US20040079052A1 - Method of manufacturing tamper evident package - Google Patents
Method of manufacturing tamper evident package Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040079052A1 US20040079052A1 US10/278,461 US27846102A US2004079052A1 US 20040079052 A1 US20040079052 A1 US 20040079052A1 US 27846102 A US27846102 A US 27846102A US 2004079052 A1 US2004079052 A1 US 2004079052A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- package
- header section
- closure
- assembly
- closure mechanism
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
- B65D33/2516—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor comprising tamper-indicating means, e.g. located within the fastener
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
- B31B70/00—Making flexible containers, e.g. envelopes or bags
- B31B70/74—Auxiliary operations
- B31B70/81—Forming or attaching accessories, e.g. opening devices, closures or tear strings
- B31B70/813—Applying closures
- B31B70/8131—Making bags having interengaging closure elements
- B31B70/8132—Applying the closure elements in the machine direction
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a method of making polymer packages, for example, plastic bags.
- the present invention relates to a method of making a resealable bag having a tamper-evident structure.
- resealable containers to store various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store and ship food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storage container for the unused portion of the products in the package is thus avoided. As such, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products.
- Resealable packages typically utilize a closure mechanism that is positioned along the mouth of the package.
- the closure mechanism often comprises profile elements or closure profiles that engage one another when pressed together.
- Resealable packages also often use a tamper-evident structure to allow consumers to determine if the package has previously been opened.
- these structures are attached above the closure mechanism, or are attached on the outside of the package. In those cases, it is necessary to fill the package prior to attaching or engaging the tamper-evident structure, or it is necessary to fill the package from the bottom.
- the former method is inconvenient, as the package must be moved to a station to attach the structure while the package is full of product.
- the packages that are made using this method are also susceptible to having product contaminate the closure mechanism as the package is filled through the top.
- a method of making a resealable package comprises providing an assembly.
- the assembly comprises a header section, a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock.
- the method further comprises providing a package comprising first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region.
- the method comprises attaching the assembly to the package such that the header section is attached to the closure mechanism at a point between the closure profiles and the bottom of the package.
- a header and closure mechanism assembly for use in a resealable package.
- the assembly consists of a header section comprising two sides joined together defining first and second mouths, the first and second mouths being in fluid communication with each other; and a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles, the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable package in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an elevated, side view of the resealable package of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the resealable package of FIG. 1, taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable package in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an elevated, side view of a consumer opening the resealable package of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 6 is an elevated, side view of the resealable package of FIG. 4 after it has been opened.
- FIG. 7 is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 a is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 b is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 a is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 b is an bottom view of the component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism illustrated in FIG. 10 a.
- FIG. 11 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is an elevated, perspective view of a header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed, resealable package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is an elevated, perspective view of a flexible, resealable package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 a is a largely schematic view of a portion of a process for constructing a flexible, resealable package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 b is a largely schematic view of the remainder of the process for constructing a flexible, resealable package partially illustrated in FIG. 18 a.
- FIGS. 1 - 3 illustrate an example of a resealable, flexible package 10 having a closure mechanism 20 with first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 and a slider device 30 to open and close the profiles 33 , 35 .
- the flexible package 10 includes first and second opposed panel sections 12 , 14 made from a flexible, polymeric film.
- the first and second panel sections 12 , 14 are heat-sealed together along two edges 13 , 17 and meet at a fold line in order to form a three-edged containment section for a product within the interior of the package 10 .
- the fold line comprises the bottom edge 15 .
- two separate panel sections 12 , 14 of polymeric film may be used and heat-sealed together along the two edges 13 , 17 and at the bottom 15 .
- the flexible package 10 also includes a closure mechanism 20 made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the closure mechanism 20 includes first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 .
- the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 may be of any appropriate design known in the art.
- Example closure profiles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,983,466, 5,947,603, and 6,217,215.
- a slider device 30 is mounted on the closure mechanism 20 to facilitate the opening and closing of the closure mechanism 20 .
- Slider devices and how the function to open and close such mechanisms, in general, are taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,063,644, 5,301,394, 5,442,837 and 5,664,229, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- a preferred slider device is taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,293,701 and D434,345 which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
- Two portions of the closure mechanism 20 act as slider stop areas. These slider stop areas are preferably crushed, such as by ultrasonic crushing, shown as crush areas 23 , 27 in FIG. 2.
- the slider stop areas or crush areas 23 , 27 securely seal the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 together to minimize the chance of the slider device 30 sliding off the side edges 13 , 17 of the package 10 .
- the slider stop areas or crush areas 23 , 27 further minimize the tendency for slider device 30 to abut against either of the first side edge 13 or the second side edge 17 , and may in fact entirely preclude contact between the slider device 30 and either side edge 13 , 17 .
- a notch 21 (shown in FIG. 1) is preferably disposed within the closure mechanism 20 .
- the notch 21 is designed to provide a “park place” into which the slider 30 settles when the closure mechanism 20 is sealed.
- the notch 21 decreases the chances an incomplete interlock between the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 . Examples of notches are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,067,208 and 5,301,395, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- the flexible package 10 also preferably includes a tamper-evident header section 40 that is attached to the closure mechanism 20 at the seal 41 .
- the header section 40 comprises two sides 45 , 47 (shown most clearly in FIG. 3) sealed together along the two edges 46 , 48 .
- the two sides 45 , 47 define first and second mouths 42 , 44 (shown in FIG. 3). Access to the interior 11 of the flexible package 10 can be gained through the first and second mouths 42 , 44 .
- the header section 40 includes a preferential area of weakness 38 that extends along a portion of the header section 40 .
- the preferential area of weakness 38 is included to facilitate removal of the header section 40 from the package 10 .
- the header section 40 may also include a notch 39 (shown in FIG. 2) at one or both of the intersections of the preferential area of weakness 38 and the sides 45 , 47 .
- the notch 39 acts as a “starter” for removing the header section 40 from the package 10 by tearing the header 40 at the preferential area of weakness 38 .
- the header section 40 is preferably attached to the closure mechanism 20 at a point 41 where, when the closure mechanism 20 is attached to the side panels 12 , 14 , the point 41 is between the closure profiles 33 , 35 and the bottom 15 of the package 10 .
- the header section 40 extends from the attachment point 41 and between the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 .
- the header section 40 extends well past the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 . In this way, when package 10 is filled with a product through the mouth 42 of the header section 40 the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 are protected from contamination by the product.
- the mouth 42 of the header section 40 is sealed, as illustrated in FIG. 4. This creates a tamper-evident seal 44 along the length of the header section 40 .
- the consumer simply removes the header section 40 , as illustrated in FIG. 5.
- the header section 40 may be removed by tearing, starting at the notch 39 , along the preferential area of weakness 38 .
- the closure mechanism 20 may be sealed (or re-sealed) by sliding the slider 30 along the length of the package 10 , as shown in FIG. 6.
- FIGS. 7 - 17 illustrate a method of manufacturing the package 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 shows the first and second header sides 45 , 47 joined together at the header bottom, 43 .
- the first and second header sides 45 , 47 may be provided as separate sheets that are sealed together at the bottom 43 .
- the first and second header sides 45 , 47 are formed by providing a single sheet of material that is then folded in half at the bottom 43 .
- the preferential area of weakness, 38 is formed on the header sides 45 , 47 , as shown in FIG. 8.
- the preferential area of weakness 38 is provided by scoring the header sides 45 , 47 , in a manner that is known in the art.
- the header sides 45 , 47 may be scored individually, but are preferably scored simultaneously. Alternatively, a single sheet of material may be provided that is pre-scored prior to folding the sheet.
- the header sides 45 , 47 are sealed together at the seals 48 a , 46 a .
- the seals 48 a , 46 a are preferably formed by heat sealing or by other means such as compression, ultrasonic welding, vibration welding or adhesives.
- the seals 48 a , 46 a eventually comprise the header edges 48 , 46 , as shown in FIG. 1.
- the seals 48 a , 46 a are L-shaped, with the bottom edge of the seal aligned with the preferential area of weakness 38 . This allows for the starter notch 39 to be formed in later steps at the corner of the L (as shown in FIG. 10).
- the seals 48 a , 46 a in this embodiment are L-shaped, the seals may also be C-shaped, or any other appropriate shape known in the art. It is noted that sealing the header sides 45 , 47 together defines the header mouth 42 . Mouth 44 is created by eliminating a portion of the bottom 43 , as illustrated in FIG. 9 a . The portion that is eliminated creates the mouth 44 , that is in fluid communication with the mouth 42 , as illustrated in FIG. 10 b . The portion eliminated to create the mouth 44 may be removed by any appropriate means known in the art, for example, by punching out or cutting out the desired portion. The formation of the seals 48 a , 46 a results in the formation of a header section 40 having a mouth 44 that is smaller relative to the mouth 42 .
- the sections 48 b , 46 b inside of the L-shaped seals 48 a , 46 a are removed, as illustrated in FIG. 10 a .
- the sections 48 b , 46 b may be removed by any suitable means known in the art.
- sections 48 b , 46 b are removed by use of a punch-out apparatus.
- the header section is notched at the corners of the L-shaped seals 48 a , 46 a .
- the notches 39 a , 39 b are aligned with the preferential area of weakness 38 .
- the notches 39 a , 39 b may preferably act as starters for removing the header section 40 at the preferential area of weakness 38 when it is desirable to open the package 10 for the first time.
- the header section may contain no notches, one of the notches 39 a , 39 b or both of the notches 39 a , 39 b.
- the header section 40 is placed between the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 as illustrated if FIG. 11. If the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 are provided in an engaged state, they must first be separated. Once they are separated, the header section 40 is placed between the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 .
- the header section 40 is positioned such that the preferential area of weakness 38 is disposed beneath the interlocking closure members (as shown in FIG. 3). By “beneath” it is meant that the preferential area of weakness is placed in a position that will be between the interlocking closure members and the bottom 15 of the package 10 , once the closure mechanism 20 is attached to the side panels 12 , 14 of the package 10 .
- the header section 40 When the header section 40 is properly positioned between the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 , it is attached to the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 , as illustrated in FIG. 12. Preferably, the header section 40 is attached to the first and second closure profiles 33 , 35 by heat sealing.
- the slider 30 is placed on the closure mechanism 20 .
- the slider 30 may be placed on the closure mechanism 20 by several means, examples of which are discussed below.
- closure mechanism 20 is also notched, to provide the notch 21 as a “resting place” for the slider 30 when the slider 30 is moved into the fully closed positioned.
- Spot seals 23 , 27 may also be provided on the ends of the closure mechanism 20 . The spot seals 23 , 27 are provided to help prevent the slider 30 from sliding off of the closure mechanism 20 and to halt the travel of the slider 30 . This completes the construction of assembly 70 .
- FIGS. 16 - 17 illustrate the steps of positioning the assembly between the side panels 12 , 14 of the package 10 , and attaching the side panels 12 , 14 of the package 10 to the assembly 70 . Once the assembly 70 is attached to the side panels 12 , 14 of the package 10 , the side panels 12 , 14 are sealed together at edges 13 , 17 to complete construction of the package 10 .
- the mouth 42 is opened and product is dispensed through mouth 42 , through the mouth 44 , and into the interior 11 of the package 10 .
- the header section because it is joined to the closure mechanism 20 beneath the interlocking closure members and passes between those interlocking closure members, protects the interlocking closure members from the possibility of contamination by product as the package 10 is being filled.
- the mouth 42 of the header section 40 is then sealed to form a tamper-evident structure.
- FIGS. 18 a and 18 b illustrate one embodiment of a continuous process for producing the resealable package 10 of the present invention.
- the process starts with a spool 100 of pre-folded header material.
- the material is unrolled from spool 100 and fed past score line applicator 102 which applies the preferential area of weakness 38 .
- the spool 100 of pre-folded header material my have been pre-scored.
- the header material continues in-line to sealing station 104 , where the L-shaped seals 48 a , 46 a are formed, for example, by heat sealing.
- the material inside the L is punched out at punching station 106 .
- the header material then passes over the spool 108 of closure profiles 33 , 35 .
- the header material is inserted between the closure profiles 33 , 35 , as described above.
- the header material and closure profiles 33 , 35 pass through the slider application station 110 .
- the slider application station 110 applies the slider 30 to the closure mechanism 20 through the use of a vibratory feeder, applies the stop seals 23 , 27 , and punches the notch 21 in the closure profiles 33 , 35 as described in U.S.
- header assembly 70 passes to a typical horizontal form fill and seal machine, as shown in FIG. 18 b .
- the material comprising the side panels 12 , 14 of resealable package 10 is provided on roll 150 .
- the material is unwound and passes over folding board 145 to form the two side panels 12 , 14 .
- the side panels 12 , 14 are then heat sealed to the closure profiles 33 , 35 .
- the header assembly 70 travels over the upper edge of the film after it travels over the folding board 145 instead of passing through the slot 146 in the folding board 145 , thus being positioned between the side panels 12 , 14 .
- Other embodiments may include utilizing a tube or guide mechanism to position the header assembly 70 between the side panels 12 , 14 .
- the continuous line of packages continues to sealing bars 112 that seal the sides 13 , 17 of the package 10 .
- the packages then pass under hopper 114 that contains the product to be placed in package 10 .
- product passes through the mouth 42 and the mouth 44 of the header section 40 and into the interior 11 of the package 10 .
- the mouth 42 is then sealed by sealing bars 116 to form the tamper-evident structure.
- the continuous line of packages is separated into individual packages by cutting knife 118 .
- header assembly 70 may be incorporated into other package manufacturing processes known in the art, such as a horizontal-form vertical-fill-seal method, a pre-made pouch method, and a fill seal method.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
Abstract
A method of making a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing an assembly that has a header section and a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock. The method further includes providing a package comprising first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region. Finally, the method comprises attaching the assembly to the package such that the header section is attached to the closure mechanism at a point between the closure profiles and the bottom of the package.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a method of making polymer packages, for example, plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of making a resealable bag having a tamper-evident structure.
- Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store and ship food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storage container for the unused portion of the products in the package is thus avoided. As such, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products.
- Resealable packages typically utilize a closure mechanism that is positioned along the mouth of the package. The closure mechanism often comprises profile elements or closure profiles that engage one another when pressed together. Resealable packages also often use a tamper-evident structure to allow consumers to determine if the package has previously been opened. Typically, these structures are attached above the closure mechanism, or are attached on the outside of the package. In those cases, it is necessary to fill the package prior to attaching or engaging the tamper-evident structure, or it is necessary to fill the package from the bottom. The former method is inconvenient, as the package must be moved to a station to attach the structure while the package is full of product. The packages that are made using this method are also susceptible to having product contaminate the closure mechanism as the package is filled through the top.
- It is therefore desirable to attach the tamper-evident structure on the inside of the package, so the structure can be attached prior to filling the package and to protect the closure mechanism from contamination upon filling the package with product.
- In an embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing an assembly. The assembly comprises a header section, a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock. The method further comprises providing a package comprising first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region. Finally, the method comprises attaching the assembly to the package such that the header section is attached to the closure mechanism at a point between the closure profiles and the bottom of the package.
- In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a header and closure mechanism assembly for use in a resealable package is provided. The assembly consists of a header section comprising two sides joined together defining first and second mouths, the first and second mouths being in fluid communication with each other; and a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles, the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock.
- The various features and benefits of the present invention are apparent in light of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable package in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an elevated, side view of the resealable package of FIG. 1.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the resealable package of FIG. 1, taken along line3-3 of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable package in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an elevated, side view of a consumer opening the resealable package of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 6 is an elevated, side view of the resealable package of FIG. 4 after it has been opened.
- FIG. 7 is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9a is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9b is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10a is an elevated, perspective view of a component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10b is an bottom view of the component used in constructing the header section and closure mechanism illustrated in FIG. 10a.
- FIG. 11 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is an elevated, perspective view of a header section and closure mechanism assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is an elevated, perspective view of a partially constructed, resealable package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is an elevated, perspective view of a flexible, resealable package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18a is a largely schematic view of a portion of a process for constructing a flexible, resealable package in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18b is a largely schematic view of the remainder of the process for constructing a flexible, resealable package partially illustrated in FIG. 18a.
- FIGS.1-3 illustrate an example of a resealable,
flexible package 10 having aclosure mechanism 20 with first andsecond closure profiles slider device 30 to open and close theprofiles - The
flexible package 10 includes first and second opposedpanel sections second panel sections edges package 10. The fold line comprises thebottom edge 15. Alternatively, twoseparate panel sections edges bottom 15. - As illustrated in FIGS.1-3, the
flexible package 10 also includes aclosure mechanism 20 made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Theclosure mechanism 20 includes first andsecond closure profiles second closure profiles - A
slider device 30 is mounted on theclosure mechanism 20 to facilitate the opening and closing of theclosure mechanism 20. Slider devices and how the function to open and close such mechanisms, in general, are taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,063,644, 5,301,394, 5,442,837 and 5,664,229, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. A preferred slider device is taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,293,701 and D434,345 which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. - Two portions of the
closure mechanism 20, one close to thefirst side edge 13 and another close to thesecond side edge 17, act as slider stop areas. These slider stop areas are preferably crushed, such as by ultrasonic crushing, shown ascrush areas areas slider device 30 sliding off the side edges 13, 17 of thepackage 10. The slider stop areas or crushareas slider device 30 to abut against either of thefirst side edge 13 or thesecond side edge 17, and may in fact entirely preclude contact between theslider device 30 and eitherside edge - A notch21 (shown in FIG. 1) is preferably disposed within the
closure mechanism 20. Thenotch 21 is designed to provide a “park place” into which theslider 30 settles when theclosure mechanism 20 is sealed. Thenotch 21 decreases the chances an incomplete interlock between the first and second closure profiles 33, 35. Examples of notches are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,067,208 and 5,301,395, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. - The
flexible package 10 also preferably includes a tamper-evident header section 40 that is attached to theclosure mechanism 20 at theseal 41. Theheader section 40 comprises twosides 45, 47 (shown most clearly in FIG. 3) sealed together along the twoedges sides second mouths 42, 44 (shown in FIG. 3). Access to the interior 11 of theflexible package 10 can be gained through the first andsecond mouths - The
header section 40 includes a preferential area ofweakness 38 that extends along a portion of theheader section 40. The preferential area ofweakness 38 is included to facilitate removal of theheader section 40 from thepackage 10. To that end, theheader section 40 may also include a notch 39 (shown in FIG. 2) at one or both of the intersections of the preferential area ofweakness 38 and thesides notch 39 acts as a “starter” for removing theheader section 40 from thepackage 10 by tearing theheader 40 at the preferential area ofweakness 38. - As can be seen best in FIGS. 1 and 3, the
header section 40 is preferably attached to theclosure mechanism 20 at apoint 41 where, when theclosure mechanism 20 is attached to theside panels point 41 is between the closure profiles 33, 35 and the bottom 15 of thepackage 10. Theheader section 40 extends from theattachment point 41 and between the first and second closure profiles 33, 35. Preferably, theheader section 40 extends well past the first and second closure profiles 33, 35. In this way, whenpackage 10 is filled with a product through themouth 42 of theheader section 40 the first and second closure profiles 33, 35 are protected from contamination by the product. - After a product has been placed in the
interior 11 of thepackage 10, themouth 42 of theheader section 40 is sealed, as illustrated in FIG. 4. This creates a tamper-evident seal 44 along the length of theheader section 40. In order to gain access to the product once thepackage 10 has been filled and sealed, the consumer simply removes theheader section 40, as illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, theheader section 40 may be removed by tearing, starting at thenotch 39, along the preferential area ofweakness 38. Once theheader section 40 is removed, theclosure mechanism 20 may be sealed (or re-sealed) by sliding theslider 30 along the length of thepackage 10, as shown in FIG. 6. - FIGS.7-17 illustrate a method of manufacturing the
package 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows the first and second header sides 45, 47 joined together at the header bottom, 43. The first and second header sides 45, 47 may be provided as separate sheets that are sealed together at the bottom 43. Preferably, however, the first and second header sides 45, 47 are formed by providing a single sheet of material that is then folded in half at the bottom 43. - Once the two
header sides weakness 38 is provided by scoring the header sides 45, 47, in a manner that is known in the art. The header sides 45, 47 may be scored individually, but are preferably scored simultaneously. Alternatively, a single sheet of material may be provided that is pre-scored prior to folding the sheet. - As shown in FIG. 9, the header sides45, 47 are sealed together at the
seals seals seals seals weakness 38. This allows for thestarter notch 39 to be formed in later steps at the corner of the L (as shown in FIG. 10). While theseals header mouth 42.Mouth 44 is created by eliminating a portion of the bottom 43, as illustrated in FIG. 9a. The portion that is eliminated creates themouth 44, that is in fluid communication with themouth 42, as illustrated in FIG. 10b. The portion eliminated to create themouth 44 may be removed by any appropriate means known in the art, for example, by punching out or cutting out the desired portion. The formation of theseals header section 40 having amouth 44 that is smaller relative to themouth 42. - In order to transform the
seals sides sections seals sections sections sections seals notches weakness 38. Thenotches header section 40 at the preferential area ofweakness 38 when it is desirable to open thepackage 10 for the first time. The header section may contain no notches, one of thenotches notches - After the
header section 40 is completed, it is placed between the first and second closure profiles 33, 35 as illustrated if FIG. 11. If the first and second closure profiles 33, 35 are provided in an engaged state, they must first be separated. Once they are separated, theheader section 40 is placed between the first and second closure profiles 33, 35. Theheader section 40 is positioned such that the preferential area ofweakness 38 is disposed beneath the interlocking closure members (as shown in FIG. 3). By “beneath” it is meant that the preferential area of weakness is placed in a position that will be between the interlocking closure members and the bottom 15 of thepackage 10, once theclosure mechanism 20 is attached to theside panels package 10. When theheader section 40 is properly positioned between the first and second closure profiles 33, 35, it is attached to the first and second closure profiles 33, 35, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Preferably, theheader section 40 is attached to the first and second closure profiles 33, 35 by heat sealing. - As is shown in FIGS.13-15, the
slider 30 is placed on theclosure mechanism 20. Theslider 30 may be placed on theclosure mechanism 20 by several means, examples of which are discussed below. Preferablyclosure mechanism 20 is also notched, to provide thenotch 21 as a “resting place” for theslider 30 when theslider 30 is moved into the fully closed positioned. Spot seals 23, 27 may also be provided on the ends of theclosure mechanism 20. The spot seals 23, 27 are provided to help prevent theslider 30 from sliding off of theclosure mechanism 20 and to halt the travel of theslider 30. This completes the construction ofassembly 70. - FIGS.16-17 illustrate the steps of positioning the assembly between the
side panels package 10, and attaching theside panels package 10 to theassembly 70. Once theassembly 70 is attached to theside panels package 10, theside panels edges package 10. - With reference to FIGS.16-17, as well as FIG. 3, in order to fill the
package 10, themouth 42 is opened and product is dispensed throughmouth 42, through themouth 44, and into the interior 11 of thepackage 10. The header section, because it is joined to theclosure mechanism 20 beneath the interlocking closure members and passes between those interlocking closure members, protects the interlocking closure members from the possibility of contamination by product as thepackage 10 is being filled. Themouth 42 of theheader section 40 is then sealed to form a tamper-evident structure. - FIGS. 18a and 18 b illustrate one embodiment of a continuous process for producing the
resealable package 10 of the present invention. The process starts with aspool 100 of pre-folded header material. The material is unrolled fromspool 100 and fed pastscore line applicator 102 which applies the preferential area ofweakness 38. Alternatively, thespool 100 of pre-folded header material my have been pre-scored. The header material continues in-line to sealingstation 104, where the L-shapedseals - After the L-shaped
seals station 106. The header material then passes over thespool 108 of closure profiles 33, 35. The header material is inserted between the closure profiles 33, 35, as described above. Once the header material is between the closure profiles 33, 35, the header material and closure profiles 33, 35 pass through theslider application station 110. Theslider application station 110 applies theslider 30 to theclosure mechanism 20 through the use of a vibratory feeder, applies the stop seals 23, 27, and punches thenotch 21 in the closure profiles 33, 35 as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/649,557, filed Aug. 28, 2000, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. - Once the
header assembly 70 is complete, it passes to a typical horizontal form fill and seal machine, as shown in FIG. 18b. The material comprising theside panels resealable package 10 is provided on roll 150. The material is unwound and passes over folding board 145 to form the twoside panels header assembly 70 passes. This positions theheader assembly 70 between theside panels side panels header assembly 70 travels over the upper edge of the film after it travels over the folding board 145 instead of passing through the slot 146 in the folding board 145, thus being positioned between theside panels header assembly 70 between theside panels - The continuous line of packages continues to sealing bars112 that seal the
sides package 10. The packages then pass under hopper 114 that contains the product to be placed inpackage 10. As the packages pass under the hopper 114, product passes through themouth 42 and themouth 44 of theheader section 40 and into the interior 11 of thepackage 10. Themouth 42 is then sealed by sealing bars 116 to form the tamper-evident structure. Finally, the continuous line of packages is separated into individual packages by cutting knife 118. - It should be understood that other methods of attaching the
header assembly 70 to theside panels header assembly 70 may be incorporated into other package manufacturing processes known in the art, such as a horizontal-form vertical-fill-seal method, a pre-made pouch method, and a fill seal method. - While specific embodiments and methods for practicing this invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize various manifestations and details that could be developed in light of the overall teachings herein. Accordingly, the particular mechanisms disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the following claims and any and all embodiments thereof.
Claims (18)
1. A method of making a resealable package comprising:
(a) providing an assembly comprising:
(i) a header section;
(ii) a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles;
(1) the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock;
(b) providing a package comprising:
(i) first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region; and
(ii) attaching the assembly to the package such that the header section is attached to the closure mechanism at a point between the closure profiles and the bottom of the package.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the header section comprises two sides joined together to define first and second mouths, the first and second mouths being in fluid communication with each other.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the step of providing the assembly comprises sealing a portion of the two sides together.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the seals are formed in a pair of mirror-image L-shapes.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the step of providing the assembly further comprises removing the portions of the header inside of the L-shaped seals.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the header section includes a preferential area of weakness.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the area of weakness is produced by scoring the header section.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the preferential area of weakness includes at least one notch cut into the header section.
9. The method of claim 2 , wherein the two sides are formed by folding a single sheet of header material in half, and the second mouth is formed by eliminating a portion of the header material around the fold.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein step of providing the assembly comprises sealing the header section to the flanges of the closure mechanism.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the step of sealing the header section comprises
(a) separating the first and second closure profiles;
(b) placing a portion of the header section between the first and second closure profiles;
(c) attaching the slider to the closure mechanism;
(d) notching the closure profile at one end, the notch to be used as a park position for the slider; and
(e) applying a stop seal to at least one end of the closure mechanism.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of attaching the assembly to the package comprises heat sealing the closure profiles to the two opposing panels.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the step of attaching the assembly to the package further comprises sealing the sides and bottom of the two opposing panels together.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising filling the package with a product through the first mouth of the header section.
15. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sealing the first mouth of the header section.
16. A header and closure mechanism assembly for use in a resealable package consisting essentially of:
(a) a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles, the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock; and
(b) a header section comprising two sides joined together defining first and second mouths, the first and second mouths being in fluid communication with each other, the header section being attached to the closure mechanism.
17. The assembly of claim 16 , further consisting essentially of a slider attached to the closure mechanism.
18. The assembly of claim 17 , wherein the closure mechanism defines a notch near one end of the closure mechanism.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/278,461 US20040079052A1 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2002-10-23 | Method of manufacturing tamper evident package |
EP03809620A EP1560757A2 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2003-10-22 | Method of manufacturing tamper evident package |
PCT/US2003/033566 WO2004037655A2 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2003-10-22 | Method of manufacturing tamper evident package |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/278,461 US20040079052A1 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2002-10-23 | Method of manufacturing tamper evident package |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040079052A1 true US20040079052A1 (en) | 2004-04-29 |
Family
ID=32106549
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/278,461 Abandoned US20040079052A1 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2002-10-23 | Method of manufacturing tamper evident package |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040079052A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1560757A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004037655A2 (en) |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6347885B1 (en) * | 2000-01-18 | 2002-02-19 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Reclosable package having a zipper closure, slider device and tamper-evident structure |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3346883A (en) * | 1965-10-21 | 1967-10-17 | Louise Sandler | Receptacles |
US3746215A (en) * | 1971-01-29 | 1973-07-17 | A Ausnit | Reclosable sealed pouring bag |
US3991801A (en) * | 1975-06-23 | 1976-11-16 | Steven Ausnit | Plastic fasteners with connecting web |
US4892414A (en) * | 1988-07-05 | 1990-01-09 | Minigrip, Inc. | Bags with reclosable plastic fastener having automatic sealing gasket means |
-
2002
- 2002-10-23 US US10/278,461 patent/US20040079052A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2003
- 2003-10-22 WO PCT/US2003/033566 patent/WO2004037655A2/en active Application Filing
- 2003-10-22 EP EP03809620A patent/EP1560757A2/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6347885B1 (en) * | 2000-01-18 | 2002-02-19 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Reclosable package having a zipper closure, slider device and tamper-evident structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1560757A2 (en) | 2005-08-10 |
WO2004037655A2 (en) | 2004-05-06 |
WO2004037655A3 (en) | 2005-04-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2776965C (en) | Carton with plastic reclosable header | |
US7396163B2 (en) | Paper and plastic bags flexible packages and other containers with re-closable device and method of making the same | |
EP0936993B1 (en) | Process for the production of a hermetic recloseable package of flexible material | |
EP1194339B1 (en) | System for manufacturing of a resealable package having slider device and tamper-evident structure, and methods of manufacturing thereof | |
CA1225070A (en) | Method of packaging, packaging material therefor and package | |
EP0516393B1 (en) | Reclosable pouch and method and apparatus for forming, filling and sealing the same | |
AU2002305062B2 (en) | Gusseted packages | |
EP0528721A2 (en) | Reclosable plastic bags and method of making same utilizing discontinuous zipper strip | |
US6993886B2 (en) | Method for sealing zipper assembly to bag making film at three or more points | |
US20070230834A1 (en) | Packages having reclosable pour spout with slider-operated zipper | |
EP1149766A2 (en) | Methods of manufacturing reclosable packages | |
AU2002305062A1 (en) | Gusseted packages | |
EP1318082B1 (en) | Easy-opening, reclosable flexible container | |
US20040079052A1 (en) | Method of manufacturing tamper evident package | |
EP1467918A1 (en) | Paper and plastic bags flexible packages and other containers with re-closable device and method of making the same |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: REYNOLDS CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC., VIRGINIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BUCHMAN, JAMES E.;MELCHOIR, GREG W;REEL/FRAME:013431/0965;SIGNING DATES FROM 20021009 TO 20021016 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |