IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,383,675
Granted Patent B2
US 7,383,675 · App. 10/290,109 · Granted Jun 10, 2008

Method and apparatus for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,383,675
App. No.
10/290,109
Granted
Jun 10, 2008
Kind
B2
Abstract

Apparatus and methods for forming, filling, and sealing a flexible recloseable container. Both vertical and horizontal methods for placing product within the container are disclosed. The invention includes guiding a web of film which has interlocking fastener strips sealed to the web. A slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips is placed in the correct orientation, spread apart at a pair of inner feet, and inserted over the fastener strips. The slider is positioned to close a substantial portion of the strips, and then an end stop, docking station, and corner seal are formed against a sealing plate. The slider is then repositioned, and a tamper evident seal may be placed over the fastener strip.

Claims (14)

1. A method of making and filling a reclosable package comprising a zipper closure and a slider device, the method comprising:

(a) providing a closure construction having a first closure profile and a second closure profile;

(b) providing a slider device constructed and arranged for mounting on the closure construction and for interlocking the first closure profile with the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a first direction, and for disengaging the first closure profile from the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a second opposite direction;

(c) mounting the slider device onto the closure construction;

(d) transporting the closure construction with the slider device mounted thereon between opposing free edges of a first film panel and a second film panel;

(e) incorporating the closure construction with the slider device mounted thereon into a resealable package after said transporting; and

(f) filling the resealable package with an item.

2. The method of claim 1 which further comprises forming a tamper evident structure over the slider device after said mounting.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said incorporating the closure construction is into a resealable package having at least one unsealed seam.

4. The method of claim 3 which further comprises sealing the unsealed seam after said filling.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said incorporating the closure construction is into a resealable package having at least one unsealed seam.

6. The method of claim 5 which further comprises sealing the unsealed seam after said filling.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said transporting is in a straight line.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said mounting the slider device is within a notch in the closure construction.