Abstract: A method for producing a zipper for use in the production of reclosable plastic bags of the type having the zipper extending across a top end of the bag. The zipper has a first profile member and a second profile member that is interengageable with the first profile member. At bag length intervals of the zipper notches are formed by removing at least a portion of the first profile member and a portion of said second profile member. A mold is positioned about each of the notches and a molten thermoplastic material is introduced into the mold cavity filling the notch and extending beyond the notch and over the zipper top so that when the molten thermoplastic material is cooled an end stop is formed in situ at each of said notches.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener assembly (10) for use in the manufacture of a plastic bag (30). The fastener assembly (10) includes a zipper (18) with a seal feature on a web flange (24) extending from an interlocking member (26) of a profile (28) of the zipper (18). The web flange (24) is bent at a lower portion of the web flange (24) upward to the interlocking member (26). At the lower portion, an interior face (32) of the web flange (24) is sealed to an opposite interior face (33) to form a flange seal (31). The bend (35) of the lower portion includes a weakness area (34) which, in concert with the flange seal (31), acts as a barrier and a tamper-evident feature. After the flange seal (31) is initially tom open, the weakness area (34) may be torn open to access the plastic bag (30). A method for making a reclosable plastic bag (30) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-resistant zipper with interlocking profiles for a reclosable bag is disclosed. The zipper includes a first profile with upper and lower legs forming an engagement area therebetween. The upper and lower legs terminate in hooks extending into said engagement area. The lower leg further includes a downwardly extending arm. The second profile includes a male detent element which is detent engaged within the engagement area. The second profile further includes a first post which urges against the downwardly extending arm at all locations where the profiles are captured within a slider, thereby maintaining a water-resistant configuration. The second profile further includes a second post which urges against the upper leg when the first and second profiles are interlocked with each other.

Abstract: A water-resistant zipper with interlocking profiles for a reclosable bag is disclosed. The zipper includes a first profile with upper and lower legs forming an engagement area therebetween. The upper and lower legs terminate in hooks extending into said engagement area. The lower leg further includes a downwardly extending arm. The second profile includes a male detent element which is detent engaged within the engagement area. The second profile further includes a first post which urges against the downwardly extending arm at all locations where the profiles are captured within a slider, thereby maintaining a water-resistant configuration. The second profile further includes a second post which urges against the upper leg when the first and second profiles are interlocked with each other.

Abstract: A flexible zipper intended for use in a package containing powder or other particulate matter. The zipper is designed to be resistant to clogging of the interlocking profiles with powder. This flexible zipper has first and second profiles that interlock in a closed zipper state to define a space therebetween. The space extends in a longitudinal direction, i.e., along the length of the zipper. The bases of both profiles are provided with apertures for enabling powder or other particulate matter trapped in the space between the profiles to pass into the interior volume of a package.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener assembly (10) for use in the manufacture of a plastic bag (30). The fastener assembly (10) includes a zipper (18) with a seal feature on a web flange (24) extending from an interlocking member (26) of a profile (28) of the zipper (18). The web flange (24) is bent at a lower portion of the web flange (24) upward to the interlocking member (26). At the lower portion, an interior face (32) of the web flange (24) is sealed to an opposite interior face (33) to form a flange seal (31). The bend (35) of the lower portion includes a weakness area (34) which, in concert with the flange seal (31), acts as a barrier and a tamper-evident feature. After the flange seal (31) is initially tom open, the weakness area (34) may be torn open to access the plastic bag (30). A method for making a reclosable plastic bag (30) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener assembly (10) for use in the manufacture of a plastic bag (30). The fastener assembly (10) includes a zipper (18) with a seal feature on a web flange (24) extending from an interlocking member (26) of a profile (28) of the zipper (18). The web flange (24) is bent at a lower portion of the web flange (24) upward to the interlocking member (26). At the lower portion, an interior face (32) of the web flange (24) is sealed to an opposite interior face (33) to form a flange seal (31). The bend (35) of the lower portion includes a weakness area (34) which, in concert with the flange seal (31), acts as a barrier and a tamper-evident feature. After the flange seal (31) is initially torn open, the weakness area (34) may be torn open to access the plastic bag (30). A method for making a reclosable plastic bag (30) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reclosable package has a slider-operated zipper and a flexible inner funnel bag that can be turned inside out to provide a spout for dispensing the package contents. Initially, the funnel bag is tucked inside the filled package in an unopened state. The funnel bag can be accessed by moving the slider in the opening direction to open the zipper and then reaching inside the funnel bag. The consumer then grasps a pull-out flap and pulls the funnel bag inside out. Then the tip of the funnel is snipped, cut or torn to provide a opening for dispensing product. The funnel directs the package contents, especially fine powders, away from the reclosable zipper profiles during dispensing so that one or both profiles do not become clogged with matter that might interfere with interlocking. The pull-out flap is formed by inverting and folding a distal portion of the funnel bag. The pull-out flap is preferably spot-sealed in position.

Abstract: A reclosable package has a slider-operated zipper and a flexible inner funnel bag that can be turned inside out to provide a spout for dispensing the package contents. Initially, the funnel bag is tucked inside the filled package in an unopened state. The funnel bag can be accessed by moving the slider in the opening direction to open the zipper and then reaching inside the funnel bag. The consumer then grasps a pull-out flap and pulls the funnel bag inside out. Then the tip of the funnel is snipped, cut or tom to provide a opening for dispensing product. The funnel directs the package contents, especially fine powders, away from the reclosable zipper profiles during dispensing so that one or both profiles do not become clogged with matter that might interfere with interlocking. The pull-out flap is formed by inverting and folding a distal portion of the funnel bag. The pull-out flap is preferably spot-sealed in position.

Abstract: A flexible zipper intended for use in a package containing powder or other particulate matter. The zipper is designed to be resistant to clogging of the interlocking profiles with powder. This flexible zipper has first and second profiles that interlock in a closed zipper state to define a space therebetween. The space extends in a longitudinal direction, i.e., along the length of the zipper. The bases of both profiles are provided with apertures for enabling powder or other particulate matter trapped in the space between the profiles to pass into the interior volume of a package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing camber from zipper with profiles having interlocking elements and or webs. The zipper is stretched longitudinally in a manner so that the interlocking elements stretch relative to each other. To this end, the zipper is fed to an idler wheel that may be spring loaded. From a set of first drive wheels and fed from the idler wheel by a set of second drive wheels. The second drive wheels are driven faster than the first drive wheels to effect the stretching. Alternately only the second set of drive wheels are driven and the stretch is provided by the spring loaded idler wheel or the zipper is driven around a static curved surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a zipper for use in the production of reclosable plastic bags of the type having the zipper extending across a top end of the bag. The zipper has a first profile member and a second profile member that is interengageable with the first profile member. At bag length intervals of the zipper notches are formed by removing at least a portion of the first profile member and a portion of said second profile member. A mold is positioned about each of the notches and a molten thermoplastic material is introduced into the mold cavity filling the notch and extending beyond the notch and over the zipper top so that when the molten thermoplastic material is cooled an end stop is formed in situ at each of said notches.

Abstract: A reclosable package is provided having a front wall and a rear wall joined at the bottom and sides and an open top containing a zipper. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile, each including interlocking members adapted to mate with each other. One profile has a flange secured to its associated wall at a location proximal a top end of that wall. The second profile has a flange portion secured to the other wall proximal a top end of that wall and to the first wall at a location below the location at which the first flange is secured to the first wall. A line of weakness extends along the second flange portion parallel to the profile interlocking member and between the two securing points. The line of weakness is formed in the cusp of a V-shaped section formed in the second flange and a peel seal is provided above the line of weakness joining together the sides of the V-shaped section.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener assembly (10) for use in the manufacture of a plastic bag (30). The fastener assembly (10) includes a zipper (18) with a seal feature on a web flange (24) extending from an interlocking member (26) of a profile (28) of the zipper (18). The web flange (24) is bent at a lower portion of the web flange (24) upward to the interlocking member (26). At the lower portion, an interior face (32) of the web flange (24) is sealed to an opposite interior face (33) to form a flange seal (31). The bend (35) of the lower portion includes a weakness area (34) which, in concert with the flange seal (31), acts as a barrier and a tamper-evident feature. After the flange seal (31) is initially torn open, the weakness area (34) may be torn open to access the plastic bag (30). A method for making a reclosable plastic bag (30) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a zipper for use in the production of reclosable plastic bags of the type having the zipper extending across a top end of the bag. The zipper has a first profile member and a second profile member that is interengageable with the first profile member. At bag length intervals of the zipper notches are formed by removing at least a portion of the first profile member and a portion of said second profile member. A mold is positioned about each of the notches and a molten thermoplastic material is introduced into the mold cavity filling the notch and extending beyond the notch and over the zipper top so that when the molten thermoplastic material is cooled an end stop is formed in situ at each of said notches.

Abstract: A reclosable package is provided having a front wall and a rear wall joined at the bottom and sides and an open top containing a zipper. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile, each including interlocking members adapted to mate with each other. One profile has a flange secured to its associated wall at a location proximal a top end of that wall. The second profile has a flange portion secured to the other wall proximal a top end of that wall and to the first wall at a location below the location at which the first flange is secured to the first wall. A line of weakness extends along the second flange portion parallel to the profile interlocking member and between the two securing points. The line of weakness is formed in the cusp of a V-shaped section formed in the second flange and a peel seal is provided above the line of weakness joining together the sides of the V-shaped section.

Abstract: A method for producing a zipper for use in the production of reclosable plastic bags of the type having the zipper extending across a top end of the bag. The zipper has a first profile member and a second profile member that is interengageable with the first profile member. At bag length intervals of the zipper notches are formed by removing at least a portion of the first profile member and a portion of said second profile member. A mold is positioned about each of the notches and a molten thermoplastic material is introduced into the mold cavity filling the notch and extending beyond the notch and over the zipper top so that when the molten thermoplastic material is cooled an end stop is formed in situ at each of said notches.

Abstract: A zipper strip has a base member from which first and second profiles extend upwardly. Each of the profiles includes an arm having one of a set of interlocking member attached. The base member including a first web extending between the arms; a second web, outboard of the first arm; and a third web, outboard of said second arm. One or both surface of the webs may be coated with a sealant and/or peel seal material to imparted desired characteristics to the package formed with the zipper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing camber from zipper with profiles having interlocking elements and or webs. The zipper is stretched longitudinally in a manner so that the interlocking elements stretch relative to each other. To this end, the zipper is fed to an idler wheel that may be spring loaded. From a set of first drive wheels and fed from the idler wheel by a set of second drive wheels. The second drive wheels are driven faster than the first drive wheels to effect the stretching. Alternately only the second set of drive wheels are driven and the stretch is provided by the spring loaded idler wheel or the zipper is driven around a static curved surface.

Abstract: A zipper strip has a base member from which first and second profiles extend upwardly. Each of the profiles includes an arm having one of a set of interlocking member attached. The base member including a first web extending between the arms; a second web, outboard of the first arm; and a third web, outboard of said second arm. One or both surface of the webs may be coated with a sealant and/or peel seal material to imparted desired characteristics to the package formed with the zipper.