Method for attaching reclosable zipper strip transversely to thermoplastic film material

• Main Authors: LAWRENCE SHARE, MICHAEL J. MCMAHON, DONALD L. ERDEN, ART MALIN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 20.01.2000
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNERANALOGOUS TO PAPER; MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN AMANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUSTO PAPER

A method for attaching reclosable zipper strips (16,18) transversely to thermoplastic film material (32) which may be used to make reclosable bags or packages in a form-fill-seal machine attaches the strip (10) at its extremities. The zipper strip (10) includes a male profile (16) and a female profile (18). The male profile (16) includes a male interlocking member and an integral web (20) comprising a trailing flange (26) and, optionally, a leading flange (24). Likewise, the female profile (18) includes a female interlocking member and an integral web (22) comprising a trailing flange (26) and, optionally, a leading flange (24). As the film material (32) is advanced into the form-fill-seal machine in bag length increments, the interlocked zipper strip (10) is disposed on the film material (32) transversely thereto with the trailing flange (26) oriented in a direction opposite to the motion of the film material. The zipper strip (10) is then sealed to the film material (32) at its extremities. In this manner the male and female profiles (16,18) are sealed to each other and to the film material (32). The sealing may be continuous or may take the form of spot seals.