Abstract: A peel seal zipper tape for reclosable plastic bags or packages includes a first and a second mutually interlocking zipper profile disposed on a top surface of a laminated film strip. The top surface is formed by a layer of a sealant material. The laminated film strip also has a bottom surface formed by a layer of a non-peel-seal material. In use, the laminated film strip is folded over enabling the zipper profiles to be interlocked with one another. In so doing, portions of the top surface of the laminated film strip face one another, so that they may be joined with a heat seal. The outside of the folded peel seal zipper tape, that is, the bottom surface of non-peel-seal material, is bonded to plastic sheet material from which reclosable plastic bags or packages are made. In the production of the bags or packages, the mutually facing portions of the laminated film strip are sealed together. The resulting seal gives a visual indication of having been broken when initially opened.

Abstract: A method of providing a clear image on a component including the steps of providing a transparent member having first and second opposite sides, providing a layer of opaque material on the second side of the transparent member and ablating away a predetermined pattern of the opaque layer by directing a laser beam at portions of the first side of the transparent member corresponding to the predetermined pattern, the laser beam passing through the transparent member to contact and ablate the opaque layer and provide a clear image through the transparent member corresponding to the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A plastic bag having a reclosable plastic zipper is provided with a tamper-evident, non-reclosable peel seal formed by coextruding an adhesive onto a side strip adjacent to the interlocking zipper. The coextrusion causes the adhesive to preferentially adhere to the side strip when the peel seal is broken. A method for manufacturing the reclosable plastic zipper includes the steps of coextruding a zipper profile including a plane area with an adhesive on the plane area, slitting the profile lengthwise, and folding over one of the resulting sides of the zipper to interlock them with one another.

Abstract: A plastic bag having a reclosable plastic zipper is provided with a tamper-evident, non-reclosable peel seal formed by applying an adhesive to a treated strip adjacent to the interlocking zipper. The treatment is preferably by corona discharge, which causes the adhesive used to provide the peel seal to preferentially adhere to the treated strip when the peel seal is broken. A method for manufacturing the reclosable plastic zipper includes the steps of extruding a zipper profile, treating a portion of its surface, preferably by corona discharge, applying an adhesive to the treated portion, slitting the profile lengthwise, and folding over one of the resulting sides of the zipper to interlock them with one another.

Abstract: A method of providing a clear image on a component including the steps of providing a transparent member having first and second opposite sides, providing a layer of opaque material on the second side of the transparent member and ablating away a predetermined pattern of the opaque layer by directing a laser beam at portions of the first side of the transparent member corresponding to the predetermined pattern, the laser beam passing through the transparent member to contact and ablate the opaque layer and provide a clear image through the transparent member corresponding to the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating resin-filled components, which comprises a multi-element arrangement of a thermoformed plastic sheet with a "second-surface" screen-printed graphic, which formed sheet can receive a light-directing apparatus, and the molded-resin is applied so as to secure the apparatus and provide stability to the overall structure or component. The method is particularly adapted with respect to the fabrication of graphic-display illuminated buttons for use within automotive vehicles.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for thermoforming a thermoformable sheet material into a predetermined thermoformed shape. A graphic display is provided upon one side of the thermoformable sheet material, and the apparatus includes first and second die members between which the thermoformable sheet material is secured. A forming cavity is defined within the first die member for accommodating a portion of the thermoformable sheet material when the thermoformable sheet material portion is forced into the forming cavity, and the second die member is provided with a heating plate for heating the thermoformable sheet material to a predetermined temperature in preparation for the thermoforming formation of the thermoformable sheet material into the thermoformed shape within the forming cavity of the first die member.