Method and apparatus for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container
AssigneeRCL Corporation
InventorRonald G. Thieman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An invention 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 strips.
Claims31
A method for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, comprising:
- feeding a web of flexible film with interlockable fastener strips;
- orienting a slider to a predetermined orientation;
- stopping the web of flexible film;
- placing the slider over the fastener strips during said stopping;
- moving the slider relative to the fastener strips such that the fastener strips are generally closed;
- forming a transverse seal generally across the film;
- and
- placing a product within the web.
A method for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, comprising:
- feeding a web of flexible film with interlocked fastener strips;
- orienting a slider to a predetermined orientation;
- spreading apart the feet of the slider;
- unlocking the fastener strips;
- placing the slider over the fastener strips;
- interlocking the fastener strips;
- forming a transverse seal generally across the film;
- and
- placing a product within the web.
An apparatus for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, comprising:
- means for feeding a web of flexible film with interlocked fastener strips, the strips including shoulders;
- a slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips, said slider having feet;
- a probe for unlocking said interlocked fastener strips;
- a slider application machine for placing said slider on the fastener strips, said slider application machine including a rotatable selector wheel and a spreading ridge, said wheel including a pocket for accepting said slider and moving said slider while said slider is in contact with said spreading ridge such that the feet are spread apart sufficiently to pass over the shoulders;
- a sealing mechanism for forming at least a partial transverse seal generally across the film;
- and
- means for placing a product within the web of flexible film;
- wherein said probe unlocks said interlocked fastener strips before said sliders are placed on said unlocked fastener strips.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.