Method for producing perforated zipper for transverse direction zipper applicator

Abstract

The zippers include flanges with fully or partially formed apertures or notches to allow drive rolls to positively engage and feed the zippers. Alternatively, a T-shaped guide rail can be formed on at least one flange to allow drive rolls to engage the zipper. These aspects are particularly adaptable to feeding a zipper or zipper segment to a transverse direction zipper applicator.

1 . A zipper for a reclosable package, including:
 a first profile including a first interlocking element and a first flange;   a second profile including a second interlocking element and a second flange; and   the first flange including a first row of apertures.   
   
   
       2 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the second flange includes a second row of apertures. 
   
   
       3 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the first row of apertures is constructed and arranged to be engaged by a roll thereby resulting in the feeding of the zipper. 
   
   
       4 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the apertures of the first row are formed by removing material from the first flange. 
   
   
       5 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the apertures of the first row are formed by incisions in the first flange. 
   
   
       6 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the first zipper profile further includes a third flange. 
   
   
       7 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the first row of apertures is formed by a rotary punch. 
   
   
       8 . The zipper of  claim 2  wherein the first and second rows of apertures are formed by a rotary punch with two laterally adjacent sets of protrusions. 
   
   
       9 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the zipper is constructed and arranged to be driven by adjacent first and second drive rolls which engage the first row of apertures, wherein the movement of the first and second drive rolls is coordinated to adjust tension on the zipper. 
   
   
       10 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the zipper is formed by a step of extrusion. 
   
   
       11 . The zipper of  claim 10  wherein the first row of apertures is formed by a rotary punching step after the step of extrusion. 
   
   
       12 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein the first row of apertures is formed by a rotary punching step after a step of supplying zipper material on a spool. 
   
   
       13 . The zipper of  claim 1  wherein a step of package making is performed after a step of forming the first row of apertures by a rotary punch. 
   
   
       14 . A zipper for a reclosable package, including:
 a first profile including a first interlocking element and a first flange;   a second profile including a second interlocking element and a second flange; and   the first flange including a rail protruding therefrom, the rail being constructed and arranged for engagement between opposed first and second rolls for feeding the zipper.   
   
   
       15 . The zipper of  claim 14  wherein the rail has a T-shaped cross section. 
   
   
       16 . The zipper of  claim 15  wherein the T-shaped cross section is formed by a stem extending perpendicularly from the flange and a head parallel to and separated from the flange. 
   
   
       17 . A zipper for a reclosable package, including:
 a first profile including a first interlocking element and a first flange;   a second profile including a second interlocking element and a second flange; and   the first flange including a row of notches.   
   
   
       18 . The zipper of  claim 17  wherein the notches are parallel to each other. 
   
   
       19 . The zipper of  claim 18  wherein the notches are formed in a transverse direction with respect to a length of the zipper. 
   
   
       20 . The zipper of  claim 19  wherein the notches are constructed and arranged to be engaged by a gnurled drive roll for feeding the zipper.