Method and apparatus for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container
AssigneePliant 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.
Claims48
A method for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, comprising:
- feeding a web of flexible film;
- feeding a supply of tamper evident seals;
- feeding a supply of interlockable fastener strips;
- orienting a slider to a predetermined orientation;
- placing the slider on the fastener strips;
- attaching the fastener strips to the web of flexible film;
- attaching the tamper evident seals to one of the flexible web or the fastener strips;
- 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;
- feeding a supply of interlockable fastener strips;
- orienting a slider to a predetermined orientation;
- spreading apart the feet of the slider;
- placing the slider on the fastener strips;
- attaching the fastener strips to the web of flexible film;
- dividing the web into a plurality of containers by forming a seal generally across the film;
- and
- placing a product within a container.
An apparatus for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container, comprising:
- means for feeding a web of flexible film and a supply of fastener strips;
- a slider for locking and unlocking the fastener strips, said slider having feet, said slider having a predetermined orientation;
- means for placing said slider on the fastener strips, said placing means including a rotatable selector wheel, said placing means spreading said feet apart before placing said slider on said fastener strips;
- a sealing mechanism for forming at least a partial seal across the film, said sealing mechanism dividing said flexible film into a plurality of containers;
- and
- means for placing a product within one of said plurality of containers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.