Abstract: The method and apparatus relates to providing a slit, perforation, line of weakness or similar structure in a flange of a zipper for a reclosable package or bag, including a high-capacity zipper. The slit, perforation, line of weakness or similar structure provides an opening for filling the reclosable package or bag without the need to separate the zipper profiles from each other. After filling, the opening is sealed and the cosmetic appearance of the reclosable package or bag is maintained.

Abstract: A closure having two profile strips for an at least partially flexible container for connecting a first container to a second container in a manner sealed against the environment in a such a way that a closed docking position can be obtained. Further the closure provides for conducting a flow in a sealed manner against the environment in a flow direction through the closure from the first container into the second container in such a way that an open docking position can be obtained. According to the described system, the second container facing the first container is designed with an identical closure that engages in the closure of the first container in the open docking position and forms a channel for the flow in the flow direction together with the closure.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper fastener has a slider 40 and first and second profiles 24, 26. Each profile has a body 32, 34 and a flange 28, 30 which has three zones which are, successively and in the direction away from the body, an anti-seal zone 42, 43, a line-of-weakness formation zone 44, 45 and a sealing zone 46, 47. The zipper can be used in a bag in which it is secured internally of a top seal 20, the line-of-weakness zones 44, 45 forming lines along which a top portion of the bag can be removed to open the bag. The bag can then be sealed using the zipper. A tamper-evident feature is thus provided.

Abstract: The embodiments include a wide mouth gusseted package wherein four machine direction edge seals are formed on the film, and the zipper is applied in the transverse direction on the opposite side of the film from where the machine direction edge seals are formed. In the resulting package, the edge seals are at the exterior of the four corners of the package, and the resulting gussets can be folded inwardly or outwardly. The package may further include a sealing strip with a peel seal layer and a sealant layer whereby a hermetic package may be produced at higher production rates and lower productions costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.

Abstract: A package formed of a package material comprising a heat-sealable inner layer, an outer layer, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. The package may include a gusset with a center fold that divides the gusset into a first folded portion and a second folded portion. The package may further include a transverse heat-seal region extending across the gusset whereby the first folded portion is sealed to itself by mating surfaces of the heat-sealable inner layer and the second folded portion is sealed to itself by mating surfaces of the heat-sealable inner layer. The package may also include a patterned die cut formed in the heat-sealable inner layer, wherein at least a portion of the patterned die cut is adjacent to the transverse heat-seal region of the gusset so as to allow a portion of the inner layer to delaminate and expose a portion of the pressure-sensitive adhesive when the center fold is unfolded and the resealable pour spout is opened.

Abstract: A package having a recloseable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. The package can include a longitudinal seal which extends from adjacent the pour spout to overlap the fastener strip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.

Abstract: A package having a recloseable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of first and second adhesives for the attachment of zipper flanges to reclosable packages. A first adhesive is typically a reactive, cross-linkable hot melt adhesive while the second adhesive is typically non-cross-linkable hot melt adhesive, typically, but not limited to, either EVA-based or polyamide-based. Alternatively, the second adhesive can be a coextrusion layer including a resin that is typically used as a sealant layer in zipper extrusion, such as metallocene type linear low density polyethylene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.

Abstract: A series of pre-opened resealable bags formed as a continuous web and received on a roll suitable for implementation in an automatic bagging machine are presented. The web of bags consist of top and bottom films thermally bonded together along the edges thereof. Transverse resealable zipper strips are interposed between the top and bottom films, with mating portions thereof respectively bonded to an associated films. A top film is provided with a filling slit, adapted for receiving product or materials therethrough. Appropriate seals and perforations are provided transverse to the web to allow the bags to be separated from each other and to allow for operator access to the resealable zipper strip. In another embodiment, the zipper strips are substituted or supplemented with plastic reinforcing strips to accommodate a punched hold for hanging display of the bag. A process for manufacturing such bags from a pair of webs received inserted zipper strips is also presented.

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

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

Abstract: A tape with a zipper member and a bag film are continuously moved by rotation of a rotary drum while being overlaid with each other such that the tape travels in a tape introducing groove for a tape with a zipper member, the groove formed along a circumferential direction of the rotary drum. The tape with the zipper member is continuously welded to the bag film on a circumferential surface of the rotary drum by a seal bar that has a welding surface in a curved shape corresponding to a circumferential surface shape of the rotary drum. A heat-insulation portion is provided on at least one of the tape body of the tape and the rotary drum so that heat applied from the seal bar to the tape with the zipper member is prevented from transferring to the rotary drum.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.

Abstract: A package having a recloseable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drum configuration uses first and second rotary drums to apply alternate zipper segments in a transverse direction to a sheet of moving web or film. This allows the web to maintain a constant speed without the intermittent pausing while the zipper segments are sealed to the web.

Abstract: A packaging method includes the providing of a bag. A mouth of the bag may include an opening/closing for multiple successive openings and closings and a cleavable linking veil, located at a distance therefrom inside the bag in relation to the opening/closing. The method may also include introduction of contents to be wrapped in the bag and tightening of said bag in order to close it, with tension being applied to the contents. A veil may enter into contact with the contents to avoid the application of stress on the opening/closing, and guarantee free access to the contents via said opening/closing after tearing the cleavable linking veil. In one embodiment, free access to bag contents enables the bag to be relaxed in a closed state as a result of the distance (D) separating the veil and the opening/closing. The invention also relates to a packaging device and to bags thus obtained.

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: 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: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) continuously advancing a web of bag making material at a first rate; (b) continuously joining portions of a downstream portion of a fastener tape to respective portions of the continuously advancing web of bag making material; (c) intermittently advancing an upstream portion of the fastener tape while the downstream portion is advancing continuously, the upstream portion of the fastener tape being stationary during a respective dwell time of each work cycle and advancing during the remainder of each work cycle at a second rate faster than the first rate; (d) accumulating a portion of the fastener tape disposed between the upstream and downstream portions to compensate for the difference in the first and second rates during the aforementioned remainder of each work cycle; and (e) deforming a respective section of the upstream portion of the fastener tape during each dwell time.

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 bag is has an opening defined by a pair of walls and a pair of gussets. The walls are joined by the gussets. The bag has two slits. Each of the two slits is formed adjacent a wall and a gusset. Each of the two slits is adjacent the opening. A zipper comprises a pair of interlocking sections. The zipper is inserted through the slits. The interlocking sections are secured to at least a portion of each of the walls.

Abstract: 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 package having a reclosable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus wherein webless zipper is provided with concave seal bridges. These concave seal bridges are complementary in shape to convex sealing bars. This captures or positions the seal bridges of the zipper profiles resulting in improved alignment of the profiles and improved performance of the manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of fabricating reclosable bags comprising: disposing a releasably engaged closure between a first and a second bag film portions, the closure including a loop-engageable fastener strip comprising an array of loop-engageable fastener elements integrally molded with a sheet-form resin substrate, and a loop strip comprising a plurality of loops carried on a sheet-form resin base; and applying energy to bond the resin substrate of the loop-engageable fastener strip to the first bag film portion and to bond the resin base of the loop strip to the second bag film portion; wherein the loop-engageable fastener strip is not bonded to the loop strip when the energy is applied.

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 for the manufacture of packaging bags, which includes a step of forming at least one bag in a scrolling film, welding opening and closing zippers that include a series of operating sliders onto the scrolling film, and effecting at least one cut in the zippers, where the length of the cut is greater than the length of each slider.

Abstract: A reclosable package comprising a hooded zipper with a pair of off-center lines of perforations that are hermetically sealed by a layer of material. The lines of perforations facilitate tearing off the hood to gain access to the zipper. One method of manufacture involves joining the hooded zipper to respective web portions formed by folding a web and then slitting the folded web in two. Another method of manufacture involves joining the hooded zipper to respective web portions formed by slitting a web in two and then orienting the two web portions into mutually confronting positions. The package may be constructed to have a wicket flap.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing double ply packaging bags includes feeding a first packaging web, the first packaging web including a window patch that is cut out or pre-cut, feeding a second packaging web, the second packaging web including another window patch that is cut out or pre-cut, applying a fastener assembly to a fed-through packaging web, perpendicular to a window patch, attaching the fastener assembly to the packaging web, attaching the two packaging webs to each other to form a double ply web, and forming a double ply packaging bag with the double ply web. The double ply packaging bag has a front wall and a back wall, where the front wall and the back wall are each formed by the double ply web.

Abstract: A station for the application of segments of openable/reclosable strip on a plastic film web destined to form bags, includes a device for sealing segments of strip at intervals on the film and a device for punching predefined zones of film. The punching device and the sealing device are positioned in the station along the film path to act in sequence in the same zone for punching the film and sealing the segments in the predefined points of the film keeping the film stationary between the film punching operation and the corresponding operation for sealing a segment on the film.

Abstract: A horizontal packaging machine (10) for making fluid-tight packages (11) equipped with zip closure (15) comprises: at least one unit (12) for unwinding a film (13) of synthetic material for packaging a series of products (18); at least one unit (14) for unreeling a pair of tapes (15) to form a zip closure; a shaping tunnel (16) located downstream of the film (13) unreeling unit (12); a sealing unit (20) located downstream of the shaping tunnel (16); Downstream of the sealing unit (20), the machine comprises a power-driven film feed roller (21) designed to apply a uniform pulling force on the film (13) which is unwound and fed into the sealing unit (20).

Abstract: The apparatus applies a transverse zipper strip to a film (10) moving continuously in a direction (12). A continuous belt (18) is driven by sprocket wheels (16a, 16b) and carries upper seal bars (22a, 22b, 22c) which receive pre-cut lengths of zipper at station (3). The pre-cut lengths are attached to the film (10) by a lower seal bar (24) which moves towards the film (12) at position A when an upper seal bar carrying a zipper strip is located directly above the film. Sealing takes place as the upper and lower seal bars move at the same speed as the film (12) from position A to position B where the zipper is released from the upper seal bar (22c). The process then repeats for the next zipper strip length.

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: A reclosable package comprises first and second opposing body panels, a reclosable seal and a one-time breakable element. The reclosable seal extends along one end and includes first track and second tracks. The first track includes a first fin portion and a first reclosable element. The first fin portion has a first end and a second end that is further from the first reclosable element. The one-time breakable element comprises first and second sections and initially extends from the first fin portion to the second fin portion. Each of the first and second sections extends upwardly and inwardly from near the respective second ends of the first and second fin portions so as to form a generally inverted U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first and second opposing body panels are attached to respective first and second sections of the one-time breakable element.

Abstract: A method of manufacture comprises the following steps: (a) advancing a fastener tape made of flexible thermoplastic material along a process pathway during an indexing portion of a work cycle, the fastener tape not advancing during a dwell time of the work cycle; (b) during each dwell time, deforming the fastener tape at a first fixed station situated along the process pathway; (c) transmitting light toward the fastener tape at a second fixed station while the fastener tape is advancing; and (d) photodetecting a portions of the transmitted light after some or all of the transmitted light has passed the fastener tape, the photodetected portions of the transmitted light being converted into electrical signals; wherein the distance of the fastener tape advanced in step (a) is determined in accordance with an algorithm that takes into account characteristics of electrical signals acquired in step (d) during earlier work cycles.

Abstract: A machine direction method of manufacture of reclosable packages is disclosed wherein a semi-circular or similarly shaped perforated pattern is punched in the web in registration with the package side seals. Continuous lines of perforation are punched in the web parallel to the top of the package. The web is folded and shaped into a package with a header which includes the semi-circular perforated pattern and the lines of perforation. A similar transverse direction method of manufacture is disclosed. When the top corner of the header is pulled, the header tears along the shaped perforation until it meets the horizontal line of perforation, thereby avoiding tearing through the area of the header that is sealed to the zipper flange, the header then tears along the horizontal perforation and finally follows the shaped perforation on the opposite end of the package.

Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) continuously advancing a web of bag making material at a first rate; (b) continuously joining portions of a downstream portion of a fastener tape to respective portions of the continuously advancing web of bag making material; (c) intermittently advancing an upstream portion of the fastener tape while the downstream portion is advancing continuously, the halt at the end of each intermittent advance being the start of the next work cycle, the upstream portion of the fastener tape being stationary during a respective dwell time of each work cycle and advancing during the remainder of each work cycle at a second rate faster than the first rate; (d) accumulating a portion of the fastener tape disposed between the upstream and downstream portions to compensate for the difference in the first and second rates during the aforementioned remainder of each work cycle; and (e) inserting a respective slider onto the upstream portion of the fastener tape during e

Abstract: A method of making a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles, the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively engage, and wherein the first and second closure profiles are engaged. The method further comprises providing a pair of panels comprising a flexible polymeric material, inserting a wedge between the closure profiles, disengaging the closure profiles; and attaching the closure mechanism to the pair of side panels. Various embodiments of opening devices are also presented.

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

Abstract: An apparatus used in the manufacture of a thermoplastic zipper having a slider mounted thereon includes a pair of clamp arms disposed on opposing sides of a path of the zipper. The clamp arms are movable in directions substantially perpendicular to the zipper path so as to clamp the thermoplastic zipper to fuse a length thereof. A pair of fingers is disposed on opposing sides of the zipper path. The fingers are movable in directions substantially perpendicular to the zipper path and in directions substantially parallel with the zipper path relative to the clamp arms. The fingers push the slider along the zipper.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for forming reclosable bags with slider zippers which can be used in high pressure pasteurization. In particular, these methods form reclosable bags with a shroud formed over the slider zipper, with a patch or cap for protecting the slider during high pressure pasteurization. When the user tears the shroud from the bag, the patch or cap remains attached to the shroud but releases from the slider. An alternative embodiment forms an air pocket in the shroud to protect the slider.

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

Abstract: A method of making slider-actuated string-zippered packages. The method can be applied on a form-fill-seal machine or a machine that makes packages without filling, and involves transverse application of string zipper material on packaging film.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing reclosable packages having a slider-operated string zipper covered by a tamper-evident shroud that is provided with at least one opening that at least partially exposes the slider. In accordance with one method, openings are formed in a web of packaging material that is folded, placed over the slider-operated string zipper, and attached to the receptacle walls to form a shroud. Preferably, the openings are sized, shaped and situated so that they frame the slider on both sides of the shroud. In accordance with another method, a reclosable package having a slider-operated string zipper and a shroud with openings that at least partially expose the slider can be formed using a single web of packaging material that is folded and sealed to form a shroud that covers the string zipper.