Abstract: Machine for manufacturing mesh bags from a continuous roll of tubular mesh, and for filling and closing said mesh bags, which comprise an expansion device which is perimetric to the tubular mesh, the core expander of which is equipped with a vertical aperture which, as if it were a slot, traverses said core expander and connects the two frontal faces thereof and extends from its base to an intermediate point, for which the core expander adopts an inverted “U” shape, the machine also being fitted with preventive welding means, adapted for partially welding the two frontal faces of the tubular mesh and, as the case may be, the adjoining laminates of thermally weldable material through the aperture of the core expander; a traction device which drags a section of the tubular mesh provided with a bottom; conveyor means; and second and third filling and closing stations, respectively, both being arranged linearly.

Abstract: A finish trim for use in dry wall construction having an elongated core that is configured with a flange having outwardly facing surfaces to which is affixed a pre-shrunk covering strip.

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.

Abstract: A method of applying a slider to a closure mechanism for a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing a closure mechanism having first and second closure profiles, both having upper flanges and interlocking members. The method further comprises providing a slider for selectively opening and closing the closure mechanism, the slider comprising a top wall and a pair of side walls. The slider also comprises a spreader for separating the first and second closure profiles. The spreader has a channel through which the first and second upper flanges may pass as the slider is moved along the closure mechanism. The method further comprises attaching the slider to the closure mechanism while the first and second closure profiles are at least partially disengaged. The upper flanges are positioned in the channel through the spreader when the slider is applied to the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A feeding and aligning device for a folder-gluer of blanks of folded and pasted cardboard boxes has at least one thrust to stop the blanks in order to crosswise align the angles between the various fold-pasted parts thereof before introducing them into a delivery area where these blanks are pressed. A mechanism introduces the blanks into the delivery area. The thrust has a driving mechanism that defines a moving trajectory for the thrust above the blanks, forming an acute angle with the conveying direction of these blanks which are moved by a conveyor that moves it along the conveying direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making reclosable packages having slider-actuated string zippers. More specifically, the apparatus is a form-fill-seal machine having means for placing product on a web of packaging film; means for forming a receptacle having an interior volume and a mouth, with the product in the interior volume and a string zipper installed in the mouth, the web of packaging film forming at least one wall of the receptacle; a slider insertion device for inserting sliders on the string zipper; and means for sealing the receptacle so that ambient air cannot enter the interior volume. The form-fill-seal machine may further include either means for aligning an edge of the web with a flangeless zipper strip of the zipper strip before the web is joined to the flangeless zipper strip or means for trimming an edge of the web after a portion of the web proximal to the edge has been joined to a flangeless zipper strip of the string zipper.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pre-fastening disposable absorbent articles having a slot-and-tab fastening system during manufacturing of the pre-fastened disposable articles, such as diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, adults incontinence pads and the like.

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.

Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes a base portion; a plurality of walls, the walls in communication with the base portion; a top portion, the top portion in communication with the walls; a discrete panel; and a reclosable zipper. An apparatus for making the pouch, and a method of making the pouch, are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A fastener profile assembly and method of forming a fastener profile assembly is provided. The assembly includes a continuous supply of two interlocking profiles which are sealed at either end with a compression molded segment seal. The compression molded segment seal is formed through the application of heat and pressure to the interlocking profiles, thereby fusing the area and forming one end of the profile. Advancement of the profiles and application of heat and pressure to a second area forms the second end of the profile assembly. Manufacture of a fastener in such a manner allows for highly automated profile production with precise, accurate registration of the fastener profile.

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.

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.

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: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closeable by a slider device. In one embodiment, the method includes utilizing photo eyes to monitor the registration of the film web in respect to the slider device and the placement of side seams. In another embodiment, the method includes utilizing multiple sealing steps to provide seal regions and side seams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package (1) comprising a sealing device (2). Said sealing device consists of a fixed concave shell (3) and a moveable shell (4) which is articulated to said fixed shell (3) by means of pivots (5, 6). The moveable shell is provided with flexion inversion means (7, 8). The invention also relates to a method for producing one such package. Such a package can be used, for example, to store foodstuffs.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closable by a slider device, on 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 side panels to form the package. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the interior of the package.

Abstract: A horizontal packaging machine (10) for making fluid-tight packages (11) equipped with zip closure (15) comprises:

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.

Abstract: In the process and apparatus of the invention, two strips (A, B) of containers are produced, side-by-side. Four ribbons, (2, 3) facing one another, are fed in an advancement direction (F) to a pre-heating station (4) in which the external ribbons (2) are heated; to a forming station (5) in which cells are formed on the external ribbons; and a welding station (6) in which the two external ribbons are coupled to the two internal ribbons (3) without the internal ribbons' being coupled one to another. The cells are heat-formed by means of injecting a forming fluid which expands the external ribbons internally of forming cavities. The invention, which is particularly useful for producing containers made of a heat-formable and heat-weldable material, leads to an increase in productivity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically feeding zipper assemblies (with or without sliders) to a station, for example, a station where the zipper assemblies are sealed to thermoplastic bag making film. The zipper tape feeding apparatus comprises a pair of endless belts that circulate in opposite directions and have confronting portions running along a straight pathway through which a zipper tape is passed. The first belt is driven intermittently by a motor and the second belt is free to circulate during frictional contact with the first belt. At least a portion of the zipper tape is sandwiched between confronting portions of the belts, being moved forward as the belts circulate. The belts are preferably made of rubber to minimize slippage of the zipper tape during feeding.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a process for manufacturing plastic zipper bags. In the process, zippers are disposed along both opposing edges of a pair of contiguous elongate plastic sheets. The elongate plastic sheets are then divided into individual bags by sealing the two plastic sheets to one another along spaced-apart transverse sealing lines. By these steps, the pair of elongate plastic sheets are transformed into a strip of plastic bags comprising a plurality of individual plastic bags attached to one another along abutting transverse sealing lines. Each plastic bag along the strip of plastic bags has a zippered upper edge and a zippered lower edge. Next, the upper edge of every other plastic bag along the plastic bag strip is sealed with a sealing edge disposed parallel to and proximate to the zipper along the upper edge. On each of the other bags along the plastic bag strip, the lower edge is sealed with a sealing line disposed parallel to and proximate to the zipper along the lower edge.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a provides an airtight bag that includes a bag having a mouth and an outer surface. The bag further includes a zippered closure at the mouth, the zippered closure having a first end and a second end, and a first drop on the outer surface of the bag at one of the first end or the second end of the zippered closure.

Abstract: A method for pre-fastening disposable absorbent articles having a slot-and-tab fastening system during manufacturing of the pre-fastened disposable articles, such as diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, adults incontinence pads and the like.

Abstract: A reclosable bag is disclosed. The bag includes a body having sealed sides, a sealed bottom, a top opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. A hook and loop fastener constructed and arranged to permit selective opening and closing of the top opening is adhered to the inner surface of the body between the top opening and sealed bottom. A method of manufacturing a reclosable bag and a self-closing reclosable bag are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing a reclosable pouch includes the steps of extruding a bag web onto a casting roll and forming a closure profile on the bag web while the bag web is in contact with the casting roll. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for positioning a mounted slider device on a recloseable package include inoperably mounting the slider device onto the closure arrangement and contacting the inoperably mounted slider device with a surface to operably position the slider device on the reclosable closure mechanism. Methods of manufacturing recloseable packages include providing a package, a recloseable closure mechanism, and a slider device. Attaching the recloseable closure mechanism to the package. Mounting the slider device on the recloseable closure mechanism and contacting inoperably mounted slider devices with a surface to operably position the slider device on the recloseable closure mechanism.

Abstract: A method of making a recloseable package having a slider zipper assembly includes advancing a web of a plastic film material in a direction along a longitudinal axis thereof, and applying a plurality of profile strip fastener assemblies to the plastic film material transversely of the longitudinal axis. A slider is applied to each of the fastener assemblies so that movement of each slider along the length of the respective one of the fastener assemblies moves the pair of profile strips thereof into and out of interlocking engagement. Opposite side edges of the plastic film material are joined to form a tube, with seals formed transversely of the tube to form a top seal and a bottom seal for each of the packages. The package is configured such that the slider projects generally through the front wall of the package, with the front wall optionally being provided with a frangible region in the form of a line of weakness aligned with the fastener assembly.

Abstract: A closure arrangement for a reclosable polymeric bag is disclosed, the closure arrangement comprising convex and concave areas that facilitate opening the bag. To initially open the bag, first and second films are separated from each other by tearing perforations. Next, interlocked closure profiles are detached from each other by grabbing onto gripper ridges and pulling the opening of the bag apart. If the first or second film becomes tucked into the groove left by the perforations such that the gripper ridges are difficult to access even after tearing the perforations, then the end of the opening may be flexed up or down, thereby causing separation of the convex area and concave area to provide access to the gripper ridges.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closeable by a slider device. In one embodiment, the method includes utilizing photo eyes to monitor the registration of the film web in respect to the slider device and the placement of side seams. In another embodiment, the method includes utilizing multiple sealing steps to provide seal regions and side seams.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper including a first closure profile, a second closure profile constructed and arranged to selectively mate with the first closure profile, and a web arrangement joining the first closure profile and the second closure profile. The web arrangement includes a plurality of tear regions radially spaced across the web arrangement. Each of the tear regions has a lower shear strength than the remaining portions of the web arrangement. The tear regions may include multiple layers and have geometric shapes, such as a T, a trapezoid, a triangle, a round, and a rectangle. In some embodiments, there is a second web arrangement joining the first and second closure profiles. This reclosable zipper can be used on a flexible package to create a tamper-evident flexible package. Methods of operation are described.

Abstract: Methods for positioning a mounted slider device on a recloseable package include inoperably mounting the slider device onto the closure arrangement and contacting the inoperably mounted slider device with a surface to operably position the slider device on the reclosable closure mechanism. Methods of manufacturing recloseable packages include providing a package, a recloseable closure mechanism, and a slider device. Attaching the recloseable closure mechanism to the package. Mounting the slider device on the recloseable closure mechanism and contacting inoperably mounted slider devices with a surface to operably position the slider device on the recloseable closure mechanism.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine is characterized by a forming assembly which causes lateral edge portions of a substantially continuous sheet stock material to crumple and to fold upon themselves, leaving an unfolded central portion between the laterally spaced apart folded portions. The layers of sheet stock material in the folded portions are fixed by a feeding/fixing assembly having two pairs of laterally spaced feed assemblies to form a dunnage product which does not come apart as it is manipulated. A severing assembly severs discrete dunnage products from the continuous strip of dunnage.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pre-fastening disposable absorbent articles having a slot-and-tab fastening system during manufacturing of the pre-fastened disposable articles, such as diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, adults incontinence pads and the like.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closable by a slider device, on 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 side panels to form the package. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the interior of the package.

Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes a base portion; a plurality of walls, the walls in communication with the base portion; a top portion, the top portion in communication with the walls; a discrete panel; and a reclosable zipper. An apparatus for making the pouch, and a method of making the pouch, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically feeding slider-zipper assemblies to a station where the slider-zipper assemblies can be attached to bag material such as thermoplastic film. The apparatus includes a slider guide having a channel running the length thereof. The channel has a cross section that allows passage therethrough of sliders slidably mounted to a tape of connected slider-zipper assemblies. A tape drive mechanism is located at the outlet of the slider guide. The tape drive mechanism includes a pair of rollers that form a nip therebetween. The zipper flanges of the tape are threaded through the nip. The rollers have respective grooves that form a space for passage of the sliders as the tape is advanced by the rollers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging container for long-term cold storage of liquid foods for retaining superior flavor and aroma properties in the packed product, and produced from a packaging laminate including a core layer of paper or paper-board, an inside aroma barrier layer of PET and a gas barrier layer, by fold formation and sealing of a planar packaging blank so that all contact surfaces vis-a-vis the packed product consist of the PET layer. The disclosure also relates to a method of fold forming and sealing the packaging laminate into a packaging container according to the invention. Good shelf-life after cold storage for at least six weeks at 8° C., or at least 10 weeks at 4° C. will be attained using the packaging container according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper closure by a vertical form fill and seal process. The method includes providing a pocket in a film web into which a zipper closure is positioned and attached. The film web is folded and sealed to form side panels and seams, which result in a package. The pocket provides an internal tamper evident-structure for the package. An external tamper evident-structure can be provided between the distal ends of the mating profiles of the zipper closure.

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.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper closure by a vertical form, fill and seal process. The method includes providing a pocket in a film web into which a zipper closure is positioned and attached. The film web is folded and sealed to form side panels and seams, which result in a package. The pocket provides an internal tamper evident-structure for the package. An external tamper evident-structure can be provided between the distal ends of the mating profiles of the zipper closure.