U.S. patent application number 09/761174 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-07 for zipper and zipper arrangements and methods of manufacturing the same.
Invention is credited to Barclay, Ian J., Coomber, Thomas L., Dobreski, David V., Provan, Alexander R., Thomas, Toby R..
Application Number | 20010002504 09/761174 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23191813 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002504 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Provan, Alexander R. ; et
al. |
June 7, 2001 |
Zipper and zipper arrangements and methods of manufacturing the
same
Abstract
A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags
that includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes
first and second opposing tracks. The first track has a first
profile and the second track has a second profile. The first and
second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first
track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first
profile. At least one slider is inserted onto the first profile via
a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is adapted to
engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to
movement along the zipper. The second track may have one or more
spaced primary notches interrupting the second profile. The spaced
primary notches of the second track are generally aligned to
respective ones of the primary notches of the first track. At least
one slider is inserted onto the aligned pairs of primary notches
via a respective one of the generally aligned notches.
Inventors: |
Provan, Alexander R.;
(Canandaigua, NY) ; Coomber, Thomas L.; (Palmyra,
NY) ; Barclay, Ian J.; (Marion, NY) ;
Dobreski, David V.; (Fairport, NY) ; Thomas, Toby
R.; (Pittsford, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ronald B. Coolley
JENKENS & GILCHRIST
Suite 3200
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas
TX
75202-2799
US
|
Family ID: |
23191813 |
Appl. No.: |
09/761174 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09761174 |
Jan 17, 2001 |
|
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09307937 |
May 10, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/400 ;
24/30.5R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 19/62 20130101;
Y10T 24/15 20150115; B65B 61/18 20130101; A44B 19/16 20130101; B31B
70/8132 20170801; A44B 19/267 20130101; A44B 19/42 20130101; Y10T
24/2534 20150115; A61B 5/0095 20130101; B65B 9/093 20130101; B65B
9/087 20130101; B65B 61/188 20130101; B65D 33/2541 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/400 ;
24/30.50R |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/28 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic
bags, said zipper arrangement comprising: a zipper including first
and second opposing tracks, said first track having a first profile
and said second track having a second profile, said first and
second profiles being releasably engageable to each other, said
first track having one or more spaced primary notches interrupting
said first profile; and at least one slider inserted onto said
first profile via one of said primary notches, said slider being
adapted to engage and disengage said first and second profiles in
response to movement along said zipper.
2. The zipper arrangement of claim 1, wherein said first track has
a first fin extending downward from said first profile.
3. The zipper arrangement of claim 2, wherein said second track has
a second fin extending downward from said second profile.
4. The zipper arrangement of claim 3, wherein said first fin is
detachably connected to said second fin.
5. The zipper arrangement of claim 1, wherein said primary notches
interrupt said first fin.
6. The zipper arrangement of claim 1, wherein a depth of said
primary notches is less than an internal opening of said
slider.
7. The zipper arrangement of claim 1, wherein said primary notches
are spaced at distance intervals generally corresponding to a width
of said bags.
8. The zipper arrangement of claim 1, wherein said primary notches
extend through at least said first profile in a direction generally
transverse to a length of said zipper.
9. The zipper arrangement of claim 1, wherein said slider is pushed
downward onto said second profile.
10. The zipper arrangement of claim 1, wherein said at least one
slider is a plurality of sliders.
11. The zipper arrangement of claim 1, wherein said one or more
spaced primary notches is a plurality of spaced notches.
12. A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic
bags, said zipper arrangement comprising: a zipper including first
and second opposing tracks, said first track having a first profile
and one or more spaced first primary notches interrupting said
first profile, said second track having a second profile and one or
more spaced second primary notches interrupting said second
profile, said second primary notches being generally aligned with
respective ones of said first primary notches to form one or more
aligned pairs of primary notches, said first and second profiles
being releasably engageable to each other; and at least one slider
inserted onto said zipper via one of said aligned pairs of primary
notches, said slider being adapted to engage and disengage said
first and second profiles in response to movement along said
zipper.
13. The zipper arrangement of claim 12, wherein said first track
has a first fin extending downward from said first profile.
14. The zipper arrangement of claim 13, wherein said second track
has a second fin extending downward from said second profile.
15. The zipper arrangement of claim 14, wherein said first fin is
detachably connected to said second fin.
16. The zipper arrangement of claim 13, wherein said first primary
notches interrupt said first fin.
17. The zipper arrangement of claim 14, wherein said second primary
notches interrupt said second fin.
18. The zipper arrangement of claim 12, wherein a depth of said
first primary notches is less than an internal opening of said
sliders.
19. The zipper arrangement of claim 18, wherein a depth of said
second primary notches is less than said internal opening of said
sliders.
20. The zipper arrangement of claim 12, wherein said aligned pairs
of primary notches are spaced at distance intervals generally
corresponding to a width of said bags.
21. The zipper arrangement of claim 13, wherein said first and
second primary notches extend through at least said respective
first and second profiles in a direction generally transverse to a
length of said zipper.
22. The zipper arrangement of claim 12, wherein said first track
includes one or more first secondary notches and said second track
includes one or more second secondary notches, said second
secondary notches being generally aligned with respective ones of
said first secondary notches to form aligned pairs of secondary
notches, at least one of said aligned pairs of secondary notches
being adapted to park a respective one of said slider, said first
and second secondary notches extending at least partially into said
respective first and second profiles.
23. The zipper arrangement of claim 22, wherein said first and
second primary notches merge into respective ones of said first and
second secondary notches.
24. The zipper arrangement of claim 12, wherein said slider
includes a respective separator finger that extends at least
partially between said first and second profiles to aid in
disengaging said first and second profiles as said slider is moved
along said zipper, at least one of said aligned pairs of secondary
notches being adapted to engage said separator finger of one of
said respective slider.
25. The zipper arrangement of claim 12, wherein said at least one
slider is a plurality of sliders.
26. The zipper arrangement of claim 12, wherein said one or more
spaced primary notches is a plurality of primary notches.
27. A folded zipper for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags,
said zipper comprising: first and second opposing tracks, said
first track having a first profile and one or more spaced first
primary notches interrupting said first profile, said second track
having a second profile and one or more spaced second primary
notches interrupting said second profile, said second primary
notches being generally aligned with respective ones of said first
primary notches to form aligned pairs of primary notches, said
first and second profiles being releasably engageable to each
other; said zipper including a plurality of fold areas generally
transverse to a length of said zipper and aligned with respective
ones of said aligned pairs of notches, said zipper being folded
along said fold areas.
28. The folded zipper of claim 27, wherein said zipper is folded in
a general shape of an accordion.
29. The folded zipper of claim 27, wherein said fold areas divide
said zipper into a plurality of zipper segments, said zipper
segments of said folded zipper being generally parallel to each
other.
30. The folded zipper of claim 27, wherein said first track has a
first fin extending downward from said first profile and said
second track has a second fin extending downward from said second
profile.
31. The folded zipper of claim 30, wherein said first fin is
detachably connected to said second fin.
32. The folded zipper of claim 27, further including at least one
slider inserted onto said zipper via a respective one of said
aligned pairs of primary notches before said zipper is folded along
said fold areas so as to form a folded zipper arrangement, said
slider being adapted to engage and disengage said first and second
profiles in response to movement along said zipper.
33. The folded zipper of claim 32, wherein said at least one slider
is a plurality of sliders.
34. The folded zipper of claim 27, wherein said fold areas include
respective fold lines to assist in folding said zipper.
35. The folded zipper of claim 27, wherein said zipper further
includes a breakable line of weakness or an area of weakness in
said fold areas to assist in detaching portions of said zipper.
36. The folded zipper of claim 27, wherein said one or more first
spaced primary notches is a plurality of first spaced primary
notches and said one or more second spaced primary notches is a
plurality of second spaced primary notches.
37. A method of making a folded zipper for use in manufacturing
thermoplastic bags, said method comprising: providing a zipper
comprising a zipper, said zipper including first and second
opposing tracks, said first track having a first profile and one or
more spaced first primary notches interrupting said first profile,
said second track having a second profile and one or more spaced
second primary notches interrupting said second profile, said
second primary notches being generally aligned with respective ones
of said first primary notches to form aligned pairs of primary
notches, said first and second profiles being releasably engageable
to each other, said zipper including a plurality of fold areas
generally transverse to a length of said zipper and aligned with
respective ones of said aligned pairs of notches; and folding said
zipper along said fold areas.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein said step of folding said
zipper includes folding said zipper in a general shape of an
accordion.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein said fold areas divide said
zipper into a plurality of zipper segments, and wherein said step
of folding said zipper is performed in a manner such that said
zipper segments are generally parallel to each other.
40. The method of claim 37, wherein said first track has a first
fin extending downward from said first profile and said second
track has a second fin extending downward from said second
profile.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein said first fin is detachably
connected to said second fin.
42. The method of claim 37, wherein said zipper further includes at
least one slider inserted onto said zipper via a respective one of
said aligned pairs of primary notches before said zipper is folded
along said fold areas so as to form a folded zipper arrangement,
said slider being adapted to engage and disengage said first and
second profiles in response to movement along said zipper.
43. The method of claim 52, wherein said at least one slider is a
plurality of sliders.
44. The method of claim 37, wherein said fold areas include
respective fold lines to assist in folding said zipper.
45. The method of claim 37, wherein said zipper further includes a
breakable line of weakness or an area of weakness in said fold
areas to assist in detaching portions of said zipper.
46. The method of claim 37, wherein said one or more first spaced
primary notches is a plurality of first spaced primary notches and
said one or more second spaced primary notches is a plurality of
second spaced primary notches.
47. A method of placing a slider onto a zipper, said method
comprising: providing said zipper, said zipper including first and
second opposing tracks, said first track having a first profile and
said second track having a second profile, said first and second
profiles being releasably engageable to each other, said first
track having one or more spaced primary notches interrupting said
first profile; providing at least one slider, said slider being
adapted to engage and disengage said first and second profiles in
response to movement along said zipper; mounting said slider onto
said second profile and into a respective one of said primary
notches; and sliding said slider onto said first profile via a
respective one of said primary notches.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein said at least one slider is a
plurality of sliders.
49. The method of claim 47, wherein said first track has a first
fin extending downward from said first profile.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein said second track has a second
fin extending downward from said second profile.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein said first fin is detachably
connected to said second fin.
52. The method of claim 47, wherein said slider comprises a first
side wall, a second side wall and transverse body member bridging
said first and second side walls, said transverse body member
including a separator finger.
53. The method of claim 47, wherein said slider comprises a
separator finger, said separator finger extending at least
partially between said first and second profiles so as to disengage
said first and second profiles in response to movement along said
zipper.
54. The method of claim 47, further including a step of positioning
said slider so that a separator finger of said slider remains
between said first profile and said second profile.
55. The method of claim 47, wherein said one or more first spaced
primary notches is a plurality of first spaced primary notches.
56. A method of placing a slider onto a zipper, said method
comprising: providing said zipper, said zipper including first and
second opposing tracks, said first track having a first profile and
one or more spaced first primary notches interrupting said first
profile, said second track having a second profile and one or more
plurality of spaced second primary notches interrupting said second
profile, said second primary notches being generally aligned with
respective ones of said first primary notches to form generally
aligned pairs of primary notches, said first and second profiles
being releasably engageable to each other; providing at least one
slider, said slider being adapted to engage and disengage said
first and second profiles in response to movement along said
zipper; positioning said slider in a respective one of said aligned
pairs of primary notches; and sliding said slider onto said first
and second profiles via a respective one of said aligned pairs of
primary notches.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein said at least one slider is a
plurality of sliders.
58. The method of claim 56, wherein said first track has a first
fin extending downward from said first profile.
59. The method of claim 58, wherein said second track has a second
fin extending downward from said second profile.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein said first fin is detachably
connected to said second fin.
61. The method of claim 56, wherein said slider comprises a first
side wall, a second side wall and transverse body member bridging
said first and second side walls, said transverse body member
including a separator finger.
62. The method of claim 56, wherein said slider comprises a
separator finger, said separator finger extending at least
partially between said first and second profile so as to disengage
said first and second profiles in response to movement along said
zipper.
63. The method of claim 56, further including a step of positioning
said slider so that a separator finger of said slider remains
between said first profile and said second profile.
64. The method of claim 56, wherein said one or more first spaced
primary notches is a plurality of first spaced primary notches and
said one or more second spaced primary notches is a plurality of
second spaced primary notches.
65. A folded zipper for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags,
said zipper comprising: first and second opposing tracks, said
first track having a first profile and one or more spaced primary
notches interrupting said first profile, said second track having a
second profile and one or more spaced slits interrupting said
second profile, said slits being generally aligned with respective
ones of said primary notches, said first and second profiles being
releasably engageable to each other; said zipper including a
plurality of fold areas generally transverse to a length of said
zipper and generally aligned with respective ones of said aligned
slits and primary notches, said zipper being folded along said fold
areas.
66. The folded zipper of claim 65, wherein said zipper is folded in
a general shape of an accordion.
67. The folded zipper of claim 65, wherein said fold areas divide
said zipper into a plurality of zipper segments, said zipper
segments of said folded zipper being generally parallel to each
other.
68. The folded zipper of claim 65, wherein said first track has a
first fin extending downward from said first profile and said
second track has a second fin extending downward from said second
profile.
69. The folded zipper of claim 66, wherein said first fin is
detachably connected to said second fin.
70. The folded zipper of claim 65, further including at least one
slider inserted onto said zipper via a respective one of said
primary notches before said zipper is folded along said fold areas
so as to form a folded zipper arrangement, said slider being
adapted to engage and disengage said first and second profiles in
response to movement along said zipper.
71. The folded zipper of claim 70, wherein said at least one slider
is a plurality of sliders.
72. The folded zipper of claim 65, wherein said fold areas include
respective fold lines to assist in folding said zipper.
73. The folded zipper of claim 65, wherein said zipper further
includes a breakable line of weakness or an area of weakness in
said fold areas to assist in detaching portions of said zipper.
74. The folded zipper of claim 65, wherein said one or more first
spaced primary notches is a plurality of first spaced primary
notches.
75. The folded zipper of claim 65, wherein said one or more spaced
slits is a plurality of spaced slits.
76. A method of making a folded zipper for use in manufacturing
thermoplastic bags, said method comprising: providing a zipper
comprising a zipper, said zipper including first and second
opposing tracks, said first track having a first profile and one or
more spaced primary notches interrupting said first profile, said
second track having a second profile and one or more spaced slits
interrupting said second profile, said slits being generally
aligned with respective ones of said primary notches, said first
and second profiles being releasably engageable to each other, said
zipper including a plurality of fold areas generally transverse to
a length of said zipper and generally aligned with respective ones
of said aligned slits and primary notches; and folding said zipper
along said fold areas.
77. The method of claim 76, wherein said step of folding said
zipper includes folding said zipper in a general shape of an
accordion.
78. The method of claim 76, wherein said fold areas divide said
zipper into a plurality of zipper segments, and wherein said step
of folding said zipper is performed in a manner such that said
zipper segments are generally parallel to each other.
79. The method of claim 76, wherein said first track has a first
fin extending downward from said first profile and said second
track has a second fin extending downward from said second
profile.
80. The method of claim 79, wherein said first fin is detachably
connected to said second fin.
81. The method of claim 76, wherein said zipper further includes at
least one slider inserted onto said zipper via a respective one of
said primary notches before said zipper is folded along said fold
areas so as to form a folded zipper arrangement, said slider being
adapted to engage and disengage said first and second profiles in
response to movement along said zipper.
82. The method of claim 81, wherein said at least one slider is a
plurality of sliders.
83. The method of claim 76, wherein said fold areas include
respective fold lines to assist in folding said zipper.
84. The method of claim 76, wherein said zipper further includes a
breakable line of weakness or an area of weakness in said fold
areas to assist in detaching portions of said zipper.
85. The method of claim 76, wherein said one or more first spaced
primary notches is a plurality of first spaced primary notches.
86. The method of claim 76, wherein said one or more spaced slits
is a plurality of spaced slits.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to an application entitled
"Assembly And Accumulation Of Sliders For Profiled Zippers" (Docket
No. PCOS:013), and to an application entitled "Fastener With Slider
Thereon For Use In Manufacturing Recloseable Bags" (Docket No.
PCOS:014). Both applications are filed concurrently with this
application, and are assigned to the same assignee as the assignee
of this application. Both applications and their disclosures are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to zippers, zipper
arrangements, and methods of manufacturing the same. Specifically,
the present invention is directed towards zipper arrangements
having a notched zipper and at least one slider for use in
manufacturing thermoplastic bags and methods of manufacturing the
same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Plastic bags are popular for storing food and other items.
Zippered plastic bags that can be securely closed and reopened are
particularly popular due to their perceived ability to maintain
freshness of the food stored in the bags and/or to minimize or
eliminate leakage into and out of the bag. These bags are used one
at a time by consumers. These bags are also used by businesses to
package items that are then sold to consumers. For example, nuts,
candy, snacks, ingredients, salt, cheese, and other food and
non-food products are packed in these bags by form, fill and seal
machines.
[0004] Slider bags have become popular with customers for a variety
of reasons, including difficulty in opening and closing a zippered
bag without a slider. Product manufacturers have not, however, used
zippers with sliders in their form, fill and seal machines for a
variety of reasons. Some of these reasons include the difficulty in
having a reliable assembly of sliders to zipper at form, fill and
seal manufacturing rates, supplying zipper with sliders that are
not prone to machine jamming and excessive downtime, and installing
sliders in tight and constraining areas in form, fill and seal
machine footprints.
[0005] Accordingly, a need exists to address the above-noted
problems by supplying zippers in a convenient configuration and
having methods of easily placing sliders onto zippers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing bags includes a zipper
and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second
opposing tracks. The first track has a first profile and the second
track has a second profile. The first and second profiles are
releasably engageable to each other. The first track has one or
more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. The
slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of
the primary notches. The slider is adapted to engage and disengage
the first and second profiles in response to movement along the
zipper.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the second track has a second profile and one or more spaced
primary notches interrupting the second profile. The second primary
notches are generally aligned with respective ones of the first
primary notches to form aligned pairs of primary notches. The
slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of
the aligned pairs of primary notches.
[0008] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a folded zipper includes first and second opposing
tracks that each have one or more primary notches interrupting
respective profiles. The primary notches are generally aligned to
respective ones of the first primary notches to form aligned pairs
of primary notches. The zipper includes a plurality of fold areas
generally transverse to a length of the zipper and the zipper is
folded along the fold areas.
[0009] According to a further embodiment, a folded zipper has a
first track having one or more primary notches and a second track
having one or more spaced slits interrupting the second profile.
The slits are generally aligned to respective ones of the primary
notches. The zipper includes a plurality of fold areas generally
transverse to a length of the zipper and the zipper is folded along
the fold areas.
[0010] According to one method of the present invention, a zipper
and at least one slider are provided. The first track has one or
more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. The
slider is mounted onto a second profile and into a respective one
of the primary notches. The slider is slid onto the first profile
via a respective one the primary notches.
[0011] According to another method, a zipper and at least one
slider are provided. The slider is positioned in a respective one
of the aligned pairs of primary notches. Each of the first and
second opposing tracks has one or more primary notches interrupting
respective profiles. The slider is slid onto the first and second
profiles via a respective one of the aligned pairs of primary
notches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon
reference to the drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a zipper having spaced
primary notches to be used in one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a recloseable
package including a zipper and a slider according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper taken across
line 3-3 of FIG. 2 prior to opening the tamper evident feature.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a zipper arrangement
including a zipper and a plurality of sliders according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a zipper having spaced
primary notches according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a diagram of basic components of a form, fill and
seal machine.
[0019] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a zipper arrangement to be
folded according to a further embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 7b is a perspective view of a folded zipper arrangement
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7c is a top view of the folded zipper arrangement of
FIG. 7b.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a punching apparatus for
forming spaced primary notches in a zipper according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 9-11 depict an operational sequence using an
escapement mechanism for placing sliders onto a zipper according to
one method of the present invention.
[0024] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended
to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on
the contrary, to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a zipper or
fastener 10 having a plurality of generally aligned pairs of
primary notches 12 according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The primary notches 12 are shown as being spaced at a
distance W that generally corresponds to a width of a thermoplastic
bag. The primary notches 12 each have a distance D1 extending from
a top surface of the zipper 10. FIG. 2 illustrates a mouth portion
of a recloseable package or bag 14 having a slider 16 on the zipper
10, while FIG. 3 illustrates the zipper 10 of the mouth portion of
the recloseable package 14 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mouth portion of the
recloseable package 14 includes a pair of opposing wall panels 18
and 20 made of polymeric film, multi-layer and multi-component
laminates, or co-extrusions. The pair of opposing wall panels 18
and 20 make up a package body 22 and define a receptacle space 24.
Connected to the wall panel 18 is a male track 26 having a male
profile 28 and a first fin portion 30 extending downward from the
male profile 28. Connected to the other wall panel 20 is a female
track 32 having a female profile 34 and a second fin portion 36
extending downward from the female profile 34.
[0027] The male and female profiles 28, 34 are releasably
engageable with each other to provide a recloseable seal to the
package. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the lower edges
of the first and second fin portions 30, 36 are joined to each
other along a one time breakable preferential area of weakness or
preferential tear area 38 to form a one time openable tamper
evident feature 40. The fins may also be formed from one piece that
has an area of weakness or preferential tear area. The joined first
and second fin portions 30, 36 have a generally U-shaped or
V-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The tamper evident feature
40 is described in detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/950,535,
filed Oct. 15, 1997, and entitled "Reclosable Fastener Strip With
Tamper Evident Feature," which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
[0028] It is not necessary that the first and second fin 30, 36 be
releasably engaged to each other by a one time breakable
preferential area of weakness. For example, the first fin 30 may be
separate from the second fin 36 according to another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0029] The recloseable package 14 has the slider 16 (FIG. 2)
slidably mounted to the zipper 10 for movement between a closed and
open position. The male and female profiles 28, 34 are engaged to
each other, while the slider 16 is in the closed position, and
movement of the slider 16 from the closed position to the open
position disengages the male and female profiles 28, 34 from each
other. The manner of operation of this zipper and slider
arrangement is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,644 to
Herrington, Jr. et. al., which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
[0030] The sliders to be used in the present invention may include
various sliders that are adapted to move and disengage the male and
female profiles 28, 34 from each other. One such slider (slider 16)
is depicted in FIG. 2. The slider 16 of FIG. 2 is generally
U-shaped and includes a transverse support member 42 with two
depending legs 44, 46 therefrom. A separator finger 48 depends from
the transverse support member 42 and is disposed between the
depending legs 44, 46. The separator finger 48 extends at least
partially between the male and female profiles 28, 34 to aid in
disengaging the male and female profiles 28, 34 as the slider 16 is
moved along the zipper 10.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a zipper arrangement 50 comprising a
zipper 52 and a plurality of the sliders 16. A slider 16a is
located in a spaced primary notch 12, while the slider 16b is shown
in a position straddling the male and female profiles. Referring to
FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the male track 26 has a plurality of spaced first
primary notches 12a interrupting the male profile 28, while the
female track 32 has a plurality of second primary notches 12b
interrupting the female profile 34. The first primary notches 12a
are generally aligned with the second primary notches 12b to form
the aligned pairs of primary notches 12. The sliders 16 are adapted
to slide onto the male and female profiles 28, 34 via the
respective aligned pairs of primary notches 12. At least one of the
first and second primary notches 12a, 12b may interrupt a portion
of the first fin 30 and/or the second fin 36, respectively.
[0032] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the zipper may have one slider instead of the plurality of sliders
described in the zipper arrangement of FIG. 4. According to another
embodiment of the present invention, the zipper may have one first
primary notch and/or one second primary notch. Likewise, the zipper
may have one secondary notch.
[0033] The plurality of primary notches 12 are preferably located
near the ends of the recloseable package 14 for a variety of
reasons. For example, locating the primary notches 12 near the ends
of the package 14 is generally more aesthetically pleasing to
customers. In addition, this location allows the slider 16 to move
and open the package 14 across a greater distance, resulting in a
wider mouth of the package 14. Locating the primary notches 12 near
the ends of the package 14 may also assist in forming the side
seals of the package 14 since the profiles do not need to be
flattened. Side seals of the package 14 may be formed more easily
and/or efficiently because of the reduction or elimination in
temperatures, pressures, and times associated with fusing the male
and female profiles 28, 34 together near the ends of the package
14. Locating the primary notches near the ends of the package 14
may eliminate the need to fuse the male and females profiles 28, 34
together if the male and female profiles 28, 34 are cut away at the
areas where the side sealing occurs.
[0034] The relationship between the notch 12 and the slider 16 will
be discussed with respect to FIG. 4. A distance D1 of the notch
preferably is less than a distance D3 (the internal opening of the
slider 16) so that the slider may be placed more easily onto the
profiles. As shown in FIG. 4, the sliders 16a, 16b overlap a
portion of the fins to assist in aligning the position of the
sliders 16a, 16b prior to threading onto the profiles.
Specifically, the opening of the sliders 16a, 16b between the
slider wings falls between the fins. The aligned primary notch 12
preferably has a width that is greater than a length L of the
slider 16. The aligned primary notches 12 of FIGS. 1 and 4 are
shown as extending through the respective male and female profiles
in a direction generally transverse to a length of the zipper 16.
The primary notches 12 do not, however, extend entirely through the
first fin 30 and the second fin 36, respectively, in FIG. 4.
[0035] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the zipper may include a plurality of secondary notches. Referring
specifically to FIG. 4, the male track 26 of the zipper arrangement
50 is further interrupted by a plurality of optional first
secondary notches 54a, while the female track 32 is further
interrupted by a plurality of optional second secondary notches 54b
according to another embodiment of the invention. The first
secondary notches 54a are generally aligned with the second
secondary notches 54b to form generally aligned pairs of secondary
notches 54. The aligned notches 54 have a distance D2 extending
from a top surface of the zipper 52.
[0036] The secondary notches 54 are not adapted to engage the
separator finger 48 of the zipper 16 which inhibits or prevents the
slider 16 from disengaging the male and female profiles 28, 34. In
other words, the separator 48 is ineffective to force a top portion
(the ears) of the male and female profiles 28, 34 apart so as open
the package 14. The slider is considered to be "parked" when it is
in this condition. The secondary notches 54 also give a user of the
package 14 the feel of a secure closure and assurance that the bag
is closed with certainty. The secondary notches are described in
detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,208, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0037] The secondary notches 54 are preferably located at the
closed end of the bag. As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second
secondary notches 54a, 54b extend at least partially into the
respective male and female profiles 28, 34. The aligned secondary
notches 54 may be merged into respective aligned primary notches 12
as shown in FIG. 4.
[0038] According to another embodiment (FIG. 5) to be used in the
present invention, a zipper 60 comprises a male track 62 and a
female track 64. The male track includes a male profile 66 and a
first fin 68. The male track 62 has a plurality of spaced primary
notches 70 interrupting the male profile 66. The female track is
shown in FIG. 5 as being continuous, and includes a female profile
72 and a second fin 74. A slider (e.g., the slider in FIG. 4) is
adapted to be placed onto the female profile 72 in an area where
the primary notch 70 has been formed. The slider is slid onto the
male profile 66 via the primary notch 70. The zipper 60 may include
one slider or a plurality of sliders. Likewise, according to yet
another embodiment, a slider may be placed onto a continuous male
track (not shown) in an area where the female track has been
interrupted by a primary notch. Then, the slider is slid onto the
female profile via the primary notch.
[0039] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a zipper (not shown) comprises a male track and a female
track. The male track includes a male profile and the female track
includes a female profile. Neither the male track nor the female
track comprises a first fin or a second fin, respectively,
according to this embodiment. The zipper includes a plurality of
generally aligned primary notches formed in the zipper. According
to one embodiment of the present invention, a slider may be placed
in a respective one of the plurality of aligned primary notches. A
slider is then slid onto the male and female profiles via a
respective one of the aligned primary notches. Alternatively, a
plurality of sliders are slid onto the male and female profiles via
respective ones of the aligned primary notches. Alternatively, a
primary notch may interrupt only one of the profiles, as described
above with respect to FIG. 5.
[0040] A filled and sealed food or storage bag may be formed by a
form, fill and seal machine. The zipper arrangement of FIG. 6
includes a zipper 10 and a plurality of sliders 16. Bag film or web
82, zippers 10, and sliders 16 are components for assembling into a
complete bag. A schematic illustration of a form, fill and seal
machine 80 is provided in FIG. 6. As depicted at the left side of
FIG. 6, the plastic film or web 82 and a zipper 10 with sliders 16
thereon are fed into the form, fill and seal machine 80. The web 82
has already been formed into a generally U-shape to define a first
side wall 84, a second side wall 86, and an open top 88 that will
become finished individual bags 90. In FIG. 6, the sliders 16 are
shown as mounted on the zipper 10, but the sliders 16 may be first
assembled and accumulated, and then mounted on the zipper 10 by the
form, fill and seal machine 80.
[0041] The zipper 10 with the sliders 16 of FIG. 6 is attached to
the first side wall 84 of the web 82 by a heated seal bar 92. Side
seals 94 are then formed in the web 82 by a second heated seal bar
96, leaving the open top 88 as the only access to the interior of
the formed bag 90. Another second heated seal bar (hidden in FIG.
6) is typically located on the opposite side of the second heated
seal bar 96 and works in conjunction with the seal bar 96 in
forming the side seals 94. The bag 90 is then moved under a fill
spout 98 through which a product 100 is deposited into the interior
of each bag 90. As discussed above, product 100 may be nuts, candy,
snacks, ingredients, salt, cheese, and other food and non-food
products. After the bag 90 is filled, the second side wall 86 of
the bag 90 is sealed to the zipper 10 by a third heated seal bar
102. The individual bags 90 are then separated from each other by a
knife 104 that cuts the web 82 at the side seals 94. The filled
bags 90 can then be shipped to retailers for sale to consumers.
[0042] The bag 90 may have an end termination or stop (not shown)
for inhibiting or preventing the slider 16 from going past the ends
of the zipper. The end terminations also hold the male and female
profiles together to resist stresses applied to the profiles during
normal use of the plastic bag. One type of end termination is in
the form of a strap/clip that wraps over the top of a zipper.
Further information concerning such an end termination may be found
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,208, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. One end of the strap is provided with a
rivet-like member that penetrates through the zipper fins and into
a cooperating opening at the other end of the strap. Other types of
end termination are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,482,375,
5,448,807, 5,442,837, 5,405,478, 5,161,286, 5,131,121 and
5,088,971, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
[0043] The bag 90 may also have an end termination formed from
first and second upstanding panels (not shown) extending upwardly
from the respective first and second body panels. The opposing ends
of the first upstanding panels are connected to the respective
opposing ends of the second upstanding panel to form an open pocket
in which the slider and zipper are captured. This is discussed in
further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,669, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0044] The form, fill and seal machines may produce the bags in a
different manner than as described in FIG. 6. For example, the
individual bags 90 may be separated from each other by the knife
104 after side seals 94 are formed in the bags by the seal bar 96,
but before the individual bags 90 are filled with product 100 and
sealed with top seal 102. The zipper 10 with sliders 16 may be
located at the bottom or c-fold of the web 82, opposite the open
top 88. Other variations of the described form, fill and seal
process of FIG. 6 are contemplated, such as, for example, having
the zipper 10 sealed on the bag 90 after it has been filled with
product 100. It is contemplated that the zipper and zipper
arrangements of the present invention may be used in other bag
making/packaging processes.
[0045] Prior to being used in, for example, a form, fill and seal
machine, a zipper may be stored by a variety of methods, including
being folded in a box. One example of a folded zipper arrangement
120 is shown in FIGS. 7b and 7c. The folded zipper arrangement 120
may, for example, have a similar shape as shown in FIG. 1. The
folded zipper arrangement 120 includes first and second opposing
tracks where the first track has a plurality of first primary
notches interrupting the male profile and the second track has a
plurality of spaced second primary notches interrupting the second
profile. The second primary notches are generally aligned with
respective ones of the first primary notches to form aligned pairs
of primary notches 124.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 7a-c, the zipper 120 also includes a
plurality of fold regions or areas 122 to assist in folding the
zipper 120. The plurality of fold areas 122 are generally
transverse to a length of the zipper 10 and are aligned with
respective ones of the aligned pairs of primary notches 124. The
fold areas 122 divide the zipper 120 into a plurality of zipper
segments. The zipper segments of the folded zipper 120 are
generally parallel to each other and generally correspond to a
width of a thermoplastic bag. The zipper 120 may also include fold
lines that assist in folding the zipper 120, such as, for example,
score lines. The zipper may also include a breakable line of
weakness or an area of weakness (not shown) located in the fold
areas to assist in separating portions of the zipper from the
remainder thereof. These perforation lines may be used in a method
where the bag has been filled with product and the zipper is later
added to the filled bag. The zipper 120 of FIGS. 7a-c is shown as
being folded in a general shape of an accordion or z-fold along the
fold areas 122.
[0047] In another embodiment, a zipper includes a plurality of fold
areas or regions to assist in folding the zipper along the fold
areas. The zipper has a first track with a plurality of spaced
primary notches interrupting the first profile and a second track
with a plurality of spaced slits (not shown) interrupting the
second profile. The slits are generally aligned with respective
ones of the primary notches. The plurality of fold areas are
generally aligned with respective ones of the aligned slits and
primary notches. The zipper may include a breakable line of
weakness or an area of weakness (not shown) located in the fold
areas to assist in separating portions of the zipper from the
remainder thereof.
[0048] It is contemplated, however, that the zipper may be folded
in other shapes, such as being rolled or packed. The zipper 120 of
one box may be spliced to a zipper arrangement (not shown) of a
second box. The zipper may also be folded without the sliders 16
(not shown).
[0049] The zipper arrangement and sliders of the present invention
may be made from a variety of suitable materials. Some examples of
materials that may be used in forming the profiles, tracks, and
fins include the following resins: high density polyethylene
(HDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),
metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE, polypropylene (PP), ethylene-propylene
copolymer (E-P copolymer), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA),
low density polyethylene (LDPE), very low density polyethylene
(VLDPE), and nylon.
[0050] The fins may be comprised of a plurality of layers where the
outer layer is made of a lower melting temperature material and the
inner layer is made of a higher melting temperature material to
assist in inhibiting fusion of the fins. Similarly, one fin may be
made of a plurality of layers where the outer layer is made of a
lower melting temperature material and the inner layer is made of a
higher melting temperature material. For example, the lower melting
temperature materials may include EVA, LDPE, VLDPE, LLDPE, and
metallocene-catalyzed LLDPE.
[0051] The slider may be molded from any suitable plastic, such as,
for example, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, Delrin, or ABS. The
opposing wall panels may be made from any suitable thermoplastic
film such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester,
copolyester, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, the wall panels of
the present invention can have multiple layers joined by
coextrusion or lamination. Thus, one skilled in the art can design
and coextrude multi-layered polymeric bags which will incorporate
the various properties inherent in differing polyethylene and
polypropylene compositions. It is further possible to incorporate
pigments, metallic components, paper, and/or paper/plastic
composites into or on the layer or layers of the polymeric bags of
the instant invention.
[0052] Methods Of Forming Notches
[0053] The primary notches and optional secondary notches may be
formed by a variety of methods. For example, one method of forming
the primary notches in a zipper is shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8
illustrates a punching apparatus 160 that forms aligned primary
notches. The punching apparatus 160 includes a movable member 162
and an air cylinder mechanism 163. The air cylinder mechanism 163
controls the movement of the moveable member 162.
[0054] The moveable member 162 is shown in FIG. 8 as punching
aligned primary notches that extend through the male and female
profiles. The moveable member 162 preferably leaves at least a
portion of the first and second fins so as to allow a slider to be
placed onto a cut edge of the fins. A portion 164 from the zipper
10 is shown as being discharged from the zipper 10 by the moveable
member 162. The moveable member 162 notches the zipper 10 at
desired intervals, such as intervals being about a bag distance
apart.
[0055] The punching apparatus 160 may also contain a second
moveable member (not shown) that can form a plurality of secondary
notches in a similar manner as described above for the moveable
member 162. Alternatively, the punching apparatus may comprise a
tiered moveable member (not shown) that simultaneously punches a
plurality of aligned primary and secondary notches. According to
another embodiment, a punching apparatus (not shown) may be
designed to punch a first track without punching a second track.
One such punching apparatus would include a moveable member located
vertically above the zipper and adapted to move in a downward
direction for punching a first track without punching a second
track. This embodiment may be employed without first separating the
male and female profiles.
[0056] Method Of Placing At Least One Slider Onto A Zipper
[0057] One method of placing at least one slider onto a zipper is
shown in FIGS. 9-11. Referring to FIG. 9, an escapement mechanism
180 drops the sliders 16 one at a time in respective ones of the
aligned pairs of the primary notches of the zipper 10. The
escapement mechanism 180 is located downstream from the punching
apparatus 160 of FIG. 8. The escapement mechanism 180 is preferably
one bag repeat downstream from the punching apparatus 160. The
escapement mechanism 180 may be located upstream from the form,
fill and seal machine discussed above in FIG. 6.
[0058] The escapement mechanism 180 comprises a slider holder 182,
a threader or slider finger 184, and a restraining finger 186. The
slider holder 182 is designed to be compatible with an assembly of
sliders 16 or individual sliders. The slider holder 182 includes a
vertical column with a channel sized to hold the sliders 16. The
channel of the slider holder 182 includes an open top and an open
bottom. It is contemplated that the slider holder 182 may be shaped
in a different manner than shown in FIG. 9. For example, the slider
holder may be rectangular or square. Additional examples are shown
in the application entitled "Assembly And Accumulation Of Sliders
For Profiled Zippers" (Docket No. PCOS:013), which has been filed
concurrently with this application, and is incorporated herein be
reference in its entirety. The shape of the slider holder generally
corresponds to the shape of the assembly of the sliders or
individual sliders. The slider holder 182 is preferably designed to
allow one slider 16 at a time to be placed in a primary notch of
the zipper 10.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 9, a zipper 10 is advanced toward the
escapement mechanism 180 in a direction of the arrow. The zipper 10
may be pushed or pulled through the escapement mechanism 180. At a
time when one of the aligned pairs of primary notches is generally
located below the open bottom of the channel of the slider holder
182, a slider 16c is dropped in the aligned pair of primary notches
(hidden in FIG. 9) of the zipper 10. The slider 16c may be placed
in the notches by gravity and driven mechanically or
electro-mechanically. The zipper 10 continues to move forward
through the escapement mechanism 180. The threader finger 184
engages the dropped slider 16c and holds it in place as the zipper
10 is either pushed or pulled such that the slider 16c is threaded
onto the profiles. An edge of the slider 16c abuts the threader
finger 184 and is prevented from moving forward with the zipper 10.
Thus, the aligned pair of primary notches is moving away from the
slider 16c, while the slider 16c is being moved along the male and
female profiles.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 10, the threader finger 184 is then moved
away from the path of the slider 16c, resulting in the slider 16c
moving forward with the zipper 10. The movement of the threader
finger 184 from the path of the slider 16c corresponds to the
desired placement of the slider 16c relative to a primary notch
12c. If a greater distance is desired between the slider 16c and
the notch 12c, then the threader finger 184 remains abutting the
slider 16c for a longer period of time. At the same time that the
threader finger 184 is moved from the path of the slider 16c, the
restraining finger 186 is moved toward the sliders 16. The
restraining finger 186 holds the next slider (16d) in place as the
zipper 10 is being advanced through the escapement mechanism
180.
[0061] According to this embodiment, the threader finger 184 and
the restraining finger 186 are powered by independent pistons.
Internal air passages allow only one of the threader finger 184 and
the restraining finger 186 to be fully retracted when the other is
completely extended. Referring to FIG. 11, the threader finger 184
is returned to the same position shown in FIG. 9 after the slider
16c has advanced past the threader finger 184. At the same time,
the restraining finger 186 returns to a position away from the
assembly of sliders 16. The next slider (16d) will be placed into
an aligned pair of primary notches 12d as the zipper 10 is advanced
forward.
[0062] According to one embodiment, the slider to be used in the
method described above may be of the type described above in FIG.
2. A separator finger of the slider may extend at least partially
between the male and female profiles so as to disengage the male
and female profiles in response to movement along the zipper. It is
preferable that the slider be positioned in the primary notch so
that the separator finger of the slider remains between the male
and female profiles.
[0063] According to another method of the present invention, a
slider may be placed on a zipper as described above. The zipper may
be of a length generally corresponding to a width of the bag after
the slider is placed on the zipper.
[0064] According to yet another method of the present invention, a
slider may be placed onto a zipper where only a first track has a
plurality of spaced primary notches interrupting a first profile.
In this method, the sliders are pushed downward onto a second
profile and into respective ones of the primary notches. The
sliders are slid onto the first profile via the respective primary
notches. This method may use a similar type of escapement mechanism
180 that would allow the sliders to be pushed downward onto a
second profile. The sliders of the type described above in FIG. 2
are preferably positioned so that a separator finger of the slider
remains between the male and female profiles. Additional, a slider
may be placed on a zipper having a length generally corresponding
to a width of the bag after the slider is placed on the zipper.
[0065] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the particular embodiments illustrated, those skilled
in the art will recognize that many changes and variations may be
made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. The embodiments and obvious variations thereof
are contemplated as falling within the scope and spirit of the
claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *