Reclosable, E.g., Ziplock (tm) Or With Valve Patents (Class 53/139.2)
  • Patent number: 11731387
    Abstract: The present invention is a bag making machine (20, 30). The bag making machine (20, 30) includes: a conveying unit (37) which conveys a multi-layer film (S) in which films (13a, 13b) are overlapped; a side edge sealing device (27) which thermally fuses the films (13a, 13b) to each other; and an ultrasonic device (26) which crushes a part of a zipper member (14) disposed between films (13a, 13b). The side edge sealing device (27) includes: a platform (44); and a heat-generating head (45). The ultrasonic device (26) includes: an anvil (41); and an ultrasonic horn head (42). The heating-generating head (45) and the ultrasonic horn head (42) reciprocate at a same cycle via a link member (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: HOSOKAWA YOKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shintaro Nobe, Kazuhiro Umenaka
  • Patent number: 11572212
    Abstract: A packing machine includes a guide configured to guide a sheet of packaging material formed in a tubular shape, a sealing device configured to fuse an overlapping portion of the packaging material, a detection element pivotally attached to the guide and arranged downstream of the sealing device along a welded portion of the packaging material, a biasing member configured to bias the detection element outwardly from the guide, and a detector configured to detect the detection element that is pushed out from the welded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SHIBUYA PACKAGING SYSTEM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro Takemoto
  • Patent number: 9016036
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Flecotec AG
    Inventor: Günter Untch
  • Patent number: 8800250
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Moehlenbrock
  • Patent number: 8752356
    Abstract: A method of forming a reclosable fastener track having a slider. The process provides a reclosable fastener track, forms a slit in the fastener track, attaches a slider to the fastener track, seals the slit in the fastener track after the slider attaches, and creates a first and a second end stop on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Reynolds Presto Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bohn, Roger E. Dowler, Matthew Oswald
  • Patent number: 8484934
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer
  • Patent number: 8397474
    Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Art Malin, Steve Ausnit, Donald L. Crevier, Joel Johnson, David J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8371093
    Abstract: An air packaging device includes two layers of thermoplastic films, which form a sealable space where air is filled after first and second steps of heat-sealing process. The sealable space includes a number of independent sealed air chambers and a main air passage channel. The main channel has an air inlet. Each sealed air chamber is connected with the main channel by at least one one-way valve each including at least two layers of plastic films. At least two one-way valves are installed inside of the air chambers. This air packaging device increases the cushioning protection where the protection is most needed, but can reduce air chamber dimension at less important locations in order to reduce the volumetric size and, hence, reduce the shipping cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Jiaying Zhang, Yaopeng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120285122
    Abstract: An apparatus including a feeding device configured feed a profile in a longitudinal direction, a cutting device configured to cut the profile to form a cut profile section, a gripping device configured to grip and transport the cut profile section, the gripping device being displaceable between a gripping position and a position for introducing the cut profile section into a bag, the gripping device comprising, a pair of grippers to hold the cut profile section, an actuator to move the gripping device in the vertical direction from a position above the bag to a lower position for introducing the cut profile section inside the bag, a moveable guide configured to guide the cut profile section inside the bag, the moveable guide being moveable in the vertical direction between a position above the bag and a position for insertion inside the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CONCETTI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Teodoro Concetti
  • Patent number: 8141328
    Abstract: A system and method for free-standing hermetic storage of bulk, boxed or bagged commodities including the use of a thin, lightweight ultra low permeability loadable sleeve, and optionally a UV-, wind- and rodent-resistant cover on top of the sleeve. For bagged or boxed commodities, loading may be done manually or with a forklift while the sleeve and/or cover is held open. For bulk commodities, the cover is used to prevent tearing of the sleeve during loading and as such, is placed over the sleeve prior to loading of the sleeve via a pneumatic grain conveyor or similar device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: GrainPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Villers, Tom De Bruin, Shlomo Navarro
  • Patent number: 8127517
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strip. Apparatus and methods for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, and also for manufacturing an empty, flexible recloseable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
  • Patent number: 8122687
    Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. Various types of fastener tracks are applied in-line with a plastic web and are bonded thereto. All package components are brought together at the point of fill. Flexible packages are provided with shrouded and unshrouded slide fastener closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Kenneth C. Pokusa, Kelly E. Arnold, Harold Marvin Howell, III, Kenneth Radakovits
  • Patent number: 8117804
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 8070662
    Abstract: A tape 3, 4 with a zipper member and a bag film 5, 6 are continuously moved by rotation of a rotary drum 32 while being overlaid with each other such that the tape 3, 4 travels in a tape introducing groove 33 for a tape with a zipper member, the groove formed along a circumferential direction of the rotary drum 32. The tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is continuously welded to the bag film 5, 6 on a circumferential surface of the rotary drum 32 by a seal bar 35 that has a welding surface 34 in a curved shape corresponding to a circumferential surface shape of the rotary drum 32. The whole tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is accommodated in the tape introducing groove 33 for the tape with the zipper member and a seal surface of a tape body 31, 41 is adapted to be substantially flush with the circumferential surface of the rotary drum 32, so that heat applied from the seal bar 35 to the tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is restrained from transferring to the rotary drum 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Idemitsu Unitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuichi Goto, Kenichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8033974
    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. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 7937908
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of first and second adhesives for the attachment of zipper flanges to reclosable packages. A first adhesive is typically a reactive, cross-linkable hot melt adhesive while the second adhesive is typically non-cross-linkable hot melt adhesive, typically, but not limited to, either EVA-based or polyamide-based. Alternatively, the second adhesive can be a coextrusion layer including a resin that is typically used as a sealant layer in zipper extrusion, such as metallocene type linear low density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Glyn Russell, Ernesto L. Pitargue, Arthur A. Bucci
  • Patent number: 7882684
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Publication number: 20100281830
    Abstract: The invention concerns a machine (1) for automatic placement of sliders, including in particular: a first supplier (100) for supplying closure profiles (20), said closure profiles (20) being provided with complementary means (22) allowing the progression of the closure profiles (20) in said machine (1); a second supplier (200) for supplying sliders (10); a device (400) for placing sliders (10); and a separator guide (300), situated opposite the device (400) for placing sliders, said guide (300) comprising a guide channel (310a, 310b) in which the closure profiles (20) progress, the width of said channel (310a, 310b) being smaller than the thickness of the closure means (22), such that when the profiles (20) are brought by the supply means (100) into the separator guide (300), the closure means (22) do not penetrate the guide channel (310a, 310b) while the portion (23) underlying said closure means (22) is squeezed by the walls of the guide channel (310a, 310b), in order to separate the respective free ends
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Michel Barreaux
  • Patent number: 7827765
    Abstract: A method of forming a reclosable fastener track having a slider. The process provides a reclosable fastener track, forms a slit in the fastener track, attaches a slider to the fastener track, seals the slit in the fastener track after the slider attaches, and creates a first and a second end stop on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Bohn, Roger E. Dowler, Matthew Oswald
  • Patent number: 7779605
    Abstract: A unit operation station for use in a web processing machine comprising: a shuttle system including an input roller for receiving a web and an attached zipper, an output roller and a the connecting element for maintaining the input roller and the output roller in a fixed position relative to each other; a plurality of stations performing distinct operations for mechanically altering the attached zipper, one of the plurality of stations including a slider-insertion mechanism for placing a slider onto the zipper; a web path located beyond the input roller and including the plurality of stations; a driver for providing reciprocating movement to the shuttle system to cause intermittent movement of the web and the attached zipper along the web path; wherein the output roller releases the web and the attached zipper at a rate substantially equal to a continuous input feed rate of the web and the attached zipper, and wherein the shuttle system moves at a speed substantially equal to the continuous input/output feed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
  • Patent number: 7757460
    Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal continuous pouch machine includes a forming tube having a cross section area of CA is disclosed. A film tube is continuously formed about the forming tube and fed downward. A horizontal sealing assembly includes at least one pair of opposing sealing bars that make horizontal seals on the film, thereby forming pouches. The horizontal seals are formed in a horizontal sealing zone, and the vertical distance from a lower end of the forming tube to the center of the horizontal sealing zone is a transition distance that is (in inches) preferably no more than 0.5 multiplied by the cross-section area (in sq inches).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Curt Frievalt, Brian E. Kettner
  • Patent number: 7748200
    Abstract: A reclosable, tamper-proof, fillable package includes a first side panel and a second side panel joined to each other along a pair of spaced side seals. A bottom wall extends between the first and second side panels with the bottom wall and the first and second side panels defining a package interior. A tamper-evident structure having opposite sides connected to each other extends above a combined zipper closure and slider device, and is connected to the zipper closure. Only one side of the tamper-evident structure is initially connected to one of the first and second side panels so that a fill opening adapted to receive a product is created between the other side of the tamper-evident structure and the other of the first and second side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: 7731646
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Murray Edward Bruce Leighton
  • Patent number: 7673437
    Abstract: A reclosable package having a slider-operated zipper wherein the contents of the package are accessed through the front wall of the package, not through the top of the package. The reclosable package comprises: a bag body comprising front and rear walls of bag making material; a flexible zipper joined to the front wall and not joined to the rear wall; and a slider mounted to the zipper, the slider being movable in a first direction along the zipper for opening the zipper and movable in a second direction along the zipper for closing the zipper. Alternatively, the flexible zipper is joined to the front wall along first and second zones of joinder disposed at different heights on the front wall, and is joined to the rear wall only in zones of joinder where the zipper is joined to both of the front and rear walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7637297
    Abstract: An apparatus, device and method for producing end seals on a continuous supply of fastener strip having first and second interlocked profiles before the fastener strip is attached to a supply of thermoplastic film used to make a reclosable bag. The fastener strip is advanced through a guide. A first section is identified and fused thereby providing a first end seal. A second end section is identified with the identification based on the first end seal. The second section is fused, thereby providing a second end seal with the result of a length of fastener strip including a pair of end seals. A device is provided to simultaneously fuse and cut the fastener strip at the exiting end of the fastener guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Eric P. Plourde
  • Patent number: 7621105
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7614203
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use with a self-sealing collapsible storage bag, the valve assembly having a first portion comprising a housing that has a sealing surface and contains a valve mechanism. A second portion has a sealing surface that is configured to mate with the sealing surface of the first portion. A snap mechanism is configured to allow the first and second portions to be snapped together with their respective sealing surfaces facing each other to form a substantially airtight seal. In operation, the first and second portions are positioned on opposing sides of a panel of a plastic storage bag, and snapped together so as to sandwich the panel between the first and second portions of the valve assembly. The plastic bag is pierced in the area of the valve assembly either during installation of the valve assembly, or later by insertion of a nozzle. Gas or fluid such as air may be selectively removed from or added to the interior of the storage bag through the valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Safety Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Oltrogge
  • Patent number: 7597657
    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. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 7563219
    Abstract: A drum configuration uses first and second rotary drums to apply alternate zipper segments in a transverse direction to a sheet of moving web or film. This allows the web to maintain a constant speed without the intermittent pausing while the zipper segments are sealed to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Owen, David C. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7552573
    Abstract: An invention for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
  • Patent number: 7552572
    Abstract: A packaging method includes the providing of a bag. A mouth of the bag may include an opening/closing for multiple successive openings and closings and a cleavable linking veil, located at a distance therefrom inside the bag in relation to the opening/closing. The method may also include introduction of contents to be wrapped in the bag and tightening of said bag in order to close it, with tension being applied to the contents. A veil may enter into contact with the contents to avoid the application of stress on the opening/closing, and guarantee free access to the contents via said opening/closing after tearing the cleavable linking veil. In one embodiment, free access to bag contents enables the bag to be relaxed in a closed state as a result of the distance (D) separating the veil and the opening/closing. The invention also relates to a packaging device and to bags thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Henri Bois
  • Patent number: 7549269
    Abstract: A bag having a reclosable sealer and methods of forming and using the same are provided. The bag, for example, can include a tube body having a plurality of laminated layers. A reclosable sealer can be attached to a first wall of the tube body. When the bag is in an open bag position, a first portion of the reclosable sealer is separated from a second portion of the reclosable sealer. When the reclosable sealer is in the closed seal position, the first portion of the reclosable sealer contacts the second portion of the reclosable sealer forming a seal to thereby allow the bag to be readily opened and closed. Peripheral portions of the bag can remain unsealed after initial opening when the reclosable sealer is in the closed seal position to indicate that initial opening has occurred and that tampering with the bag may have occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Exopack LLC
    Inventors: L. Roseann Woodham, Alfred A. McLellan, Debra L. Sullivan, George Solomon
  • Patent number: 7540662
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strip. Apparatus and methods for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, and also for manufacturing an empty, flexible recloseable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
  • Patent number: 7506487
    Abstract: A bag is has an opening defined by a pair of walls and a pair of gussets. The walls are joined by the gussets. The bag has two slits. Each of the two slits is formed adjacent a wall and a gusset. Each of the two slits is adjacent the opening. A zipper comprises a pair of interlocking sections. The zipper is inserted through the slits. The interlocking sections are secured to at least a portion of each of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Zip Pack IP AG
    Inventors: Claude Alan Eads, Rainer M. Garger, Thomas P. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20090044492
    Abstract: A device is provided for feeding horizontally oriented packages or bags at a regular interval to a zipper profile attaching device. The loose packages or bags are placed onto a servo-driven lugged chain conveyor wherein the lugs are evenly spaced at the nominal desired center-to-center spacing of the packages or bags. The servo-driven lugged chain conveyor feeds the packages or bags to be captured between upper and lower secondary constant velocity conveyors. The lower secondary constant velocity conveyor includes an encoder which is used to slave the servo of the servo-driven lugged chain conveyor, with an adjustable programmable ratio. This achieves a consistent center-to-center distance of the horizontally oriented packages or bags which are then fed to a zipper profile attaching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, David C. Wallace, Adam N. Caplan
  • Patent number: 7490451
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated manufacture of block bottom pillow top bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7458925
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing plastic bags are disclosed. A web of plastic is folded to form an elongate folded web having free ends and closer tape is secured to the free ends of the elongate folded web. End stops are formed in the closer tape at spaced locations thereof and an indicia is formed in the end stops. The elongate folded web is simultaneously severed and sealed at the spaced locations to produce individual bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Turvey
  • Patent number: 7455636
    Abstract: An apparatus for application of zippers to film material 10 comprises an applicator bar 22 for presenting pre-cut lengths of zipper 26 to the film and a heated sealing bar 34 for sealing the pre-cut lengths to the film. The applicator bar, the sealing bar, feed rollers 30a, 30b and a zipper cutter 32 are mounted for movement with the film on a linear motor 14. A pneumatic cylinder 18 raised the application bar towards the film 10. The applicator bar moves in direction C to apply the zipper to the film 10 moving in direction A, then moves with the sealing bar and the film in direction B, away from the film in direction C?, back to its starting position in direction B?, then towards the film again in direction C. A further length of zipper may be fed to the applicator bar at any time after the bar has moved away from the film in direction C? and therefore during an end portion of the forward stroke of the motor, or during its return stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Murray Edward Bruce Leighton
  • Patent number: 7430844
    Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Alcoa, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Buchman, Paul A. Tilman
  • Patent number: 7415810
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reclosable package having a hooded slider-operated zipper, comprising the following steps: (a) interlocking profiled closure members of first and second flanged zipper strips; (b) inserting a slider on the zipper strips; (c) folding zipper flanges of the first and second flanged zipper strips so that respective portions of the zipper flanges confront each other at a position above the profiled closure members; (d) joining the mutually confronting portions of the zipper flanges to each other to form a hood over the profiled closure members; (e) guiding first and second portions of web material into mutual confrontation; (f) guiding the mutually interlocked first and second zipper strips to positions whereat a portion of one zipper flange confronts the first portion of web material and a portion of the other zipper flange confronts the second portion of web material; and (g) joining respective portions of the zipper flanges to the first and second portions of web material respectivel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, Timothy S. McLaren
  • Patent number: 7409810
    Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal continuous pouch machine includes a forming tube having a cross section area of CA is disclosed. A film tube is continuously formed about the forming tube and fed downward. A horizontal sealing assembly includes at least one pair of opposing sealing bars that make horizontal seals on the film, thereby forming pouches. The horizontal seals are formed in a horizontal sealing zone, and the vertical distance from a lower end of the forming tube to the center of the horizontal sealing zone is a transition distance that is (in inches) preferably no more than 0.5 multiplied by the cross-section area (in sq inches).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Curt Frievalt, Brian E. Kettner
  • Patent number: 7410453
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus wherein webless zipper is provided with concave seal bridges. These concave seal bridges are complementary in shape to convex sealing bars. This captures or positions the seal bridges of the zipper profiles resulting in improved alignment of the profiles and improved performance of the manufacturing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fenzl, Gregory Crunkleton
  • Patent number: 7406810
    Abstract: A method of fabricating reclosable bags comprising: disposing a releasably engaged closure between a first and a second bag film portions, the closure including a loop-engageable fastener strip comprising an array of loop-engageable fastener elements integrally molded with a sheet-form resin substrate, and a loop strip comprising a plurality of loops carried on a sheet-form resin base; and applying energy to bond the resin substrate of the loop-engageable fastener strip to the first bag film portion and to bond the resin base of the loop strip to the second bag film portion; wherein the loop-engageable fastener strip is not bonded to the loop strip when the energy is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William P. Clune, William H. Shepard, George A. Provost
  • Patent number: 7399262
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of packaging bags, which includes a step of forming at least one bag in a scrolling film, welding opening and closing zippers that include a series of operating sliders onto the scrolling film, and effecting at least one cut in the zippers, where the length of the cut is greater than the length of each slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Antony Roger
  • Patent number: 7351188
    Abstract: A reclosable package comprising a hooded zipper with a pair of off-center lines of perforations that are hermetically sealed by a layer of material. The lines of perforations facilitate tearing off the hood to gain access to the zipper. One method of manufacture involves joining the hooded zipper to respective web portions formed by folding a web and then slitting the folded web in two. Another method of manufacture involves joining the hooded zipper to respective web portions formed by slitting a web in two and then orienting the two web portions into mutually confronting positions. The package may be constructed to have a wicket flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Schaller, Eric Paul Plourde
  • Patent number: 7340870
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing double ply packaging bags includes feeding a first packaging web, the first packaging web including a window patch that is cut out or pre-cut, feeding a second packaging web, the second packaging web including another window patch that is cut out or pre-cut, applying a fastener assembly to a fed-through packaging web, perpendicular to a window patch, attaching the fastener assembly to the packaging web, attaching the two packaging webs to each other to form a double ply web, and forming a double ply packaging bag with the double ply web. The double ply packaging bag has a front wall and a back wall, where the front wall and the back wall are each formed by the double ply web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Anthony Roger
  • Patent number: 7341085
    Abstract: A station for the application of segments of openable/reclosable strip on a plastic film web destined to form bags, includes a device for sealing segments of strip at intervals on the film and a device for punching predefined zones of film. The punching device and the sealing device are positioned in the station along the film path to act in sequence in the same zone for punching the film and sealing the segments in the predefined points of the film keeping the film stationary between the film punching operation and the corresponding operation for sealing a segment on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ilapak Research & Development S.A.
    Inventor: Valter Tinivella
  • Patent number: 7338424
    Abstract: A horizontal packaging machine (10) for making fluid-tight packages (11) equipped with zip closure (15) comprises: at least one unit (12) for unwinding a film (13) of synthetic material for packaging a series of products (18); at least one unit (14) for unreeling a pair of tapes (15) to form a zip closure; a shaping tunnel (16) located downstream of the film (13) unreeling unit (12); a sealing unit (20) located downstream of the shaping tunnel (16); Downstream of the sealing unit (20), the machine comprises a power-driven film feed roller (21) designed to apply a uniform pulling force on the film (13) which is unwound and fed into the sealing unit (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: BG Pack S.p.a.
    Inventor: Mario Latronico
  • Patent number: 7331160
    Abstract: A method of forming and sealing a flexible, reclosable package having a zipper closure and a slider mounted thereon. The reclosable package is initially formed having a pair of opposing side panels and a zipper closure extending between the pair of side panels. The zipper closure is initially attached to the side panels only along a pair of spaced side seals. The reclosable package is filled with product through a fill opening created between the zipper closure and either one of the side panels. Once the package is filled with product, the attachment flanges of the zipper closure are sealed to both of the side panels. Thus, the zipper closure is sealed to the side panels only after product has been inserted into the product package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg W. Melchoir
  • Patent number: RE40284
    Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans