Patent ID: 7197859
Filing Date: 2007-04-03
Classification: B29C,B29L,B65B,B65D

Abstract:
1. A method of making a flexible reclosable stand-up package on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine comprising the steps of: a) feeding a continuous sheet of packaging film having a first and second lateral edge toward said form, fill, and seal machine; b) dispensing a length of zipper seal mechanism toward said form, fill, and seal machine, wherein said seal mechanism comprises, in opposing and interlocking combination, a first element having a first profile portion and a first tab portion extending away from said first profile portion, and a second element having a second profile portion, which is complementary to and interlocks with said first profile portion, and a second tab portion extending away from said second profile portion; c) forming said packaging film into a tubular shape about a forming tube of said form, fill, and seal machine, bringing said lateral edges together in an adjacent relationship as said packaging film advances downwardly over said forming tube; d) feeding said length of zipper seal mechanism longitudinally into a space between said packaging film formed into the tubular shape and said forming tube and in a direction parallel to said forming tube; e) attaching a portion of said tab portions to said packaging film formed into the tubular shape prior to longitudinally sealing said tubular shape; f) forming a longitudinal seal in said packaging film by sealing said lateral edges in said adjacent relationship to one another to produce a tube enclosing said zipper seal mechanism; g) forming a vertical crease in said tube of packaging film prior to traversely sealing said film tube; h) forming a space between an inner surface of said film tube and said interlocked profile portions of said zipper seal mechanism prior to traversely sealing said film tube; i) forming a first traverse seal on said film tube, wherein said first traverse seal includes a portion of said vertical crease and a portion of said zipper seal mechanism, said first traverse seal sealing all layers of said film tube and said crease together, and sealing all layers of said film tube and said zipper seal mechanism together; j) dropping a product into a partially formed package created by steps a) through i); k) forming a second traverse seal on said film tube, wherein said second traverse seal includes a portion of said vertical crease and a portion of said zipper seal mechanism, said second traverse seal sealing all layers of said film tube and said crease together, and sealing all layers of said tube and said zipper seal mechanism together; and l) severing said package from said film tube at said second traverse seal.