U.S. patent application number 11/557714 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-17 for tamper evident polymeric package with zipper closure and valve, and methods.
Invention is credited to JAMES E. BUCHMAN.
Application Number | 20070110340 11/557714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38040877 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070110340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BUCHMAN; JAMES E. |
May 17, 2007 |
TAMPER EVIDENT POLYMERIC PACKAGE WITH ZIPPER CLOSURE AND VALVE, AND
METHODS
Abstract
A reclosable package having a zipper closure, and optionally a
slider device to open and close the zipper closure, and a one-way
valve. The package can include an internal seal, which can be a
peal seal. In use, the valve is used to remove air from the
interior of the package, and the sealant strip, in combination with
the zipper closure, provides a better seal than the zipper
alone.
Inventors: |
BUCHMAN; JAMES E.;
(Hortonville, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
38040877 |
Appl. No.: |
11/557714 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60737872 |
Nov 17, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/5 ; 383/103;
383/105; 383/210; 383/61.2; 383/63; 383/64; 383/95 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/2533 20130101;
B65D 33/2508 20130101; B65D 81/2038 20130101; B65D 33/2525
20130101; B65D 33/20 20130101; B65D 33/2591 20130101; B65D 81/2023
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/005 ;
383/063; 383/103; 383/064; 383/061.2; 383/105; 383/210;
383/095 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/14 20060101
B65D033/14; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00; B65D 33/01 20060101 B65D033/01 |
Claims
1. A polymeric resealable bag comprising: (a) a surrounding wall
defining an interior volume, the surrounding wall having a first
side edge and a second side edge; (b) a zipper closure secured to
the surrounding wall, comprising a first mating closure profile and
a second mating closure profile; (c) a first tamper-evident
structure casing at least a portion of the zipper closure, the
first tamper-evident structure having a weakness extending between
the first and second side edges constructed and arranged to permit
removal of the first tamper-evident structure along the weakness
from a remaining portion of the bag; and (d) a one-way evacuation
valve oriented in the surrounding wall between the zipper closure
and the interior volume.
2. The resealable bag of claim 1 wherein the surrounding wall
comprises a first panel section and a second opposed panel
section.
3. The resealable bag of claim 2 wherein: (a) the first mating
profile is attached to the first panel section and extends from the
first side edge to the second side edge; and (b) the second mating
profile is attached to the second panel section and extends from
the first side edge to the second side edge.
4. The resealable bag of claim 2 further comprising a seal present
on at least one of the first and second panel sections, between the
zipper closure and the interior volume, and extends between the
first and second side edges.
5. The resealable bag of claim 2 further comprising a slider device
operably mounted on the zipper closure and being moveable between a
first position adjacent to the first side edge and a second
position adjacent to the second side edge; (a) the slider device
being constructed and arranged to interlock the first mating
profile with the second mating profile when the slider device is
moved in a direction from the second position to the first
position; and (b) the slider device being constructed and arranged
to disengage the first mating profile from the second mating
profile when the slider device is moved in a direction from the
first position to the second position.
6. The resealable bag of claim 2 further comprising a second tamper
evident-structure positioned between the zipper closure and
interior volume.
7. The resealable bag of claim 6 wherein the second tamper
evident-structure comprises a web extending between the first panel
section and the second panel section from the first side edge to
the second side edge.
8. The resealable bag of claim 1 wherein the surrounding wall
comprises textured film material.
9. The resealable bag of claim 8, wherein the surrounding wall
comprises a first panel section and a second opposed panel
section.
10. The resealable bag of claim 9, wherein the textured film
material is attached to at least one of the first and second panel
sections.
11. The resealable bag of claim 9, wherein the textured film
material is integral with at least one of the first and second
panel sections.
12. The resealable bag of claim 4, wherein the seal is a resealable
seal.
13. The resealable bag of claim 2 wherein: (a) the zipper closure
includes: (i) a first zipper profile defining a first profile
member secured to the first panel section; and (ii) a second zipper
profile defining a second profile member secured to the second
panel section; (A) the first profile member and second profile
member being constructed and arranged to selectively interlock and
separate.
14. The resealable bag of claim 4 wherein the seal is positioned
between the zipper closure and the valve.
15. The resealable bag of claim 4 wherein the valve is positioned
between the zipper closure and the seal.
16. The resealable bag of claim 3 further comprising: (a) a food
item in the interior volume.
17. A method of storing a food item in a polymeric bag; the method
comprising: (a) providing a bag having: a surrounding wall defining
an interior volume, the surrounding wall having a first side edge
and a second side edge; a zipper closure secured to the surrounding
wall, comprising a first mating closure profile and a second mating
closure profile; a first tamper-evident structure casing at least a
portion of the zipper closure, the first tamper-evident structure
having a weakness extending between the first and second side edges
constructed and arranged to permit removal of the first
tamper-evident structure along the weakness from a remaining
portion of the bag; and a one-way evacuation valve oriented in the
surrounding wall between the zipper closure and the interior
volume.; and (b) providing a food item in the interior volume.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein: (a) the step of
providing a food item includes orienting cheese in the interior
volume.
19. A method according to claim 17, wherein: (a) the step of
providing a bag includes providing a bag having a resealable peel
seal between the first and second panel sections.
20. A method of using a polymeric bag; the method comprising: (a)
breaching a tamper evident header to obtain access to a zipper
closure; (b) pulling the zipper closure apart to separate the
closure to provide access to a seal sealing together opposing panel
sections of a bag; (b) pulling the opposing panel sections of the
bag apart in a vicinity of the seal to release the seal and provide
access to a storage area of the bag; (c) accessing a food item in
the storage area of the bag; (d) after accessing the food item,
interlocking the zipper closure to close the bag; and (e) squeezing
the bag to force at least some gas in the bag through a one-way
valve located in the first panel section.
21. A method according to claim 20 wherein: (a) the step of pulling
the zipper closure apart to separate the closure comprises moving a
slider device from a first position adjacent to the first side edge
to a second position adjacent to the second side edge to separate
the closure; and (b) the step of interlocking the zipper closure to
close the bag comprises moving the slider device from the second
position to the first position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/737,872, filed on Nov. 17, 2005, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to polymeric packages,
and, in particular, to a resealable closure arrangement having a
zipper closure and an internal seal, and methods of manufacturing
polymeric packages.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Flexible polymeric packages are used to hold a variety of
products. Such products may be edible food products such as cheese,
meat, crackers, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and
baking soda, or non-food products such as laundry detergent, sand,
medical supplies, and other products. Resealable packages are
convenient because they can be closed and resealed after opening to
contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also
advantageous in that they extend the life of food products because
they can be opened and closed (resealed) multiple times.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to reclosable packages
from which air or other gas within the interior of the package can
be removed through a feature of the package other than the mouth of
the package. The packages have a zipper closure and a one-way fluid
valve which allows gas (e.g., air) or other fluid to be removed
from the interior of the package while the zipper closure is
sealed. Prior to use by the consumer, the packages have a
hermetically sealed interior volume, in which an item is contained.
Upon use by a consumer, the zipper closure is opened, the hermetic
seal is breached, and access is gained to the interior of the
package. After the zipper is closed, the valve can be used to
evacuate gas or other fluid from the interior of the package. The
hermetic seal may have been formed by a peal seal, which could be
resealed after evacuation of the gas or other fluid. A slider
device may be used to open and close the zipper closure.
[0005] Various methods for using the packages, and of making the
packages, are described.
[0006] These and various other features which characterize the
packages of this disclosure are pointed out with particularity in
the attached claims. For a better understanding of the packages of
the disclosure, their advantages, their use and objectives obtained
by their use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the
accompanying description, in which there is illustrated and
described preferred embodiments of the invention of this
disclosure.
[0007]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a resealable package
according to the disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the package taken along
line A-A of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the package taken along
line B-B of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 1C is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate
package embodiment, similar to FIG. 1A;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a front plan view illustrating the package of FIG.
1 inverted with the bottom open for filling with items;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the package of FIG. 1
illustrated with an item inside the package, and with the tamper
evident header being removed by a user;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternate
package embodiment, similar to FIG. 1A;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package of FIGS. 1 and 3
illustrated lying on a side, having the tamper evident header
removed, and with a hand held vacuum pump shown in close proximity
to the valve;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the valve of FIG.
5 disassembled;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of alternate valve
components;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hand held vacuum pump of
FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective plan view of another embodiment of a
package according to the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a package
portion having a zipper profile with adhesive present in the
profile members;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, showing a package portion having a multi-layered side
panel;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 9 being
evacuated manually by a user;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another package according to the
disclosure, similar to FIG. 1, but having no slider device;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate configuration
of a package according to the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1
having the tamper evident header removed and with an item retained
therein;
[0026] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, similar to FIG.
10, showing a package portion having a multi-layered seal;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a package according to the
disclosure, similar to FIG. 13;
[0028] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a process for making
packages according to the disclosure using a horizontal form fill
seal machine;
[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternate process for
making packages according to the disclosure using a horizontal form
fill seal machine; and
[0030] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of the process of
FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The present disclosure is directed to a variety of packaging
arrangements (e.g., packages), particularly, resealable packaging
arrangements, and methods of making and using those packaging
arrangements.
[0032] Referring now to the figures, various packages according to
the present disclosure are illustrated. FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 5
and 15 illustrate package 10 in various orientations; FIGS. 9 and
12 illustrate package 10'; FIGS. 13 and 17 illustrate package 10'';
and FIG. 14 illustrates package 10'''. It is understood that
features illustrated and/or described in respect to any one of
packages 10, 10', 10'', 10''' are suitable for and may be used in
any of the other packages 10, 10', 10'', 10'''. Like reference
numerals are used throughout the various embodiments to designate
the same or similar elements or features.
[0033] Referring now in particular to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, package
10 has a first side panel 12 and an opposite side panel 14 that are
connected by side edges 16, 17, 18. For clarity herein, side edge
17 can be referred to as a bottom edge 17. Side panels 12, 14 and
side edges 16, 17, 18 define a surrounding wall 11 with a storage
interior 15 therebetween. Various other configurations of
surrounding walls 11 are known and are suitable for packages in
accordance with the principles of this disclosure. Storage interior
15 is configured for receiving an item, such as a foodstuff item or
other item(s), for storage within package 10.
[0034] Package 10 has a sealed top end 19, which is the side of
package 10 opposite bottom edge 17. Sealed top end 19 is defined by
tamper evident header 70, which is described below. Close to top
end 19, a resealable zipper closure 20 is present.
[0035] Zipper closure 20 is present across a mouth of package 10
that provides access to interior 15. Zipper closure 20 usually
extends from side edge 16 to side edge 18, and includes a first
zipper profile 22 having a first profile member and a second zipper
profile 24 having a second profile member; first and second zipper
profiles 22, 24 are configured to engage and disengage with each
other. In other words, first and second zipper profiles 22, 24 are
selectively sealable and resealable.
[0036] First zipper profile 22 is connected to first side panel 12,
and second zipper profile 24 is connected to second side panel 14.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, zipper profiles
22, 24 are integral with their respective side panel 12, 14.
Alternately, zipper profiles 22, 24 could be attached to side
panels 12, 14, for example, by a heat seal or adhesive; see for
example, FIG. 1C. Zipper closures 20, zipper profiles 22, 24 and
profile members are well known, and a variety of configurations are
useable in accordance with the principles of this disclosure; see
for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,524,002; 6,152,600; 5,839,831, and
5,252,281, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0037] Opening and closing of zipper closure 20 of package 10 is
facilitated by slider device 25, which is operably mounted on
zipper profiles 22, 24 in a manner to mate and unmate, engage and
disengage, etc., profiles 22, 24. Examples of suitable slider
devices are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,679,027;
Des. 480,988; Des. 479,467, and 6,450,686, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated, zipper closure 20, at each
side edge 16, 18, includes an area 26, 28, respectively, where
zipper profiles 22, 24 are sealed together and may be partially
crushed, melted or deformed.
[0039] At top edge 19, package 10 has a header 70, which extends
from side panel 12 to side panel 14 and envelopes zipper closure 20
and slider device 25. Header 70 extends the width of package 10
from side edge 16 to side edge 18. In this particular embodiment,
header 70 is detachable from package 10 via weakness 75. Weakness
75 may be a perforation, a tear-strip, string or thread, a laser
score, a die line, a thinner area, or other configuration that
allows header 70 to be readily removed or disconnected from at
least one of side panels 12, 14, preferably from both side panels
12, 14, to gain access to zipper closure 20 and slider device 25.
Header 70 is an element that provides a quick indication whether or
not access has been gained to zipper closure 20. That is, access is
not readily gained to interior 15 (FIG. 1A) of surrounding wall 11,
without breaching header 70 or side panels 12, 14.
[0040] Package 10 also includes seal 40, which is positioned
between bottom edge 17 and zipper closure 20. Seal 40 is present on
the interior of at least one of side panels 12, 14 and allows
panels 12, 14 to be sealed together, preferably with a
fluid-impermeable or hermetic seal. Seal 40 may be a repeatably
reclosable seal, often referred to as a peal seal, or a one-time
seal, such as an adhesive seal or a mechanical seal. Illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1B, seal 40 is composed of a material on each of
panels 12, 14. Additional details regarding seal 40 are provided
below.
[0041] Package 10 also includes a valve 60, positioned in one of
side panels 12, 14 to allow escape of air, gas or other fluid from
storage interior 15 to the exterior of package 10. In FIG. 1B,
valve 60 is illustrated in side panel 12. Valve 60 is preferably a
one-way evacuation valve, allowing fluid flow therethrough in only
one direction; preferably, that direction is from storage interior
15 of package 10 to the exterior of package 10. The fluid to pass
through valve 60 can be either or both gaseous or liquid. In most
uses of package 10, the fluid passing through valve 60 will be air,
and the following description will refer to "air", although it is
understood other fluids may pass through valve 60. Valve 60 may be
a manually activated valve or may be configured for use with an
external device, such as a vacuum pump, as will be described below.
In package 10, valve 60 is positioned between bottom edge 17 and
seal 40; also, seal 40 is positioned between valve 60 and zipper
closure 20. An alternate embodiment, package 10'' in FIG. 13, has
valve 60 positioned between seal 40 and zipper closure 20.
[0042] Referring still to FIG. 1, present on at least one of side
panels 12, 14 is preferably a textured standoff material 50, in
locations where it is desired to maintain a slight distance, gap or
spacing, between side panel(s) 12, 14 and, for example, an item
within interior 15 of package 10, or, from valve 60. Textured
standoff material 50 may extend the width of package 10 between
side edges 16, 18, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or may stop short of
edges 16, 18. Additionally or alternatively, textured standoff
material 50 may extend from bottom edge 17 to seal 40, or stop
short of either. Textured standoff material 50 may be integral with
side panel(s) 12, 14 (e.g., standoff material 50 is side panel(s)
12, 14) or may be attached to an interior surface of side panel(s)
12, 14.
[0043] Returning to package 10, in detail, various specific details
of package 10 will now be described. It is understood however, that
the following descriptions are not limiting to features of package
10; alternate materials, elements, configurations, constructions,
and the like could be used to provide a package according to the
present invention.
[0044] Package 10 has side panels 12, 14, which form the overall
package 10. Side panels 12, 14 are flexible sheets, typically
polymeric film. Examples of suitable films for use as panels 12, 14
are well known, and include polyethylene, polypropylene, and the
like. Multi-layered or laminated materials may also be used, which
can include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene
(LDPE) and nylon or LDPE and polypropylene. FIG. 11 illustrates a
portion of side panel 12 that has a first layer 45 (e.g.,
polyethylene) and a second layer 55 (e.g., polyester). In this
embodiment, first layer 45 is an interior layer of package 10 and
second layer 55 is an outer or exterior layer of package 10.
[0045] As provided above, side panels 12, 14 meet at bottom edge
17, side edges 16, 18 and top edge 19. Any or all of edges 16, 17,
18, 19 may be seals or may be folds. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B, bottom edge 17 is a seal between side panel
12 and side panel 14 and top edge 19 is a seal between side panel
12 and side panel 14 within header 70. In alternate embodiments,
for example, bottom edge 17 could be a fold. Side edges 16, 18
could be either seals or folds. For example, one piece of material
could be folded to form panels 12, 14, thus forming one folded side
edge (e.g., side edge 16) and one sealed side edge (e.g., side edge
18). In an alternate configuration, a tube of material can be used,
thus forming two folded side edges (side edges 16, 18). Still
further, package 10 could have each of edges 16, 17, 18, 19 being
sealed. These various edge configurations are known in the art and
any of these are suitable for package 10.
[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates package 10'' with each of edges 16, 17,
18 having a fairly wide (e.g., at least 1 mm wide, e.g., at least 2
mm wide) seals 85, 105, 95, respectively. Such wide seals 85, 105,
95 generally increase the strength of edges 16, 17, 18 and further
inhibit leakage or seepage. Seals 85, 105, 95 can be made by the
application of heat and pressure.
[0047] As provided above, zipper closure 20 has first zipper
profile 22 and second zipper profile 24, which engage and disengage
from each other to provide access to storage interior 15 of package
10. Profiles 22, 24 are constructed to be repeatedly sealed (e.g.,
closed, engaged, mated, etc.) and unsealed (e.g., opened,
disengaged, unmated, etc.), for example, by pressure exerted by the
user's fingers. In some embodiments, zipper profiles 22, 24 are
configured to provide an indication, for example by color change,
when they are sealed. FIGS. 10, 11 and 16 show an embodiment of
zipper profile 22' having an area of adhesive 30 present between
its profile members. Adhesive 30 may increase the sealing strength
between profiles 22, 24 and inhibit air leakage through zipper
closure 20.
[0048] In package 10, and in packages 10' and 10''', zipper closure
20 is configured to be opened and closed by slider device 25,
whereas in package 10'', zipper closure 20 is opened and closed
without the aid of a slider device. Optional areas 26, 28 are
present at edges 16, 18, for example, to strengthen the ends of
zipper closure 20 and/or to inhibit slider device 25 from traveling
too far along zipper closure 20.
[0049] As provided above, seal 40 is present on the interior of at
least one of panels 12, 14. Seal 40 allows panels 12, 14 to be
sealed together, preferably with a fluid-impermeable or hermetic
seal. Seal 40 preferably extends from side edge 16 to side edge 18,
and may be any suitable width (taken in the direction from bottom
edge 17 to zipper closure 20). Seal 40 can be a material, e.g.,
adhesive, applied to a surface of panel(s) 12, 14 or seal 40 may be
integral with or formed by panel(s) 12, 14.
[0050] Seal 40 may be a repeatably reclosable seal or a one-time
seal, such as an adhesive seal or a mechanical seal that is not
reclosable. For example, seal 40 may be an adhesive peal seal,
which can be sealed, readily opened, and resealed. Examples of peal
seals include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,393;
6,210,038, and 6,131,248, each of which is incorporated herein by
reference. Seal 40 may alternately be a non-resealable adhesive
peal, that is, a seal that, once broken, cannot be resealed. Still
further, seal 40 may be a mechanical connection between panels 12,
14 formed, for example, by a melting and joining of their
materials, due to the application of heat and pressure in the area.
Seal 40 could alternately be a physical or mechanical interaction,
such as a seal formed by material that separates or delaminates
between layers, and that cannot be resealed. FIG. 16 illustrates an
embodiment having seal 40 as a reclosable peel seal 43, which has
multiple layers of adhesive film, which when the package is opened
and seal 40 is broken, one adhesive strip stays with one side of
the package, and when closed again, a fresh adhesive strip adheres
to the opposite side. Examples of non-resealable seals include
those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,032, which is incorporated
herein by reference. Various configurations of seals 40 are further
described below.
[0051] Valve 60 is preferably a one-way evacuation valve, allowing
fluid flow therethrough in only one direction; preferably, that
direction is from storage interior 15 of package 10 to the exterior
of package 10. Valve 60 can be any suitable valve, including those
known as "Goglio" type or "Raackmann" type. Goglio-type valves are
available, for example, from Bosch, Wipf and Wico; Raackmann-type
valves are available, for example, from Amcor. Other examples of
suitable valves 40 include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,913,803; 6,733,803; 6,607,764, and 6,539,691, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0052] Various parts of a specific type of valve 60 are illustrated
in FIG. 6. Valve 60 includes a valve body 62, a valve membrane 63,
and a valve containment cap 64. Membrane 63 preferably inhibits the
passage of particulate (e.g., solid) items through valve 60. In
some embodiments, membrane 63 may be configured to allow air and
other gases therethrough but not allow liquids therethrough; PTFE
(polytetrafluoroethylene) is an example of such a material.
[0053] An alternate embodiment of a suitable valve is illustrated
in FIG. 7; this valve uses two components, body 170 having
apertures therethrough and adhesive-backed component 172. This
valve would be installed on one of side panel 12, 14 via
adhesive-backed component 172. Valve 60, which includes the valve
construction of FIG. 7, may be a manually activated valve or may be
configured for use with an external device, such as a vacuum pump,
as will be described below.
[0054] Package 10 preferably includes textured standoff material 50
in locations where it is desired to maintain a slight distance, gap
or spacing, between side panels 12, 14 and, for example, an item
within interior 15 of package 10. Textured standoff material 50 may
additionally or alternatively be positioned to inhibit, for
example, side panel 14, from interfering with the functioning of
valve 60. Material 50 interfaces with evacuation valve 60 to
inhibit the possibility of the vacuum process being hindered or
closed off, which could occur with a with flat or smooth film for
panel 14.
[0055] Textured standoff material 50 is a textured material having,
for example, protrusions, dots, bumps, detents, grooves, etc., or
other structures that provide a surface that is not smooth.
Generally, the textured features of standoff material 50 are at
least 0.01 mm high, often at least 0.05 mm high, for example, about
0.1 mm high, or more, such as about 0.5 mm high or even 1 mm high.
Such a textured standoff material 50 is desirable in package
constructions to maintain a slight air gap or spacing between side
panels 12, 14 and any item present within interior 15.
[0056] Standoff material 50 can be present on or occupy generally
any portion of one or both of side panels 12, 14. Textured standoff
material 50 may extend the width of package 10 from side edges 16,
18, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or may stop short of edges 16, 18. In
the other direction, standoff material 50 may extend, from bottom
edge 17 and extend close to seal 40, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In
FIG. 1, package 10 has standoff material 50 present in the general
area where valve 60 is present. Other configurations for standoff
material 50 are suitable. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates package
10' with standoff material 50 extending from a region short of
bottom edge 17 to close to valve 60, but not in the area where
valve 60 is present. Yet another example is in FIG. 13, where
package 10'' has standoff material 50 extending from bottom edge 17
to a region short of seal 40; material 50 is not in the area where
seal 40 or valve 60 is present.
[0057] Package 10 preferably also includes tamper evident header
70, which encases or envelopes zipper closure 20. To gain access to
zipper closure 20, header 70 is at least partially detached from
package 10 via weakness or weaknesses 75. Header 70 provides a
quick indication whether or not access has been gained to zipper
closure 20. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate header 70 formed from a
material (e.g., a polymeric web) covering zipper closure 20 and
slider device 25 and attached to side panels 12, 14; in this
embodiment, zipper profiles 22, 24 are integral with side panels
12, 14 and header 70 is a separate piece. FIG. 1C illustrates
alternate header 70' formed from a material (e.g., a polymeric web)
covering zipper closure 20 and slider device 25 and integral with
side panels 12, 14; in this embodiment, header 70' is integral with
side panels 12, 14 and zipper profiles 22, 24 are separate. These
and other tamper evident headers are well known; see for example,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,524,002; 5,492,411, and 5,893,645, each of which
is incorporated herein by reference.
[0058] An example of another tamper evident feature is illustrated
in FIG. 4, which shows elements of a package unassembled. FIG. 4
shows side panels 12, 14 with zipper profiles 22, 24, respectively,
with slider device 25, seal 40, valve 60, and header 70. Also shown
is a second tamper evident feature, web 27, which extends from side
panel 12 to side panel 14 below zipper closure 20. Web 27 provides
a barrier between zipper closure 20 and the interior of the
package. To gain access to the interior of the package and items
retained therein, after opening zipper closure 20, web 27 is
breached. Similar to header 70, web 27 can include a weakness to
breach web 27.
[0059] For ease of description, package 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1,
1A and 1B is a sealed, unopened package. No item is shown within
interior 15, although in most configurations, package 10, when in
the configuration illustrated in these figures, will have an item
therein.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, package 10 is illustrated being filled
through its bottom end 17 via hopper 120. Prior to and during the
filling, side panels 12, 14 are not sealed to each other at edge
17, but rather, define an opening 110 therebetween to allow access
to interior 15. Item(s) to be sealed within interior 15 pass from
hopper 120 through opening 110 between side panels 12, 14 and into
the interior of package 10. Side panels 12, 14 are then sealed
together to form a seal at bottom end 17. Typically during the
filling process, zipper closure 20 is closed and seal 40 is
sealed.
[0061] Package 10, in many embodiments, is produced by processes
often referred to as "form fill and seal" processes. In these
processes, the package, particularly storage interior 15, is
manufactured (i.e., formed), the item is placed within storage
interior 15 (i.e., filled), and then any last seals, such as at
bottom edge 17, are made (i.e., sealed). "Form fill and seal" will
be referred to as "FFS" hereinafter. Package 10 may be made by a
horizontal FFS process (e.g., where the film forming side panels
12, 14 and zipper closure 20, and slider device 25 if present, move
in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical FFS process
(e.g., where the film forming side panels 12, 14 and zipper closure
20, and slider device 25 if present, move in a generally vertical
direction). It is understood that hybrid processes may include
movement of these parts in various orientations. Typically, with
horizontal FFS processes, the unfilled package 10 progresses
through the process up-side-down, as illustrated in FIG. 2. That
is, bottom edge 17 is positioned above top edge 19. With vertical
FFS process, the unfilled package progresses either up-side-down or
sideways. Additional details regarding methods of making package
10, and packages 10', 10'', 10''', are described below.
[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates items 130 within package 10. Items 130
can be a collection of small food items, such as shredded cheese,
meats, fruits, or vegetables. FIG. 15 illustrates item 130', a
chicken leg, within package 10. It is understood that other items,
food or not, may be sealed within package 10 or the other packages
of this disclosure. To gain access to items 130, header 70 is
removed at weakness 75, thus providing access to slider device 25
and zipper closure 20. FIG. 3 illustrates header 70 being removed
by a user.
[0063] After header 70 has been removed, the user can move slider
device 25 from side edge 16 toward side edge 18 and thus open
zipper closure 20. If sealed, seal 40 is opened, unsealed, or
broken. Access is thus provided to interior 15 and to item 130.
After removing a desired amount of item 130, package 10 is
resealed, typically by first resealing seal 40 (if seal 40 is
configured for resealing) and then closing zipper closure 20 by
moving slider device 25 toward side edge 16. It is understood that
zipper closure 20 could be closed prior to seal 40 being
resealed.
[0064] To extend the freshness of item 130 remaining in package 10,
air present within interior 15 can be removed through valve 60.
FIG. 5 illustrates a hand held vacuum pump 150 poised for
attachment to valve 60, to remove air from inside package 10; FIG.
15 illustrates vacuum pump 150 poised for attachment to valve 60 to
remove air from package 10 having item 130', a chicken leg,
therein. Vacuum pump 150 is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 8.
FIG. 12 illustrates a user's hand pushing on package 10' to urge
air from package 10' through valve 60.
[0065] FIG. 13 illustrates package 10'', which does not have a
slider device. To gain access to items within package 10'', header
70 is removed at weakness 75, thus providing access to zipper
closure 20. Header 70 would be removed in the same manner as
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0066] After header 70 has been removed, the user can open zipper
closure 20 by unmating closure profiles 22, 24. If sealed, seal 40
is opened, unsealed, or broken. Access is thus provided to interior
15 and to the item therein. Package 10'' is resealed, typically by
first resealing seal 40 (if seal 40 is configured for resealing)
and then closing zipper closure 20 or by closing zipper closure 20
and then resealing seal 40, if so configured. To extend the
freshness of items remaining in package 10'', air can be removed
through valve 60, for example by vacuum pump 150 or by a user's
hand.
[0067] As mentioned above, package 10, 10', 10'', 10''' is produced
by "form fill and seal" processes, either horizontal FFS or
vertical FFS. Package 10, 10', 10'', 10''' may be made by a
horizontal FFS process (e.g., where the film forming side panels
12, 14 and zipper closure 20 and slider device 25, if present, move
in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical FFS process
(e.g., where the film forming side panels 12, 14 and zipper closure
20 and slider device 25, if present, move in a generally vertical
direction).
[0068] In one general embodiment of a horizontal FFS process, two
extended lengths of the film, each forming a side panel 12, 14,
move in a generally horizontal direction. An extended length of
zipper closure 20 may be attached to side panels 12, 14 or may
already be integral with the panel film. Slider device 25, if
present, could be located on zipper closure 20 prior to being
attached to side panels 12, 14. Standoff material 50 can be
attached to side panel(s) 12, 14 or may be side panels(s) 12, 14.
Valve 60 is typically installed into one of the extended lengths of
film at predetermined intervals, to correspond to one valve 60 per
package 10, 10', 10'', 10'''. Seal 40 can be formed between side
panels 12, 14 before, after, or concurrently with zipper closure 20
being attached. Material for header 70 may be attached to side
panels 12, 14 at any step during the process.
[0069] After the various elements have been joined to form an
extended length, seals, which will result in side edges 16, 18, are
made. Areas 26, 28 are usually made (e.g., crushed) simultaneously
with the side edge seals, but could be made in a separate step.
After storage interior 15 has been formed (i.e., between side
panels 12,14 having side edges 16, 18), item 130, 130' is placed,
e.g., dropped, into storage interior 15, and then bottom edge 17,
which is positioned above the rest of package 10, 10', 10'', 10''',
is sealed.
[0070] In an alternate embodiment of a horizontal FFS process, one
extended length of film moves in a generally horizontal direction.
This film is folded to form both panels 12, 14 with header 70 and
folded edge 19 therebetween. Any order of applying zipper closure
20 and optional slider device 25, standoff material 50, valve 60,
seal 40 and weakness 75 can be used. Similar to the first
embodiment, after the various elements have been joined to form an
extended length, side edges 16, 18 and areas 26, 28 may be made.
Item 130, 130' is placed into storage interior 15, and then bottom
edge 17 is sealed.
[0071] FIG. 18 illustrates a configuration for a form fill seal
machine in horizontal configuration that uses a single web of film
to form package 10; this configuration could also be suitable in
vertical form. The process of FIG. 18 has an extended length of
film 400 with a textured surface (suitable for textured standoff
material 50), a punching mechanism 420, valve applicator 430, film
scoring mechanism 440, extended length of reclosable zipper 520,
ultrasonic crushing unit 540, notch punch 500, dancer take up rolls
490, slider applicator system 460, reclosable zipper closure
applicator 550, package side seal bars 530, product loading system
420, package bottom sealing system 310, and package cut off system
300.
[0072] FIG. 19 illustrates a process similar to that of FIG. 18,
except that an extended length of textured material is provided as
material 53, which is attached to web 400. The resulting package
10' has standoff material 50 present in only a portion of side
panel(s) 12, 14.
[0073] In one embodiment of a vertical FFS process, two extended
lengths of film, each forming a side panel 12, 14, move in a
generally vertically downward direction. Similar to above, an
extended length of zipper closure 20 may be attached to side panels
12, 14, before, after, or concurrently with the film being sealed
together to form top edge 19. Standoff material 50 can be side
panels 12, 14 (as in the process of FIG. 18) or can be attached to
side panels 12, 14 (as in the process of FIG. 19). Valve 60 is
typically installed into one of the extended lengths of film at
predetermined intervals, to correspond to one valve 60 per package
10. Seal 40 can be formed between side panels 12, 14 before, after,
or concurrently with edge 19 being formed or with zipper closure 20
being attached. Weakness 75 may be formed at any stage. Bottom seal
17 can also be formed at any stage in this process.
[0074] After the various elements have been joined to form an
extended length, a seal, which results in, for example, side edge
18 and area 28, is made. After this step, storage interior 15 has
been made between side panels 12, 14, edge 17, seal 40 and side
edge 18. Item 130, 130' is placed, e.g.,, dropped, into storage
interior 15, and then side edge 16, which is positioned above the
rest of package 10, is sealed. Such a FFS process moves in a
generally downward vertical direction.
[0075] In an alternate embodiment of a vertical FFS process, one
extended length of film moves in a generally horizontal direction.
This film is folded to form both panels 12, 14 with folded edge 19
or edge 17 therebetween. Any order of applying zipper closure 20,
standoff material 50, valve 60, seal 40 and weakness 75 can be
used. Similar to the first embodiment, after the various elements
have been joined to form an extended length, side edge 18 and area
28 are made. Item 130, 130' is placed into storage interior 15, and
then side edge 16 is sealed.
[0076] The above specification and examples are believed to provide
a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular
embodiments of the invention. It is understood by those skilled in
the art of packaging that package 10 and any other embodiments may
be made by generally any suitable process, not just those described
herein. As mentioned above, any or all of edges 16, 17, 18, 19 may
be folds or seals between side panels 12, 14. A slider device 25
(if present), may be applied to zipper profiles 22, 24 before or
after incorporation with side panels 12, 14. Package 10 may include
side gussets or gussets in panels 12, 14 to provide increased
volume for interior 15. Various other configurations and methods of
making package 10, 10', 10'', 10''' are suitable.
[0077] Because many embodiments of the invention can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the
true scope and spirit of the invention reside in the broad meaning
of the claims hereinafter appended.
* * * * *