Reclosable Means (e.g., Valve) Patents (Class 493/213)
  • Patent number: 5198055
    Abstract: A method of forming a recloseable package using special profile strips, the strips themselves and a resulting package are disclosed. The profile strips have a flange element and a recloseable means element, and two mated profile strips are provided with a heat barrier means.The method comprises the steps of providing mated top and bottom profile strips, providing top and bottom package films on opposite sides of the mated strips and applying heat and pressure to the films adjacent the flanges sufficient to simultaneously form heat seals respectively between the top film and the top profile strip flange and between the bottom film and bottom profile strip flange. The heat barrier means may comprise a thickened flange element, buffer strip or a coextrusion of high temperature resin on the inside layer of the flange element. The heat barrier means prevents the flanges from fusing together during the formation of flange-film seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Wirth, Wayne M. Wegner, Mladomir Tomic, Raymond Buchko, Johann Natterer
  • Patent number: 5181900
    Abstract: In a flexible container, there is provided three or more approximately rectangular main sheets, and a rectangular inlet sheet and outlet sheet are provided on an imaginary line passing through approximately the central part in the width direction of each of the main sheets. One end of each of the inlet sheet and the outlet sheet in the direction along the imaginary line is sewed to an end of the main street corresponding to the one end, and the other end of each of the inlet sheet and the outlet sheet is projected away from the main sheet in the direction along the imaginary line. The imaginary lines of assembly sheets each constituted by the three types of sheets conform to one another, opposed surfaces of the adjacent assembly sheets are joined to each other, and outer side edges of the adjacent assembly sheets are sewed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Taiyo Kogyo Corporation
    Inventors: Sumio Watanabe, Nobuhiko Ishizu
  • Patent number: 5176611
    Abstract: A sealing assembly attachment, for use in preparing envelopes which will apply a gum to a top flap, place a piece of release paper over the gummed flap, fold and crease the top flap and deliver the envelope to be stacked and counted. The sealing assembly attachment generally consists of a transfer cylinder to transfer envelopes into the sealing assembly attachment, a vacuum cylinder within the sealing assembly attachment to transport envelopes from the transfer cylinder and through the sealing assembly attachment, a gum pattern applicator to apply gum to a top flap of the envelopes while being transferred by the vacuum cylinder, a release paper applicator after the gum pattern applicator to place release paper over the gum applied to the top flap, a flap fold cylinder used in cooperation with the vacuum cylinder to fold and crease the top flap; and a delivery disk to transfer the envelope from the sealing assembly attachment to a delivery table to be stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: H. Richard VerMehren
  • Patent number: 5160308
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a flexible bag comprises an inner bag for storing product having a top end region provided with a channel flap. The flap comprises a flexible pouring spout closed above by a folded portion of the inner bag and closed below by a seal. In another embodiment, a flexible bag comprises an inner bag for storing product having a top end region and a channel flap connected thereto. The channel flap comprises a flexible pouring spout. The channel flap and inner bag are provided with juxtaposed die cut openings which define a flow inlet for the pouring spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Harry R. Peppiatt
  • Patent number: 5147272
    Abstract: A vented pouch is described which comprises: first and second opposed panels; a base gusset; and, a gas filter arrangement oriented in one of the panels. The gusset member is preferably oriented between the panels, along edges thereof, to form a base by which the pouch can be stood-up during use. Preferably, the pouch is provided with a rib and trough closure arrangement extending thereacross. A preferred method for formation of preferred such pouches is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Kapak Corporation
    Inventors: Cecil Richison, Gary M. Bell
  • Patent number: 5133172
    Abstract: A dancer assembly for feeding a web of film having ports extending therefrom to a former for folding the web of film. The apparatus includes a dancer having a roller located between two tracks that allow the roller to move vertically along the tracks. The web of film being fed around the roller and vertically upwards toward the former. A quarter turn member for changing the flow path of the film from a substantially horizontal flow path to a substantially vertical flow path. And a member for moving horizontally, as a unit, the dancer and quarter turn member while maintaining a fixed spacial orientation of the dancer and the quarter turn. A method of feeding a web of film to a former is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Soubrier
  • Patent number: 5127893
    Abstract: A reinforced collapsible bag and method of making it from blanks of a flexible woven material which are cut from an elongate web substantially without wasting any material between adjacent blanks with pairs of reinforced strips extending along the side edges and through the central portion of the sides and top and bottom of the bag, thereby reinforcing the bottom, top, sides and corners of the bag. Each blank has a circumferentially continuous central portion and four isosceles triangular portions at each end of the blank. Adjacent sides of adjacent triangular portions are connected together to provide, when the bag is expanded or filled, generally square ends which are interconnected by generally rectangular side walls. Lifting straps can be attached to the reinforced strips along the side edges of the bag. An access opening is provided in an end of the bag by terminating the connections of its triangular portions short of their apexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Lafleur
  • Patent number: 5100369
    Abstract: A fitment sealing apparatus employs a high-speed continuous-motion conveyor for carton blanks and a rotary sealer for sealing fitments to the carton blanks by maintaining heat and pressure contact over a given duration through a prescribed turning angle. The rotary sealer is positioned adjacent an inside corner of two portions of the conveyor arranged at a right angle, and has four heating anvils spaced circumferentially at 90 degrees to each other. An adhesive applicator applies a layer of hot-melt adhesive between the fitment and carton blank which is formed into an excellent seal by the rotary sealer. For fitments of the flat, reclosable type, the apparatus includes a secondary adhesive applicator and a plowover bar to form the fitment in its folded-over configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Donald E. Keeler
  • Patent number: 5067822
    Abstract: A method of forming a recloseable package using special profile strips, the strips themselves and a resulting package are disclosed. The profile strips have a flange element and a recloseable element, and two mated profile strips are provided with a heat barrier.The method comprises the steps of providing mated top and bottom profile strips, providing top and bottom package films on opposite sides of the mated strips and applying heat and pressure to the films adjacent the flanges sufficient to simultaneously form heat seals respectively between the top film and the top profile strip flange and between the bottom film and bottom profile strip flange. The heat barrier may comprise a thickened flange element, buffer strip or a coextrusion of high temperature resin on the inside layer of the flange element. The heat barrier prevents the flanges from fusing together during the formation of flange-film seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Wirth, Wayne M. Wegner, Mladomir Tomic, Raymond Buchko, Johann Natterer
  • Patent number: 5048846
    Abstract: A method for filling gas release valves with sealant for affixing to packaging containers to be filled with a commodity which will generate a small amount of gases during shelf storage. The gas release valve having an apertured base film and a valve film superimposed on the base film to define a channel therebetween is attached to the container in registry with a vent in the container such that the valve may allow the gases given off by the commodity to escape to the exterior through the vent and the channel when the gas pressure rises beyond the atmospheric pressure. Before the gas release valve is attached to the container, the valve is sealed by inserting a nozzle into said channel through the aperture in the base film, and introducing a fluid sealant through the nozzle into the channel intermediate one peripheral edge of the channel and the circumference of the aperture, thereby filling the channel with the fluid sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Fujimori Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5047001
    Abstract: A unique method for constructing a bag for use as a pillow and a receptacle having a first side of a moisture-proof material and an opposite second side having a moisture-proof panel and a soft panel. In one configuration whth the first side as the outer side, the bag serves as a receptacle for camping items such as a sleeping bag. In the reverse position with the second side as the outer side, the bag may be filled with soft clothing items and used as a pillow with the moisture-resistant panel of the second side engaging the ground and the softer panel adapted to receive the head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: James E. Willis
  • Patent number: 5036643
    Abstract: An improved form, fill, seal and separate packaging machine for reclosable containers is accomplished by a plurality of stations disposed along a path of travel of a thermoplastic web including means to attach a pair of mated, resealable closure strips to the base web. The machine is intermittent in its operation, with movement of the web through the machine controlled so that the various steps of applying the closure strips, forming, filling, sealing and separating the reclosable containers are performed during periodic stops of the machine. The machine is further characterized by its use of two pairs of web belts to move the web through the machine. A first pair of web belts initially receive the folded web stock and partially form and completely fill the containers. The second pair of web belts overlap with the downstream end of the first pair of belts, but are disposed lower than the first belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Package Machinery Company, Bodolay/Pratt Division
    Inventor: William A. Bodolay
  • Patent number: 5026339
    Abstract: A fluid bladder including a check valve inturned within the bladder. The bladder is formed of two thin sheets of plastic material sealed together around the periphery of the bladder. The check valve is formed of an extended mating pair of strips of the same two sheets of plastic overlying one another and heat bonded together by a high frequency electric field along two substantially parallel lines to form a central flow channel with a closed gap-free configuration. In forming the check valve, at least one pair of electrodes are employed, and insulating material is used to enclose the electrodes so that the two sheets of plastic material are maintained parallel and in contact with one another during welding and the subsequent cool-down interval, thereby assuring reliable check valve operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Royce Medical Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Kasper
  • Patent number: 5024645
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a port within an aperture of a web of film, including a chain loop having a plurality of forks for releasably retaining ports. The chain loop is fed around a first, a second, and a third rotatable sprocket. The first and second rotatable sprockets are coupled to a frame and located in a substantially aligned relationship to each other, perpendicular to a portion of the film, the third sprocket is located at a position offset from a plane defined by the first and second sprockets. The first and second sprockets can be moved from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. During operation, the rotation of the third sprocket is releasably prevented, to accurately regulate the rotation of the first sprocket an indexer is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Soubrier, Xavier Denis
  • Patent number: 5014498
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making and filling bags from plastic film, wrapping an endless supply about a forming and filling tube where the supply has a plastic zipper profile extending intermediate the edges of the film material, controlling the feed of film over a sharp edge of a former so that a tension free slack is maintained in the film to eliminate the possibility of distortion or damage to the small rib and groove interlocking zipper profiles on the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventor: Michael J. McMahon
  • Patent number: 5006197
    Abstract: A system for fusion bonding several attachments to a relatively large and bulky thermoplastic article employs means for fixedly securing the article, and a movable fixture selectively positionable relative to the thermoplastic article. The fixture includes a base plate held stationary during bonding operations, a gripping device supporting the thermoplastic article and longitudinally reciprocable relative to the base plate, and a pair of arms supporting a platen or other heating tool, also longitudinally reciprocable relative to the base plate. The tool supporting arms further can be pivoted to move the heating tool between an aligned position between the thermoplastic attachment and fixed thermoplastic article, and a remote, withdrawn position, to allow longitudinal movement of the attachment into engagement with the thermoplastic article, following use of the heating tool to simultaneously fuse selected surface portions of the thermoplastic article and attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Forward Technology Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond K. Newkirk, William G. West
  • Patent number: 4997104
    Abstract: A closure apparatus which includes a scroll-like closure panel of flexible material is used to resealably close the open end of a bag-like container. The closure panel has opposite inner and outer longitudinal edges, with its outer edge spirally wound about its inner edge. The closure panel is biased to define a coil in lateral section when the panel is in equilibrium. For closing the open end of the bag-like container, the end edges of an open end of the bag-like container are spirally captivated within the coil defined by the closure panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Bedford Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Pohl
  • Patent number: 4986805
    Abstract: A portable water reservoir to be worn by a firefighter to provide a supply of water for use in extinguishing fires, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Baldwin/Green Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Laramore
  • Patent number: 4981463
    Abstract: A device for positioning fitments in a perforated film. The device according to the invention includes a transporting member that brings the fitments into the vicinity of a perforated film, preferably below the latter, a member for positioning the fitments perpendicular to the perforations in the film, and an engaging member for pushing the ports through the perforations of the film so that at the exit of the device the film is equipped with fitments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Etienne Susini, Pierre Soubrier
  • Patent number: 4979933
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having an open end with a side margin adjacent the open end, a metal segment in the side margin having ends extending beyond the opening and a sealing tape overlying the metal strip for encapsulation thereof. Apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bags includes a continuous webbing of flexible bags joined end-to-end, a continuous roll of metal strip with an arrangement for forming the metal strip into discrete segments. A roll of adhesively coated sealing tape and an arrangement for positioning the sealing tape over a metal strip segment while applying the sealing tape to one end of a flexible bag. A method of forming the reclosable bags includes the steps of providing a serial succession of bags joined end-to-end, stretching a portion of each bag so as to be free of wrinkles, aligning a metal strip segment with the wrinkle-free portion of the bag and sealing the metal strip segment of the bag with a portion of sealing tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinz F. Runge
  • Patent number: 4969594
    Abstract: A business forms mailer construction comprising an upper panel, at least one intermediate panel, and a lower panel; the upper panel is adhesively secured to the at least one intermediate panel, and the at least one intermediate panel is adhesively secured to the lower panel by glue lines, one of which extends along one side of the intermediate and lower panels. Also provided are a pair of slitter guide marks applied to one of the upper and lower panels, on either side of the glue line, so that by alignment of a slitting mechanism with the inner of the pair of guide marks, the mailer may be opened along one side for the insertion of one or more additional sheets. Alignment with the outer of the guide marks results in removal of a marginal portion of the mailer, but with the latter remaining sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Ashby
  • Patent number: 4969309
    Abstract: A resealable package using zipper material and a corresponding method and apparatus are disclosed. In the package, the zipper material beads terminate entirely inboard of the outer periphery of the sealed area. The package is formed by forming a lateral loop in a first one of the webs, positioning the zipper material along the first web crossing the loop substantially at a right angle, cutting the zipper material in the region of the loop, and then straightening the first web, thereby creating a gap between the cut ends of the zipper material, then bonding the second web to the first web to form a package with a sealed area in the gap. In the preferred embodiments of the apparatus, the lateral loop forming means has at least one transversely oriented loop forming bar moveable into and away from corresponding loop forming groove(s) in a table along which one of the webs is advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignees: Kramer & Grebe Canada, Ltd., T. W. Kutter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunther Schwarz, Ronald E. Merrill
  • Patent number: 4949870
    Abstract: A device for perforating a pack made of flexible synthetic material and having a closing-off and pouring assembly including a cylindrical shank and a plug for interacting with the shank and for cutting and perforating the pack in order to access a liquid contained in the pack, is improved by providing the shank with a reinforcement attached to and extending from the base of the shank, partially inwardly toward the center of the shank. Also the method of manufacturing the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Societe Generale Des Eaux Minerales De Vittel
    Inventor: Michel Cazes
  • Patent number: 4949527
    Abstract: A tray for foodstuffs or the like having a continuous edge rim and a flexible cover placed over the top of the tray and sealed to the rim with an elongate continuous interlockable separate rib and groove profile on strips sealed to the surface of the cover wherein upstanding pull flanges above the rib and groove profiles may be pulled apart and the cover severed between the profiles for access to the contents so that the cover may be opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Zip-Pak Incorporated
    Inventors: Hugo Boeckmann, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 4936817
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having an open end with a side margin adjacent the open end, a metal segment in the side margin having ends extending beyond the opening and a sealing tape overlying the metal strip for encapsulation thereof. Apparatus for manufacturing reclosable bags includes a continuous webbing of flexible bags joined end-to-end, a continuous roll of metal strip with an arrangement for forming the metal strip into discrete segments. A roll of adhesively coated sealing tape and an arrangement for positioning the sealing tape over a metal strip segment while applying the sealing tape to one end of a flexible bag. A method of forming the reclosable bags includes the steps of providing a serial succession of bags joined end-to-end, stretching a portion of each bag so as to be free of wrinkles, aligning a metal strip segment with the wrinkle-free portion of the bag and sealing the metal strip segment of the bag with a portion of sealing tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinz F. Runge
  • Patent number: 4929225
    Abstract: A method of making reclosable bag material and bags made therefrom, wherein the bag making film providing bag walls is provided with an extruded plastic profile reclosable fastener strip across a portion of the longitudinal formation axis of the film and bag walls to be located at the open end of the bag and the strip having a base web for attachment to the film, and bonding the base web of the fastener strip to the film so that on one wall of the bag the base web is attached above and below the profile structure on the strip and on the other wall of the bag the base web is bonded to the film at a location only above the centerline of the profile structure on the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ausnit, Hugo Boeckmann
  • Patent number: 4927405
    Abstract: A composite protective laboratory specimen bag (A) and method is illustrated which includes folded tubing (D) having a releasable lock (26) for forming a first fluid-tight compartment (B) for containing a laboratory specimen container. J-folded sheeting (E) with a reverse flip (46) forms a second compartment (C) for containing associated paper work. The tubing and sheeting are heat sealed together across a web (32) of the tubing to form a closed top composite bag with side mouth openings (24,48) for the compartments. A protective plate (62) avoids damage to the lock during the heat sealing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Martin, Jonathan T. McClure
  • Patent number: 4925318
    Abstract: A packing comprising first and second opposed surfaces in a closure area of the packing has profiled portions secured to and extending over each of the opposed surfaces, which profiled portions are adapted to be releasably interengaged to permit connection and disconnection of the opposed surfaces. The profiled portions are each formed integrally with an outer layer of a strip material secured to the associated one of the opposed surfaces. The outer layer of the strip material is formed of a material well suited for forming a peel seal weld with the other opposed surface of the packing, such as a portion of the outer layer of the opposing strip material. The outer layer of each strip material is secured to the one of the first and second opposed surfaces via a base layer of the strip material to which the outer layer is secured by means of a non-peel seal type connection. As a result, the sheet material of the packing, a bag for example, need not be formed of a peel seal weldable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Schurpack, Inc.
    Inventor: Leif B. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 4924655
    Abstract: A guide system for improving the orientation of a web of film as it passes around a fill tube structure in a form, fill, seal packaging machine is provided. The guide system comprises at least two members removably coupled to the fill tube structure, and so constructed and arranged that they increase the cross-sectional perimeter of the fill tube structure when they are secured thereto. The members cooperating with the fill tube structure to stretch the web of film as it passes around the fill tube structure. An improved apparatus for attaching fitments to a web of film and method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Posey
  • Patent number: 4909017
    Abstract: A new method of making a form fill bag having a reclosable fastener thereon and a mechanism therefor wherein a continuous length of film is advanced and joined first and second fastener profile strips are laid laterally onto the film of a length substantially equal to one-half of the film width, the film is advanced and formed into a tube with the side edges folded together and seamed, the first profile strip is attached to the surface of the film prior to forming it into the tube and the second opposed interlocked profile strip is attached to the inner surface of the film after it is formed into a tube, and a cross-seam is formed in the tube above the closure strip to form the bottom of the succeeding bag and a completed bag is cut from the film by cutting below the bottom seam and above the fastener strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Paul P. Spanier
  • Patent number: 4902269
    Abstract: Device for welding a mouthpiece to a thermoplastic film comprising a frame, a support plate carried by the frame and moveable with respect to the latter, a welding head rigidly connected to the support plate, and at least one annular heating resistance carried by the welding head and having electric supply rods arranged at two diametrically opposite points. The device comprises diffusion means for diffusing a cooling gas at the vicinity of the fixation of the supply rods to the heating resistance; preferably, the cooling gas diffusion means comprise channels extending in the welding head and surrounding the supply rods.The invention also relates to the mounting of the welding device on a moveable frame and its association with a film blocking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Etienne Susini, Pierre Soubrier
  • Patent number: 4892512
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reclosable pouch having front and back walls and an opening along its upper edge. A double web of plastic material is advanced which comprises a front wall and a back wall. First and second fastener profiles are advanced simultaneously therewith. The first fastener profile is sealed on its ends to the exterior of the front wall of the pouch. The fastener profile extends longitudinally near the pouch opening. The second fastener profile is sealed on its ends to the exterior of the back wall of the pouch. The fastener profiles are adapted for interlocking with the front and back walls of the pouch being interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: KCL Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Branson
  • Patent number: 4887973
    Abstract: A shaping device for a web of flexible film having projecting ports comprising a shaping plate having a slit, for receiving the film, and an opening for receiving the port. An adjustable member is provided for limiting the length of the slit. A member is also provided for guiding the port into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Etienne Susini, Pierre Soubrier
  • Patent number: 4881932
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for manufacturing plastic film bags with two-piece flaps. A slitting tool slits the flap portion of a longitudinally displaced film strip arrangement and a spacing tool displaces one of the resulting sections to form a gap. Thereafter, an adhesive hearing tape is applied to bridge the gap and connect the separated sections. After this, a cutting tool cuts notches into the two-piece flap portion which is lifted for this purpose by a Teflon-coated template having a slot to receive the cutting tool. The template has a channel system to enable blowing away the cut out portion. The separate bags are formed by sealing and severing at a position to intersect the notches. The method of the invention involves cutting the notches into the flap section to delineate separate flaps and associated bags in a time frame which follows the folding of the flap section over the main body of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Eli Blatt
  • Patent number: 4878987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming film capable of being converted into bags in an form, fill and seal machine or for providing bags attached to each other in end-to-end relationship including relatively advancing a continuous sheet of thin plastic film along a path having a fastener station therealong, moving first and second thermoplastic flexible fastener members laterally from opposite sides of the sheet to extend transversely substantially to the center thereof and attaching said fastener members to the surface of the sheet whereby the sheet can thereafter be formed into bags in an form, fill and seal machine or folded longitudinally to join the fastener members and to form a side seal to form a completed series of bags by cross-seaming the material at predetermined spaced intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Ven Erden
  • Patent number: 4872935
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bond between a plastic fill spout and a plastic container immediately after forming a bore through the container, includes a tool with a bore forming platen at its leading edge, a trailing end platen at its opposite end, and an intermediate spacer of an insulative material for thermally isolating the bore forming and trailing end platens. A longitudinally reciprocable fixture supports the spout in a longitudinal orientation to move the spout toward and away from the container, and a second fixture supports the tool in axial alignment with the spout and for longitudinal movement toward and away from the container, with the bore forming platen nearest the container. The tool is moved against the container and the bore forming platen heated, then moved through the container wall to provide the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Forward Technology Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond K. Newkirk, Richard L. Batzlaff
  • Patent number: 4840611
    Abstract: Gusseted bags are provided with extruded reclosable plastic profile strips along free upper end portions of face walls flanking a bag mouth, the fastener strips being free to separate throughout their lengths when opening the bag mouth to the full extent permitted by opposite side expanding gussets of the bag so that free access into the bag such as for inserting or removing contents such a tray loaded with products such as cookies, or the like, or for pouring contents therefrom selectively between either of the separated ends of the upper end portions of the face walls and the corresponding ends of the fastener strips is permitted. The fastener strips may have interlockable wraparound extensions. A method of making the bags is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Van Erden, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 4836691
    Abstract: A medical bag and method of manufacturing the bag from a thermoplastic resin by irradiating a ferromagnetic heating element which has been prepositioned between the mouth and receiving portions of the bag and which is caused to generate high frequence-induced heat. During subjection of the heating element to a high frequency magnetic field, the mouth portion and receiving portion of the bag melt about the element so that mouth portion, element and receiving portion are bonded together. This technique can also be suitably used for thermoplastic resins, for example, polyolefin resins, to which conventional high-frequency bonding cannot be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Material Engineering Technology Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuo Suzuki, Keinosuke Isono
  • Patent number: 4812074
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for making bag material having a bag wall sheet or film folded to provide a closed folded top for each bag, a zipper strip having a web being nested within the bag top fold and having the margins of the web carrying recloseable zipper profiles, and at least one of the margins remaining unattached relative to the bag wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ausnit, Robert S. Nocek
  • Patent number: 4798572
    Abstract: A collapsible bag and method of making it from blanks of a flexible material which are cut from an elongate web substantially without wasting any material between adjacent blanks. Each blank has a circumferential continuous central portion and four substantially identical isosceles triangular portions at each end of the blank. Adjacent sides of adjacent triangular portions are connected together to provide, when the bag is expanded or filled, generally square ends which are interconnected by generally rectangular side walls. An access opening is provided in an end of the bag by terminating the connections of its triangular portions short of their apexes. Preferably, a spout is received in the access opening and connected to the triangular portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. LaFleur, Arnie LaFleur, Lee LaFleur
  • Patent number: 4794750
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for making containers (40) in which a sheet of thermoplastic material (10) that is adapted to be formed into a pouch is introduced into a mold cavity (14). A molding compound (22) is also introduced into the mold cavity (14). The molding compound (22) is permitted to be bonded with the thermoplastic sheet (10) inside the mold cavity (14) to form a container port (20) in situ. The thermoplastic sheet (10) and bonded molding compound (22) are removed from the mold cavity (14) and the sheet carrying the port (20) formed from the bonded molding compound is folded and cut to form a container (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Schmidt, David A. Winchell
  • Patent number: 4790126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for form, fill, and seal operation using bag-making sheet material having complementary male and female reclosable profiles includes sheet guide and tensioning devices to ensure continuous, effective packaging. The inventive features address the presence of tracking problems in sheet feed using bag material having profiles and being of a laminated type, and serve to ensure wrinkle-free, acceptable sealing of bag edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Minigrip Inc.
    Inventor: Hugo Boeckmann
  • Patent number: 4787880
    Abstract: A method of making bags having a reclosable zipper between wall panels and extending between side edges at the top end of the bag, the zipper comprising a continuous length of extruded profile plastic strip folded upon itself for zipper closing interengagement of its profile parts, the profile strip portions being spot welded together at the fold in the strip which may be at one end of the side edges of the bag, such as a fold in the material which provides the walls of the bag. The strip may be notched out to facilitate folding. By differential mass, or differential spacing, or tilted biasing of profile parts of the zipper strip, and provision of a lateral flange of substantial width on the strip not only is interlocking of the profile parts facilitated, but an expedient is provided for restraining opening of the zipper by internal bag pressures, while permitting relatively easy opening of the bag from the outside, i.e. the top or mouth end of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 4732299
    Abstract: A collapsible container which has a first pliable member and a second non-pliable member, wherein the first pliable member includes a first pliable sheet and a second pliable sheet which are joined together to form a pouch to hold the contents. The second non-pliable member includes a base design allowing for leak-free seals with the pliable sheets and a stem having a passageway with an outlet for dispensing the contents of the pouch. A process and an apparatus of container manufacture is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: Earl E. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 4725262
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the manufacture of a valved sack with a self-sealing valve in which at the end of a transporting device for an open web of the sack material, shortly before the sack material is fed into a tube-forming zone, a valve-manufacturing unit is located, preferably above the material web path, in which unit valves are produced from a stock reel of paper and fed in a positioned manner to the open sack web, which has been pre-glued into fine zones. The pre-fabricated paper valves are then brought in contact with the pre-glued open sack web and the valve sleeve is securely glued into the sack in a gluing zone within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Inventor: Masayoshi Yokomatsu
  • Patent number: 4710157
    Abstract: A form, fill and seal apparatus for producing flexible containers having fitments located at one end of the container. The invention provides a former for folding into a tubular shape a substantially flat web of film with attached fitments. The former includes a substantially V-shaped member, an elongated member secured to the V-shaped member, and a U-shaped member. The V-shaped member, elongated member, the U-shaped member cooperate to fold the substantially flat web of film to bring opposite longitudinal portions thereof into aligned relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: John Posey
  • Patent number: 4708705
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming single or multi-wall plastic tubing and more particularly, in forming single or multi-wall plastic bags wherein the seal area is strengthened by utilizing a plurality of extruded layers of adhesive material in the seal area. This would particularly be the case for valved bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventors: Paul E. Aubry, Josef Poklukar
  • Patent number: 4690667
    Abstract: A method for producing a packaging container having a pressure relief valve that is tightly secured to the inside of the packaging container and closes off an opening in the wall of the packaging container. To seal off the pressure relief valve, a fluid sealant is introduced into the valve, after the valve has been secured to the packaging container. To this end, an opening is punched by a hollow needle into the wall of the packaging container in the area coinciding with the pressure relief valve, and through the hollow needle a droplet of sealant is deposited in the peripheral zone of a membrane of the pressure relief valve. By capillary action, the sealant enters into the gap between a carrier part and the membrane of the valve and becomes distributed over this area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Domke
  • Patent number: 4673383
    Abstract: A plastic separable fastener strip, and assembly of such strip with a substrate, and a method of attaching such strip to a substrate, comprising the provision of and utilization of fusible ribs on the base surface of the fastener strip to provide a bonding layer for bonding the strip to the substrate. Reducing the ribs into fusible condition without heat distortion of the remainder of the fastener strip and without heat distortion or damage of the substrate, provides a bonding layer when the fused ribs of the fastener strip are pressed together with the substrate. A simple apparatus and method are provided for effecting the bonding by fusion of the fusion ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Minigrip, Incorporated
    Inventor: Per Bentsen
  • Patent number: RE34117
    Abstract: A composite laboratory specimen bag (A) and method is illustrated which includes folded tubing (D) having a releasable lock (26) for forming a first fluid-tight compartment (B) for containing a laboratory specimen container. J-folded sheeting (E) with a reverse flip (46) forms a second compartment (C) for containing associated paper work. The tubing and sheeting are heat sealed together across a web (32) of the tubing to form a closed top composite bag with side mouth openings (24,48) for the compartments. A protective plate (62) avoids damage to the lock during the heat sealing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: International Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Martin, Jonathan T. McClure