Abstract: Forming and sealing tool assemblies, utilized in conjunction with the commercially available, horizontal, form, fill and seal packaging machines, manually interchangeable with other forming and sealing tools assemblies, modifiable to accommodate the varying product shapes and sizes. 1. The forming tool assembly, designed to form the bottom portion of the package, is sub-divided into two sub-assemblies, the top and the bottom. a. The top sub-assembly, comprises of a forming chamber, and a forming heater. The bottom sub-assembly, releasably attached to a forming base containing a nozzle directing the vacuum and vent cycles, comprises of a forming o-ring tool base, a forming tool and a plurality of forming tool inserts. b. When utilizing the forming tool assembly, the packaging machine feeds into the forming station the first layer of the packaging film, where said packaging film is engaged by the top and the bottom sub-assemblies of the forming tool assembly, wherein i.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a self-opening bag pack includes a supply of film material. An extruder forms a continuous tube of film. A flattener flattens the tube. A corona treater treats at least one surface of the flattened tube. A first sealer forms a bottom seam across a width of the flattened tube. A cutter cuts the flattened tube into bag blanks at a predetermined distance from the bottom seam. A stacker forms the bag blanks into a bag pack. An adhesion knife penetrates the bag pack and adheres adjacent bag blanks together in the bag pack. An aperture maker forms means for suspending the bag pack from a dispensing rack. The pack is attached to the dispensing rack and the front wall of the subsequent bag will be adhered to the rear wall of a first bag, thereby causing the first bag to open when pulled from the rack.

Abstract: An anti-skid treatment is applied to one or both major surfaces of bulk materials bags. The treatment may be applied to any bulk material bag, but is detailed in respect of films that tend to be relatively slippery, such as oriented polypropylene (“OPP”) and biaxially oriented polypropylene (“BOPP”). In one preferred embodiment, an elastomeric polymer having a coefficient of friction higher than that of the bag material is applied in strips to one or both surfaces of the bag. A method of manufacturing the bags is also described.

Abstract: Implementations described herein include films with maintained or decreased light transmittance despite a reduction in gauge. In particular, one or more implementations include a multi-layer film with each layer having differing opacity agents. The combination of the two different opacity agents in two different layers can have a synergistic effect that provide decreased light transmittance. Indeed, in one or more embodiments a multi-layer film with differing opacity agents in each layer has a decreased light transmittance despite a reduction in gauge and opacity agents.

Abstract: A zipper in which a male member having a male interlocking section and a female member having a female interlocking section that fits with the male interlocking section are peelable and re-fittable is provided. The male member and the female member are formed by different resins, and at least the male interlocking section and the female interlocking section are peelably adhered or contacted with each other with substantially no gap.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a security zipper and bag, or one-time closable zipper and bag, and methods of manufacture thereof, wherein the zipper includes double zipper profiles with a layer or strip of adhesive positioned between the two interlocking elements of one of the zipper profiles. Upon the one-time closing of the zipper, the adhesive secures the two double zipper profiles together and prevents a subsequent opening of the zipper or bag without leaving evidence of such opening, such as damage to the zipper or bag. Alternately, adhesive can be provided within the female profiles, with a liner over the adhesive to prevent premature activation.

Abstract: A forming tool usable with a packaging machine utilizes adhesive bonds rather than weld joints or fasteners to interconnect structural components of the forming tool. Using adhesive rather than weld joints and mechanical fasteners provides smooth interfaces thereby reducing the collection of bacteria, germs and cleaning residue on the surfaces of the forming tool, which is particularly advantageous for forming tools used with packing machines used in sanitary environments, such as for food or pharmaceutical packaging.

Abstract: A pouch including opposing sidewalls sealed together in a closed distal portion to form an interior that is accessible by a proximal opening. A closure profile extends along an interior surface of the opposing sidewalls for selectively sealing the proximal opening, wherein the closure profile substantially extends a length of the proximal opening. A plurality of tactile strips are disposed on an interior surface of at least one of the opposing sidewalls between the closure profile and the proximal opening, the tactile strips being variably spaced. Preferably, each tactile strip has a well-formed triangular cross-sectional shape with a height from the respective sidewall approximately double a thickness of the respective sidewall.

Abstract: A belt-shaped base of a male member of a zipper tape attached on an inner surface of a bag body includes a main body provided with an engagement portion, a thin portion connected to an opening-side of the main body, a thick portion connected to an opening-side of the thin portion and a projecting portion provided on the thick portion. A female member is also provided with the same arrangement. When the zipper tape is fused with the bag body, a gap is provided between the thin portion and a film of the bag body and between the thin portion and a film of the bag body, so that the thin portions are easily bent.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine is configured to mold a closure directly onto a carton. The machine includes a carton erection station to receive and erect a carton and a direct injection molding station. The molding station has an internal mold tool for receipt of the carton, and an external mold tool set. The internal tool and external tool set are configured to receive and secure a portion of the carton therebetween and define a mold cavity with the portion of the carton disposed therein. The external mold tool set defines an opening for receiving a polymer injection system to inject polymer into the mold cavity. A closure is directly molded in place on the carton, with the polymer encapsulating the inner peripheral edge of the carton opening that is disposed within the mold cavity. The packaging machine also includes a filling station for filling the carton and a sealing station for forming a seal on the carton.

Abstract: A plastic motion sickness receptacle is disclosed having a seamless perimeter defined by a tubular member folded at a first closed end, and an open end including means for closing the receptacle after use. The plastic tubular member comprises integrally formed walls that terminate in a base at said closed end with the edges of the walls cooperating to form a fluid-tight relationship. An outer surface of the receptacle includes indicia printed thereon including instructions for using the bag upon the occurrence of motion sickness.

Abstract: A zipper closure having a first and second releasably interlocking closure profiles where a first sealing flange extends from the first closure profile, and a second sealing flange extends from the second closure profile. Two rectangular-shaped protrusions are on each of an exterior and interior side of the first sealing flange. A rectangular-shaped protrusion is on each of an exterior and interior side of the second sealing flange. The rectangular-shaped protrusions on each interior side of first and second sealing flange are constructed and arranged to mate with each other. A flexible, reclosable package and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, molds a closure directly onto the carton. The machine includes a carton erection station adapted to receive a carton in a generally flat form and to erect the flat form carton into a tubular form defining an internal carton region. A direct injection molding station has an internal mold tool and an external mold tool. The internal mold tool is configured for receipt within the internal carton region and the internal mold tool and the external mold tool are configured to receive and clamp the carton therebetween. The direct injection molding station further includes a polymer injection system for injecting polymer from a location external of the carton to the internal mold tool. The closure is directly molded in place on the carton. A mold tool set, a method for carrying out the molding and a closure molded thereby are also disclosed.

Abstract: A container is disclosed comprising a first sidewall having a first layer and a second layer. The second layer overlaps a portion of the first layer to define an overlap area. A sealing flange extends from the first layer outward of the overlap area. A second sidewall is connected to the first sidewall along the sealing flange to define an inner chamber therebetween. The second sidewall and the sealing flange define a first layered structure having a first number of layers along the sealing flange. The overlap area and the second sidewall define a second layered structure having a second number of layers. The second number of layers is greater than the first number of layers. The container is sealed by positioning peripheral edges of the first and second sidewalls into registration so that the overlap area is substantially centrally disposed over the second sidewall and applying sealing energy to the first number of layers to define a peripheral seam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing recloseable plastic bags with engageable mating profiles where the bags are provided open for the consumer. The profiles are initially provided in the fully engaged condition within an elongate, longitudinally cut tube. The profiles are then periodically fused, tacked, or attached together at the approximate locations where the tube is to be cut into bags. Upon tacking, the profiles are pulled apart by frictionally engaging an area on the outside of the film, near the profiles, and between the tacks. The film is then forced away from the profiles, which at least partially pulls one profile from the other. Thereafter, the tube may be cut and sealed into bags as would otherwise normally occur.

Abstract: A collapsible bag for use in containing and dispensing a liquid includes a bladder layer and an outer layer. The bladder layer includes a pair of inner opposed panel sections sealed together to provide an enclosed region. The inner panel sections have an inner surface facing the enclosed region and a plurality of ribs formed thereon, and one of the inner panel sections has a first product-dispensing hole therethrough. The outer layer includes a pair of outer opposed panel sections covering the bladder layer and one of the outer panel sections includes a second product-dispensing hole therethrough aligned with the first product-dispensing hole. A spout is attached to the outer layer and covers the first and second product-dispensing holes to provide access to the enclosed region. The bag may be used in a box to dispense liquids.

Abstract: A zipper for a recloseable bag provides a heat-settable portion for adhering the zipper to a polymeric bag at a temperature below that known in the art in order to prevent permanently sealing the bag closed inadvertantly. The zipper includes elongated base strips having flange portions for adhering the inner surface of the base strip to the outer surface of a polymeric bag. The base strip is adhered to the polymeric bag by a heat-setting compound coextruded, coated or laminated to the inner surface of the flange. The flange portions may be thinner than other portions of the base strips to permit the flange portions to be fused to the polymeric bag at a lower temperature than previously practiced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oriented, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat shrinkable patch attached thereto such that said heat shrinkable patch covers substantially all area exposed to bone, thereby protecting the bag from puncture by sharp protruding bones in bone-in cuts of meat which are vacuum packaged within the bags. The protection is especially directed to prevention of bag puncture by, bone-in cuts of both fresh and smoked or processed meat. The bag produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An easily tearable plastic film and a pouch made therefrom comprises a thin-wall part for easy tearing. The thin-wall part being made by incorporating strings in the plastic film when it is made by melt extrusion. A method for producing the film and pouch is also shown.

Abstract: An in-line machine for attaching elongated, flexible closure tie elements to the individual bag portions of a laterally folded plastic film web being continuously discharged from a bag forming station, and being forcibly captured by a winder mechanism, engages and drives the moving web toward the winder mechanism by means of mutually spaced inlet, central and outlet drive rollers. During operation of the machine, first and second slack portions of the film web are respectively positioned between the inlet and central rollers, and between the central and outlet rollers. These slack portions are held in vertically looped configurations by a downwardly directed, yielding vacuum force applied thereto. The inlet and outlet rollers are driven at identical speeds corresponding to the constant linear film web output speed from the bag forming station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming recloseable plastic bags having engageable mating profiles wherein the bags are made to have an initially open mouth. The profiles which are made to be in an closed condition are opened by a blade apparatus which engages and opens the profiles at a point after the tubing is fused or tacked to thereby maintain proper alignment of the profiles when the bags are made.

Abstract: A plastic bag with a recloseable zipper-type closure is formed with grip strips on its lips to ease the opening of the bags. The grip strips are extruded from a grip strip extruder which is moved relative to a movement of the zipper type profile to produce a regularly repeating pattern. The strips facilitate opening the bag even with wet or oily fingers. A method and apparatus for forming the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure system for a film wall package includes profile strips having a reclosable seal of the interlocking type, flange elements and, adjacent the reclosable seal, an adhered strip of peelable material. The peelable material and the profile strip may be co-extruded. With packaging film attached to the profile strips, typically to the flange elements, the resulting product may be used in a horizontal form, fill and seal operation, at which time the reclosable elements are mated and a peel seal is formed. The peel seal may be disposed on either side of the reclosable seal with respect to the interior of the package. The benefits of both peel seals and reclosable seals may be obtained by using optimum materials for those elements while, at the same time, allowing the use of a different material for the walls of the package.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous packaging of flexible bags is adapted for use with a continuous bag manufacturing machine. Separate bags are received on a conveyor which conveys the bags to a stacking station at the end of the conveyor. At the stacking station, the bags are stacked in a catch tray until a predetermined number of bags have been collected, at which point the tray is opened to drop the bags into an open container supported on a turntable beneath the catch tray. The turntable is rotatable to convey the open container away from the stacking station to an unloading station when the container has been filled with bags. The turntable rotatably supports a number of support plates evenly distributed around the perimeter of the turntable, upon which an open container sits. A multi-motion actuator situated at the stacking station underneath the turntable is operable to rotate the support plate at the stacking station relative to the turntable.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing draw tape bags, unique tubular films used in the process and the resulting draw tape bags are disclosed. The process begins with the step of forming a tubular film having a longitudinal region with a film strength greater than the film strength of the remainder of the tube. Next, the longitudinal region of greater strength is slit out of the tube and into draw tape ribbons, leaving the remainder of the tube in the form of a continuous sheet with two side edges. A hem with a draw tape access hole is next formed from each of the two side edges, each of the hems encasing a draw tape ribbon. Last, transverse seams are formed in the folded continuous sheet to define individual bag edges and the folded continuous sheets is severed to form individual bags. In one embodiment the longitudinal region of greater strength is made from a resin different than the resin making up the remainder of the tube.

Abstract: A container, for example for herbicide, is manufactured by securing a flexible wall (8) to a rigid housing part (2), and subsequently deforming the flexible wall (8), in a plastic manner, into a predetermined configuration. A further housing part, possibly complementary to the housing part (2), may then be applied to the housing part (2) in order to provide a closed chamber which is divided by the flexible wall (8) into two compartments. The flexible wall (8) is preferably deformed into a configuration which enables it to lie, unstressed, against the internal surface of the housing part (2), so that herbicide contained in the cavity between the housing part (2) and the flexible wall (8) can flow substantially completely from the container under gravity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing containers such as envelope wallets and folders or the like, which comprise at least two outer wall components (4,6) margins of which are bonded on three sides of the wall components to edges of a flexible extruded plastics material strip (12) which in the example given is polyvinyl chloride, and which has a V-cross-section or a W-cross-section and forms an insertor gusset. The container may have at least one interior wall component provided with adjacent inserts (12) bonded to neighboring wall components. Dielectric heating may be used for the bonding step and suitable apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making containers (40) in which a sheet of thermoplastic material (10) that is adapted to be formed into a pouch is introduced into a mold cavity (14). A molding compound (22) is also introduced into the mold cavity (14). The molding compound (22) is permitted to be bonded with the thermoplastic sheet (10) inside the mold cavity (14) to form a container port (20) in situ. The thermoplastic sheet (10) and bonded molding compound (22) are removed from the mold cavity (14) and the sheet carrying the port (20) formed from the bonded molding compound is folded and cut to form a container (40).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming single or multi-wall plastic tubing and more particularly, in forming single or multi-wall plastic bags wherein the seal area is strengthened by utilizing a plurality of extruded layers of adhesive material in the seal area. This would particularly be the case for valved bags.

Abstract: A thermoplastic draw tape having thick and wide end portions with a relatively thin and narrow central portion between them is produced by movable clamps which stretch the tape between stationary clamps to produce the stretched, oriented portions of the tape. A plurality of movable clamps and a plurality of stationary clamps produce a plurality of stretched central portions so that the stretching time can be greater than the cycle time of bag making machinery with which the stretching apparatus is synchronized.

Abstract: Containers formed of a flexible sheet of material capable of being sealed for closing off the interior of the container from the ambient atmosphere. The sheet material is resistant to tearing and includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The container comprises a mouth portion including a peel strip or layer fixedly secured to the inner surface of the material and extending substantially the entire length of the mouth portion, with adjacent portions of the peel strip or layer being in releasable engagement with each other. Some containers are formed in accordance with the method for applying the peel strips transversely across a web of sheet material and heat sealing the strips to the material at longitudinally spaced locations and thereafter severing the web into sections which are formed into the container. Other containers are formed by use of a peel layer on the entire inner surface of the container.

Abstract: A draw tape for thermoplastic bags is made by feeding tape to a first pair of nip rolls rotating at a relatively slow speed and a second pair rotating at a fast speed. The tape is stretched to form thin and narrow central portions between end portions of unstretched tape. The first nip rolls are increased in speed, or are released to interrupt the stretching. When the rolls are closed, one of them is momentarily retarded or backed up, to produce a rapid transition in the tape between the unstretched end portion and the stretched central portion.

Abstract: A thermoplastic draw tape for bags is produced by stretching thermoplastic between a first pair of nip rollers running at a relatively slow speed and a second pair of nip rollers running at a higher speed. A rotating cylinder has hot and cool sections spaced around the circumference. The draw tape is heated in intermittent sections which are stretched as they pass through the nip rolls to produce a relatively thin and narrow central portion between end portions which pass over the cool sections of the rotating cylinder.

Abstract: Double funnel bag material and method, wherein continuous length plastic film material is formed into a plurality of coextensive funnel strips connected together as formed. Each of the funnel strips is provided along an edge which is remote from the edge connection with the companion strip, with a zig-zag edge defining a series of funnel pockets therealong. The funnel strips have bag wall film attached thereto. Then after separation of the strips and bag wall material assembly along the edge connection, the strips can be rolled-up for future use, or immediately used, by forming into individual bag sections to be filled, and the bag sections separated from the respective strips.

Abstract: A thermoplastic tape having thick and wide end portions with a relatively thin and narrow stretched central portion between them is produced by a first pair of nip rolls running at a slow speed, and a second pair of nip rolls running at a higher speed. The tape between the nip rolls is intermittently moved away from, and toward said first nip rolls to stretch it to produce the relatively thin and narrow central portion. The second pair of nip rolls is mounted on a pivoted arm so that they are movable toward, and away from said first nip rolls. Alternatively, an idler roll between the two pairs is moved toward, and away from, the first nip rolls.

Abstract: Draw tape bags have a high molecular weight, high density polyethylene draw tape which is intermittently stretched so that the tape has central portions of relatively narrow and thin oriented polyethylene and end portions which are relatively wide and thick. The end portions are heat sealed to the sides of the bag panels to secure them. The stretching makes the tape cost more economical and improves the break characteristics while the thick and wide end portions permit good heat sealing without weakening the draw tape. Also disclosed is a method of making such bags.

Abstract: A flat bottom plastic film bag includes triangular gusset portions formed by a plurality of parallel heat welds which fuse portions of opposed pleats together and cooperate with a transverse central bottom seam to form a flat bottom bag from a seamed or seamless plastic film tube. The longitudinal side and end walls of the bag are provided with heat embossed corrugations which enhance the freestanding characteristics of the bag and a transverse crease is formed along the fold line between the sidewalls of the bag and the bottom wall to enhance the bottom forming characteristics of the bag when it is snapped from a folded position to an opened position.

Abstract: An improved method and mechanism for forming a chain of laterally interconnected plastic bags which have confronting releasably interlocking rib and groove profile elements on the inner confronting wall surfaces or at the edge of said surface including advancing a tube or a folded film of plastic bag material having interlocked rib and groove profile elements, forming spaced spot seals at the profile element and alternately at another location to permanently join the layers of material and permanently join the rib and groove elements over the area of the spot, forming lateral seals extending the width of the material at the location of the spot seals to provide side seams for the adjacent bags, and cutting through the material along the center of the seam to partially separate the bags with the cuts extending a predetermined distance partially into the spot seals to control their remaining strength and control the separation force needed to separate adjacent bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic bag structures which are characterized by having a pair of carrying handles formed integrally with the bag walls and extending upwardly from opposite sides of the open mouth portion of the bag. Specifically, such handled bags are particularly characterized in having reinforced handle members where the handles comprise at least two layers of thermoplastic material, one of the layers imparting tensile strength to the individual layer and the other layer particularly employed to provide the requisite puncture and tear resistance necessary in such a bag structure.

Abstract: A reinforced receptacle for bulk materials is constructed from a two-ply plastic tube having a reinforced sheet wrapped and overlapped about the two-ply plastic tube. The reinforced sheet is adhesively secured to the two-ply tube, and the lower end of the two-ply tube is folded and adhesively secured together to form a folded satchel bottom for the receptacle. The upper end of the two-ply tube is gathered and clamped to provide structure for lifting the receptacle.