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US 6,743,330 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for forming slider end stops on zipper
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorDonald L. Crevier
Life of this patent
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AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorDonald L. Crevier
Estimating the term…
A method and a system for forming slider end stops on a zipper tape that comprises first and second interlockable zipper parts. The method comprises the following steps: (a) transmitting sufficient ultrasonic wave energy into first and second areas of the zipper tape to cause the first and second interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the first and second areas, the first and second areas being separated by a gap; and (b) applying sufficient heat and pressure onto a third area of the zipper tape to cause the interlocked zipper parts to deform and fuse in the third area, at least part of the third area being located between the first and second areas in the gap. The first and second areas do not impinge upon the zipper rails. The third area does impinge upon the zipper rails. Thus the zipper rails are deformed in the third area, but not in adjacent areas located below and contiguous with the first and second areas. The zipper tape and packaging film are cut along a midline of the third area to sever each package from the continuous web.
A system comprising an ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a horn and an anvil, wherein said horn comprises two prongs separated by a gap, each of said prongs comprising an end surface confronting said anvil, each of said end surfaces having at least a portion that is flat, said flat portions being generally coplanar, and further comprising a flexible zipper comprising first and second zipper strips made of thermoplastic material, said first and second zipper strips comprising respective closure elements that have mating profiles, wherein respective portions of said zipper lie between said respective prongs and said anvil, with a connecting portion of said zipper spanning said gap.
A system for forming slider end stops on a zipper tape that comprises first and second interlockable zipper parts, comprising:
An apparatus for forming packages having slider-operated zippers, comprising first and second stations having respective registration points spaced at a distance equal to one or more package widths along a machine direction, wherein:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.