Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Of a slide fastener
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-12
2001-03-13
Echols, P. W. (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Of a slide fastener
C029S768000, C029S771000, C383S064000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199256
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to closure arrangements for polymer packages, such as, plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to recloseable closure mechanisms or zipper-type closures for packages, methods, and apparatus for applying slider devices to zipper-type closures.
BACKGROUND
Many packaging applications use resealable or recloseable containers to store or enclose various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storage container for the unused portion of the products in the package is thus avoided. In some instances, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products.
Some types of resealable packages are opened and closed using a slider device. Sliding the slider device in a first direction opens the package to allow access to the interior of the package, and sliding the slider device in an opposite second direction seals the package. The slider device typically includes a separator or spreader-type structure at one end that opens and closes a profiled closure mechanism on the resealable package, depending on the direction of movement. The sidewalls of the slider device are configured so that the sidewalls engage the closure profiles and progressively move them into engagement to close the resealable package when the slider device is moved along the closure mechanism in a direction opposite the first direction.
With the growing popularity of these slider closure mechanisms, there is a desire o improve the processes used to attach the slider device to the resealable package with the profiled closure mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for mounting a slider device onto flexible packages comprising a recloseable closure mechanism, such as a “zipper-type” closure mechanism.
In particular, an embodiment of the invention relates to a method of mounting a slider device on a recloseable closure arrangement for a recloseable package, comprising mounting the slider device onto the closure arrangement by expanding the slider device so as to increase the distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance, wherein the expanding comprises moving the slider device along an expanding device, such as a track; removing the slider device from the expanding device, and mounting the slider device onto recloseable closure mechanism. When the slider device is mounted on the recloseable closure mechanism, the second distance between the first and second leg constructions is preferably returned to the original first distance.
In another embodiment the invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a slider device on a recloseable closure mechanism comprising a slider device positioner system, in particular a rotating carousel, and a slider distorting system comprising a track to expand the slider device. Once distorted, the slider device can be aligned with the recloseable closure mechanism and mounted thereon. Preferably, the rotating carousel comprises a radially extending post, more preferably a plurality of radially extending posts.
The above summary of principles of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify certain preferred embodiments utilizing the principles disclosed herein.
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Gulotta Andrew J.
Revnew Michael D.
Wirth Lawrence W.
Echols P. W.
Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.
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