Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages on horizontal form-fill-seal machines

Abstract

Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing. In a still further embodiment, a first flange of the zipper sealed adjacent to a machine direction center line of the package film, the film is folded about said machine direction center line to form a fold and a second flange of the zipper is sealed to the folded over portion of the film.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of making reclosable packages, said method comprising the steps of: 
 feeding a supply of package film in a package forming direction;    folding said package film about a bottom fold to form opposing package walls, said opposing package walls advancing in said package forming direction;    feeding a supply of interlocked reclosable zipper between said opposing package walls, said interlocked reclosable zipper including mounted sliders, each of said mounted sliders being adapted to open and close said reclosable zipper as said slider is moved along said reclosable zipper in opening and closing directions, respectively;    sealing said reclosable zipper to said opposing package walls adjacent to said bottom fold; and    cross-sealing said folded film at package-width intervals to form a chain of packages, each of said packages having a reclosable zipper and a slider.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further including the step of forming at least one line of weakness in said package film.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said at least one line of weakness is formed between where said zipper is sealed to said opposing package walls.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said at least one line of weakness is formed proximate to said bottom fold.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said step of forming said at least one line of weakness is substantially simultaneous with said step of folding said package film.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further including the step of forming one line of weakness on each of said opposing package walls between said bottom fold and where said zipper is sealed to respective said opposing package walls.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sliders are inserted on to said reclosable zipper prior to said reclosable zipper being fed between said opposing package walls.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further including the step of filling said reclosable package with product at an end opposite to said bottom fold.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further including the step of sealing said reclosable package at said opposite end after said step of filling.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further including the step of providing a peel seal between elements of said interlocked reclosable zipper.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  further including the step of cutting each of said packages from said chain of packages.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein ends of said reclosable zipper of each package are cross-sealed.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said reclosable zipper supply is stomped at package-width intervals.  
     
     
         14 . A method of making reclosable packages, said method comprising the steps of: 
 feeding a supply of package film in a package forming direction;    sealing a first portion of a reclosable zipper on said package film adjacent to a first side of a central machine direction position;    folding said package film about said central machine direction position to form opposing package walls; and    sealing a second portion of said reclosable zipper to said package film adjacent to a second side of said central machine direction position.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said reclosable zipper includes a plurality of sliders spaced at package-width intervals.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said step of folding forms a fold along said central machine direction position.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  further including the step of cross-sealing said folded film at package-width intervals to form a chain of packages.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said first portion of said reclosable zipper includes a first flange and wherein said second portion of said reclosable zipper includes a second flange.  
     
     
         19 . A method of making reclosable packages, said method comprising the steps of: 
 feeding a supply of package film in a package forming direction, said packaging film including first and second portions for defining first and second opposing package walls;    
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  further including the step of urging said zipper toward said first opposing package wall prior to said step of filling.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said zipper feeding step is subsequent to said package film folding step.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 19  wherein said first flange sealing step is subsequent to said package film folding step.