Package Opening Device (e.g., Tear Strip) Patents (Class 53/412)
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Patent number: 7621106Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tampon wrapper that is a polyethylene film tube having at least a first sealed end with a notch in the first sealed end, and a number of perforations extending from the notch along the axial length of the tampon wrapper. The wrapper is quiet, easy to open, and provides a sanitary method of storing a used applicator.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.Inventors: Douglas L. Tackett, Robert Jorgensen, Keith Edgett, Peter Preisner, Wojtek Drewnowski
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Patent number: 7621105Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
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Publication number: 20090282782Abstract: A system and method of automatically assembling a package may include maintaining a data structure comprising a dynamic rule set for package production. A desired package may be selected for assembly. An assembly sequence may automatically be developed to create a three dimensional package from the dynamic rule set based on the desired package. The desired package may be assembled using the assembly sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: XEROX CORPORATIONInventors: John Oliver Walker, Robert Roy Buckley, Barry Glynn Gombert, Philip Crane Rose, Jennifer Colleen Perotti
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Publication number: 20090255215Abstract: The apparatus uses a servo motor and an accumulator dancer arm to buffer the motion of film, with zipper and clips or sliders already inserted, in a zipper-sealing machine. The servo drives the film to an eye-mark and then stops the film. Upstream of the servo motor, the film and zipper stop so that the zipper can be processed, such as by ultrasonic crush stations and clip insertion stations. Downstream of the servo motor, the film runs out of an accumulator to the bagger/wrapper apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: Adam N. Caplan, David C. Wallace
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Publication number: 20090255216Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: David J. ANZINI, Rusty KOENIGKRAMER
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Publication number: 20090257689Abstract: The invention refers to a flexible package comprising a plurality of walls including first and second opposing side walls having side seams. At least a first gusset is formed in at least the first side wall, the first gusset comprising an internal panel and an external panel together forming a pocket. At least the first side wall comprises tearing means which is at least partially formed in or through the external panel. The tearing means is adapted to create an opening in the first side wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Andreas Peter Motsch
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Patent number: 7597657Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: James W. Yeager
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Patent number: 7596927Abstract: A tamper-evident band is provided which includes a pull tab which is more easily located and more easily grasped by a consumer for removing the tamper-evident band from a container. A method is also disclosed for applying a heat-shrinkable band to a container such that the band is correctly conformed to the configuration of the container with the pull tab properly located for ease of identification and ease of removal.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Jerry W. Moser
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Publication number: 20090235615Abstract: A conventional cigarette packet in a transparent film of bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) with a tear tape for removing the film adhered to the inside of the film. The tear tape bears an indicium which is either hidden or which changes according to the viewing angle when the image is viewed through the film. The image on the tear tape may be scrambled or coded. The overwrap film includes a descrambling or decoding region which reveals the hidden image or renders the image visible when viewed through the overwrap portion, or creates the visual effect of changing the image according to the viewing angle. The descrambling or decoding region typically comprises a diffraction structure, such as a grating, the characteristics of which, such as its pitch, are complementary with the scrambled or coded image and/or with the pitch of any grid or matrix from which the image is composed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: FILTRONA UNITED KINGDOM LTD.Inventor: Stephen Pinchen
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Patent number: 7552572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: S2F FlexicoInventor: Henri Bois
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Patent number: 7552573Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
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Patent number: 7549269Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Exopack LLCInventors: L. Roseann Woodham, Alfred A. McLellan, Debra L. Sullivan, George Solomon
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Patent number: 7540662Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
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Patent number: 7527585Abstract: A method of manufacturing flexible containers that are hermetically resealable. Each resealable container comprises a receptacle and a pair of plastic zipper strips. The zipper strips are flattened at the ends within the side seal regions and are joined to each other, without substantial deformation of the closure profiles, in respective transition areas substantially contiguous with the side seals. These transition areas of zipper strip joinder assist in providing a leakproof transition from the openable section of the zipper to the side seals, where the closure profiles are fused and flattened (i.e., crushed).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty E. Koenigkramer, David J. Matthews, Lars G. Wihlborg, Glyn Russell
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Publication number: 20090100803Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: William Rasile, David Kuethe, Richard Hilenski
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Patent number: 7513858Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) continuously advancing a web of bag making material at a first rate; (b) continuously joining portions of a downstream portion of a fastener tape to respective portions of the continuously advancing web of bag making material; (c) intermittently advancing an upstream portion of the fastener tape while the downstream portion is advancing continuously, the upstream portion of the fastener tape being stationary during a respective dwell time of each work cycle and advancing during the remainder of each work cycle at a second rate faster than the first rate; (d) accumulating a portion of the fastener tape disposed between the upstream and downstream portions to compensate for the difference in the first and second rates during the aforementioned remainder of each work cycle; and (e) deforming a respective section of the upstream portion of the fastener tape during each dwell time.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Clifton Ronald Howell, David C. Wallace
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Patent number: 7506487Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Zip Pack IP AGInventors: Claude Alan Eads, Rainer M. Garger, Thomas P. O'Connor
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Patent number: 7506488Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Nathan A. Kolovich, Craig E. Cappel, Timothy W. Pistner, Alexander R. Provan
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Publication number: 20090056278Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Glyn Russell, Ernesto L. Pitargue, Arthur A. Bucci
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Publication number: 20090045094Abstract: A pharmaceutical child-resistant fold-over card package with secure, sealed edges having: front, middle and rear panels of non-tear-resistant conventional card stock, each panel having a top and a bottom side, aligned in a stack with each top side facing in the same direction; at least one hole in such front panel, and at least one formed blister with a closed portion and an open portion, protruding through such top panel and away from the middle and bottom panels, a pharmaceutical preparation inside of such blister, and a thin sheet of material covering such open portion of such blister to retain the position of such preparation inside such blister; a first set of perforation lines in such card along and approximately one quarter inch inside of each outside exposed perimeter edge of each such panel; a set of perforated holes in middle panel aligned with such hole in such top panel such holes having the geometric shape of such preparation, the size of such hole in the top panel being such that such preparatioType: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: Carton Service, IncorporatedInventors: Terrance L. Wenninger, Matthew S. Taylor, Paul D. Ricciardi, Michael S. Robinette
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Patent number: 7490451Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated manufacture of block bottom pillow top bags.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: David J. Matthews
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Patent number: 7478512Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
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Publication number: 20090013644Abstract: A package having a reclosable 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: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: James W. Yeager
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Patent number: 7469521Abstract: A container and a method of making the container are disclosed. The process consists of arranging two sheets of material in face-to-face relationship with mating fastening elements carried by the sheets being disposed adjacent one another. Three sides of the sheets are sealed together to form an enclosure, a product is placed in the enclosure, the fastening elements are engaged to seal the fourth side of the sheets, the sealed enclosure is folded over on itself and a second product is placed between the now facing sides of the enclosure, and the folded over enclosure is sealed with a breakable seal disposed outside of the first seal such that the first and second products are captured and sealed within the so-formed container. An embodiment of the container is disclosed which comprises a diaper changing kit enclosing a diaper and at least one of a variety of baby changing accessories.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventors: Sarah F. Cheaure, Michael J. Cheaure
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Publication number: 20080295455Abstract: Provided is a tamper proof outer wrapping with a reinforced tear zone. The reinforced tear zone includes a tear tape affixed between two layers of the wrapping material. A perforated line runs parallel to the reinforced tear zone on each of the reinforced tear zone. A tab is formed at one end of the reinforced tear zone. The tab is pulled to separate the reinforced tear zone from the remaining wrapping material and open remove the outer wrapping. The wrapping can be used on packages containing smoking articles such as cigarettes or orally consumed products such as candy or pouched tobacco products.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventor: Stephen Bellamah
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Patent number: 7458925Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.Inventor: Robert R. Turvey
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Patent number: 7455636Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Murray Edward Bruce Leighton
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Publication number: 20080276570Abstract: An individual package of an absorbent article permits a base end of a tape to be bonded with sufficiently large bonding strength without complicating packaging process and increasing manufacturing cost. The absorbent article is wrapped by a package sheet having side edge portions and end edges, and one end edge is overlapped over the other end edge. The package sheet is sealed along the side edge portions, a base end of a tape is fixed on the surface of the package sheet located outside in an overlapping portion, and a free end of the tape extends across one end edge and is releasably adhered on the outer surface of the package sheet adjacent one end edge. The package sheet has a surface, on which the base end of the tape is fixed, the surface being smoothed by a smoothing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: Uni-Charm CorporationInventors: Kenichiro Kuroda, Wataru Yoshimasa, Satoshi Nozaki, Masahiro Kashiwagi, Noritatsu Tamagawa
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Publication number: 20080277306Abstract: A tubular sachet pack (1) contains a rectilinear detergent tablet (2). The sachet pack comprises a sachet having a transverse flap seam disposed at each end of the pack. The pack has a longitudinal flap seam (3) disposed adjacent a border between two sides (a, d) of the tablet. Each of the two sides is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tablet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2005Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER N.V.Inventors: Jurgen Schick, Jacobus Simon Petrus Van Diepen
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Publication number: 20080267541Abstract: The present invention is related to a vertical/horizontal form, fill and seal packaging comprising a plastic film, a longitudinal seam (2) and a cross-directional seam (5), characterised in that the longitudinal seam (2) comprises a continuous teeth structure of adjacent notches (1) with no remaining horizontal cutting lines, representing tear initiations over the whole length of the longitudinal seam (2) said packaging being obtained by a machine reel (4) of said plastic film comprising on both lateral edges said continuous teeth structure (1) in order to avoid additional scrap in the VFFS/HFFS packaging process. The present invention is also related to a process of making such a packaging, said process starting out from a reel comprising a continuous teeth structure on its lateral edges.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2005Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: AMCOR FLEXIMBLES EUROPE A/SInventors: Eddy Daelmans, Bart Verbeeck
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Patent number: 7434371Abstract: Confectionery products (2) are packaged singly in double twist wraps (1) prepared from a strip (3) coated with first longitudinal bands (4) and second transverse bands (5) of adhesive, the transverse bands spaced apart to create adhesive-free zones (6) offered in direct contact to the products (2), and caused to advance along a set path (P) in a given feed direction (D). The strip is prepared with an easy tear point (A) on each second adhesive band (5), consisting of a first notch (7) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip (3) and a second notch (8) superimposed on the first notch (7); the strip (3) is then cut transversely along the second bands (5) to generate single leaves (11), each presenting an indentation (12) and a projection (13) generated by the second notch (8). The leaf (11) is folded around the product (2) to produce a hermetically sealed wrap (1) designed to tear open from the notches.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.Inventors: Eros Stivani, Stefano Cavallari
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Patent number: 7419301Abstract: A reclosable packaging having a slider/zipper assembly and a sealed header. The header has a tear notch for initiating tearing of the header material and a line of weakness for continued tearing of the header material at an elevation which is lower than the top of the slider. Most preferably, the line of weakness is lower than the bottom of the slider. When the header is torn along the line of weakness, at least part of the slider is exposed and accessible to the consumer. In one embodiment, the tear notch is located in a side edge at an elevation higher than the top of the slider. A slit is provided which traverses a range of elevations encompassing a first elevation near an elevation of the tear notch and a second elevation near an elevation of the line of weakness.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
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Patent number: 7415810Abstract: 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 respectivelType: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, Timothy S. McLaren
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Patent number: 7416521Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a composite packaging material for easy-open packages includes means for pulling a running length of packaging film, the film having defined rupture characteristics. The packaging film is perforated with a sequence of spaced apart at least one perforation separated from another at a substantially constant fixed interval between adjacent ones of the sequence along the length of the film. A tape with a continuously extending dry edge is formed from a continuous supply of tape and tape pieces are formed and spaced apart along the length of the film. Successive discrete pieces of tape are adhered to the packaging film in overlying sealing relationship to successive ones of the sequence of at least one perforation.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Inventors: Harold M. Forman, Trevor G. Smith, Alfred E. Kettell
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Patent number: 7413535Abstract: The method of forming a tamper-evident plastic bag or similar container includes providing a zipper with interlocking first and second profiles with respective first and second flanges. The second flange is longer than the first flange. A distal portion (with respect to the interlocking elements of the profiles) of the second flange is sealed to the web thereby forming a transport seal to carry the zipper with the web through a form, fill and seal machine. At the form fill and seal machine hard seals are formed between the web and the first flange and a proximal portion of the second flange. The transport seal is a peel seal or alternatively the second flange is formed with a frangible section between the distal and proximal portions and the transport seal is a hard seal. In both cases the second flange provides tamper evidence and/or a hermetic barrier for the completed bag.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: John H. Schneider
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Publication number: 20080190809Abstract: A package for flat, pliable objects, such as for wafer-shaped or film-shaped drug forms. The package has a carrier layer, a cover layer which is detachably connected to the carrier layer, and a first surface region wherein the carrier layer is not connected to the cover layer and is completely surrounded by a margin area. A cavity, enclosed on all sides, is formed for accommodating an object. The package has a second surface region wherein the carrier layer is not connected to the cover layer. At least one perforation line extends at least partially within the second surface region, and is provided both in the carrier layer and in the cover layer. Severing the perforation line forms a free edge of the cover layer which serves as a gripping aid and enables manual removal of the cover layer from the carrier layer. The disclosure further covers a process for packaging flat, pliable objects by forming the above-described package.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2005Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Michael Simon, Markus Krumme, Karin Ludwig, Bodo Asmussen
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Patent number: 7410453Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Eric Fenzl, Gregory Crunkleton
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Patent number: 7409810Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: CMD CorporationInventors: Curt Frievalt, Brian E. Kettner
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Patent number: 7406810Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.Inventors: William P. Clune, William H. Shepard, George A. Provost
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Patent number: 7399262Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: S2F FlexicoInventor: Antony Roger
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Patent number: 7395642Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) guiding a web material in a machine direction through a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine with a portion of the web material being wrapped around a tube; (b) joining first and second portions of a closure tape to first and second fin portions of the web material that do not form part of the portion of the web material that is wrapped around the tube, the closure tape being rupturable and not reclosable; (c) cross sealing the web material at a location downstream from the tube; and (d) dropping product through the tube and onto the most recently formed cross seal.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, Robert E. Hogan
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Publication number: 20080135441Abstract: A blister pack comprising a plurality of spaced blister cavities each configured to receive and store an individual dose of medicament for inhalation by a user is disclosed. The pack includes a foil layer and an outer polymer layer and each blister cavity, or a number of blister cavities, are separated from an adjacent blister cavity, or number of adjacent blister cavities, by a region of weakness formed by substantially removing or displacing a portion of the outer polymer layer from the foil layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Vectura Group PLCInventors: Andreas Mark Meliniotis, Peter Alan Evans, Stephen William Eason, Quentin John Harmer
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Patent number: 7383675Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
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Publication number: 20080131035Abstract: The invention relates to bag (10) comprising a line of weakness (28) for ease of opening, and a reclosing means (32), wherein the bag (10) comprises a front panel (12), back panel (14) and opposing side panels (16, 18), the panels being sealed together to provide a top section (24) and a bottom section (26), and wherein the line of weakness (28) extends around all of the front (12), back (14) and side (16, 18) panels so that the top section (24) is completely removable from the rest of the bag, and wherein the reclosing means (32) is attached to the front (12), back (14) and side (16, 18) panels adjacent to the line of weakness (28).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Neil John Rogers
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Publication number: 20080089620Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
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Publication number: 20080053041Abstract: A product packaging apparatus that includes a notch former and a tab setter for creating an integrated tab on a product package. The notch former and tab setter are capable of forming a tab or an exposed area at any location of the product package, including creating a tab or an exposed area adjacent a longitudinal edge of the package. The notch former and the tab setter allow a tab to be created that has a length that extends beyond the longitudinal edge of the package. As a result, the present invention is capable of generating simple, easy to open packages that may also be re-used for re-mailing purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Laurence Sperry, Mario V. DiVasta, Brian A. Murch
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Publication number: 20080047228Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2007Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer
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Patent number: 7331160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.Inventor: Greg W. Melchoir
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Patent number: 7331159Abstract: There is described a method for wrapping an article using a web of packaging film having at least one tar line thereon in the MD, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming at regular intervals in the MD a tab on the film, the tab having a free end connected by free sides to an opposite end of the tab attached to the film, the tab being positioned on the film so the axis of at least one tear line in the MD passes through both ends of the tab; (b) severing the film web to form sheets by cutting substantially along an axis across the TD of the web, the axis passing across the tab between its ends, where the tab along said axis is not substantially severed there through so the tab protrudes from the leading edge of the sheet; (c) wrapping a sheet formed from step (b) around an article to form a tube with the cut sides of the sheet overlapping, where the free end of the tab lies on the top of the overlap on the outside of the tube and where the cut sides of the sheet overlap at least to the extent that the tType: GrantFiled: February 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Innovia Films LimitedInventor: Dave Osgood
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Patent number: RE40284Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans