Abstract: A reclosable package comprises a receptacle and a header that communicate via a mouth, and a slider-zipper assembly disposed in the mouth, the slider being exposed when a first portion of the header is removed. The header further comprises second and third portions having respective states of tension that will cause the second and third portions of the header to curl or bend away from the slider when the first portion of the header is removed, for example, by tearing or cutting. The second and third portions of the header curl or bend in opposite directions to allow easy access to the slider by the consumer. In a method of manufacture, the second and third portions of the header are heat treated to produce differential shrink tension states. Alternatively, the header material can be a thermoplastic laminate film in which the layers have different shrink tension states.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching discrete lengths of zipper at spaced intervals across a web of bag making film has an endless belt supported between a pair of pulleys for moving zipper segments into position on the web. The zipper segments are cut from a zipper supply and fed into a nip between the endless belt and the web top surface. After a zipper segment is deposited into position on the web, the endless belt is raised. A vertically movable sealing bar below the web is raised into position to heat the web to seal the zipper to the web after which the sealing bar is lowered. The web then advances and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A method of making a reclosable product package (64, 100, 142), a package-making apparatus (10) for the method and the reclosable product package (64, 100, 142) in which block cheese or another product (45) which does not slide well during packaging in placed on a continuous length of thermoplastic packaging film (12). Various folding directions (44, 62, 90, 106, 114) of the packaging film (12) and various placement of reclosable zippers (73, 108, 119) produce various reclosable product packages (64, 100, 142) with various peel seal (40, 41, 87, 88) arrangements.

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: An invention for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strips.

Abstract: Form-fill-seal machine includes parts for moving a web of packaging material through the machine according to a process path and parts for transforming the web into filled bags, as well as a zipper strip applicator device for supplying a zipper strip for each bag transverse to the process path, by use of a first and a second conveyor, which in the supply direction of the zipper strip are placed one behind the other and are both provided with parts for retaining the zipper strip during supply, a blade being placed between the first and the second conveyor for cutting the zipper strip and the first and the second conveyor being provided with their own first and second drive.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the registration of one elongated continuous structure (e.g., plastic zipper) with attachments or formed features (e.g., sliders or pre-seals) as it is fed to a sealing station, where it is joined to another elongated continuous structure (e.g., packaging film) with formed features (e.g., thermoformed pockets). The latter elongated continuous structure will be intermittently advanced through the machine, pulling the former elongated continuous structure joined thereto forward. Registration is accomplished by tacking the respective elongated continuous structures together while the respective features on the elongated continuous structures are in proper registration. After tacking, the respective portions of the elongated continuous structures immediately downstream of the tack zone are advanced to the sealing station in proper registration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strip. Apparatus and methods for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, and also for manufacturing an empty, flexible recloseable container.

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 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: An invention for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strips.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: An easy-opening feature in a flexible package is provided by forming a tear feature in the package material by slitting, perforating, or otherwise forming a stress riser in the material, and affixing a label to the package material so that the label adheres to the tear feature. The formation of the tear feature and affixing of the label are performed prior to wrapping a product in the package material and sealing the material, and preferably are performed while the package material is moving along a path in a packaging apparatus. The label in one embodiment includes a detachable middle portion that tears free of the rest of the label upon pulling the detachable portion, such that remaining portions of the label remain on the package adjacent the opening created by the tear feature.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming reclosable bags, wherein said bags are formed from a continuously film (12) fitted with at least one closure tape (60), wherein the apparatus comprises a set of heat-sealed jaws (30) provided transversely relative to the travel direction of the film (12), at least one sensor (100) that if the tape (60) is present or not on the film in a predetermined position relative to the heat-sealed jaws, and means suitable to reposition correctly the film in regard of the heat-sealed jaws when the sensor detects a default in the position of the tape, so as to eliminate drift due to the elasticity of the film.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method of performing biological assays, including: providing a longitudinally extending carrier tape having thermally formed therein a plurality of reagent receiving wells; adding a reagent to each of said reagent receiving wells; permitting each of said reagent receiving wells to incubate at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time; and performing a biological analysis on each of said reagent receiving wells.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making reclosable plastic bags is provided. In the method and apparatus, a fastener is attached to a moving flat web of plastic film, preferably in the direction of web movement and near the center of the web. A plurality of sliders are mounted to the fastener either before or after the fastener is attached to the flat web, but prior to conveying the web to a FFS machine. The flat web, with the slider-operated fastener already attached thereto, is then conveyed to a vertical or horizontal FFS machine where the flat web is formed into bags, and the bags are successively filled and sealed.

Abstract: A form-fill sealing machine (1) for manufacturing resealable packages (W) includes a tearable line forming device (30) that serves to form tearable lines (104) in a film (F). A labeling device (40) serves to stick re-stickable labels (103) onto the film in positions to cover respective tearable lines. A tube forming device (60) serves to form the film into a tubular film (T). A first sealing device (80) serves to seal lapped edges of the tubular film so as to form a lengthwise sealed portion (111). A second sealing device (90) serves to seal the tubular film in a crosswise direction, so that crosswise sealed portions (109) are formed on the tubular film. Each tearable line is positioned between two adjacent crosswise sealed portions and adjacent to one of two adjacent crosswise sealed portions.

Abstract: Resealable zipper plastic bags have upwardly protruding support members on each side of the bag mouth which are engaged within downwardly opening channels of two opposed indexer assemblies. With the bag mouth under tension, a slider assembly engages the bag slider, moves it to a fully closed position, then advances the slider to a fully open position. The indexer assemblies are moved toward each other to relieve tension on the bag mouth and cause the mouth to splay open. An insert plate is inserted and rotated to spread the bag mouth for introduction of product through a product chute. Once full, the chute and spreader assembly are withdrawn, tension is applied to the bag mouth, and the slider assembly moves the zipper slider to a fully closed position. The bag support members are then released from the indexer assemblies and the product filled bag is discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of forming and sealing a flexible, reclosable package having a zipper closure and slider mounted thereon. The reclosable package is initially formed having a pair of opposing side panels and a zipper closure extending between the pair of side panels. The zipper closure is initially attached to the side panels only along a pair of spaced side seals. The reclosable package is filled with product through a fill opening created between the zipper closure and either one of the side panels. Once the package is filled, with product, the attachment flanges of the zipper closure are sealed to both of the side panels. Thus, the zipper closure is sealed to the side panels only after product has been inserted into the product package.

Abstract: A container packaging method is provided which ensures a sealing ability and yet has an easy opening ability. Between a container edge and a film covering an upper opening face of a container, a strip seal, having a portion sealed partially weakly at an outer side portion of a corner of the container edge, is formed and a double line seal is formed on the strip seal. An outer line seal has its corner end projected toward an outer side edge of the corner of the container edge. The outer line seal and an inner line seal are connected by a seal connection formed in a diagonal direction of the container. The inner line seal has its inner side edge at the corner of the container edge be of a cornered shape.

Abstract: A beverage reservoir for a personal hydration device is filled with a beverage, e.g., water, and sealed in a tamper-evident manner. As a result, the reservoir can be sold pre-filled and the user can use the reservoir confident that the beverage contains no mold, fungus, or residue from previously stored and consumed beverage. The reservoir can also include a port for re-filling such that the user can use the reservoir in a conventional manner after consumption of the previously sealed-in beverage.

Abstract: A method of applying fiscal indicia, such as a tax stamp, to an article wherein the article is enclosed at least in part by a film packaging material with an associated tear tape, the tear tape comprising a base film of oriented thermoplastic having a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive on one side of the film and with a coating of release agent on an opposed side of the film and wherein the tear tape carries the fiscal indicia such as a tax stamp thereon.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a tube blank, comprising the following steps: (a) forming a tube hose around a mandrel and advancing the said tube hose along the said mandrel such that a leading edge of the said tube hose is flush with a leading face of the said mandrel; (b) presenting a dispensing assembly to the said leading edge of the said tube hose; (c) sealing the dispensing assembly with the said tube hose to form a tube blank; (d) separating the tube blank from the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a topical composition in a breakable capsule, includes the steps of elastically deforming at least a portion of a first deformable film that is impermeable to the composition so as to constitute at least one blister; injecting the topical composition into the blister; applying a second film that is impermeable to the composition onto the first film so as to close the blister; and sealing the second film and the first film together around the periphery of the blister, the portion of the first film being suitable for shrinking after release of the capsule so as to cause the pressure inside the capsule to be greater than atmospheric pressure. While the capsule is being made, at least one weak region is made in the blister, thus making the capsule suitable for being broken by exerting pressure on the capsule.

Abstract: A packaging blank capable of forming a multi-purpose shipping and display container comprises in one embodiment a bottom panel, first and second side panels connected to opposing edges of the bottom panel, a back panel connected to the bottom panel, first and second divider support panels connected to the side panels, first and second divider panels connected to the side panels by the divider support panels, and first and second side reinforcement panels connected to the side panels opposite the divider support panels. Upon construction the packaging blank provides a multi-purpose shipping and display container having more than one internal compartment that is convertible into an open-sided tray. A method of packaging articles comprises in one embodiment the steps of folding the blank to form a container having more than one internal compartment, positioning the articles in the compartments, and removably securing a lid to the container.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing reclosable bags (30) by forming a film (50) includes moving the film (50) and attaching to the film (50) sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film (50), a fastener (1) including a first strip (2) supporting at least one reclosable profile (10) engaged with another reclosable profile (12) that is complementary thereto and supported by a second strip (4) or a part of the first strip (2), which will subsequently be attached to the film (50). Each strip (2, 4) includes at least one web (6, 8) extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles (12). The above arrangements make possible special fasteners (1) that include sliders (9), gasket membranes (26), fasteners inverted within the bag (30), peel seals (18, 20, 21) and hinged fasteners (1).

Abstract: Horizontal 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.

Abstract: A method of forming, filling and sealing a reclosable package 46. A thermoform film 14 is fed toward a forming station 18. A zipper length 20 having mated interlocking profiles 21 and 23 and a slider 28 is fed onto the thermoform film transverse to the feeding direction of the film and one of the profiles is sealed to the film. A pocket 18 is thermoformed in the film and product 32 is fed into the pocket. A cover sheet 34 is then fed over the thermoform film covering the pocket 18 and second profile 23. The cover sheet 34 is sealed to the thermoform film at seal lines 38 along the pocket, to the second profile and above the zipper to form a filled package and the bottom seal 44 for the next package.

Abstract: A standup bag for granular products or the like and a method of manufacturing the bag. The standup bag is manufactured from an extruded heat scalable material and includes both an integral handle and a perforation to facilitate opening and pouring out the contents of the bag.

Abstract: A vertical form fill seal, stand-up, bag and a method of making the same is disclosed. The bag made of a flexible and resilient material such as plastic, has hollow interior, a horizontal bottom seal located below the hollow interior and a top horizontal seal located above the hollow interior. The bag can stand, preferably on or near the bottom seal, when filled with contents. A recloseable seal, such as a finger closure zipper or a slide zipper in other embodiments, is on a perimeter of the hollow interior, and between the top and bottom seals. The recloseable seal extends in a direction other than horizontal, and may extends the entire distance, or only a part of the distance, between the top horizontal seal and the bottom horizontal seal. The recloseable seal is fixed to sealed horizontal sides, or other than the sealed horizontal sides, and may be flush with the bag or extending beyond the edges of the bag. The bag has a handle above the top horizontal seal.

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: A method and apparatus for continuously forming and filling slider operated reclosable plastic bags two at a time. A base film of plastic bag making material is horizontally advanced in a longitudinal direction and product is loaded onto the base film in two lines. First and second continuous slider operated zippers are then applied onto the base film between the lines of product and a cover film is placed over the base film covering the lines of product and the zippers. The composite is sealed to the base film along longitudinally extending lines disposed on sides of the product opposite to the two zippers and between the zippers. The base film is then sealed to the cover film along transverse seal sections on opposite sides of each row of product and the thus formed filled packages are separated by longitudinally cutting through the base film between the zippers and cutting through the transverse seal sections.

Abstract: An automated reclosable packaging manufacturing equipment for applying zipper tape to bag making film, especially as part of a form-fill-seal process, and a method of joining a zipper flange of a zipper assembly to bag making film without “seal-through” of the zipper flanges. The method comprises the steps of: (a) pressing a web of bag making film and first and second zipper flanges of a zipper assembly together along the length of the latter, with the first zipper flange sandwiched between and in contact with the web of bag making film and the second zipper flange; and (b) during step (a), causing heat to be conducted through the web of bag making film into the first zipper flange. The amount of heat conducted through the web of bag making film must be sufficient to seal the web of bag making film to the first zipper flange without sealing the first zipper flange to the second zipper flange.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: Methods of producing a laminated package with an opening which is sealed by a tear-off strip or a pouring element as well as a corresponding laminated package are described. To be able to produce a laminated package with such a closure inexpensively, the following steps are provided in the method punching out an opening in a packaging material, coating the packaging material at least in the area of the opening, creating a package sheathing from the coated packaging material, conveying the package sheathing to a filling machine or to an equipment unit from the filling machine, and attaching a tear-open strip to the opening in the package sheathing in the filling machine or in the equipment unit upstream from the filling machine.

Abstract: A closure feed system for use on an associated form, fill and seal packaging machine for feeding and singulating closures from a closure storage region to a closure applicator. The feed system includes a chute for conveying the closures from the storage region to the applicator along a conveyance path defined by the chute. A singulator includes upper and lower reciprocating members configured for alternatingly reciprocating into and out of the conveyance path. The upper member includes a separating element having an upper surface and a lower surface. One of the upper and lower surfaces is formed at an incline relative to the other surface such that a distance between the upper and lower surfaces increases as the lower member moves into the conveyance path.

Abstract: A method for making a reclosable bag (56) with gussets (36, 38) in which a zipper profile (16) is attached to bag-making film (10), while leaving side margins (20, 22) of the film. The film (10) is folded as a tube (26). Gusset-forming wheels (34, 35) indent the tube (26) to form the side gussets (36, 38). The side gussets (36, 38) are sealed to the tube (26) and/or the zipper profile (18) with the profile sealed to the tube. The tube (26) is sealed and cross-cut to form the bag (56). In an alternative method, lengths of tubular gusset material (112) are positioned on a lower web (110) of film (101) transverse to a bag-forming direction. A zipper (124) is sealed in the bag-forming direction to the webs (108, 110), and the gusset material (112). The webs (108, 110) and the material (112) are sealed to each other to form an end seal (140) as well as cross-cut and sealed to form the gussets (144, 148) of a reclosable bag (147).

Abstract: A method of forming, filling and sealing a reclosable package with a slider activated zipper wherein a base film moves longitudinally to a filling station and, in a moving direction, away from the filling station. At the filling station a product is fed onto the base film. As the base film carrying product is moved from the filling station, a zipper with a slider attached is fed onto the moving film in the moving direction of the base film. The zipper has a first profile and a second profile, each of which has an attached web extending away from the slider. A top film is applied over the base film and the first profile web is sealed to the base film and the second profile web is sealed to the top film. The package is completed by transversely cross-sealing the base film and the top film together on opposite sides of the product. The base and top films may be formed from the same sheet folded over or may be formed from separate sheets.

Abstract: A particle aerosol belt has a double-seal construction. A first zip-lock container contains the dry aerosol particles, such as brass metallic flake. The zip-lock containers are then placed in an elongate tubing. The tubing is sealed between the zip-lock containers to form a plurality of cells in which the zip-lock containers are disposed. A method of forming the particle aerosol belt includes introducing the brass metallic flake or other material, in the form of a slurry into the zip-lock containers, and drying the slurry, prior to sealing the zip-lock containers.

Abstract: A horizontal form, fill and seal machine has a hollow forming box into which a continuous film is longitudinally fed from a packaging film supply. The forming box has a top, sides and open inlet and outlet ends. A pair of guide bars extend from the outlet end of the forming box adjacent the forming box sides and extending away from the inlet end. The forming box transforms the flat packaging film into a film envelope that extends about the guide bars and has a product-receiving surface that rests on a conveyor between the guide bars. Sealing bars are provided to join the longitudinal edges of the packaging film together and to form seals across the envelope at package length intervals after each deposit of product onto the product-receiving surface. A zipper attaching mechanism applies zipper to the film upstream of the forming box.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

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 method of making packages having a reclosable zipper construction openable and closeable by a slider device by a horizontal form, fill and seal process. The method includes applying the slider device to the zipper construction prior to incorporating the zipper construction with the package film to form the package. The zipper construction is first applied and adhered to one half of the package film and then to the other half. A tamper-evident seal may be provided encasing the slider device to provide indication whether access has been gained to the slider device and the interior of the package.

Abstract: An enclosure 10 for preserving perishable goods 14 includes an inner portion 12 for removably receiving perishable goods 14, an outer portion 16 that removably receives a vacuum device 18 such as a vacuum cleaner which removes air from the enclosure 10 after the goods 14 have been inserted into the inner portion 12, a sealable outer seal 20 that provides an air tight boundary between the enclosure 10 and an end portion 22 of the vacuum device 18 to promote the removal of air from the enclosure 10, and a sealable inner seal 24 that provides an air tight boundary for the inner portion 12 and the goods 14 therein after the removal of air from the enclosure 10 and while the vacuum device 18 remains engaged with the outer seal 20; the vacuum device 18 being separated from the outer seal 20 after the removal of air from the inner portion 12 and the air tight sealing of the inner seal 24 whereby the perishable goods 14 are encased in a vacuum sealed inner portion 12 of the enclosure 10 to preserve the perishable goo

Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a string of bags provided with transverse closure strips by sequentially placing closure system segments transversely on a film for forming the walls of the bag, with each segment having two complementary closure strips. The support webs are fixed respectively to the inside faces of the two walls of the bag while taking care to provide sequential transverse openings in the film so as to give access to between the two strips. A machine for implementing the method and strings of bags obtained thereby are also included.

Abstract: Reclosable packaging systems are disclosed. The package construction comprises a single sheet or wrapper having a face panel extending between opposite sides and end edges, said sheet material being folded from opposite sides of the face panel into a tubular envelope shape and with longitudinal margins of the sheet material sealed into a seam opposite said face panel and extending between said end edges of the envelope, such that said seam is sealed at the edge to form a pilfer-proof seal and said seam comprises a zipper strip portion comprising reclosable separable fastener profiles aligned parallel to the sealed edge, and cross seals at said opposite end edges of the envelope. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for forming, filling and sealing such packages. These packages can be used for packaging such products as disposable wipes and food products.

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.