Reclosable Means (e.g., Valve) Patents (Class 493/213)
  • Publication number: 20090258772
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: David J. ANZINI, Rusty KOENIGKRAMER, Clifton R. HOWELL, Steven AUSNIT
  • Patent number: 7597657
    Abstract: A package having a recloseable 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: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 7563219
    Abstract: A drum configuration uses first and second rotary drums to apply alternate zipper segments in a transverse direction to a sheet of moving web or film. This allows the web to maintain a constant speed without the intermittent pausing while the zipper segments are sealed to the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Owen, David C. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7552572
    Abstract: A packaging method includes the providing of a bag. A mouth of the bag may include an opening/closing for multiple successive openings and closings and a cleavable linking veil, located at a distance therefrom inside the bag in relation to the opening/closing. The method may also include introduction of contents to be wrapped in the bag and tightening of said bag in order to close it, with tension being applied to the contents. A veil may enter into contact with the contents to avoid the application of stress on the opening/closing, and guarantee free access to the contents via said opening/closing after tearing the cleavable linking veil. In one embodiment, free access to bag contents enables the bag to be relaxed in a closed state as a result of the distance (D) separating the veil and the opening/closing. The invention also relates to a packaging device and to bags thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Henri Bois
  • Patent number: 7552573
    Abstract: An invention for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
  • Patent number: 7549954
    Abstract: A foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, first and second separating fingers, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The first separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The second separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Blythe
  • Patent number: 7549269
    Abstract: A bag having a reclosable sealer and methods of forming and using the same are provided. The bag, for example, can include a tube body having a plurality of laminated layers. A reclosable sealer can be attached to a first wall of the tube body. When the bag is in an open bag position, a first portion of the reclosable sealer is separated from a second portion of the reclosable sealer. When the reclosable sealer is in the closed seal position, the first portion of the reclosable sealer contacts the second portion of the reclosable sealer forming a seal to thereby allow the bag to be readily opened and closed. Peripheral portions of the bag can remain unsealed after initial opening when the reclosable sealer is in the closed seal position to indicate that initial opening has occurred and that tampering with the bag may have occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Exopack LLC
    Inventors: L. Roseann Woodham, Alfred A. McLellan, Debra L. Sullivan, George Solomon
  • Publication number: 20090152139
    Abstract: A pouch (10) for holding in particular a portion of tobacco substantially comprises front wall (13) and rear wall (14). A filling opening (19) is formed on the upper side between front wall (13) and rear wall (14). Formed underneath the same is a further opening, specifically a removal opening (20) defined by a perforation line (23). Positioned in the region of the same is a closure means which can be used repeatedly, specifically a ziplock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: FOCKE & CO., (GmbH & CO., KG)
    Inventors: Hermann Roesink, Claus Ehrhardt
  • Publication number: 20090139993
    Abstract: A plastic medium feed-through part, for example a spout, designed to be sealed by means of a sealing technique between film walls of a bag, comprising a plastic body which forms a channel (4) for dispensing a medium from the bag and/or feeding it to the bag, which body has sealing sides (10, 11) situated opposite each other, each for achieving a sealed connection to an adjoining film wall, which sealing sides are substantially flat and free from ribs. Each sealing side has a rough surface structure. The surface roughness value of the sealing sides preferably lies between 20 and 40 in accordance with VDI Richtlinie 3400. The feed-through part can be provided with an anti-nesting projection (20) on the side intended to be inside the bag or with an element (101) for holding the bag open. Several methods for sealing a feed-through part to a bag are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Laurens Last
  • Patent number: 7540662
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strip. Apparatus and methods for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, and also for manufacturing an empty, flexible recloseable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
  • Publication number: 20090123093
    Abstract: There is described a bag for being manipulated by a lifting element, including a tube portion defined by at least two opposed side walls and two opposed end sections. The first end section closes the tube portion for defining a cavity and the second end section includes at least one flap extending from one of the side walls to be connected to the other side wall. There is a slot defined beneath and parallel to the flap in between the opposed side walls for receiving the lifting element, the flap and the slot thereby defining a handle. There is also one or more reinforcement members, such as a strip of HDPE or the like, each applied to and extending between the flap and the corresponding side wall. The reinforcement strip resists tearing of the handle when the bag is lifted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: EMBALLAGE ROUVILLE INC.
    Inventors: CLAUDE LEMOYNE, SYLVAIN DESILETS, JONATHAN LE SAGE, PAUL GELINAS
  • Patent number: 7513858
    Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) continuously advancing a web of bag making material at a first rate; (b) continuously joining portions of a downstream portion of a fastener tape to respective portions of the continuously advancing web of bag making material; (c) intermittently advancing an upstream portion of the fastener tape while the downstream portion is advancing continuously, the upstream portion of the fastener tape being stationary during a respective dwell time of each work cycle and advancing during the remainder of each work cycle at a second rate faster than the first rate; (d) accumulating a portion of the fastener tape disposed between the upstream and downstream portions to compensate for the difference in the first and second rates during the aforementioned remainder of each work cycle; and (e) deforming a respective section of the upstream portion of the fastener tape during each dwell time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton Ronald Howell, David C. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7506487
    Abstract: A bag is has an opening defined by a pair of walls and a pair of gussets. The walls are joined by the gussets. The bag has two slits. Each of the two slits is formed adjacent a wall and a gusset. Each of the two slits is adjacent the opening. A zipper comprises a pair of interlocking sections. The zipper is inserted through the slits. The interlocking sections are secured to at least a portion of each of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Zip Pack IP AG
    Inventors: Claude Alan Eads, Rainer M. Garger, Thomas P. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7490451
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated manufacture of block bottom pillow top bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20090042707
    Abstract: A reclosable fastener having a one-way valve interposed between first and second sets of interlocking members permits fluid flow in one direction through the fastener and blocks fluid flow in an opposite direction through the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Edward Alan Berich
  • Publication number: 20090042706
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for the attachment of a zipper to a reclosable package or bag, particular packages or bags of relatively larger sizes. Pinch rollers separate the flanges of the zipper so that the interior walls of the flanges are pointing upward, then hot-melt adhesive is sprayed downwardly onto the flanges. The zipper is then guided over the edge of the horizontally-oriented package or bag by a tube with a longitudinal slot. The package or bag, with the zipper attached, is engaged between a driven-belt apparatus with a nip formed between opposed belts, thereby applying consistent and even pressure to the zipper flanges and assuring that the hot-melt adhesive forms a bond which is consistent, reliable and strong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, David C. Wallace, Adam N. Caplan
  • Patent number: 7472524
    Abstract: A method for applying pressure relief valves to packaging during the packaging process. A punch shaft and an applicator shaft each have an axis and opposed ends. The punch shaft has a punch at one end. The applicator shaft has an applicator vacuum head at one end. Each shaft moves axially between retracted and extended positions. The shafts are angled, with the punch and applicator ends more apart than the respective opposed ends, and are carried on a plate for limited rotational movement relative to the applicator unit. First the punch is pivoted from a first position into a third position, while the applicator head is simultaneously pivoted from a second position into the first position. Then the punch is pivoted from the third position back into the first position, and the applicator head is simultaneously pivoted from the first position back into the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Vladimir Prive, Tom Roberts, Steve Kaganovich
  • Patent number: 7465265
    Abstract: A method for installing a closure in the mouth of a pre-made flexible bag. The closure may, for example, be a shrouded plastic zipper with or without a slider. The bag may, for example, have side gussets. In the disclosed embodiment, the bag is made using a laminated material comprising an interior layer of thermoplastic material and a non-interior layer of non-thermoplastic material, such as paper. The package is made by a method comprising the following steps: method for providing a bag with a closure, comprising the following steps: (a) slitting the bag along first and second lines so that a top marginal portion of one wall of the bag disposed between the first and second lines forms a flap; (b) folding back the flap to uncover a topmost portion of the other wall; (c) joining one side of a closure to at least a portion of the topmost portion of the other wall uncovered by step (b); and (d) joining a portion of the flap to the other side of the closure after steps (a)-(c) have been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Edwin Hinesley
  • Patent number: 7458925
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing plastic bags are disclosed. A web of plastic is folded to form an elongate folded web having free ends and closer tape is secured to the free ends of the elongate folded web. End stops are formed in the closer tape at spaced locations thereof and an indicia is formed in the end stops. The elongate folded web is simultaneously severed and sealed at the spaced locations to produce individual bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Turvey
  • Patent number: 7455636
    Abstract: An apparatus for application of zippers to film material 10 comprises an applicator bar 22 for presenting pre-cut lengths of zipper 26 to the film and a heated sealing bar 34 for sealing the pre-cut lengths to the film. The applicator bar, the sealing bar, feed rollers 30a, 30b and a zipper cutter 32 are mounted for movement with the film on a linear motor 14. A pneumatic cylinder 18 raised the application bar towards the film 10. The applicator bar moves in direction C to apply the zipper to the film 10 moving in direction A, then moves with the sealing bar and the film in direction B, away from the film in direction C?, back to its starting position in direction B?, then towards the film again in direction C. A further length of zipper may be fed to the applicator bar at any time after the bar has moved away from the film in direction C? and therefore during an end portion of the forward stroke of the motor, or during its return stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Murray Edward Bruce Leighton
  • Patent number: 7442156
    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: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 7415810
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reclosable package having a hooded slider-operated zipper, comprising the following steps: (a) interlocking profiled closure members of first and second flanged zipper strips; (b) inserting a slider on the zipper strips; (c) folding zipper flanges of the first and second flanged zipper strips so that respective portions of the zipper flanges confront each other at a position above the profiled closure members; (d) joining the mutually confronting portions of the zipper flanges to each other to form a hood over the profiled closure members; (e) guiding first and second portions of web material into mutual confrontation; (f) guiding the mutually interlocked first and second zipper strips to positions whereat a portion of one zipper flange confronts the first portion of web material and a portion of the other zipper flange confronts the second portion of web material; and (g) joining respective portions of the zipper flanges to the first and second portions of web material respectivel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, Timothy S. McLaren
  • Patent number: 7410453
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus wherein webless zipper is provided with concave seal bridges. These concave seal bridges are complementary in shape to convex sealing bars. This captures or positions the seal bridges of the zipper profiles resulting in improved alignment of the profiles and improved performance of the manufacturing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Fenzl, Gregory Crunkleton
  • Patent number: 7404787
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for feeding continuous zipper material with sliders to a thermoforming packaging machine that advances the packaging film N package lengths each advance, where N is a positive integer greater than unity. In the packaging machine, pockets are thermoformed in a central zone of the web, while the zipper material is sealed to the web along a lateral zone that is parallel to the machine direction and does not intersect the pockets. A trailing portion of the zipper material in a zipper processing machine is advanced N times every work cycle, one package length per advance. A slider is inserted during each dwell time between advances of the trailing zipper portion. In the zone between the slider insertion device and the zipper sealing station, the zipper material is accumulated each time the zipper material is advanced without concurrent advancement of the packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis Albert Haws
  • Patent number: 7399263
    Abstract: A method of making a plurality of flexible containers (12/112/212) comprising the steps of manufacturing a plurality of bag structures (13/113/213), separately manufacturing a plurality of valves (10/110/210), aligning the valves (10/110/210) with openings (24/124/224) in the bag structures (13/113/213), and securing the aligned valves (10/110/210) to the bag structures (13/113/213). Each valve (10/110/210) comprises a vent layer (30/130/230) which is pervious with respect to expected gasses and a sealed passageway is formed between the vent layer (30/130/230) and the container (12/112/212) when the valve (10/110/210) is secured to the bag structure (13/113/213).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Hartman, Richard L. Sandt
  • Patent number: 7399262
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of packaging bags, which includes a step of forming at least one bag in a scrolling film, welding opening and closing zippers that include a series of operating sliders onto the scrolling film, and effecting at least one cut in the zippers, where the length of the cut is greater than the length of each slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Antony Roger
  • Publication number: 20080125299
    Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) continuously advancing a web of bag making material at a first rate; (b) continuously joining portions of a downstream portion of a fastener tape to respective portions of the continuously advancing web of bag making material; (c) intermittently advancing an upstream portion of the fastener tape while the downstream portion is advancing continuously, the halt at the end of each intermittent advance being the start of the next work cycle, the upstream portion of the fastener tape being stationary during a respective dwell time of each work cycle and advancing during the remainder of each work cycle at a second rate faster than the first rate; (d) accumulating a portion of the fastener tape disposed between the upstream and downstream portions to compensate for the difference in the first and second rates during the aforementioned remainder of each work cycle; and (e) inserting a respective slider onto the upstream portion of the fastener tape during e
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Clifton Ronald Howell, David C. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20080089620
    Abstract: A reclosable package having a slider-operated zipper wherein the contents of the package are accessed through the front wall of the package, not through the top of the package. The reclosable package comprises: a bag body comprising front and rear walls of bag making material; a flexible zipper joined to the front wall and not joined to the rear wall; and a slider mounted to the zipper, the slider being movable in a first direction along the zipper for opening the zipper and movable in a second direction along the zipper for closing the zipper. Alternatively, the flexible zipper is joined to the front wall along first and second zones of joinder disposed at different heights on the front wall, and is joined to the rear wall only in zones of joinder where the zipper is joined to both of the front and rear walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7351188
    Abstract: A reclosable package comprising a hooded zipper with a pair of off-center lines of perforations that are hermetically sealed by a layer of material. The lines of perforations facilitate tearing off the hood to gain access to the zipper. One method of manufacture involves joining the hooded zipper to respective web portions formed by folding a web and then slitting the folded web in two. Another method of manufacture involves joining the hooded zipper to respective web portions formed by slitting a web in two and then orienting the two web portions into mutually confronting positions. The package may be constructed to have a wicket flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Schaller, Eric Paul Plourde
  • Patent number: 7340870
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing double ply packaging bags includes feeding a first packaging web, the first packaging web including a window patch that is cut out or pre-cut, feeding a second packaging web, the second packaging web including another window patch that is cut out or pre-cut, applying a fastener assembly to a fed-through packaging web, perpendicular to a window patch, attaching the fastener assembly to the packaging web, attaching the two packaging webs to each other to form a double ply web, and forming a double ply packaging bag with the double ply web. The double ply packaging bag has a front wall and a back wall, where the front wall and the back wall are each formed by the double ply web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Anthony Roger
  • Patent number: 7341085
    Abstract: A station for the application of segments of openable/reclosable strip on a plastic film web destined to form bags, includes a device for sealing segments of strip at intervals on the film and a device for punching predefined zones of film. The punching device and the sealing device are positioned in the station along the film path to act in sequence in the same zone for punching the film and sealing the segments in the predefined points of the film keeping the film stationary between the film punching operation and the corresponding operation for sealing a segment on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ilapak Research & Development S.A.
    Inventor: Valter Tinivella
  • Patent number: 7329217
    Abstract: The apparatus applies a transverse zipper strip to a film (10) moving continuously in a direction (12). A continuous belt (18) is driven by sprocket wheels (16a, 16b) and carries upper seal bars (22a, 22b, 22c) which receive pre-cut lengths of zipper at station (3). The pre-cut lengths are attached to the film (10) by a lower seal bar (24) which moves towards the film (12) at position A when an upper seal bar carrying a zipper strip is located directly above the film. Sealing takes place as the upper and lower seal bars move at the same speed as the film (12) from position A to position B where the zipper is released from the upper seal bar (22c). The process then repeats for the next zipper strip length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Murray Edward Bruce Leighton
  • Patent number: 7328543
    Abstract: An applicator unit for a system applying pressure relief valves to packaging during the packaging process. A punch shaft and an applicator shaft each have an axis and opposed ends. The punch shaft has a punch at one end. The applicator shaft has an applicator vacuum head at one end. Each shaft moves axially between retracted and extended positions. The shafts are angled, with the punch and applicator ends more apart than the respective opposed ends, and are carried on a plate for limited rotational movement relative to the applicator unit. First the punch is pivoted from a first position into a third position, while the applicator head is simultaneously pivoted from a second position into the first position. Then the punch is pivoted from the third position back into the first position, and the applicator head is simultaneously pivoted from the first position back into the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Vladimir Prive, Tom Roberts, Steve Kaganovich
  • Patent number: 7325378
    Abstract: Various embodiments and alternatives for vertical form fill and seal methods and apparatus are disclosed. In particular, two sheets of web are fed by forming collars to a fill tube (or in some embodiments, side by side fill tubes) wherein the sheets of web are wrapped approximately 180 degrees around the periphery of the fill tube. Zippers can be provided mounted transversely on the first sheet of web, mounted in the machine direction on the first sheet of web, or fed as a continuous length between the two longitudinal edges of the two sheets of web. Additionally, some embodiments fill side by side bags from a single fill tube. Other embodiments fill side by side bags from side by side fill tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7322920
    Abstract: A reclosable package comprises a pre-made bag with a post-applied shrouded slider-zipper assembly installed in the mouth of the bag. The bag material comprises a layer made of paper and a layer of thermoplastic material laminated to the paper layer. The shrouded slider-zipper assembly comprises a pair of flanged zipper parts made of thermoplastic material, a slider mounted to the zipper, and a folded web of thermoplastic film material joined to the layer of thermoplastic material of the bag. The flanges of the zipper parts are respectively joined to opposing sides of the folded web. The package is made by an automated process whereby an individual shrouded slider-zipper assembly is cut from a continuous chain of assemblies, inserted into the open mouth of a pre-made bag and tack sealed in place. The assembly is then fully sealed to the bag by a drag sealer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joel L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7320662
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strip. Apparatus and methods for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, and also for manufacturing an empty, flexible recloseable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Thieman
  • Patent number: 7316641
    Abstract: A reclosable package comprises first and second opposing body panels, a reclosable seal and a one-time breakable element. The reclosable seal extends along one end and includes first track and second tracks. The first track includes a first fin portion and a first reclosable element. The first fin portion has a first end and a second end that is further from the first reclosable element. The one-time breakable element comprises first and second sections and initially extends from the first fin portion to the second fin portion. Each of the first and second sections extends upwardly and inwardly from near the respective second ends of the first and second fin portions so as to form a generally inverted U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first and second opposing body panels are attached to respective first and second sections of the one-time breakable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Gary E. Rehwinkel, David P. Cameron
  • Patent number: 7313895
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: John N. Lees, III, Terry B. Berglin, Thomas S. Breidenbach, Andrew J. Dahl, Terry Erickson, Gregory A. Reed, Michael Robertson
  • Patent number: 7311647
    Abstract: A method of manufacture comprises the following steps: (a) advancing a fastener tape made of flexible thermoplastic material along a process pathway during an indexing portion of a work cycle, the fastener tape not advancing during a dwell time of the work cycle; (b) during each dwell time, deforming the fastener tape at a first fixed station situated along the process pathway; (c) transmitting light toward the fastener tape at a second fixed station while the fastener tape is advancing; and (d) photodetecting a portions of the transmitted light after some or all of the transmitted light has passed the fastener tape, the photodetected portions of the transmitted light being converted into electrical signals; wherein the distance of the fastener tape advanced in step (a) is determined in accordance with an algorithm that takes into account characteristics of electrical signals acquired in step (d) during earlier work cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Delisle, Clifton Ronald Howell, Kevin Owen
  • 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: 7306553
    Abstract: To provide a bag-making method ensuring excellent liquid tightness at the melt-bonded part between the mouth member and the bag unit. A bag-making method for producing a bag by melt-bonding and thereby integrating a mouth member formed of a preliminarily heated synthetic resin and a bag unit formed of a flexible film, the method comprising a preliminary heating step of softening the synthetic resin of the mouth member at the part to be melt-bonded to the bag unit, melt-bonding part of mouth member, while preventing the synthetic resin of the mouth member at the end part in the bag side, end part of mouth member, from being softened at the preliminary heating step, and a step of inserting the preliminarily heated mouth member into the opening of the bag unit and pressing them by a sealing mold to melt-bond the melt-bonding part of the mouth member to the opening; and a medical container produced by the bag-making method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Mizuo, Teruaki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7303518
    Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) continuously advancing a web of bag making material at a first rate; (b) continuously joining portions of a downstream portion of a fastener tape to respective portions of the continuously advancing web of bag making material; (c) intermittently advancing an upstream portion of the fastener tape while the downstream portion is advancing continuously, the halt at the end of each intermittent advance being the start of the next work cycle, the upstream portion of the fastener tape being stationary during a respective dwell time of each work cycle and advancing during the remainder of each work cycle at a second rate faster than the first rate; (d) accumulating a portion of the fastener tape disposed between the upstream and downstream portions to compensate for the difference in the first and second rates during the aforementioned remainder of each work cycle; and (e) inserting a respective slider onto the upstream portion of the fastener tape during e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton Ronald Howell, David C. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7244222
    Abstract: An apparatus used in the manufacture of a thermoplastic zipper having a slider mounted thereon includes a pair of clamp arms disposed on opposing sides of a path of the zipper. The clamp arms are movable in directions substantially perpendicular to the zipper path so as to clamp the thermoplastic zipper to fuse a length thereof. A pair of fingers is disposed on opposing sides of the zipper path. The fingers are movable in directions substantially perpendicular to the zipper path and in directions substantially parallel with the zipper path relative to the clamp arms. The fingers push the slider along the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Clark Woody, Jeffrey S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7244223
    Abstract: A method of making a plurality of flexible containers (12/112/212) comprising the steps of manufacturing a plurality of bag structures (13/113/213), separately manufacturing a plurality of valves (10/110/210), aligning the valves (10/110/210) with openings (24/124/224) in the bag structures (13/113/213), and securing the aligned valves (10/110/210) to the bag structures (13/113/213). Each valve (10/110/210) comprises a vent layer (30/130/230) which is pervious with respect to expected gasses and a sealed passageway is formed between the vent layer (30/130/230) and the container (12/112/212) when the valve (10/110/210) is secured to the bag structure (13/113/213).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Hartman, Richard L. Sandt
  • Patent number: 7223222
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for forming reclosable bags with slider zippers which can be used in high pressure pasteurization. In particular, these methods form reclosable bags with a shroud formed over the slider zipper, with a patch or cap for protecting the slider during high pressure pasteurization. When the user tears the shroud from the bag, the patch or cap remains attached to the shroud but releases from the slider. An alternative embodiment forms an air pocket in the shroud to protect the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Steven Ausnit, Lars Wihlborg, Per Bentsen, Robert G. Kobetsky
  • Patent number: 7217231
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing-in pouring spouts in bags (1), comprising at least one station for opening (4) the bag (1), a station for inserting (4) the pouring spout into the opened bag (1), and at least one station for sealing (5, 6, 7) the bag (1) and the pouring spout. According to the invention, such a device is improved with a view to simple design and high processing speed in that the stations (2–8) for bag processing are arranged on a linear transport system (11) for the bags (1), which linear transport system (11) is formed by two transport belts (9, 10), and in that the stations (2–8) for bag processing are all arranged in a grid of equal spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Henno Hensen
  • Patent number: 7214173
    Abstract: A fastener includes first and second tracks. The first track includes a first profile, and the second track includes a second profile for interlocking with the first profile. The fastener extends between opposing ends. The first and second profiles at each of the opposing ends are sealed to each other using a laser. In one embodiment, the fastener is initially continuous and is subsequently divided into segments by simultaneously cutting and sealing the fastener at spaced target locations using the laser. The segments are associated with respective plastic bags. At each of the target locations, the laser directs a laser beam at the fastener such that the laser beam cuts through the first and second profiles and simultaneously seals the first and second profiles to each other on opposite sides of the cut. The seals on the opposite sides of the cut terminate respective ends of adjacent ones of the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Ian J. Barclay, Michael W. McManus, Dana A. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7211036
    Abstract: A method of making slider-actuated string-zippered packages. The method can be applied on a form-fill-seal machine or a machine that makes packages without filling, and involves transverse application of string zipper material on packaging film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7211035
    Abstract: A reclosable packaging bag comprises a main bag body having an opening portion and at least one heat-sealed portion; and a linear fastener provided on the opening portion of the main bag body. The linear fastener is provided along the opening portion of the main bag body by an insert injection molding so as not to extend to the heat-sealed portions. A method for manufacturing the bag comprises the three steps. First, the first and second linear fastening members are formed on a prescribed position of a sheet of film material by an insert injection molding so as to be spaced from each other. These fastening members are engageable with each other to form a linear fastener. Second, the sheet of film material is folded in two so that the fastening members can engage with each other. Third, each of opposite portions of the sheet of film material thus folded is heat-sealed to form side heat-sealed portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignees: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd, Lipton, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Tooru Ichikawa, Kazunori Fujino, Raizo Kuge, Masahiro Ito, Graham Houlder, Hirokazu Suzuki, John S. K. Cheah
  • Patent number: RE40284
    Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans