Including A Bag Portion Which Is Completely Separated From The Bag During Tearing (e.g., Tear Strip) Patents (Class 383/204)
  • Publication number: 20100002964
    Abstract: According to the invention, a patch is provided to be attached to the outside of the wall of the bag over the profile strip fastener assembly that is attached to the front panel of the package. The patch is made from a gas barrier type of substrate as to prevent oxygen and other gases from entering or leaving the perforations within the opening feature used to access the fastener assembly. The side of the patch that is in contact with the front panel of the bag includes an adhesive for securement to the package. A variety of adhesives can be utilized for securement depending on the arrangement of the perforations. Printing can be included on the outside of the patch to highlight the reclosable feature of the package thereby eliminating the need to modify the original printing on the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: CMED Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: James W. Yeager, John F. Hogan, Allen D. Barnes, Wayne Tabor, Darrell Stallcup
  • Patent number: 7635222
    Abstract: A package comprising: a receptacle comprising front and rear walls joined to each other at top and bottom cross seals and connected to each other along first and second sides of the receptacle, the front wall comprising a loop that projects outward and that extends across the front wall from the first side to the second side of the receptacle; and a pair of zipper strips having mutually interlocked profiles, the zipper strips being disposed inside and joined to the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, John H. Pilarski, Rusty Koenigkramer, Kenny E. McCracken
  • Publication number: 20090214142
    Abstract: In a packing bag made of a flexible film-like first material with, a substantially rectangular base which is formed as a standing surface with longitudinal and side edges, the base comprises a second material giving form-stability to the bag in the area close to the base, and has a base fold line running in the center and parallel to the two longitudinal edges and dividing the base into two base parts which can be folded against each other, and the longitudinal edges form side fold lines between the base and substantially rectangular side walls arranged on two opposite sides of the base, wherein the fold part which is constructed from the base and the two side walls is glued to the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Bossel, Peter Kancsar
  • Publication number: 20090148081
    Abstract: The invention relates to a recloseable packaging comprising: a bag comprising a reclosing means and a granular product comprising less than 10% by weight of undersized particles having a geometric mean particle diameter of at most 150 micrometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Neil John Rogers
  • Patent number: 7524110
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a semi-soft cap or patch which is secured by adhesive to a slider on a zipper in a reclosable package. This cap or patch prevents the slider from puncturing the web or film of the bag during high pressure pasteurization. Further, the cap or patch is secured to a tear-away header which is formed as a shroud over the zipper. This allows the user to tear off the header which likewise removes the cap or patch from the slider. The header, with the cap or patch still attached thereto, can thereafter be disposed of as a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Steven Ausnit, Michael J. Lasofsky, Lars Wihlborg, Per Bentsen, Robert G. Kobetsky
  • Patent number: 7510328
    Abstract: A reclosable package comprises a receptacle having a mouth, a header that encloses a space above the mouth, and a slider-zipper assembly disposed in the mouth, the slider-zipper assembly comprising a slider mounted to a zipper. The header has a tear-away portion and respective remaining portions that flank at least a portion of the slider. A pull tab is coupled to and rotatable relative to the slider and projects above the upper edges of the remaining portions of the header. This arrangement enables the user to move the slider by grasping the pull tab. The user need not reach into the space between the remaining portions of the header to grasp the slider itself. In one embodiment, the pull tab is coupled to the sidewalls of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7478950
    Abstract: A reclosable slider zipper is disclosed wherein the profiles have several interlocking ribs thereby allowing the profiles to be interlocked in various alignments. A slider is provided to open and close the reclosable slider zipper. This results in increased reliability in alignment of the profiles during manufacturing processes and similarly results in increased smoothness and tactile feel for the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Plourde, Kevin P. Olechowski
  • Publication number: 20090003739
    Abstract: A containing bag in which the amount of fragrance diffused from a contained matter can be regulated. The containing bag (1) is provided with a fastener portion (4) for hermetically sealing a containing section (3) at the opening (2a) of a bag body (2) having at least one containing section (3), characterized in that a plurality of ventilation holding portions (5) which can be inserted into the fastener portion (4) are formed on the outside of the fastener portion (4) of the bag body (2). When the ventilation n holding portions (5) are inserted into the fastener portion (4) and then the fastener portion (4) is closed, vents can be formed and fragrance of a contained matter (3) can be diffused. The amount of fragrance diffused can be regulated by increasing/decreasing the number of the ventilation holding portions (5) to be inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tsukasa Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20080260304
    Abstract: An easy open, reclosable, flexible film package comprising a front wall, a back wall, a pair of opposing side gussets; a bottom; and a top; wherein the top is sealed; wherein the pair of opposing side gussets and the bottom wall connect the front wall to the back wall; wherein one side gusset has a score line extending from front to back; wherein when the score line is broken a spout is formed by pulling the side gusset below the score line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Alcan Packaging Flexible France
    Inventor: Jay Hodson
  • Publication number: 20080240627
    Abstract: A resealable closure for a container in which package integrity is indicated by a structure which breaks and/or produces an audible sound when the resealable closure is opened for a first time. The package integrity feature, in one form includes at least one strip initially affixed to two portions which comprise the resealable closure so that upon opening the resealable closure for a first time, at least one of the strips breaks, thereby producing the audible sound. The strips may include a weakened portion such as a narrowing. Integrity of the package is indicated by an intact strip viewable upon opening the resealable closure and conversely, a broken or non-intact strip would indicate that the resealable closure has been previously opened. Package integrity may also be shown by a movable second panel or movable die cut tab portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Carole A. Cole, Jeffrey Thomas Weber
  • Publication number: 20080233252
    Abstract: Containers are especially adapted for the reconstitution and dispensation of concentrated or powdered products. The containers preferably include a sealed flexible pouch body defining an interior space; removable primary and secondary seal regions which seal primary and secondary openings into the interior space of the pouch body, and a resealable closure member provided adjacent the primary seal region for reseating the primary opening upon removal of the primary seal region. A strip thermometer may be physically attached to the pouch body so as to provide visual temperature indication of the reconstituted liquid product within the container. The containers may be prepackaged with a desired amount of concentrated or powdered product for later reconstitution. In use, the primary seal region may be physically removed and the resealable closure member opened so to expose the primary opening to the interior space of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Paul B. Manning, James W. McGrath
  • Patent number: 7416336
    Abstract: Reclosable bags having a slider-actuated string zipper and tamper-evident features. In one aspect, the bag comprises: a receptacle having a mouth and an interior volume; a string zipper installed in the mouth; a slider mounted to the string zipper; a membrane depending within the interior volume to block access to a portion of the interior volume when the string zipper is open; and a hood joined to the receptacle and shrouding the mouth. The membrane is made by forming a gusset. Then a string zipper is installed inside of the gusset and heat sealed in place. Later a hood or shroud is attached to the bag walls at an elevation traversed by the gusset panels. A layer of non-sealable material is applied on a surface of a gusset panel to prevent the gusset panels from being sealed together when the hood is heat sealed to the bag walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Basil C. Linton, Gregory H. Crunkleton, Jeffrey Griffin
  • Publication number: 20080170814
    Abstract: A package including a package body having closed ends, at least one of the closed ends being openable. A reclosable member including a band disposed on the package body, the band being adjacent to and encircling the openable closed end. The reclosable member maintains the at least one of the openable end in a closed condition after opening thereof. The openable end is selectively and repeatedly openable and reclosable upon manipulation of the package body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Paul K. Bowers, James A. Glydon, Allen Aldridge
  • Patent number: 7396163
    Abstract: A package or bag is provided with an easy open re-closable device for allowing ready access to the contents of the bag. The closure device is applied longitudinally in a vertical orientation in plastic bags but the closure device is spaced from the ends. In a layer paper bag, while the position of the closure device is preferably longitudinal, the closure device may have any orientation including a diagonal position. The closure device is incorporated in the fins of a fin bag and the closure devices extends longitudinally of the bag in a vertical direction. The process or making a multi layer paper material with a closure device incorporated therein is carried out in a continuous operation. The process of making zip-fin plastic bag or film containing the fins and closure are performed in a continuous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: James Ray McGregor
  • Publication number: 20080135513
    Abstract: A spout unit having a tamper-evident function so that it is easy to determine visually that a sealed cap is opened when the cap is unsealed, wherein strong force is not needed to open while modification of moderate curve in convex from an easy-to-break portion of a tamper-proof ring is corrected when the spout is sealed with the cap, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Kazuhiro UMENAKA
  • Publication number: 20080107363
    Abstract: A reclosable zipper fastener has a slider 40 and first and second profiles 24, 26. Each profile has a body 32, 34 and a flange 28, 30 which has three zones which are, successively and in the direction away from the body, an anti-seal zone 42, 43, a line-of-weakness formation zone 44, 45 and a sealing zone 46, 47. The zipper can be used in a bag in which it is secured internally of a top seal 20, the line-of-weakness zones 44, 45 forming lines along which a top portion of the bag can be removed to open the bag. The bag can then be sealed using the zipper. A tamper-evident feature is thus provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Murray Edward Bruce Leighton
  • Patent number: 7364362
    Abstract: A tamper-evident reclosable package having a header that is tack sealed to the zipper. A light tack, in the form of a light weld, is made at the end of the package header. The header is the top portion of the package and is designed to shroud the zipper. The header serves as a tamper-evident feature, and also serves to maintain cleanliness and aesthetics of the package. The header must be tom before a person can gain access to the contents of the package. Typically, means for preferential tearing are provided for easy removal of the header. The tack seal contributes to the maintenance of the cleanliness and aesthetics of the package, while still allowing easy removal of the header. The tack is light (i.e., low bond strength or pull-off force) in order to not make it significantly more difficult to open the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Lewis Albert Haws, David C. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20080056622
    Abstract: A resealable package with a tamper-evident structure and methods for making the same are disclosed. The resealable package includes a front panel joined at respective opposite side edges to a rear panel to form a package having an exterior; a reclosable fastener assembly joined to the exterior of the package and including a first fastening member and a second fastening member respectively joined to the rear panel and the front panel, so that at least one marginal portion of the rear panel can be folded over in the direction of said front panel and the first fastening member can be releasably connected to the second fastening member; and a tamper-evident structure joined to the front panel and a folded over marginal portion of the rear panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: ANDREW AUSTRENG, Cori K. Kohl, Michael R. Nowak
  • Patent number: 7331716
    Abstract: There are provided a flexible container capable of realizing facilitation of opening and uniformization of the shape of an opening that is obtained by opening, a method of forming the flexible container, a seal-breaking guide of the flexible container, a method of enclosing a liquid in the flexible container, and the liquid enclosed in the flexible container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Nakano, Tadaaki Kurosu, Shinichi Inoue, Etsuko Hattori
  • Patent number: 7320545
    Abstract: A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sargento Foods Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Strand, Karl L. Linck, Judy Fischer, Thomas J. Spaeth, Jerry D. Kolbe
  • Patent number: 7311649
    Abstract: A machine direction method of manufacture of reclosable packages is disclosed wherein a semi-circular or similarly shaped perforated pattern is punched in the web in registration with the package side seals. Continuous lines of perforation are punched in the web parallel to the top of the package. The web is folded and shaped into a package with a header which includes the semi-circular perforated pattern and the lines of perforation. A similar transverse direction method of manufacture is disclosed. When the top corner of the header is pulled, the header tears along the shaped perforation until it meets the horizontal line of perforation, thereby avoiding tearing through the area of the header that is sealed to the zipper flange, the header then tears along the horizontal perforation and finally follows the shaped perforation on the opposite end of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Eric P. Plourde
  • Patent number: 7306370
    Abstract: A shrouded flexible package is provided with an improved continuous laser score line. The score line has end portions adjacent the side seals of the package, which are located above fastener tracks which are enclosed by a shroud portion of the package. The score line contains downwardly and inwardly converging segments joined to a medial score line segment extending along side and generally below the fastener tracks. The score line is preferably formed with a laser energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Hal Marvin Howell, Kelly Elizabeth Arnold, Amy L. Gosselin, Panagiotis Kinigakis, Kenneth Charles Pokusa, Kenneth V. Radakovits, Jim Kyung Sung, Trisha Ann Wood
  • Patent number: 7300207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-tight closure for enhancing accessibility to contents of a container when the container is opened and for preventing exposure of the container contents to ambient air when the container is closed. The invention further relates to re-closable containers including the same. The closure comprises at least two elongated male units disposed a gap apart on the outer surface of one wall of the container and at least two corresponding elongated female units disposed a gap apart on the outer surface of an opposite wall of the container opposite the male units, forming at least two male-female pairs. The closure may further include a tongue for facilitating opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Ron Linneweil
  • Publication number: 20070269142
    Abstract: A bowl-in-pouch arrangement is provided from at least two flexible front and rear panels forming a void there between. A bowl is formed from a third panel and is disposed in the void between the front and rear panels. The bowl is sealed to the inner faces of the front and rear panels and the bowl defines a lower reservoir area and an upper bowl area. Gaps are formed in the seal between the bowl and the inner faces of the front and rear panels to permit fluid, under pressure, to travel from the reservoir into the bowl. An opening is formed in the upper edge of the front and rear panels to permit reclosable access to the fluid in the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Susan Tyska, Anthony Tropea
  • Patent number: 7261468
    Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag (38) having a fin seal (35) which provides a weakness area (23, 80, 81, 84, 86) that extends into at least one side of the fin seal (35). Perforation axes (19, 20) for opening the reclosable plastic bag (38) may be aligned with the weakness area (23, 80, 81, 84, 86). A method of making the bag is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Nigel Knight, Stanley Piotrowski, Patricia I. Norek, Jeffrey Griffin, David J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7262335
    Abstract: An easy-open, re-closable package for a plurality of disposable diapers includes a wrapping layer which substantially surrounds the plurality of disposable diapers and a re-closable fastening system. The re-closable fastening system may be joined with the wrapping layer. The re-closable fastening system may have a female fastening portion and a male fastening portion, wherein the female fastening portion and the male fastening portion being releasably engageable. In another exemplary embodiment, the male fastening portion is releasably engageable between the plurality of disposable diapers and the wrapping layer. The re-closable package may also include a removable portion. The removable portion being integrally formed within the re-closable fastening system. The removable portion may include a grip portion. The removable portion may be defined by a first perforation and a second perforation, wherein pulling upon the grip portion results in the tearing along of the perforations so as to open the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Andreas Peter Motsch, Martin Werner Frank
  • Patent number: 7249887
    Abstract: A reclosable flexible package includes a reclosure having flanges joined at their upper ends to interlockable fastener tracks. The lower ends of the reclosure flanges are joined together with one of the reclosure flanges being joined to a side panel of the flexible package by a peel seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Kenneth Pokusa, Orestes Rivero
  • Patent number: 7192192
    Abstract: A closure arrangement for a reclosable polymeric bag is disclosed, the closure arrangement comprising convex and concave areas that facilitate opening the bag. To initially open the bag, first and second films are separated from each other by tearing perforations. Next, interlocked closure profiles are detached from each other by grabbing onto gripper ridges and pulling the opening of the bag apart. If the first or second film becomes tucked into the groove left by the perforations such that the gripper ridges are difficult to access even after tearing the perforations, then the end of the opening may be flexed up or down, thereby causing separation of the convex area and concave area to provide access to the gripper ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg J. VandenHeuvel, Greg W. Melchoir
  • Patent number: 7163338
    Abstract: A tamper-evident reclosable bag having a pull tab feature that facilitates opening of a header by a consumer. The pull tab feature is provided by an offset between the top and bottom webs (or front and rear walls) of the package. One web has a cutout while the other web has a portion that overlaps the cutout. The offset provides a simple means for the consumer to grasp only one of the webs of the package and then pull the webs apart or peel the offset web away from the cutout web. The peeled-away layer can be provided with a line of weakened tear resistance, allowing a section of the header to, at the same time, be torn off the package. After the tamper-evident seal provided by the header is broken, the consumer can open the zipper, gaining access to the contents of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, Lewis Albert Haws
  • Patent number: 7101079
    Abstract: A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sargento Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Strand, Karl L. Linck, Judy Fischer, Thomas J. Spaeth, Jerry D. Kolbe
  • Patent number: 7090397
    Abstract: A single use container comprises a slider having first and second closable profiles having an adhesive or epoxy disposed thereon. The profiles are configured, for example, to prevent premature closing and bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Robert C. Stolmeier
  • Patent number: 7086782
    Abstract: A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Sargento Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Strand, Karl L. Linck, Judy Fischer, Thomas J. Spaeth, Jerry D. Kolbe
  • Patent number: 7025504
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having closed top and bottom ends, closed sides extending therebetween, and a closure region with a reclosable fastener. The fastener and one of the closed sides have an included angle less than 90 degrees. The fastener is further configured such that the reclosable fastener has a first end and a second end, and the sealed portion has a first end and a second end, the first end of the fastener generally extending to the closed first side so as to form a pour spout, the second end of the fastener generally extending to the first end of the sealed portion, and the second end of the sealed portion generally extending to the closed second side. In this manner, a pour spout is formed, that assists in pouring material from the bag. The pour spout can also be reclosed for convenience of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Alan D. Olin
  • Patent number: 7011448
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having closed top and bottom ends, closed sides extending therebetween, and a closure region with a reclosable fastener. The fastener and one of the closed sides have an included angle less than 90 degrees. The fastener is further configured such that the reclosable fastener has a first end and a second end, and the sealed portion has a first end and a second end, the first end of the fastener generally extending to the closed first side so as to form a pour spout, the second end of the fastener generally extending to the first end of the sealed portion, and the second end of the sealed portion generally extending to the closed second side. In this manner, a pour spout is formed, that assists in pouring material from the bag. The pour spout can also be reclosed for convenience of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Alan D. Olin
  • Patent number: 6974256
    Abstract: A flexible package is provided with a shrouded slide fastener closure. The shroud includes an opening for the slide, extending to a line of weakness joining the shroud to the remainder of the flexible package. The opening includes an acute angle portion communicating with the line of weakness to facilitate tearing of the shroud from the flexible package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Kenneth Pokusa, Orestes Rivero, Joseph R. Brooks, Kelly Elizabeth Arnold
  • Patent number: 6971794
    Abstract: A package having a reclosable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 6964520
    Abstract: In a bag 10 for packaging having a first face 10A and a second face 10B that are mutually opposite, a first line of weakness 100A (100B) and a second line of weakness 200A (200B) and a third line of weakness 300A (300B) constituted by a plurality of breaks of perforation form arranged between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness and having an inclination with respect to a prescribed unsealing direction L50 are respectively formed in the first face and the second face such that these are arranged in mutually parallel fashion, and the plurality of breaks of perforation form constituting the third line of weakness formed in the first face and the plurality of breaks of perforation form constituting the third line of weakness formed in the second face are formed inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to the prescribed unsealing direction. In this way a finger-grip portion of suitable extent is formed at the unsealed aperture of the bag for packaging after unsealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignees: Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., Okada Shigyo Co., Ltd., Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakai, Hiroyuki Taketomi, Yuji Hashitani, Hirofumi Okada, Shinichi Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 6962439
    Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag includes two panels sealed to form a container having a bottom and an openable top. The plastic bag further includes lips that are adjacent to the openable top and which are initially joined to one another by a removable element. The removable element when attached indicates that the bag has not yet been used. When the removable element is no longer attached this indicates that the bag may have been used (contaminated). The reclosable plastic bag also includes a closure element for sealing and unsealing the openable top of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: The BagCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Nossi Taheri
  • Patent number: 6957914
    Abstract: A package for unitizing at least two pouches includes a flexible multipack header positioned between the pouches and adhered along a top portion of the pouches. Each pouch is removable along a tear line to expose a slider, a zipper and/or a secondary tear line to access the pouch or a tamper evident seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Arends, Leslie S. Marco, John H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6939040
    Abstract: A reclosable package comprises a receptacle and a header that communicate via a mouth, and a slider-zipper assembly disposed in the mouth, the slider being exposed when a first portion of the header is removed. The header further comprises second and third portions having respective states of tension that will cause the second and third portions of the header to curl or bend away from the slider when the first portion of the header is removed, for example, by tearing or cutting. The second and third portions of the header curl or bend in opposite directions to allow easy access to the slider by the consumer. In a method of manufacture, the second and third portions of the header are heat treated to produce differential shrink tension states. Alternatively, the header material can be a thermoplastic laminate film in which the layers have different shrink tension states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6913387
    Abstract: A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Sargento Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Strand, Karl L. Linck, Judy Fischer, Thomas J. Spaeth, Jerry D. Kolbe
  • Patent number: 6910805
    Abstract: A method for sealing a zipper assembly to bag making film at three or more points. The zipper assembly comprises a short zipper flange and a long zipper flange. The short flange is joined to one wall of the package while the long flange is joined to both walls of the package to define a product space in which the product is contained. Both the short and long zipper flanges are sealed to the bag making film at a first sealing station prior to folding of the film. After folding, the long zipper flange is sealed at one or more zones of joinder to the other side of the folded film. If the zipper assembly is attached in proximity to the fold line, then the second sealing operation is performed before filling and the bag is filled through the package bottom. If the zipper assembly is attached near the edge of the web of bag making film, then the second sealing operation is performed after the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joel L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6910806
    Abstract: A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Sargento Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Strand, Karl L. Linck, Judy Fischer, Thomas J. Spaeth, Jerry D. Kolbe
  • Patent number: 6880973
    Abstract: A tamper evident package has a first wall and a second wall facing the first wall. A zipper is provided at a top of the package. The first and second walls include portions that extend over the zipper and the first wall extension portion has a line of weakness that extends parallel to the zipper. A peel seal joins the first wall and the second wall above the interlocking members of the profiles and sections of the first and second walls extend beyond the peel seal. If the zipper has a slider, a pocket is formed in one of the walls to accommodate the slider. The slider pocket extends parallel to the zipper. Methods of forming he package on various types of form, fill and seal equipment as well as the equipment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Patricia I. Norek
  • Patent number: 6866420
    Abstract: A flexible, reclosable package having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closeable by a slider device, and a tamper-evident structure disposed over the zipper construction to provide indication whether access has been gained to the interior of the package. A second tamper-evident structure may be disposed between the zipper construction and the package interior. This second structure may be a web or a peel seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: 6857779
    Abstract: A four corner bag constructed of flexible thermoplastic sheet or film material having overlying front and rear wall panels and a bottom sealed end. The upper portion of the bag includes a first closure region terminating in a top sealed end, a second closure region disposed inwardly of the top sealed end, and a perforated seal or tear strip extending across the width of the bag and located between the first and second closure regions. The second closure region includes an inner heat seal which extends approximately halfway across the width of the bag and a reclosable fastener which extends the remaining distance across the bag. In one embodiment, the inner heat seal is oriented transversely across the bag while the reclosable fastener is upwardly angled so that it forms a natural pour spout during use. In other embodiments, the reclosable fastener is transversely oriented while the inner heat seal is angled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Alan D. Olin
  • Patent number: 6843600
    Abstract: A flexible, reclosable package includes first and second panel sections defining an interior, and a zipper sealed to each of the first and second panel sections along a top edge thereof. The zipper includes first and second mating profiles, each having an upper flange. A slider device is constructed and arranged for mounting on the zipper and for interlocking the first mating profile with the second mating profile when the slider device is moved in one direction, and disengaging the first mating profile from the second mating profile when the slider device is moved in another opposite direction. A tamper evident seal attaches the upper flanges of the first and second profiles together and extends through a passageway formed through the slider device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tilman, James E. Buchman
  • Publication number: 20040218839
    Abstract: A four corner bag constructed of flexible thermoplastic sheet or film material having overlying front and rear wall panels and a bottom sealed end. The upper portion of the bag includes a first closure region terminating in a top sealed end, a second closure region disposed inwardly of the top sealed end, and a perforated seal or tear strip extending across the width of the bag and located between the first and second closure regions. The second closure region includes an inner heat seal which extends approximately halfway across the width of the bag and a reclosable fastener which extends the remaining distance across the bag. In one embodiment, the inner heat seal is oriented transversely across the bag while the reclosable fastener is upwardly angled so that it forms a natural pour spout during use. In other embodiments, the reclosable fastener is transversely oriented while the inner heat seal is angled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Alan D. Olin
  • Publication number: 20040208402
    Abstract: A package having a reclosable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Publication number: 20040208398
    Abstract: A zippered bag comprises a main bag body having first and second opposing face members, a top, a bottom, and first and second opposing sides; and a zipper disposed on the main bag body. The zipper extends from the top to one of the first and second opposing sides so as to be oblique relative to the top. The zipper may comprise a male track and a female track engageable therewith. The male track and the female track may be formed by an injection molding. Each of the male track and the female track may comprise a main portion and end portions provided on opposite ends of the main portion, each of the end portions having a smaller height than that of the main portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tooru Ichikawa, Kou Go