Patent ID: 7674220
Filing Date: 2010-03-09
Classification: B31B,B65B

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing reclosable packages including the steps of: providing a length of zipper material including first and second profiles, including respective first and second flanges; spreading the first and second flanges apart whereby selected walls of the first and second flanges face upwardly; after the spreading step, passing the first and second flanges under an adhesive dispenser while maintaining the first and second flanges apart from the spreading step, and dispensing adhesive onto the selected walls of the first and second flanges; and after the passing step, positioning a series of sequential horizontally-oriented packages proximate to the length of zipper material while maintaining the first and second flanges apart from the spreading step, wherein the series of sequential horizontally-oriented packages move at a speed and a machine direction equal to those of the length of zipper material; after the positioning step, urging the first and second flanges, which have been maintained apart since the spreading step, toward each other thereby capturing edges of sequential horizontally-oriented packages and securing the first and second flanges to walls of sequential packages, wherein the step of urging the first and second flanges toward each other is performed by a tube with a longitudinal slit, wherein interlocking elements of the first and second zipper profiles pass through an interior of the tube and the first and second flanges extend though the longitudinal slit; and pressing the first and second flanges together, with the edge of the reclosable package and the adhesive therebetween.