Reclosable Means (e.g., Valve) Patents (Class 493/213)
  • Patent number: 7185475
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing reclosable packages having a slider-operated string zipper covered by a tamper-evident shroud that is provided with at least one opening that at least partially exposes the slider. In accordance with one method, openings are formed in a web of packaging material that is folded, placed over the slider-operated string zipper, and attached to the receptacle walls to form a shroud. Preferably, the openings are sized, shaped and situated so that they frame the slider on both sides of the shroud. In accordance with another method, a reclosable package having a slider-operated string zipper and a shroud with openings that at least partially expose the slider can be formed using a single web of packaging material that is folded and sealed to form a shroud that covers the string zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7175582
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the registration of a first elongated continuous structure (e.g., plastic fastener tape) with attachments (e.g., sliders) or formed features (e.g., slider end stop structures), as it is fed to a sealing station, where it is joined to a second elongated continuous structure (e.g., a web of packaging material) with formed features (e.g., thermoformed troughs). The second elongated continuous structure is intermittently advanced through the machine by the same distance each advancement. During each dwell time, the first elongated continuous structure is processed, i.e., structural features are attached and/or formed. Proper registration of the structural features on the first elongated continuous structure with the second elongated continuous structure is accomplished by adjusting the distance that the unjoined upstream portion of the first elongated continuous structure advances as a function of feedback acquired downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Owen
  • Patent number: 7172545
    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: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton Ronald Howell, David C. Wallace
  • Patent number: 7140772
    Abstract: A bag comprising two generally parallel sheets (16, 18) forming the main walls of the bag, complementary closure strips (20, 22) fixed to respective ones of the sheets, and a cursor (50) for actuating the strips (20, 22) for closing and opening purposes, the bag being characterized in that it further comprises, parallel to the closure strips (20, 22) between said sheets (16, 18), and level with the mouth (12) of the bag, a structure (100) disposed on the insides of the closure strips (20, 22), designed to provide sealing by forming a barrier between the sheets (16, 18) in the closed position of the bag, said structure (100) being placed facing the flanks (52, 54) of the cursor (50) to be urged towards their sealing position by the cursor (50) when the cursor is moved towards the sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: S2F FLEXICO
    Inventors: Henri Bois, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7141013
    Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the steps of extruding a zipper part comprising a plastic closure member that has an interlockable profile and that has a side opposite to the profile; and joining a piece of plastic material to the side of the closure member. The piece is disposed entirely within an elevational range bounded by top and bottom edges of the closure member and is designed to function as a slider end stop. The end stop piece can be joined to the side of the plastic closure member by any one of the following techniques; heating the plastic to a softening temperature and pressing the piece against the softened portion; gluing the piece to the side of the closure member; fastening the piece to the closure member; or injection molding the piece onto the side of the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7137942
    Abstract: The closure device (121) includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131) when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider (132) onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102). The slider (132) provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102) and the vertical Z axis (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Savicki, John C. Ware
  • Patent number: 7107738
    Abstract: Reclosable bags having a slider-actuated string zipper and a tamper-evident feature. In one aspect, the reclosable 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; and a tamper-evident feature that blocks access to all or a portion of the interior volume. The tamper-evident feature may take the form of an internal membrane that partitions the interior volume or an external header that covers the string zipper. In some embodiments with a partitioned interior volume, the tamper-evident feature comprises a peel seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ausnit, Basil C. Linton, Gregory H. Crunkleton
  • Patent number: 7096646
    Abstract: A method of forming, filling and sealing a reclosable package with a slider activated zipper wherein a base film moves longitudinally to a filling station and, in a moving direction, away from said filling station. At the filling station a product is fed onto the base film. As the base film carrying product is moved from the filling station, a zipper with a slider attached is fed onto the moving film in the moving direction of the base film. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile, each of which has an attached web extending away from the slider. A top film is applied over the base film and the first profile web is sealed to the base film and the second profile web is sealed to the top film. The package is completed by transversely cross-sealing the base film and the top film together on opposite sides of the product. The base and top films may be formed from the same sheet folded over or may be formed from separate sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7081176
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sealing a split-flange zipper tape in a center fold of a web of bag making film without sealing or tacking the two sides of the split zipper web together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joel L. Johnson, Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7011615
    Abstract: A method of making a multicompartment reclosable thermoplastic bag having at least two compartments is disclosed. Each compartment has a top, a bottom, two side edges, and two opposing sidewalls joined at the side edges and the bottom. Each compartment has a closure across the top thereof, which are arranged back-to-back and aligned. The compartments are attached together proximate the tops of the compartments, and the bottoms of the compartments are free from being attached to each other. Processes for making such bags from one or more webs are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Price, Richard R. Dawkins
  • Patent number: 6997858
    Abstract: A side gusseted poly bag with a filling valve and its method of manufacture including a tubular body with opposed side gussets defining front and rear panels, and a filling valve formed by folding the front and rear panels with the interconnecting gusset portion at one corner of the bag inwardly into the bag forming a filling panel, and simultaneously heat sealing the top edges of the front and rear panels with the top edges of the filling panel forming a filling tube and valve that closes itself under the force of material as it rises in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Moravek
  • Patent number: 6993886
    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 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joel L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6986377
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sealing a split-flange zipper tape in a center fold of a web of bag making film without sealing or tacking the two sides of the split zipper web together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Joel L. Johnson, Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6986237
    Abstract: A method for making a reclosable bag (56) with gussets (36, 38) in which a zipper profile (16) is attached to bag-making film (10), while leaving side margins (20, 22) of the film. The film (10) is folded as a tube (26). Gusset-forming wheels (34, 35) indent the tube (26) to form the side gussets (36, 38). The side gussets (36, 38) are sealed to the tube (26) and/or the zipper profile (18) with the profile sealed to the tube. The tube (26) is sealed and cross-cut to form the bag (56). In an alternative method, lengths of tubular gusset material (112) are positioned on a lower web (110) of film (101) transverse to a bag-forming direction. A zipper (124) is sealed in the bag-forming direction to the webs (108, 110), and the gusset material (112). The webs (108, 110) and the material (112) are sealed to each other to form an end seal (140) as well as cross-cut and sealed to form the gussets (144, 148) of a reclosable bag (147).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ausnit, Donald L. Crevier
  • Patent number: 6986729
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Tooru Ichikawa, Kou Go
  • Patent number: 6983574
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a film for forming reclosable bags includes moving the film and attaching to the film sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film, a fastener including a first strip supporting at least one reclosable profile engaged with another reclosable profile that is complementary thereto and that is supported by a second strip or a part of the first strip, which will subsequently be attached to the film. Each strip includes at least one web extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles. The above arrangements make possible special fasteners that include sliders, gasket membranes, fasteners inverted within the bag, peel-seals and hinged fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works INC
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6979289
    Abstract: A slider (10), a slider insertion apparatus (50) and a method for inserting the slider (10) on an interlocked fastener or zipper (25) of a reclosable bag (44). A loading rack (58, 72) feeds individual sliders (10) to the slider insertion apparatus (50) wherein the slider (10) is inserted on the interlocked profiles (24, 28) being held by a zipper guide (56). After insertion, a keeper (15) and retaining shoulders (19, 20) of the slider (10) secure an interlocking member (22) of the profile (24) from unintentional engagement with an interlocking member (26) of the opposing profile (28). A positioner (200) is used to move the inserted slider (10) and/or to move the attached reclosable bag (44) in conjunction with driving rollers (217) of a vertical form-fill-and-seal machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McMahon, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 6958033
    Abstract: A fitment has walls with a spout aperture therebetween. Reduced wall thickness results in a reduced amount of plastic in the fitment. An alternative embodiment uses radially extending meltable fins. During installation in a sealing apparatus, a heated mandrel engages the inner diameter of the spout aperture thereby pre-heating and physically supporting the fitment during the installation process. The heated mandrel typically engages the fitment at least one cycle prior to be installed. The fitment may be canoe-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Art Malin
  • Patent number: 6941722
    Abstract: Vertical form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill. Prior to assembly at the fill station a series of spaced-apart stop members are formed along the fastener tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Orestes Rivero, Kenneth Pokusa
  • Patent number: 6942608
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having a bottom flap with holes configured to allow a stack of the bags to be mounted on a wicket, a slider-actuated string zipper installed in a mouth at the top of the bag, and a band seal at the bottom of the bag. The bottom of the bag is closed. The wicket flap has a line of weakened tear resistance, such as a perforated line, along which the bag can be torn. The bag on top of the stack can be filled through the open zipper with product. After filling, the zipper is closed by operating the slider and then the filled bag is separated from its flap, which remains on the wicket, by tearing along the tear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Basil C. Linton, Gregory H. Crunkleton
  • Patent number: 6942609
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging both profiles (18, 20) of an interlocked zipper (12) as the zipper or fastener strip is guided onto a supply of thermoplastic film (16) used to make a reclosable bag. A first interlocked profile (18) of the zipper is engaged by at least one roller (24, 26, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) of the roller-type applicator (10). A disc (28) mechanically attached to an end section of at least one of the rollers engages a web (22) of the second interlocked profile (20) that extends beyond the width of a web of the first profile (18). By their attachment, the disc (28) and the roller move the profiles (18, 20) at the same speed so that the profiles remain aligned as they are moved through the zipper guide (14). The zipper (12) is then attached to a surface of the thermoplastic film (16) used to make the reclosable bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nigel Knight
  • Patent number: 6939281
    Abstract: A method of automatically forming bags fitted with complementary closure strips secured to distinct support webs and associated with an actuating slide, in which method: at least one film suitable for forming the walls of the bags is supplied continuously; a closure assembly comprising complementary closure strips secured to distinct lateral support webs which extend beyond the closure strips is supplied continuously, the strips being associated with slides for actuating the closure strips, which slides are distributed along the length of the closure assembly as supplied; the closure assembly formed in this way is fixed via the external lateral support webs to the film forming the wall of the bags; the method being characterized in that: a loop is made in the continuously supplied film; and inside the concave portion of the loop the closure assembly is fixed to the surface of the film that corresponds to the outside surface of the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Henri Georges Bois
  • Patent number: 6939282
    Abstract: A re-sealable container closure label including a base label and a cover label, and a hook-and-loop fastener system and a tamper-evident tear strip is sandwiched therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the base label is adhered to the front wall of a container, preferably a bag, adjacent an opening in the bag. A flap of the bag is folded downwardly over the opening and adheres to the front wall, the cover label, the two-part hook-and-loop fastener system and the tear strip. In an alternative embodiment, container closure label includes a hook-and-loop fastener system and a tear strip secured only to a base label. This alternative embodiment label is adhered to the front wall of a bag as in the preferred embodiment, except that the flap is adhered directly over the fastener system and tear strip. To open a bag sealed with the re-sealable container closure label, a user pulls the tear strip, which permits the flap to open and form a pour opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: CCL Label, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan T. Baker, Guy S. Kiraly
  • Patent number: 6931820
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching discrete lengths of zipper at spaced intervals across a web of bag making film has an endless belt supported between a pair of pulleys for moving zipper segments into position on the web. The zipper segments are cut from a zipper supply and fed into a nip between the endless belt and the web top surface. After a zipper segment is deposited into position on the web, the endless belt is raised. A vertically movable sealing bar below the web is raised into position to heat the web to seal the zipper to the web after which the sealing bar is lowered. The web then advances and the process is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Delisle
  • Patent number: 6925688
    Abstract: The closure device includes interlocking fastening strips. The closure device may include a slider slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips. The fastening strips include a first color for facilitating visual confirmation of occlusion of the fastening strips. The visible indication of occlusion will be observed from the top of the closure device. If the fastening strips are properly occluded, then the first color will not be visible by viewing the top of the closure device. The first color will be observed from the top of the closure device when the bag is deoccluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Patent number: 6921359
    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: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis Albert Haws
  • Patent number: 6918234
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
  • Patent number: 6910995
    Abstract: A method of making 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 reclosable bag (38) made in accordance with the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Nigel Knight, Stanley Piotrowski, Patricia I. Norek, Jeffrey Griffin, David J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6908422
    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: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    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: 6895725
    Abstract: An automated reclosable packaging manufacturing equipment for applying zipper tape to bag making film, especially as part of a form-fill-seal process, and a method of joining a zipper flange of a zipper assembly to bag making film without “seal-through” of the zipper flanges. The method comprises the steps of: (a) pressing a web of bag making film and first and second zipper flanges of a zipper assembly together along the length of the latter, with the first zipper flange sandwiched between and in contact with the web of bag making film and the second zipper flange; and (b) during step (a), causing heat to be conducted through the web of bag making film into the first zipper flange. The amount of heat conducted through the web of bag making film must be sufficient to seal the web of bag making film to the first zipper flange without sealing the first zipper flange to the second zipper flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6884208
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for eliminating unattached remnants or tails of bag making film adjacent a string zipper during manufacture of reclosable bags. Gathered film tails may interfere with slider insertion or slider operation or may cause the film to be pulled off of or peeled away from the string zipper during slider operation. After trimming, the tails of the film are welded to the zipper by conductive heat sealing or equivalent means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis Albert Haws
  • Patent number: 6884207
    Abstract: A flexible package is provided with a shrouded slide fastener closure. Fastener tracks are deformed at each end to provide an end stop to limit slider movement. A stop of reduced area with increased pull off force performance is provided. Features of the end stop include an L-shaped shoulder located above an underlying finger portion comprising an undeformed portion of the fastener tracks. The remainder of the end stop is formed by heating, softening and displacing portions of the fastener track material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Pokusa
  • Patent number: 6871473
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making reclosable plastic bags is provided. In the method and apparatus, a fastener is attached to a moving flat web of plastic film, preferably in the direction of web movement and near the center of the web. A plurality of sliders are mounted to the fastener either before or after the fastener is attached to the flat web, but prior to conveying the web to a FFS machine. The flat web, with the slider-operated fastener already attached thereto, is then conveyed to a vertical or horizontal FFS machine where the flat web is formed into bags, and the bags are successively filled and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: William Mark Dutt, Toby R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6863646
    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: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Kenneth Pokusa, Orestes Rivero
  • Patent number: 6863645
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for low-cost manufacture of reclosable packages having slider-operated zippers. One method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) joining film material to a back side of a first flangeless zipper strip having a first closure profile on its front side; (b) joining film material to a back side of a second flangeless zipper strip having a second closure profile on its front side, the first and second closure profiles of the first and second zipper strips being interlockable to form a string zipper assembly; and (c) loading a slider comprising a plow onto an open section of the string zipper assembly with the plow being inserted between the first and second flangeless zipper strips. Respective portions of the first and second portions of film are respectively disposed between the slider and the string zipper assembly when the slider is loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Crunkleton, Basil C. Linton, Eric J. Fenzl, Charles Shultz, Ronald Cortigiano, Sr., Robert E. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6860844
    Abstract: A method of forming carrier web having discrete lengths of mating zipper profile thereon. The zipper profile is fed from a supply roll to overlie a carrier web, tacked to the web and then severed from its supply roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6851248
    Abstract: An apparatus for closing a slider-operated zipper on a moving filled package, comprising means for performing the following steps: conveying a package forward in a straight line; guiding a slider on a zippered portion of the package through a channel as the package moves forward; blocking forward movement of the slider at a predetermined position inside the channel as the package continues to move forward; and releasing the slider when the force being exerted by the slider in the forward direction reaches a level substantially equal to a predetermined threshold. This apparatus can be employed in association with a continuous band sealing apparatus. The means for blocking forward movement of the slider at a predetermined position inside the channel are a pair of spring-loaded plungers, e.g., ball plungers. If the slider end stop is weak, the slider will be pulled off the advancing package and will fall onto an ejection ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel D. Knight, Donald L. Crevier
  • Patent number: 6840897
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging both profiles (18, 20) of an interlocked zipper (12) as the zipper or fastener strip is guided onto a supply of thermoplastic film (16) used to make a reclosable bag. A first interlocked profile (18) of the zipper is engaged by at least one roller (24, 26, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44) of the roller-type applicator (10). A disc (28) mechanically attached to an end section of at least one of the rollers engages a web (22) of the second interlocked profile (20) that extends beyond the width of a web of the first profile (18). By their attachment, the disc (28) and the roller move the profiles (18, 20) at the same speed so that the profiles remain aligned as they are moved through the zipper guide (14). The zipper (12) is then attached to a surface of the thermoplastic film (16) used to make the reclosable bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Nigel Knight
  • Patent number: 6821238
    Abstract: The profiles of a segment of profile zipper are separated and then the profiles at the central portion of the segment are rejoined while the profiles at the ends of the segment are maintained separated. The segment is transported to overlie a bag film web transverse to a moving direction of the web and attached to the web. The web is formed into a reclosable bag with side wall gusset portions of web tucked between the separated profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Duane Piechocki
  • Patent number: 6820395
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing reclosable bags (30) by forming a film (50) includes moving the film (50) and attaching to the film (50) sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film (50), a fastener (1) including a first strip (2) supporting at least one reclosable profile (10) engaged with another reclosable profile (12) that is complementary thereto and supported by a second strip (4) or a part of the first strip (2), which will subsequently be attached to the film (50). Each strip (2, 4) includes at least one web (6, 8) extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles (12). The above arrangements make possible special fasteners (1) that include sliders (9), gasket membranes (26), fasteners inverted within the bag (30), peel seals (18, 20, 21) and hinged fasteners (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Publication number: 20040220034
    Abstract: A method of making a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles, the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively engage, and wherein the first and second closure profiles are engaged. The method further comprises providing a pair of panels comprising a flexible polymeric material, inserting a wedge between the closure profiles, disengaging the closure profiles; and attaching the closure mechanism to the pair of side panels. Various embodiments of opening devices are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Greg W. Melchoir, Greg J. VandenHeuvel, Wes W. Fietzer, James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: 6810636
    Abstract: A container and spout assembly apparatus for assembling a plurality of flexible containers with corresponding spouts. The container and spout assembly apparatus comprises a plurality of assembly stations, a container introduction station, a spout introduction station and a container removal station. Each of the plurality of assembly stations is substantially rotatably positioned about a general axis of rotation. In addition, each of the plurality of assembly stations includes a container manipulating assembly, a spout grasping and positioning member and a joining assembly. The container manipulating member is capable of retaining and manipulating a flexible container. The spout grasping and positioning member is capable of relatively positioning a spout in a desired position relative to a flexible container upon at least one of manipulation and retention thereof by the container manipulating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fogg Filler Company
    Inventor: Michael R. Resterhouse
  • Patent number: 6810642
    Abstract: An automated reclosable packaging manufacturing equipment for applying zipper tape to bag making film, especially as part of a form-fill-seal process, and a method of joining a zipper flange of a zipper assembly to bag making film without “seal-through” of the zipper flanges. The method comprises the steps of: (a) pressing a web of bag making film and first and second zipper flanges of a zipper assembly together along the length of the latter, with the first zipper flange sandwiched between and in contact with the web of bag making film and the second zipper flange; and (b) during step (a), causing heat to be conducted through the web of bag making film into the first zipper flange. The amount of heat conducted through the web of bag making film must be sufficient to seal the web of bag making film to the first zipper flange without sealing the first zipper flange to the second zipper flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6810641
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming and filling slider operated reclosable plastic bags two at a time. A base film of plastic bag making material is horizontally advanced in a longitudinal direction and product is loaded onto the base film in two lines. First and second continuous slider operated zippers are then applied onto the base film between the lines of product and a cover film is placed over the base film covering the lines of product and the zippers. The composite is sealed to the base film along longitudinally extending lines disposed on sides of the product opposite to the two zippers and between the zippers. The base film is then sealed to the cover film along transverse seal sections on opposite sides of each row of product and the thus formed filled packages are separated by longitudinally cutting through the base film between the zippers and cutting through the transverse seal sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6807794
    Abstract: A method for making a reclosable bag (56) with gussets (36, 38) in which a zipper profile (16) is attached to bag-making film (10), while leaving side margins (20, 22) of the film. The film (10) is folded as a tube (26). Gusset-forming wheels (34, 35) indent the tube (26) to form the side gussets (36, 38). The side gussets (36, 38) are sealed to the tube (26) and/or the zipper profile (18) with the profile sealed to the tube. The tube (26) is sealed and cross-cut to form the bag (56). In an alternative method, lengths of tubular gusset material (112) are positioned on a lower web (110) of film (101) transverse to a bag-forming direction. A zipper (124) is sealed in the bag-forming direction to the webs (108, 110), and the gusset material (112). The webs (108, 110) and the material (112) are sealed to each other to form an end seal (140) as well as cross-cut and sealed to form the gussets (144, 148) of a reclosable bag (147).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ausnit, Donald L. Crevier
  • Patent number: 6804935
    Abstract: A method of forming, filling and sealing a reclosable package with a slider activated zipper wherein a base film moves longitudinally to a filling station and, in a moving direction, away from the filling station. At the filling station a product is fed onto the base film. As the base film carrying product is moved from the filling station, a zipper with a slider attached is fed onto the moving film in the moving direction of the base film. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile, each of which has an attached web extending away from the slider. A top film is applied over the base film and the first profile web is sealed to the base film and the second profile web is sealed to the top film. The package is completed by transversely cross-sealing the base film and the top film together on opposite sides of the product. The base and top films may be formed from the same sheet folded over or may be formed from separate sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6796933
    Abstract: A set of at least three consecutive bags in a succession, each bag having two closure strips and a cursor situated at a respective distance from one end of the strips, the strips and the cursor being identical between the bags. Between the bags in each pair of adjacent bags, the distances are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Henri Georges Bois
  • Patent number: 6796931
    Abstract: A modular slider feeder tube system comprising first and second feeder tubes having respective ends that are coupled by a tube coupling device. Each of the first and second feeder tubes is made of resilient material and comprises a respective channel having a profile that is asymmetric and substantially constant along the lengths of the channels. The tube coupling device also comprises a channel, via which channel the channel of the first feeder tube communicates with the channel of the second feeder tube. Each of the channels maintains the orientation of each slider passing therethrough so that the same end of the slider is always in the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Cortigiano, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6792740
    Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closeable by a slider device by a horizontal form, fill and seal process. The method includes applying the slider device to the zipper construction prior to incorporating the zipper construction with the package film to form the package. The zipper construction is first applied and adhered to one half of the package film and then to the other half. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the slider device and the interior of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: RE39505
    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 alone 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, 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: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans