CA2356027A1 - Method and apparatus for mounting slider devices onto zipper closures, and packages made thereby - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for mounting slider devices onto zipper closures, and packages made thereby Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2356027A1 CA2356027A1 CA002356027A CA2356027A CA2356027A1 CA 2356027 A1 CA2356027 A1 CA 2356027A1 CA 002356027 A CA002356027 A CA 002356027A CA 2356027 A CA2356027 A CA 2356027A CA 2356027 A1 CA2356027 A1 CA 2356027A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- slider
- closure
- closure profile
- stop
- profile
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
- B65D33/2589—Bag or slide fastener details cooperating with the slider, e.g. details for removing or installing the slider
- B65D33/259—End stops
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
- A44B19/10—Slide fasteners with a one-piece interlocking member on each stringer tape
- A44B19/16—Interlocking member having uniform section throughout the length of the stringer
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Making Paper Articles (AREA)
- Slide Fasteners (AREA)
Abstract
Methods acid apparati for mounting slider devices onto zipper closure profiles; the slider device facilitate mating and unmating the closure profiles. The slider device is mounted onto the zipper closure essentially simultaneously with the formation of slider stops and a notch. In one embodiment, the slider devices are mounted onto the zipper closure with the closure profiles unmated or disengaged; in another embodiment, the slider device are mounted onto the zipper closure with the closure profiles interlocked. The zipper closure, with slider devices, slider stops, and notches, can be stored as an extended length, or incorporated into rescalable packages.
Description
ALJG-22-nt 05:52PM FROM-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.002/037 F-6di METHODS AND ~1PPARA~'LTS FOR MOUNTINt r ,SLIDER D$VICES
ONTO ZIPI?1zR CLOSU'I~S AND PACKAGES May I ) I=.. THEREBY
'I'hP pre~sex~t invention generally relates to packages having iutu-locklng zipper clnc»re profiles that are xnatcd and T.uunatcd by a slider device.
Tn partiaula~, the present inveration relates to methods of mounting the slider device onto the closure profiles, the; zipper clost~rP profile «riti~ the slider device uluuuted thereon, and the packages made lhrrewith.
Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store or enclose vari,otts types of articles and materials. Tlrcse packages may be used to score food produetc, non-food eor~sumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, dad many Other articfec. Resealable packages havirxg zipper vlusure mechanisms are convcnicmi xci that they earl be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the cucloscil c~ntezlts. Goods that are not used completely wlacn the package is initially opened rely om the a~pper closure to rerlose the package and keen the remaining contents fresh. The ncul iu locate a storage container for the unused Portion of the products irx the package is tliua avoided. Iz1 some instances, providing products in resealable packages appreciably eahaucen tlta markel:ahility of those products. $xatnples of consurrAable goods that arc often packdKcd iu packages, such as baKs, with a zipper clocnrP include potting soil, fertilizer, pot food, dog biscuits, vegetablrs, cereal, and many ditfi~sont foods edible by hunnans.
For some types of rcscalalTlc packages, the opening and closing of the sipper closure is facilitated by a slider device that is mounted on the zipper closure.
The slider device typically includes a separator or sprcaacr~type s'~.tetute at rn,e end that opens a closure mechanism, having profiled elements or closu~~c profiles, when the sliTlcr demiCe travels in a firsl~ riirection along the xn,echanism. The sidcwalls of the slider device ai~c configured so Chart the RTrlPwalls engage the closure profiles and progressively rrxovc thcni into Cugagerxlen~ to Close the reaealable package when the SITfIP.r device is moved along the closure mccLauism in a direction cTlTposite the first direction.
ImprovemP,nts is the manufacturing of the rescalaLlc packages, in particula~.~ imh~ process of mounting the slider device on the zipper closure, are de3ircd.
AUG-22-L~1 05:52P~1 FR01~-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.DD3/D3T F-6d1 In. one aspect of the present disclosuuc, methods of applying or mounting slider devic~.es for openi.rxg and closing rcscalablc tipper closures are dixlosed. The method is directed at doing multiple steps to the ziNpcr closure: that is, the slider daviw is mounted and end slider stop seals are made simulLaueously or essentially simultaneously. In some ennbodimentc, a home notch position for thv slider device is made prior to, or esscnually simultaneously to the other steps. ~"he ~rper closure may be mated (interlockca) or unmated (disengaged) when the various steps arP done.
In. particular, the present disclosure relates to a method of making a zipper cloau~rC, the method Comprimny providing a ~t closure profile drtQ a second closure p~oClC; mounting a slider dcwice onto each of the f;rst closure profile and the second. closure prolilC; and forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop, with the slider device positiunCd between the fast ~li.der stop and the second c.lider stop. The steps of mounting a slider J.cvice atld forming a hi.rst slider stop and a second slides stop are done essentially simultaneously. Optionally, the iuGlhod earl include punnhirtg a notch in the first and second clu5ure profiles.
W a.uolher aspect of the prPSent disclosure, an extended. length of zipper closure is pr.uviclcd. The extended length of zipper closure has a plurality o,C
segments, each segment having a length corresponding try the width of the package lU in which the zipper closure will bG incorporated. $ach Regmeat includes a first slider stop and a second slider atop, and a slider acvice mounted onto the zipper closure l7etwPPn the first slider stop and the second sli~lCr Stop.
In particular, i:hP presexrt disclosure relates to an c~teudctl length of zipper closure coucprising a plurality of seetinns, each section defined by a first and and a second end, and each section eonlprisix~g a first closure profile interloeitable with a second clostuc profile, the fu5l closure profile and the second closure profile being continuous along the plurality o,f Scclions. A slider devise, constructed sad arranged to interlock the ;~trst closure profile witli thG second closure profi le when thG slider device is moved i.n a first direction, arid diacngage the ~ra~
closure profile 30 from the scuund closure profile when the: slider device is moved in a second opposite direction, is, operaLly mounted on the first closure profile and the second closure profile. A first slider step is present at the first end ot~ the section, and a ALIG-22-G1 G5:52P(I FROUI-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 9959 T-917 P.ODd/037 F-6d1 second slider stop is present at the saeond end of the aecti.on, with the slider device mounted therobetwecn.
The extended length of zipper- clustusr can be incorrnrated into packages, nr can be stored, for example, on a core ur spool, for later inecirnoration iulu pacitages.
I
FIG. 1 xs a perspective mew of a flexible, rescalablc pauka~e having a slider device, accoidiug to principles of this disclosure;
FZG. 2 is a cross-s~;tiurral view of the flexible, resealabIe package taken along line 2 ? of Fzc. 1;
FIG. 3 ie as enlEtrgcd, schematic e:wss sectional view of a zipper closure such ac of the flexible, reEealable packago of FIGS. 1 arid 2, without a slider device mot,uited thereon;
FIG. 4 is a front persrect~ive view of a process for mouating slider derrices onto an elongated supply of zipper closure, irxcludirrg a first embodiment of a device for mounting slider devices auto a :tipper closure;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, frolli pcrs~ecdve view of the device for mounting Glider devices of FIG. ~L;
1~'ICT. 6 is an enlarged, rear perspective view of the device for mounti.y 'lider devices of FI( i. 4;
FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of a deviuC
for mounting slider doviccs uWu a Tippet elostue;
FIG. 8 is a sclicma>,iu side view of the device of Fig. 7 for mounting slider devices onto a Zipper closure;
fill;. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a slider detrice positioned rut; mouniixig on the ~ipPe~r closure;
FIG. 10 is a front elevatTnnal view of a first exnbodimcnt of au extended length of ~ippGr closure having slider rieviees mounted thereon;
FIG. 11 is a front C~CViLL101;1d1 view of a second embodiment of an ext~.de:d length of zipper closure having slide ~lCVices mot.~.ted thereon;
h.lG. 12 is a front elevational view of a trued. embodiment of an extccided lerigth of ~ipPer closure having slider devices mounted llmreon;
FIG. 13 is a partial percpPCtive view of a portion of the process fur AIJG-22-D1 05:52PM FR01~-LADAS 8 PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.OD5/037 F-6d1 producing the zipper closure of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a frost vices o.~ a flexible, resealable package having a slider device, incorporating the zipper closure of rXG. 10;
H.L(~r. 15 is a front view of a flexible, rcscalablc packdKe having a slidrx device, incorporating the ~prer closure of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of a portion of the flexible, rcscalablc paclcagc of ITC. 15; and FIG. 16 is a front vices of a flexible, resealahle rackage !saving a slider device, incorporating the zipper closure of FIG. 12.
Attention is directed to FIGS. 1 and 2, wlucli illus(a-ate an example paekading arrangement in tlae form of a resealable, flexible package 10, for example, a polymeric package Such as a plastic bag, having a re3ealablc ~ippcz closure 20_ The: flexible package 10 includes a surrounding body formed by first axad ~eeoad opposed panel scc;tiuus 12, 14., typically made fmna a flexible, polymeric, plautic film. The film can be a suylc layer or a mult9-layered palymerie film_ In some embodim.er~ts, it may be desired to co~ubine at least ozle layer of polymeric, film with an additional layer, such as paper, to fornz a muhi-component:
film.
With some manufacturing aprlications, the first and second panel sections 12, 14 arc tied!-sealed together alonb two RWe edges 13, 15 and meet at a fold line 17 in ordor to form a tluee-e<lgad. containment section for a Product within as interior 11 (FIG. 2) of the pachagc 10. Iu the embodiment shown, the told lice 17 comprises the bottom edge 18 of the package 10. Altemalively, two separate panel sections 7 7., 14 of plastic film may be used and heat-sealed to~etLrr along the two side edges 13, 15 and at the bottom edge 18. In yet another cmbodirncnt, Na~acl scctium 12, 14 can be formed from a tuhe-hke Sheet of material configured to form folds at each of side adgcs 13, 15; side pazlels 12, 14 are hP.at-sealed together along boltoxn edge I$. tlcccss is provided to tllC iutcnor 1 I of the package I () rhzough a mouth 30 of the package 10. In the particular ernbodimeaic shown, the mouth 30 extends the width of the package 10; that is, mouth 30 extends fioui 1'usl Side edge 13 to second side edge I 5.
Bol~tom edge 18 can include a gIySCSt 31, seen in FIG. 2. Gus3et3 arc AIJG-22-01 05:53PM FROM-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 6959 T-617 P.006/037 F-6d1 _$
known for providing pack~zgcs with "stand-up" .Ccdlurrs. Gusset 31 of package has fwst aad second gu:,set aeetions 32, 34, wliicl~ a,c~c essentially equal in len~h Preferahly, Path of the first and second gu; set sections 32, 34 is uiade from the same piece of material ac the first and second panel sections 12, 14, rcsp~;tively.
'I~pically whc~ making the gusset 31, a SmglP piere o~ film is folded to form the opposing panel sections 12. 14.
The fold 38 is them ,Curlned between the first and se~nnd panel sections 12, l~l, which re3ulte in the first and s~;oir~t gusset sections 32, B4 with tkner told line 38 therebetween. Eventually, heat is applied to lurm the side edges 13, 15 (FIG. 1)_ The sirlP edges 13, 15 will form a seal between all four laycas of the package alor>lg each respeenvP gusset~.d side edge of the package.
A zipper closure arrangement zt1 hawing closure profiles to open and close (unseal and mseal) !h~ mouth 30 of paekege 1 () extends along the mouth 30, preferably across the width of package 10; ihal is, zipper closure 2l7 preferably extends from ~~rst side edge 13 to second side edge 15. The sipper closure 2t7 ran ineh~de a variety of eonfiguration~ and structures. Zipper clu~u,rc ZO can be configured in any known manner, for example, such a: di3closcd is U.S. Patent Nos. 4.240,241; 4.24(i,288; and 4,437,293; each of ~rhich is incorporated by rc~ercncc liwoiu. By 1.11te term "Z:lppei' closure" or "upper closure mecbaniem," it is meant a structure havulg uppusile interlocking or closure pmtiled elements that, under the application of pressure, will ixttcrlock ar,~Q close the region between the pro#iles.
Referring to FrGS. 2-3, zipper closure 20 has a f rst closurC profile 22 and a second closure prod IE 7.4 which engage and disengage, a3 appropriate, to upau anQ close package 10. In particular, ta.rst mating member 26 of fxr3t closure profile 22, and s~e;umd znaling member 28 of second closure profile 24 interlock as uppropriatc, to engage and disr,~ykc closure profiles 2Z. 24. 'h~irSt and second closure pro$les 22, 24 of zipper closure 20 arc attacho~l lu side panels 12, 14, respeetivefy, by sealing flanges 42, 44 (FIGS_ 2 and 3) as will be dcsciivc~l in detail below. The transition area hetween maiyz~,g members 26, 28 and scaling flanges 42, 44 is iacnlif ed by shoulders 212, 7. l.4. Clpposzte sealing flanges 42, 4-4. arc the distal ends 43, 45 (FIG. 3) of closure profiles 22, 24.
AUG-22-D1 05:53PM FROM-LADAS d PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-81T P.007/03T F-6d1 _6_ In the cmbodimcaxt showy Um rcsealable zipper closure Ztl extends the width of the mouth 30 from first side edKc 13 lu second side edge 15.
Alternatively, the mouth 30 and zipper closure 20 coul3 ve positioned on the package 10 at a location different &orm~ the mouth 30 of the packages 10, dependir~
on the application needs tar the package 10. For exa~x~,ple, mouth 30 and zipper closu~~c 20 can be positioned within one of side panels 12, 14.
Li suuiG applications, the closure profiles ZL, 24 are formed by two Eeparaie extrusions or through iwvo separate openings of a Common exmtci.nn.
Typically, the resealable zipper closure 20 is made of conventional materials, such l0 as a pol3~rrrerie, plastic material, for example, polyethylene, pul~viuylchloiide or Polypropylene. Iz~ other application, the cloture profiles 22, 24 arc foriucd as a single extrusion, which may they he alit apart to form the two individual profiles.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and Z, clirlPx device 50 ie mounted on zipper closure 20 to facilitdla up~nin~ and Closing zipper Closure 2I1. Slider devices and how they funedon to open and close zipper clusurCS, in general, are ta»ght, for example, in U.S. Patent Noo. 5,063,644; 5,301,394; and 5,442,537, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. One preferred Slider device is taught W U.S.
patent a~lycatic,ns 09/365,215 and 29/108,657, both Bled July 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference in their enrisPty. Another preferred slider device i3 20 tauglri iu U. S. patent application 60/222.132 filed :fuly i 1, 2.000, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to slider device SO iu FIG. 2, slider device 50 has a top wall 51 from which dopend fzrst arm 52 and second u~i 54; rust atiQ second arms 52, S4 fhrm sirlewalls of slider device 50, Firet army 52, in particular first hook G2, engages over shoulder 117. anti second arm 54, in particular second hoolc 64, cuKraxas aver shoulder 214. Extending from for wall 57., and positioned between distal cnd~ ~43, 45 (FIG. 3) of cloSUTe profiles 22. 24, is spreader S5, which pries apart closure profiles 22, 24 when slider device 50 is moved in a first detection along zipper closure 30; whezt moved in a second opposite duvctiutial along zipper 30 closure 2t), sl.i.der device 50 mates closure profiles 2?, 24.
Another preferred slides device is shown in FIG. 9 as slider device 50'. Slider device 50' has a top wall ~1' from wh~e;h ~lPp~nd first arm S2' and ALIG-22-01 05:53P~1 FROhiI-LADAS IG PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-81T P.008/03T F-6d1 second arm 54', which form sidewalls of slider device 5ll'. first arm 54', in particular first hook G2', cugdgCS aver shoulder 212 of first closure rmtilP
7.2. of zipper closure 20, and second arm 54', in particular sC~uud hook 64', engages over shoulder 214 of second closure profile 24. Hook 62' ltas au iuuGU surface 61 and hook fi4' has an inner surface 63. Each of iron~r surfnces 61, 63 is inwardly auglc~l, to facilitate mnnnting of slider device 50' oato zipper closure 10.
Referring again to FIG. I , rncitmnxl on Zipper closure 20, clove to first side edge 13 and souu~xa si~lc edge 15, are first slider c~crP _iB and second slider stop 35, respectively. Slider stops 33, 35 eau be any physical obstruction that slope the movexnentE of slider device 50 on zipper closure 20. Tlic sli~lcr stops 33, 35 aTe areas or regions of zipper closure 20 that have been deformed, typically ultrasonically wPIrlPd, thermally melted, crushed, or otherwise melted or dcforazcd.
The deforming results in a mast of plastic (polymeric) material, typically melted iuKclhcr. In some embodimexats, slider stops 3.i, :i5 may be devoid of material.
Slider stops 33, 35 eau be luuatCd in upper flanges 43, X45 (FT! T~. 2 and 3), in sealing flanges 42, 44 (TICS. 2 anal 3), 11 111~11.4~J,y~, ru~mbers 26, 28 (FIGS. 2 and 3), or any combination thereof. Multiple Slider stops can be used at eacL. u~r cilher end of ~ip~ex closure 20. Slider device 50, mounted on zipper closure 20, can Navel from first slider stop 3j to cccnnrl slider stop 35 and does not contact either of first side edge 13 or second side edge ~ 5.
A. nulch 25 is disposed within zipper closure zl? arl~acPnt to first side edge 13 in package 10_ Nulch 25 is designed to provide a "park place" into which slider device 50 settles when zipper closure 20 is soalc~l and slider device 50 is at first side edge 13. Such a notch 25 may decrease aay tendency for an incumplclC
interlock hetwePn first closure profile 22 and second closure profile 24. The width of notch 25 may be ally width. l~n Rome Prr,bodiments, notch 25 may be so aa=row that il may be simply considered io be a slit or cut. A, preferred notch 25 includes two straiglit edges ur ai~lrs xenerdlly perpendicular to each other, and an opposed side that cxtemd,s at, in a preferred cmbodimc~tt, au oblique atlgle relative to 1is adjacent side. $y "oblique angle", it is meant arx angle that is not substa.~rtially jterrPnrijr171ar Ot Straigllt_ AUG-22-D1 05:53P~1 FRONhLADAS ~ PARRY NV 212 2d6 8959 T-81T P.009/D3T F-6d1 -g-Mckhods and Auuwatus for Processing Zipper Closure >2e~ciriug now to FIO. 4, a process 100 for mounting slider devieec SO oxtto an extended length of zipper closure 20 is showm. In flits a~ubodiment according to the present disclosure, the slider devices SO arc mounted on the cippcr cloture 7(1, ,zt particular on first and second closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS.
2 and ~), prior to attaching zipper closure 2U to side paaels 12, 1~! (FIGS. 1 and 2) to create package 10. At least two different styles or ryhPS of packages can be made using the zipper closure 20 fiu~u prucc55 100: those where the packaEe is filled ttlrough the zipper closure 20, and those wlzerc the lrxckd~c is filled through the bottom 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2).
packages intended to be filled through the zipper closure 20 will generally have cl~corP profiles 22, 2t1 (FIGS. 2 and 3) unmated. After filling, fihc profiles 22, 24 are sometimes mater(, or left Ltnmated, acrd a tamper evident-sm~cture 60 (FIGS. 14-16) can be applied. Packages intended to he tilled through the bottom 18 (FrGS. l and 2), such as througli a g,ussct 31 (FIG. 2) generally have rhP
clasttre pro~~les 22, 24 arc rnatcd and any tamper evident-stmci~.wC 60 (FIGS. 14-16) intact prior to filling the package.
Packages intended for filling by the consumer can also be made using the zipper closure ZCl fmm process 100.
An extended length of ~irper cinmre 20, with first and second closure yufilcs Z2, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3), is provided via spool 12C). In an~thes embodiment, zipper closm.C 20 may be; extruded, cast or otherwise formed immediately before this proeESS 100, thereby eliminating the step of wiuding the zirpea closure 20 o:ato spool 120 after forming the zipper clo3ure 20 arid then unwinding when the slider devices 50 are mounted.
First and second cloanre Pmti les 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) may be interlocked (mated) or unmated while retained on spool 17.(). If the closure profiles 22, 24 arc umnated, i~.i suiuc cimbutliments it may be desired to have first closure profile 22 on a fir3t spool and second closure profile 24 ou a acw~W spool. It should be noted, that interlocked profilEs can be unmated as desired, and unmated prnfilPC can be mated as desired. In most embodiments, it is desired that the profiles 22, 24 are mated.
AIJG-22-D1 D6:53PM FRDM-LADAS d PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.D10/03T F-6d1 ZipNci ulusurc 20 is unwound $ronci spool 120 and fui to slider mounting systcnz Z00, A zilrpcr drive or tensioniilg unit 122 can he provided to control tlae zipper closure 20 from spool 120. At sli~lcr mounting system 200, zipper closure 20 undergoes variou3 processes, including laaviug a sli~lcr dr:vice 50 mounted rhPrPOn.
Slider device >f~, to be mounted on zipper closure 20, is fed by a sliQcr source such as bowl feeder 150, which properly nriesits slides device SO for mour~tin~ onto flanges 43, 45 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of Zipper elnsurP 20. In b',tti.
4, bowl feeder 150 is positioned u~a d Usble or other support 110. The slider dev,cPS
SO progress from bowl feeder 150 along feedtcack 1S2 to ~lidcr mounting system 200. Alternately, slider device 50 can be fed to slider mouaizng systeui 200 by multiple howl fceciPrs tPeding a single track 152, a vibratory feeder, a spool of slider devices adhered to or carried nn nr by a carrier tape, a connected chain of sli.~lcr ~tcvic~s, be mvalW ally fed, or by any o2hCr process that. ran provide a continuous supply of slider devicCS lu slider mounting System 20(1.
C.'rravity, an air stream., and other methods taxi be used to fa.cilila~c feeding of the slider devices. rn one embodiment, a multi-eharu~,eled bowl feeder is used to orientate slider devices 50 to the proper positioa for application to zipper clooure 20 by slider mouz~ting system 200.
Slides' mounting system 2I)l), su~nrted by table 110, has zipper clostuv 20 Naasiuy LticrcGhrough. Table 110 Can include a registration syctPrxx 125 for providing fuse tuui~rg of spacing and positioning, as needed, of slider mounting system 200. Slider mounting system 200, sliowu ua prGS. 4 and 5, and rotated in FIG. 6, includes a slider home positiozt punch uait 240, a pmfile clamping uu.ii 250, a ~htlPr inctalhtlon mechanism 260, and a slider stop ~eal unit 270; tt punch unit 240 may not be present in all emhodiment~. The various features of slider mounting System 200 provide the fohowing functions: pm~h unit 240 provides notch 25 (rIG. 1); prO~lG ola~ilp 2SO securely holds zipper closure 20 during the varioue operations; slider ir~tallation mcchttlni5m 260 mounts SXitlct~
tlcvic;e 50 onto Zipper closure 20; and stop seal unit ?70 forms slider stops 33, 35 (rIG. 1).
SliVcr nnnunting system 2p0 is designed to have each of these various units (i.c., punch unit 240, profile clamp ZSO, slider installation n,.Prhanism 260, and slider stop seal ALIG-22-01 D5:53Pt1 FROtI-LADAS ~ PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-B17 P.011/D37 F-6d1 -IO-unit 270) function together, in essence simultaneously, to provide an exrP"dPd length u,C ~ippcr closure 20 processed and ready to be incorporated info a package, such as a plastic bag. Zipper closure 20 is incrcmeutall;y uuaxad through slider mounting system 200, so that the processed zipper closure 20 has reNcalittK
features, that is, slider device S0, slider stops 33, 35 (FIG. 1), and notch 25 (fIC.
1).
Whey zipper closure 20 enters slider mounting system 200 from spool 120 or other supply, the tirstt and ce~c-.nnct nlomre pro~.les 22, 2d (FIGS. 2 and 3) arc prCfcrably unmated; if mated, slider mounting system 20f1 can it,clnde a unit to unmatc the profiles. I3oWeVGI, 1~1 ~UitlC CIIIbUfllmentS, such as when the resulting paekagc will be filled through bottom 18 (DIGS. x and 2), closm.G pwfilas 22, can be mated. Profile clump 250 secures zipper closure 20 durir~g the tint the various procedures of slider mowntiz~g system 200 are per~ozxned on zipper closure ?(). Profile clamp 250 can be any mechanism that can secured hold zipper closure 20; such mechanisms can include hinged clamrs, army, tir~~;.rs, or any such itexxas.
P1o1~1C cle.cup 250 eau be mechanical, pneumatically operated, or servo-driven. Tn some embodir~~c~ats, a progiauuuable se,-vo u~utur eau be connected to a earn which engages a linkage to actuate prof le clamp 250.
Profile clamp 250 hold; each of fir3t and seeond closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) individually, or can hold the profiles 22, ?.~t with a single 2t7 mechanism or mrtace. In snme Pmbc~diments, it is preferred that profile clamp 250 has two opposed portions between which the zipper closure 20 is retained.
H'»rthPr, it is prcf~d (hat the surfaces of profile clamp 250 that contact zipper closure 20 arc at least somewhat contoured to the profile zipper closum 20, su that Lhv clamping pressure is fairly evenly distributed across first olosurc profile 22 and second closure profile 24.
Yun.ch unit 240, if present, provides notch 25 (FIG. 1) to ripper closure 20. Punch unit 240 may he a die, kmte;, stamp or other such process.
As discussed earlier, notch 25 may be a narrow slit. In one embodiment, punch unit 2.40 is a hydraulic pouch. In anotlier emLodimrmt, pouch unit 240 is a pneumatic 30 punch. In some embodiments, n programmable servo motor can be cozxnoctcd to a cam which engages a linkage to actuate punch unit 240.
The sma.l I rtece of r~lym.eric material removed by punch unit 240 AIJG-22-D1 05:53PIi FROM-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-B17 P.D12/037 F-6d1 (herein. referred to as a "slug") that defines notch 25 (FIG. 1) may be removed from rhP area of rnnrh. unuit ~.a(t by an air blast or by vacuum.
In some embodiments, it may be desired to have a punch unit separate from slider mounting system 200; rather, a separate punch ux~at caa be positioned upweb or downweb of slider mounting system Z00. A scNaa~atc pouch unit can be raccha~aically, hydraulically, or pneumatically controlled. Tn exnbodxxments where a servo-driven motor ie uEed to actuate a separate poach unit, it naay be desired to use a servo separate from one used tv control profile clamp and other features of slider mounting gy~te~m 7_(111.
Slider device 50 is applied to zipper closure ZO by slider installation urcvha.W iu 2G0, wllicL vau be auy ~lcvic~ or m~~hod fvr applying slider device SO
outv zipper closure 20. Generally, if closure profiles 22, 24 ('FIGS. 2 and 3) are mated, slider device 50 typically is applied at notch 25 (FIG. 1); if closure profiles 22, 24 are untreated, slider device 50 typically is applied at the oppoeite end of zipper closure ZU, tbr example, close to second slider stop 3S (FIG. 1).
Generally, slider installation mechanism lfill aPnliec slWe~r rlrvice 50 uulu cippcr clusura 20 in a slrdi~ht un approach; that 1s, slider device 50 is brought to zippw closu~,a 20 axially ali~uca with upper flaugCS 43, 45 (FIGS. 2 and 31. See for exrunple, FIG. 9 which shows slider dcvi,cc 50 axially aligned with zippcx closure 20.
A first embodiment of a slider installation mechanism 260 is shaven in fI(.T~. A. thrnogh fi. 'This sLidPr installation mechanism 260 is a hoz~izontally loading mechanism that applies slider devices 50 onto zipper closure 20 in a straight on appruaali. By tLa tr,~AU "hmi~cuutally Iuasi.u~', it i5 maenl that the Slider device 50 and zipper closure 20 have a Ixorizontal axis cactcnding betweGU tlic~~l ~lu,riuK lha mounting process. In FxG. 5, the orientation of slider devices 50 and zipper closure 20 is shown. Zipper closure 20 is oriented with upper Hang~s X13, 45 positioned closer tc~ slider clemce 5(1 than ~ealmg tlangPS 47., 44. This slider installation mechanism, 260 could be refitted to be a vertically loading mechanism. Hy the term "vertically lua~liuK", i~ is mcaut that the slider device 50 and zipper closure 20 have a vel-kical axis exteudiug betWccu thGlll Suiiu~ ihG u~uwsatin~ procc;ss.
Slider devices SO are fed via track 152 to slider sx~vunting system AIJC-22-D1 05:5dPM FR01~-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.013/037 F-6d1 200, and in particular, to slider installation mechanism Zfif). Slider dev,aes Sfi are oriemed in relation to zipper closure 20 as shown in FIG. 9, so that arms 52, (FIG. 9) of slider device 50 engage ovm sliuulseis 2x2, 214 (FIG. 9).
Cylinde7~ 26z pushes slider device 50, from where it is ~cd via track 152, onto zippm clu~u.4~c Z0, in particular over upper flanges 43, 45; slider device 50 is installod onto zipper closure at installation point 269.
A second ezzibodiment of a slider installation mechaxtism is shown in FTCTS_ 7 and 8. Slider ingtaltation mechanism 2tit1' is a vsrl;cally .loading mechanism that applies siidez devices 50 onto the Zipper closure 20 in a suaight on approacli. Iu FIG. 7, zipper closure 20 is shown iu cud view, acid iii FIG. S, zipper closure 20 shown in phantom. A plurality of slider devices 50 arc aligned and fed through a chute where the slider deviceE 50 are horizontally aligned at load point 266'. The aligned slider devices 50 are then stacked and aligned vertically at drop Pnint 7fiti' by tirSt cylinder 7fi7.'. A SliriPr rlevioP 5f1 'kirnzo. the bottom of the stack is pushed forward and over the Zipper closure by first cylinder 262' at slider ins~allauvn point 259'; ~-avity, an air jet, or the like, pushes a next slider device 30 to the bottom of the stack. xn the same stroke, first cylinder 262' pushes one of flit horizontally aligned slider devicca 50 forward to the top of the stack. before the slider device 50 is pixshed over the xippe~r closure, a second cylinder 361.' activates pro~~le clamp 250 to hold zipper closure securely. Second cylinder 264' of profile clamp 2~t! unclamps the zipper closure and the ~inper closure is mdexe.d. It is understood that other techniques, such as a belt driven system, can be used to N~uviQC sliQet~ lIGViUGS SO to the dcsi~cal Nusitiulm.
Any of cylinder 262, 262', 264, and the like cnay be mcchanicahy, pneumatically, hydraulically, or servo-driven. A pmgxaz~nma~ble servo motor can be connECted to a earn which engages a linkage to actuate ane or any of the cylinders.
The servo motor used can be the same one, or a different one than used for other features of slider mounting system 200. It is understood that the timing, step Scuucncc, autl ~c like uan bC adrcCully cun~rollcd by a pro~~ammable servo motor.
Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, slider stop seal unit 270 forms slider stops 33, 35 (FIG. 1) or the like on upper flanges 43, 45 (FIGS. ? and 3) of zipper closure 20. Slider stops 33, 35 decrease the opportunity for slider device 50, ALJG-22-81 05:5dPM FROM-LADAS 8 PARRY NY 212 2d6 9959 T-817 P.Oid/03T F-6d1 _ jj..
when slid along Zipper closure 20 when xx~corporated into a package, to abut either tide edge 1 ~, 1 S (H 1(T. 1 ). SlidP.r stop seal unit 270 can be any pmcess that provides a physical barer to moving slider device 50 fat'ther along zipper closure 20. Typically, the physical barrier is a mass of plastic (polymeric) material.
This material eau be uluasou.ically welded, tlicuma~lly c~ACILCV1, aruslrcd, Ur olhervsnsa melted or deformed by stop seal unit 270. In sonic cmbodirumts; lical, prc~aurc, ultrasonics, or the like can be applied from both sides of Zipper closure 20, that is, iiom both the side of first closure profile 22 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and tlxe side of second closure profile 24 (FIGS. 2 and j). The application of the heat, pre:.~.cure, ultrasonics, or other step can be controlled by a servo.
Providing the slider stops 33. 35 may be a two step process in some CIlIbOdIIIIGIlt$: first, a portion of the closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 ama 3) arc crushed to decrease the width, and scaomd, flee slider stops 33, 35 are made_ Additionally or alternatively, slider stop 33 can be xuade in a step separate from the malang of slider stop 35.
Slider mounting system 200 is constructed tc~ have vari~nc pr~oe~scPs performed on the zipper closure 20 essentially simultaneously. Sy the term "c55cutially ~uullancuusly", il is iucanwhal the various processes are performed with no more than about 0.01 second between the initiation of oue step and the initiation of a second step. In many embodiments, the time between initiation of all steps within slider xnour~ting system 200 is no mere than about 0.005 second.
The overall time period to accomplish all the steps is referred to as a "cycle".
Generally each cycle is no more than 2 seconds long, preferably no more than 1 second, more preferably uu ~~xura llm.~x 0.75 sav:uud., tu~d iuusl prCfardbly nu mute khan 0.3 second long. These timings, which can include flit short period of time uoo<l~i to incrementally move zippar closure 20, provide process of speeds of at least 30 cycles per miaute, preferably at least 60 cycles per minute, more preferably at IEast 80 cycles per miaute, and most preferably at Ieast 120 cycles per minute. Ia some embodiments, process speeds of up to, and exceeding, 150 cycles per minute can he obtained; however typically, process 5-peeds of about 85-115 cycles per minute are used.
The order of the ~teps dozre by slider mounting system 200 can var5r;
AIJG-22-31 05:5dPM FRDM-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.D15/037 F-fidl Additionally, the preterrP.d orrlPr of the steps may vary depending an the type of package which will eventually he made; that is, whether the package wyil he titlexi through the top or bottom edge.
Fur cx~uplc, if it is desitral tliat the eveliiual pduk.agcs will be fllad through zipper closure 20 at the top of the package (see FZC3~, 1), the closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) will be unzaated. ~'hu; , in some embodiments, fir3t and second closure profiles 22, 24 (rIGS. 2 and 3), if mated, are first separated by slider mounting system 1UU. The unmated profiles are clamped by profile clamp 250, and then sealed by stop seal unit 270, punched by punch unit 2ti0, and slider device 54 installed by slider ins~allaliun mechanism 260 all during the same cycle.
W otlier embodiumts, the clostue profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are separat~l, notch 25 (FIG. 1 ) i3 punched first by punch unit 260, and slider device 50 is installed by slider installation mechanism 260 at essen~tialiy the same time as stop seal unit 270 provides slider stops 33, 35. Alternately, stop seal unit 270 may rrAViCIB Slider StnrS 3:~, :i5 before or after slider device 5f1 1C
1TISIaI~E(1. Tn yet another variation, notch 25 caxt be punched by punch unit 260 prior to separation of Ihc clusmc profiles 22, 24. However, it is preferred that clostu'e profiles 22. 24 air u~unated wlien slider stops 33, 35 arc made by stop seal unit 270.
If it is desiuced that the eventual packages will be filled through the bottom edge 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2), the closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are mated. When mated, the various steps of slider mounting system Zt)t) can he done in any order. r'or example, slider device 50 can be installed prior to punching notch or malting slider stops 33, 35. Or, slider steps 33, 35 are made prior to pum:liinK notcli 2S and mouutin~ slider device 50. As stated, auy order of steps eau be used.
Typically, the various steps are done without moving the zipper closure; however, in some embodiments, the zipper closure may be indexed for the various steps.
As discussed above, zipper closure 20 is processed by slider mounting syslcru 200 priur lu cipNcr clusum 20 lrGimg i~xcorpurated iutu lra~:lcages.
Refr,~rimg now to rzcs. 10, 11 and 12, three embodimEats of cxtcadEd lengths of zipper closure 20 which have progressed through slider mounting system 200 are shown.
ALIG-22-D1 05:5dP1~ FR0~1-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 6959 T-617 P.016/D37 F-6d1 The processed nipper closures have segxner~ts which include the various features provided by slider mounting system 200.
I'he ~irrer closure lll' ~f fI(~_ 1U includes the first and ~ec~nrl closure pro~Ies (not depicted) sealed together at slider stops 33. 35; these slider slops 33, 35 dcrlna d first Gl~[~lCf 1:1V~U!'C JC '~ii1G11( 20'A a.us rut adjac;cnl, wnlinuvus, aus uu~Wguuus second zipper closure segment 20'B. Iu particular, slider stops 33, 35 of zipper closure 20' arc spot seals 33', 35'. Positioned near each slider stop 33 is notch 25, which, as described above, facilitatee proper mating of the first and second closure profiles by slides device 50. Slider device 50 is mounted on zipper 111 elnmre lf)' aver distal ends 4:3, 45 (FT(ir. 10 and FT(~S_ 2 and 3).
Sealing ftangeq 42. 44 (FIG. 10 and FTGS. Z and 3) are also shown.
Il is uu~lGisluu~l tlxat tlic leugtlmf each z,ipNu clusm.c scg~~,~r,~xl 20'A, 20'B will depend on the desired width o~ the padvage into which the zipper closure 20' wvill be incorporated. Each package will have a first slider stop 33, n secoz~d slider atop 35, slider device 50, and optionally a notch 25.
'1'b.e zirrer clncllre 2t)" of fI('T. 11 includes the first anrl se~:nn~l dnsure Profiles (not depicted) sealed together at intervals at slider stops 33, 35.
Zipper closure 20" has at least first nipper closure segment 20"A and second zipper clusura sc~urut 20"B; eacli zipper closure scglncnt 20"A, 20"S has cacli of flit 20 features provided by slider mounting system 200, rn particular, slider stops 33, 35 of zipper closure 20" are crush regioxxs 33", 35"; crush regions 33", 35"
exteo.d from distal ends 43, 45 into sealing flanges 42, tin. As seen in FIG. 11, a second crush re.~nn :i5"A of a first segment of zipper closure ZU"A is connected to a first cnlsh region 33"B of a second segment of zipper closure 20"B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, slider slops 33, 35 are slanted or angled luwar~l lhwippc~r closure ~G~,111C11t of wllicli it is a palrt. A ltotch or "v" is fornzcd between slider stops 33, 35.
In some embodiments, slider stops 33, 35 rnay extend continuous along distal cads X13, 45, thus having no notch or "v" therebetween.
Pemtmned near each slider stop 33 is notch LS, which, as described 30 above, facilitates proper mating of the first and second closure profiles by slider device 50. Slider device 50 15 mUUntG~l uu zippCr clusua~a 20" uvCr ~lisl.al auJ.s 43, 45.
ALIG-22-91 D5:5dP~l FRDM-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.U1T/03T F-6d1 The zipper closure 20"' of FIG. 13 includes the firart and second closure profilee (not depicted) sealed together at intervals at slider stops 33, 35.
Zipper closure 20"' has at least first zipper closure segment 20"'A and second zipper closure segment 2.0"'R; each zapper closure; Segment 7.U"' A., 7.f.1°'~ has each of the features provided tay slider mounting system 200. In parCicular, slider stops 33, 35 of zipper closure 20"' are void-re~i.ons 33"', 35"', which are areas of zipper closure 20"' devoid o~ material. Void-regions 33"', 35"' are formed by a stop seal tuiit 270' shovsm in FzG_ 13. Positioned near each slider atop 33 is notch 25, which, as described above, facilitates proper mating of the first and second closure profiles by slider device 50. Slider device 5f.1 is mottntPd nn 7rPpPr clns~rrP 7.c.1"' over W stal ends 43, d5.
Referring now to FIG. 13, stop seal unit 270', having first and second V-polls 273, 275, rGS~CClivcly, fum~a vui~l-rcgious 33"', 35"', as sLowu ou ziNp~
closure 20"' of rIG. 12. V-posts 273, 275 arc heated, for caamplc to about 6S0°F.
The heated V-posts 273, 275 arc 3uffeieatly hot to burn or melt away portions of upper flanges 43, 45, so that when brought into contact with the upper ;Flanges 43, 45, the result is regions devoid of flange material. Tn mncY PmhndimPntc, ar the edges of void-regions 33"',35"', shown as edges 333, 335 in FIG. 13, the upper flanges 43, 45 have been ai least partially Saalctl UT UlllCrW1'uC
LUI111C~:CCl1 IUfC(llGr by lhc ta~Gllca m.aic~ial of upper flanges 43, 45. Void-regions 33"', 35"', although shown as triangular arctic in FIG. 13, can be any ohape, such as ; qtuue, circular, and the like.
'fhe various zipper closures 20, such as zipper closures 70', 7.(1", and ZU"' of r'rGS. I. I. thmngh I .i, can he immediately incorporated into packages, or can be rolled or otherwise stored for Inter incorporation into packages. The packages can be made; by cetnvauliunal mclhudJ, such as vcitical form, FIl and coal (VFFS) t~;liuiqw;s, liorizontal forru, ~tl1 and scat (HITS) techniques, or by any method.
Onc or more tamper evident :,tructure~ or features, such as peel s~:als or tamper evident-structures, can be included in the package.
Nipper closure 2u' of FIG. 10 is shown incorporated into package 10' in FIG. 14. Zipper closure 20' includes spot seals 33', 35', notch 25, and slider dCVILC 50, all which w~~a W coiporatcd witli zipper closure 20' by slider mounting ALIG-22-D1 05:5dPM FROM-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-81T P.018/037 F-6d1 system 200.
package 10' is defined by a surrounding body, such as first and second side panels (first side panel depicted at 1 J.), which are joined at first side P('~~P, 1 i anti second side edge 'I:~. dipper closure zf)' extends from first side edge 13 to second side edge 15 and is attached to the side patxels by sealing flanges 42, 44. Slider device 50 nluunlcQ un cippar clusuc~a 20' aunt upprr flt~uKrs 43, 45, can travel from first spot scat 33' to second spot: sea.I 35' and does not contact either of fir3t side edge 13 or second side edgo 15.
A tamper-evident structure 60 is disposed over zipper cloture 20' az~d slider device 5(.1 nppnsitP hnrtnm edge 1 ti. Hy "ramrer-evident", it is meant that it prnvide.~ an indication to the consumer as to whether the package 10' has been previously opened. In order lv access lhc iulcriur of packaxa 10', the lamNG~-evident stl~ucturc GO needs to be penetrated. .A, lines of wca'[ozcss 65 is provided to facilitate removal of tamper evident structure 60. Line of wealmess 65 can be a perforation, tear strip or bead, die line, laser score line, or other weakness that provides easy removal of tamper evident-scrucW r~ 60, and can be provided to tamper evident-stnm..h~r.P tii) hrfnrP nr after 7irrer clnsrtrP
'7.11' is incorporated into package 10', Zipper clusurC 20" of FICA. 11 is sliown iucurporaterl iota package 10"
iii FIG. 15. Zipper closure 20" includes crush regions 33", 35", notch 25, arid slider device 50, all ~xrhieh ware incorporated with zipper closure 30" by slider mounting syEtem 300.
Package 10" is def~nP.d by a snrrrnmding hndy, such ac first and second cirie panels (~trsx side panel depicted at 12), which are joined at first side edge 13 and second side edge 15. Zipper closure 20" extends fronn first side edge 13 to so<;uud side edge 15 axed is attached to the side panels by scaling flanges 42, ~4. Slider device S0, mounted on zipper closure 20" over upper flanges 43, A~S, can travel froz~a first crush region 33" to second crush region 3S" and does not contact either of first side edge 13 or Se~onct side edge 15. fltT. 15A chnwn an ill enlarged view of second side edge 15 and second crush region 35". Second crush region 35" includes a section 37 which extends inward from and provides a spacing fruru Side c~lgc 15. SGlalull 37 can be ~mgled, as shown in FxG. 1 SA,, or can be ar~y ALIG-22-O1 05:5dP~i FROIA-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-917 P.019/D37 F-6d1 ;hope, and caa be formed simultaneously with crush region 35".
A tamper-evident structure 60 is disposed over zipper closure ZO" and slider device 50 opposite bottom, Pdge 1 !i. In nrctpr rn acx.PCC t'he in~herinr of parkagp 11)", tamrer-evident structure fi0 needs to be penetrated. A line of wealmess 65 is provided to facilitate removal of tamper evident-structure 60.
Zipper closure ZO"' of FIG. 12 is shuwn iuruurWuratcd i,~xlu pwkagc 10"' in rIG. 16. Zipper closure 20"' i,~acludcs V-regions 33"', 35"', notch 25, and slider device 50, cell which were incorporated with zipper closure 20"' by slider mounting system 200.
.Package 11)"' yc ciefine,~i by a surrounding hody having first side edge 1 a and second side edge 15. Zipper closure 20"' extends from first side edge 13 to second side edge 15 and is alldc:h~d lu lhc side pmcls by scaliu~ llauKcs 42, 44.
Slider CIGVAI:C SO, mounted ou zipper closure 20"', cazr travel fronu first Y,region 33"' to second V-region 35"' and does not ooz~tact eitlier of first side edge 13 or second side edge 15. A tamper-evident s>zucture 64 is disposed over sipper closure 20"' and slider device SU opposite bot'iom edge 18, .A .Lixt.e oi~ wpakxlpSS
65 is provided to facilitate: re~mwal Wit' tamper evident-structure 60.
The resulting packages znay be filled, for example through the top (if tamper evident-structure 60 is c~ul pr,~mau'rmtly scaled, and preferably, if closwe NlCJrIIeS 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) arc mated, or through the bottom edge 18.
Altenc~,ately, the packages can be sold to consumers empty, ~or filling at a later t~nae.
To open aay of package 10' of FrG. 14, package 10" of FXG_ 15, or package lU"' of J:lf3. 16, 1'amrpr evident-stmeture li0 is removed by separating tamper e;v;rtenr-sm~cmre ft7 from first and second side panels along line of weakness ti5. Tl'lis is shown in FIGS. 14 and 16.
Tlic aLuve specification and cxarx~plcs are believed to provide a cvxx~plcte description of the manufacture and use of partieult~r embodiments of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made.
ONTO ZIPI?1zR CLOSU'I~S AND PACKAGES May I ) I=.. THEREBY
'I'hP pre~sex~t invention generally relates to packages having iutu-locklng zipper clnc»re profiles that are xnatcd and T.uunatcd by a slider device.
Tn partiaula~, the present inveration relates to methods of mounting the slider device onto the closure profiles, the; zipper clost~rP profile «riti~ the slider device uluuuted thereon, and the packages made lhrrewith.
Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store or enclose vari,otts types of articles and materials. Tlrcse packages may be used to score food produetc, non-food eor~sumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, dad many Other articfec. Resealable packages havirxg zipper vlusure mechanisms are convcnicmi xci that they earl be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the cucloscil c~ntezlts. Goods that are not used completely wlacn the package is initially opened rely om the a~pper closure to rerlose the package and keen the remaining contents fresh. The ncul iu locate a storage container for the unused Portion of the products irx the package is tliua avoided. Iz1 some instances, providing products in resealable packages appreciably eahaucen tlta markel:ahility of those products. $xatnples of consurrAable goods that arc often packdKcd iu packages, such as baKs, with a zipper clocnrP include potting soil, fertilizer, pot food, dog biscuits, vegetablrs, cereal, and many ditfi~sont foods edible by hunnans.
For some types of rcscalalTlc packages, the opening and closing of the sipper closure is facilitated by a slider device that is mounted on the zipper closure.
The slider device typically includes a separator or sprcaacr~type s'~.tetute at rn,e end that opens a closure mechanism, having profiled elements or closu~~c profiles, when the sliTlcr demiCe travels in a firsl~ riirection along the xn,echanism. The sidcwalls of the slider device ai~c configured so Chart the RTrlPwalls engage the closure profiles and progressively rrxovc thcni into Cugagerxlen~ to Close the reaealable package when the SITfIP.r device is moved along the closure mccLauism in a direction cTlTposite the first direction.
ImprovemP,nts is the manufacturing of the rescalaLlc packages, in particula~.~ imh~ process of mounting the slider device on the zipper closure, are de3ircd.
AUG-22-L~1 05:52P~1 FR01~-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.DD3/D3T F-6d1 In. one aspect of the present disclosuuc, methods of applying or mounting slider devic~.es for openi.rxg and closing rcscalablc tipper closures are dixlosed. The method is directed at doing multiple steps to the ziNpcr closure: that is, the slider daviw is mounted and end slider stop seals are made simulLaueously or essentially simultaneously. In some ennbodimentc, a home notch position for thv slider device is made prior to, or esscnually simultaneously to the other steps. ~"he ~rper closure may be mated (interlockca) or unmated (disengaged) when the various steps arP done.
In. particular, the present disclosure relates to a method of making a zipper cloau~rC, the method Comprimny providing a ~t closure profile drtQ a second closure p~oClC; mounting a slider dcwice onto each of the f;rst closure profile and the second. closure prolilC; and forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop, with the slider device positiunCd between the fast ~li.der stop and the second c.lider stop. The steps of mounting a slider J.cvice atld forming a hi.rst slider stop and a second slides stop are done essentially simultaneously. Optionally, the iuGlhod earl include punnhirtg a notch in the first and second clu5ure profiles.
W a.uolher aspect of the prPSent disclosure, an extended. length of zipper closure is pr.uviclcd. The extended length of zipper closure has a plurality o,C
segments, each segment having a length corresponding try the width of the package lU in which the zipper closure will bG incorporated. $ach Regmeat includes a first slider stop and a second slider atop, and a slider acvice mounted onto the zipper closure l7etwPPn the first slider stop and the second sli~lCr Stop.
In particular, i:hP presexrt disclosure relates to an c~teudctl length of zipper closure coucprising a plurality of seetinns, each section defined by a first and and a second end, and each section eonlprisix~g a first closure profile interloeitable with a second clostuc profile, the fu5l closure profile and the second closure profile being continuous along the plurality o,f Scclions. A slider devise, constructed sad arranged to interlock the ;~trst closure profile witli thG second closure profi le when thG slider device is moved i.n a first direction, arid diacngage the ~ra~
closure profile 30 from the scuund closure profile when the: slider device is moved in a second opposite direction, is, operaLly mounted on the first closure profile and the second closure profile. A first slider step is present at the first end ot~ the section, and a ALIG-22-G1 G5:52P(I FROUI-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 9959 T-917 P.ODd/037 F-6d1 second slider stop is present at the saeond end of the aecti.on, with the slider device mounted therobetwecn.
The extended length of zipper- clustusr can be incorrnrated into packages, nr can be stored, for example, on a core ur spool, for later inecirnoration iulu pacitages.
I
FIG. 1 xs a perspective mew of a flexible, rescalablc pauka~e having a slider device, accoidiug to principles of this disclosure;
FZG. 2 is a cross-s~;tiurral view of the flexible, resealabIe package taken along line 2 ? of Fzc. 1;
FIG. 3 ie as enlEtrgcd, schematic e:wss sectional view of a zipper closure such ac of the flexible, reEealable packago of FIGS. 1 arid 2, without a slider device mot,uited thereon;
FIG. 4 is a front persrect~ive view of a process for mouating slider derrices onto an elongated supply of zipper closure, irxcludirrg a first embodiment of a device for mounting slider devices auto a :tipper closure;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, frolli pcrs~ecdve view of the device for mounting Glider devices of FIG. ~L;
1~'ICT. 6 is an enlarged, rear perspective view of the device for mounti.y 'lider devices of FI( i. 4;
FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of a deviuC
for mounting slider doviccs uWu a Tippet elostue;
FIG. 8 is a sclicma>,iu side view of the device of Fig. 7 for mounting slider devices onto a Zipper closure;
fill;. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of a slider detrice positioned rut; mouniixig on the ~ipPe~r closure;
FIG. 10 is a front elevatTnnal view of a first exnbodimcnt of au extended length of ~ippGr closure having slider rieviees mounted thereon;
FIG. 11 is a front C~CViLL101;1d1 view of a second embodiment of an ext~.de:d length of zipper closure having slide ~lCVices mot.~.ted thereon;
h.lG. 12 is a front elevational view of a trued. embodiment of an extccided lerigth of ~ipPer closure having slider devices mounted llmreon;
FIG. 13 is a partial percpPCtive view of a portion of the process fur AIJG-22-D1 05:52PM FR01~-LADAS 8 PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.OD5/037 F-6d1 producing the zipper closure of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a frost vices o.~ a flexible, resealable package having a slider device, incorporating the zipper closure of rXG. 10;
H.L(~r. 15 is a front view of a flexible, rcscalablc packdKe having a slidrx device, incorporating the ~prer closure of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of a portion of the flexible, rcscalablc paclcagc of ITC. 15; and FIG. 16 is a front vices of a flexible, resealahle rackage !saving a slider device, incorporating the zipper closure of FIG. 12.
Attention is directed to FIGS. 1 and 2, wlucli illus(a-ate an example paekading arrangement in tlae form of a resealable, flexible package 10, for example, a polymeric package Such as a plastic bag, having a re3ealablc ~ippcz closure 20_ The: flexible package 10 includes a surrounding body formed by first axad ~eeoad opposed panel scc;tiuus 12, 14., typically made fmna a flexible, polymeric, plautic film. The film can be a suylc layer or a mult9-layered palymerie film_ In some embodim.er~ts, it may be desired to co~ubine at least ozle layer of polymeric, film with an additional layer, such as paper, to fornz a muhi-component:
film.
With some manufacturing aprlications, the first and second panel sections 12, 14 arc tied!-sealed together alonb two RWe edges 13, 15 and meet at a fold line 17 in ordor to form a tluee-e<lgad. containment section for a Product within as interior 11 (FIG. 2) of the pachagc 10. Iu the embodiment shown, the told lice 17 comprises the bottom edge 18 of the package 10. Altemalively, two separate panel sections 7 7., 14 of plastic film may be used and heat-sealed to~etLrr along the two side edges 13, 15 and at the bottom edge 18. In yet another cmbodirncnt, Na~acl scctium 12, 14 can be formed from a tuhe-hke Sheet of material configured to form folds at each of side adgcs 13, 15; side pazlels 12, 14 are hP.at-sealed together along boltoxn edge I$. tlcccss is provided to tllC iutcnor 1 I of the package I () rhzough a mouth 30 of the package 10. In the particular ernbodimeaic shown, the mouth 30 extends the width of the package 10; that is, mouth 30 extends fioui 1'usl Side edge 13 to second side edge I 5.
Bol~tom edge 18 can include a gIySCSt 31, seen in FIG. 2. Gus3et3 arc AIJG-22-01 05:53PM FROM-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 6959 T-617 P.006/037 F-6d1 _$
known for providing pack~zgcs with "stand-up" .Ccdlurrs. Gusset 31 of package has fwst aad second gu:,set aeetions 32, 34, wliicl~ a,c~c essentially equal in len~h Preferahly, Path of the first and second gu; set sections 32, 34 is uiade from the same piece of material ac the first and second panel sections 12, 14, rcsp~;tively.
'I~pically whc~ making the gusset 31, a SmglP piere o~ film is folded to form the opposing panel sections 12. 14.
The fold 38 is them ,Curlned between the first and se~nnd panel sections 12, l~l, which re3ulte in the first and s~;oir~t gusset sections 32, B4 with tkner told line 38 therebetween. Eventually, heat is applied to lurm the side edges 13, 15 (FIG. 1)_ The sirlP edges 13, 15 will form a seal between all four laycas of the package alor>lg each respeenvP gusset~.d side edge of the package.
A zipper closure arrangement zt1 hawing closure profiles to open and close (unseal and mseal) !h~ mouth 30 of paekege 1 () extends along the mouth 30, preferably across the width of package 10; ihal is, zipper closure 2l7 preferably extends from ~~rst side edge 13 to second side edge 15. The sipper closure 2t7 ran ineh~de a variety of eonfiguration~ and structures. Zipper clu~u,rc ZO can be configured in any known manner, for example, such a: di3closcd is U.S. Patent Nos. 4.240,241; 4.24(i,288; and 4,437,293; each of ~rhich is incorporated by rc~ercncc liwoiu. By 1.11te term "Z:lppei' closure" or "upper closure mecbaniem," it is meant a structure havulg uppusile interlocking or closure pmtiled elements that, under the application of pressure, will ixttcrlock ar,~Q close the region between the pro#iles.
Referring to FrGS. 2-3, zipper closure 20 has a f rst closurC profile 22 and a second closure prod IE 7.4 which engage and disengage, a3 appropriate, to upau anQ close package 10. In particular, ta.rst mating member 26 of fxr3t closure profile 22, and s~e;umd znaling member 28 of second closure profile 24 interlock as uppropriatc, to engage and disr,~ykc closure profiles 2Z. 24. 'h~irSt and second closure pro$les 22, 24 of zipper closure 20 arc attacho~l lu side panels 12, 14, respeetivefy, by sealing flanges 42, 44 (FIGS_ 2 and 3) as will be dcsciivc~l in detail below. The transition area hetween maiyz~,g members 26, 28 and scaling flanges 42, 44 is iacnlif ed by shoulders 212, 7. l.4. Clpposzte sealing flanges 42, 4-4. arc the distal ends 43, 45 (FIG. 3) of closure profiles 22, 24.
AUG-22-D1 05:53PM FROM-LADAS d PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-81T P.007/03T F-6d1 _6_ In the cmbodimcaxt showy Um rcsealable zipper closure Ztl extends the width of the mouth 30 from first side edKc 13 lu second side edge 15.
Alternatively, the mouth 30 and zipper closure 20 coul3 ve positioned on the package 10 at a location different &orm~ the mouth 30 of the packages 10, dependir~
on the application needs tar the package 10. For exa~x~,ple, mouth 30 and zipper closu~~c 20 can be positioned within one of side panels 12, 14.
Li suuiG applications, the closure profiles ZL, 24 are formed by two Eeparaie extrusions or through iwvo separate openings of a Common exmtci.nn.
Typically, the resealable zipper closure 20 is made of conventional materials, such l0 as a pol3~rrrerie, plastic material, for example, polyethylene, pul~viuylchloiide or Polypropylene. Iz~ other application, the cloture profiles 22, 24 arc foriucd as a single extrusion, which may they he alit apart to form the two individual profiles.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and Z, clirlPx device 50 ie mounted on zipper closure 20 to facilitdla up~nin~ and Closing zipper Closure 2I1. Slider devices and how they funedon to open and close zipper clusurCS, in general, are ta»ght, for example, in U.S. Patent Noo. 5,063,644; 5,301,394; and 5,442,537, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. One preferred Slider device is taught W U.S.
patent a~lycatic,ns 09/365,215 and 29/108,657, both Bled July 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference in their enrisPty. Another preferred slider device i3 20 tauglri iu U. S. patent application 60/222.132 filed :fuly i 1, 2.000, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to slider device SO iu FIG. 2, slider device 50 has a top wall 51 from which dopend fzrst arm 52 and second u~i 54; rust atiQ second arms 52, S4 fhrm sirlewalls of slider device 50, Firet army 52, in particular first hook G2, engages over shoulder 117. anti second arm 54, in particular second hoolc 64, cuKraxas aver shoulder 214. Extending from for wall 57., and positioned between distal cnd~ ~43, 45 (FIG. 3) of cloSUTe profiles 22. 24, is spreader S5, which pries apart closure profiles 22, 24 when slider device 50 is moved in a first detection along zipper closure 30; whezt moved in a second opposite duvctiutial along zipper 30 closure 2t), sl.i.der device 50 mates closure profiles 2?, 24.
Another preferred slides device is shown in FIG. 9 as slider device 50'. Slider device 50' has a top wall ~1' from wh~e;h ~lPp~nd first arm S2' and ALIG-22-01 05:53P~1 FROhiI-LADAS IG PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-81T P.008/03T F-6d1 second arm 54', which form sidewalls of slider device 5ll'. first arm 54', in particular first hook G2', cugdgCS aver shoulder 212 of first closure rmtilP
7.2. of zipper closure 20, and second arm 54', in particular sC~uud hook 64', engages over shoulder 214 of second closure profile 24. Hook 62' ltas au iuuGU surface 61 and hook fi4' has an inner surface 63. Each of iron~r surfnces 61, 63 is inwardly auglc~l, to facilitate mnnnting of slider device 50' oato zipper closure 10.
Referring again to FIG. I , rncitmnxl on Zipper closure 20, clove to first side edge 13 and souu~xa si~lc edge 15, are first slider c~crP _iB and second slider stop 35, respectively. Slider stops 33, 35 eau be any physical obstruction that slope the movexnentE of slider device 50 on zipper closure 20. Tlic sli~lcr stops 33, 35 aTe areas or regions of zipper closure 20 that have been deformed, typically ultrasonically wPIrlPd, thermally melted, crushed, or otherwise melted or dcforazcd.
The deforming results in a mast of plastic (polymeric) material, typically melted iuKclhcr. In some embodimexats, slider stops 3.i, :i5 may be devoid of material.
Slider stops 33, 35 eau be luuatCd in upper flanges 43, X45 (FT! T~. 2 and 3), in sealing flanges 42, 44 (TICS. 2 anal 3), 11 111~11.4~J,y~, ru~mbers 26, 28 (FIGS. 2 and 3), or any combination thereof. Multiple Slider stops can be used at eacL. u~r cilher end of ~ip~ex closure 20. Slider device 50, mounted on zipper closure 20, can Navel from first slider stop 3j to cccnnrl slider stop 35 and does not contact either of first side edge 13 or second side edge ~ 5.
A. nulch 25 is disposed within zipper closure zl? arl~acPnt to first side edge 13 in package 10_ Nulch 25 is designed to provide a "park place" into which slider device 50 settles when zipper closure 20 is soalc~l and slider device 50 is at first side edge 13. Such a notch 25 may decrease aay tendency for an incumplclC
interlock hetwePn first closure profile 22 and second closure profile 24. The width of notch 25 may be ally width. l~n Rome Prr,bodiments, notch 25 may be so aa=row that il may be simply considered io be a slit or cut. A, preferred notch 25 includes two straiglit edges ur ai~lrs xenerdlly perpendicular to each other, and an opposed side that cxtemd,s at, in a preferred cmbodimc~tt, au oblique atlgle relative to 1is adjacent side. $y "oblique angle", it is meant arx angle that is not substa.~rtially jterrPnrijr171ar Ot Straigllt_ AUG-22-D1 05:53P~1 FRONhLADAS ~ PARRY NV 212 2d6 8959 T-81T P.009/D3T F-6d1 -g-Mckhods and Auuwatus for Processing Zipper Closure >2e~ciriug now to FIO. 4, a process 100 for mounting slider devieec SO oxtto an extended length of zipper closure 20 is showm. In flits a~ubodiment according to the present disclosure, the slider devices SO arc mounted on the cippcr cloture 7(1, ,zt particular on first and second closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS.
2 and ~), prior to attaching zipper closure 2U to side paaels 12, 1~! (FIGS. 1 and 2) to create package 10. At least two different styles or ryhPS of packages can be made using the zipper closure 20 fiu~u prucc55 100: those where the packaEe is filled ttlrough the zipper closure 20, and those wlzerc the lrxckd~c is filled through the bottom 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2).
packages intended to be filled through the zipper closure 20 will generally have cl~corP profiles 22, 2t1 (FIGS. 2 and 3) unmated. After filling, fihc profiles 22, 24 are sometimes mater(, or left Ltnmated, acrd a tamper evident-sm~cture 60 (FIGS. 14-16) can be applied. Packages intended to he tilled through the bottom 18 (FrGS. l and 2), such as througli a g,ussct 31 (FIG. 2) generally have rhP
clasttre pro~~les 22, 24 arc rnatcd and any tamper evident-stmci~.wC 60 (FIGS. 14-16) intact prior to filling the package.
Packages intended for filling by the consumer can also be made using the zipper closure ZCl fmm process 100.
An extended length of ~irper cinmre 20, with first and second closure yufilcs Z2, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3), is provided via spool 12C). In an~thes embodiment, zipper closm.C 20 may be; extruded, cast or otherwise formed immediately before this proeESS 100, thereby eliminating the step of wiuding the zirpea closure 20 o:ato spool 120 after forming the zipper clo3ure 20 arid then unwinding when the slider devices 50 are mounted.
First and second cloanre Pmti les 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) may be interlocked (mated) or unmated while retained on spool 17.(). If the closure profiles 22, 24 arc umnated, i~.i suiuc cimbutliments it may be desired to have first closure profile 22 on a fir3t spool and second closure profile 24 ou a acw~W spool. It should be noted, that interlocked profilEs can be unmated as desired, and unmated prnfilPC can be mated as desired. In most embodiments, it is desired that the profiles 22, 24 are mated.
AIJG-22-D1 D6:53PM FRDM-LADAS d PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.D10/03T F-6d1 ZipNci ulusurc 20 is unwound $ronci spool 120 and fui to slider mounting systcnz Z00, A zilrpcr drive or tensioniilg unit 122 can he provided to control tlae zipper closure 20 from spool 120. At sli~lcr mounting system 200, zipper closure 20 undergoes variou3 processes, including laaviug a sli~lcr dr:vice 50 mounted rhPrPOn.
Slider device >f~, to be mounted on zipper closure 20, is fed by a sliQcr source such as bowl feeder 150, which properly nriesits slides device SO for mour~tin~ onto flanges 43, 45 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of Zipper elnsurP 20. In b',tti.
4, bowl feeder 150 is positioned u~a d Usble or other support 110. The slider dev,cPS
SO progress from bowl feeder 150 along feedtcack 1S2 to ~lidcr mounting system 200. Alternately, slider device 50 can be fed to slider mouaizng systeui 200 by multiple howl fceciPrs tPeding a single track 152, a vibratory feeder, a spool of slider devices adhered to or carried nn nr by a carrier tape, a connected chain of sli.~lcr ~tcvic~s, be mvalW ally fed, or by any o2hCr process that. ran provide a continuous supply of slider devicCS lu slider mounting System 20(1.
C.'rravity, an air stream., and other methods taxi be used to fa.cilila~c feeding of the slider devices. rn one embodiment, a multi-eharu~,eled bowl feeder is used to orientate slider devices 50 to the proper positioa for application to zipper clooure 20 by slider mouz~ting system 200.
Slides' mounting system 2I)l), su~nrted by table 110, has zipper clostuv 20 Naasiuy LticrcGhrough. Table 110 Can include a registration syctPrxx 125 for providing fuse tuui~rg of spacing and positioning, as needed, of slider mounting system 200. Slider mounting system 200, sliowu ua prGS. 4 and 5, and rotated in FIG. 6, includes a slider home positiozt punch uait 240, a pmfile clamping uu.ii 250, a ~htlPr inctalhtlon mechanism 260, and a slider stop ~eal unit 270; tt punch unit 240 may not be present in all emhodiment~. The various features of slider mounting System 200 provide the fohowing functions: pm~h unit 240 provides notch 25 (rIG. 1); prO~lG ola~ilp 2SO securely holds zipper closure 20 during the varioue operations; slider ir~tallation mcchttlni5m 260 mounts SXitlct~
tlcvic;e 50 onto Zipper closure 20; and stop seal unit ?70 forms slider stops 33, 35 (rIG. 1).
SliVcr nnnunting system 2p0 is designed to have each of these various units (i.c., punch unit 240, profile clamp ZSO, slider installation n,.Prhanism 260, and slider stop seal ALIG-22-01 D5:53Pt1 FROtI-LADAS ~ PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-B17 P.011/D37 F-6d1 -IO-unit 270) function together, in essence simultaneously, to provide an exrP"dPd length u,C ~ippcr closure 20 processed and ready to be incorporated info a package, such as a plastic bag. Zipper closure 20 is incrcmeutall;y uuaxad through slider mounting system 200, so that the processed zipper closure 20 has reNcalittK
features, that is, slider device S0, slider stops 33, 35 (FIG. 1), and notch 25 (fIC.
1).
Whey zipper closure 20 enters slider mounting system 200 from spool 120 or other supply, the tirstt and ce~c-.nnct nlomre pro~.les 22, 2d (FIGS. 2 and 3) arc prCfcrably unmated; if mated, slider mounting system 20f1 can it,clnde a unit to unmatc the profiles. I3oWeVGI, 1~1 ~UitlC CIIIbUfllmentS, such as when the resulting paekagc will be filled through bottom 18 (DIGS. x and 2), closm.G pwfilas 22, can be mated. Profile clump 250 secures zipper closure 20 durir~g the tint the various procedures of slider mowntiz~g system 200 are per~ozxned on zipper closure ?(). Profile clamp 250 can be any mechanism that can secured hold zipper closure 20; such mechanisms can include hinged clamrs, army, tir~~;.rs, or any such itexxas.
P1o1~1C cle.cup 250 eau be mechanical, pneumatically operated, or servo-driven. Tn some embodir~~c~ats, a progiauuuable se,-vo u~utur eau be connected to a earn which engages a linkage to actuate prof le clamp 250.
Profile clamp 250 hold; each of fir3t and seeond closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) individually, or can hold the profiles 22, ?.~t with a single 2t7 mechanism or mrtace. In snme Pmbc~diments, it is preferred that profile clamp 250 has two opposed portions between which the zipper closure 20 is retained.
H'»rthPr, it is prcf~d (hat the surfaces of profile clamp 250 that contact zipper closure 20 arc at least somewhat contoured to the profile zipper closum 20, su that Lhv clamping pressure is fairly evenly distributed across first olosurc profile 22 and second closure profile 24.
Yun.ch unit 240, if present, provides notch 25 (FIG. 1) to ripper closure 20. Punch unit 240 may he a die, kmte;, stamp or other such process.
As discussed earlier, notch 25 may be a narrow slit. In one embodiment, punch unit 2.40 is a hydraulic pouch. In anotlier emLodimrmt, pouch unit 240 is a pneumatic 30 punch. In some embodiments, n programmable servo motor can be cozxnoctcd to a cam which engages a linkage to actuate punch unit 240.
The sma.l I rtece of r~lym.eric material removed by punch unit 240 AIJG-22-D1 05:53PIi FROM-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-B17 P.D12/037 F-6d1 (herein. referred to as a "slug") that defines notch 25 (FIG. 1) may be removed from rhP area of rnnrh. unuit ~.a(t by an air blast or by vacuum.
In some embodiments, it may be desired to have a punch unit separate from slider mounting system 200; rather, a separate punch ux~at caa be positioned upweb or downweb of slider mounting system Z00. A scNaa~atc pouch unit can be raccha~aically, hydraulically, or pneumatically controlled. Tn exnbodxxments where a servo-driven motor ie uEed to actuate a separate poach unit, it naay be desired to use a servo separate from one used tv control profile clamp and other features of slider mounting gy~te~m 7_(111.
Slider device 50 is applied to zipper closure ZO by slider installation urcvha.W iu 2G0, wllicL vau be auy ~lcvic~ or m~~hod fvr applying slider device SO
outv zipper closure 20. Generally, if closure profiles 22, 24 ('FIGS. 2 and 3) are mated, slider device 50 typically is applied at notch 25 (FIG. 1); if closure profiles 22, 24 are untreated, slider device 50 typically is applied at the oppoeite end of zipper closure ZU, tbr example, close to second slider stop 3S (FIG. 1).
Generally, slider installation mechanism lfill aPnliec slWe~r rlrvice 50 uulu cippcr clusura 20 in a slrdi~ht un approach; that 1s, slider device 50 is brought to zippw closu~,a 20 axially ali~uca with upper flaugCS 43, 45 (FIGS. 2 and 31. See for exrunple, FIG. 9 which shows slider dcvi,cc 50 axially aligned with zippcx closure 20.
A first embodiment of a slider installation mechanism 260 is shaven in fI(.T~. A. thrnogh fi. 'This sLidPr installation mechanism 260 is a hoz~izontally loading mechanism that applies slider devices 50 onto zipper closure 20 in a straight on appruaali. By tLa tr,~AU "hmi~cuutally Iuasi.u~', it i5 maenl that the Slider device 50 and zipper closure 20 have a Ixorizontal axis cactcnding betweGU tlic~~l ~lu,riuK lha mounting process. In FxG. 5, the orientation of slider devices 50 and zipper closure 20 is shown. Zipper closure 20 is oriented with upper Hang~s X13, 45 positioned closer tc~ slider clemce 5(1 than ~ealmg tlangPS 47., 44. This slider installation mechanism, 260 could be refitted to be a vertically loading mechanism. Hy the term "vertically lua~liuK", i~ is mcaut that the slider device 50 and zipper closure 20 have a vel-kical axis exteudiug betWccu thGlll Suiiu~ ihG u~uwsatin~ procc;ss.
Slider devices SO are fed via track 152 to slider sx~vunting system AIJC-22-D1 05:5dPM FR01~-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.013/037 F-6d1 200, and in particular, to slider installation mechanism Zfif). Slider dev,aes Sfi are oriemed in relation to zipper closure 20 as shown in FIG. 9, so that arms 52, (FIG. 9) of slider device 50 engage ovm sliuulseis 2x2, 214 (FIG. 9).
Cylinde7~ 26z pushes slider device 50, from where it is ~cd via track 152, onto zippm clu~u.4~c Z0, in particular over upper flanges 43, 45; slider device 50 is installod onto zipper closure at installation point 269.
A second ezzibodiment of a slider installation mechaxtism is shown in FTCTS_ 7 and 8. Slider ingtaltation mechanism 2tit1' is a vsrl;cally .loading mechanism that applies siidez devices 50 onto the Zipper closure 20 in a suaight on approacli. Iu FIG. 7, zipper closure 20 is shown iu cud view, acid iii FIG. S, zipper closure 20 shown in phantom. A plurality of slider devices 50 arc aligned and fed through a chute where the slider deviceE 50 are horizontally aligned at load point 266'. The aligned slider devices 50 are then stacked and aligned vertically at drop Pnint 7fiti' by tirSt cylinder 7fi7.'. A SliriPr rlevioP 5f1 'kirnzo. the bottom of the stack is pushed forward and over the Zipper closure by first cylinder 262' at slider ins~allauvn point 259'; ~-avity, an air jet, or the like, pushes a next slider device 30 to the bottom of the stack. xn the same stroke, first cylinder 262' pushes one of flit horizontally aligned slider devicca 50 forward to the top of the stack. before the slider device 50 is pixshed over the xippe~r closure, a second cylinder 361.' activates pro~~le clamp 250 to hold zipper closure securely. Second cylinder 264' of profile clamp 2~t! unclamps the zipper closure and the ~inper closure is mdexe.d. It is understood that other techniques, such as a belt driven system, can be used to N~uviQC sliQet~ lIGViUGS SO to the dcsi~cal Nusitiulm.
Any of cylinder 262, 262', 264, and the like cnay be mcchanicahy, pneumatically, hydraulically, or servo-driven. A pmgxaz~nma~ble servo motor can be connECted to a earn which engages a linkage to actuate ane or any of the cylinders.
The servo motor used can be the same one, or a different one than used for other features of slider mounting system 200. It is understood that the timing, step Scuucncc, autl ~c like uan bC adrcCully cun~rollcd by a pro~~ammable servo motor.
Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, slider stop seal unit 270 forms slider stops 33, 35 (FIG. 1) or the like on upper flanges 43, 45 (FIGS. ? and 3) of zipper closure 20. Slider stops 33, 35 decrease the opportunity for slider device 50, ALJG-22-81 05:5dPM FROM-LADAS 8 PARRY NY 212 2d6 9959 T-817 P.Oid/03T F-6d1 _ jj..
when slid along Zipper closure 20 when xx~corporated into a package, to abut either tide edge 1 ~, 1 S (H 1(T. 1 ). SlidP.r stop seal unit 270 can be any pmcess that provides a physical barer to moving slider device 50 fat'ther along zipper closure 20. Typically, the physical barrier is a mass of plastic (polymeric) material.
This material eau be uluasou.ically welded, tlicuma~lly c~ACILCV1, aruslrcd, Ur olhervsnsa melted or deformed by stop seal unit 270. In sonic cmbodirumts; lical, prc~aurc, ultrasonics, or the like can be applied from both sides of Zipper closure 20, that is, iiom both the side of first closure profile 22 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and tlxe side of second closure profile 24 (FIGS. 2 and j). The application of the heat, pre:.~.cure, ultrasonics, or other step can be controlled by a servo.
Providing the slider stops 33. 35 may be a two step process in some CIlIbOdIIIIGIlt$: first, a portion of the closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 ama 3) arc crushed to decrease the width, and scaomd, flee slider stops 33, 35 are made_ Additionally or alternatively, slider stop 33 can be xuade in a step separate from the malang of slider stop 35.
Slider mounting system 200 is constructed tc~ have vari~nc pr~oe~scPs performed on the zipper closure 20 essentially simultaneously. Sy the term "c55cutially ~uullancuusly", il is iucanwhal the various processes are performed with no more than about 0.01 second between the initiation of oue step and the initiation of a second step. In many embodiments, the time between initiation of all steps within slider xnour~ting system 200 is no mere than about 0.005 second.
The overall time period to accomplish all the steps is referred to as a "cycle".
Generally each cycle is no more than 2 seconds long, preferably no more than 1 second, more preferably uu ~~xura llm.~x 0.75 sav:uud., tu~d iuusl prCfardbly nu mute khan 0.3 second long. These timings, which can include flit short period of time uoo<l~i to incrementally move zippar closure 20, provide process of speeds of at least 30 cycles per miaute, preferably at least 60 cycles per minute, more preferably at IEast 80 cycles per miaute, and most preferably at Ieast 120 cycles per minute. Ia some embodiments, process speeds of up to, and exceeding, 150 cycles per minute can he obtained; however typically, process 5-peeds of about 85-115 cycles per minute are used.
The order of the ~teps dozre by slider mounting system 200 can var5r;
AIJG-22-31 05:5dPM FRDM-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.D15/037 F-fidl Additionally, the preterrP.d orrlPr of the steps may vary depending an the type of package which will eventually he made; that is, whether the package wyil he titlexi through the top or bottom edge.
Fur cx~uplc, if it is desitral tliat the eveliiual pduk.agcs will be fllad through zipper closure 20 at the top of the package (see FZC3~, 1), the closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) will be unzaated. ~'hu; , in some embodiments, fir3t and second closure profiles 22, 24 (rIGS. 2 and 3), if mated, are first separated by slider mounting system 1UU. The unmated profiles are clamped by profile clamp 250, and then sealed by stop seal unit 270, punched by punch unit 2ti0, and slider device 54 installed by slider ins~allaliun mechanism 260 all during the same cycle.
W otlier embodiumts, the clostue profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are separat~l, notch 25 (FIG. 1 ) i3 punched first by punch unit 260, and slider device 50 is installed by slider installation mechanism 260 at essen~tialiy the same time as stop seal unit 270 provides slider stops 33, 35. Alternately, stop seal unit 270 may rrAViCIB Slider StnrS 3:~, :i5 before or after slider device 5f1 1C
1TISIaI~E(1. Tn yet another variation, notch 25 caxt be punched by punch unit 260 prior to separation of Ihc clusmc profiles 22, 24. However, it is preferred that clostu'e profiles 22. 24 air u~unated wlien slider stops 33, 35 arc made by stop seal unit 270.
If it is desiuced that the eventual packages will be filled through the bottom edge 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2), the closure profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are mated. When mated, the various steps of slider mounting system Zt)t) can he done in any order. r'or example, slider device 50 can be installed prior to punching notch or malting slider stops 33, 35. Or, slider steps 33, 35 are made prior to pum:liinK notcli 2S and mouutin~ slider device 50. As stated, auy order of steps eau be used.
Typically, the various steps are done without moving the zipper closure; however, in some embodiments, the zipper closure may be indexed for the various steps.
As discussed above, zipper closure 20 is processed by slider mounting syslcru 200 priur lu cipNcr clusum 20 lrGimg i~xcorpurated iutu lra~:lcages.
Refr,~rimg now to rzcs. 10, 11 and 12, three embodimEats of cxtcadEd lengths of zipper closure 20 which have progressed through slider mounting system 200 are shown.
ALIG-22-D1 05:5dP1~ FR0~1-LADAS i PARRY NY 212 2d6 6959 T-617 P.016/D37 F-6d1 The processed nipper closures have segxner~ts which include the various features provided by slider mounting system 200.
I'he ~irrer closure lll' ~f fI(~_ 1U includes the first and ~ec~nrl closure pro~Ies (not depicted) sealed together at slider stops 33. 35; these slider slops 33, 35 dcrlna d first Gl~[~lCf 1:1V~U!'C JC '~ii1G11( 20'A a.us rut adjac;cnl, wnlinuvus, aus uu~Wguuus second zipper closure segment 20'B. Iu particular, slider stops 33, 35 of zipper closure 20' arc spot seals 33', 35'. Positioned near each slider stop 33 is notch 25, which, as described above, facilitatee proper mating of the first and second closure profiles by slides device 50. Slider device 50 is mounted on zipper 111 elnmre lf)' aver distal ends 4:3, 45 (FT(ir. 10 and FT(~S_ 2 and 3).
Sealing ftangeq 42. 44 (FIG. 10 and FTGS. Z and 3) are also shown.
Il is uu~lGisluu~l tlxat tlic leugtlmf each z,ipNu clusm.c scg~~,~r,~xl 20'A, 20'B will depend on the desired width o~ the padvage into which the zipper closure 20' wvill be incorporated. Each package will have a first slider stop 33, n secoz~d slider atop 35, slider device 50, and optionally a notch 25.
'1'b.e zirrer clncllre 2t)" of fI('T. 11 includes the first anrl se~:nn~l dnsure Profiles (not depicted) sealed together at intervals at slider stops 33, 35.
Zipper closure 20" has at least first nipper closure segment 20"A and second zipper clusura sc~urut 20"B; eacli zipper closure scglncnt 20"A, 20"S has cacli of flit 20 features provided by slider mounting system 200, rn particular, slider stops 33, 35 of zipper closure 20" are crush regioxxs 33", 35"; crush regions 33", 35"
exteo.d from distal ends 43, 45 into sealing flanges 42, tin. As seen in FIG. 11, a second crush re.~nn :i5"A of a first segment of zipper closure ZU"A is connected to a first cnlsh region 33"B of a second segment of zipper closure 20"B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, slider slops 33, 35 are slanted or angled luwar~l lhwippc~r closure ~G~,111C11t of wllicli it is a palrt. A ltotch or "v" is fornzcd between slider stops 33, 35.
In some embodiments, slider stops 33, 35 rnay extend continuous along distal cads X13, 45, thus having no notch or "v" therebetween.
Pemtmned near each slider stop 33 is notch LS, which, as described 30 above, facilitates proper mating of the first and second closure profiles by slider device 50. Slider device 50 15 mUUntG~l uu zippCr clusua~a 20" uvCr ~lisl.al auJ.s 43, 45.
ALIG-22-91 D5:5dP~l FRDM-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-817 P.U1T/03T F-6d1 The zipper closure 20"' of FIG. 13 includes the firart and second closure profilee (not depicted) sealed together at intervals at slider stops 33, 35.
Zipper closure 20"' has at least first zipper closure segment 20"'A and second zipper closure segment 2.0"'R; each zapper closure; Segment 7.U"' A., 7.f.1°'~ has each of the features provided tay slider mounting system 200. In parCicular, slider stops 33, 35 of zipper closure 20"' are void-re~i.ons 33"', 35"', which are areas of zipper closure 20"' devoid o~ material. Void-regions 33"', 35"' are formed by a stop seal tuiit 270' shovsm in FzG_ 13. Positioned near each slider atop 33 is notch 25, which, as described above, facilitates proper mating of the first and second closure profiles by slider device 50. Slider device 5f.1 is mottntPd nn 7rPpPr clns~rrP 7.c.1"' over W stal ends 43, d5.
Referring now to FIG. 13, stop seal unit 270', having first and second V-polls 273, 275, rGS~CClivcly, fum~a vui~l-rcgious 33"', 35"', as sLowu ou ziNp~
closure 20"' of rIG. 12. V-posts 273, 275 arc heated, for caamplc to about 6S0°F.
The heated V-posts 273, 275 arc 3uffeieatly hot to burn or melt away portions of upper flanges 43, 45, so that when brought into contact with the upper ;Flanges 43, 45, the result is regions devoid of flange material. Tn mncY PmhndimPntc, ar the edges of void-regions 33"',35"', shown as edges 333, 335 in FIG. 13, the upper flanges 43, 45 have been ai least partially Saalctl UT UlllCrW1'uC
LUI111C~:CCl1 IUfC(llGr by lhc ta~Gllca m.aic~ial of upper flanges 43, 45. Void-regions 33"', 35"', although shown as triangular arctic in FIG. 13, can be any ohape, such as ; qtuue, circular, and the like.
'fhe various zipper closures 20, such as zipper closures 70', 7.(1", and ZU"' of r'rGS. I. I. thmngh I .i, can he immediately incorporated into packages, or can be rolled or otherwise stored for Inter incorporation into packages. The packages can be made; by cetnvauliunal mclhudJ, such as vcitical form, FIl and coal (VFFS) t~;liuiqw;s, liorizontal forru, ~tl1 and scat (HITS) techniques, or by any method.
Onc or more tamper evident :,tructure~ or features, such as peel s~:als or tamper evident-structures, can be included in the package.
Nipper closure 2u' of FIG. 10 is shown incorporated into package 10' in FIG. 14. Zipper closure 20' includes spot seals 33', 35', notch 25, and slider dCVILC 50, all which w~~a W coiporatcd witli zipper closure 20' by slider mounting ALIG-22-D1 05:5dPM FROM-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-81T P.018/037 F-6d1 system 200.
package 10' is defined by a surrounding body, such as first and second side panels (first side panel depicted at 1 J.), which are joined at first side P('~~P, 1 i anti second side edge 'I:~. dipper closure zf)' extends from first side edge 13 to second side edge 15 and is attached to the side patxels by sealing flanges 42, 44. Slider device 50 nluunlcQ un cippar clusuc~a 20' aunt upprr flt~uKrs 43, 45, can travel from first spot scat 33' to second spot: sea.I 35' and does not contact either of fir3t side edge 13 or second side edgo 15.
A tamper-evident structure 60 is disposed over zipper cloture 20' az~d slider device 5(.1 nppnsitP hnrtnm edge 1 ti. Hy "ramrer-evident", it is meant that it prnvide.~ an indication to the consumer as to whether the package 10' has been previously opened. In order lv access lhc iulcriur of packaxa 10', the lamNG~-evident stl~ucturc GO needs to be penetrated. .A, lines of wca'[ozcss 65 is provided to facilitate removal of tamper evident structure 60. Line of wealmess 65 can be a perforation, tear strip or bead, die line, laser score line, or other weakness that provides easy removal of tamper evident-scrucW r~ 60, and can be provided to tamper evident-stnm..h~r.P tii) hrfnrP nr after 7irrer clnsrtrP
'7.11' is incorporated into package 10', Zipper clusurC 20" of FICA. 11 is sliown iucurporaterl iota package 10"
iii FIG. 15. Zipper closure 20" includes crush regions 33", 35", notch 25, arid slider device 50, all ~xrhieh ware incorporated with zipper closure 30" by slider mounting syEtem 300.
Package 10" is def~nP.d by a snrrrnmding hndy, such ac first and second cirie panels (~trsx side panel depicted at 12), which are joined at first side edge 13 and second side edge 15. Zipper closure 20" extends fronn first side edge 13 to so<;uud side edge 15 axed is attached to the side panels by scaling flanges 42, ~4. Slider device S0, mounted on zipper closure 20" over upper flanges 43, A~S, can travel froz~a first crush region 33" to second crush region 3S" and does not contact either of first side edge 13 or Se~onct side edge 15. fltT. 15A chnwn an ill enlarged view of second side edge 15 and second crush region 35". Second crush region 35" includes a section 37 which extends inward from and provides a spacing fruru Side c~lgc 15. SGlalull 37 can be ~mgled, as shown in FxG. 1 SA,, or can be ar~y ALIG-22-O1 05:5dP~i FROIA-LADAS & PARRY NY 212 2d6 8959 T-917 P.019/D37 F-6d1 ;hope, and caa be formed simultaneously with crush region 35".
A tamper-evident structure 60 is disposed over zipper closure ZO" and slider device 50 opposite bottom, Pdge 1 !i. In nrctpr rn acx.PCC t'he in~herinr of parkagp 11)", tamrer-evident structure fi0 needs to be penetrated. A line of wealmess 65 is provided to facilitate removal of tamper evident-structure 60.
Zipper closure ZO"' of FIG. 12 is shuwn iuruurWuratcd i,~xlu pwkagc 10"' in rIG. 16. Zipper closure 20"' i,~acludcs V-regions 33"', 35"', notch 25, and slider device 50, cell which were incorporated with zipper closure 20"' by slider mounting system 200.
.Package 11)"' yc ciefine,~i by a surrounding hody having first side edge 1 a and second side edge 15. Zipper closure 20"' extends from first side edge 13 to second side edge 15 and is alldc:h~d lu lhc side pmcls by scaliu~ llauKcs 42, 44.
Slider CIGVAI:C SO, mounted ou zipper closure 20"', cazr travel fronu first Y,region 33"' to second V-region 35"' and does not ooz~tact eitlier of first side edge 13 or second side edge 15. A tamper-evident s>zucture 64 is disposed over sipper closure 20"' and slider device SU opposite bot'iom edge 18, .A .Lixt.e oi~ wpakxlpSS
65 is provided to facilitate: re~mwal Wit' tamper evident-structure 60.
The resulting packages znay be filled, for example through the top (if tamper evident-structure 60 is c~ul pr,~mau'rmtly scaled, and preferably, if closwe NlCJrIIeS 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) arc mated, or through the bottom edge 18.
Altenc~,ately, the packages can be sold to consumers empty, ~or filling at a later t~nae.
To open aay of package 10' of FrG. 14, package 10" of FXG_ 15, or package lU"' of J:lf3. 16, 1'amrpr evident-stmeture li0 is removed by separating tamper e;v;rtenr-sm~cmre ft7 from first and second side panels along line of weakness ti5. Tl'lis is shown in FIGS. 14 and 16.
Tlic aLuve specification and cxarx~plcs are believed to provide a cvxx~plcte description of the manufacture and use of partieult~r embodiments of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made.
Claims (23)
1. A method of making a zipper closure; the method comprising:
(a) providing a fast closure profile and a second closure profile, the first closure profile releasably interlockable with the second closure profile, each of the first closure profile and the second closure profile having an upper flange;
(b) mounting a slider device onto each of the first closure profile and the second closure profile, the slider device constructed and arranged to interlock the first closure profile with the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a first direction, and to disengage the first closure profile from the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a second opposite direction; and (c) forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop at least on the upper flange of each of the first closure profile and the second closure profile, with the slider device positioned between the first slider stop and the second slider stop;
wherein the steps of mounting a slider device and forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop are done essentially simultaneously.
(a) providing a fast closure profile and a second closure profile, the first closure profile releasably interlockable with the second closure profile, each of the first closure profile and the second closure profile having an upper flange;
(b) mounting a slider device onto each of the first closure profile and the second closure profile, the slider device constructed and arranged to interlock the first closure profile with the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a first direction, and to disengage the first closure profile from the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a second opposite direction; and (c) forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop at least on the upper flange of each of the first closure profile and the second closure profile, with the slider device positioned between the first slider stop and the second slider stop;
wherein the steps of mounting a slider device and forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop are done essentially simultaneously.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein prior to the steps of mounting the slider device and forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop, the method further comprises:
(a) releasably fixedly securing the first closure profile and the second closure profile.
(a) releasably fixedly securing the first closure profile and the second closure profile.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop comprises:
(a) forming a first slider stop tend a second slider stop by the application of host and pressure for a time period to the first closure profile and the second closure profile.
(a) forming a first slider stop tend a second slider stop by the application of host and pressure for a time period to the first closure profile and the second closure profile.
4. The method according in claim 2, further comprising:
(a) punching a notch in the zipper closure.
(a) punching a notch in the zipper closure.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of releasably securing the first closure profile and the second closure profile is done prior to the step of punching a notch in the zipper closure.
6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of providing a first closure profile and a second closure profile comprises:
(a) providing the first closure profile interlocked with the second closure profile.
(a) providing the first closure profile interlocked with the second closure profile.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of the step of punching a notch is done essentially simultaneously with the steps of mounting a slider device and forming a first slider stop and second slider stop.
8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of the step of punching a notch is done prior to the steps of mounting a slider device and forming a first slider stop and second slider stop.
9. The method according to claim 6, wherein after the steps of punching a notch, mounting a slider device, and forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop, the method further comprises:
(a) indexing the first closure profile and the second closure profile.
(a) indexing the first closure profile and the second closure profile.
10. The method according to claim 4, wherein:
(a) the step of providing a first closure profile and a second closure profile comprises providing the first closure profile disengaged from the second closure profile; and (b) the step of punching a notch is done prior to the steps of mounting a slider device and forming a first slider stop and second slider stop.
(a) the step of providing a first closure profile and a second closure profile comprises providing the first closure profile disengaged from the second closure profile; and (b) the step of punching a notch is done prior to the steps of mounting a slider device and forming a first slider stop and second slider stop.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein after the steps of mounting a slider device and forming a first slider stop and a second slider stop, the method further comprises:
(a) indexing the first closure profile and the second closure profile.
(a) indexing the first closure profile and the second closure profile.
12. An extended length of zipper closure comprising:
(a) a plurality of section, each section defined by a first end and a second end, and each section comprising:
(i) a first closure profile and a second closure profile, the first closure profile interlockable with the second closure profile, the first closure profile and the second closure profile being continuous along the plurality of sections;
(ii) a slider device operably mounted on the first closure profile and the second closure profile, the slider device constructed and arranged to interlock the first closure profile with the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in.
a first direction, and disengage the first closure profile from the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a second opposite direction; and (iii) a first slider stop at the first end of the section, and a second slider stop at the second end of the section, the slider device mounted between the first slider stop and the second slider stop.
(a) a plurality of section, each section defined by a first end and a second end, and each section comprising:
(i) a first closure profile and a second closure profile, the first closure profile interlockable with the second closure profile, the first closure profile and the second closure profile being continuous along the plurality of sections;
(ii) a slider device operably mounted on the first closure profile and the second closure profile, the slider device constructed and arranged to interlock the first closure profile with the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in.
a first direction, and disengage the first closure profile from the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a second opposite direction; and (iii) a first slider stop at the first end of the section, and a second slider stop at the second end of the section, the slider device mounted between the first slider stop and the second slider stop.
13. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 12, further comprising:
(a) a notch within the first closure profile and the second closure profile, the notch positioned in close proximity to the first slider stop.
(a) a notch within the first closure profile and the second closure profile, the notch positioned in close proximity to the first slider stop.
14. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 13, wherein:
(a) the first closure profile and the second closure profile are interlocked.
(a) the first closure profile and the second closure profile are interlocked.
15. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 14, wherein:
(a) the slider device is positioned in close proximity to the first slider stop.
(a) the slider device is positioned in close proximity to the first slider stop.
16. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 12, wherein:
(a) the first closure profile and the second closure profile are disengaged.
(a) the first closure profile and the second closure profile are disengaged.
17. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 16, wherein:
(a) the slider device is positioned in close proximity to the second slider stop.
(a) the slider device is positioned in close proximity to the second slider stop.
18. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 12, wherein:
(a) each of the first slider stop and the second slider stop is an area of at least partially melted polymeric material.
(a) each of the first slider stop and the second slider stop is an area of at least partially melted polymeric material.
19. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 18, wherein:
(a) the second slider stop of a first section is connected to the first slider stop of a second section.
(a) the second slider stop of a first section is connected to the first slider stop of a second section.
20. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 18, wherein:
(a) each of the first slider stop and the second slider stop comprise an area devoid of polymeric material.
(a) each of the first slider stop and the second slider stop comprise an area devoid of polymeric material.
21. The extended length of zipper closure according to claim 12, wound on a core.
22. An apparatus for processing an extended length of zipper closure, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a profile clamping unit for releasably holding the zipper closure;
(b) a slider installation mechanism for mounting a slider device onto the zipper closure; and (c) a slider stop sea1 unit for forming slider stop seals on the zipper closure, each of the profile clamping unit, slider installation mechanism, and slider stop seal unit within the apparatus to essentially simultaneously act on the zipper closure.
(a) a profile clamping unit for releasably holding the zipper closure;
(b) a slider installation mechanism for mounting a slider device onto the zipper closure; and (c) a slider stop sea1 unit for forming slider stop seals on the zipper closure, each of the profile clamping unit, slider installation mechanism, and slider stop seal unit within the apparatus to essentially simultaneously act on the zipper closure.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising:
(a) a notch punch unit.
(a) a notch punch unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US64955700A | 2000-08-28 | 2000-08-28 | |
| US09/649,557 | 2000-08-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2356027A1 true CA2356027A1 (en) | 2002-02-28 |
Family
ID=24605313
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002356027A Abandoned CA2356027A1 (en) | 2000-08-28 | 2001-08-27 | Method and apparatus for mounting slider devices onto zipper closures, and packages made thereby |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2356027A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2813169A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2366596A (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6481890B1 (en) * | 2001-07-16 | 2002-11-19 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Reclosable zipper having intermittent thickened flange; package; and methods |
| US6863645B2 (en) * | 2003-05-12 | 2005-03-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Method and apparatus for inserting sliders during automated manufacture of reclosable bags |
| US20070240288A1 (en) * | 2006-04-18 | 2007-10-18 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | High strength slider end stop |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5951822B2 (en) * | 1981-12-28 | 1984-12-15 | ワイケイケイ株式会社 | Method and apparatus for feeding a slider into a slider pocket for attaching a slider to an uncut fastener chain |
-
2001
- 2001-08-27 CA CA002356027A patent/CA2356027A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-08-28 FR FR0111159A patent/FR2813169A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-08-28 GB GB0120819A patent/GB2366596A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0120819D0 (en) | 2001-10-17 |
| FR2813169A1 (en) | 2002-03-01 |
| GB2366596A (en) | 2002-03-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |