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.

1 - 33 . (canceled)  
   
   
       34 . A web structure for use in a form-fill-seal machine, comprising: 
 a web extending between a pair of free longitudinal edges;    a zipper arrangement including a zipper and a plurality of sliders, said sliders being mounted to said zipper at spaced locations, said zipper being secured to said web, said zipper being generally parallel to and located away from said longitudinal edges.    
   
   
       35 . The web structure of  claim 34 , wherein said web is folded and includes a pair of opposing panels joined along a fold, said opposing panels including said respective longitudinal edges opposite said fold, said zipper being generally parallel to and near said fold.  
   
   
       36 . The web structure of  claim 35 , wherein said folded web includes spaced side seals generally transverse to said fold and joining said opposing panels.  
   
   
       37 . The web structure of  claim 34 , wherein said zipper includes first and second opposing profiles releasably engageable to each other and a first fin extending downward from said first profile.  
   
   
       38 . The web structure of  claim 37 , wherein said zipper includes a second fin extending downward from said second profile.  
   
   
       39 . A web structure for use in a form-fill-seal machine, comprising: 
 a web extending between a pair of free longitudinal edges, said web having a c-fold located opposite of said pair of free longitudinal edges; and    a zipper arrangement including a zipper and a plurality of sliders, said sliders being mounted to said zipper at spaced locations, said zipper being secured to said web, said zipper being located near the c-fold of the web.    
   
   
       40 . The web structure of  claim 39 , wherein said zipper is generally parallel to said c-fold.  
   
   
       41 . The web structure of  claim 39 , wherein said zipper is located at said c-fold of the web.  
   
   
       42 . The web structure of  claim 39 , wherein said web further includes a pair of opposing panels joined along said c-fold, said opposing panels including the respective longitudinal edges opposite said c-fold.  
   
   
       43 . The web structure of  claim 42 , wherein said web includes spaced side seals generally transverse to said c-fold and joining said opposing panels.  
   
   
       44 . The web structure of  claim 39 , wherein said zipper includes first and second opposing profiles releasably engageable to each other and a first fin extending downward from said first profile.  
   
   
       45 . The web structure of  claim 44 , wherein said zipper includes a second fin extending downward from said second profile.