,450, U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 412,438, U.S. Patent Application No. 10 / 436,433,

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a reclosable bag having a zipper operated by a slider and a tamper proof feature. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing such a bag.

  A reclosable bag according to the present invention comprises a receptacle having a mouth and an internal volume, a string zipper located in the mouth, a slider attached to the string zipper, and access to all or a portion of the internal volume. A tamper proof feature that blocks

  In a preferred form, the tamper-evident feature includes a header coupled to the receiver and covering the string zipper.

  In a preferred form, the tamper-evident feature includes a membrane coupled to the receptacle to define the interior volume.

  A reclosable bag according to another aspect of the present invention includes a zipper including first and second zipper strips without a flange, a film structure, and a slider attached to the zipper, wherein the first zipper strip is a second zipper strip. The first zipper strip includes a first closed profile protruding from the one base and the first base, and the second zipper strip includes a second closed profile protruding from the second base and the second base and engaging the first closed profile. A first mounting portion coupled to the first base of the first zipper strip, a second mounting portion coupled to the second base of the second zipper strip, the first and second mounting portions. A tamper proof feature having one side integrally connected to the first mounting portion, the zipper being coupled to the first mounting portion of the film structure. Installed between the second mounting part Wherein the tamper proof feature blocks access to all or a portion of the internal volume, and the slider has first and second inner surfaces facing respective opposing portions of the first and second mounting portions. It is characterized by including a side wall.

  In a preferred embodiment, the other side of the tamper proof feature is integrally connected to a second mounting portion, the tamper proof feature forming a header covering the zipper.

  In a preferred embodiment, the other side of the tamper proof feature is integrally connected to the second mounting portion, and both ends of the other side are connected to the receiving portion so as to define the internal volume.

  In a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second mounting portions has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tamper proof feature or the receiving portion.

  (A) folding a first portion of a single film structure to form a generally M-shaped first gusset end including a first to a fourth layer of film material; b) inserting a cord-shaped zipper between the second layer and the third layer at the first gusset end; (c) sealing the first layer and the second layer at the first gusset end with respect to each other, and (D) sealing the third layer and the fourth layer at the first gusset end with respect to each other and sealing the other side of the cord-shaped zipper, and (e) A) inserting the first slider onto the first cord-shaped zipper after steps (c) and (d).

  In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes a step of sealing the respective portions of the single-film structure together along a part of the first periphery to form a first envelope receiver.

  The method of manufacturing a reclosable bag according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) disposing and sealing a film material to form a receptacle with a tamper proof feature having a mouth and an interior volume and blocking access to said interior volume; Forming, (b) prior to completing the receiver with the tamper proof feature, the opposing portions of the film material forming the mouth of the receiver with respective flangeless first and second zipper strips. Bonding to the back side, (c) aligning the first and second flangeless zipper strips with respect to each other, and (d) after the steps (b) and (c), the first and second without flanges. Attaching a slider on the zipper strip and placing each of the opposing portions of the film material between a respective side wall of the slider and a respective back surface of the first and second zipper strips without film. And wherein the Mukoto.

  Another form of reclosable bag according to the present invention is a zipper including first and second zipper strips without a flange, a film structure, a receiver having an internal volume, a tamper proof feature, and a slider attached to the zipper. Wherein the first zipper strip comprises a first base and a first closed profile projecting from the first base, and the second zipper strip projects from the second base and the second base and comprises a first closed profile. An engaging second closed profile, the film structure having a first attachment portion coupled to the first base of the first zipper strip, and a second attachment portion coupled to the second base of the second zipper strip. A zipper mounted between the first and second mounting portions of the film structure, wherein the receiver is integrally connected to the first and second mounting portions; The proof feature is the first mounting part A slider having one side integrally connected and blocking access to all or a portion of the inner volume, and the slider having an inner surface facing a respective opposing portion of the first and second mounting portions; It includes first and second side walls.

  Another form of reclosable bag according to the present invention is a flangeless first and second zipper strip having interlockable closure profiles with respect to each other, a peel seal, bonded to the back of the first zipper strip. A first layer of a film material including a first part, a second part coupled to one side of the peel seal, and a third part connecting the first and second parts of the first layer. A second layer of film material including a first portion coupled to the back of the piece, a second portion coupled to the other side of the peel seal, a third portion connecting the first and second portions of the second layer. A third layer of film material including a portion fused to the first portion of the first layer, a fourth layer of film material including a portion fused to the first portion of the second layer, and first and second zipper layers. The third and fourth layers are parted together to form a receiver, including a slider mounted on a piece. Characterized in that it is. The fusion of the first part of the first layer and the third layer is located between the back of the first zipper strip and the facing first part of the slider, and the first part and the fourth layer of the second layer Is located between the back of the second zipper strip and the facing second portion of the slider.

  Another form of the reclosable bag of the present invention is a non-flanged first and second zipper strip having interlockable closed profiles joined at opposite ends of the first and second zipper strips. A film including a strip, a peel seal, a first portion coupled to the back of the first zipper strip, a second portion coupled to one side of the peel seal, and a third portion connecting the first and second portions. A receiver comprising a first layer of material, a second layer and a third layer of film material bonded together along a portion of the periphery, and a slider attached to the first and second zipper strips; The second layer of film material includes a portion fused to the first portion of the first layer, and the third layer of film material includes a first portion bonded to the back of the second zipper strip, the peel seal, and the like. The second part joined to the side, and the first part of the third layer and the second part Characterized in that it has three parts. The fusion of the first part of the first layer and the second layer is located on the back of the first zipper strip and the first part of the tube facing the slider, and the first part of the third layer is the second zipper strip. Of the slider and a second portion of the slider that faces the slider.

  Other features of the invention are set forth in the claims and disclosed below.

  A reclosable package or bag having a receiver 2 and a flexible plastic lace zipper 4 actuated by operation of a slider 10 is shown in FIG. As will be appreciated, the slider-zipper assembly disclosed herein can be installed in a reclosable package or bag of the type shown in FIG. 1, or another type of reclosable package of a different construction.

  Receiver 2 may be a low density polyethylene, a substantially linear copolymer of ethylene and a C3-C8α olefin, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, a mixture of two or more of these polymers, or one of these polymers and another. It may be formed from any suitable film material, including thermoplastic film materials, such as mixtures with thermoplastic polymers. Those skilled in the art will understand that this list of suitable materials is not exhaustive. Receiver 2 includes opposing walls that may be secured together on both sides of the bag by seams 60 and 62 (indicated by dotted lines) (only the front panel is visible in FIG. 1). The bottoms of these opposing walls may be connected by a heat seal 64 formed by conventional methods such as, for example, heating and pressing.

  At the upper end, the receptacle 2 has an openable mouth, inside which is a plastic zipper 4 extruded and formed. The lace zipper 4 includes a pair of interlockable zipper strips 6 and 8 (best shown in FIG. 2). FIG. 2 shows the rib and groove device, but may take any form of the shape forming the half body of the zipper. For example, the lace zipper may include interlocking ribs and groove elements (as shown in FIG. 2), or alternating hook-shaped closure elements. Preferred zipper materials are polyethylene or polypropylene. The cord-shaped zipper 4 operates by sliding the slider 10 along the zipper strip. As the slider crosses the zipper, the zipper opens or closes. As shown in FIG. 1, the slider is slidable along the zipper in the closing direction "C" to engage the zipper strip or slide in the opening direction "O" to provide a zipper strip. Enables disengagement of the pieces.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, the zipper 4 further includes end stops 66 and 68 to prevent the slider from sliding out of the end of the zipper when the slider reaches the zipper closed position or the zipper fully open position. Typically, the end stopper is formed by melting both ends of the zipper strip while simultaneously forming the melted material into an end stopper structure. Such an end stopper has a dual function, acting as a stopper to prevent the stopper from slipping out of the end of the zipper, as well as holding the two zipper profiles together and responding to the stress applied to the profiles through normal use of the bag. To prevent the bag from opening. However, the invention is not limited to incorporating any particular type of slider end stopper structure.

  According to various embodiments of the present invention, a tamper proof seal or tamper proof feature is formed inside the bag on the product side of the string zipper. In one form, the tamper proof seal takes the form of a U-shaped or V-shaped membrane with a bag-forming film hanging from a zipper on the product side. In FIG. 1, a dotted line 44 indicates the tip of the U-shaped or V-shaped membrane. One side of the membrane is bonded to the back of the zipper strip, while the other side of the membrane is bonded to the back of the other zipper strip. Both ends of the membrane 44 are captured by side seals 60 and 62, thereby hermetically sealing the interior volume of the bag. Optionally, if a hermetic seal is not required, the membrane need not be bonded to the bag side seal at both ends. To access the contents of the bag, the user first moves the slider to open the zipper, and then tears open the membrane 44 located inside the bag.

  The construction of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in detail in FIG. Membrane 44 is folded (eg, by conductive heat sealing) into a U-shaped or V-shaped, and bonded (eg, by a conductive heat seal) back surface of a pair of interlocked flangeless zipper strips 6 and 8. Including a first layer. The second layer of the same film material has a margin portion fused to one margin portion of the first layer, and forms the front wall 2a of the receiver 2, while the third layer of the same film material is the other of the first layer. And has a margin portion fused to the margin portion, and forms a rear wall 2b of the receiver 2. The margins of the first, second and third layers of film material are shown as distinct layers in FIGS. 2 and 3 for illustrative purposes. In practice, the boundaries between the fused layers of the film will not be distinguishable, if not indistinguishable. The front and rear walls 2a, 2b are typically sealed together along three sides (illustrated in FIG. 1) to form a receiver. At the same time, the margins on both sides of the folded first layer of film material may be captured in the side seals of the receiver. As a result, the membrane 44 forms a tamper proof hermetic seal.

  Referring again to FIG. 2, the lace zipper includes a pair of interlockable zipper members or zippers strips 6 and 8. FIG. 2 shows a rib and groove configuration, but the shape of the zipper strip may be any form. For example, the lace zipper may include interlocking rib and groove elements (as shown in FIG. 2) or interlocking hook-shaped closure elements. Preferred zipper materials are polyethylene or polypropylene. The fusion margin of membrane 44 and receiver walls 2a and 2b may be sealed to the backside of zipper strips 6 and 8, respectively, by conventional conductive heat sealing.

  The film material is bonded to the string zipper, and the excess film protruding from the string zipper is trimmed, and then the slider is inserted on the string zipper. In the illustration of FIG. 2, the slider has a separating finger or plow 42 that projects into the opening between the opposing sections of the string zipper. To further open the zipper, the zipper members 6 and 8 are pulled apart by a force that can pull the head of the male member from the female profile. As the male member's shoulder passes through the outwardly bent gripper jaw hook, the male and female members release interlock and the zipper opens.

  FIG. 3 shows the manufacturing process of the bag partially shown in FIG. According to this manufacturing method, a single web made of a film material is folded three times to form an M-shaped gusset end. A string zipper is inserted into this gusset (at a predetermined distance from the tip of the gusset), and the film is then heat-sealed to the string zipper on both sides to form fused bilayers 3 and 3 '. A pair of hot sealing bars or heated sealing rods 80 and 82 are generally represented as rectangles spaced on opposite sides of the zipper. The sealing rod reciprocates between a retracted position (FIG. 3) and an advanced position (not shown). Heat sealing occurs as the advanced sealing rods 80 and 82 urge the double layer of film material against the back of each of the flangeless zipper strips 6 and 8. The sealing rod forms a band-like bonding zone. After sealing of the zipper double layer, folded edges 72 and 74 extend above the zipper on each side. The loop thus folded is later trimmed by cutting along cutting lines 76 and 78. After trimming the folded edges 72 and 74, the upper margin of the double layer of bag film has a short free end (below the cutting lines 76 and 78 shown in FIG. 3) extending above the band-like joining zone. This free end must not be so long as to impede the movement of the slider along the zipper or become entangled with the zipper profile. Optionally, the folded edges 72 and 74 may be well aligned with the zipper strips 6,8 that do not require trimming.

  The zipper in this example is an extruded plastic structure that includes zipper members 6 and 8 with interlockable profiles. The zipper member 8 includes a base 14 and two generally arrow-shaped rib-shaped male closure elements or members 20 and 28 projecting from the base 14, and the zipper strip 6 has two pairs connected by a sealing bridge 12. Includes hook-shaped gripper jaws. The two pairs of gripper jaws form corresponding female profiles for receiving the male profiles of the closure elements 20 and 28, respectively. More specifically, jaws 16 and 18 receive and interlock with male element 20, while jaws 22 and 24 receive and interlock with male element 28. The sealing bridge 12 and the base 14 are elastic flexible self-supporting structures thicker than the thickness of the bag film. The male closure element is formed integrally with the base 14 and the female closure element is formed integrally with the sealing bridge 12.

  Still referring to FIG. 3, the end surface of the upper edge 30 of the base 14 carrying the male closure elements 20 and 28 facilitates loading of the slider zipper from above without catching and breaking on the corners of the upper edge. At an angle of about 45 °. The lower edge of the base 14 cooperates with a retaining ledge on the slider to increase the slider pull-out resistance. For the same purpose, a rib 26 is formed on the zipper member 6 and cooperates with a holding ledge on the other side of the slider.

  Various configurations are known for interlockable male and female members. The invention is not limited to use with a male member having an arrow head. Further, while FIGS. 2 and 3 show a rib-groove configuration, the shape of the zipper strip may be in any form. For example, the string zipper may be an interlocking hook-shaped closure element.

  The slider 10 shown in FIG. 2 is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 367,450 and includes a top wall 32 and a pair of side walls 34 and 36 connected to opposite sides of the top wall 32. The wall 32 and the side walls 34, 36 form a tunnel through which the string zipper passes. The width of the tunnel is substantially stationary along the section divided by the plow and narrows at one end of the slider from a point near the end of the plow toward the closing window. The plows 42 hang down from the center of the top wall 32 down to a level below the bottom of each side wall and have arcuate edges so that the plows can easily penetrate without interfering between the zipper profiles. And formed at the tip into a flat corner. As the slider moves in the opening direction (i.e., due to the leading end of the closed end), the plow 42 enters and separates the impact portions of the zipper members 6 and 8. The narrow section of the tunnel is formed by a pair of substantially planar and inclined inner surfaces (not shown in FIG. 2), which slopes converge toward the closing window of the slider. The pair of ramps funnel narrow or squeeze the zipper members relative to each other as the slider moves in the closing direction to interlock the zipper profiles.

  As partially shown in FIG. 2, slider 10 further includes retaining protrusions or protrusions 38 projecting inwardly from side wall 34 and holding protrusions or protrusions 40 projecting inwardly from side wall 36. Protrusions 38 and 40 project relative to each other and form respective latches for latching the slider to the zipper. Protrusions 38 and 40 are generally planar and include sloping lower surfaces 50 and 52, which bevels 50 and 52 serve to guide respective zipper members 6 and 8 into the tunnel of the slider upon automatic slider insertion.

  To reduce manufacturing costs, the slider may be designed to reduce material usage and increase the injection molding speed of the slider. A suitable injection molded slider design is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 412,438, filed under the name of "Molded Sliders for Actuating Zipper in Reclosable Bags."

  The reclosable bag with the tamper proof features and the slider-operated zipper disclosed herein does not require that the slider have separate fingers. Sliders without separation fingers can be employed if the zipper strip is designed to operate with such a slider.

  Reclosable packages of the type partially shown in FIG. 2 can be manufactured on an automated production line. In this particular case, the manufacturing method performed by such an apparatus includes the following steps. First, the web of bag-forming film is folded along three fold lines to form a generally M-shaped gusset end including first to fourth layers of film material. Next, a string zipper is inserted at an angle between the two central layers (ie, second and third) of the gusset. At the zipper sealing station, a portion of the zipper is sealed to both sides of the gusset. That is, the first and second layers of gusset are sealed to each other and to the back of one flangeless zipper strip. On the other hand, the third and fourth layers of gore are sealed to each other and to the back of the other flangeless zipper strip. At the same time, both margin edges of the folded web of the bag forming film are both sealed in a strip shape. The seal provided by this sealing is at the bottom of the bag. After zipper sealing, the folded edge above the bonding zone is trimmed, for example, with a stationary knife while moving the zippered web. After trimming, the slider is inserted into the string-shaped zipper by the slider insertion device, and the zipper is stompted by ultrasonic waves to form a slider end stopper. A suitable device for inserting a slider into a string zipper with a bag-forming film attached thereto is disclosed in US Patent Application No. 10 / 436,433 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Inserting Sliders During Automated Manufacture of Reclosable Bags." ing. Next, the web is cut in a direction crossing the web with a hot knife. The cutting line intersects the ultrasonic stomp area. A hot knife simultaneously shears the film and zipper and seals the film along the cut edge. Optionally, the product may be placed between the two sides of the folded web before the opposing margin edges of the web are sealed together in a strip. According to one feature of the present invention, a line with weak tear resistance (e.g., spaced perforations) is formed before folding, the tear line being at or near the tip of the folded gusset. Is positioned as follows.

  Another method of manufacturing a reclosable bag having a slider actuated zipper and a tamper proof seal on the product side of the zipper is shown in FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 4, the web 90 of the bag-forming film is folded along three fold lines to form a generally M-shaped gusset end including the first to fourth layers of film material. I do. The other end of the web is left open. Optionally, a line with weak tear resistance may be formed on the web along the centerline before folding. As a result of the folding operation, this line 45 is formed at the tip of the gusset. If a hermetic seal is required, the tear-resistant weakening line may take the form of a scoreline. If a hermetic seal is not required, spaced perforations can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 5, after folding, the plate separator 84 is inserted into the gusset at the area where the string zippers are joined. A pair of heated sealing rods 80 and 82, shown in the retracted position in FIG. 5, are urged against the respective layers of the film with each side of the sealing rod folded against the plate separator 84 from the opposite side of the plate separator 84. Move forward until you do. During this operation, the margins of the first and second layers of the folded web are heat sealed together on one side of the plate separator 84, and the margins of the third and fourth layers of the folded web are separated by the plate separator 84. Heat seal together on the other side. The plate separator 84 prevents the second and third layers forming the gusset from being sealed together.

  In the next step of manufacture, one fold is lifted or, more precisely, pivoted from a generally horizontal position to a substantially vertical position by a deflector 86, as shown in FIG. Next, the string zipper 4 is introduced, for example, by placing the string zipper on the upper surface of a sealed fold that has not been lifted, and the zipper is placed in parallel near the folding edge. Next, the raised fold is returned to its initial position (this step is not shown). In this case, the zipper 4 is sandwiched between the sealed folds on both sides of the gusset. Next, at the zipper sealing station, the other pair of heated sealing rods 94 and 96 (shown in the retracted position in FIG. 7) are advanced to seal (i.e., Contact with the bilayer of the (fused) film. During this operation, the double layer of fused film on one side of the gusset end is bonded to the back of one flangeless zipper strip, while the double layer of fused film on the other side of the gusset end is bonded to the other flangeless zipper. Bonded to the back of the strip. After the zipper has been attached to the folded web, a slider 10 (see FIG. 8) is inserted over the zipper and the respective bonding film layers. If it is difficult to precisely align the cord zipper with the double layer of the fused film, and the fused portion of the film extends beyond the bonding zone of the film and into the zipper, that portion will be removed from the slider-zipper assembly. Trimmed to prevent disruption of operation.

  9 to 11 show successive steps of a double manufacturing method of a tamper-proof slider-operated zipper package loaded with a product according to another embodiment of the present invention. First, the film tube is folded to form respective M-shaped gusset ends at diametrically opposed locations. The folding operation at each end is similar to the method described above with reference to FIG. Next, the outer fold margin at each gusset end is sealed together using a plate separator and a heat sealing rod by the method described above with reference to FIG. Next, according to the method described above with reference to FIG. 6, each of the folded portions sealed at the respective gusset ends is pivoted to the standing position, and each of the cord-shaped zippers is not lifted. Introduce to.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the raised folded portion of the pipe 91 is returned to the horizontal position on each cord-shaped zipper. Next, each string zipper 4 and 4 'is bonded to the fused bilayer of the film sandwiching the zipper. More precisely, the folded part 98 sealed by the heated sealing rod 94 is connected to the back of one of the flangeless zipper strips of the zipper 4 and the folded part 100 sealed by the heated sealing rod 96 is zippered. 4, the heated sealing rod 94 'bonded to the back of the sealed fold 102 and the back of one flangeless zipper strip of the zipper 4' and heated. A sealing bar 96 'joins the sealed fold 104 to the back of the other flangeless zipper strip of the zipper 4'. In the separation operation, the film tube 91 is cut along both ends of the tube along a cutting line 106 that is generally parallel and equally spaced with the zipper. As described below, this cutting operation allows product loading. While FIG. 9 illustrates a simultaneous film cutting and zipper sealing operation, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the film may be cut after the zipper is installed.

  After cutting the tube 91, the upper flaps 108, 110 of the film on both sides of the cut are raised and wrapped around the fixed supply 112 (zipper-film assembly moves). The wrap position of the film relative to the feed stand is shown in FIG. Each mass 114 and 114 'of product is loaded into the lower layer of the film via a supply platform. Each slider 10 and 10 'is inserted onto a respective zipper 4 and 4'. Although FIG. 10 illustrates the simultaneous operation of product loading and slider insertion, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the slider may be inserted before or after product loading. As shown in FIG. 11, the product mass is placed between the zippers 4, 4 'and separated from each other by a space that seals the film with a heat seal bar 116. Thereafter, the seal 118 is cut from the middle and the film is cross-cut and sealed to form a separate sealed package. Each package is loaded with a product and has a tamper proof seal 120, 120 '. As will be appreciated, instead of a tube, the flat film may be folded to form a film form similar to that of a tube, and the zipper attachment method may be similar to that described above.

  FIG. 12 illustrates a package with a tamper proof slider actuated string zipper according to another embodiment of the present invention. The two webs of bag-forming film are folded inward to form two short flaps 122, 124 opposite each other. The unfolded ends of the webs 125 and 126 are joined by a fin seal 127, which acts as the bottom of the receiver. A peel seal 128 is coupled to the opposing margins of the flaps 122 and 124 to form a tamper proof seal. The film layers of the folds 130, 132 are sealed together, and the fused bilayer with this film is in turn bonded to the back of each of the flangeless zipper strips of the cordless zipper 4. The slider 10 is inserted over the string zipper, as shown in FIG. 2, and the outer fold fusion layer is placed between the zipper strip and the side wall of the slider.

  FIG. 13 shows another configuration of a package with a tamper-proof slider operating cord-like zipper. This configuration differs from the configuration of FIG. 12 in that only the bag-forming film receiver 125 is folded inward to form the only inner flap 122. In this case, the peel seal 128 joins the margin of the flap 122 to a banded zone on the opposite wall of the receiver, thus forming a tamper proof seal. Similarly, this embodiment, as described above, has one side of the zipper 4 joined to a single layer of film, i.e., the margin 134 of the wall joined to the peel seal 128, and the other side of the zipper fused. It differs from the embodiment of FIG. 12 in that it is joined to a double layer of film material. The edges of the film that extend beyond the zipper-film bonding zone may be trimmed if necessary (similar for all embodiments disclosed herein). Instead of a peel seal, the margin of the flap 122 may be hard sealed to the opposing receiver wall and a line with weak tear resistance may be provided on the flap.

  Optionally, a single web can be folded first to form the bottom of the bag and then folded to form a double layer, which can be sealed to one zipper strip. The end result is a reclosable bag similar to the structure shown in FIG. 13, but without the fin seal 127 at the bottom of the bag. Another form of manufacture may include treating the trailing edge of the inner flap (the other side of the peel seal) in a manner that does not penetrate the seal when making the peel seal. In this case, the peel seal may be made after the slider is equipped.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the web of film is folded once to form a U-shape, and then the separating strips of film are sealed inside one wall of the folded web as shown in FIG. Flap 122 may be formed. However, the supply of the separating web or strip of film and the bonding of that web or strip along the margin need to be controlled separately so that the respective tensions of the web or strip are relatively equal. And

  Similarly, instead of folding the web of film to form an M-shaped gusset edge as described above with respect to FIG. 3, separating webs 136, 138 with different widths of film, as shown in FIG. May be folded into shape. Then, the folded short web 136 is inserted between both sides of the folded long web 138 with the edges aligned. Next, the string-shaped zipper 4 is inserted between the margins of the folded short web 136. Next, the margins of the folded short and long webs are heat sealed to the back of the flangeless strips of the string zipper to form fused bilayers 140, 142 of a film of the type shown in FIG. The folded long web fold 144 forms the bottom of the receptacle, while the folded short web fold 146 forms the tip of a tamper proof seal. The short width web is perforated or scored along the center line to form a line with weak tear resistance at or near the tip of the tamper proof seal. The resulting final bag has substantially the same structure as the bag partially shown in FIG.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the structure shown in FIG. 14 is obtained by folding using a film tube to form an M-shaped gusset. The double layer of film on both sides of the gusset is then sealed to both sides of the zipper as described above. If it is necessary to trim the edges of the gusset, the final structure is as shown in FIG. If the outer fold line matches the zipper strip well, there is no need to trim the folded edge.

  In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 13, double manufacturing can be achieved by a method including the steps described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, and other steps are not shown. First, each strip of peel seal 128 is bonded parallel to a respective margin on either side of film web 150. Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the margins of the second film web 146 are placed in an overlapping relationship with each other and are bonded to the peeling seal material 128 on one side of the web 150, and the second film web 148 is The margins are placed in a vertically overlapping relationship and are joined to the peel seal 128 on the other side of the web 150. If the final bag is to be loaded with product, the mass of product 114 and 114 'is placed on web 150 in place between peel seals 128 before webs 146 and 148 are folded (shown in dashed lines). . The webs 146 and 148 are folded along a line provided laterally outside each peel seal.

  As shown in FIG. 16, each string zipper 4 is located between a respective margin of the web 150 and a respective folded portion of the webs 146 and 148 facing each other. The film material on both sides of the string zipper 4 is sealed thereto by a heated sealing rod (not shown), as shown in FIG. Side-by-side, and each single layer of film is bonded on the other side of each string zipper. In another sealing operation, the free ends of the folded webs 146 and 148 are joined to the center of the web 150 so that the seal 152 is positioned between the respective masses of the products 114 and 114 '. Is provided along. After the string zipper has been bonded to the film, a slider (not shown) is inserted. When the assembly shown in FIG. 16 is cross-sealed and cut along a transverse line and cut along a center line intersecting the center seal 152, the two final fill packages are removed from the production line.

  The configuration shown in FIG. 12 feels similar to the dual manufacturing process, except that the web 150 is folded inward on both sides, and then the protrusion of the peel seal 128 is directed inward as shown in FIG. The difference is that it is added to the folded flap. To prevent the seal from penetrating into the portion of the web 150 under the peel seal, each of the separation plates 154 and 154 'is connected to the web 150 when the peel seal is heated and bonded to the inwardly folded flap. Is inserted between the polymerized parts. Thereafter, webs 146 and 148 are filled with product, folded and sealed, the string zipper is sealed in place, and the slider is inserted as described above with reference to FIGS.

  In a method of manufacturing an embodiment of the present invention, the tamper-evident feature includes a header partially shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 18, the web 156 of film material is folded along three fold lines to form a meandering shape including a pair of inner legs 157 and 159 and a pair of outer legs 158 and 160. The outer leg 158 is connected to the inner leg 157 at the first folding line. The inner leg 157 is connected to the inner leg 159 at the second folding line. Further, the inner leg 159 is connected to the outer leg 160 at a third folding line. Referring to FIG. 19, the facing portions of the outer leg 158 and the inner leg 157 near the first fold line are heat sealed together to form a fused bilayer 130 of film. Similarly, the facing portions of the outer leg 160 and the inner leg 159 near the third fold line are heat sealed together to form a fused bilayer 132 of film. In the next step, the string zippers 4 are placed between the respective fusion layers 130 and 132, as shown in FIG. To the base of the flangeless zipper strip), for example by heat sealing. Next, the slider is inserted onto the string-shaped zipper and the film material connected thereto (see FIG. 21). Next, the outer legs 158 and 160 are folded over the zipper so that the margins of the outer legs are in face-to-face relationship. Next, the facing margins of the outer legs 158 and 160 are heat-sealed to form the fin seal 162 (see FIG. 22). The resulting header is open on both sides or is shut off at both ends if a hermetic seal is desired. Thereafter, the assembly shown in FIG. 22 is cross-sealed and cut along traversing lines to shear the final package from the workpiece being fabricated. The product is placed on the web 156 of film material before the web is folded, or the space between the inner legs is filled before applying the zipper. Optionally, after the zipper application and slider insertion, the zipper is opened and the product is loaded, or the film is slit to allow product filling and then the slit is resealed.

Although not shown in FIG. 22, a respective line with weak tear resistance is formed in each outer leg 158, 160, which line is parallel to the zipper and under the slider to facilitate removal of the header by the consumer. To Each line with weak tear resistance includes a series of spaced perforation lines (non-hermetic header) or score lines (hermetic header). Lines with low tear resistance can be formed in web 156 before or after header formation. Further, the header may have a suspension hole.
The present invention does not require that the slider have plows or separation fingers. The slider-zipper assembly is designed such that the side wall of the straddling slider cams open or pushes open the zipper as the slider moves in the opening direction, without relying on plows or separation fingers. sell.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and equivalents may be substituted for members of the present invention. . In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but that the invention will include all forms falling within the scope of the appended claims.

  The verb "join" or "join" used in the claims may mean the application of heat and / or pressure, the application of ultrasonic energy, the addition of an adhesive layer or a binder layer, the interposition of adhesive strips or bonding strips, etc. Means melting, bonding, sealing, bonding, etc. The term "cord zipper" as used in the claims means a zipper comprising two interlockable closure strips having substantially no flange.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a reclosable bag according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the bag film is optically transparent and the zipper and tamper proof seal are visible behind the film layers, indicated by dotted lines. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional partial view of a slider-string zipper assembly integrated into the bag of FIG. 1, wherein the zipper and bag film are cross-sectional in front of a closed end of the slider. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cord-shaped zipper joined to a web folded in an intermediate step of a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating one continuous step of a method for forming a tamper-proof slider-operated string-like zippered package according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating one continuous step of a method for forming a tamper-proof slider-operated string-like zippered package according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating one continuous step of a method for forming a tamper-proof slider-operated string-like zippered package according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating one continuous step of a method for forming a tamper-proof slider-operated string-like zippered package according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating one continuous step of a method for forming a tamper-proof slider-operated string-like zippered package according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows one process in a continuous process of the double manufacturing method of the package with a tamper proof slider operation cord-shaped zipper which loads a product. It is a figure which shows one process in a continuous process of the double manufacturing method of the package with a tamper proof slider operation cord-shaped zipper which loads a product. It is a figure which shows one process in a continuous process of the double manufacturing method of the package with a tamper proof slider operation cord-shaped zipper which loads a product. FIG. 11 is a view showing a package with a tamper proof slider operating cord-shaped zipper according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view showing another configuration of the package with the tamper-proof slider operating cord-like zipper according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view showing a package with a tamper proof slider operating cord-shaped zipper according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the embodiment of FIG. 13. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a manufacturing process of the embodiment of FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the embodiment of FIG. 12. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of one embodiment of the present invention in which the tamper proof feature is a header. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of one embodiment of the present invention in which the tamper proof feature is a header. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of one embodiment of the present invention in which the tamper proof feature is a header. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of one embodiment of the present invention in which the tamper proof feature is a header. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of one embodiment of the present invention in which the tamper proof feature is a header.

Explanation of reference numerals

2 Receiver 4 String zipper 6, 8 Zipper strip 10 Slider 12 Sealing bridge 14 Base 20, 28 Closing element or closing member 26 Rib 42 Plow 44 Membrane 60, 62 Side seal 84 plate separator 91 pipes 94, 116 sealing rod 112 supply stand 114 product mass 118 seal 120 tamper proof seal 122 flaps 125, 126, 136, 138, 146, 148, 150 web 127, 162 fin seal 128 peeling seal 152 center seal

Claims (10)

  A receptacle having a mouth and an internal volume, a string zipper placed in the mouth, a slider attached to the string zipper, and a tamper proof feature that blocks access to all or a portion of the internal volume. Closable bag.   The package of claim 1, wherein the tamper-evident feature includes a header coupled to the receiver and covering the lace zipper.   The package of claim 1, wherein the tamper proof feature includes a membrane coupled to the receptacle to define the interior volume. A zipper comprising first and second zipper strips without a flange,
A film structure, and a slider attached to the zipper,
The first zipper strip includes a first base and a first closed profile projecting from the first base, and the second zipper strip projects from the second base and the second base and engages the first closed profile. Including a second closed profile,
The film structure includes a first mounting portion coupled to the first base of the first zipper strip, a second mounting portion coupled to the second base of the second zipper strip, and first and second mounting portions. A receiving portion integrally connected and having an internal volume, and a tamper proof feature having one side integrally connected to the first mounting portion;
The zipper is installed between a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion of the film structure,
The tamper proof feature blocks access to all or a portion of the inner volume, and the slider includes first and second side walls having inner surfaces facing opposing portions of the first and second mounting portions, respectively. , Reclosable bag.   The bag of claim 4, wherein the other side of the tamper proof feature is integrally connected to a second mounting portion, the tamper proof feature forming a header covering the zipper.   The bag of claim 4, wherein the other side of the tamper proof feature is integrally connected to a second mounting portion and both ends of the other side are coupled to the receiving portion to define the internal volume.   The bag of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second mounting portions has a thickness greater than a thickness of the tamper proof feature or the receiving portion. (A) folding a first portion of a single film structure to form a generally M-shaped first gusset end including first to fourth layers of film material;
(B) inserting a first cord-shaped zipper between the second layer and the third layer at the first gusset end;
(C) a step of sealing the first layer and the second layer at the first gusset end with each other and sealing the first layer at one side of the first zipper;
(D) sealing the third layer and the fourth layer at the first gusset end with each other and sealing the other side of the first cord-shaped zipper; and (e) steps (c) and (d). After the step of inserting the first slider on the first string zipper.   The method of claim 8, further comprising sealing each portion of the single film structure together along a portion of a first periphery to form a first enclosure. (A) disposing and sealing the film material to form a receptacle with a tamper proof feature having a mouth and an interior volume and blocking access to the interior volume;
(B) prior to completing the receiver with the tamper proof feature, bonding opposite portions of the film material forming the mouth of the receiver to respective back surfaces of the first and second zipper strips without flanges. Process,
(C) aligning the flangeless first and second zipper strips with each other; and (d) after steps (b) and (c), positioning the slider on the flangeless first and second zipper strips. A method of manufacturing a reclosable bag, comprising: attaching and placing each of the opposing portions of the film material between a respective side wall of the slider and a respective back surface of the first and second zipper strips without film. .

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