Patent ID: 6701695
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A horizontal form-fill-and-seal (FFS) packaging machine having a forming station with a forming die functioning cooperatively with a first lift station to form product-receiving cavities in a lower web of packaging films, a product filling stations, and a sealing station with a sealing die functioning cooperatively with a second lift station to seal packages with an upper web of packaging film, said FFS packaging machine comprising:a zipper blank feed means for providing between said lower web and said upper web a zipper blank to said sealing station; at least one channel-forming die in said sealing die and isolated therefrom by a wall therebetween, each said channel-forming die, in turn comprising: aperture-forming means for forming an aperture adapted to receive said zipper blank therewithin, said aperture being between said lower web of packaging film and said upper web of packaging film; an impulse sealer in said channel-forming die adapted for longitudinally attaching, after introduction of said zipper blank into said aperture, said packaging films and said zipper blank; and, spring means in cooperative functional relationship with said second lifting device for lifting, during said sealing cycle, said packaging films to said impulse sealer and attaching said zipper blank to said packaging films; whereby the packaging machine attaches the zipper to the packaging films while at the sealing station without requiring an additional lift station therefor.