Method of applying reclosable zipper to package

Details Method of applying reclosable zipper to package Method of applying reclosable zipper to package

1999-05-21

2001-06-12

Gerrity, Stephen F. (Department: 3721)

Package making

Methods

Forming a cover adjunct or application of a cover adjunct to...

C053S133400, C053S139200, C493S213000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06244021

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of reclosable packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of applying reclosable zippers to packages previously made on horizontal form-fill-seal OFFS) machines and vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machines.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Reclosable packages made on HFFS and VFFS machines are well known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,842 discloses a method of manufacturing reclosable packages on an HFFS machine, while U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,909,017, 4,655,862 and 4,894,975 disclose methods of manufacturing reclosable packages on VFFS machines.
These prior art methods, however, have proven unsatisfactory in certain circumstances. In particular, the disclosed methods are fairly complex in that they call for attachment of the reclosable zippers to the package material during formation, filling and sealing of the packages. This complexity in turn often necessitates the use of complex and expensive machinery in practice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a simplified method for attaching reclosable zippers to packages made on HFFS and VFFS machines.
This object is achieved in that the reclosable zippers are attached to the packages after the packages are formed, filled and sealed by the HFFS or VFFS machine, rather than during package forming, filling and sealing as disclosed in the prior art. Essentially, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package above the seal at the package opening. Reclosable zippers are then inserted between the film extensions on the packages and sealed thereto. In this manner the reclosable zippers may easily be attached to the packages after the packages have been formed, filled and sealed.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 5956924 (1999-09-01), Thieman
patent: 6000197 (1999-12-01), Ausnit

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