Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable thermoplastic bag which produces an audible clicking sound and/or a vibratory or bumpy feel when closed or "zipped", and processes and apparatus for making such zippers.

Abstract: A reclosable plastic box liner having a reclosable fastener of a length relatively the same as that of the width of the box when the liner is filled with products such as cereals, crackers or chips. To achieve a liner having sufficient size to fill the box, yet, having a reclosable fastener of a correct length, the top section of the liner is cropped or chamfered at its ends generally above the product fill level of the liner. Preferably, the chamfered section is angled from the vertical at least from the product fill level to the reclosable fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing rolls of thermoplastic film stock wherein zipper elements are interlocked for structural support while the web is open, resembling a "Z" in cross-section, and ready for use on container and packaging machines.

Abstract: An easy open, recloseable flexible container having interlocking zipper elements and a tear strip for opening the container along the upper edge, wherein the bases of the zipper elements are extended upward towards the tear strip to limit the area of tearing and protect the zipper elements, and method for making.

Abstract: An improved tube spreader for flattening and removing wrinkles from a bag film web in a form, fill, and seal packaging machine is provided. The tube spreader includes a plurality of clamping fingers which grasp a first edge of the bag film and a spreader bar, located within the bag film, and adapted to exert a lateral force on the opposite edge of the film to eliminate and remove wrinkles prior to the film being sealed.

Abstract: Improved reclosable, flexible containers having an internal fastening element wherein the improvement comprises an external opener for disengaging the internal fastening element.

Abstract: A steering, joining and guiding mechanism is disclosed for joining together opposing rib and groove fastener elements on a traveling continuous bag film. The steering, joining and guiding mechanism includes a pair of opposing press rolls. The longitudinal axis of each of the press rolls is offset from the direction of travel of the bag film. The press rolls are offset from about 2.degree. to about 30.degree. from a line perpendicular to the direction of travel of the bag film, and are preferably offset at about 5.degree. from the direction of travel of the bag film.

Abstract: An improved cast process and apparatus for fusing closure elements, particularly those with thickened bases, to separately extruded film or sheet stock for making containers with integral reclosable closures. The process is applicable to webs of film which contain more than one pair of closure elements. The web is split immediately adjacent the die exit between adjacent pairs of closure elements to achieve a film having essentially erect closure elements and associated ribs should they be included. The process also permits beaded edges along both sides of the film. Improved containers can thus be produced.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing uninterrupted guidance of a reclosable bag through a filling station in a form fill and seal system. The apparatus includes a guide mechanism positioned inside the bag film for providing uninterrupted guidance of the bag film through the filling station. The guide mechanism includes a first guide wheel for engaging the bottom of the bag film and a second guide wheel for engaging interlocked fastener elements on opposing plies of the bag film. A separating device is positioned along the path traveled by the bag film for separating the interlocked fastener elements as the bag film is advanced.

Abstract: An improved cast process and apparatus for fusing closure elements, particularly those with thickened bases, to separately extruded film or sheet stock for making containers with integral reclosable closures. The process is applicable to webs of film which contain more than one pair of closure elements. The web is split immediately adjacent the die exit between adjacent pairs of closure elements to achieve a film having essentially erect closure elements and associated ribs should they be included. The process also permits beaded edges along both sides of the film. Improved containers can thus be produced.

Abstract: In the manufacture of film containing integral fasteners and the like, the film commonly exits through an elongated slot die while profiles for the fasteners exit through a smaller configured slot located laterally along the film die slot. The fastener profiles normally carry a thickened base so that the profiles will stand without undue tipping for better interengagement with one another. It has been found that it is advantageous if the base of the profile can be adjusted transversely of the film slot so that the size of the base can be adjusted on-line. The present invention allows the die block to be transversely adjustable by a combination of a U-shaped mounting block, an inverted T-shaped profile plate and an eccentric adjustment pin, assembled in a fashion so that the eccentric pin can be rotated to adjust transversely the gap through which the profile base passes just before joining the film. This device also makes possible measurement of the gap for the profile base indirectly on line.