Abstract: A recloseable fastener (10) or zipper of plastics material comprises first and second members (12, 20) which are profiled (18, 24) to create a closure by their interengagement. One of the closure members (12) is provided with an upstanding leg (30) which projects proud of the closure (18, 24) when closed. This leg (30) is positioned close to the closure so that it deflects upon closing of the closure, to enable the consumer to feel that the zipper is closing and then is closed.

Abstract: A plastics bag has at least one seal (34, 36) extending parallel to the mouth of the bag to close the sides. Preferably, a reclosable zipper seal (36) is provided below a top seal (34). A novel tag is provided, secured to the zipper seal (36) and extending through the top seal (34). The tag (11) is generally M-shaped in cross-section with its outside legs secured to the seals and with an inner tuck which the consumer can withdraw from the mouth of the bag and break open to make an access hole through the seal or seals into the interior of the bag to facilitate full opening of the mouth of the bag. Methods of manufacturing such bags are also described, particularly for use with form-fill-seal machines.

Abstract: A plastics bag has at least one seal (34, 36) extending parallel to the mouth of the bag to close the sides. Preferably, a reclosable zipper seal (36) is provided below a top seal (34). A novel tag is provided, secured to the zipper seal (36) and extending through the top seal (34). The tag (11) is generally M-shaped in cross-section with its outside legs secured to the seals and with an inner tuck which the consumer can withdraw from the mouth of the bag and break open to make an access hole through the seal or seals into the interior of the bag to facilitate full opening of the mouth of the bag. Methods of manufacturing such bags are also described, particularly for use with form-fill-seal machines.

Abstract: A heat sealing jaw (10), particularly for use in a form-fill-seal machine for the sealing of plastics bags incorporating a zipper seal, comprises a plurality of spaced heat sealing wires (12) in its active surface and a plurality of pressure switches (13) underlying the wires. When the jaw is moved into contact with the zipper and an overlying host material the zipper imparts pressure to a switch or switches and this effects heating of a predetermined wire or wires to create the seal at the correct position. Thus, the seal is made at the correct position even if the position of the zipper on the host material should change. A pair of aligned jaws (10) are preferably used, one on each side of the host material.

Abstract: In the manufacture of plastics bags using reclosable zipper strip (10, 14) with engageable male and female profiles (12, 16), a butt splicing operation is used to speed up the changeover from one reel of zipper strip to another. The trailing end of one strip and the leading end of the next strip are brought together in abutting relationship within a splicing unit, sealing material (22) is overlaid on the end zones of opposite sides of the strips, and this is sealed to the underlying zipper strips, preferably using heat and pressure. The flanges (18) of the zipper strips are held apart by separator plates (20) during the sealing operation.