Abstract: A bag has an elongated bag opening held closed by a fastener assembly, wherein the fastener assembly has a first fastening member and a second fastening member attached along respective sides of the bag opening, and a sliding actuator to interlock or to unlock the first fastening member and the second fastening member. The bag opening is covered by a hood having a section covering the bag opening, and having other sections secured to the first fastening member and the second fastening member, to resist tampering by cutting or peeling, and the sliding actuator protrudes outwardly from the hood for inspection to detect tampering.

Abstract: A multi-layered bag with a re-sealable closure assembly attached thereto is provided, as well as a method of manufacturing the same. Specifically, multi-layered paper composite bags with a re-sealable closure assembly attached to the innermost layer of the bag as well as a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A slider-operated zipper is a particularly preferred embodiment of a re-sealable closure assembly. The bags may be gusseted and comprise an outer paper layer, a middle paper layer and an inner plastic film or sheet layer, and the bottom of the bag may be open bottomed or close bottomed.

Abstract: Disposable plastic bags are provided that include multiple internal compartments and methods for making such bags. In one embodiment, a disposable plastic bag includes substantially transparent outer panels attached together to define a main compartment, an opening for accessing the main compartment, a main closure for selectively opening and closing the opening into the main compartment; and a plurality of internal panels attached to one of the outer panels to define a plurality of internal compartments separate from and accessible through the main compartment, the internal panels comprising closures for selectively opening and closing the respective internal compartments.

Abstract: An in-line method is disclosed for securing a closure system onto a discrete pouch. The method includes advancing a discrete pouch through a first station in a machine direction with the closed bottom of the pouch being the leading edge and a first major surface of the pouch faces upward. The first major surface is folded upon itself to form a lip having an exposed first surface while a second major surface of the pouch has an exposed inner surface. The method also includes routing the pouch to a second station where a closure system is transversely attached across the exposed inner surface. The closure system includes an opening/closing mechanism. The method further includes routing the pouch to a third station where the lip is unfolded and opposite ends of the lip are secured to the outer surface of the closure system.

Abstract: In a non-limiting, illustrative embodiment a bottom-dumping flexible debris container includes a top section including flexible side members. A bottom section includes flexible bottom members that are hingedly attached to the flexible side members of the top section. A release mechanism is configured to releasably attach the flexible bottom members to each other.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a multilayer stretchy drawstring and methods of making the same. The drawstring of the disclosed subject matter is a stretched multilayer coextruded or laminated film that offers good balance between easy stretching at low strain and high strain hardening at high strain. The multilayer film includes a first layer of elastomeric polymer and second and third layers of thermoplastic polymer and is stretched beyond the deformation limit of the thermoplastic polymer and allowed to recover. This novel drawstring can be incorporated into a bag to enable the bag to be securely fitted to the upper portion of a trash container while not interfering with the intrinsic strength and operation of the drawstring.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bag for storing food items may include a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall joined to the first sidewall to define an interior volume. The first and second sidewalls may be made from pliable, sheet-like thermoplastic web material. The sidewalls may be formed with a pattern of ribs. When a tensioning force is applied to the sidewall, the ribs may open so that the sidewall may become generally more planar. Opening the ribs may cause the sidewalls to stretch or expand thereby adding to the overall area of the bag. The thermoplastic material may have a shape memory characteristic that may cause the ribs to reform after the tensioning force is alleviated.

Abstract: A unit operation station for use in a web processing machine comprising: a shuttle system including an input roller for receiving a web and an attached zipper, an output roller and a the connecting element for maintaining the input roller and the output roller in a fixed position relative to each other; a plurality of stations performing distinct operations for mechanically altering the attached zipper, one of the plurality of stations including a slider-insertion mechanism for placing a slider onto the zipper; a web path located beyond the input roller and including the plurality of stations; a driver for providing reciprocating movement to the shuttle system to cause intermittent movement of the web and the attached zipper along the web path; wherein the output roller releases the web and the attached zipper at a rate substantially equal to a continuous input feed rate of the web and the attached zipper, and wherein the shuttle system moves at a speed substantially equal to the continuous input/output feed

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine frame (1) for a packaging machine being constructed in such a way that its manufacture is simple and flexible for the various widths and lengths of foil packaging material without having the need for an expensive and labor intensive intercoupling. This machine frame is also robust and interiorly good cleanable, so that hygienic risks may be substantially decreased. This machine-building element comprises a profile element (2) made of strong sheet material, like e.g. metal or plastic material, comprising a mainly straight horizontal part (2c) that tapers off on both sides over an angle of approximately 90° to two downwardly directed vertical parts (2a, 2b). These parts are longitudinally interconnected completely to a compact unit by means of a plurality of hollow functional sockets (7).

Abstract: A reclosable, tamper-proof, fillable package includes a first side panel and a second side panel joined to each other along a pair of spaced side seals. A bottom wall extends between the first and second side panels with the bottom wall and the first and second side panels defining a package interior. A tamper-evident structure having opposite sides connected to each other extends above a combined zipper closure and slider device, and is connected to the zipper closure. Only one side of the tamper-evident structure is initially connected to one of the first and second side panels so that a fill opening adapted to receive a product is created between the other side of the tamper-evident structure and the other of the first and second side panels.

Abstract: A collapsible container having at least two opposed flexible walls, an opening through which liquid can be removed, and a flange around the opening. The inner surface of each of the two sidewalls and the internal surface of the spout flange preferably have depressions and raised areas between the depressions. Typically, the depressions are not continuous and the raised areas are continuous. The depressions of one wall or flange cooperate with the depressions on the opposed wall to form liquid flow pathways when the wall or flange contacts the opposed wall. The liquid flow pathways allow liquid to pass therethrough instead of being blocked by the contact between a wall or flange and the opposed wall. A method of use and a method of making the bag are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag can include walls formed of a material having multiple layers, which can include two polyolefin layers and a paper layer. The bag can be formed into a sewn-open-mouth configuration in which a stitching element extends through a wall of the bag. The bag can include a grease-resistant seal that substantially prevents grease from escaping from the bag via an opening in the wall through which the stitching element extends.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method for making package which has less rejection rate during manufacturing. The method in the present invention also produces packages with good dimensional accuracy. The apparatus in the present invention is provided for making three side gusset package with improved method of feeding side gusset tube and feeding bottom gusset along with web registration of bottom and side gusset to have printing perfectly located and aligned on package surfaces such that the images or graphics can be printed partially on front side & back side, continuing over side and bottom gusset surfaces.

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.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for use with bag- or sachet-like packaging which is substantially formed by opposing sheets of polymeric material; wherein said closure mechanism includes first and second sets of opposing substantially parallel ridges, said ridges defining complementary grooves therebetween that are adapted to receive said opposing ridges in a form-locking engagement; wherein the surface of said ridges and grooves feature a plurality of ribs extending traverse and from said surfaces such that, when said first form-locking engagement is made, the ribs extending from said ridges tend to interfere with the ribs extending from said grooves thereby to impede unintentional opening of said closure.

Abstract: A fabric gift bag is constructed from elongated fabric made up of two panels that are matching and which are secured by a perimeter seam. This multi-panel composite includes first and second end portions and an intermediate portion. The first end portion is narrower than the second end portion and the intermediate portion is wider than the first and second end portions. The multi-panel composite is reversed to form a modified composite panel. The second end portion of the composite is opened by spreading the two panels and the first end portion is inserted into the second end portion and secured to form the fabric gift bag with an open top and a surrounding wall structure made up of two panel portions disposed in side-by-side relationship. A retainer is extended around an intermediate portion of the fabric gift bag causing an upper portion of the formed bag to flare outwardly.

Abstract: A receptacle that is foldable between its open mode for receiving material and a secured mode where its top is double folded and secured with fasteners for maintaining material within the receptacle, or the receptacle is foldable between its open mode and a storage mode when the receptacle is folded to align releasable fasteners and to create a pass-through pocket for receiving accessories. In the storage mode, the receptacle can easily be carried in a pocket or purse until needed to receive undesirable material for disposal. The receptacle can be unfolded from the storage mode to the open mode to receive material.

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.

Abstract: A zipper closure for a polymeric package includes a plurality of profile members on a first polymeric surface, where one and not more than one of these plurality of profile members is colored differently from the remaining profile members on the same polymeric surface. The differently colored profile members provide a visual reference for properly orienting the zipper closure to the polymeric packaging during manufacture.

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

Abstract: A method of manufacturing flexible containers that are hermetically resealable. Each resealable container comprises a receptacle and a pair of plastic zipper strips. The zipper strips are flattened at the ends within the side seal regions and are joined to each other, without substantial deformation of the closure profiles, in respective transition areas substantially contiguous with the side seals. These transition areas of zipper strip joinder assist in providing a leakproof transition from the openable section of the zipper to the side seals, where the closure profiles are fused and flattened (i.e., crushed).

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.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a spout having a flange to a preformed hole in an open-ended container. The apparatus comprises of an applicator system and a mandrel. The applicator system is able to translate a linear motion to an arc motion. The mandrel is attached to the applicator system. The mandrel is adapted to releasably engage the spout.

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.

Abstract: A tape 3, 4 with a zipper member and a bag film 5,6 are continuously moved by rotation of a rotary drum 32 while being overlaid with each other such that the tape 3, 4 travels in a tape introducing groove 33 for a tape with a zipper member, the groove formed along a circumferential direction of the rotary drum 32. The tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is continuously welded to the bag film 5, 6 on a circumferential surface of the rotary drum 32 by a seal bar 35 that has a welding surface 34 in a curved shape corresponding to a circumferential surface shape of the rotary drum 32. The whole tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is accommodated in the tape introducing groove 33 for the tape with the zipper member and a seal surface of a tape body 31, 41 is adapted to be substantially flush with the circumferential surface of the rotary drum 32, so that heat applied from the seal bar 35 to the tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is restrained from transferring to the rotary drum 32.

Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reclosable packaging having a slider/zipper assembly and a sealed header. The header has a tear notch for initiating tearing of the header material and a line of weakness for continued tearing of the header material at an elevation which is lower than the top of the slider. Most preferably, the line of weakness is lower than the bottom of the slider. When the header is torn along the line of weakness, at least part of the slider is exposed and accessible to the consumer. In one embodiment, the tear notch is located in a side edge at an elevation higher than the top of the slider. A slit is provided which traverses a range of elevations encompassing a first elevation near an elevation of the tear notch and a second elevation near an elevation of the line of weakness.

Abstract: A receptacle that is foldable between its open mode for receiving material and a secured mode where its top is double folded and secured with fasteners for maintaining material within the receptacle, or the receptacle is foldable between its open mode and a storage mode when the receptacle is folded to align releasable fasteners and to create a pass-through pocket for receiving accessories. In the storage mode, the receptacle can easily be carried in a pocket or purse until needed to receive undesirable material for disposal. The receptacle can be unfolded from the storage mode to the open mode to receive material.

Abstract: The present invention is a magnetic card and/or envelope that can be removeably attached to a package. The present invention also includes methods for making the magnetic card and envelope and a gift wrapping kit comprising the magnetic card or envelope along with a package.

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.

Abstract: Recloseable bags, plastic film for making the bags, and a method and apparatus for making the bags are disclosed. The bag has a recloseable fastener (26) connected to a single wall of the bag, and the film (55) has a recloseable fastener (26) connected to one side thereofwhich does not require attachment to any other portion of the film (55) when making a bag. The fastener (26) has a tamper-proof member attached thereto to indicate if the bag has been previously opened. The film (55) can be wound into a roll (54) suitable for use on conventional bag making machines including form, fill, and seal machines or a chain of coilable recloseable bags can be produced therefrom since the fasteners (26) are connected to the web preferably transversely to the bags longitudinal formation axis.

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.

Abstract: A bag having a tamper evident closure and methods of forming the same are provided. The bag has a tube body with a front wall and a back wall positioned between a first end and a second end. A back flap extension member connects to and extends outwardly from the second end of the back wall. A primer material is positioned on the back flap extension member and an adhesive material is placed on the back flap extension member that folds over to overlie and contact the primer material. The back flap extension member adheres to the front flap extension member and portions of the front wall to close the second end. When the back flap extension member liftingly separates from the front wall, at least one of the back flap extension member and the front wall tears indicating evidence of tampering.

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.

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.

Abstract: The bags are produced on a form-fill seal machine operating horizontally or vertically. Zipper strips (16) are initially attached to a continuous web (12) which is subsequently formed into a continuous run of bags having end seals (20) and a back seal (18). The continuous run is separated into individual bags and the zipper strips finally attached to the bag walls by application of heat and/or pressure by a belt sealer (26) operating in a direction perpendicular to that of movement of the continuous web.

Abstract: A pair of hook-and-loop fasteners are attached onto a carton for securing a lid thereof. First fasteners are provided spaced apart along a first exfoliation sheet. Second fasteners adapted to mate and engage with the first fasteners are provided spaced apart along a second exfoliation sheet. The first sheet is deflected over a first knife edge to peel-off a first fastener and engage it onto a second fastener to form a fastener pair. The second sheet is deflected over a second knife edge to peel-off the second fastener of the pair from the second sheet and adhesively stick the fastener pair onto the carton.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.

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.

Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Abstract: Provided is a plastic bag including a live elastic strip that, in the elastic strip's normal condition, contracts thereby constricting an opening of the bag to assist in retaining the bag to an object. The elastic strip includes a first region that is continuously attached to a sidewall of the bag between a first side edge and a second side edge of the bag and a second region that remains unattached to the sidewall. The attached region does not contract but instead forces the portion of the sidewall to which it is attached to pucker into a serpentine path. The unattached region does contract causing the portion of the sidewall to which it is adjacent to bunch together. Also provided is a method for manufacturing a plastic bag that involves stretching a live elastic tape and continuously attaching a region of the stretched tape to a web of plastic material.

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

Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.

Abstract: A slider applicator is disclosed for applying sliders to storage bags with zippers. The slider applicator includes a slider sorter and a slider pusher actuated by an actuator such as a linear servo motor. The slider pusher includes an applicating head which moves the slider and a splitter for opening and spreading the slider prior to application to the zipper of the storage bag.