JP2022535361A - Reclosable package including self-fitting fasteners and method of making same - Google Patents

Abstract

A reclosable package and method of making the same are disclosed. The reclosable package has a front panel, a back panel, an upper sealing area that is torn to allow initial opening of the reclosable package, and an underside opposite the upper sealing area. a seal and a vertical seal extending between a top seal area and a bottom seal on a rear panel between a first side edge and an opposite second side edge; and a reclosable package. a self-fitting fastener positioned within the body adjacent the upper seal area. The self-fitting fastener comprises a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a fastening element, an open configuration allowing access to the interior volume of the reclosable package, and the first fastening member. and a closure configuration in which the fastening element of the second fastening member is engaged. In the closed configuration, the self-fitting fastener is up to 800 microns thick.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/855,307, filed May 31, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. incorporated.

Fasteners are used in a variety of applications such as constructions, mechanical devices, medical devices, automotive assemblies, personal care products, and the textile industry. Commonly known fasteners range from rivets, snaps, and buttons to hook and loop fasteners, each of which is a component (e.g., male and female) for assembling two articles together. components). Some fasteners, sometimes referred to as self-fitting fasteners or hook-and-hook fasteners, consist of interconnecting members that do not include male and female components. To assemble two articles together, each fastening member is attached to a surface of the respective article and the two articles are joined together when the fastening members are mated.

Certain fasteners have been reported that include different structures on the same fastening member. For example, US Pat. ). Different structures may have different shapes, sizes, or engagement features.

Reclosable packages can be used as containers for a variety of consumer goods such as dry goods, foods such as potato chips and cheese, animal foods, lawn care products, and the like. Such wrappers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Further, various reclosable packages can be multi-use containers capable of maintaining storage of consumable goods placed within the package for a desired number of openings and closings of the package. For example, a multi-use package can be closed to prevent the contents from flowing out of the package after providing user access to the contents located within the package. These multi-use packages can include built-in fasteners that can be repeatedly opened and closed. Additionally, various multi-use packages are resealed after the initial opening of the package to preserve the freshness of the contents and prevent the ingress of various external elements such as air, moisture, and various contaminants. can be done.

Typically, reclosable packages can be made from one or more sheets or films comprising one or more flexible materials. The films can be folded and sealed together to form a pouch having an interior volume and an opening through which a consumable item can be placed within the volume. A fastener can be positioned adjacent the opening that can be repeatedly manipulated from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

Some reclosable packages with self-fitting fasteners have been reported. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 8,641,278 (Ducauchuis) and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0168776 (Dais) and 2013/0071047 (VanLooke).

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of reclosable packages including self-fitting fasteners and methods of making the reclosable packages. Self-fitting fasteners can have an open configuration and a closed configuration. When in the open configuration, the self-fitting fastener is adapted to allow access to the interior volume of the pouch through an opening disposed within the pouch after initial opening of the pouch. Further, when in the closed configuration, the first and second fastening members of the self-mating fastener are engaged with each other and the self-mating fastener has a thickness of up to 800 micrometers.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is a reclosable package comprising a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, an upper seal area at the top end of the reclosable package, and an upper seal area. and a lower seal at the bottom end of the closable package opposite the closable package, on the rear panel perpendicular to the upper seal area and the lower seal and between the upper seal area and the lower seal A reclosable package is provided that includes an extending vertical seal and a self-fitting fastener positioned within the reclosable package adjacent an upper seal area. An upper sealing region extends between a first side edge and an opposite second side edge and is adapted to be broken to permit initial opening of the reclosable package. The lower seal area extends between the first side edge and the opposite second side edge. A vertical seal is located between the first side edge and the opposite second side edge. A self-fitting fastener includes a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a first major surface having a fastening element and an open configuration to allow access to the interior volume of the reclosable package. and a closed configuration in which the fastening elements of the first fastening member and the fastening elements of the second fastening member are engaged with each other. In the closed configuration, the self-fitting fastener has a thickness of up to 800 microns.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making a reclosable package. The method includes wrapping the film around a former to provide a tube of film. The film has a first longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge, a distance between the first longitudinal edge and the opposing second longitudinal edge, and a distance between the first longitudinal edge and the opposing second longitudinal edge. and a row of self-engaging fastening strips in a central portion of the film that includes neither a directional edge nor a second longitudinal edge. The self-engaging fastening strips extend perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal edges of the film, respectively, and the fastening elements of the first fastening member and the fastening elements of the second fastening member. A fastening element, a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a first major surface with which the fastening elements engage each other, and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge It has a length of at most 50 percent of the distance between the edges and a thickness of at most 800 micrometers. The second major surface of the first fastening member is attached to the film and the second major surface of the second fastening member is exposed inside the tube of film. The method includes the steps of bringing together a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge of the film; sealing the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together; Further comprising forming a vertical seal and attaching the second major surface of the second fastening member to the film over the vertical seal.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making a reclosable package. The method includes wrapping the film around a former to provide a tube of film. The film has a first longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge, a distance between the first longitudinal edge and the opposing second longitudinal edge, and a distance between the first longitudinal edge and the opposing second longitudinal edge. and a row of fastening strips extending perpendicular to the directional edge and the second longitudinal edge. The fastening strips each have a first major surface with the fastening elements exposed inside the tube of film, a second major surface attached to the film, and a thickness of up to 800 micrometers. The method includes contacting a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge and sealing the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together to form a vertical forming a seal.

All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader and are not used to limit the meaning of the text following the heading unless otherwise noted.

The term "comprise" and variations thereof, where these terms appear in the specification and claims, do not have a limiting meaning. Such terms are meant to include the one step or element or group of steps or elements described, but not any other step or element or group of steps or elements. It is understood to imply that it is not excluded.

Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to singular entities only, but include general classes that can be used to illustrate specific examples. The terms "a," "an," and "the" are used interchangeably with the term "at least one."

The phrase “including at least one of” following a listing refers to including any one of the listed items and any combination of two or more of the listed items. The phrase "at least one of" following a listing refers to any one of the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items.

As used herein, the term "or" is used in its ordinary sense, generally including "and/or," unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or any combination of two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein, the term "machine direction" (MD) means the direction of a running web of material during the manufacturing process. When the strip is cut from the continuous web, the dimension in the machine direction corresponds to the length "L" of the strip. The terms "machine direction" and "longitudinal direction" are sometimes used interchangeably. As used herein, the term "cross-machine direction" (CD) is used to refer to the direction essentially perpendicular to the machine direction. When the strip is cut from the continuous web, the dimension in the cross machine direction corresponds to the width "W" of the strip. Accordingly, the term "width" generally refers to the shorter dimension in the plane of the first surface of the backing, which is the surface that carries the rail segments and posts. As used herein, the term "thickness" generally refers to the smallest dimension of the fastener, which is the dimension perpendicular to the first surface of the backing.

As used herein, the term "alternating" means that, for example, one row of rail segments is positioned between any two adjacent rows of posts (i.e., the rows of posts are spaced one row between the rows). only rows of rail segments), and a row of posts is located between any two adjacent rows of rail segments, and/or a row of rail segments is located between any two adjacent ribs. positioned (i.e., adjacent ribs have only one row of rail segments between them), and refers to one rib being located between any two adjacent rows of rail segments .

The term "fastening element" includes various types of elements used in self-fitting fasteners herein, such as rail segments, posts, ribs, rails, and combinations thereof.

As used herein, the term "perpendicular" refers to a substantially vertical relationship between the backing and the fastening element. "Substantially vertical" means that the plane defined by the backing and rail segment or row of posts can deviate from vertical by up to 10 (in some embodiments, up to 7.5 or 5) degrees. do.

The term "continuous" with respect to the base of the rib refers to the segmented but not continuous rail segment length. The continuous base is continuous over the length of at least five rail segments. In some embodiments, the continuous base portion is continuous over the length of the backing.

As used herein, the term "about," in relation to a measured quantity, is predicted by one of ordinary skill in the art making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the purpose of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment used. It refers to fluctuations in measured quantities such as As used herein, a "maximum" number (eg, up to 50) includes that number (eg, 50).

All numerical ranges are inclusive of the endpoints of these ranges and non-integer values between the endpoints unless otherwise stated (eg, 1 to 5 are 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

These and other aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the Detailed Description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the appended claims. , may be corrected in the course of the procedure.

The disclosure may be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
1 is a schematic front plan view of one embodiment of a reclosable package made according to the present disclosure and/or by manufacturing methods of the present disclosure; FIG. Figure 2 is a schematic rear view of the reclosable package of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a schematic top perspective view of the reclosable package of Figure 1; 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the reclosable package of FIG. 1 with one embodiment of self-fitting fasteners in a closed configuration; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the reclosable package of FIG. 1 with one embodiment of self-fitting fasteners in an open configuration; FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the opening of the reclosable package of FIG. 1 when the fastener is in the closed configuration; FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a film useful in making reclosable packages of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of apparatus useful for carrying out the manufacturing method of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a fastening member useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure; FIG. 9B is a schematic side view of the fastening member of FIG. 9A; FIG. 9B is a schematic side view of the fastening member of FIG. 9A, orthogonal to the side view shown in FIG. 9B; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a fastening member useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure; 10B is a schematic side view of the fastening member of FIG. 10A; FIG. 10B is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a self-fitting fastener useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure, wherein both fastening members include the fastener of FIGS. 10A and 10B; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a fastener component useful in the reclosable package of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of yet another embodiment of a fastener component useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of yet another embodiment of a fastener component useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram of a method of manufacturing fasteners useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is an enlarged cutaway perspective view of a portion of the surface of a tool roll useful in a method of manufacturing fasteners useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure;

1-6 are various views of one embodiment of a reclosable package 100 made according to the present disclosure and/or by the method of manufacture of the present disclosure. Reclosable package 100 includes a pouch 120 defining an interior volume 122 and an opening 124 providing access to interior volume 122 . Pouch 120 further includes an upper sealing area 140 positioned adjacent opening 124 and adapted to rupture to allow initial opening of the pouch. Reclosable package 100 further includes a self-fitting fastener 150 connected to pouch 120 . Self-fitting fastener 150 includes a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a first major surface having a fastening element. Self-fitting fastener 150 includes an open configuration (as shown in FIG. 3) and a closed configuration (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6). When in the open configuration, self-fitting fastener 150 is adapted to allow access to interior volume 122 of pouch 120 through opening 124 after sealing area 140 is broken. Further, when in the closed configuration, self-fitting fastener 150 is adapted to prevent access to interior volume 122 of pouch 120 through opening 124 .

As used herein, the term "enabling access" means that a user of reclosable package 100 can reach interior volume 122 of pouch 120 through opening 124 and consume food disposed within the interior volume. It means that at least part of the goods can be grasped. Further, as used herein, the term “prevent access” means that a user of the reclosable package can access the interior volume of pouch 120 through opening 124 without first manipulating self-fitting fastener 150 . 122 and is unable to grasp at least a portion of the consumable disposed within the interior volume.

Pouch 120 can comprise any suitable bag or package defining an interior volume 122 . Moreover, pouch 120 can be adapted to contain any suitable item. In some embodiments, pouch 120 contains any suitable consumer product, such as food products such as crackers, potato or corn chips, and cheese, granular or powdered products, animal feed, lawn and garden products, and the like. can be made to

Pouch 120 can be manufactured using any suitable technique(s). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the pouch 120 extends in a vertical direction generally parallel to the first and second side edges 134, 136 of the pouch, as shown in FIG. It is formed from a single piece of material or film that is connected along side seal areas 138 . Additionally, pouch 120 includes an upper sealing area 140 and a lower sealing area 142 . The rear, upper, and lower seal areas 138, 140, 142 are formed using any suitable technique(s), such as ultrasonic welding, such as hot melt adhesives as described herein. ) can be formed using adhesives, heat seals, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the sealing areas 138, 140, 142 can be formed using the same technique(s). In some embodiments, one or more of the seal areas 138, 140, 142 can be formed using techniques that differ from the techniques utilized to form the other seal areas.

Pouch 120 can have any suitable dimensions and can take on any suitable shape or combination of shapes. Additionally, pouch 120 includes a front panel 130 and a back panel 132 . The front panel 130 and back panel 132 may meet at first and second side edges 134,136. In some embodiments, the front panel 130 and back panel 132 are integral so that the pouch 120 includes a seam or seal area adjacent one or both of the first and second side edges 134, 136. do not have. As used herein, the term “adjacent to the side edges” means that an element or component of the package 100 is positioned between the first and second side edges 134 , 136 rather than the rear seal area 138 . means that it is located close to one of the

Pouch 120 can include an opening 124 (FIG. 3) that provides access to interior volume 122 . Opening 124 may be located at any suitable location in pouch 120 . As shown in FIG. 3, opening 124 is positioned adjacent top edge 126 of pouch 120 . As used herein, the term "adjacent the top edge" means that an element or component of the package 100 is positioned closer to the top edge 126 of the pouch 120 than to the bottom edge 128 of the pouch. means that Opening 124 can take any suitable shape and have any suitable dimensions. In some embodiments, the opening extends between first side edge 134 and second side edge 136 of the pouch. In some embodiments, one or more sealing areas may be positioned between the edges of the opening 124 and the first and second side edges 134, 136 of the pouch 120, such that the opening is The portion does not extend to one or both of the first and second side edges of the pouch. In some embodiments, opening 124 of pouch 120 may be defined by upper edge 126 of the pouch.

In some embodiments, the pouch 120 can include a sealed area positioned adjacent the opening 124 that is torn to allow initial opening of the pouch. , which allows the user to access consumables located within the interior volume 122 . As used herein, the term "initial opening" refers to the first opening of a reclosable package by a user after manufacture and filling of the package. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, such sealing areas include upper sealing area 140. FIG. Upper seal area 140 seals pouch 120 prior to the initial opening of the pouch to preserve consumables placed within interior volume 122 . To access such consumables, a user may rupture upper seal area 140 using any suitable technique(s), such as tearing apart, tearing, cutting, or the like.

Pouch 120 can be made using any suitable material(s), including one or more of inorganic, polymeric, and metallic materials. In some embodiments, the pouch 120 is made of polyolefins (eg, oriented polypropylene OPP, low density polyethylene (LDPE), and linear low polyethylene (LLDPE)), polyesters (eg, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)), It can include one or more polymeric materials such as polyacrylates and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Films of these materials are available, for example, as monolayer films and as multilayer films with functional tie layers. Multilayer films can be made by coextrusion or stepwise extrusion. The functional tie layer can be made of any of the polymeric materials described for pouches compounded with 5% to 50% by weight functional polymer. The multilayer film is typically constructed with a tie layer inside the pouch 120 and can allow for adhesive bonding and hermetic sealing of the pouch. Many functional polymers useful as tie layer resins are commercially available, for example, from The Dow Chemical Company under the tradename "AMPLIFY." In some embodiments, pouch 120 can comprise a flexible material. The tie layer on the pouch may further comprise any of the elastomeric materials described below in connection with the tie layer on the fastener.

Pouch 120 may be laminated using any suitable technique(s) such as inkjet printing, lamination, digital printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, ink transfer, and combinations thereof, front and back panels 130, 130, Any suitable graphic(s) (not shown) located on one or both of 132 may be included. In some embodiments, a graphic (not shown) can be placed on the front panel of the pouch, with part of the graphic placed on the self-fitting fastener 150 when the fastener is in the closed configuration. be done.

Connected to the pouch 120 is a self-fitting fastener 150 as described below in any of the embodiments. Self-fitting fastener 150 may connect to pouch 120 at any suitable location. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the self-fitting fastener 150 is connected to the pouch 120 adjacent the upper edge 126 of the pouch. In some embodiments, self-fitting fasteners 150 are positioned at top edge 126 of pouch 120 . Further, in some embodiments, self-fitting fasteners 150 can be positioned adjacent central region 146 of pouch 120 . As used herein, the term "adjacent the central region" means that the self-engaging fastener 150 is positioned closer to the central region 146 of the pouch 120 than the upper edge 126 or lower edge 128 of the pouch. means to be

Further, the self-fitting fastener 150 of the present disclosure can be placed in any suitable position relative to the opening 124 of the pouch 120 so that when in the open configuration after the upper sealing region 140 is ruptured. , to allow access to the interior volume 122 of the pouch through the opening, and to prevent access to the interior volume of the pouch through the opening when in the closed configuration.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, self-fitting fastener 150 is positioned adjacent opening 124 . As used herein, the term "adjacent the opening" means that the self-fitting fastener 150 is sufficiently open to allow access to the consumer goods placed within the pouch 120; It means that the opening is operably arranged so that it is sufficiently closed to prevent access to the consumer goods. In some embodiments, self-fitting fasteners 150 can be positioned within openings 124 . In some embodiments, the self-fitting fastener 150 can be positioned outside the opening along the edge of the opening 124, thus providing an open configuration and a closed configuration, as further described in this document. The fastener can be manipulated between to open and close the opening.

Self-fitting fastener 150 may have any suitable dimensions and take any suitable shape(s). In some embodiments, self-fitting fastener 150 is connected to pouch 120 adjacent upper edge 126 of the pouch and first side edge 134 of the pouch, as shown in FIGS. and second side edge 136 . The self-fitting fastener 150 can extend to one or both of the first and second side edges 134, 136 of the pouch. In some embodiments, the self-fitting fastener 150 is such that one or both of the fastener's first side edge 156 and second side edge 158 are aligned with corresponding first and second side edges of the pouch 120 . It may be spaced any suitable distance from the side edges 134,136. In such an embodiment, the pouch 120 is positioned between the first side edge 156 and the second side edge 158 of the self-fitting fastener 150 and between the first side edge 134 and the second side edge 134 of the pouch 120 . Including one or more sealing areas located on one or both sides between the two side edges 136, the fastener can seal the pouch along the width of the pouch with the sealing areas.

Self-fitting fastener 150 includes a first fastening member 152 and a second fastening member 154, as shown in FIG. 4, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of pouch 120 of FIGS. The first fastening member 152 may be the same as the second fastening member 154 or may be different from the second fastening member. Additionally, the first and second fastening members 152, 154 can be connected to the pouch 120 at any suitable location. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the first fastening member 152 is positioned on the inner surface 131 of the front panel 130 and the second fastening member 154 is positioned on the inner surface 133 of the rear panel 132 . In some embodiments, a first fastening member 152 can be positioned on the inner surface 131 of the front panel 130 adjacent the upper edge 126 of the pouch 120, and a second fastening member 154 can be positioned above the pouch. It can be located on the inner surface 133 of the rear panel 132 adjacent the edge.

In some embodiments, the first fastening member 152 is orthogonal to the front and back panels 130, 132 such that at least a portion of the first fastening member can mate with the second fastening member. It can overlap with the second fastening member 154 in the direction of . In some embodiments, the first fastening member 152 is aligned with the second fastening member 154 in a direction orthogonal to the front and rear panels 130, 132, as shown for example in FIG.

Self-fitting fastener 150 can be connected to pouch 120 using any suitable technique(s). In some embodiments, fastener 150 is adhered to pouch 120 using any suitable adhesive or combination of adhesives, including any of the hot melt adhesives described herein. . In some embodiments, the first fastening member is adhered to front panel 130 using a pressure sensitive adhesive. Additionally, in some embodiments, the self-fitting fastener 150 can be ultrasonically bonded to the pouch 120 . In some embodiments, fastener 150 can be mechanically attached to pouch 120 using any suitable technique(s). In some embodiments, the tie layers described herein in any of the embodiments are between the first fastening member 152 and the front panel 130 and between the second fastening member 154 and the rear side. They may be positioned one or both between the panels 132, respectively.

As described herein, self-fitting fastener 150 has an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, self-fitting fastener 150 is in a closed configuration to prevent a user from accessing interior volume 122 of pouch 120 through opening 124 of the pouch. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper sealing area 140 remains intact and unbroken when the pouch 120 is first opened. As a result, consumables placed within interior volume 122 of pouch 120 can be preserved by sealed area 140 .

In some embodiments of methods of manufacturing reclosable packages according to the present disclosure, self-fitting fasteners 150 connect to pouch 120 such that the fasteners are in this closed configuration when the bag is manufactured. be able to. In some embodiments of methods of manufacturing reclosable packages according to the present disclosure, self-fitting fasteners 150 can be connected to pouches 120 such that the fasteners are in an open configuration when manufactured.

In embodiments in which the self-fitting fasteners 150 are connected to the pouch 120 such that the self-fitting fasteners 150 are in the open configuration prior to the initial opening of the pouch 120, the user can open the front panel 130 and the back panel. A portion of 132 may be grasped and the panels manipulated away from each other. During this manipulation by the user, the upper seal area 140 may remain intact while a portion of the self-fitting fastener 50 may separate to be in an open configuration. In some embodiments, instead, user manipulation upon initial opening of pouch 120 first opens upper sealing region 140 prior to manipulation of self-fitting fastener 150 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. Separation may at least partially break the seal area.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of pouch 120 of FIGS. 1-3 with upper sealing region 140 broken upon initial opening of the pouch and self-fitting fastener 150 in an open configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, the user can now access the interior volume 122 of pouch 120 through opening 124 and self-fitting fastener 150 . The user may then manipulate the self-fitting closure 150 from the open configuration to the closed configuration such that the user can no longer access the interior volume 122 of the pouch 120 .

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the opening 124 of the pouch 120 of Figures 1-3 with the self-fitting fastener 150 in the closed configuration. Self-fitting fastener 150 includes a first fastening member 152 and a second fastening member 154 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastening member 152 and the second fastening member 154 are part of the same strip of material and are folded onto themselves. The self-fitting fastener 150 is folded along an axis parallel to the width (W) of the fastener so that the rows of posts 106 are visible in cross-section, for example, see FIG. 9A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a first fastening member 152 is positioned on the inner surface 131 of the front panel 130 and a second fastening member 154 is positioned on the inner surface 133 of the rear panel 132 of the pouch. A first fastening member 152 is attached to the inner surface 131 of the front panel 130 and a second fastening member 154 is attached to the inner surface 133 of the rear panel 132 using the tie layer 103 . Advantageously, the thickness of the self-fitting fastener 150 in this folded configuration can be up to 800, 700, 600, 500, 450, or 400 microns. Such thickness allows the self-fitting fastener 150 to be connected to the pouch 120 in this collapsed configuration when the bag is manufactured in some embodiments of the method of manufacturing a reclosable package according to the present disclosure. can make it possible to In some embodiments, the thickness of the self-engaging fastener 150 in this folded configuration is at least 200, 250, 300, or 350 microns.

Advantageously, the thickness of the self-fitting fastener 150 in the closed configuration is also up to 800, 700, 600, 500, if the first and second fastening members do not share a single backing. , 450 or 400 micrometers. Due to such thickness, in some embodiments of the method of manufacturing a reclosable package according to the present disclosure, the self-fitting fastener 150 is self-fitting or otherwise vertical during manufacture of the bag. It may be possible not to interfere with seal formation. In some embodiments, the thickness of self-engaging fastener 150 in the closed configuration is at least 200, 250, 300, or 350 microns.

Any suitable technique(s) may be utilized by the user to manipulate the self-fitting fastener 150 into the closed configuration. For example, a user can place one hand on the front panel 130 and the other hand on the back panel 132 and press the first fastening member 152 against the second fastening member 154 to create a self-fitting closure. 150 can be pressed together. Further, for example, a user may place the package 100 on a flat surface such that either the first panel 130 or the second panel 132 is in contact with the surface, and then the first fastening member 152 and the first fastening member 152 . The second fastening member 154 may be pressed together.

When in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 4, the self-fitting fastener 150 prevents consumer goods placed within the interior volume 122 of the pouch 120 from falling or leaking out of the pouch through the opening 124. can be done. Further, in some embodiments, self-fitting fasteners 150 may seal pouch 120 in a closed configuration such that consumables placed within interior volume 122 remain fresh.

Any suitable technique(s) can be utilized to determine whether the self-fitting fastener 150 is in the closed configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the self-engaging fastener 150 is configured such that when the force to open the self-engaging fastener is determined from the average maximum load in the T-peel test method described in the Examples, It is considered to be in the closed configuration when it is at least about 0.1 Newtons and no more than 1.0 Newtons. In some embodiments, the force to open the self-engaging fastener is 0.2N to 0.9N or 0.3N as determined from the average maximum load in the T-peel test method described in the Examples. ~0.8N.

Further, in some embodiments, the force required to achieve the closed configuration from the open configuration, as defined above, is determined utilizing the Closing Force Test Method described in the Examples. , less than or equal to 3.0 Newtons (N) but at least 0.3N. In some embodiments, the force required to achieve the closed configuration from the open configuration is no greater than 0.3 N/mm but at least 0.03 N/mm as determined utilizing the Closing Force Test Method. is. In some embodiments, the force required to achieve the closed configuration from the open configuration is from 0.45 N to 2.7 N or from 0.6 N to 2.7 N, as determined utilizing the Closing Force Test Method. It is in the range of 2.4N. In some embodiments, the transition from the open configuration to the closed configuration is easily accomplished by finger pressure.

The materials utilized for the self-fitting fastener 150 and pouch 120 are optional for bending resistance about the pouch axis 102 perpendicular to the length 104 of the self-fitting fastener, as shown in FIG. can be selected to provide the desired stiffness of Any suitable technique(s) can be utilized to determine the bending resistance stiffness of the pouch 120 and self-fitting fastener 150 . The self-fitting fastener 150 can have a bending stiffness of at least about 100 mN/mm and up to about 1500 mN/mm, as determined using the bending stiffness test method described in the Examples. In some embodiments, the flexural stiffness of the fastener ranges from 100 mN/mm to 1500 mN/mm, 200 mN/mm to 1200 mN/mm, or 300 mN/mm to 1000 mN/mm as measured by the flexural stiffness test method. is. Having a bending stiffness within these ranges typically and advantageously ensures that the fastener does not unintentionally open when flexed.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a film useful in one embodiment of the method of making the reclosable package 100 of the present disclosure. Film 300 includes a first longitudinal edge 338 separated from a second longitudinal edge 339 by a width 364 . In addition, film 300 has a first side 331 and a second side 335, which ultimately form the inner and outer surfaces of reclosable package 100, respectively. A self-engaging fastening strip 350 is attached to the first side 331 of the packaging film 300 .

In some embodiments, the self-engaging fastening strips 350 each have an elongated form oriented perpendicular to the first longitudinal edge 338 and the second longitudinal edge 339, It is located in the central portion 346 of the film 300 that does not include the first longitudinal edge 338 nor the second longitudinal edge 339 . Generally, central portion 346 of film 300 includes the geometric center between first longitudinal edge 338 and second longitudinal edge 339 . Self-fitting fastening strip 350 has a length 365 defined as the distance between first end 356 and second end 358 . The first end 356 of the self-engaged fastening strip is closer to the first longitudinal edge 338 of the film 300 than the second longitudinal edge 339 of the self-engaged fastening strip. Portion 358 is closer to second longitudinal edge 339 than to first longitudinal edge 338 of film 300 . In the illustrated embodiment, the length 365 of the self-engaging fastening strip 350 is at most 50 percent of the distance 364 between the first longitudinal edge 338 and the opposing second longitudinal edge 339. be. In some embodiments, the length 365 of the self-engaging fastening strip 350 is less than 50 percent of the distance 364 between the first longitudinal edge 338 and the opposing second longitudinal edge 339 or Up to 49, 45, 40, or 35 percent.

The film 300 can include rows of self-engaged fastening strips 350 each parallel to one another and separated by a generally uniform distance 363 . Although the film 300 shows only two self-engaging fastening strips 350, a typical film 300 useful in the method of making a reclosable package of the present disclosure is separated from each other by a distance 363, A substantially greater number of self-engaging fastening strips 350 may be included.

Self-engaging fastening strips 350 may be connected to film 300 using any suitable technique(s). In some embodiments, self-engaging fastening strips 350 are attached to film 300 using any suitable adhesive or combination of adhesives, including any of the hot melt adhesives described herein. glued to. Self-engaging fastening strips 350 each include a first fastening member 152 and a second fastening member 154, as shown in FIGS. 4-6. In some embodiments, the first fastening member is adhered to film 300 using a pressure sensitive adhesive. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first fastening member is ultrasonically bonded to film 300 . In some embodiments, the first fastening member can be mechanically attached to film 300 using any suitable technique(s). In some embodiments, a tie layer as described herein may be disposed between the first fastening member and the film 300 in any of the embodiments.

If a tie layer or hot-melt adhesive is used to connect the self-engaging fastening strip 350 to the film 300, heating the adhesive or tie layer is described in US Pat. No. 9,096,960 (Biegler et al. ), US Pat. Nos. 9,126,224 (Biegler et al.), and US Pat. In some embodiments, the hot fluid is a hot gas (eg, air, dehumidified air, nitrogen, inert gas, mixtures of any of these, or another gas mixture). In some embodiments, the hot fluid is hot air. The hot fluid can be directed only to the tie layer or hot melt adhesive, or the hot fluid can be directed to both the tie layer or hot melt adhesive and the film 300 useful in forming the pouch. In some embodiments, hot air is directed at the bonding layer or hot melt adhesive only before it is bonded to the film 300 . In some embodiments, connecting the self-engaging fastening strip 350 to the pouch 300 transfers a hot fluid, including any of those described above, through the web to the second surface of the web of self-engaging fasteners. The second surface is the surface opposite the first surface having the fastening element. In some of these embodiments, the second surface of the web includes a tie layer. In some embodiments, the second surface of the web comprises hot melt adhesive. Optionally, continuously or simultaneously connecting the self-engaging fastening strips 350 to the film 300 allows hot fluids, including any of those described above, to pass through the surface of the web of film 300 useful for forming pouches. impacting the web of film 300 while moving. Connecting the self-engaging fastening strip 350 to the film can be accomplished by contacting the second surface of the first fastening member to the web of film 300 . A heated bar may also be useful in connecting self-engaging fastening strips 350 to film 300 . The self-engaging fastening strip 350, tie layer, and/or hot melt adhesive can be contacted with the heated bar one or more times to ensure good adhesion to the film 300. Typically, the heated bar is brought into contact with the non-adhesive containing side of film 300 .

Self-engaging fastening strip 350 includes a first fastening member and a second fastening member, each fastening member having a first major surface on which the fastening elements engage one another, i.e., in the closed configuration described above. be. In some embodiments, the first fastening member 152 and the second fastening member 154 are formed from a single strip of material and folded onto themselves, as shown in FIG. In some embodiments, the first fastening member and the second fastening member do not share a single backing. In these embodiments, the first fastening member and the second fastening member may be separate pieces with the fastening elements engaged with each other.

To use film 300 to form reclosable package 100, first longitudinal edge 338 and second longitudinal edge 339 are brought together to form a tubular shape. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first longitudinal edge 338 and the second longitudinal edge 339 do not include a self-engaging fastening strip 350 on either longitudinal edge; Uninterrupted contact can be maintained and heat and pressure can be applied evenly along the length of the vertical seal 138 to form a hermetic seal. After the vertical seal is formed, the second major surface of the second fastening member is attached to the film over vertical seal 138 . Generally, the step of attaching the second major surface of the second fastening member to the film over the vertical seal is performed using heat and pressure.

In some embodiments, the portion of film 300 between first longitudinal edge 338 and boundary line 316 overlaps second longitudinal edge 339 to form vertical seal 138 as a lap seal. . Although the distance between the first longitudinal edge 338 and the borderline 316 may vary depending on package dimensions, the width of the resulting package vertical seal 138 formed from the film 300 will almost match. In some embodiments, embodiments, the distance between first longitudinal edge 338 and boundary line 316 is between 1.27 and 2.54 cm. In addition to lap seals, vertical seals 138 can be made as fin seals, pinch seals, or a combination of lap and fin seals. In some of these embodiments, the portions of the film between the first longitudinal edge 338 and second longitudinal edge 339 and the film end boundaries 316 (not shown) are sealed. will be reserved to form

In some embodiments of the method of manufacturing a reclosable package of the present disclosure, the method forms a vertical lower seal to the vertical seal 138 to seal the bottom edge 142 of the reclosable package 100 . which typically forms an open package. The method can include dispensing a consumable product into the reclosable package 100, which can be any of the consumable products described herein. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming an upper seal 140 within the reclosable package 100 perpendicular to the vertical seal 138 . Typically, one of the self-engaging fastening strips 350 is between the top seal 140 and bottom seal 142 and closer to the top seal 140 . In some embodiments, an inert gas can be added to the package before the top seal 140 is formed. The completed reclosable package 100 can then be separated from the film 300 .

A reclosable package of the present disclosure and/or according to the manufacturing method of the present disclosure can be made by a vertical form-fill-seal machine. One embodiment of a vertical form-fill-seal machine useful in the method of making reclosable packages of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Vertical form-fill-seal machine 400 is generally capable of high speed production of reclosable packages 100, such as those shown in FIGS. 1-3, from rolls of film, such as film 300 shown in FIG.

The depiction of the vertical form-fill-seal machine 400 in Figure 8 is simplified, excluding the cabinet and support structure that normally surrounds the machine, and some components are not drawn to scale. there is a possibility. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to describe the relative placement of certain components of the vertical form-fill-seal machine 400 using the direction of product flow as a reference. Thus, components positioned towards the top of FIG. 8 are upstream of components positioned towards the bottom of FIG.

The vertical form-fill-seal machine 400 generally includes a forming collar 470 that at least partially surrounds a former 472 . A longitudinal sealer 474 is attached to the outer surface of the former 472 downstream of the molding collar 470 . Further downstream is a lateral sealer 476 . The vertical form-fill-seal machine 400 may also include one or more pull belts 478 aligned with the former 472 to advance the film 300 downstream along the body of the former 472 . Packaging film 300 is maintained on roll 480 and fed through a series of tensioners 482 before being received by forming collar 470 .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, film 300 is unwound from roll 480 and passes through a series of tensioners 482 that maintain tension along the length of unwound film 300 . Film 300 is oriented over forming collar 470 , which transitions the shape of film 300 from a substantially planar shape to a shape generally resembling the cross-section of former 472 . A first side 331 of the film 300 normally contacts the former 472 during the bag-forming process and a second side 335 of the film 300 is exposed outwardly. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the former 472 has a circular cross-section, although the former 472 may have an elliptical shape. Advancement of film 300 along vertical form, fill, and seal machine 400 is controlled, at least in part, by one or more pull belts 478 during the bag making process.

Film 300 assumes a generally tubular shape when wrapped around former 472 . Referring again to FIG. 7, the tubular shape can be achieved by overlapping longitudinal edges 338 and 339 of film 300, which are then sealed together by longitudinal sealer 474 to form a typical A hermetic vertical seal 138 is formed. Vertical sealer 474 is a sealing device that provides the necessary heat and pressure to form vertical seal 138 to the back panel of reclosable package 100 . Vertical sealer 474 can form vertical seal 138 by pressing two layers of film 300 together against the outer surface of former 472 in the presence of heat. After vertical seal 138 is formed, a second major surface of a second fastening member (not shown) is attached to the film over vertical seal 138 . Attachment of the second major surface of the second fastening member (not shown) can be performed using a transverse sealer such as a pair of horizontal sealing jaws 476 .

Using the method of manufacture of the present disclosure, wherein the fastening strip is self-engaging and has a length of at most 50 percent of the distance between the first longitudinal edge and the opposing second longitudinal edge; The self-fitting fasteners span substantially the entire width of reclosable package 100 between first side edge 134 and second side edge 136 of the pouch, as shown in FIG. , may be formed within the interior region 124 of the reclosable package 100 . In some embodiments, the reclosable wrapper has a width between opposing first and second side edges, and the self-fitting fastener extends from the first side. It has a first end adjacent to the edge and a second end adjacent to the second side edge. In some of these embodiments, the method includes removing the first end of the self-fitting fastener and any portion between the first end and the first side edge of the reclosable package. a second end of the self-engaging fastener and any portion between the second end and a second side edge of the reclosable package; and sealing the opening. Any opening between the first end and the first side edge of the reclosable package and any between the second end and the second side edge of the reclosable package The step of sealing the opening of the can be performed using a transverse sealer, such as a pair of horizontal sealing jaws 476, as shown in FIG. The shape of the sealing jaws 476 can be adjusted to seal the opening and optionally flatten the ends of the self-fitting fastener.

Referring again to FIG. 8, in addition to attaching the second major surface of the second fastening member to the film over the vertical seal, a transverse sealer (e.g., seal jaws 476) is used to secure the vertical seal 138. A lower seal 142 may be formed perpendicular to the to form the bottom edge of the reclosable package. The transverse sealer may take any alternative form, such as a continuous motion sealer. Once the lower seal 142 is formed, consumer goods (not shown) may be introduced into the reclosable package 100 before the upper seal 140 is added. The completed downstream reclosable package 100 can then be separated from the partially completed upstream reclosable package.

In some embodiments of the manufacturing method of the present disclosure, the sealing jaws 476 have a second fastening member attached to the film to seal any space between the edges of the fastening member and the side edges of the package. It can be designed to form the top seal 140 of the reclosable package at the same time it is closed.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0233143 (Huebner) reports unsuccessful attempts to install zipper-like fasteners using, for example, a device such as that shown in FIG. is, for example, either because the continuity of the zipper fastener is interrupted when the vertical seal is created, or because the presence of the zipper fastener interferes with the formation of the vertical seal. A broken zipper fastener prevents the package from being reclosed along its entire width. Interference with the formation of the vertical seal by the zipper fastener can prevent the formation of an airtight vertical seal or adversely affect the durability of the vertical seal.

In the reclosable package and method of making a reclosable package of the present disclosure, the self-fitting fastener comprises first and second fastening members each having a first major surface having a fastening element. When combined, it has a thickness of up to 800 (in some embodiments, up to 700, 600, 500, 450, or 400) microns. This is referred to as the closed configuration within the reclosable package of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the self-engaging fastener has at least 200 (in some implementations Forms have a thickness of at least 250, 300, or 350) microns. Self-engaging fastening strips up to 800 microns thick can be used in the disclosed method without interfering with the formation of the vertical seal 138 . The fastening strips, even when self-engaged, are sufficiently thin to allow the formation of a stable roll 480 of film useful in the present method, and the molding collars and formers of the forming collars and formers without exiting the film. It is flexible enough to withstand the surrounding pathways. The fastening strip is also thin enough to use equipment including a forming collar and former configured to convert the packaging film into a bag without requiring adjustments due to the presence of the fasteners. be able to.

A self-engaging fastener may have up to 800 (in some embodiments up to 700, 600 , 500, 450, or 400) micrometers, some embodiments of the method of manufacturing a self-fitting fastener according to the present disclosure include the steps of bringing together first and second longitudinal edges and and sealing the first and second longitudinal edges together with the first and second ends of one of the fastening strips to form a vertical seal. This method can be performed using the film 300 shown in FIG. 7 and the apparatus and method shown in FIG. With the modification that it can extend further than a maximum of 50 percent of the distance 364 between the longitudinal edge 338 and the second longitudinal edge 339 . The fastening strip has a first end near the first longitudinal edge and a second end near the second longitudinal edge. Any of the method steps described above in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8 may also be useful in this method.

One embodiment of a fastener useful in the reclosable package of the present disclosure is shown in Figures 9A, 9B and 9C. Fastener 1 includes a backing 2 having a length (L), width (W), and thickness (T). Fastener 1 includes a row 14 of rail segments 4 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C the rail segments 4 protrude vertically from the backing 2 . Each rail segment 4 has a base portion 10 attached to the backing 2 and a cap portion 8 distal from the backing 2 . The cap portion 8 has a cap width X4 larger than the width X1 of the base portion 10, and the cap portion 8 protrudes from the base portion 10 on both sides. The ratio of the cap width X4 to the width X1 of the base portion 10 is typically at least 1.25:1, 1.5:1 or 2:1 and at most 3:1, 4:1 or 5:1. :1. FIG. 9B shows the cap overhang distance X6. In some embodiments, the cap portion 8 overhangs the base portion 10 on all sides of the base portion 10 . 9C shows the cap overhang distance Y5 in a direction parallel to the length (L) of the fastener 1. FIG. The cap also has a cap thickness, a line tangent to the highest point on the cap above the backing and a line tangent to the lowest point on the cap above the backing if the cap is not straight. Measured as the distance between For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the cap thickness is Z1-Z2. By the term “row of rail segments” it should be understood that each row 14 comprises two or more rail segments 4 . Embodiments of fastener 1 do not include a continuous rail, instead rail segments 4 are separated from each other on backing 2 . For example, the caps 8 of rail segments 4 in row 14 are separated by an inter-cap distance Y3 in a direction parallel to the length (L) of fastener 1 .

The base portion 10 of the rail segment 4 has a length Y1 that is greater than the width X1 of the base portion 10 . In some embodiments, the ratio of length Y1 to width X1 of base portion 10 is at least about 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 10:1, or 15:1. The base portion 10 of the rail segment 4 may have various cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the base portion 10 may be polygonal (eg, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal), or the cross-sectional shape of the base portion 10 may be curved (eg, elliptical). . Base portion 10 may taper from its base to its distal end. In this case, and for curved bases, the ratio of the length Y1 to the width X1 of the base 10 is measured from the longest and widest points. As shown in FIG. 9B, the length Y1 of the base portion at its longest point is approximately the same as the length of the cap portion.

In embodiments such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 9C, the base portion 10, which tapers from its base to its distal end, has an inclined surface and a taper angle A1 between the inclined surface and the backing 2. have. In some embodiments, the taper angle A1 between the slanted surface of the base portion 10 and the backing 2 ranges from 91 degrees to 130 degrees, in some embodiments from 91 degrees to 125 degrees, 95 -120 degrees, 95-115 degrees, 95-110 degrees, 93-105 degrees, 95-100 degrees, 91-105 degrees, 91-100 degrees, 91-99 degrees, or 91 degrees ~95 degrees.

In some embodiments, rail segment 4 has a maximum height Z1 (above backing 2) of up to 0.65 millimeters (mm), 0.6 mm, or 0.55 mm; The form has a minimum height of at least 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm. The height Z1 of the rail segment 4 can range from 0.3 mm to 0.65 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm. The thickness Z7 of the cap portion 8 of the rail segment 4 may range from 0.03 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.04 mm to 0.15 mm, or 0.04 mm to 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the base portion 10 of the rail segment 4 has a maximum width X1 of at most about 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.2 mm and a width of at least 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.125 mm. has a minimum width. Some useful widths X1 of the base portion 10 range from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, or 0.125 mm to 0.175 mm. Useful cap widths X4 for rail segment 4 range from 0.1 mm to 0.75 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.45 mm, or 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm. Some useful cap overhang distances X6 for rail segment 4 range from 0.025mm to 0.3mm, 0.05mm to 0.3mm, or 0.1m to 0.25mm. In some embodiments, rail segment 4 has a maximum length Y1 of up to about 1.5 mm (in some embodiments up to 1.25, 1.0, 0.9, or 0.8 mm), and It has a minimum length Y1 of at least about 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm. The rail segment length Y1 can range from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, or 0.600 mm to 0.800 mm. Some useful cap overhang distances Y5 of rail segment 4 in the longitudinal direction range from 0.025 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.025 mm to 0.1 mm, or 0.04 mm to 0.075 mm. In some embodiments, the inter-cap distance Y3 in the direction parallel to the length (L) of the fastener 1 is up to about 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.25 mm, and at least about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.125 mm. Some useful cap-to-cap distances Y3 range from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, or 0.125 mm to 0.225 mm.

In some embodiments, fasteners useful in practicing the present disclosure comprise rows of posts. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, fastener 1 includes rows 16 of posts 6 protruding vertically from backing 2 . In some embodiments, rows 14 of rail segments 4 and rows 16 of posts 6 alternate. The fastener 1 may have at least 2, 3, 5 or 10 rows 14 of rail segments 4 alternating with rows 16 of at least 2, 3, 5 or 10 posts 6 . By the term “row of posts” it should be understood that each row 16 includes two or more posts 6 . Embodiments of fastener 1 do not include continuous ribs, rather posts 6 are separated from each other on backing 2 . For example, the posts 6 of row 16 are separated in a direction parallel to the length (l) of fastener 1 by a distance Y4. Generally, the posts have a length that differs from the length of the rail segments. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, the length Y1 of the base portion 10 of the rail segment 4 is greater than the length Y2 of the posts 6 and the length of the posts 6 of one of the rows 16 of posts 16 is greater than the length Y2 of the posts 6 . is greater than the number of rail segments 4 in one of the rows 14 of rail segments. The length Y1 of the base portion 10 of the rail segment 4 can be at least twice, three times or four times the length Y2 of the post 6 . The number of posts 6 in one of the rows 16 of posts can be at least 1.5, 2 or 3 times the number of rail segments 4 in one of the rows 14 of rail segments. Since the fastener 1 is useful as a self-fitting fastener, the post height is generally equal to or less than the rail segment height. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, height Z3 of post 6 is less than height Z1 of rail segment 4. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. In some embodiments, post 6 height Z3 is up to 95, 90, 80, 75, or 70 percent of rail segment 4 height Z1.

Posts useful in fasteners of the present disclosure may have various cross-sectional shapes in a plane parallel to the backing. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the post may be a polygon that may or may not be a regular polygon (e.g., square, rectangle, rhombus, hexagon, pentagon, or dodecagon); The cross-sectional shape may be curved (eg, circular or oval). In some embodiments, the post has a base attached to the backing and a distal tip, the distal tip having a cross-sectional area less than or equal to that of the base. The post may taper from its base to its distal tip, but this is not required. In some embodiments, the post has a distal cap with a cap width that is greater than the width of the base. The cap may overhang the base on both sides or overhang the base on all sides. Capped posts useful in fasteners of the present disclosure can have a variety of useful shapes, such as mushrooms (e.g., with a circular or oval head extending from the stem), nails, T's, or golf tees. can.

9A, 9B, and 9C, in some embodiments, posts 6 useful in fasteners of the present disclosure have a maximum width of up to about 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.2 mm. X2, and a minimum width of at least 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.125 mm. Some useful widths X2 for post 6 range from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, or 0.125 mm to 0.175 mm. In some embodiments, posts 6 useful in fasteners of the present disclosure have a maximum length Y2 of up to about 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.2 mm, and at least 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or It has a minimum width of 0.125 mm. Some useful widths Y2 of post 6 range from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm, or 0.125 mm to 0.175 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y4 between posts 6 in a direction parallel to the length (l) of fastener 1 is up to about 1.5 mm (in some embodiments up to 1.25, 1.0, 0.9, or 0.8 mm) and at least about 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.4 mm. The distance Y4 between posts 6 can range from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, or 0.400 mm to 0.600 mm.

In embodiments such as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9C, the post 6 tapering from its base to its distal tip has an angled surface and a taper angle A2 between the angled surface and the backing 2. have. In some embodiments, the taper angle A2 between the angled surface of post 6 and backing 2 ranges from 91 degrees to 130 degrees, in some embodiments from 91 degrees to 125 degrees, 91 degrees ~120 degrees, 91 degrees ~ 115 degrees, 91 degrees ~ 110 degrees, 91 degrees ~ 105 degrees, 95 degrees ~ 100 degrees, 91 degrees ~ 105 degrees, 91 degrees ~ 100 degrees, 91 degrees ~ 99 degrees, or 91 degrees ~ The range is 95 degrees.

In some embodiments, post 6 has a maximum height Z3 (above backing 2) of up to 0.6 millimeters (mm), 0.55 mm, or 0.5 mm; has a minimum height of at least 0.08 mm or 0.16 mm. The post height Z3 can range from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm, or 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm. In some embodiments, the posts each have a height-to-width aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1, at least 2:1, or at least 3:1. In some embodiments, the posts each have a height-to-length aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1, at least 2:1, or at least 3:1.

Another embodiment of a fastener useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure and/or made by methods of manufacture of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. In this embodiment, the cap portion 8 of the rail segment 4 has a different shape than the cap portion 8 of the embodiment shown in Figures 9A, 9B and 9C. Features and dimensions of any of the embodiments described above for the fasteners shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C can be used in combination with the fasteners shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B to form corresponding embodiments. can provide.

Another embodiment of a fastener useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure and/or made by methods of manufacture of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Fastener 21 includes a backing 2 having a length (L), width (W), and thickness (T). Fastener 21 includes a row 14 of rail segments 4 . The features and dimensions of any of the embodiments described above for the rows 14 and rail segments 4 shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C can be used in combination with the fastener shown in FIG. can be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, fastener 21 includes ribs 26 protruding vertically from backing 2 . In cross-section, fastener 21 can have the same appearance as fastener 1 shown in FIG. 9B or FIG. However, ribs 26 typically have a continuous base portion 23 attached to backing 2 . In some embodiments, rows 14 of rail segments 4 and ribs 26 alternate. The fastener 21 can have at least 2, 3, 5 or 10 rows 14 of rail segments 4 alternating with at least 2, 3, 5 or 10 ribs 26 .

In some embodiments, the ribs 26 useful in the fastener 21 shown in FIG. 11 have a maximum width X22 of up to about 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.2 mm and a , or has a minimum width of 0.125 mm. Some useful widths X22 of ribs 26 range from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, or 0.125 mm to 0.175 mm. In some embodiments, rib 26 may taper from its base to its distal tip, but this is not shown in FIG. The height of ribs 26 is generally less than or equal to the height of rail segments 4, since fastener 21 is useful as a self-fitting fastener. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 the height Z23 of the ribs 26 is smaller than the height of the rail segments 4. In the embodiment shown in FIG. In some embodiments, the height Z23 of the rib 26 is up to 95, 90, 80, 75, or 70 percent of the height Z1 of the rail segment 4 (shown in Figure 9B). In some embodiments, the ribs 26 have a maximum height Z23 (above the backing 2) of up to 0.6 mm, 0.55 mm, or 0.5 mm, and in some embodiments at least 0 It has a minimum height of 0.08mm or 0.16mm. The height Z23 of ribs 26 may range from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm, or 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm. In some embodiments, ribs 26 each have a height-to-width (Z23 to X22) aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1, at least 2:1, or at least 3:1. Notches 29 in portions of ribs 26 distal from backing 2 may be provided by protrusions in the mold surface useful for making fasteners 21 described in more detail below.

Another embodiment of a fastener useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure and/or made by methods of manufacture of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Fastener 31 includes a backing 2 having a length (L), width (W), and thickness (T). Fastener 31 includes row 14 of rail segments 4 . The features and dimensions of any of the embodiments described above for the rows 14 and rail segments 4 shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C can be used in combination with the fastener shown in FIG. can be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, fastener 31 includes rows 16 of posts 6 projecting vertically from backing 2 . A portion of the fastener 31 alternates between rows 14 of rail segments 4 and rows 16 of posts 6 . Fastener 31 may have at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 rows 14 of rail segments 4 alternating with rows 16 of at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 posts 6 . The features and dimensions of any of the embodiments described above for the rows 16 and posts 6 shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C can be used in combination with the fastener shown in FIG. 12 to form the corresponding embodiment. can provide. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, fastener 31 includes ribs 26 protruding vertically from backing 2 . Ribs 26 have a continuous base portion 23 attached to backing 2 . In the fastener 31 there are two ribs 26 protruding from the backing between the two rows 14 of rail segments 4 . In other embodiments, at least one rib 26 projects from the backing 2 between two rows 14 of rail segments 4 or between one row 14 of rail segments 4 and one row 16 of posts 6 . or between two rows 16 of posts 6 . Fastener 31 may have at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 ribs 26 regularly or irregularly arranged between rows 14 of rail segments 4 and rows 16 of posts 6 . Height Z23 and width X22 of rib 26 of fastener 31 may be any of those described above in connection with fastener 21 of FIG. Notches 29 in portions of ribs 26 distal from backing 2 may be provided by protrusions in the mold surface useful for making fasteners 21 described in more detail below.

Another embodiment of a fastener useful in reclosable packages of the present disclosure and/or made by methods of manufacture of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Fastener 41 includes a backing 2 having a length (L), width (W), and thickness (T). Fastener 41 includes rail 24 projecting from backing 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, rails 24 project vertically from backing 2 . Rails 24 each have a continuous base portion 30 attached to backing 2 and an engaging portion 28 distal from backing 2 . The engaging portion 28 has a width larger than the width of the base portion 30, and the engaging portion 28 protrudes from the base portion 30 on both sides. Fastener 41 includes ribs 26 protruding from backing 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, ribs 26 project vertically from backing 2 . In some embodiments, rails 24 and ribs 26 alternate. Fastener 41 may have at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 rails 24 alternating with at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 ribs 26 .

In cross-section, the fastener 41 can have the same appearance as the fastener 1 shown in FIG. , can be replaced by the rail 24 reference. However, rails 24 and ribs 26 typically have continuous base portions 30 , 23 attached to backing 2 . In some embodiments, rail 24 has a maximum height Z41 (above backing 2) of up to 0.65 mm, 0.6 mm, or 0.55 mm, and in some embodiments at least 0 .1 mm or 0.2 mm minimum height. The height Z41 of rail 24 may range from 0.3 mm to 0.65 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm. The thickness Z47 of the engaging portion 28 of the rail 24 may range from 0.03 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.04 mm to 0.15 mm, or 0.04 mm to 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the base portion 30 of the rail 24 has a maximum width X41 of up to about 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, or 0.2 mm and a maximum width of at least 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.125 mm. Has a narrow width. Some useful widths X41 of base portion 30 range from 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, or 0.125 mm to 0.175 mm. Some useful cap widths X44 for rail 24 range from 0.1 mm to 0.75 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.45 mm, or 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm. Some useful cap overhang distances X46 for rail segment 4 range from 0.025 mm to 0.3 mm, 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, or 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm. Height Z23 and width X22 of rib 26 of fastener 41 may be any of those described above in connection with fastener 21 of FIG. Notches 29 in ribs 26 may be provided by projections in the mold surface useful for making fasteners 41, which are described in more detail below.

Fasteners 1, 21, 31, and 41 are useful, for example, as self-fitting fasteners. As used herein, self-fitting refers to fasteners in which fastening is achieved by interengaging fastening elements of the same type (eg, fastening heads). In some embodiments, self-fitting refers to fasteners in which fastening is achieved by interengaging fastening elements of the same shape. In some embodiments, the self-fitting is folded along an axis parallel to either the length (L) or width (W) of the fastener, see, for example, FIGS. 9A and 10A. Refers to the ability of a fastener to engage itself when in configuration. Two fastening members (e.g., first and second fastening members (1, 5)) each having the structure shown, for example, in FIGS. can be fastened together with

Any of the fasteners shown in FIG. 9A, FIG. 10A, FIG. 11 , FIG. 12, or FIG. It can still be considered a self-fitting fastener. In some embodiments, the first and second fastening members may be different embodiments of fasteners of the present disclosure. For example, a first fastening member 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 10A can be used with a second fastening member 5 shown in FIG. In another example, a first fastening member 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 11 can be used with a second fastening member shown in FIG. Alternatively, the first fastening member 1 may have a cap shape as shown in FIG. 9A and the second fastening member 5 has a cap shape as shown in FIG. 10A. good too. Each of these is an example of self-fitting.

Referring again to FIG. 10C, in some embodiments, when the first and second fastening members 1, 5 are fastened, the posts typically bend away from the rail segment while the first and second fastening members 1, 5 are fastened. The cap portions of the rail segments of the two fastening members extend over each other. The post is then returned to its original position after the first and second fastening members are tightened. The posts shown in FIG. 31 are also typically angled away from the rail segment while the cap portions of the rail segments of the first and second fastening members extend over each other. Thus, in some embodiments, the bending stiffness of the post is less than the bending stiffness of the rail segment. The bending stiffness k for small strain behavior is determined by the formula k=3EI/H, where E is the modulus of the material composing the post and rail segment, H is the height of the post or rail segment, and I = W ³ L/12, where W is the width and L is the length of the post or rail segment. In some embodiments, the length of the base portion of the rail segment is longer than the length of the post. In these embodiments, if the width of the base and the width of the post are similar, the bending stiffness of the rail segment will be greater than the bending stiffness of the post. Referring again to FIG. 9A, row 14 of rail segments 4 as a whole may have a greater bending stiffness than row 16 of posts 6 . If there are more posts 6 in a row 16 of posts, the bending stiffness of the posts (e.g., a selected length or width) can be adjusted. The bending stiffness of each row of rail segments or posts can be determined by the number of rail segments or posts in each row and the bending stiffness of each rail segment or post.

In some embodiments, the fastening system of the present disclosure is releasably fastenable. As used herein, the term "releasably fastenable" means that the fastening member can alternate between fastened and unfastened configurations one or more times without impairing the function of the fastener. means you can. Typically and advantageously, the unique construction of the fasteners of the present disclosure allows for multiple cycles of fastening and unfastening without undue plastic (i.e., irreversible) deformation of the mating rail segments. can be done. As described in detail in the examples below, comparative fasteners that include rail segments but no posts can be fastened when the rail segments are pressed together and past each other for interconnection. can. The cap portion of the rail segment of the comparative fastener exhibits a relatively high level of plastic (ie, irreversible) deformation after engagement. Plastic deformation can limit the release and refastenability of the Comparative Example fasteners because the shape of the fastener changes with initial and subsequent engagements. In contrast, in the fastening system of the present disclosure, when the first and second fastening members are fastened, the post elastically deforms while the cap portions of the rail segments of the first and second fastening members pass over each other. do. The cap portions of the rail segments of fasteners of the present disclosure exhibit relatively low plastic (ie, irreversible) deformation after engagement.

The fasteners 1, 21, 31, 41 shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, 10A-10C, and 11-13 are useful, for example, as self-fitting fasteners, where posts in adjacent rows 14, 16 6 and the base portion 10 of one of the rail segments 4 is wide enough to allow the cap portion 8 of the rail segment 4 to be inserted. Distance X8 may be substantially the same as X4, as described above in any of the embodiments for X4. In some embodiments, distance X8 is within about 20, 15, or 10 percent of cap width X4. In some embodiments, the ratio of distance X8 to width X1 of base portion 10 may range from at least 2:1 to 5:1 or from 2:1 to 4:1, or the ratio is about 3:1 to 5:1. It may be 1. Distances X3 and X5 between one of the posts 6 (or ribs 26) in adjacent rows 14, 16 and one of the engaging portions 28 of the cap portion 8 of the rail segment 4 are based on the cap width X4. Since it is wider than the width of the portion X1, it is generally smaller than the distance X8. Some useful distances X3 and X5 range from 0.08 mm to 0.8 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, or 0.2 mm to 0.35 mm. The distances X3 and X5 between the posts 6 and the cap portions 8 of the rail segments 4 of two adjacent rows need not be equal.

In some embodiments, the first and second fastening members can slide relative to each other in a direction parallel to the length of the backing when fastened. This may be advantageous, for example, when the first and second fastening members are initially fastened and alignment of the first and second fastening members with respect to each other is not desired. The first and second fastening members can be slid into position to achieve the desired alignment.

The first and second fastening members of fastening systems according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may or may not be connected together. In some embodiments, the first and second fastening members may connect to two separate substrates. In some embodiments, the first and second fastening members may be portions of the same strip of material where the first fastening member is folded to contact the second fastening member.

In fasteners according to the present disclosure, the protruding rail segments, posts, ribs, and/or rails and at least a portion of the backing are integral (ie, formed together as a unit and unitary throughout). Fastening elements such as rail segments, upright posts, ribs, and rails on the backing are fed thermoplastic material onto a continuously moving mold surface with cavities having the inverted geometry of the fastening elements, for example. It can be manufactured by The thermoplastic material can be fed through a nip formed by two rolls or between a die face and a roll surface, at least one of which has cavities. The pressure provided by the nip forces the resin into the cavity. In some embodiments, a vacuum can be used to empty the cavity in order to fill the cavity more easily. This nip has a sufficiently large gap so that a consistent backing is formed over the cavity. The backing may be formed without holes through the backing. The mold surfaces and cavities can optionally be air or water cooled prior to stripping the integrally formed backing and fastening elements from the mold surfaces, such as by stripper rolls.

Suitable mold surfaces for forming the fastening elements on the backing include tool rolls such as those formed from a series of plates defining a plurality of cavities around their periphery, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,775. , 310 (Fischer). Cavities can be formed in these plates by, for example, drilling or photoresist techniques. Other suitable tool rolls can include wire wrapped rolls, which are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,190,594 (Gorman et al.), along with methods for their manufacture. Another example of a method for forming a backing with upstanding fastening elements is to define an array of fastening element-shaped cavities, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,214,334 (Jens et al.). a flexible mold belt that Yet other useful methods for forming backings with upstanding fastening elements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,287,665 (Hammer), 7,198,743 (Tuma), and 6,627,133 (Tuma).

FIG. 14 illustrates one manufacturing method in which a tool roll 610 can be used to form fasteners having at least one of protruding rail segments, posts, ribs, and/or rails. A thermoplastic material 660 is applied from a source 662 to the surface of the tool roll 610 by, for example, extrusion or casting to provide fasteners on the backing 674, which is, for example, a replica of the mold cavities in the tool roll 610. A film 670 including elements 672 can be made. Tool roll 610 and second roll 680 form a nip.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged cutaway perspective view of a portion of the surface of a tool roll useful in the method of making fasteners useful in the reclosable packages of the present disclosure; Tool roll 810 is useful for making continuous ribs and rails of some embodiments of fasteners useful in practicing the present disclosure. Tool roll 810 includes grooves 820 a , 820 b formed between high profile regions 840 . To create the ribs 26 and rails 24 shown in FIGS. 11-13, the grooves 820a, 820b have a generally rectangular profile, but another shape can be used to create a film with differently shaped ribs and rails. can be provided. The grooves 820a, 820b have different depths so that ribs of different heights can be formed on the backing. The higher ribs may be preferentially capped using the method described below.

Grooves 820a, 820b and high profile regions 840 can be formed in tool roll 810 using a variety of techniques. For example, grooves 820a, 820b and high profile region 840 can be formed from a series of plates having different diameters that are stacked together to collectively form tool rolls or rings having different diameters. These tool rolls or rings are stacked on top of each other and placed on a cylindrical base roll. Useful materials for making rings include stainless steel SS430, cold rolled steel, and copper. The cylindrical base roll or mandrel can be made from aluminum, steel or stainless steel walls and can be a hydraulic vessel through which water can be passed for cooling and heating.

Tool roll 810 may also be a wire wrapped roll in which wire is helically wrapped around a base roll. The wire forming the high profile region 840 has a higher profile than another wire, resulting in a tool roll 810 with grooves 820 formed between turns of the high profile wire. Grooves 820 may also be machined into the surface of a metal master roll made of electroformed nickel, for example, or in a screen formed in a sleeve to fit over a cylindrical base roll. It can also be machined to

In some embodiments, grooves 820 a and 820 b comprise multiple protrusions 830 . The inventors have unexpectedly found that the width is up to 250 microns, in some embodiments less than 250 microns, up to 130, up to 110, up to 100, or up to 80 microns, and the depth is at least Grooves that are 250 microns, and in some embodiments at least 350, 400, 450, or 500 microns, use relatively low pressure nips (e.g., less than 150 pounds per linear inch (571 N/mm)) It was then found that it was not filled with mouldable material. On the contrary, we have found that increasing the pressure only fills about 25 or 50 percent of the groove depth. The inventors have also unexpectedly found that when grooves 820a and 820b are formed with a plurality of protrusions 830 around their circumference, the grooves are completely filled with moldable material, resulting in provides the desired rail height in the resulting film and includes notches 29 shown in FIGS. The protrusions can have a height up to about 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 percent of the depth of the groove and can be regularly or irregularly spaced. In some embodiments, protrusions are provided every 0.5 mm to 12.5 mm, or 1 mm to 2 mm around the circumference of the groove.

The inventors have found that the presence of ribs and rails having at least a continuous base portion can improve the airtightness of the reclosable package of the present disclosure. Consumers require that the reclosable package remain closed after the fasteners are placed in the closed configuration, and that the fasteners are stretched across the fasteners to maintain the freshness of the consumer goods inside. One might expect that it should provide resistance to airflow. If the consumer is able to squeeze air out of the package and/or smell the package even when the closure is in the closed configuration, the consumer will appreciate the effectiveness of the fastener and reclosable bag. may be questioned. The inclusion of rails and ribs in fasteners useful in practicing the present disclosure improves the airtightness of reclosable packages when evaluated using the test methods described in the Examples below. For example, comparing Examples 6 and 8, by replacing the row of posts with a rib having at least one continuous base, the air pressure inside the bag was induced using a continuous air flow. is more than doubled.

The airtightness of the reclosable package may be further improved by the presence of an adhesive (eg, pressure sensitive adhesive) on at least a portion of the first major surface of the fastening member. In some embodiments, at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member includes an adhesive (eg, pressure sensitive adhesive) on at least a portion of its first major surface. Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are characterized by: (1) strong and persistent tack, (2) adhesion with no more than finger pressure, (3) sufficient ability to hold adherends together, and (4) It is well known to those skilled in the art that they possess properties, including cohesive strength, sufficient for clean removal from adherends. Materials that have been found to work well as PSAs are polymers designed and formulated to exhibit the necessary viscoelastic properties to provide the desired balance of cohesion, peel adhesion, and shear retention. .

One useful method of identifying pressure sensitive adhesives is the Dahlquist criterion. This standard is described in "Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology", Donatas Satas (Ed.), 2nd Edition, p. 172, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, N.M. Y. , 1989, pressure sensitive adhesives are defined as adhesives having a 1 second creep compliance greater than 1×10 ⁻⁶ cm ² /dyne. Alternatively, a pressure sensitive adhesive may be defined as an adhesive having a storage modulus of less than about 1×10 ⁶ dyne/cm ² because the modulus is to a first order approximation the reciprocal of the creep compliance.

Various PSAs may be used to film the first fastening member on at least one first major surface of the first or second fastening member within the reclosable package of the present disclosure and/or the first fastening member as described above with respect to FIG. 300 may be useful on the second major surface of the first fastening member. Examples of suitable PSAs include natural rubber-based, acrylic, block copolymer-based, silicone-based, polyisobutylene-based, polyvinyl ether-based, polybutadiene-based, or urea-based pressure sensitive adhesives, and combinations thereof. These PSAs are described, for example, in "Adhesion and Adhesives Technology", Alphonsus V.; Pocius, Hanser/Gardner Publications, Inc.; , Cincinnati, Ohio, 1997, pp. 216-223, Handbook of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology, Donatas Satas (Ed.), 2nd Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, Reissued No. 5, NYAPTER, 1989. , 906 (Ulrich). The PSA can be strip coated onto the first major surface of at least one of the first or second fastening members using conventional techniques. In some embodiments, ribs, areas adjacent to rows of posts may be coated with a PSA to engage rail segments or rail caps when the self-fitting fastener is in the closed configuration. .

If the fastening element formed upon exiting the cavity does not have a cap, the first and second fastening members will not have any sealing relationship with each other. Caps can then be formed on the rail segments and rails by capping methods such as those described in US Pat. No. 5,077,870 (Melbye et al.). Typically, this capping method involves using heat and/or pressure to deform the tip portion of the fastening element. Heat and pressure can be applied sequentially or simultaneously when both are used. Forming rail segments and rails can also alter the shape of the cap as described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 6,132,660 (Kampfer) and/or 6,592,800 (Levitt). can also include For example, one or more of these methods may be useful in changing the shape of cap portion 8 shown in FIG. 9A to the shape shown in FIG. 10A. Forming the rail segments can also include embossing the cap, for example, as described in US Pat. No. 6,000,106 (Kampfer). After one or more of these capping processes, the first and second fastening members within the disclosed fastening system can be closed together. The amount of force required to close and peel open the first and second fastening members can be adjusted as desired by adjusting the capping process.

Another useful method for fastening elements on backings is profile extrusion as described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,894,060 (Nestegard). Typically, in this method, a thermoplastic resin flowstream is passed through a patterned die lip (cut, for example, by electron discharge wire machining) to form a web with ridges downstream of the web, and these ridges are The sections are sliced and the web is drawn to form separate fastening members. The ridges may be considered precursors to the fastening elements and may take on the cross-sectional shape of the rail segments and posts to be formed. The ridge is laterally sliced at a plurality of discrete locations along the extension of the ridge, and individual portions of the ridge having a length in the ridge direction approximately corresponding to the length of the fastening element to be formed. is formed. The fastening elements are separated by stretching the backing so as to plastically deform it.

Another self-engaging fastener useful for practicing the present disclosure is described in co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/713,219 (Ausen et al.), filed Aug. 1, 2018. ing.

Fasteners of the present disclosure may be made from a variety of suitable materials, including thermoplastic materials. Examples of thermoplastic materials suitable for making fasteners using the methods described above include polyolefin homopolymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, copolymers of ethylene, propylene, and/or butylene; ethylene vinyl acetate and ethylene acrylate. polyesters such as poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyethylene butyrate and polyethylene naphthalate; polyamides such as poly(hexamethylene adipamide); polyurethanes; polycarbonates; ketones such as ketones; polyphenylene sulfides; and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, thermoplastic materials useful for making fasteners include at least one of polyolefins, polyamides, or polyesters. In some embodiments, thermoplastic materials useful for making fasteners are polyolefins (eg, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers, butylene copolymers, and copolymers and blends of these materials). is. In some embodiments, fasteners of the present disclosure are made from blends of any of these thermoplastic materials and elastomers. Examples of elastomers useful for such tie layers include elastomers such as ABA block copolymers (e.g., the A block is polystyrene-based, formed primarily of substituted (e.g., alkylated) or unsubstituted moieties, the B block are formed primarily from conjugated dienes (e.g. isoprene and 1,3-butadiene which can be hydrogenated), polyurethane elastomers, polyolefin elastomers (e.g. metallocene polyolefin elastomers), olefin block copolymers, polyamide elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetate elastomers, and polyester elastomers. Useful polyolefin elastomers include ethylene propylene elastomers, ethylene octene elastomers, ethylene propylene diene elastomers, ethylene propylene octene elastomers, polybutadiene, butadiene copolymers, polybutene, or combinations thereof. Elastomers are available from various commercial sources as described below. Any of these elastomers may be present in blends with any of the thermoplastic materials in amounts up to 20, 15, or 10 weight percent.

The backing of fasteners of the present disclosure may have various thicknesses. In some embodiments, including the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, 10A-10C, and 11-13, the thickness of the backing 2 integral with the fastening element (Z4-Z5) is: It may be up to about 200 micrometers (μm), 150 micrometers, or 125 micrometers, and at least about 50 micrometers or 75 micrometers. This thickness does not include the height of rail segments and posts projecting from the first major surface of the backing. In some embodiments, the thickness of the thermoplastic backing ranges from 50 to about 200 microns, from about 50 to about 150 microns, or from about 50 to about 125 microns.

In some embodiments, including the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, 10A-10C, and 11-12, the rail segment row 14 and the post row 16 are each independently filleted. It is formed on the portion 12 . Referring to FIG. 9B, the fillet thickness Z6 above the backing 2 may be up to about 50 microns and at least about 10 or 15 microns. This thickness does not include the height of rail segments and posts projecting from the first major surface of the backing. In some embodiments, the fillet thickness Z6 ranges from 10 to about 50 microns, from about 15 to about 50 microns, or from about 20 to about 50 microns. In some embodiments, the rail segments, posts, and backing, excluding fillets, are substantially uniform in thickness. For thermoplastic materials that are substantially uniform in thickness, the difference in thickness between any two points on the backing may be up to 5, 2.5, or 1 percent.

The rail segments and/or posts on the first surface of the backing can have a density of at least 10 per square centimeter (cm ² ) (63 per square inch (in ² )). For example, the rail segment density is at least 100/cm ² (635/in ² ), 248/cm ² (1600/in ² ), 394/cm ² (2500/in ² ), or 550/cm ² (3500/in 2 ). in ² ). In some embodiments, the rail segment density is up to 1575/cm ² (10000/in ² ), up to about 1182/cm ² (7500/in ² ), or up to about 787/cm ² (5000/in ² ). ). For example, densities ranging from 10/cm ² (63/in ² ) to 1575/cm ² (10000/in ² ), or from 100/cm ² (635/in ² ) to 1182/cm ² (7500/in ² ) may be useful. The density of rail segments is related to the distance X7 between rail segments, measured as the center-to-center distance of rail segments in adjacent rows, as shown in FIG. 9B. Various distances X7 between rows of rail segments may be useful. In some embodiments, the distance X7 between rows of rail segments is between 0.25 mm and 2.5 mm, between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, or between 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm. The spacing between rail segments and rows of posts need not be uniform, for example as shown in FIGS.

In some embodiments, the backing can be uniaxially or biaxially oriented. Stretching in the machine direction can be performed on the continuous web of backing, for example, by directing the web over rolls of increasing speed. Stretching in the cross-machine direction can be performed on a continuous web using divergent rails or divergent discs, for example. A common stretching method that allows uniaxial and continuous biaxial stretching of thermoplastic layers uses a flat film tenter apparatus. Such an apparatus uses a plurality of clips, grippers, or other film edge gripping means along opposite edges of the thermoplastic web to propel the gripping means at different speeds along diverging rails. grips the thermoplastic layer to provide uniaxial and biaxial stretching in the desired directions. In general, higher machine direction clip speeds result in machine direction stretch. Stretching at an angle to the machine and transverse directions is also possible with flat film tenter equipment. Uniaxial and biaxial stretching can also be accomplished by methods and apparatus disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 7,897,078 (Petersen et al.) and references cited herein. Flat film tenter stretching equipment is commercially available, for example, from Bruckner Maschinenbau GmbH, Siegsdorf, Germany.

In some embodiments, after stretching, the backing has an average thickness of up to 150 μm, 125 μm, 100 μm, 80 μm, or 75 μm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the backing after stretching is in the range of 30 μm to 150 μm, 50 μm to 125 μm, or 50 μm to 100 μm. Generally, the backing does not have through-holes, either before or after stretching. In some embodiments, the density of rail segments and/or posts after stretching may be up to about 1182/cm ² (7500/in ² ) or up to about 787/cm ² (5000/in ² ). For example, 2/cm ² (13/in ² ) to 1182/cm ² (7500/in ² ), 124/cm ² (800/in ² ) to 787/cm ² (5000/in ² ), 248/cm ² Stretched densities in the range of (1600/in ² ) to 550/cm ² (3500/in ² ), or 248/cm ² (1600/in ² ) to 394/cm ² (2500/in ² ) are useful. could be. Again, the spacing between rail segments and rows of posts need not be uniform.

In some embodiments, the backing comprises a multilayer construction. Multilayer constructions can include 2-10, 2-5, or 2-3 layers. Multiple layers can include films, adhesives, and tie layers. Multiple layers can be bonded together using a variety of methods including coating, adhesive bonding, and extrusion lamination. In some embodiments, the backing with protruding fastening elements can be made from a multi-layered meltstream of thermoplastic material (eg, using any of the methods described above). As a result, it is possible to obtain protruding fastening elements that are at least partially formed from a different thermoplastic material than that which mainly forms the backing. Various configurations of standing posts fabricated from multilayer melt streams are shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,106,922 (Cejka et al.). In some embodiments, the thickness of the backing (including multi-layer backings) combined with the rail segment height is up to 800, 700, 650, 600, 500, 540, or 400 microns. In some embodiments, the thickness of a fastening system according to the present disclosure in which the first and second fastening members are engaged together is up to 800, 750, 700, 650, 600, 500, 540, or 400 microns is.

The bending stiffness of a fastener (e.g., on an axis parallel to the width of the fastener) is the modulus of the material(s) that make up the backing, the thickness of the layer(s) that make up the backing, Affected by the distance between structures on the backing (including rail segments and posts) and the dimension of the fastener parallel to the bending axis. In general, the materials, the thickness of the layer(s) within the fastener, and the distance between structures can be selected to provide the desired bending stiffness for the fastener. Advantageously, in many embodiments of fasteners of the present disclosure, the bending stiffness of the fastener is low enough so that the fastener does not unintentionally open when the fastener is bent. In some of these embodiments, the flexural stiffness in the closed configuration of the fastener is 100 mN/mm to 1500 mN/mm, 200 mN, as measured by the flexural stiffness test method, for example, as described in the Examples below. /mm to 1200 mN/mm, or 300 mN/mm to 1000 mN/mm.

In some embodiments, fasteners and/or fastener backings of the present disclosure include a tie layer. The tie layer may comprise an elastomeric material or other material having a lower melting point than the backing material integral with the fastening member. Examples of elastomers useful for such tie layers include elastomers such as ABA block copolymers (e.g., the A block is polystyrene-based, formed primarily of substituted (e.g., alkylated) or unsubstituted moieties, the B block are formed primarily from conjugated dienes (e.g. isoprene and 1,3-butadiene which can be hydrogenated), polyurethane elastomers, polyolefin elastomers (e.g. metallocene polyolefin elastomers), olefin block copolymers, polyamide elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetate elastomers, and polyester elastomers. Examples of useful polyolefin elastomers include ethylene propylene elastomers, ethylene octene elastomers, ethylene propylene diene elastomers, ethylene propylene octene elastomers, polybutadiene, butadiene copolymers, polybutene, or combinations thereof. Various elastomeric polymers and other polymers may be formulated to have varying degrees of elastomeric properties. For example, any of these elastomeric materials may be present in the range of 50% to 95% by weight in a blend with any of the above thermoplastic resins to form the backing integral with the fastening element. good.

Many types of elastomers are commercially available, including those sold under the tradename "STYROFLEX" from BASF (Florham Park, N.J.), "STYROFLEX" from Kraton Polymers (Houston, Tex.). KRATON" and commercially available from Dow Chemical (Midland, Mich.) under the trade names "PELLETHANE", "INFUSE", "VERSIFY", "NORDEL", and "ENGAGE". , DSM (Heerlen, Netherlands) under the trade name "ARNITEL"; I. and those available under the trade name "HYTREL" from duPont de Nemours and Company (Wilmington, Del.) and those available under the trade name "VISTAMAXX" from ExxoNMobil (Irving, Tex.).

In some embodiments, fasteners and/or fastener backings of the present disclosure include a layer of hot melt adhesive. Hot melt adhesives are typically non-tacky at room temperature, and the use of hot melts can reduce contamination on equipment during film handling and lamination. Suitable hot melt adhesives include those based on ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-acrylate copolymers, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, styrene block copolymers, polycaprolactones, and polycarbonates, various tackifying resins, Plasticizers, pigments, fillers, and stabilizers may be included. Examples of suitable hot melt adhesives include those available from 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.) under the trade designation "3M SCOTCH-WELD" hot melt adhesives (eg, products 3731B and 3764PG). .

In some embodiments, the tie layer or hot melt adhesive is heat activated in a temperature range of 90° C. to 125° C., depending on time and pressure, on a substrate such as a film used in reclosable packaging. It can be useful for making fixed bonds to materials. Referring again to Figure 9B, the tie layer or hot melt adhesive layer 3 can have any useful thickness Z5. In some embodiments, the tie layer or hot melt adhesive layer 3 has a thickness Z5 of up to 0.1 mm, 0.075 mm, 0.05 mm or 0.025 mm. Typically, the tie layer or hot melt adhesive layer 3 has a thickness of at least 0.005 mm or 0.01 mm. Useful thicknesses Z5 have thicknesses in the ranges of 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm, 0.005 mm to 0.05 mm, and 0.01 mm to 0.025 mm.

Reclosable packages with fasteners have been reported, but the fasteners are rigid and bulky, making these packages difficult to manufacture and fill with consumer goods. Additionally, fasteners utilizing hook and loop can collect particles from the stored consumer goods or the environment outside the packaging that contaminate the fastener. Such contamination can prevent the fastener from completely closing, thereby allowing a portion of the consumer product to escape from the package, or prevent the package from preserving the freshness of the consumer product. Sometimes.

In addition to the advantages of the reclosable packages and/or methods of making reclosable packages of the present disclosure, various fastener embodiments are superior to other fasteners currently available for reclosable packages. can provide one or more advantages. For example, one or more embodiments of the fasteners may be thinner than currently available fasteners, thus connecting the fasteners to the packaging film used to minimize roll loss. It is possible to form a package without impairing the stability of the roll while suppressing it to . As noted above, the thickness of the fastener in which the first and second fastening members are engaged together is up to 800, 700, 600, 500, 450 or 400 micrometers. Also, as noted above, in some embodiments the fastener includes a tie layer or hot melt adhesive that can be heat activated at relatively low temperatures (eg, 90-125° C.). In some embodiments, at least one of the thickness of the fastening system or the low temperature activation of the tie layer can provide aesthetic benefits when the fastener is attached to the package. For example, any graphics on the wrapper would impart little or no distortion to the location of the fastener. Further, the fasteners of the present disclosure provide greater flexibility than currently available fasteners to prevent unintentional opening of the fastener when the fastener is bent. Goods can be prevented from leaking out of the pouch. Additionally, one or more embodiments of the fasteners of the present disclosure can be made more stain resistant by preventing food debris such as fine particles and salt from contaminating the fasteners.

Some Embodiments of the Present Disclosure In a first embodiment, the present disclosure is a reclosable package comprising:
a front panel;
a rear panel opposite the front panel;
An upper seal area at the upper end of the reclosable package, the upper seal area extending between a first side edge and an opposite second side edge, the upper seal area , an upper sealing area that is torn to allow initial opening of the reclosable package;
A lower seal at the bottom end of the reclosable package opposite the upper seal area, the lower seal area between a first side edge and an opposite second side edge. a lower seal extending to;
A vertical seal extending on the rear panel perpendicular to and between the upper seal area and the lower seal, opposite the first side edge. a vertical seal positioned between the second side edge;
a self-fitting fastener positioned within the reclosable package adjacent the upper seal area, the self-fitting fastener comprising:
a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a first major surface having a fastening element;
an open configuration that allows access to the interior volume of the reclosable package;
a closed configuration in which the fastening elements of the first fastening member and the fastening elements of the second fastening member are engaged with each other, wherein in the closed configuration the self-engaging fastener has a thickness of up to 800 micrometers; A reclosable package having a closure configuration.

In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a backing, wherein at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member protrudes from the backing having a length, width, and thickness. A backing having an array of rail segments, each rail segment having a base portion attached to the backing and a cap portion distal from the backing, the cap portion being greater than the width of the base portion A first embodiment of the reclosable package is provided having a cap width, the cap portion overhanging the base portion on both sides, and the base portion having a length greater than the width of the base portion.

In a third embodiment, the present disclosure is a repeat of the second embodiment, wherein the ratio of the length of the base portion of the rail segment to the width of the base portion is at least 2:1, 5:1, or 10:1. A closable package is provided.

In a fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the second or third embodiments, wherein the cap portion overhangs the base portion on all sides.

In a fifth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of any one of the second through fourth embodiments, wherein the cap portion overhangs the base portion by an amount of at least 25 micrometers on each side. offer.

In a sixth embodiment, the present disclosure provides that at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member includes a row of posts projecting vertically from the backing, the row of rail segments and the row of posts and the posts each having a height equal to or less than the height of the rail segment.

In a seventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the sixth embodiment, wherein the number of posts in one of the rows of posts is greater than the number of rail segments in one of the rows of rail segments. provide the body

In an eighth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the sixth or seventh embodiments, wherein the posts each have a length different than the length of the rail segments.

In a ninth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of any one of the sixth through eighth embodiments, wherein the length of the base portion of the rail segment is longer than the length of the post.

In a tenth embodiment, the present disclosure is the reclosable rail of any one of the sixth through ninth embodiments, wherein the length of the base portion of the rail segment is at least twice or three times the length of the post. Provide packaging.

In an eleventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides a sixth post, wherein the number of posts in one of the rows of posts is at least 1.5 times or twice the number of rail segments in one of the rows of rail segments. A reclosable package of any one of embodiments 1-10 is provided.

In a twelfth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a height to width aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1 or 2:1, or a height to width aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1 or 2:1, respectively. Provided is the reclosable package of any one of the sixth through eleventh embodiments having at least one of the length aspect ratios.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of any one of the sixth through twelfth embodiments, wherein the post has a lower bending stiffness than the rail segment.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of any one of the sixth through thirteenth embodiments, wherein the height of the post is up to 95 percent of the height of the rail segment .

In a fifteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a sixth through fourteenth embodiment, wherein the post has a base attached to the backing and a distal tip, wherein the cross-sectional area of the distal tip is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the base. A reclosable package according to any one of the embodiments of .

In a sixteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a sixteenth to sixteenth embodiment, wherein the shortest distance between one of the posts and one of the base portions of the rail segments of adjacent rows is within 20 percent of the cap width. A reclosable package of any one of the fifteenth embodiments is provided.

In a seventeenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the sixth through sixteenth fasteners, wherein the fastener has at least three or at least five rows of rail segments alternating with at least three or at least five rows of posts. A reclosable package according to any one of the embodiments of .

In an eighteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member including at least one rib protruding from the backing, the rib being attached to the backing. Provide the reclosable package of any one of the second through seventeenth embodiments having a continuous base.

In a nineteenth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the rib has a distal portion distal from the backing, the distal portion being provided with a series of notches. I will provide a.

In a twentieth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the eighteenth or nineteenth embodiment, wherein the rib has a height equal to or less than the height of the rail segment.

In a twenty-first embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the twentieth embodiment, wherein the rib height is up to 95 percent of the rail segment height.

In a twenty-second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a backing, wherein at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member protrudes from the backing having a length, width, and thickness. A backing having rails, each rail having a continuous base portion attached to the backing and an engaging portion distal from the backing, the engaging portion being greater than the width of the base. 21. A reclosable package according to any one of the first to 21st embodiments, having a width and wherein the engaging portion overhangs the base portion on both sides.

In a twenty-third embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the twenty-second embodiment, wherein the engagement portion overhangs the continuous base portion by an amount of at least 25 micrometers on each side.

In a twenty-fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member including at least one rib protruding from the backing, the rib being attached to the backing. A reclosable package according to embodiment 21 or 22 is provided having one continuous base.

In a twenty-fifth embodiment, the present disclosure is a reclosable reclosable device according to the twenty-fourth embodiment, wherein the rib has a distal portion distal from the backing, the distal portion being provided with a series of notches. Provide packaging.

In a twenty-sixth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth embodiment, wherein the rib has a height equal to or less than the height of the rail segment.

In a twenty-seventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the twenty-sixth embodiment, wherein the rib height is up to 95 percent of the rail segment height.

In a twenty-eighth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of any one of the second through twenty-seventh embodiments, wherein the backing is formed without through holes.

In a twenty-ninth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a The reclosable package of any one of the first through twenty-fourth embodiments, further comprising a tie layer.

In a thirtieth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the twenty-ninth embodiment, wherein the tie layer comprises a polyolefin elastomer.

In a thirty-first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a Provided is the reclosable package of any one of the first through thirtieth embodiments, further comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive in the.

In a thirty-second embodiment, the present disclosure provides that when the first fastening member and the second fastening member are fastened, the first fastening member and the second fastening member are aligned in a direction parallel to the upper seal area. A reclosable package of any one of the first through thirty-first embodiments is provided that is slidable relative to each other.

In a thirty-third embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of any one of the first through thirty-second embodiments, wherein in the closed configuration the self-fitting fastener has a thickness of at least 200 micrometers. offer.

In a thirty-fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the first to thirty-third fastening members, wherein at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member includes an adhesive on at least a portion of its first major surface. A reclosable package according to any one of the embodiments of .

In a thirty-fifth embodiment, the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing a reclosable package, comprising:
wrapping the film around a former to provide a tube of film comprising:
The film has a first longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge, the distance between the first longitudinal edge and the opposing second longitudinal edge, and the first longitudinal edge. a row of self-engaging fastening strips in a central portion of the film that includes neither a directional edge nor a second longitudinal edge;
Each of the self-engaging fastening strips
self-engaging fastening strips extending perpendicular to the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge of the film, respectively;
a first fastening member and a second fastening member, each having a first major surface with which the fastening elements engage one another;
a length of up to 50 percent of the distance between the first longitudinal edge and the opposing second longitudinal edge;
Up to 800 micrometers thick, with the second major surface of the first fastening member attached to the film and the second major surface of the second fastening member exposed inside the tube of film a step, including a thickness;
contacting the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge;
sealing the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together to form a vertical seal;
attaching the second major surface of the second fastening member to the film over the vertical seal. do. In some of these embodiments, the step of contacting the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge includes overlapping the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge. wherein sealing comprises sealing the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge while they overlap.

In a thirty-sixth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method of the thirty-fifth embodiment, wherein the first fastening member and the second fastening member are formed from a single strip of material and folded onto themselves. do.

In a thirty-seventh embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method of the thirty-fifth embodiment, wherein the first fastening member and the second fastening member do not share a single backing.

In a thirty-eighth embodiment, the present disclosure is a method, wherein the reclosable wrapper has a width between opposed first and second side edges and is self-fitting. The fastener has a first end adjacent the first side edge and a second end adjacent the second side edge, the method comprising:
sealing the first end of the self-engaging fastener and any opening between the first end and the first side edge of the reclosable package;
sealing the second end of the self-fitting fastener and any opening between the second end and the second side edge of the reclosable package. There is provided the method of any one of the thirty-fifth through thirty-seventh embodiments, further comprising:

In a thirty-ninth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method of any one of the thirty-fifth through thirty-eighth embodiments, wherein the second major surface of the first fastening member is attached to the film using a pressure sensitive adhesive. provide a way.

In a forty-fifth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the second fastening member of the thirty-fifth to thirty-ninth embodiments, wherein the second major surface of the second fastening member comprises a tie layer for attaching the second fastening member to a film. Provide any one method.

In a forty-first embodiment, the present disclosure provides the reclosable package of the fortieth embodiment, wherein the tie layer comprises a polyolefin elastomer.

In a forty-second embodiment, the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing a reclosable package, comprising:
wrapping the film around a former to provide a tube of film comprising:
The film has a first longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge, the distance between the first longitudinal edge and the opposing second longitudinal edge, and the first longitudinal edge. a row of fastening strips extending perpendicular to the directional edge and the second longitudinal edge;
Each fastening strip is
a first major surface having fastening elements exposed inside the tube of film;
a second major surface attached to the film;
a thickness of up to 800 microns;
bringing together the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge;
sealing the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together to form a vertical seal. A method for manufacturing a reclosable package is provided. In some of these embodiments, the step of contacting the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge includes overlapping the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge. wherein sealing comprises sealing the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge while they overlap.

In a forty-second embodiment, the present disclosure further comprises forming a bottom seal perpendicular to the vertical seal to form a bottom edge of the reclosable package. A method of any one of the aspects is provided.

In a forty-third embodiment, the present disclosure provides the method of any one of the thirty-fifth to forty-second embodiments, further comprising dispensing the consumer product into the reclosable package.

In a forty-fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides a top seal perpendicular to the vertical seal with one of the self-fitting fastening strips between the top and bottom seals and closer to the top seal. As such, providing the method of any one of embodiments 35-43, further comprising forming within a reclosable package.

In order that this disclosure may be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure in any way.

T-Peel Test Method The force to release self-engaging fastener value can be determined using ASTM D1876 (notation D1876-08 (2015) e1). Generally, the standard T-peel test as defined by ASTM D1876 is performed on representative samples in both the machine and cross-web directions at a stretch rate of 12 inches/minute (30.5 cm/minute) and the closure can be utilized to determine whether is in an open or closed configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the cross-web direction is parallel to the vertical seams 138 of the bag 100 and the machine direction is orthogonal to the vertical seams 138 .

T-peel was measured using strips 14 inches (35.6 cm) long in the machine direction and having the widths described below. Each strip was folded in half and self-fitting to obtain the specimen. A calibrated 11.5 lb (5.22 kg) stainless steel roller was used to roll the specimen. The roller was made one full stroke over each side of the specimen. The ends of the specimen were peeled open and 1 inch (2.54 cm) was separated at each end. The separated section was bent perpendicular to the plane of the specimen to fit within the grips of the Instron machine. The specimen was peeled open over a distance of 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) at a crosshead speed of 12 inches/minute (30.5 cm/minute). Three replicates were used per specimen.

Closing Force Test Method The force required to close the fastener was measured by pulling the opening strip of the closure device through the set gap at a rate of 12 inches/minute (30.5 cm/minute). . Both sides of the gap consisted of radial strips of PTFE to minimize friction while maintaining the gap. A multidirectional load cell is utilized to measure forces normal and tangential to the closure device. The average kinematic peel force is obtained by averaging the 1 inch (2.54 cm) force after the start of closure and the 1 inch (2.54 cm) force before the end of closure. This measurement is repeated a total of three times and then averaged.

Using the Closure Force Test Method, the tactile response to the fastener can be obtained by calculating the average amplitude between the first 50 peaks and the first 50 troughs of the kinetic peel force curve.

Flexural Stiffness Test Method ASTM D790 (2003) is used to measure the flexural stiffness of specimens. A universal testing machine with a 3-point bending fixture is used. The test specimen was closed, flattened and placed in a 3-point bending fixture. The gap between the bottom two points is set to 12 mm and the force to displace the sample by the set distance is measured. The upper compression point diameter was 4 mm and the support diameter was 5 mm. The upper compression point is advanced at a linear speed of 12 inches/minute (30.5 cm/minute). Bending stiffness is derived from the first principal slope of the force vs. displacement curve before the fastening elements slide and begin to slide past each other resulting in the second principal slope.

Airtightness Measurement A 5 inch by 5 inch (12.7 cm by 12.7 cm) bag was made and a 5 inch long fastener strip was adhered to the packaging film with double sided tape. The width of the fastening strip was 9 mm. The edges of the fastening strip were heat-sealed closed to the packaging film to prevent air leakage. Clips were used on the outside of the fastening strips to ensure that the compressed air pressure inside the bag did not open the closure and to ensure airflow through the fastening strips was recorded. A small amount of compressed air was introduced into the bottom of the bottom sealed bag. Higher air pressure means better airtightness of the bag. Three data points were collected for each example and averaged.

In Examples 1-4 and Examples 6-9, tool rolls were made using laser cut or EDM wire cut rings at the desired mold cavity shape and depth, and the moldings were: It becomes a replica of the mold cavity when removed from the mold after cooling and solidifying. A combination of spacer rings having a thickness of 0.015 inches (0.381 mm) and molded rings having a thickness of 0.005 inches (0.127 mm), each made of stainless steel 304, was used. . Molded rings included rings formed with cavities and/or rings with cavities having smaller diameters and having protrusions. The vertical surfaces of the molding ring and spacer ring had a suitable surface roughness (typically 100-150 ra) to allow air to escape when the mold was filled with molten polymer.

For each of Examples 1-4 and Examples 6-9, a combination of spacer rings and molding rings selected to provide the desired array in the molding was stacked on an aluminum mandrel and end-loaded. Compressed with a cap. The size and shape of the cavities, depressions, and protrusions created from the ring combination are reflected in the molded part dimensions reported in the table below. The inner diameter ID of the ring was within +/- 0.002 inches (0.05 mm) of the mandrel diameter at room temperature. The mandrel was a hydraulic vessel that could be heated and cooled with water. The mandrel was cooled to 40°F (4.44°C) for loading the rings.

Example 1
Dow Chemical USA, Inc., using a twin-screw 40 mm extruder. A food grade MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) obtained under the trade name "Dowlex 2027G" was extruded. Using a 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) single screw extruder, 70% by weight of "VISTAMAXX3980FL" high performance polymer and 30 obtained from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, Mich.) under the trade designation "DOW LDPE722" The combination with weight percent low density polyethylene was extruded. Both feed streams were supplied by Cloeren Inc. (Orange Tex) into a die manifold on a flat sheet die. The molten polymer is extruded as a sheet from a flat sheet die at nominally 220° C. into a rolling cast extrusion take-up nip with rubber rolls and tool rolls, a layer containing 100 wt % food grade MDPE being 70 wt % to the tool rolls. % of "VISTAMAXX3980FL" high performance polymer was pressed against a rubber roll. A rubber roll forced the molten polymer into a tool roll with a nominal surface temperature of 50°C to 75°C. The molten polymer solidified on the roll and the structured film was removed from the forming roll after 180 degree wrapping from the nip point of the rubber roll as described by U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,922 (Cejka). . The tool roll has a combination of cavities for providing rail segments and cavities for providing posts having different heights, the cavities providing rail segments being larger than the cavities providing posts. was getting deeper.

The rail segments were capped by the method described in US Pat. No. 5,868,987 (Kampfer) to produce caps with peaks and valleys. The web was slit into strips with a width of 13 mm. When tested manually by folding the strip onto itself, the fastener was easy to close and had good resistance to peel opening. The dimensions of the fastener are shown in Table 1 below.

Example 2
The web made in Example 1 was further subjected to the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,660 (Kampher) to deform the cap and rotate a portion of the cap downward toward the backing. . Part of the web was slit into 13 mm wide strips and part of the web was slit into 9 mm wide strips. As shown in FIG. 10C, a 13 mm strip of self-engaging fastener had a thickness of less than 30 mils (762 micrometers) when folded back on itself. When tested manually, the fasteners were easy to close and had sufficient peel-open resistance to hold the contents within the bag without leakage.

The layer on the smooth surface is heated using hot impingement air at 200° C. as described in US Pat. Nos. 9,126,224 (Biegler) and 8,956,496 (Biegler). It was activated and bonded to a 5-layer printed polyolefin packaging film without affecting print quality and with minimal visible film distortion. Hot impinging air was directed both at the layer on the smooth side of the fastener and at one side of the polyolefin packaging film. The bond strength between the fastener and the packaging film was considered adequate as cohesive failure of the layers of the packaging film was observed when fastener removal was performed manually.

Fifteen 13 mm strips were sampled from different zones of the web. These specimens were evaluated according to the T-peel test method described above. A T-peel test was performed in the machine direction (MD) of the specimen. For fifteen 13mm samples, the average maximum load was 0.424N with a standard deviation of 0.055N and the median average load was 0.302N with a standard deviation of 0.052N.

Example 3
Example 3 was prepared as described in Example 1, with the modification that 100% food grade medium density polyethylene obtained from The Dow Chemical Company under the trade designation "DOWLEX 2027G MDPE" was purchased from Total under the trade designations 3571 and 10% was replaced with 90% polypropylene obtained as "VISTAMAXX3980FL" high performance polymer. A cap roll with a smooth surface was used to produce a smooth cap instead of a cap with peaks and valleys. The cap had an appearance as shown in Figure 9A. The self-fitting closure was also bonded to the printed polyolefin packaging film as described in Example 2, with no damage or wrinkles to the oriented printed packaging film. Cohesive failure of the layers of the packaging film was observed upon removal of the adhered fastener from the packaging film and the bond strength between the fastener and the packaging film was considered adequate.

Example 4
Prior to bonding to the packaging film, the web made in Example 3 was further subjected to the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,660 (Kampfer) to deform the caps and partially attach the caps to the backing. rotated downwards. The resulting self-fitting fastener had the appearance shown in Figures 10A-10C, with the dimensions listed in Table 1 below. A portion of the web was slit into 13 mm wide strips and a portion of the web was slit into 9 mm wide strips. As shown in FIG. 10C, a 13 mm strip of self-engaging fastener had a thickness of less than 30 mils (762 micrometers) when folded over on itself.

Six 13 mm strips were sampled transversely from three different zones of the web, one towards each edge of the web and one towards the center of the web. Two strips were sampled from each zone. Similarly, 18 9 mm strips were sampled from 3 zones, 6 per zone. Each of these specimens was evaluated using the Closure Force Test Method described above. The maximum and minimum kinetic peel forces for closure at 12 inches/minute from the specimen set were 2.37 N and 0.6 N, respectively, and the maximum and minimum average kinetic peak amplitudes were 0.84 N and 0.39 N, respectively. When the data were normalized to the two different widths, the maximum and minimum kinetic peel forces to close at 12 inches/min from the specimen set were 2.1 N and 0.69 N, respectively, and the maximum and minimum average kinetic peak amplitudes were 0.93N and 0.006N, respectively.

Six 13 mm strips and eighteen 9 mm strips were sampled from three different zones of the web as described above. Each of these specimens was evaluated using the Flexural Stiffness Test Method described above. For these specimens, the bending stiffness ranged from 221.7 mN/mm to 1149.3 mN/mm with a mean of 601.0 mN/mm and a standard deviation of 221.7 mN/mm. The reported bending stiffness was the slope of the first section of the force versus displacement curve from 3-point flexion before the rail segments began to slide relative to each other. No specimens that open during 3-point bending were observed.

Fifteen 13 mm strips were sampled from different zones of the web. These specimens were evaluated according to the T-peel test method described above. A T-peel test was performed in the machine direction (MD) of the specimen. For fifteen 13mm samples, the average maximum load was 0.511N with a standard deviation of 0.072N and the median average load was 0.339N with a standard deviation of 0.056N.

Sixteen 9 mm strips were sampled from different zones of the web. These specimens were evaluated according to the T-peel test method described above. A T-peel test was performed in the machine direction (MD) of the specimen. For the 18 9mm samples, the average maximum load was 0.562N with a standard deviation of 0.062N and the median average load was 0.351N with a standard deviation of 0.049N.

Example 5
To assess whether a fastener design can assume more than one fastened and unfastened configuration without compromising fastener functionality, a finite element model (FEM) was created to characterize system deformations. The effects on the development of plastic strain were captured. A fastener was modeled with rail segments and posts as shown in FIG. 9A. The commercial code Abaqus 2017 from Simulia was utilized to simplify the modeling task. Standard analytical methods were used to capture deformation results at steady state without considering inertial effects. Two representative fastener units were placed in the unfastened configuration and then displaced towards each other until full engagement occurred. A definition of frictionless contact has been established at the physical interface of two fastener units. The definition of an elastoplastic material used a Young's modulus of 21,755 psi, a Poisson's ratio of 0.33, a plastic yield strain of 10.6%, a yield stress of 2320 psi, an ultimate strain of 50%, and an ultimate stress of 2900 psi. Strain results at nodes distributed throughout the deformable mesh were monitored for transitions to plastic strain (irreversible deformation). The fastening system configuration at maximum deformation had an 11.19% strain. The fastening system configuration in the final fastened state had a maximum residual strain of 0.69%.

Illustrative Example A
A FEM was generated using the definitions in Example 5. Similar fastening features were used in this model as the capped rail-capped rail system construct. A nominal strain condition in the final fastening configuration can result in a permanent plastic deformation of 20.15%, reducing the useful life of the fastener.

Example 6: Fastener as shown in FIG. The blend was extruded with 10% by weight of "VISTAMAXX3980FL" high performance polymer obtained from Tex. A second 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) single screw extruder was used to extrude 100% VISTAMAXX3980FL high performance polymer. Both polymer streams were supplied by Cloeren Inc. (Orange Tex) into the A/B die manifold on top of a Cloeren flat sheet die. The molten polymer is extruded at nominally 220° C. into a rolling cast extrusion take-up nip with rubber rolls and tool rolls such that a layer comprising a blend of Total 3571/"VISTAMAXX 3980FL" high performance polymers is 100%"VISTAMAXX3980FL" high performance polymer was pressed against a rubber roll. The pressure in the nip was 100 pounds per linear inch (pli) (571 N/mm). Rubber pressed the molten polymer blend into a tool roll with a nominal surface temperature of 50°C to 75°C. The molten polymer solidified on the roll and the structured film was removed from the forming roll after 180 degree wrapping from the rubber roll as described by US Pat. No. 6,106,922 (Cejka). A layer of 100% "VISTAMAXX3980FL" had a thickness of 10 micrometers after contact with the rubber roll. The tool roll had a combination of deeper cavities providing discontinuous rail segments and cavities providing shorter continuous rail segments. The cavities that provide continuous rail segments have protrusions to improve continuous rail polymer filling at low nip pressures. The sample was weighed and measured nominally 165 grams per square meter (gsm).

The rail segments were capped by the method described in US Pat. No. 5,868,987 (Kampfer) to produce caps with peaks and valleys. The web was slit into strips with a width of 9 mm. When tested manually by folding the strip onto itself, the fastener was easy to close and had good resistance to peel opening. The thickness of this closed configuration was measured at 723.9 microns. After capping the taller rail, the fastener was adhered to the multi-layer polyolefin packaging film using a hot press at 250°F (121°C). The bond strength between the fastener and the packaging film was considered adequate as cohesive failure of the layers of the packaging film was observed when fastener removal was performed manually. The fastener dimensions are shown in Table 2 below.

Example 7: Fasteners as shown in Figure 13 Using the tool rolls described above, tall and short repeating continuous rib structures were made. Protrusions in the ribbed grooves were used to improve continuous rail polymer filling at low nip pressures. Example 7 was made using the same materials and methods as Example 6. A sample was weighed and measured to be 190 gsm. The thickness of the fastener when folded back on itself to engage the capped rail was measured to be 731 microns. The fastener dimensions are shown in Table 2 below.

Example 8: Fasteners as shown in FIG. 10A As noted above, the tool roll has a combination of cavities for providing rail segments and cavities for providing posts having different heights. , the cavities providing the rail segments were deeper than the cavities providing the posts. Example 8 was made using the same materials and methods as Example 6. The thickness of the fastener when folded onto itself to engage the rail segment was measured to be 636 microns. The fastener dimensions are shown in Table 2 below.

Example 9: Fasteners as shown in Figure 12 A tool roll surface was made with cavities to provide discontinuous rail segments, posts, and sections with continuous ribs with notches. Example 9 was conducted using the materials and methods of Example 6. The straight continuous ribs shown in FIG. 12 were not capped by design because they were shorter than the rail segments before capping.

Examples 6-8 were evaluated using the airtightness measurement method described above. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure can be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and the present invention is beyond the exemplary embodiments described herein. It should be understood that it is not limited to All patents and patent applications cited above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims (15)

A reclosable package comprising:
a front panel;
a rear panel opposite the front panel;
an upper seal area at the upper end of said reclosable package, said upper seal area extending between a first side edge and an opposite second side edge; is broken to allow initial opening of the reclosable package; and
a lower seal at the bottom end of the reclosable package opposite the upper seal area, the lower seal area being defined by the first side edge and the opposite second side edge; a lower seal extending between the portion;
a vertical seal extending on the rear panel perpendicular to the upper seal area and the lower seal and between the upper seal area and the lower seal; a vertical seal located between an edge and said opposite second side edge;
a self-fitting fastener positioned within the reclosable package and adjacent the upper seal area;
wherein the self-fitting fastener comprises:
a first fastening member and a second fastening member each having a first major surface having a fastening element;
an open configuration that allows access to the interior volume of the reclosable package;
a closed configuration in which the fastening element of the first fastening member and the fastening element of the second fastening member are engaged together, wherein the self-engaging fastener is up to 800 micrometers in the closed configuration; a closure configuration having a thickness of
A reclosable package having a At least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member is a backing having a length, a width and a thickness, the backing having rows of rail segments projecting from the backing. each of said rail segments having a base portion attached to said backing and a cap portion distal from said backing, said cap portions having a cap width greater than the width of said base portion; 2. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein said cap portion overhangs said base portion on both sides, said base portion having a length greater than the width of said base portion. said at least one of said first fastening member or said second fastening member includes rows of posts projecting vertically from said backing, said rows of rail segments alternating with rows of said posts; 3. The reclosable package of claim 2, wherein each post has a height equal to or less than the height of the rail segment and a length different than the length of the rail segment. The at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member includes at least one rib projecting from the backing between one row of the rail segments and an adjacent row of posts. 4. A reclosable package according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said rib has at least one continuous base attached to said backing. at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member comprising a backing having a length, a width and a thickness, the backing having a rail projecting from the backing; Each of the rails has a continuous base portion attached to the backing and an engaging portion distal from the backing, the engaging portion having a width greater than the width of the base portion. 5. A reclosable package according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said engagement portion overhangs said base portion on both sides. A reclosable package according to any preceding claim, wherein in the closed configuration the self-fitting fastener has a thickness of at least 200 micrometers. When the first fastening member and the second fastening member are fastened, the first fastening member and the second fastening member slide relative to each other in a direction parallel to the upper seal area. A reclosable package according to any one of claims 1 to 6, capable of The reuse device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein at least one of the first fastening member or the second fastening member comprises an adhesive on at least a portion of its first major surface. A closable package. A method of manufacturing a reclosable package, comprising:
wrapping the film around a former to provide a tube of film, the film having a first longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge; and said opposite second longitudinal edge, and a self-engaging fastening strip at a central portion of said film that does not include said first longitudinal edge nor said second longitudinal edge. each of said self-engaging fastening strips extending perpendicular to said first longitudinal edge and said second longitudinal edge of said film; each of the fastening strips
a first fastening member and a second fastening member, each having a first major surface with which the fastening elements engage one another;
a length of up to 50 percent of the distance between said first longitudinal edge and said opposite second longitudinal edge;
a thickness of up to 800 micrometers, the second major surface of the first fastening member being attached to the film, and the second major surface of the second fastening member being inside the tube of the film; a step including a thickness exposed to
contacting the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge;
sealing the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together to form a vertical seal;
attaching the second major surface of the second fastening member to the film over the vertical seal. Production method. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first fastening member and the second fastening member are formed from a single strip of material and folded onto themselves. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first fastening member and the second fastening member do not share a single backing. said reclosable package having a width between opposed first and second side edges;
The self-engaging fastener has a first end adjacent the first side edge and a second end adjacent the second side edge, the method comprising:
sealing the first end of the self-fitting fastener and any opening between the first end and the first side edge of the reclosable package. and
sealing the second end of the self-fitting fastener and any opening between the second end and the second side edge of the reclosable package. The method of any one of claims 9-11, further comprising the step of: A method of manufacturing a reclosable package, comprising:
wrapping the film around a former to provide a tube of film, the film having a first longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge; and said opposite second longitudinal edge; and rows of fastening strips extending perpendicular to said first longitudinal edge and said second longitudinal edge. , said fastening strips respectively
a first major surface having fastening elements exposed inside the tube of film;
a second major surface attached to the film;
a first end near the first longitudinal edge and a second end near the second longitudinal edge;
a thickness of up to 800 microns;
aligning the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge;
sealing the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together to form a vertical seal. A method of manufacturing a closable package. 14. The method of any one of claims 9-13, further comprising forming a lower seal perpendicular to the vertical seal to form a bottom edge of the reclosable package. reclosing the top seal perpendicular to the vertical seal such that one of the self-engaging fastening strips is between the top seal and the bottom seal and closer to the top seal; 15. The method of any one of claims 9-14, further comprising the step of forming within a flexible package.

Images