Abstract: Various methods for making package strips having a number of individual packages of a consumer product and separable from one another by perforations are disclosed. The individual packages have reclosable plastic zippers, which are applied during the manufacture of the package strips either transversely or lengthwise onto the sheet of polymeric film material from which the packages are fashioned.

Abstract: A method for making a reclosable bag (56) with gussets (36, 38) in which a zipper profile (16) is attached to bag-making film (10), while leaving side margins (20, 22) of the film. The film (10) is folded as a tube (26). Gusset-forming wheels (34, 35) indent the tube (26) to form the side gussets (36, 38). The side gussets (36, 38) are sealed to the tube (26) and/or the zipper profile (18) with the profile sealed to the tube. The tube (26) is sealed and cross-cut to form the bag (56). In an alternative method, lengths of tubular gusset material (112) are positioned on a lower web (110) of film (101) transverse to a bag-forming direction. A zipper (124) is sealed in the bag-forming direction to the webs (108, 110), and the gusset material (112). The webs (108, 110) and the material (112) are sealed to each other to form an end seal (140) as well as cross-cut and sealed to form the gussets (144, 148) of a reclosable bag (147).

Abstract: A method of covering a pot containing a floral grouping with a flexible sleeve having a bonding material thereon which connects the sleeve to the pot when the pot is positioned within the sleeve. In one version, the sleeve is positioned about the pot and a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the pot, an upper portion of the sleeve extending upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounding and encompassing the floral grouping contained within the pot, at least a portion of the sleeve being removable via the detaching elements, leaving a portion of the sleeve which is a decorative plant cover.

Abstract: Vertical form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill. Prior to assembly at the fill station a series of spaced-apart stop members are formed along the fastener tracks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sealing a peripheral attachment member onto a sealed pouch that has been previously filled with a product. The invention also relates to a pouch that includes a peripheral attachment member sealingly attached to at least one of its faces. The method includes a step of providing a multi-layer pouch that is configured so as to provide an inner sealant adapted to form a closed enclosure along sealing lines and an outer sealant that forms at least one external face of the pouch wherein the outer sealant has a melting point that is lower than the melting point of the inner sealant.

Abstract: A vertical pouch forming, filling and sealing machine and method for making pouches and filling same with a liquid content in the range of about 5 to 20 liters, is described. As a pouch is being filled with a liquid it descends into a support cage to restrain the pouch from ballooning out and prevents the weight of the liquid in the filled pouch from tensioning the film in the hot horizontal seal zone of the horizontal sealer. The support cage compensates for loss of surface tension of the film in the hot horizontal seal zone during the horizontal sealing cycle. The cage also has a gate section to discharge the filled pouch by gravity after the horizontal sealing cycle.

Abstract: A method for dual manufacture of reclosable packages on a horizontal-form, vertical fill machine. The method comprising the following steps: extending a web of bag making film under tension in a machine direction; joining one zipper tape to the web along a first zone of joinder generally aligned with the machine direction; joining another zipper tape to the web along a second zone of joinder generally parallel to the first zone of joinder and spaced apart therefrom; and folding the web in first, second and third mutually parallel zones extending in the machine direction. The first zone of folding is disposed between a first edge of the web and the one zipper tape, the second zone of folding is disposed between the two zipper tapes, and the third zone of folding is disposed between the other zipper tape and a second edge of the web. The resulting folded web with attached zippers has a generally W-shaped profile.

Abstract: A method for attaching a reclosable zipper strip (40) onto a sheet of thermoplastic film material (32) in the production of packages includes an apparatus (10) which has two guide plates (12, 14) that define a guide space (16). The apparatus (10) includes a pair of hole punches (26), one on either side of the guide space (16), and;a knife (24) which severs lengths of the zipper strip (40) in the guide space. The hole punches (26) and the cutting knife (24) are separated from one another by a distance equal to the length of the zipper strip (40) being attached to the sheet (32). The hole punches remove the flanges (54, 56, 58) from a preselected amount of the zipper strip (40) upstream of the knife (24).

Abstract: A horizontal form, fill and seal machine has a hollow forming box into which a continuous film is longitudinally fed from a packaging film supply. The forming box has a top, sides and open inlet and outlet ends. A pair of guide bars extend from the outlet end of the forming box adjacent the forming box sides and extending away from the inlet end. The forming box transforms the flat packaging film into a film envelope that extends about the guide bars and has a product-receiving surface that rests on a conveyor between the guide bars. Sealing bars are provided to join the longitudinal edges of the packaging film together and to form seals across the envelope at package length intervals after each deposit of product onto the product-receiving surface. A zipper attaching mechanism applies zipper to the film upstream of the forming box.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closable by a slider device, on a horizontal form, fill and seal process. The method includes applying the slider device to the zipper construction prior to incorporating the zipper construction with side panels to form the package. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the interior of the package.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, or flexible package having a zipper seal mechanism incorporated therein, and method for manufacturing same, constructed with a quick change module modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch from a single sheet of packaging film by inserting a zipper seal mechanism on a first side of the packaging film tube and creating a vertical crease along the tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The zipper seal mechanism is attached to the packaging film prior to sealing the sheet of the packaging film along its longitudinal seam forming a tube comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube. Likewise, the crease is formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube.

Abstract: A method of making a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing an assembly that has a header section and a closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock. The method further includes providing a package comprising first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a bottom and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region. Finally, the method comprises attaching the assembly to the package such that the header section is attached to the closure mechanism at a point between the closure profiles and the bottom of the package.

Abstract: A teartape (10) comprises a base film (12) of monoaxially oriented polypropylene, having on an upper side thereof a coating (14) of release agent, and having on a lower side thereof a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive (16). A printed image (18), in particular a fiscal indicium, is formed on the base film (12), which image extends substantially for the full width of the tape (10). A stripe (20) is printed on the base film (12), which stripe is narrower than the tape (10). The base film, adhesive (16) and release layer (14) are transparent so that the image (18) and strip (20) may be viewed through the tape. The image (10) is preferably complex and multicoloured, so as to be difficult to reproduce by a would-be counterfeiter.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a closed bottom and the sleeve is sized to contain a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the closed bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

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.

Abstract: The method for forming a container that comprises the following stages: the forming of the sidewall blank from a blank by wrapping it in a form that is closed in its horizontal section and by seaming its opposite edges together; the sealing of the sidewall blank at one end with a lid member, which is equipped with a discharge hole; the sealing of the sidewall blank at the other end with a bottom member; and the filling of the container. At first the lid member, the discharge hole of which is completely sealed with an openable closing member, is inserted into the end of the sidewall blank. Thereafter the container is filled through the end of the sidewall blank that was left open, and the container is sealed to form a tight container by sealing the end that was left open with the bottom member.

Abstract: A method for securing thermoplastic pour spout fitments 22 to thermoplastic-coated containers 20, wherein at least a surface of the pour spout fitment 22 is heated remotely at heating stations 42-46 to a temperature significantly below the melting point of the thermoplastic fitment. When the heated fitment surface is applied to a selected surface of an erected, thermoplastic-coated container 20, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon cooling, the fitment 22 and the container surface are bonded together.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming reclosable packages at a form, fill and seal (FFS) apparatus by advancing a film of package making material longitudinally to form a tube while guiding opposite longitudinal edges of the film into a fin. A zipper having interlocking members and an attached flange is fed into the fin by capturing external surfaces of the interlocking members within a first guide member positioned adjacent to said fin and feeding the flanges along opposite sides of a second guide member positioned within said fin. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a slider-operated zipper on a moving filled package, comprising means for performing the following steps: conveying a package forward in a straight line; guiding a slider on a zippered portion of the package through a channel as the package moves forward; blocking forward movement of the slider at a predetermined position inside the channel as the package continues to move forward; and releasing the slider when the force being exerted by the slider in the forward direction reaches a level substantially equal to a predetermined threshold. This apparatus can be employed in association with a continuous band sealing apparatus. The means for blocking forward movement of the slider at a predetermined position inside the channel are a pair of spring-loaded plungers, e.g., ball plungers. If the slider end stop is weak, the slider will be pulled off the advancing package and will fall onto an ejection ramp.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A packaging machine is described. A plurality of working stations is arranged between the input side and output side of the machine. A conveyor moves packages carrying a product along a path from the input side to the output side through the working stations. A device feeds a cover film onto the packages. The cover film has two layers bonded together with a limited bonding strength. A first layer has a portion protruding beyond said second layer. Another device separates the first layer from the second layer in a defined region extending across the cover film transversely to the conveyor path. The separator seals the defined region of the cover film and supplies a pressurized fluid to said defined region. The defined region includes at least part of the protruding portion of the first layer. A method of using the packaging machine to package product also is described along with the package that is made.

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

Abstract: An airtight pouch or packaging (10,20) made of synthetic material for the preservation of food products (12) is obtained by sealing (13, 14, 15) and cutting said synthetic material by an automatic packaging machine with a horizontal or vertical motioning of the product. The packaging (10,20) is constituted by a single peelable type film (11) consisting of an oriented polyamide layer coupled with a coextruded peelable polyethylene layer, the film being folded once on the polyethylene layer side in order to form the inner part of the packaging.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at a turntable-mounted point of fill. With rotation of the turntable, final sealing operations are performed.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill.

Abstract: An automated reclosable packaging manufacturing equipment for applying zipper tape to bag making film, especially as part of a form-fill-seal process, and a method of joining a zipper flange of a zipper assembly to bag making film without “seal-through” of the zipper flanges. The method comprises the steps of: (a) pressing a web of bag making film and first and second zipper flanges of a zipper assembly together along the length of the latter, with the first zipper flange sandwiched between and in contact with the web of bag making film and the second zipper flange; and (b) during step (a), causing heat to be conducted through the web of bag making film into the first zipper flange. The amount of heat conducted through the web of bag making film must be sufficient to seal the web of bag making film to the first zipper flange without sealing the first zipper flange to the second zipper flange.

Abstract: Methods are provided for packaging floral groupings in a modified atmosphere at or near the site or harvest. The modified atmosphere package, which generally contains oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations which differ from those seen in air, is constructed of a material which has modified atmosphere characteristics such that the material is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to others. The package may also include fluid impermeable perforations to assist in the removal of the floral grouping from the package. A surface packaging agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and/or the modified atmosphere package, may also be present on the package, and a floral grouping maintenance agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping, may also be disposed within the package with the floral grouping before partially sealing the modified atmosphere package about the floral grouping.

Abstract: A form-fill sealing machine (1) for manufacturing resealable packages (W) includes a tearable line forming device (30) that serves to form tearable lines (104) in a film (F). A labeling device (40) serves to stick re-stickable labels (103) onto the film in positions to cover respective tearable lines. A tube forming device (60) serves to form the film into a tubular film (T). A first sealing device (80) serves to seal lapped edges of the tubular film so as to form a lengthwise sealed portion (111). A second sealing device (90) serves to seal the tubular film in a crosswise direction, so that crosswise sealed portions (109) are formed on the tubular film. Each tearable line is positioned between two adjacent crosswise sealed portions and adjacent to one of two adjacent crosswise sealed portions.

Abstract: A slider device having contoured top and sidewalls is disclosed for use with a resealable package. In a first embodiment, the slider device includes an engagement structure for engaging and interlocking first and second closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. The engagement structure includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion depending from the top wall of the slider device for engaging first and second closure profiles of a resealable closure mechanism. The first and second protrusions selectively open and close the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a first position to a second position. In a second embodiment, a slider device is disclosed having first and second slide channels that engage first and second closure profiles. The first and second slide channels selectively open and close the resealable closure mechanism as the slider device is moved from a first position to a second position. Methods of assembling and operation are described.

Abstract: Vertical form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill. Prior to assembly at the fill station a series of spaced-apart stop members are formed along the fastener tracks.

Abstract: A packaging foil is continuously withdrawn from a supply. The foil is folded around the products to be packaged. Cut-off lengths of closing profile sections are inserted with a feed unit between the two longitudinal edges of the foil. In a sealing station, the two longitudinal edges of the foil are sealed together and the foil is then sealed onto the closing profile sections. In another sealing station, transverse sealing seams are formed between the free ends of successive closing profile sections and the tube is cut approximately in the center of the transverse seams. A high packaging output is achieved as a result of the continuous withdrawal of the foil.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a wrapped tampon. A continuously moving wrapper material is provided with a longitudinal axis, width and a tear member. The wrapper material is maintained in a pre-determined rotational position. The wrapper material provided also has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that are folded and sealed together to form a longitudinal seal. The wrapper material is cut to form a pair of opposing transverse edges. The transverse edges are to form a transverse seal having a width defined by a first end and a second end. A tampon is provided and is inserted into the wrapper material through the unsealed opposing transverse edges that are subsequently sealed. At the end of the process, when the wrapper is sealed the tear member extends into the transverse seal adjacent to the first end.

Abstract: A reclosable, flexible package is mad from a sheet of film material folded to form overlying panels. A slider fastener assembly is secured to one of the panels and has a predetermined length to avoid conflict with side seals joining the panels together. A line of weakness is formed in the panels so as to be positioned below the fastener tracks. The fastener tracks are secured to the package panels using fastener track flanges of minimal height.

Abstract: A reclosable package (10) for the retail display of a food product and for the purchase and storage thereof by a consumer has tamper-evident features to enable the consumer to discern whether the package has been opened prior to purchase. The package (10) includes a header (26) formed by attaching the front and back sheets (12,14) of the package (10) to one another above the interlocking profiles (20,22) of the zipper (18) of the package (10) with a peel seal. Below the interlocking profiles (20,22), the front sheet (12) has a line of weakness (32), such as a line of perforations extending transversely across the package (10) below the interlocking profiles (20,22). A tear in the line of weakness (32) or a breach of the peel seal would readily indicate that the integrity of the package (10) has been compromised.

Abstract: A dual chamber sachet with a dispensing outlet can be made in a form/fill sequence by attaching the dispensing outlet to the film that is to form the chamber divider wall followed by attaching films that are to form the outer walls of the sachet to the dispensing outlet. The upper and side lateral edges of the sachet then are sealed together to produce a sachet with an open bottom end. The sachet can be produced from three film sources, two film sources with the outer walls being formed from a single film, or from a single film formed into a W-shape. The sachet preferably is filled through the open bottom end and the bottom end then sealed. However the sachet can be top filled through the nozzle. The sachets then are severed one from the other by cutting along a lateral seal and packed into a carton, or preformatted along a lateral seal and cut to produce a string of a set number of sachets. The sachets can have a single use dispensing outlet or a reclosable dispensing outlet.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a lower portion which is tapered and an upper portion which is detachable from the lower portion via a detaching element, leaving a non-linear upper peripheral edge in the lower portion. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

Abstract: Introduction of a reinforcement strip into the folded edge area in the method for producing a bag with introduced goods to be packaged and with a suspension with suspension hole, wherein the goods to be packaged are introduced into a foil semi-hose which is supplied transverse to the transport direction, is deflected by a deflection device, and is further transported in the transport direction together with the goods to be packaged on a transport path and is then separated from the foil hose by a transverse welding unit and simultaneously welded.

Abstract: A method for hermetically sealing a bulk article wherein a strip of wrapping material is initially positioned onto an article such that extending ends of the wrapping material strip extend from away from an edge of the article, each end having a different length. The article is rotated to cause the ends of the strip to cover an uncovered side of the article with a fin-like section extending therefrom away from the article which can be sealed without contacting the article. The fin-like section is cooled and folded onto the top of the article so as to form an axial seam. Lateral ends of the wrapping material strip are then sealed to complete the hermetic sealing process.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the shape of the pot, thereby providing a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing packs (1) characterised in that it comprises steps according to which:

Abstract: Methods of forming a thermoformed recloseable flat package for a pill-like product are provided. A first enclosure portion having a closing member is first operably engaged with a second enclosure portion so as to form an enclosure for containing the product therein. One or more components of a locking mechanism are then formed, following formation of the enclosure, wherein the locking mechanism generally comprises a first component operably engaging the closing member and a cooperable second component operably engaging the second enclosure portion. The components of the locking mechanism are further configured to be separable so as to allow separation thereabout of the closing member from the second enclosure portion to thereby define the recloseable package capable of selectively allowing the product to be extracted from the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of forming, filling and sealing a reclosable package 46. A thermoform film 14 is fed toward a forming station 18. A zipper length 20 having mated interlocking profiles 21 and 23 and a slider 28 is fed onto the thermoform film transverse to the feeding direction of the film and one of the profiles is sealed to the film. A pocket 18 is thermoformed in the film and product 32 is fed into the pocket. A cover sheet 34 is then fed over the thermoform film covering the pocket 18 and second profile 23. The cover sheet 34 is sealed to the thermoform film at seal lines 38 along the pocket, to the second profile and above the zipper to form a filled package and the bottom seal 44 for the next package.

Abstract: A standup bag for granular products or the like and a method of manufacturing the bag. The standup bag is manufactured from an extruded heat sealable material and includes both an integral handle and a perforation to facilitate opening and pouring out the contents of the bag.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slide fasteners is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together for filling through the slide fasteners.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closeable by a slider device by a horizontal form, fill and seal process. The method includes applying the slider device to the zipper construction prior to incorporating the zipper construction with the package film to form the package. The zipper construction is first applied and adhered to one half of the package film and then to the other half. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the slider device and the interior of the package.

Abstract: A box, a blank that can be easily formed into the box via an intermediate box assembly, and methods for generating and using the box allows one to quickly and easily package flowers and accessories for shipment to a consumer without bending, bruising or otherwise damaging the flowers. The box includes an insert that extends from a side of the box and is pivotable into an interior of the box. The insert includes a divider that extends from the insert and can be attached to a side after the flowers have been placed in the interior to extend between two sides and divide the interior into two compartments. One compartment contains the flower portion of the flowers while the other compartment contains the stem portion of the flowers and the accessories. The blanks allow one to quickly and easily generate the boxes and ensure that the box generated will have an insert to protect the flowers during shipment.

Abstract: A hermetic package having a fitment having base coupled to a lid. The base is composed of a collar having a recessed groove, the base of the fitment defines an opening which provides access to the contents of the hermetic package. The lid is a planar structure having a first face and a second face. The lid includes a sealing member extending from the second face of the lid and engages the recessed groove on the base of the fitment to provide an airtight seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bags having slide zippers on a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine is provided. In a first embodiment a coil of sliders is fed to an insertor mechanism for applying the slider downstream of a coil of zipper. In a second embodiment a magazine of individual or connected sliders is used to feed the slider insertor mechanism. In a third embodiment bulk sliders are introduced into a vibratory feeding bowl which then orients and feeds the sliders to the slider insertor mechanism. The slider insertor mechanism may be upstream of the FFS machine or at the FFS machine upstream or downstream of the sealing bars used to seal the zipper the bag film. The zipper flanges may be provided with a peel seal layer to provide a hermetic and/or tamper evident seal for the bag.