Reclosable Patents (Class 493/927)
  • Publication number: 20020065185
    Abstract: The profiles of a segment of profile zipper are separated and then the profiles at the central portion of the segment are rejoined while the profiles at the ends of the segment are maintained separated. The segment is transported to overlie a bag film web transverse to a moving direction of the web and attached to the web. The web is formed into a reclosable bag with side wall gusset portions of web tucked between the separated profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Duane Piechocki
  • Patent number: 6360513
    Abstract: A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sargento Foods Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Strand, Karl L. Linck, Judy Fischer, Thomas J. Spaeth, Jerry D. Kolbe
  • Patent number: 6350340
    Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying across the web a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fastener profiles thereon, for sealing thereto. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6306071
    Abstract: A single-piece slider device for use with resealable closure mechanisms having a first closure profile and a second closure profile is provided. The slider device includes a rigid top wall, at least a first plow for separating the first and second closure profiles, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The first and second sidewalls each have an inner surface, an outer surface, a bottom edge, and a length. The first sidewall has a first flex point arranged and configured to allow the first sidewall to flex at the first flex point. The second sidewall has a second flex point arranged and configured to allow the second sidewall to flex at the second flex point. The flexpoints can be notches on the outer portions or inner portions of the sidewalls, between the top wall and the sidewalls, or between the sidewalls and the bottom portions. The top wall can have depending tabs to help align the slider device with the profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mladomir Tomic
  • Patent number: 6293896
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: 6251209
    Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6219993
    Abstract: A zipper sealer machine for use with a form, fill and seal machines and the method for bonding strips of reclosable fastener material to the film of a form fill and seal machine. Strips of reclosable fastener material arc cut and the cut ends fused together by cutter-fuser jaws. A sensor senses when the cutter-fuser jaws become fully closed and when they begin to open so that other steps in the operation can be based on when the jaws actually begin to open and when they are actually fully closed rather than when the signal is sent that causes them to open and close. The cutter-fuser jaws have been coated with an anti-stick substance to prevent sticking of the flanges to the cutter-fuser jaws. The cut strips of reclosable fastener material are held on an edge of the rotor that is remote from the film surface. Upon rotation of the rotor the held strip of reclosable fastener material is moved to a location adjacent to the film surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Triangle Package Machinery Company
    Inventor: John M. Linkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6212857
    Abstract: A slide-zipper assembly, a method of attaching the slide-zipper assembly to thermoplastic film, and a method of making slide-zippered packages are provided. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the slide-zipper assembly is comprised of a reclosable zipper and an optional slider. The reclosable zipper includes a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof at the bottom of the zipper. The interlocking members are interlockable with one another. The zipper flanges are wrapped around the zipper and joined together at the top of the zipper. The slider straddles the zipper and is adapted to open the zipper as it is moved therealong in an opening direction and to close the zipper as it is moved therealong in a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Van Erden
  • Patent number: 6131374
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming and closing bags, said method comprising steps consisting in delivering closure means comprising at least two complementary strips disposed on respective backing sheets, in delivering a film that is to constitute the walls of the bag, in heat-sealing a first backing sheet of the closure means to the film along at least one of the longitudinal edges of said sheet, with the closure means being angularly positioned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the film, in shaping the resulting film as equipped with the closure means into a tube, and in heat-sealing the second backing sheet of the closure means to an opposite face of the film along only one edge of said second sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Henri Georges Bois
  • Patent number: 6131369
    Abstract: A method of making reclosable packages is provided. A package is formed from thermoplastic film. The package includes a reclosable zipper. The sides of the package are slit and spread apart. A slider is inserted on to the zipper through a side slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6131370
    Abstract: The apparatus and method attaches a section of unsupported interlocking zipper transversely to portion of film drawn around a fill tube of a form fill and sea machine. This includes the steps of driving and guiding said zipper horizontally around the outside of the film formed around the tube in a direction transverse to direction of movement of the film, after the formation of the fin seal. An alternative embodiment drives and guides the zipper horizontally around the inside of the film formed around the tube prior to the formation of the fin seal. A retractable ledge may be used to guide the zipper in the alternative embodiment. A slider operated zipper can also be used in this alternative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6088998
    Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and an integral web which defines a trailing flange. One or both of the profiles are provided with high compression members which allow one or both of the interlocking members to be sealed to thermoplastic film without being crushed or distorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Art Malin, Ronald L. Ramsey, Lawrence Share, Richmond M. Scott
  • Patent number: 6086524
    Abstract: A storage bag and a method and apparatus for forming such a storage bag. The storage bag contains a reclosure tie formed as an integral marginal portion of the bag beyond an edge of the bag. The marginal portion includes overlying layers of bag material that form an elongated structure along an axis with first and second ends. A fused closure is formed in the marginal portion parallel to the axis and over a portion of the marginal portion spaced from one end thereof. This structure defines a tail and open loop that wrap around an opened bag thereby to close the bag in a positive fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew McG. Martin
  • Patent number: 6068585
    Abstract: A gored packing bag which comprises a front body 1, a rear body 2, gores 3,4 formed by gluing the front body and the rear body into a combined situation, and a pair of fasteners 5, 6 in arranged between the front or rear body and the gores, one of a base tape being glued as a whole on an inner surface of the front or rear body close to an open end thereof, while both end portions of the other base tape 8 being glued to a half side of gore 28,29 facing to the front and an intermediate remainder of the gores in the width direction being glued on a corresponding inner surface of the front or rear body, and a fixed portion 30, 31 of remaindered gores in the width direction being glued on a corresponding inner surface of the front or back body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Toshikatu Ouchi
  • Patent number: 6044621
    Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable bag or package includes a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. The male interlocking profile includes a male interlocking member and a male web coextruded therewith. In like manner, the female interlocking profile includes a female interlocking member and a female web. The male interlocking member snappingly engages into the female interlocking member to join the profiles to one another. One of the male and female webs is wider than the other in at least one of two directions from the male and female interlocking members, the greater width being represented by at least one flange extending widthwise beyond the other web. The zipper strip is designed to be attached to thermoplastic sheet material by sealing the at least one flange thereto without sealing the male and female webs to each other. Methods for securing the zipper strip to thermoplastic sheet material, and for making packages on a horizontal form-fill-and-seal machine, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Art Malin, Donald L. Van Erden, James G. Kohl, Jr., Michael J. McMahon
  • Patent number: 6032437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for forming packaging on the basis of film that includes complementary closure strips, the machine comprising: feeder means for feeding onto the film a closure means comprising two support webs provided with at least a first longitudinal assembly constituted by two complementary strips and with a second longitudinal assembly disposed at a distance from the first, urging means for urging the support webs towards each other between the two longitudinal assemblies, and two rectilinear guides suitable for penetrating respectively into the gaps between each pair of lateral edges of the support webs. The present invention also provides a method, the resulting packages, and closure means for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Henri Georges Bois
  • Patent number: 6000197
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing bags on an automatic forming, filling and sealing (FFS) machine (100) wherein a tube (20) capable of forming walls (38, 40) of a bag is sequentially cut into portions by a cut which is approximately transverse with respect to the direction of movement of the tube (20). A fastener assembly (50) is attached to the cut end of that part of the tube (20) that is below the filling chute (110) of the FFS machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 5968310
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making continuous rolls of a thin laminate composite that is ideally suited for the large scale production of reclosable bags which can be used for sealably packaging a wide variety of articles, including food products. The bags of the invention, after being opened, can quickly and easily be closed by rolling the open end downwardly upon itself in a manner to sealably deform one or more inelastic, malleable metal filaments which are interconnected with at least one of the laminate side walls of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: James E. Brunton
    Inventor: Donald Clark
  • Patent number: 5937615
    Abstract: Apparatus for making flexible packages having an openable and resealable interlocking closure from a continuous web of flexible film, the closure being formed transversely to the direction of film flow at the consumer preferred position across one end of the package during package formation at line speed. The system utilizes a converter device mounted atop or adjacent to standard packaging apparatus to form a small amount of the running packaging film into the resealable closure structure as an integral part of the film extending transversely to the long dimension of the package. The converter functions with both horizontal and vertical form/fill/seal wrapping machines and with overwrap packagers, and uses diverse packaging films such as polypropylene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, high and medium density polyethylene and various film laminations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Harold M. Forman
  • Patent number: 5827163
    Abstract: A zipper for a recloseable bag provides a heat-settable portion for adhering the zipper to a polymeric bag at a temperature below that known in the art in order to prevent permanently sealing the bag closed inadvertantly. The zipper includes elongated base strips having flange portions for adhering the inner surface of the base strip to the outer surface of a polymeric bag. The base strip is adhered to the polymeric bag by a heat-setting compound coextruded, coated or laminated to the inner surface of the flange. The flange portions may be thinner than other portions of the base strips to permit the flange portions to be fused to the polymeric bag at a lower temperature than previously practiced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Catherine E. Kettner
  • Patent number: 5823933
    Abstract: Reclosable bags, plastic film for making the bags, and a method and apparatus for making the bags are disclosed. The bag has a reclosable fastener (26) connected to a single wall of the bag, and the film (55) has a reclosable fastener (26) connected to one side thereof which 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 reclosable bags can be produced therefrom since the fasteners (26) are connected to the web preferably transversely to the bags longitudinal formation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 5776045
    Abstract: A machine for attaching a reclosable fastener to a web of flexible material primarily intended for use with a host packaging machine to form a reclosable container. The fastener attaching machine includes a motor that indexes the flexible material along a path through the fastener attaching machine. A cutting device disposed along the path forms a cut through a predetermined segment of the flexible material. A fastener supply means provides reclosable fasteners having distal ends and a predetermined length to an endless belt that conveys each fastener to a fusing means that respectively melts and cools the distal ends of each fastener. The endless belt then conveys the fused fastener to a sealing means that seals the reclosable fastener in overlying relation to the cut formed in the flexible web of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Lakeland Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Bodolay, Michael J. Bodolay
  • Patent number: 5711751
    Abstract: A plastic bag manufacturing method to produce bags with a removable release strip in covering relation over an adhesive deposit adjacent an upper edge of the bag rear panel, in which the height of the release strip is increased to provide continuity along the length thereof to enable urging the strip, as required during the bag manufacturing process, in a machine direction, and the lower release strip portion is notched at locations coinciding with the bag side edges so that these bag side edges are fused for their entire lengths with no inhibiting of this fusing process by the release strip being in an interposed position between the overlying upper edges of the bag front and rear panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Hikmet Harmanoglu
  • Patent number: 5673534
    Abstract: A reclosable bag includes a detachable reclosure tie having a tail portion formed by a series of spaced elongated seals and a closed loop. Apparatus for forming the reclosure tie with a bag includes first and second sealing jaws with external and internal grippers for holding web material. The first sealing jaw carries cutting and perforating knives and a cooling block that directs cooling air onto the knives to prevent the knife temperature from rising to the melting temperature of the web material. Each sealing jaw contains a heating block with complementary sealing surfaces for forming various seals including the seals that form the tail portion of the reclosure tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Simple Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight P. Fowler
  • Patent number: 5400568
    Abstract: This invention relates to a snap zipper, a bag with a snap zipper, manufacture method and apparatus for a bag with a snap zipper, and bagging method and apparatus for a bag with a snap zipper. A hot-welded portion of the snap zipper comprising a male member and a female member is formed of ionomer resin or random copolymer resin of ethylene-acrylic acid. At least one tape with a pair of snap zipper half-members and a base film are supplied and passed through guide rollers for being placed one above the other, followed by hot-welding the tapes with snap zipper half-members and the base film to each other to form a film with a snap zipper. The film with a snap zipper is guided by a guide member such that the pair of snap zipper half-member are intermeshed to form a tubular film. The tubular film is sealed off with intervals of a predetermined distance perpendicularly to the lengthwise direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kanemitsu, Kaoru Hayashi, Kazufumi Matsui
  • Patent number: 5383989
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing reclosable plastic bags or packages includes the step of presoftening the complete length of the zipper before it is introduced into the space between two plies of plastic sheet material, which form the sides of the plastic bag or package. The presoftening enables the zipper, which may comprise interlocked male and female profiles, to be fused together and completely flattened when a seal bar clamps thereacross to form a side seal area transverse to the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. McMahon
  • Patent number: 5328436
    Abstract: The deadfold reclosure sticker for hand pressure application to a bag has a flexible backing liner with a low adhesion surface. On the liner is a flexible deadfold reclosure sticker having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer forming a base surface releasably adhered to the low adhesion surface of the liner. The sticker comprises a laminate of pliable layers and at least two deadfold wires having a thickness at least twice as great as the laminate. The wires are in spaced parallel alignment and are embedded along their length in the laminate with the ends of said wires exposed to view. The flexible backing liner has a structural feature for easy removal of it for hand application of it onto a flexible bag to form a deadfold reclosable bag easily reclosed by simple folding steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Bedford Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Larsen, Lloyd Tinklenberg
  • Patent number: 5284002
    Abstract: A storage bag and a method and apparatus for forming such a storage bag. The storage bag contains a reclosure tie formed as an integral marginal portion of the bag beyond an edge of the bag. The marginal portion includes overlying layers of bag material that form an elongated structure along an axis with first and second ends. A fused closure is formed in the marginal portion parallel to the axis and over a portion of the marginal portion spaced from one end thereof. This structure defines a tail and open loop that wrap around an opened bag thereby to close the bag in a positive fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Simple Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight P. Fowler, Andrew McG. Martin
  • Patent number: 5127208
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for applying a reclosable profile element and a tear strip element to a packaging film is disclosed. Packaging film is formed into a tubular form about a forming tube. The tubular shaped packaging film is advanced along the length of the forming tube and over a product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of the forming tube. The packaging film is deformed to conform to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube. Excess packaging film, made available due to the differences in outer perimeters of the forming tube and product fill tube, is formed into a loop. A reclosable profile element is guided into the loop and adhered to the inner surface of the loop. A tear strip is also provided which may be adhered to the packaging film prior to said film into a tubular shape about said forming tube, or may be guided into the loop of said film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Custer, Richard R. Kosiorek, Michael P. Kolosso, Mladomir Tomic
  • Patent number: 5116301
    Abstract: A double zipper pouch having first and second pockets adjacent one another and with a common wall portion, each pocket having an opening for receiving contents such as identification papers. The first and second pockets are formed so that their openings are displaced relative to one another. Pressure actuated resealable fasteners are disposed adjacent the openings in each of the first and second pockets. First and second indicators are also disposed adjacent the openings to provide an indication of the location of the associated opening. The indicators are preferably different from one another so as to provide an identification for the associated pocket. An adhesive material is formed on the back of the first pocket for affixing the pouch to, for example, a package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: LPS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Robinson, William R. Stadick, Thomas L. Clawges, Thomas P. Minogue
  • Patent number: 5092831
    Abstract: A method of opening a folded web of flexible heat-sealable packaging material prior to formation of the material into sealed reclosable packages. The web has a pair of interlockable reclosable closure strips extending longitudinally of the web on an inside face of the web, and one section of the web is folded over on another section of the web so that the closure strips are interlocked. The method comprises advancing the folded web in a first plane to a web-opening station, and opening the folded web while maintaining the closure strips interlocked as the web advances through the web-opening station. The web is opened by diverting both sections of the web relative to one another so that they assume a co-planar position in a second plane different from the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Hayssen Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Robert C. James, Lloyd Kovacs
  • Patent number: 5088971
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for making end terminations for a plastic reclosable fastener or zipper, which incorporates a stop for the zipper slider wherein the zipper profile is cut apart with a hot knife which forces the melted material into cavities forming the end stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Fox J. Herrington
  • Patent number: 5045040
    Abstract: A closure seal and method for envelopes having front and back panels joined along bottom and side edges and in which a release liner strip delimits overlying marginal edges along the top of the panels. The liner strip initially covers a pressure sensitive adhesive band in the top marginal edge of one of the panels and extends through the side edge junctures of the panels to enable removal of the liner strip and securement of the top margins by the pressure sensitive adhesive band. Registered lines of perforations are formed across the top portion of both panels below the bottom edge of the release liner strip to define a tear line for opening the evelope after it has been sealed in embodiments not intended for liquid contents. The lines of perforations are omitted in an liquid containing envelope embodiment wherein the adhesive band joins with fused side edges of the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Uniflex, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt W. Vetter
  • Patent number: 5009633
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing the outer cloth bag for an upright vacuum cleaner in which the bag material of a predetermined width is unwound from a reel an fed through guides, material folders and a double headed sewing machine. At the same time zipper chains are fed from rolls on the right and left side of the moving bag material. The zippers are sewn on opposite side edges of the bag, the bag material is cut into predetermined sized panels, and thereafter the side edges of the panels are folded and the zipper halves zipped up to form a tube. At least one open end is closed to form a bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industires, Inc.
    Inventor: Oral M. Smaling
  • 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: 4927474
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for sealing plies of thermoplastic material included in laminated sheets having thickened sections in a manner such that strong side seals result with substantially no delamination of one or more plies of a laminated sheet comprises performing a first blocking operation on the laminated sheets by application of heat and pressure through a first pair of seal bars having an effectively matched cross-section such that the laminated sheets remain substantially planar during the first blocking operation. A second blocking operation is performed over the previously blocked areas by the application of heat and a soft pressure through a second pair of seal bars having an effectively matched cross section such that the laminated sheets remain substantially planar during the second blocking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: James C. Pawloski
  • 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: 4844759
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making reclosable bag material wherein a film has a longitudinal formation axis extending the length of a bag to be made therefrom and the film is incrementally advanced longitudinally, strips of extruded plastic profiled reclosable fastener strip are movable laterally axially across the film for location at one end of a bag made from the film with the profiles projecting in a direction toward the film, the strip is rotated to have the profiles facing away from the film and a strip base placed on the film and the base heat bonded to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugo Boeckmann
  • 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: 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: 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: 4698274
    Abstract: Plastic tubular film structure for forming multiple bags. The tubular film structure has a first pair of rib elements, a second pair of diametrically opposed rib elements, a first pair of groove elements between said pairs of rib elements and a second pair of groove elements diametrically opposed to the first pair, with the elements in the pairs being closely spaced and being on the inner surface of the tube. Each of the pairs of rib elements are aligned with each adjacent pair of groove elements as the tubing is flattened to form first and second sets of the aligned pairs of rib and groove elements, so that by forming a continuous slit between the elements of one layer at one set and the elements of the other layer at the other set, and with the tube being subsequently folded so that an element adjacent the slit of the first set is folded onto the second set, and an element adjacent the slit of the second set is folded onto the first set, two continuous strips of double interlocking profile film are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Ausnit, Donald L. Van Erden
  • Patent number: 4663915
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for packaging a blocky product such as cheese, into a wrapped envelope package, with material especially adapted for said packaging and wherein a bottom face of the product article is engaged on a panel area of the wrapper sheet which sheet has extended portions that are wrapped about the article and sealed across a top face of the article, with one of the portions of the wrapper sheet having a reclosable zipper and a web portion alongside said zipper which is adapted to be severed or ruptured to provide a mouth opening for access to the article within the package and the mouth opening being reclosable by the enclosed zipper. The zipper may be provided with structure to prevent its being pulled open during the wrapping and sealing of the wrapper about the article. The web portion may have guidance for severing or rupturing the same when access is desired into the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Signode Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Van Erden, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 4655862
    Abstract: A method of making making reclosable bags and material for making the bags, and apparatus wherein in one aspect extruded resiliently flexible plastic profiled reclosable fastener strip means for reclosable bags is located across the longitudinal formation axis of the bag wall web material, and in another aspect of the invention single strip fastener strip has at one or more suitable locations therealong separations across the profiles, such as notches, to facilitate bending or folding of the strip upon itself so that the self-interlocking profiles of the portions of the strip folded upon themselves are adapted for reclosable interlocking with one another. The interlockable portions of the strip may have separable air tight sealing ribs therealong. The web and fastener material and fastener assembly is especially suitable for machines wherein the bags are formed, filled and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Minigrip, Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul B. Christoff, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 4623323
    Abstract: Thermoplastic tape is stretched by a rotating disk having slots extending radially outward from the center of rotation of the disk. The tape is gripped by clips which are moved outwardly in the slots by a cam slot as the disk rotates. The clips grip the tape throughout a length which forms relatively thick and wide unstretched portions of tape with relatively thin and narrow central portions of stretched tape between said clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Fox J. Herrington
  • Patent number: 4603537
    Abstract: In making a reclosable plastic film bag, bag mouth lips are formed projecting beyond a heat-seal band closing the bag mouth and a stiffening patch is bonded to the interior or exterior of a bag mouth lip between the heat-sealing band and the bag mouth end. The stiffening patches for the reclosable bag mouth end can be applied to a strip of sheet material for making bags at the time that the bags are formed and filled by clipping from a strip of patch-making material patch pieces having pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side. Such patch pieces are transferred from a clipper onto the bag-making material by a revolving transfer member having a suction pick-up to pick up a patch piece and a blow subsequently detaches the patch piece from the transfer member and deposits it onto the strip of bag-making material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Formost Packaging Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent C. Pace
  • Patent number: 4601694
    Abstract: Material for bags with flexible sidewalls having reclosable separable plastic profile bag mouth closures comprising flexible sheet material providing the bag body and sidewalls. The bag mouth closures comprise strips having separably interlockable complementary resilient plastic profiles and lateral pull flanges of greater thickness than the sheet material extending from one side of each of the base portions. The opposite side of each base portion is generally aligned with its profiles. The base portions and lateral pull flanges are secured in laminar relation to marginal portions of the sheet material, and with distal edges of the pull flanges directed toward bag top edges of the marginal sheet portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit
  • 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
  • Patent number: RE34554
    Abstract: A bag with an openable mouth carries a reclosable extruded plastic zipper inside the mouth. The zipper has complementary profiles separably interlockable in a closed condition of the zipper. A gasket flange structure in separably sealingly grippingly interengageable by and between the profiles in the closed condition of the zipper, and may also serve as a tamper evident or tamper discouraging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Minigrip, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit