Abstract: A fastener strip comprising a reclosable portion including an elongated first backing, including a trough extending lengthwise along the first backing and an elongated second backing, including a ridge extending lengthwise along a second backing, the ridge removably insertable into the trough to essentially prevent air flow across the trough, and a generally planar portion including essentially no ridge and essentially no trough, and a plug that joins the ridge of the reclosable portion and the trough of the reclosable portion at the adjacent end of the reclosable portion to the plug in an airtight seal that prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion.

Abstract: A fastener strip is disclosed having permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough, joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials, in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary, with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.

Abstract: A fastener strip is disclosed having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.