US20040261234A9 - Vibratory molding process and product - Google Patents
Vibratory molding process and product Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040261234A9 US20040261234A9 US10/337,139 US33713903A US2004261234A9 US 20040261234 A9 US20040261234 A9 US 20040261234A9 US 33713903 A US33713903 A US 33713903A US 2004261234 A9 US2004261234 A9 US 2004261234A9
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- Prior art keywords
- fastener strip
- reclosable
- essentially
- backing
- vibrator
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/08—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/124—Tongue and groove joints
- B29C66/1248—Interpenetrating groove joints
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
- B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
- B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
- B29C66/73921—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic characterised by the materials of both parts being thermoplastics
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/814—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8141—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined
- B29C66/81431—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the design of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the surface geometry of the part of the pressing elements, e.g. welding jaws or clamps, coming into contact with the parts to be joined comprising a single cavity, e.g. a groove
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
- B29C66/824—Actuating mechanisms
- B29C66/8242—Pneumatic or hydraulic drives
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
- B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
- B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C67/00—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00
- B29C67/0044—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00 for shaping edges or extremities
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/03—After-treatments in the joint area
- B29C66/032—Mechanical after-treatments
- B29C66/0324—Reforming or reshaping the joint, e.g. folding over
- B29C66/03241—Flattening
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/346—Making joints having variable thicknesses in the joint area, e.g. by using jaws having an adapted configuration
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/90—Measuring or controlling the joining process
- B29C66/95—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94
- B29C66/951—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94 by measuring or controlling the vibration frequency and/or the vibration amplitude of vibrating joining tools, e.g. of ultrasonic welding tools
- B29C66/9513—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling specific variables not covered by groups B29C66/91 - B29C66/94 by measuring or controlling the vibration frequency and/or the vibration amplitude of vibrating joining tools, e.g. of ultrasonic welding tools characterised by specific vibration frequency values or ranges
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2005/00—Elements of slide fasteners
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/25—Zipper or required component thereof
- Y10T24/2532—Zipper or required component thereof having interlocking surface with continuous cross section
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
- Y10T24/45152—Each mating member having similarly shaped, sized, and operated interlocking or intermeshable face
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to a process for permanently sealing portions of reclosable fastener strips that includes the use of a vibrating horn to heat and mold the fastener strip.
- the invention also relates generally to an apparatus for permanently sealing portions of reclosable fastener strips and to reclosable fastener strips that include permanently sealed airtight portions.
- Reclosable fastener strips are widely used in the packaging industry as components for reclosable plastic bags, among other things.
- the fastener strips are manufactured in long, continuous lengths that are wound on reels or accordion-folded in boxes for storage and shipping.
- the fastener strips are normally composed of thermoplastic materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene fluoride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or the like.
- the fastener strips often include backings comprised of a polyethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate blend.
- the backings often include a profile portion having ridges and trough composed of polyethylene terephthalate.
- FIGS. 17-19 A representative fastener strip of the prior art is depicted in FIGS. 17-19.
- Vibratory welding processes including sonic and ultrasonic processes also have been used in the manufacture of reclosable thermoplastic plastic bags, as well as other thermoplastic work pieces using known power supplies, transducers, boosters, and harmonically balanced horns.
- Conventional horns used in these processes are of several different types. These types include flat horns, knurled horns, and reversed knurled horns.
- each one of these horns has two major drawbacks.
- One drawback is that these horns typically imprint an undesirable contour on vibrated regions of the thermoplastic work piece.
- the other drawback is these horns often deform nearby unvibrated portions of the thermoplastic work piece.
- previously disclosed horns typically deform thermoplastic fastener strips in reclosable portions that adjoin the vibrated region. This deformation creates gaps that prevent the fastener strips from forming an airtight seal.
- Ultrasonic processes are also employed to reduce the thickness of thermoplastic fastener strips to facilitate cutting and sealing the thermoplastic fastener strips and associated bags. These previously disclosed processes cannot be relied upon to create an airtight seal, because the prior art ultrasonic horns typically a) imprint an undesirable contour on vibrated regions of the bag so as to create leaks, and b) deform nearby unvibrated portions of the thermoplastic work piece.
- the new process provides an airtight seal in both the vibrated and unvibrated portions of the fastener strip.
- the present invention provides a fastener strip having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed.
- the permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow.
- the reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to a first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to a second backing in an essentially airtight seal.
- the invention also provides a method for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip.
- the method includes vibrating a portion of a conventional, thermoplastic fastener strip, which is capable of maintaining an airtight seal, so as to produce a malleable portion.
- a first matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a first shape
- a second matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a second shape for permanently sealing a portion of the fastener strip.
- a dual-purpose vibrator/matrix is utilized to vibrate the fastener strip and produce the first shape.
- the first and second shapes are also enhanced by other matrices at separate stages.
- Pressing the malleable portion to produce the first shape may include flattening the malleable portion and displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight plug.
- the plug joins the planar portion in an essentially airtight seal and joins the adjacent end of the reclosable portion in an essentially airtight seal.
- Pressing the malleable portion to produce the second shape may include further flattening the malleable portion and displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight dam.
- the dam joins the plug to a first backing of the reclosable portion in an airtight seal and, also, joins the plug to a second backing of the reclosable portion.
- the invention also provides an apparatus for sealing portions of a fastener strip.
- the apparatus includes a vibrator for vibrating a portion of the fastener strip so as to increase the malleability of the portion, a first matrix constructed and arranged for pressing against the malleable portion to produce a first shape for sealing the fastener; and a second matrix constructed and arranged for pressing against the malleable portion to produce a second shape for sealing the fastener.
- FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the fastener strip depicted in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 10 is an elevation of the first shape, which is produced by the first stage
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second stage, a third stage, a fourth stage and a fifth stage of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 6;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a die for the second stage of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is an elevation of a second shape, which is produced by the second stage
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a die for the third stage of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a die for the fourth stage of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a plan view of a prior art fastener strip, including two backings;
- FIG. 19 is an elevation view of the other of the prior art backings depicted in FIG. 15.
- the invention includes a fastener strip such as fastener strip 100 depicted in FIG. 1.
- Fastener strip 100 includes at least one reclosable portion 120 and at least one permanently sealed, generally planar portion 140 .
- FIG. 1 the perspective view shown in FIG. 1 is necessarily truncated, due to space limitations, it is contemplated that fastener strip 100 may be wound on a reel or accordion-folded in a box for convenient shipping and storage and include hundreds or even thousands of reclosable portions 120 and generally planar portions 140 .
- first backing 122 or second backing 126 may be positioned on the exterior side of fastener strip 100 and either of the backings 122 , 124 may extend in the form of a flange, such as flange 127 .
- the thicknesses of backings 122 , 124 are often in the range of about 10 to 20 thousandths of an inch and the heights of trough 124 and ridge 128 are often in the range of about 50 to 100 thousandths of an inch. The invention however is not limited to these ranges.
- planar portion 140 is about the thickness of one of the backings 122 , 124 to about the combined thickness of both of the backings.
- Planar portion 140 is essentially free of mating ridges and troughs, such as trough 124 and ridge 128 , and includes essentially no void spaces.
- Plug 160 joins troughs 124 and ridges 128 in an airtight seal at adjacent end 130 of reclosable portion 120 .
- Troughs 124 and ridges 128 define longitudinal interstitial voids (best seen in FIG. 3) that communicate hydraulically lengthwise along reclosable portion 120 . Even if troughs 124 and ridges 128 mate effectively so as to prevent air flow between them from one side of fastener 100 to the other (for example, from the interior side of fastener strip 100 to the exterior of fastener strip 100 ), the ends of trough 124 and ridge 128 must be sealed to prevent air from flowing longitudinally through these voids and passing through end 130 . Plug 160 provides this seal.
- Dam 180 joins plug 160 to first backing 122 and to second backing 126 as depicted in FIG. 1.
- Dam 180 is essentially impervious to air flow and forms airtight seals where it meets plug 160 , first backing 122 and second backing 126 , respectively.
- a primary purpose of dam 160 is to prevent air one side of fastener strip 100 from leaking around plug 160 to the other side of fastener 100 .
- FIG. 2 shows how plug 160 seals end 130 of reclosable portion 120 to prevent longitudinal interstitial voids from passing air through end 130 .
- Dam 180 joins and seals the backings 122 , 126 with plug 160 and planar portion 140 .
- Lines 3 - 3 , 4 - 4 and 5 - 5 correspond to cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 3-5.
- FIGS. 1-3 Inspection of FIGS. 1-3 indicate that line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 is at or near end 130 .
- trough 124 and ridge 128 define interstitial voids that are sealed by plug 160 .
- the view in FIG. 3 looks away from planar portion 140 and toward reclosable portion 120 . Longitudinal interstitial voids can be seen in cross-section, with plug 160 filling the voids.
- FIG. 3 shows that trough 124 and ridge 128 are not significantly deformed at line 3 - 3 and, therefore, are capable of creating an airtight, reclosable seal across fastener strip 100 .
- FIG. 3 is representative of reclosable portion 120 , except that plug 160 covers over and/or infiltrates the interstitial voids.
- FIG. 4 The view in FIG. 4 is in the same direction as that of FIG. 3, but from a position closer to planar portion 140 . Only vestiges of trough 124 and ridge 128 are apparent, and these are essentially filled by plug 160 .
- FIG. 4 is representative of plug 160 , except that the vestiges are present.
- FIG. 5 shows a relatively flattened and homogeneous cross-section, as compared to FIGS. 3 and 4. No vestiges of trough 124 and ridge 128 are visible.
- FIG. 5 represents the juncture of dam 180 with planar portion 140 .
- prior art fastener strip 10 includes first backing 22 , having a plurality of longitudinal troughs 24 thereon, and second backing 126 , which has a plurality of longitudinal ridges 28 and flap or flange 27 . At least one of the troughs 24 reclosably mates with one of the ridges 28 to produce an essentially airtight seal that prevents air leakage between interior and the exterior sides of fastener strip 10 .
- Fastener strip 10 is composed of a material that becomes progressively more fluid with increasing temperature, hereinafter referred to as a “thermoplastic” material.
- FIG. 6 depicts first stage 256 of apparatus 200 of the present invention for sealing portions of a prior art fastener strip, such as thermoplastic fastener strip 10 shown in FIGS. 17-19.
- First stage 256 of apparatus 200 includes vibrator 220 for vibrating a portion of fastener strip 10 to produce a relatively more malleable portion 212 , best seen in FIG. 9.
- FIG. 6 also shows anvil 230 , which supports fastener strip 10 from below during the vibrating, and four pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies 202 .
- the use of four pneumatic pistons 202 assures that the anvil 230 is properly aligned and level, and also helps direct more of the energy from vibrator 220 to the fastener strip, rather than causing the anvil 230 to vibrate.
- First stage 256 is positioned at location 258 , which is a short distance away from stages 276 , 296 , 316 and 320 (best seen FIG. 11) of apparatus 200 .
- Vibrator 220 illustrated in FIG. 7, includes pneumatic actuator 231 , ultrasonic horn or resonator 233 and first matrix 240 .
- Actuator 231 receives compressed air and provides energy to vibrator 220 in the form of mechanical vibrations in the range of about 10,000 to about 100,000 cycles per second, more preferably at least about 20,000 cycles per second.
- Horn or resonator 233 focuses and intensifies the vibrations at first matrix 240 , which is a single, integral unit with horn 233 .
- Horn 233 is also known as a solid resonator, a concentrator, or a mechanical amplifier. Horn 233 is dimensioned to be resonant at a predetermined frequency of vibration. When horn 233 is energized at its proximal input surface by an actuator 231 , it provides ultrasonic energy (vibrations) at its opposite distal end to a workpiece that is in forced contact with the distal end.
- first matrix 240 is the distal end of horn 233 .
- first matrix 246 can be constructed as a separate die and securely mounted on the distal end of horn 233 . It is believed that fashioning first matrix 240 integrally with horn 23 , rather than as a separate die mounted on horn 233 , tends to promotes efficient and reproducible transmission of the vibrations. In either case, first matrix 240 is located at the distal end of horn 233 and can be utilized to press and mold a thermoplastic substrate, such as fastener strip 10 , while vibrator 220 is vibrating.
- First matrix 240 includes a planar face 246 having cutouts 248 , 250 .
- Groove 252 of approximately semicircular cross-section extends across face 246 from cutout 248 to cutout 250 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates that groove 252 is generally linear along the longitudinal axis of fastener strip 10 and that cutouts 248 , 250 are each generally symmetrical and aligned along a shared axis of symmetry.
- the groove axis and the cutout axis are offset and generally parallel to each other. During use, the groove axis is aligned with and positioned directly over trough 24 and ridge 28 .
- FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the groove axis of FIG. 8. It is evident from FIG. 9 that horn 233 is unitary with matrix 240 . Cutouts 248 and 250 each include a transition volume 251 , 253 having a depth that increases as distance from groove 252 increases. Each cutout 248 , 250 has an arcuate cross-section, with the arcs positioned convexly to each other.
- first matrix 240 is placed over fastener strip 10 , with groove axis 252 , trough 24 and ridge 28 generally aligned.
- Moveable anvil 230 includes a generally planar face 23 that supports fastener strip 10 from below.
- fastener strip 10 may be placed between two vibrators 220 (not shown) for vibrating and pressing between two first matrices 240 (not shown).
- FIG. 9 depicts vibrator 220 as it initially impinges on fastener 10 .
- the tension on fastener strip 10 is carefully controlled by a conventional tensioner.
- dancer roller assembly 216 depicted in FIG. 15 are suitable for tensioning fastener strip 10 .
- fastener 10 has been preheated by means of preheaters 217 and 219 to a temperature greater than room temperature and less than the melting range or index of the thermoplastic material that composes fastener 10 so as to remove, curl, and facilitate molding.
- pneumatic assemblies 202 (best seen in FIG.
- face 246 presses upon fastener strip 10 with a force of from 10 to 500 pounds per square inch, ideally about 70 pounds per square inch.
- face 246 and face 236 are not permitted to touch.
- Vibrator 220 vibrates a portion of fastener strip 10 so as to generate internal friction within fastener strip 10 , causing a portion 212 of fastener strip to become relatively more malleable.
- the temperature of the vibrated portion often increases during the vibrating.
- the pressure exerted by first matrix 240 tends to displace some of the malleable portion in predictable directions.
- the depth of transition volumes 251 , 253 and the depth of groove 252 are calculated to displace a certain amount of the malleable portion along groove 252 , and displace a certain amount of the malleable portion to or from the transition volumes 251 , 253 .
- Malleable material is also displaced transversely from the groove axis as first matrix 240 flattens the region between cutouts 248 , 250 .
- First matrix 240 is properly shaped to press and extrude the displaced material in desired directions and, also, to mold and retain the displaced material at desired destinations.
- the material displaced by first matrix 240 forms plug 160 or dam 180 of fastener strip 100 of the present invention; most preferably plug 160 .
- the result is a product having first shape 242 , depicted in FIG. 10, which significantly differs from the shape of fastener strip 10 .
- first shape 242 includes flattened portion 142 , elongated hump 144 and a curved portion abutting end 130 of reclosable portion 120 .
- Hump 144 corresponds to the shape of groove 252 .
- the curved portion corresponds to the shape of transition volumes 251 , 253 .
- First shape 242 facilitates sealing, and is sufficiently similar to the shape of fastener strip 10 so as to be reproducibly molded by vibrating and pressing in a single stage, as described above.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of second stage 276 , third stage 296 , fourth stage 316 and fifth stage 320 of apparatus 200 .
- Each of these stages is located a short distance from each other at locations 278 , 298 , 318 and 320 , respectively.
- Each of these stages respectively has a dedicated pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly 261 , 281 , 301 , 321 that forces an anvil down upon the fastener strip.
- Second stage 276 , third stage 296 , and fourth stage 316 are pressing stages that utilize dies 266 , 286 , 306 to support the fastener strip from beneath.
- first stage 256 the temperature, pressure, time and distance between die faces 266 , 286 , 306 and respectively associated anvils are carefully controlled. The optimum combination of these factors depends on the precise nature of the fastener strip and the specifications of the finished seal portion. However, die temperatures of about 350 to about 400 degrees F. and pressures of about 60 to about 80 pounds per square inch have been employed successfully in pressing stages 276 , 296 , 316 with a pressing time of about half a second.
- Fifth stage 320 cools the finished product, which is fastener strip 100 . Also shown in FIG. 11 is conveyor belt 321 which intermittently advances fastener strip 100 .
- Conveyor belt 321 is preferably constructed of a silicone blend to resist heat, but also has a surface 323 which sticks to or retains fastener strip 100 when it is heated sufficiently to be tacky.
- the fastener strip when it is heated in malleable-like taffy, but the tension on conveyor belt 321 and thereof fastener strip 100 is carefully controlled preferably by a servo motor. As a result, the fastener strip 100 remains in its original size and configuration, except where it is shaped by die faces 266 , 286 and 306 .
- FIG. 12 shows die 264 , which is typically utilized at second stage 276 .
- Die 264 includes generally planar face 266 and a pair of oppositely located arcuate cutouts 268 , 270 , which are positioned with their convex sides facing each other. As compared to cutouts 248 , 250 of first stage 256 , cutouts 268 , 270 are positioned closer together and have greater radii. As seen in FIG. 11, silicone coated stripper plate 264 A is positioned between face 266 and fastener strip 100 , to facilitate separation of face 266 from fastener strip 100 after compression. Consequently, only stripper plate 266 of die 260 touches first shape 242 .
- Third stage 296 works with die 284 , as depicted in FIG. 14, to generally flatten backings 122 , 126 of fastener strip 100 and ensure that reclosable portion 120 and planar portion 140 are coplanar. Face 286 defines longitudinal channel 284 , which is significantly deeper and wider than groove 252 . Accordingly, die 284 has relatively little effect on plug 160 or dam 180 . Third stage 296 produces third shape 282 , which is similar to the shape of fastening strip 100 . Again, a stripper plate 284 A is utilized to facilitate separation after compression.
- Die 304 has a generally planar face 306 with cutouts 308 , 310 and is similar to die 262 , except that cutouts 308 , 310 are positioned closer together and have greater radii than cutouts 268 , 270 .
- die 304 completes planar portion 140 and produces fourth shape 302 , which is the shape of fastener strip 100 .
- Fifth stage 316 cools fastener strip 100 so that it may be more conveniently transported and packaged. Again, a stripper plate 304 A is utilized to facilitate separation.
- conveyor belt 321 advances the fastener strip to a second conveyor 101 .
- fastener strip 100 no longer adheres to belt 100 , so it can be removed without stretching or distortion.
- the lack of tension on fastener strip 100 is crucial to maintaining the dimensions and configuration of the fastener strip 100 .
- Fastener strip 100 is then advanced by second conveyor 101 to a take up reel 103 , again maintaining minimum tension and compression of the fastener strip 100 .
- the invention also provides a method for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip, which process will now be described.
- the invention is not limited to the described process, starting materials, equipment or products.
- a portion of fastener strip 10 is vibrated between a vibrator and an anvil at a first stage.
- the vibrating is effective to increase the malleability of the portion, as compared to the malleability of fastener strip 100 before vibrating.
- a first matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a first shape.
- the pressing may be carried out simultaneously with the vibrating.
- Second matrix, third and fourth matrices are subsequently pressed against the malleable portion to produce a second shape, a third shape and a fourth shape, respectively.
- Each pressing is accomplished in a separate stage at a different location.
- the fastener strip may be heated before or during the stages.
- the finished fastener strip is cooled to room temperature and may then be wound on a spindle or roll for later use by the bag converter, again at a precise tension to avoid distortion.
- the vibrator oscillates in contact with the fastener strip at a frequency of about 10,000 to about 100,000 cycles per second, preferably at least about 20,000 cycles per second.
- the vibrator includes an actuator, a resonator or horn, and a first matrix, which is unitary with the horn.
- the vibrator is positioned over the fastener strip and an anvil is positioned under and in contact with the fastener strip.
- the vibrator does not touch the anvil.
- two or more vibrators may be brought in to contact with the fastener strip with the fastener strip positioned between the vibrators.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates generally to a process for permanently sealing portions of reclosable fastener strips that includes the use of a vibrating horn to heat and mold the fastener strip. The invention also relates generally to an apparatus for permanently sealing portions of reclosable fastener strips and to reclosable fastener strips that include permanently sealed airtight portions.
- Reclosable fastener strips are widely used in the packaging industry as components for reclosable plastic bags, among other things. Typically, the fastener strips are manufactured in long, continuous lengths that are wound on reels or accordion-folded in boxes for storage and shipping.
- These continuous lengths are usually subsequently cut to a size suitable for attaching to individual bags on, for example, a form and fill machine. The fastener strips are normally composed of thermoplastic materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylidene fluoride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or the like. For example, the fastener strips often include backings comprised of a polyethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate blend. The backings often include a profile portion having ridges and trough composed of polyethylene terephthalate. A representative fastener strip of the prior art is depicted in FIGS. 17-19.
- In order for the cut end of the fastener strip to seal against air leakage in or out of the reclosable bag, the end must be closed off in some manner. Also, the closed-off portion should be thinned and flattened to facilitate the cutting operation. Adhesives and thermal welds, notably “spot seals,” have been utilized in the past. However, neither of these techniques is entirely reliable, and both of these techniques tend to deform or obstruct portions of the fastener strips that are intended to remain unaffected and, therefore, reclosable.
- Vibratory welding processes, including sonic and ultrasonic processes also have been used in the manufacture of reclosable thermoplastic plastic bags, as well as other thermoplastic work pieces using known power supplies, transducers, boosters, and harmonically balanced horns. Conventional horns used in these processes are of several different types. These types include flat horns, knurled horns, and reversed knurled horns. However, each one of these horns has two major drawbacks. One drawback is that these horns typically imprint an undesirable contour on vibrated regions of the thermoplastic work piece. The other drawback is these horns often deform nearby unvibrated portions of the thermoplastic work piece. For example, previously disclosed horns typically deform thermoplastic fastener strips in reclosable portions that adjoin the vibrated region. This deformation creates gaps that prevent the fastener strips from forming an airtight seal.
- Ultrasonic processes are also employed to reduce the thickness of thermoplastic fastener strips to facilitate cutting and sealing the thermoplastic fastener strips and associated bags. These previously disclosed processes cannot be relied upon to create an airtight seal, because the prior art ultrasonic horns typically a) imprint an undesirable contour on vibrated regions of the bag so as to create leaks, and b) deform nearby unvibrated portions of the thermoplastic work piece.
- Therefore, a need exists for a new process for permanently sealing portions of reclosable thermoplastic fastener strips. Desirably, the new process provides an airtight seal in both the vibrated and unvibrated portions of the fastener strip.
- The present invention provides a fastener strip having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to a first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to a second backing in an essentially airtight seal.
- The invention also provides a method for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip. The method includes vibrating a portion of a conventional, thermoplastic fastener strip, which is capable of maintaining an airtight seal, so as to produce a malleable portion. A first matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a first shape, and a second matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a second shape for permanently sealing a portion of the fastener strip. Preferably, a dual-purpose vibrator/matrix is utilized to vibrate the fastener strip and produce the first shape. In addition, the first and second shapes are also enhanced by other matrices at separate stages.
- Pressing the malleable portion to produce the first shape may include flattening the malleable portion and displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight plug. The plug joins the planar portion in an essentially airtight seal and joins the adjacent end of the reclosable portion in an essentially airtight seal.
- Pressing the malleable portion to produce the second shape may include further flattening the malleable portion and displacing at least some of the malleable portion to produce an essentially airtight dam. The dam joins the plug to a first backing of the reclosable portion in an airtight seal and, also, joins the plug to a second backing of the reclosable portion.
- The invention also provides an apparatus for sealing portions of a fastener strip. The apparatus includes a vibrator for vibrating a portion of the fastener strip so as to increase the malleability of the portion, a first matrix constructed and arranged for pressing against the malleable portion to produce a first shape for sealing the fastener; and a second matrix constructed and arranged for pressing against the malleable portion to produce a second shape for sealing the fastener.
- In a broader aspect, the invention is an ultrasonic polymer forming process for thermoplastic materials in which the improvement includes guiding the flow of malleable polymer to a predetermined location with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer. For example, the predetermined location may be a location in which additional polymer is desired to render the area stronger or more aesthetically pleasing, or to fill any gaps.
- FIG. 1 is a truncated perspective view of a fastener strip of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the fastener strip depicted in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along line3-3 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along line4-4 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken along line5-5 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first stage of an apparatus of the present invention;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vibrator of the present invention;
- FIG. 8 is an end view of the vibrator depicted in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section of the vibrator taken along line9-9 of FIG. 8;
- FIG. 10 is an elevation of the first shape, which is produced by the first stage;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second stage, a third stage, a fourth stage and a fifth stage of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 6;
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a die for the second stage of the present invention;
- FIG. 13 is an elevation of a second shape, which is produced by the second stage;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a die for the third stage of the present invention;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a die for the fourth stage of the present invention;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a tensioner of the present invention;
- FIG. 17 is a plan view of a prior art fastener strip, including two backings;
- FIG. 18 is an elevation view of one of the prior art backings depicted in FIG. 15; and
- FIG. 19 is an elevation view of the other of the prior art backings depicted in FIG. 15.
- In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a fastener strip such as
fastener strip 100 depicted in FIG. 1.Fastener strip 100 includes at least onereclosable portion 120 and at least one permanently sealed, generallyplanar portion 140. Although the perspective view shown in FIG. 1 is necessarily truncated, due to space limitations, it is contemplated thatfastener strip 100 may be wound on a reel or accordion-folded in a box for convenient shipping and storage and include hundreds or even thousands ofreclosable portions 120 and generallyplanar portions 140. -
Reclosable portion 120 includesfirst backing 122 andtroughs 124, which typically extends lengthwise alongfastener strip 100.Reclosable portion 120 also includessecond backing 126 andridges 128 for mating withtroughs 124 in an airtight, reclosable seal that essentially prevents air flow from one side of the seal to the other. Flap orflange 127 conveniently extends from second back 122 to an exterior side offastener 100 in order to protecttrough 124 andridge 128 from damage and to facilitate a user's grip for openingfastener strip 100. - The relative positions of
troughs 124 andridges 128 are depicted in FIG. 1 are arbitrary and need not be as shown for the invention to succeed. Also, eitherfirst backing 122 orsecond backing 126 may be positioned on the exterior side offastener strip 100 and either of thebackings flange 127. The thicknesses ofbackings trough 124 andridge 128 are often in the range of about 50 to 100 thousandths of an inch. The invention however is not limited to these ranges. - Commonly, the thickness of
planar portion 140 is about the thickness of one of thebackings Planar portion 140 is essentially free of mating ridges and troughs, such astrough 124 andridge 128, and includes essentially no void spaces. -
Plug 160 joinstroughs 124 andridges 128 in an airtight seal atadjacent end 130 ofreclosable portion 120.Troughs 124 andridges 128 define longitudinal interstitial voids (best seen in FIG. 3) that communicate hydraulically lengthwise alongreclosable portion 120. Even iftroughs 124 andridges 128 mate effectively so as to prevent air flow between them from one side offastener 100 to the other (for example, from the interior side offastener strip 100 to the exterior of fastener strip 100), the ends oftrough 124 andridge 128 must be sealed to prevent air from flowing longitudinally through these voids and passing throughend 130.Plug 160 provides this seal. -
Dam 180 joins plug 160 tofirst backing 122 and tosecond backing 126 as depicted in FIG. 1.Dam 180 is essentially impervious to air flow and forms airtight seals where it meets plug 160,first backing 122 andsecond backing 126, respectively. A primary purpose ofdam 160 is to prevent air one side offastener strip 100 from leaking aroundplug 160 to the other side offastener 100. - The relationship of
plug 160 todam 180 is best seen in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows how plug 160 seals end 130 ofreclosable portion 120 to prevent longitudinal interstitial voids from passing air throughend 130.Dam 180 joins and seals thebackings plug 160 andplanar portion 140. Lines 3-3, 4-4 and 5-5 correspond to cross-sections depicted in FIGS. 3-5. - Inspection of FIGS. 1-3 indicate that line3-3 of FIG. 2 is at or
near end 130. As can be seen in FIG. 3,trough 124 andridge 128 define interstitial voids that are sealed byplug 160. The view in FIG. 3 looks away fromplanar portion 140 and towardreclosable portion 120. Longitudinal interstitial voids can be seen in cross-section, withplug 160 filling the voids. Significantly, FIG. 3 shows thattrough 124 andridge 128 are not significantly deformed at line 3-3 and, therefore, are capable of creating an airtight, reclosable seal acrossfastener strip 100. FIG. 3 is representative ofreclosable portion 120, except thatplug 160 covers over and/or infiltrates the interstitial voids. - The view in FIG. 4 is in the same direction as that of FIG. 3, but from a position closer to
planar portion 140. Only vestiges oftrough 124 andridge 128 are apparent, and these are essentially filled byplug 160. FIG. 4 is representative ofplug 160, except that the vestiges are present. - FIG. 5 shows a relatively flattened and homogeneous cross-section, as compared to FIGS. 3 and 4. No vestiges of
trough 124 andridge 128 are visible. FIG. 5 represents the juncture ofdam 180 withplanar portion 140. - Turning now to FIGS. 17-19, prior
art fastener strip 10 includesfirst backing 22, having a plurality oflongitudinal troughs 24 thereon, andsecond backing 126, which has a plurality oflongitudinal ridges 28 and flap orflange 27. At least one of thetroughs 24 reclosably mates with one of theridges 28 to produce an essentially airtight seal that prevents air leakage between interior and the exterior sides offastener strip 10. - Longitudinal interstitial voids commonly exist between
trough 24 andridge 28. While the voids do not necessarily interfere with the airtight seal between the sides offastener strip 10, the voids permit air flow longitudinally alongtrough 24 andridge 28.Fastener strip 10 is composed of a material that becomes progressively more fluid with increasing temperature, hereinafter referred to as a “thermoplastic” material. - FIG. 6 depicts
first stage 256 ofapparatus 200 of the present invention for sealing portions of a prior art fastener strip, such asthermoplastic fastener strip 10 shown in FIGS. 17-19.First stage 256 ofapparatus 200 includesvibrator 220 for vibrating a portion offastener strip 10 to produce a relatively moremalleable portion 212, best seen in FIG. 9. FIG. 6 also showsanvil 230, which supportsfastener strip 10 from below during the vibrating, and four pneumatic piston andcylinder assemblies 202. The use of fourpneumatic pistons 202 assures that theanvil 230 is properly aligned and level, and also helps direct more of the energy fromvibrator 220 to the fastener strip, rather than causing theanvil 230 to vibrate.First stage 256 is positioned atlocation 258, which is a short distance away fromstages apparatus 200. -
Vibrator 220, illustrated in FIG. 7, includes pneumatic actuator 231, ultrasonic horn orresonator 233 andfirst matrix 240. Actuator 231 receives compressed air and provides energy tovibrator 220 in the form of mechanical vibrations in the range of about 10,000 to about 100,000 cycles per second, more preferably at least about 20,000 cycles per second. Horn orresonator 233 focuses and intensifies the vibrations atfirst matrix 240, which is a single, integral unit withhorn 233. -
Horn 233 is also known as a solid resonator, a concentrator, or a mechanical amplifier.Horn 233 is dimensioned to be resonant at a predetermined frequency of vibration. Whenhorn 233 is energized at its proximal input surface by an actuator 231, it provides ultrasonic energy (vibrations) at its opposite distal end to a workpiece that is in forced contact with the distal end. - As depicted in FIGS. 7-9,
first matrix 240 is the distal end ofhorn 233. Alternatively,first matrix 246 can be constructed as a separate die and securely mounted on the distal end ofhorn 233. It is believed that fashioningfirst matrix 240 integrally with horn 23, rather than as a separate die mounted onhorn 233, tends to promotes efficient and reproducible transmission of the vibrations. In either case,first matrix 240 is located at the distal end ofhorn 233 and can be utilized to press and mold a thermoplastic substrate, such asfastener strip 10, whilevibrator 220 is vibrating. - Details of
first matrix 240 are presented in FIG. 8.First matrix 240 includes aplanar face 246 havingcutouts face 246 fromcutout 248 tocutout 250. FIG. 8 illustrates thatgroove 252 is generally linear along the longitudinal axis offastener strip 10 and thatcutouts trough 24 andridge 28. - FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the groove axis of FIG. 8. It is evident from FIG. 9 that
horn 233 is unitary withmatrix 240.Cutouts transition volume groove 252 increases. Eachcutout - During use,
first matrix 240 is placed overfastener strip 10, withgroove axis 252,trough 24 andridge 28 generally aligned.Moveable anvil 230 includes a generally planar face 23 that supportsfastener strip 10 from below. Alternatively,fastener strip 10 may be placed between two vibrators 220 (not shown) for vibrating and pressing between two first matrices 240 (not shown). - FIG. 9 depicts
vibrator 220 as it initially impinges onfastener 10. At this time, the tension onfastener strip 10 is carefully controlled by a conventional tensioner. For example,dancer roller assembly 216 depicted in FIG. 15 are suitable for tensioningfastener strip 10. Additionally, as seen as FIG. 16,fastener 10 has been preheated by means ofpreheaters 217 and 219 to a temperature greater than room temperature and less than the melting range or index of the thermoplastic material that composesfastener 10 so as to remove, curl, and facilitate molding. As pneumatic assemblies 202 (best seen in FIG. 6) apply calibrated force toelevated anvil 230, the pressure that face 246 applies tofastener strip 10 and the distance betweenface 246 and face 236 are carefully controlled. Preferably, face 246 presses uponfastener strip 10 with a force of from 10 to 500 pounds per square inch, ideally about 70 pounds per square inch. Preferably,face 246 and face 236 are not permitted to touch. -
Vibrator 220 vibrates a portion offastener strip 10 so as to generate internal friction withinfastener strip 10, causing aportion 212 of fastener strip to become relatively more malleable. The temperature of the vibrated portion often increases during the vibrating. The pressure exerted byfirst matrix 240 tends to displace some of the malleable portion in predictable directions. For example, the depth oftransition volumes groove 252 are calculated to displace a certain amount of the malleable portion alonggroove 252, and displace a certain amount of the malleable portion to or from thetransition volumes first matrix 240 flattens the region betweencutouts -
First matrix 240 is properly shaped to press and extrude the displaced material in desired directions and, also, to mold and retain the displaced material at desired destinations. Preferably, the material displaced byfirst matrix 240 forms plug 160 ordam 180 offastener strip 100 of the present invention; most preferably plug 160. The result is a product havingfirst shape 242, depicted in FIG. 10, which significantly differs from the shape offastener strip 10. - Referring now to FIG. 10,
first shape 242 includes flattenedportion 142, elongatedhump 144 and a curvedportion abutting end 130 ofreclosable portion 120.Hump 144 corresponds to the shape ofgroove 252. The curved portion corresponds to the shape oftransition volumes First shape 242 facilitates sealing, and is sufficiently similar to the shape offastener strip 10 so as to be reproducibly molded by vibrating and pressing in a single stage, as described above. - FIG. 11 is a perspective view of
second stage 276,third stage 296,fourth stage 316 andfifth stage 320 ofapparatus 200. Each of these stages is located a short distance from each other atlocations cylinder assembly Second stage 276,third stage 296, andfourth stage 316 are pressing stages that utilize dies 266, 286, 306 to support the fastener strip from beneath. - As with
first stage 256, the temperature, pressure, time and distance between die faces 266, 286, 306 and respectively associated anvils are carefully controlled. The optimum combination of these factors depends on the precise nature of the fastener strip and the specifications of the finished seal portion. However, die temperatures of about 350 to about 400 degrees F. and pressures of about 60 to about 80 pounds per square inch have been employed successfully in pressingstages Fifth stage 320 cools the finished product, which isfastener strip 100. Also shown in FIG. 11 isconveyor belt 321 which intermittently advancesfastener strip 100.Conveyor belt 321 is preferably constructed of a silicone blend to resist heat, but also has asurface 323 which sticks to or retainsfastener strip 100 when it is heated sufficiently to be tacky. The fastener strip when it is heated in malleable-like taffy, but the tension onconveyor belt 321 and thereoffastener strip 100 is carefully controlled preferably by a servo motor. As a result, thefastener strip 100 remains in its original size and configuration, except where it is shaped by die faces 266, 286 and 306. - FIG. 12 shows die264, which is typically utilized at
second stage 276.Die 264 includes generallyplanar face 266 and a pair of oppositely locatedarcuate cutouts cutouts first stage 256,cutouts face 266 andfastener strip 100, to facilitate separation offace 266 fromfastener strip 100 after compression. Consequently, onlystripper plate 266 ofdie 260 touchesfirst shape 242. Pressing die 264 againstfirst shape 242 causes flattenedportion 142 andhump 144 to become further flattened. Additionally, die 264 displaces material towardadjacent end 130, which ultimately formsdam 180. Preferably, plug 160 is not significantly affected bydie 264. - The action of
die 264 onfirst shape 242 producessecond shape 262, which is depicted in FIG. 13. Flattenedportion 146 is thinner, as compared tohump 144. Preferably,dam 180 is formed primarily by material displaced bydie 264 and extends frombackings plug 160. - Overall flatness of the finished fastener strip, such as
fastener strip 100, is an important requirement for many fastening applications.Third stage 296 works withdie 284, as depicted in FIG. 14, to generally flattenbackings fastener strip 100 and ensure thatreclosable portion 120 andplanar portion 140 are coplanar. Face 286 defineslongitudinal channel 284, which is significantly deeper and wider thangroove 252. Accordingly, die 284 has relatively little effect onplug 160 ordam 180.Third stage 296 produces third shape 282, which is similar to the shape offastening strip 100. Again, astripper plate 284A is utilized to facilitate separation after compression. -
Die 304 has a generallyplanar face 306 withcutouts cutouts cutouts planar portion 140 and produces fourth shape 302, which is the shape offastener strip 100.Fifth stage 316 coolsfastener strip 100 so that it may be more conveniently transported and packaged. Again, astripper plate 304A is utilized to facilitate separation. After the shaping offastener strip 100 is completed,conveyor belt 321 advances the fastener strip to a second conveyor 101. As it cools,fastener strip 100 no longer adheres to belt 100, so it can be removed without stretching or distortion. The lack of tension onfastener strip 100 is crucial to maintaining the dimensions and configuration of thefastener strip 100.Fastener strip 100 is then advanced by second conveyor 101 to a take up reel 103, again maintaining minimum tension and compression of thefastener strip 100. - The invention also provides a method for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip, which process will now be described. The invention is not limited to the described process, starting materials, equipment or products.
- A prior art fastener strip, such as
fastener strip 10 is the starting material. A tensioning assembly, such as adancer roller assembly 216 depicted in FIG. 16, is suitable for tensioningfastener strip 10.Dancer roller assembly 216 applies a precise tension tofastener strip 100, as will be appreciated and understood by practitioners.Fastener 100 is preheated bypreheaters 217 and 219 to a temperature warmer than room temperature and cooler the melting point or index of the thermoplastic material that composesfastener strip 100. For example, a temperature in the range of about 120° to about 130 degrees F. is often useful. Control of temperature and tension prevents distortion of thefastener strip 100.Fastener strip 100 is then advanced byconveyor belt 321. - A portion of
fastener strip 10 is vibrated between a vibrator and an anvil at a first stage. The vibrating is effective to increase the malleability of the portion, as compared to the malleability offastener strip 100 before vibrating. A first matrix is pressed against the malleable portion to produce a first shape. The pressing may be carried out simultaneously with the vibrating. Second matrix, third and fourth matrices are subsequently pressed against the malleable portion to produce a second shape, a third shape and a fourth shape, respectively. Each pressing is accomplished in a separate stage at a different location. The fastener strip may be heated before or during the stages. The finished fastener strip is cooled to room temperature and may then be wound on a spindle or roll for later use by the bag converter, again at a precise tension to avoid distortion. - The vibrator oscillates in contact with the fastener strip at a frequency of about 10,000 to about 100,000 cycles per second, preferably at least about 20,000 cycles per second. As described above, the vibrator includes an actuator, a resonator or horn, and a first matrix, which is unitary with the horn. The vibrator is positioned over the fastener strip and an anvil is positioned under and in contact with the fastener strip. Preferably, the vibrator does not touch the anvil. Alternatively, two or more vibrators may be brought in to contact with the fastener strip with the fastener strip positioned between the vibrators.
- While only a few, preferred embodiments and aspects of the invention have been described above, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that these embodiments and aspects may be modified and altered without departing from the central spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the preferred embodiments and aspects described above are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced herein.
Claims (60)
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US10/831,989 US8002467B2 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 2004-04-26 | Reclosable fastener profile seal and method of forming a fastener profile assembly |
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US11/555,451 US20070086682A1 (en) | 1999-10-12 | 2006-11-01 | Airtight reclosable fastener |
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US20070086682A1 (en) * | 1999-10-12 | 2007-04-19 | Com-Pac International, Inc. | Airtight reclosable fastener |
US7347908B2 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2008-03-25 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Leakproof zipper end crush for reclosable bag and related method of manufacture |
US8714819B2 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2014-05-06 | Global Packaging Solutions Limited | Reclosable fastener |
US8096022B2 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2012-01-17 | Global Packaging Solutions Limited | Reclosable container and method of manufacture |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20060196019A1 (en) | 2006-09-07 |
US7337507B2 (en) | 2008-03-04 |
US7041249B2 (en) | 2006-05-09 |
US20040128806A1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
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