Abstract: A thermoplastic bag having a zipper that is operated by a slider is provided with end termination clips that firmly holds the two zipper elements together to resist stresses applied by normal use and also stops the slider from going off past the end of the zipper. The end termination clip is formed by clamps consisting of plastic members between which are sandwiched the zipper and fin and wherein the clamping members are held together by a plastic rivet through the film. In one embodiment the end termination clips include hook structure for engaging a detent in the slider which provides the bag user with the feel of a definite parking position for the slider when the bag is closed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bag having a zipper that is operated by a slider is provided with end stops that are integral with the ends of the zipper and prevent the slider from going off past the end of the zipper and coming off the bag. There is also disclosed a method for forming these end stops by ultrasonically smashing the ends of the zipper.

Abstract: A disposable plastic cup dispenser incorporating a spring for imparting biasing action to a stack of nested cups in the dispenser so as to render the cups available for individual and discrete dispensing thereof. The spring is in a compressed condition and extends intermediate the inner bottom wall surface of the container and the bottom of the lowermost cup of the stack of cups, thereby biasing the stack of cups towards a discharge or dispensing opening formed in the opposite end of the housing through which the endmost cup of the stack partially protrudes.

Abstract: A plastic reclosable fastener with slider for opening and closing the reclosable fastener on plastic bags and the like is disclosed. The plastic reclosable fastener and slider include a provision for restraining the slider in closed position and maintaining the male and female elements of the slider in interlocking relation when the slider reaches the closed end of its travel along the tracks of the slider.

Abstract: A one-piece foldable plastic zipper slider for straddling relation with a profiled plastic reclosable fastener. The plastic zipper slider has hinged wings that are latched in place by a latch tongue which is deflected downward to snap in place and then cannot be re-opened because subsequent forces act in such a direction to engage it more strongly.

Abstract: A leakproof plastic reclosable fastener or zipper with slider particularly suited for thermoplastic bags. The zipper is formed by reclosable interlocking rib and groove profile elements on respective strips and the strips each include profiled track structure extending along the length thereof parallel to the rib and groove elements. A straddling slider is positioned on the strips for closing or opening the reclosable fastener elements. The slider includes depending side walls for maintaining the track structure and the rib and groove elements therebetween. The slider also includes separator structure inserted between the track structure but not the rib and groove elements to open the rib and groove elements. The zipper structure is slit or notched locally at the end where the slider goes when the zipper is closed, to allow the rib and groove elements to interlock fully making a leakproof closure.

Abstract: A reusable microwaveable container having a temperature indicator mounted permanently to the side walls of the container. The temperature indicator is a liquid crystal film display device having a plurality of display devices which indicate various temperature levels. The liquid crystal films change color in response to a preset temperature such that each display changes color at incrementally increasing temperatures. The displays are reversible in that they return to their original color as the temperature decreases. Alternately, or additionally, the temperature sensing indicator may be provided on a closure lid which fits over the container, so that the temperature may be detected from steam rising from the food being cooked or heated.

Abstract: A plastic tape is coated with adhesive in alternating spots, then folded in corrugations to cover the spots of adhesive. In use, the tape is manually stretched to expose the adhesive, then wrapped around the neck of a bag to effect a closure.

Abstract: A seal bar including a clamped seal element for rotary side seal machines and, more particularly, to a thin ribbon-like seal element constituted of a metallic high-temperature resistant material for the concurrent heat sealing and cutting through of superimposed layers of a thermoplastic film material.

Abstract: A waste container that utilizes a clock-timer circuit to actuate an alarm to remind a user to empty the container and prepare the contents for subsequent collection. The clock-timing circuit and signalling means can be an integral part of the container or affixed to the container by an adhesive or any other suitable fastening means. A preferred apparatus comprises a waste container, an audible signalling means, a clock-timer circuit for actuation of the signalling means at a predetermined time corresponding to the interval between trash collection service pick-ups and a housing for mounting the timing circuit and signalling means within. Also furnished is a method for providing a signal to prepare waste materials for collection comprising the steps of setting a clock-timer circuit affixed to a waste container for a predetermined period of time, providing an actuation pulse upon the expiration of the period of time and generating an alarm through the use of a signalling means affixed to the waste container.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a tubular polymer film material which is being extruded, and more particularly, an apparatus for extruding tubular thermoplastic films including two tandem spaced air rings for controlling the cooling rate and production speeds of the thermoplastic films during extrusion thereof. Moreover, there is also disclosed a method for the cooling of an extruded tubular thermoplastic film material through the utilization of a tandem air ring cooling structure.