Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes duplicative seals. In particular, in one or more implementations, a thermoplastic bag includes a first seal and at least a second seal reinforcing the same area of the thermoplastic bag. For instance, in one or more implementations, the thermoplastic bag includes multiple seals along each side edge or along the hem. If one seal fails, the other seal(s) can remain in place to prevent leaks. Thus, the duplicative seals of the thermoplastic bag can provide reinforced strength and desired aesthetics.

Abstract: An aseptic packaging machine includes a web-shaped packaging material feed, a sterilizer-filler nozzle assembly with a form section 40, a product supply duct, a sterilization medium supply duct, and an exhaust duct. One or more pre-sterilization medium supply feeds are connectable to a product inlet connector and a sterilization medium inlet connector. A collector cup 70 is movable relative to the nozzle assembly between an inactive and a docking position. The collector cup delimits one or more interior spaces 71a, 72a designed to, in the docking position, enclose a product outlet portion 4 to collect and/or drain away pre-sterilization media during a pre-sterilization of the nozzle assembly get to flow through and along it, and to also enclose the sterilization medium outlet portion 16 and/or exhaust inlet portion 22 in the docking position inside its one or more interior spaces.

Abstract: The splint kit provides a sealed splint, bandaging, and a water source for setting the splint. Different kits may be needed depending upon the size of the user to which the splint will be applied. The kits may also vary according to the body part to be set. The size of each splint is based upon the size of the user and the size of the body part(s) to be splinted to eliminate the need for the user to size the splint. The splint is self-contained in its own packaging to maintain the integrity of the splint. The fiberglass/hardening material is encased by a foam material and/or felt to further simplify the process of applying and setting the splint.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. The apparatus also includes processing stations for loading the pouches, transferring fluids (typically gases) into and out of the pouches, and sealing the pouches. Various alternative methods and devices are provided for separating each sealed pouch from the web by either making a continuous cut across a connecting strip of web material downline of the processing stations or pre-perforating the connecting strip upline of the processing stations. When the connecting strip is pre-perforated, a sealed pouch of sufficient weight may be separated from the web passively by a takeaway conveyor, and a lighter sealed pouch may be separated from the web by a tear-off mechanism that grips and pulls the web.

Abstract: The method and apparatus relates to providing a slit, perforation, line of weakness or similar structure in a flange of a zipper for a reclosable package or bag, including a high-capacity zipper. The slit, perforation, line of weakness or similar structure provides an opening for filling the reclosable package or bag without the need to separate the zipper profiles from each other. After filling, the opening is sealed and the cosmetic appearance of the reclosable package or bag is maintained.

Abstract: A method of forming a flexible container can include folding a web or sheet to define one or more gussets in one or more regions of the flexible container. The gusset can be a continuous gusset or can be an interrupted gusset, having a seal disposed in the gusset.

Abstract: A closure having two profile strips for an at least partially flexible container for connecting a first container to a second container in a manner sealed against the environment in a such a way that a closed docking position can be obtained. Further the closure provides for conducting a flow in a sealed manner against the environment in a flow direction through the closure from the first container into the second container in such a way that an open docking position can be obtained. According to the described system, the second container facing the first container is designed with an identical closure that engages in the closure of the first container in the open docking position and forms a channel for the flow in the flow direction together with the closure.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper fastener has a slider 40 and first and second profiles 24, 26. Each profile has a body 32, 34 and a flange 28, 30 which has three zones which are, successively and in the direction away from the body, an anti-seal zone 42, 43, a line-of-weakness formation zone 44, 45 and a sealing zone 46, 47. The zipper can be used in a bag in which it is secured internally of a top seal 20, the line-of-weakness zones 44, 45 forming lines along which a top portion of the bag can be removed to open the bag. The bag can then be sealed using the zipper. A tamper-evident feature is thus provided.

Abstract: A re-sealable package and method which includes roll stock, a pressure sensitive label and a release member. The re-sealable package includes an outer layer laminated to an inner sealant layer. The pressure sensitive label has a first preselected shape and includes a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side. The side having the pressure sensitive layer is adhered to the inner sealant layer of the roll stock. The release member is formed in the outer layer, the release member having a second preselected shape which is smaller than the first preselected shape of the pressure sensitive label. As the release member is lifted from the pressure sensitive label, an area of the pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed to allow portions of the package to be removably adhered to the area of pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: An intermediate product for making bag closures wherein an elongated substrate has formed on it a pair of elongated attachment lanes having complementary fastening elements to provide an attachable-detachable closure. The lanes extend parallel and are spaced apart. A perforation line is formed in the substrate between the lanes. The tape is folded by being pulled through a slot along the perforation line to place said lanes in face-to-face engagement. The product is used in a method for making bags or pouches and on a machine modified to seal partially one side of the closure to one side of the mouth of bags or pouches being made and to seal completely the other side of the closure to the other side of the bag of pouch mouth. The perforation is separated to separate the lanes and create an attachable-detachable closure. Interlocking projections can be included in the closure.

Abstract: An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a tape including a base strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a panel section having a die cut defining a die cut segment, the panel section adhered by the PSA to the base strip; the panel section anchored to a first side panel; the second surface of the base strip anchored to the inner surface of a second side panel; and a product in the pouch. The die cut segment is so arranged with respect to the pressure sensitive adhesive that when the package is opened, the package can be reclosed by adhering the pressure sensitive adhesive to the first side panel.

Abstract: A sealed package is disclosed that includes a breachable bubble for opening the package in combination with at least one reclosable device. The reclosable device may comprise a pair of opposing interlocking members. The breachable bubble allows for the package to be easily opened while the reclosable device allows for the package to be closed once opened. The breachable bubble and the reclosable device can be preformed on opposing strips that are then incorporated into the package as the package is being formed.

Abstract: In manufacturing an easy-open container (1), a flange (25) of a container body (2) and a lid (3) are heat-sealed, where a circular sealing board (7) having a curved surface on an inner circumferential edge and an inclined surface on an outer circumferential edge side is pressed onto an upper side of the flange (25) to form a swelling gathered resin part (6) formed of respective resin components of a surface layer (21) of the container body (2), a subsurface layer (22) adjacent to the surface layer (21) and a seal layer (31) of the lid (3), while heat-sealing the surface layer (21) of the container body (2) and the seal layer (31) of the lid (3). With the arrangement, the easy-open container (1) having both a high sealing performance and an easy-open performance can be provided with low cost.

Abstract: A package and method for opening the package are disclosed. The method may include applying pressure to at least one tab area of the package. The at least one tab area may include a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion being disposed in a first position substantially sealed from each other. The method may further include breaching a first breachable bubble, the first breachable bubble being formed within the first tab portion, and breaching a second breachable bubble, the second breachable bubble being formed within the second tab portion. Further, the method may include causing the first tab portion and the second tab portion to shift from the first position to a second position in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A flexible package (14) comprises one or more lengths of flexible material (16) arranged to define an internal cavity closed by means of seals (18, 22, 24) in which opposed regions of the material are bonded together. At least one seal (22) has a tab portions (30) in which the material is not bonded to an opposing region of material. The material (16) has directional tear characteristics and is oriented so as to tear preferentially in a direction orthogonal to the direction of said seal. The package is opened by pulling the tab portions (30) so that the material tears along either side of the tab portions in the manner of a tear strip. The material (16) may consist exclusively of a single layer of monoaxially oriented polypropylene film. The tab portions (30) may be formed in an end seal (22) so that material tears in a longitudinal direction of the package. The package may be a flow wrapped package.

Abstract: A reclosable flexible package having a reclosable closure comprising easy-to-use adhesive securement means in combination with non-reclosable closures provided above and below the reclosable closure. The package provides a re-openable seal for reclosing the bag upon a partial discharge of the contents thereof, such as food contents. The flexible package offers manufacturing ease and cost-savings, and tamper-resistance. The flexible package also may be incorporated into a bag-in-box package configuration. Methods of making and filling the package also are provided.

Abstract: A woven laminated plastic bag having an easy open feature is provided. The easy open feature is generally defined by a weakened portion in the bag. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the production of sacks from tubular pieces (1) which include plastic material in which at least at one end area a bottom rectangle (2) is laid around a fold line (3) to form triangular pockets (6, 7) (6, 7), where said bottom rectangle comprises flaps (4, 5) (4, 5), parts of the flaps (4, 5) (4, 5) of the bottom rectangle (2) are folded back, and a bottom cover sheet (21) is applied at least to areas of the flaps (4, 5) of the bottom rectangle (2) and/or to areas (6, 7) of the triangular pockets and connected to them. According to the invention a bottom rectangle (21) is used which includes at least in part air-permeable material.

Abstract: A package and method for opening the package are disclosed. The package includes a first film (11) and a second film (12) forming an enclosure and at least one tab area (16) and defining a package periphery (18), the enclosure defining an interior volume configured to receive a product. The package further includes first and second breachable bubbles (20, 22) formed within first and second tab portions (24, 26) of the at least one tab area (16). Upon application of pressure by a user, the first and second breachable bubbles (20, 22) breach. The package may be alternated between a first position, wherein the first tab portion (24) and the second tab portion (26) are substantially sealed from each other to facilitate breaching, and a second position, wherein the first tab portion (24) and the second tab portion (26) are in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved straw access to the interior of a pouch formed from a multi-ply laminate includes a laser-treated area that has improved characteristics for enabling a straw to pass through the multi-ply laminate to access the interior of the pouch. The laser treated area is more crystalline than adjacent areas of the multi-ply laminate that causes the multi-ply laminate to fracture. One such multi-ply laminate includes a sealant layer, a foil layer, and a PET layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an easy-open envelope comprising a pocket for receiving and storing objects. The pocket further comprises a flap configured to be positioned in an open and closed position. The flap is further configured such that when positioned in a closed position, contents may not be added to or removed from the pocket. At least one of the flap interior or pocket exterior comprises an adhesive configured such that when the adhesive has been activated and the flap closed, the flap is secured to the pocket, and contents of the envelope pocket may not be accessed without destructively tearing some portion of the envelope. The easy-open envelope further comprises an embedded access device. The embedded access device is configured to permit easy access to the content of the easy-open envelope if the envelope has been sealed. A method for making the easy-open envelope is also provided.

Abstract: At least one of an obverse surface film and reverse surface film, which are used to together constitute a plastic pouch, is folded back across the entire width of the plastic pouch, and peripheral edge portions of the pouch are heat-sealed, to thereby form, on at least one position, a folded-back section communicating with the body of the pouch.

Abstract: A bag can include walls formed of a material having multiple layers, which can include two polyolefin layers and a paper layer. The bag can be formed into a sewn-open-mouth configuration in which a stitching element extends through a wall of the bag. The bag can include a grease-resistant seal that substantially prevents grease from escaping from the bag via an opening in the wall through which the stitching element extends.

Abstract: A flexible packaging structure has built-in opening features in a laminate with a first structure adhesively joined to a second structure. A tear area is formed by laser ablation of the laminate along a junction between the first and second portions preferably prior to assembling the laminate into the package. Laser ablation begins at the center of the tear area and progressively moves the laser in a direction radially outward from the center of the tear area. During assembly of the package, a seal is formed between end portions of the first and second portions of the laminate. A score line and a sealant reduction area are also introduced to the package to facilitate opening. The package is opened by pulling the seal near the tear area in a direction along the score line until the contents of the package are accessible.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method for making package which has less rejection rate during manufacturing. The method in the present invention also produces packages with good dimensional accuracy. The apparatus in the present invention is provided for making three side gusset package with improved method of feeding side gusset tube and feeding bottom gusset along with web registration of bottom and side gusset to have printing perfectly located and aligned on package surfaces such that the images or graphics can be printed partially on front side & back side, continuing over side and bottom gusset surfaces.

Abstract: A package having a recloseable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. The package can include a longitudinal seal which extends from adjacent the pour spout to overlap the fastener strip.

Abstract: An in-line method is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The method includes advancing a discrete pouch through a first station in a machine direction with the closed bottom of the pouch being the leading edge and a first major surface of the pouch faces upward. The first major surface is folded upon itself to form a lip having an exposed first surface while a second major surface of the pouch has an exposed inner surface. The method also includes routing the pouch to a second station where a closure system is transversely attached across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes an opening/closing mechanism. The method further includes routing the pouch to a third station where the lip is unfolded and opposite ends of the lip are secured to the outer surface of the closure system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.

Abstract: A spout mounting method and a spout that enable smooth and high-speed mounting of the spout onto a pouch. The method includes an insertion step of inserting the spout (S) into the pouch (P) so that a mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S) is held between not-yet-sealed opening edges, a temporary fixation step of temporarily fixing the spout (S), inserted in the pouch (P), to the pouch (P), and a sealing step of fixing the mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S), temporarily fixed to the pouch (P), to the opening edges of the pouch (P) by heat-sealing. In the temporary fixation step, the opening edges of the pouch (P) are fixed together by spot-sealing near edges on both sides of the mounting portion (IP) of the spout (S) so that the spout (S) is held by the opening edges of the pouch (P).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing reclosable bags (30) by forming a film (50) includes moving the film (50) and attaching to the film (50) sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film (50), a fastener (1) including a first strip (2) supporting at least one reclosable profile (10) engaged with another reclosable profile (12) that is complementary thereto and supported by a second strip (4) or a part of the first strip (2), which will subsequently be attached to the film (50). Each strip (2, 4) includes at least one web (6, 8) extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles (12). The above arrangements make possible special fasteners (1) that include sliders (9), gasket membranes (26), fasteners inverted within the bag (30), peel seals (18, 20, 21) and hinged fasteners (1).

Abstract: A bag transport and tilt-correction device for a system for, for instance, manufacturing bags with diagonal spouts, the device including openable and closeable gripping members, an air chuck that opens and closes the gripping members, a reciprocal movement mechanism that reciprocates the gripping members between the bag receiving position and the bag hand-over position, and a reciprocal swing mechanisms that swing the gripping members within the vertical plane along the width direction of the gripped bags. The gripping members are moved together with a reciprocal moving body, which is part of the reciprocal movement mechanisms, and attached to the bottom edge of swing levers, which are part of the reciprocal swing mechanism and operated by a cam during the reciprocal movement process, so as to swing together with it. The tilt of the bag is corrected by the swing motion of the gripping members.

Abstract: A bag (1) for storing perishable products such as fresh fruit and vegetables is disclosed. The bag is formed from a polymer film that has a film orientation direction and has an Elmendorf Tear Strength (ASTM D1922) in the range of 0.05 to 0.50 N in the film orientation direction. The bag comprises a bottom (8), an open top (10), a side wall comprising two wall sections (12,14) connected together by heat seals (2) extending between the top and the bottom of the bag. The bag is formed so that the film orientation direction of the film in the side wall is transverse to the heat seals. The bag also comprises a skirt (5) extending outwardly from each heat seal and at least one tear initiation notch (3) in at least one skirt.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and attaching a plurality of fitments to a film includes a guiding device for guiding a plurality of fitments; an attaching device for attaching the fitments to the film; a means for advancing the attached fitments and film; and an indexing device for indexing the fitments, the indexing device including a spring housing, a spring, and a fastener, the indexing device being configured such that when a first fitment has been attached to the film and then advances past the indexing device, the spring controllably releases the first fitment, and a second fitment is advanced into attaching position. A process and vertical form/fill/seal apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The machine includes first, second and third stations. The first station is capable of advancing discrete pouches and lifting and folding a portion of a first major surface of each pouch upon itself to form a lip, and exposing an inner surface of a second major surface. The second station is capable of positioning and attaching a closure system transversely across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes a track having first and second legs each having an outer surface. The first and second legs are joined together by an opening/closing mechanism which includes a movable member capable of being moved back and forth. The third station is located downstream from the second station and is capable of unfolding the lip and securing opposite ends of the lip to the outer surface of the second leg.

Abstract: A series of pre-opened resealable bags formed as a continuous web and received on a roll suitable for implementation in an automatic bagging machine are presented. The web of bags consist of top and bottom films thermally bonded together along the edges thereof. Transverse resealable zipper strips are interposed between the top and bottom films, with mating portions thereof respectively bonded to an associated films. A top film is provided with a filling slit, adapted for receiving product or materials therethrough. Appropriate seals and perforations are provided transverse to the web to allow the bags to be separated from each other and to allow for operator access to the resealable zipper strip. In another embodiment, the zipper strips are substituted or supplemented with plastic reinforcing strips to accommodate a punched hold for hanging display of the bag. A process for manufacturing such bags from a pair of webs received inserted zipper strips is also presented.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a package is provided, comprising a first and second layer attached by a sealing process to create a peelable seal. The package also includes perforation cuts at regular intervals. A traverse cut is provided through both the first and second layer that traverses the perforation cut in the first layer at least once. The traverse cut and perforation cut define a bonded section to form a tab.

Abstract: A package having a recloseable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. The package can include a longitudinal seal which extends from adjacent the pour spout to overlap the fastener strip.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener (10) comprising a two-part body and a single flange (16) is located between two webs (34) of material from which a bag is to be made on a form-fill-seal machine. The fastener is attached initially to the inside of one web (34) by the flange (16). The combination passes between sealing jaws (44) to seal the webs to the fastener at thickened zones (30) at the margins of the body By making the body compact, and by using sealing jaws (44) which are longer than the body, the webs (34) form around the ends of the fastener body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for the attachment of a zipper to a reclosable package or bag, particular packages or bags of relatively larger sizes. Pinch rollers separate the flanges of the zipper so that the interior walls of the flanges are pointing upward, then hot-melt adhesive is sprayed downwardly onto the flanges. The zipper is then guided over the edge of the horizontally-oriented package or bag by a tube with a longitudinal slot. The package or bag, with the zipper attached, is engaged between a driven-belt apparatus with a nip formed between opposed belts, thereby applying consistent and even pressure to the zipper flanges and assuring that the hot-melt adhesive forms a bond which is consistent, reliable and strong.

Abstract: An improved pouch has a crimped or squeezed mouth region to facilitate pouch opening and hold open during filling. Mouth edge curls are disclosed for enhancing mouth opening. Roller nip and crimp roller apparatus is disclosed. Pouch conditioning methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.

Abstract: A carton with an improved dispensing feature at one end of the carton, which preserves the integrity of the carton, while enabling the display and enhanced access and vending of containers within the carton.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pouch with a straw hole is provided that includes the steps of feeding a front-side film forming one panel of the pouch and a back-side film forming an other panel, from a roll of material, and punching a straw hole in one panel of the pouch. The method also includes the steps of feeding a seal material tape with a plurality of temporally punched portions, and each temporal punched portion has a size slightly larger than that of the straw hole, to a rear side of the panel with the straw hole. The method further includes the steps of temporally sealing the temporally punched portion of the seal material tape over the straw hole by aligning one temporally punched portion of the seal material tape with the straw hole, separating the temporally punched portion from the seal material tape and temporally sealing the temporally punched portion to the one panel.

Abstract: A bag transport and tilt-correction device for a system for, for instance, manufacturing bags with diagonal spouts, the device including openable and closeable gripping members, an air chuck that opens and closes the gripping members, a reciprocal movement mechanism that reciprocates the gripping members between the bag receiving position and the bag hand-over position, and a reciprocal swing mechanisms that swing the gripping members within the vertical plane along the width direction of the gripped bags. The gripping members are moved together with a reciprocal moving body, which is part of the reciprocal movement mechanisms, and attached to the bottom edge of swing levers, which are part of the reciprocal swing mechanism and operated by a cam during the reciprocal movement process, so as to swing together with it. The tilt of the bag is corrected by the swing motion of the gripping members.

Abstract: Various processes for the creation of a film to film bond using printed patterns of adhesive traces. In some implementations of the process, control of the process including control of the temperature of the adhesive and film to a temperature approaching the heat distortion temperature for the film will vary the strength of the bond from a frangible bond to a bond the tears the film, (a film-tearing bond). Some implementations of the process may be used to produce bonded films at web speed rates that are significantly higher than commercial rates for heat seal processes.

Abstract: A foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, first and second separating fingers, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The first separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The second separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides.

Abstract: A method of making tetrahedron packages having substantially uniform tear zones is disclosed. The method includes printing a first image at a first location of a sheet material and a second image at a second location of the sheet material, such that the first image is oriented 180° from and longitudinally arranged with respect to the second image. A tube is formed from the sheet material. The tube runs through a package forming machine to form a first tetrahedron package including the first image and a second tetrahedron package including the second image from the tube. The first tetrahedron package and the second tetrahedron package are connected by a seal zone. Substantially uniform tear zones are formed in the seal zone using a laser or a knife. The substantially uniform tear zones are at the same location with respect to a side edge of the first and second tetrahedron packages.

Abstract: A method of forming a mold having cavities for molding loop-engageable, hook-shaped fastener elements, includes: supporting a first plate having an outer surface that defines a plane; manipulating a material-cutting beam of a laser along a predetermined curved profile to cut a cavity into the outer surface of the first plate, the predetermined curved profile being generally hook-shaped, the cavity defined by a wall extending into the first plate from the outer surface; in a series of subsequent actions, repeatedly indexing the first plate relative to the laser to direct the material-cutting beam at further positions on the first plate and repeating the step of manipulating the material-cutting beam of the laser relative to the first plate to form a series of cavities, each having a hook-shaped profile; and positioning a second plate adjacent the outer surface of the first plate, the second plate providing a side wall surface for each of the cavities of the first plate, the first plate and the second plate in