Patent Publication Number: US-2003236160-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for positioning applied slider

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] This application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/611,167 filed Jul. 6, 2000. 
    
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] This disclosure generally relates to closure arrangements for polymer packages, such as, plastic bags. In particular, the disclosure relates to recloseable closure mechanisms or zipper-type closures for packages, methods, and apparatus for positioning applied slider devices to zipper-type closures.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] Many packaging applications use resealable or recloseable containers to store or enclose various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storage container for the unused portion of the products in the package is thus avoided. In some instances, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products.  
       [0004] Some types of resealable packages are opened and closed using a slider device. Sliding the slider device in a first direction opens the package to allow access to the interior of the package, and sliding the slider device in an opposite second direction seals the package. The slider device typically includes a separator or spreader-type structure at one end that opens and closes a profiled closure mechanism on the resealable package, depending on the direction of movement. The sidewalls of the slider device are configured so that the sidewalls engage the closure profiles and progressively move them into engagement to close the resealable package when the slider device is moved along the closure mechanism in a direction opposite the first direction.  
       [0005] With the growing popularity of these slider closure mechanisms, there is a desire to improve the processes used to attach and position the slider device to the resealable package with the profiled closure mechanism.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006] The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for positioning a mounted slider device onto flexible packages comprising a recloseable closure mechanism, such as a “zipper-type” closure mechanism.  
       [0007] In particular, an embodiment of the invention relates to a method of positioning a mounted slider device on a recloseable closure arrangement for a recloseable package, comprising inoperably mounting the slider device onto the closure arrangement and contacting the “inoperably mounted” slider device with a surface to operably position the slider device on the reclosable closure mechanism.  
       [0008] Further, methods of manufacturing recloseable packages include providing a package, a recloseable closure mechanism, and a slider device. Attaching the recloseable closure mechanism to the package. Mounting the slider device on the recloseable closure mechanism and contacting inoperably mounted slider devices with a surface to operably position the slider device on the recloseable closure mechanism. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible, recloseable package having a slider device;  
     [0010]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of profiled elements usable with the recloseable package of FIG. 1;  
     [0011]FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 1;  
     [0012]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of the slider device of FIGS. 1 and 3;  
     [0013]FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the slider device depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4;  
     [0014]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device depicted in FIG. 5 taken along the line  6 - 6  of FIG. 5;  
     [0015]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the profiled elements of FIG. 2 having the slider device of FIGS. 1 and 3 through  6  attached thereto;  
     [0016]FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of an apparatus used in one embodiment of a method of applying a slider device and one embodiment of a method of positioning an applied slider device to a recloseable package;  
     [0017]FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic illustration of the end of an expanding track used in the apparatus of FIG. 8 just prior to a point when a slider device is mounted on a recloseable closure mechanism;  
     [0018]FIG. 10A is a schematic top plan view of the expanding track depicted in FIG. 9;  
     [0019]FIGS. 10B through 10E are cross-sectional views of the expanding track and slider device taken along lines  10 B through  10 E of FIG. 10A;  
     [0020]FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic side elevational view of the expanding track having slider positioned thereon of the apparatus of FIG. 8;  
     [0021]FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a top plan view of a second apparatus used in one embodiment of a method of applying a slider device to a recloseable package;  
     [0022]FIG. 13 is an enlarged schematic illustration of the feed chute used in the apparatus of FIG. 12;  
     [0023]FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic illustration of the end of an expanding track used in the apparatus of FIG. 12 just prior to a point when a slider device is mounted on a recloseable closure mechanism;  
     [0024]FIG. 15 is an enlarged schematic side elevation view of the expanding track having slider positioned thereon of the apparatus of FIG. 12;  
     [0025]FIGS. 16A and 16B are an enlarged schematic illustration of a positioning apparatus shown in FIG. 8; and  
     [0026]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the slider device positioned on the closure profile and the positioning apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B. 
    
    
     [0027]FIG. 1 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0028] The present invention is applicable to positioning an applied slider device applied with a variety of packaging arrangements. An appreciation of various aspects of the invention is best gained through a discussion of examples of such a packaging arrangement and the slider device.  
     [0029] A. The Package and Closure Construction  
     [0030] Attention is directed to FIG. 1, which illustrates an example packaging arrangement in the form of a recloseable, flexible package  10 , for example, a polymeric package such as a plastic bag, having a recloseable closure mechanism  12 , for example, interlocking profiled elements, and a slider device for opening and closing the closure mechanism  12 . In addition to being recloseable, package  10  may be resealable; that is, closure mechanism  12  not only closes package  10  but also seals package  10 .  
     [0031] The flexible package  10  includes first and second opposed panel sections  13 ,  14 , typically made from a flexible, polymeric, plastic film. With some manufacturing applications, the first and second panel sections  13 ,  14  are heat-sealed together along two side edges  20 ,  22  and meet at a fold line  23  in order to form a three-edged containment section for a product within an interior  24  of the package  10 . In the embodiment shown, the fold line  23  comprises the bottom edge  25  of the package  10 . Alternatively, two separate panel sections  13 ,  14  of plastic film may be used and heat-sealed together along the two side edges  20 ,  22  and at the bottom edge  25 . Access is provided to the interior  24  of the package  10  through a mouth  26  at a top edge  27  of the package. In the particular embodiment shown, the mouth  26  extends the width of the package  10 .  
     [0032] The recloseable closure mechanism  12  is illustrated in FIG. 1 at the mouth  26  of the flexible package  10 . Alternatively, the closure mechanism  12  could be positioned on the package  10  at a location different from the mouth  26  of the package  10 , depending on the application needs for the package  10 . The recloseable closure mechanism  12  can be one of a variety of closure mechanisms. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the recloseable closure mechanism  12  is shown in the specific form of a zipper-type closure mechanism. By the term “zipper-type closure mechanism,” it is meant a structure having opposite interlocking or mating profiled elements that under the application of pressure will interlock and close the region between the profiles.  
     [0033] In particular, the zipper-type closure mechanism in FIG. 2 is an illustration of one example of a closure mechanism  12 . The closure mechanism  12  includes an elongated first closure profile  30  and an elongated second closure profile  40 . Typically, the closure profiles  30 ,  40  are manufactured separately from each other.  
     [0034] Still in reference to FIG. 2, the preferred first closure profile  30  depicted includes a sealing flange or bonding strip  32 , a base strip  33 , a first closure member  34 , first and second guide posts  36 ,  37 , and an upper flange  39 . The closure member  34  extends from the base strip  33  and is generally projecting from the base strip  33 . At a free end or tip of the closure member  34  is a hook or catch  35 . The guide posts  36 ,  37  also extend from the base strip  33  and are generally projecting from the base strip  33 . The guide posts  36 ,  37  aid in holding the closure mechanism  12  closed and in aligning the first closure profile  30  with the second closure profile  40  for interlocking. The bonding strip  32  depends or extends downward from the second guide post  37  and can be attached to a first panel section, such as the first panel section  13  of the package  10  of FIG. 1. A first shoulder  38  is defined by the intersection of the base strip  33  and bonding strip  32 . In the example illustrated, the bonding strip  32  is spaced a distance laterally from the base strip  33  to define a comer forming the shoulder  38 . The upper flange  39  extends upwardly from the base strip  33  and first guide post  36 .  
     [0035] The preferred second closure profile  40  depicted includes a bonding strip  42 , a base strip  43 , a closure member  44 , a guide post  46 , and an upper flange  49 . The closure member  44  extends from the base strip  43  and is generally projecting from the base strip  43 . At a free end or tip of the closure member  44  is a hook or catch  45 . The guide post  46  also extends from the base strip  43  and is generally projecting from the base strip  43 . The guide post  46  aids in holding the closure mechanism  12  closed and aids in aligning the second closure profile  40  with the first closure profile  30  for interlocking. The bonding strip  42  depends or extends downward from the guide post  46  and can be attached to a second panel section, such as the second panel section  14  of the package  10  of FIG. 1. A shoulder  48 , analogous to the shoulder  38 , is formed at the corner of the bonding strip  42  and guide post  46 .  
     [0036] The first and second closure profiles  30 ,  40  are designed to engage with one another to form the recloseable closure mechanism  12 . The closure member  34  of the first closure profile  30  extends from the base strip  33  an engagement distance. The closure member  44  of the second closure profile  40  also extends from the base strip  43  an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the closure members  34 ,  44  extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first closure member  34  of the first closure profile  30  and the closure member  44  of the second closure profile  40 . In particular, the catches  35 ,  45  hook or engage each other. Furthermore, the closure profiles  30 ,  40  are sealed together at their ends, such as at side edges  20 ,  22  in FIG. 1, to further aid in aligning the closure profiles  30 ,  40  for interlocking through processes such as ultrasonic crushing or welding. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles  30 ,  40  as they engage to form the openable sealed closure mechanism  12 . Pulling the first closure profile  30  and the second closure profile  40  away from each other causes the two closure profiles  30 ,  40  to disengage, opening the package  10  of FIG. 1. This provides access to the interior  24  of the package  10  through the mouth  26 .  
     [0037] In some applications, the closure profiles  30 ,  40  are formed by two separate extrusions or through two separate openings of a common extrusion. Typically, the recloseable closure mechanism  12  is made of a polymer, plastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In one example embodiment, the closure arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2 is manufactured using conventional extrusion and heat sealing techniques.  
     [0038] Attention is again directed to FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, note that there is a cutout or notch  28  formed in the upper flanges  39 ,  49  (FIG. 2) of the closure mechanism  12 . The preferred notch  28  shown includes three straight edges or sides and is formed twice as long as the length of the spreader  66  of slider device  50  (FIG. 5). As to be explained in further detail below, the notch  28  serves as a “parking place” for a slider device  50  and may also facilitate mounting the slider device  50  onto the resealable package  10  during initial assembly. In addition, the edge closest to the side seal  20  helps to create a stop member for the slider device  50 .  
     [0039] B. The Slider Device  
     [0040] Still referring to FIG. 1, the slider device  50  is provided to open and close the closure mechanism  12 . Attention is now directed to FIGS. 3 and 4. One preferred slider device  50  is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 in perspective view and preferably comprises a one-piece unitary, molded plastic member with no moveable parts. In general, the slider device  50  includes a housing  52  for slidably engaging the closure mechanism  12 . The housing  52  is movable between a closed position of the package  10  when the housing  52  is adjacent the side edge  20  and an open position of the package  10  when the housing  52  is adjacent the side edge  22 . FIG. 1 illustrates the resealable package  10  in an predominantly open position. The housing  52  slides over the closure mechanism  12  relative to the top edge  27  of the recloseable package  10  to open and close mouth  26 .  
     [0041] The housing  52  is preferably a multi-sided container configured for engaging or locking onto or over the closure mechanism  12 . In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing  52  includes a top wall  54 . By the term “top”, it is meant that in the orientation of the slider device  50  shown in FIG. 3, the wall  54  is oriented above the remaining portions of the housing  52 . It should be understood, of course, that if the housing  52  is moved from the orientation shown in FIG.  3 , the top wall  54  will not be in a top orientation. The top wall  54  defines a first end  55  and an opposite second end  56 . The top wall  54  also defines an open aperture  58 . The open aperture  58  divides the top wall  54  between a first portion  60  and a second portion  61 . The first portion  60  generally comprises a flat, planar portion in extension from a periphery of the open aperture  58  to the edge defined by the first end  55 . Similarly, the second portion  61  generally comprises a flat, planar portion in extension from a periphery of the open aperture  58  to the edge defined by the second end  56 . Each of the first and second portions  60 ,  61  defines a groove  63 ,  64  respectively. The aperture  58  and grooves  63 ,  64  aid in providing a structure that may be more easily injection molded.  
     [0042] The housing  52  includes a separation structure for separating the first and second closure profiles  30 ,  40 . That is, when the closure mechanism  12  is in a closed state such that the closure members  34 ,  44  are interlocked, the separation structure will apply a force to wedge open and pull the closure members  34 ,  44  apart from each other. In the embodiment illustrated, the housing  52  includes a plow or spreader  66  operating as a separation structure. The spreader  66 , in the preferred embodiment shown, extends or depends from the top wall  54 . Preferably, the spreader  66  comprises first and second angled wedges  68 ,  69  separated by a gap  70  (FIG. 5) therebetween.  
     [0043] In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the first and second wedges  68 ,  69  are angled toward each other, from the first end  55  of the slider device  50  to an opposite end of the wedges  68 ,  69 , to form an overall triangular shaped spreader  66 . The gap  70  between the first wedge  68  and second wedge  69  helps to contribute to convenient manufacturing techniques for the housing  52 , such as injection molding. Preferably, the spreader  66  only extends partially in the resealable closure mechanism  12 . More preferably, the spreader  66  only extends between the open flanges  39 ,  49  and does not penetrate the closure members  34 ,  44 . This helps to ensure a leak-proof closure mechanism  12 . In the preferred embodiment shown, the spreader  66  preferably extends about 0.125 inch from the first portion  60  of the top wall  54 .  
     [0044] In reference again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the preferred housing  52  shown also includes first and second side walls  72 ,  74 . Preferably, each of the first and second sidewalls  72 ,  74  extends from and is cantilevered from the top wall  54  to form a slide channel  77  therebetween. In preferred embodiments, the first and second sidewalls  72 ,  74  are injection molded with the remaining parts of the housing  52 . In other words, preferably the housing  52  comprises a single, unitary, integral piece of material with no additional materials welded, fastened, or bolted together. As can be viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sidewalls  72 ,  74  can include texturization, such as ribs  75 , to help improve gripping and handling by the user. In FIG. 5, note that the sidewalls  72 ,  74  diverge away from each other at the first end  55  in the first portion  60 , form convex portions in a middle section, and are generally parallel in the second portion  61 . These features also facilitate gripping and handling by the user.  
     [0045] Preferably, the housing  52  includes a system for permitting the housing  52  to slide along the closure mechanism  12  without becoming disengaged from the resealable package  10 . In the embodiment illustrated, the system of the slider housing  52  engages or interlocks with certain structure of the closure mechanism  12 . In particular, the housing  52  has a first and a second engaging leg construction  76 ,  78 . The first leg construction  76  preferably extends from the first sidewall  72  in a portion of the housing  52  that is under the open aperture  58 . As illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 7, the leg constructions are preferably hooking constructions.  
     [0046] In reference now to FIG. 6, first hooking construction  76  preferably includes a flange  80  in lateral extension from the first sidewall  72 . Extending or projecting from flange  80  is a tip  82  oriented toward the top wall  54 . As such, the tip  82 , in combination with the flange  80 , forms a hook or catch for slidable engagement with the shoulder  48  of the second closure profile  40 .  
     [0047] Analogously, second hooking construction  78  preferably extends from the second sidewall  74  and includes a flange  84  in extension from the second sidewall  74  and in a region of the housing  52  below the open aperture  58 . A tip  86  projects or extends from flange  84  in a direction oriented toward the top wall  54 . As such, the flange  84  and tip  86  cooperate to form a hook or catch for engaging in a slidable manner with the shoulder  38  of the first closure profile  30 . As can be seen in FIG. 6, the first hooking construction  76  is located closer to the top wall  54  than the second hooking construction  78 . This is generally because, in the embodiment shown, the second sidewall  74  is longer than the first sidewall  72 .  
     [0048] Attention is again directed to FIGS. 4 and 5. Each of the first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78  has circular, partial cavities  87 ,  88 , respectively, formed therein. These cavities  87 ,  88  help facilitate convenient manufacturing techniques, such as injection molding.  
     [0049] The slider device  50  preferably includes a system for guiding the slider device  50  between the side edges  20 ,  22  (FIG. 1) and for preventing the slider device  50  from sliding off the edge of the package  10  (FIG. 1). In the embodiment illustrated, the system includes a guide construction  90  (FIG. 4). Preferably, the guide construction  90  is designed to project beyond the first and second ends  55 ,  56  of the top wall  54 . This ensures that the guide construction  90  detects the side edges  20 ,  22  before any other structure on the housing  52  engages the sides  20 ,  22  of the package  10 . Preferably, the guide construction  90  depends from the top wall  54 , but could depend from other portions of the housing  52  in other embodiments.  
     [0050] While a variety of structures are contemplated, in the particular embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the guide construction  90  comprises first and second bumpers or elongate fingers  92 ,  94 . The first bumper or finger  92  preferably is molded as part of the housing  52  to extend a distance of at least about 0.06 inch (1.5 mm) beyond the first end  55  of the first portion  60 . The second bumper or finger  94  likewise is preferably molded as part of the housing  52  to extend a distance of at least 0.06 inch (1.5 mm) beyond the second end  56  of the second portion  61 .  
     [0051] In operation, the first finger  92  will abut or engage the side edge  20  to help contribute to preventing the housing  52  from sliding off of the resealable package  10 . Analogously, the second finger  94  will abut or engage the side edge  22  to prevent the housing  52  from sliding off of the recloseable package  10 . Thus, the guide construction  90  keeps the housing  52  within the boundaries or periphery defined by the side edges  20  and  22 .  
     [0052] Attention is again directed to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the preferred embodiment, the housing  52  includes a system for reducing drag. That is, the housing  52  is designed such that the surface area contact between the housing  52  and the closure mechanism  12  is minimal. In the embodiment illustrated, the system includes first and second drag reducing standoffs  96 ,  97 . The first standoff  96  preferably projects or extends from the first sidewall  72  as a protrusion or pin or rod. Likewise, the second standoff  97  projects or extends from the second sidewall  74 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the first and second standoffs  96 ,  97  project at least about 0.0085 inch (0.22 mm) from their respective sidewalls  72 ,  74 . Preferably, the first standoff  96  extends the entire length between the bottom of the first sidewall  72  and the top wall  54 . Likewise, preferably the second standoff  97  extends the entire length between the top wall  54  and the bottom edge of the second sidewall  74 .  
     [0053] In operation, the standoffs  96 ,  97  slidably communicate with the first and second closure profiles  30 ,  40 , respectively. Because of the projection and extension of the standoffs  96 ,  97  relative to the remaining portions of the housing  52 , the amount of surface area contact or material inducing friction between the housing  52  and the closure mechanism  12  is minimized. This permits easier manipulation of the slider device  50  by the user.  
     [0054] To operate, the slider device  50  may be slid relative to the closure mechanism  12  in a first direction or an opposite second direction. As the housing  52  is moved from the closed position to the open position, the spreader  66  forces the closure members  34 ,  44  apart from each other. The spreader  66  is spaced between the upper flanges  39 ,  49  of the profile members  30 ,  40  and opens the mouth  26  of the package  10  as the slider housing  52  is moved along the resealable package  10  in the direction toward where the triangle of spreader  66  “points.” The opening happens because the triangular shape of the spreader  66  operates as a cam to force the profile members  30 ,  40  apart, and thus to disengage the interlocking members  34 ,  44 . To close the closure mechanism  12 , the slider housing  12  is moved relative to the closure mechanism  12  in the opposite direction. The closing happens because the slide channel  77  between the sidewalls  72 ,  74  is narrower at end  56  (the end away from the spreader  66 ) and is wider at the end  55  (the end near the spreader  66 ). The spreader  66  does not depend very far downwardly into the closure mechanism  12 , and it never actually passes between the interlocking members  34 ,  44 . Thus, this helps to prevent leaks in the closure mechanism  12 , when the slider device  50  is in the closed position. The slider device housing  52  may be moved until the first finger  92  abuts edge of the notch  28 . To open the package  10 , the slider housing  52  is moved in the opposite direction to the open position. Additional information on slider devices is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/365,215, filed Jul. 30, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
     [0055] To construct the flexible resealable package  10  with a slider device  50 , the package  10  may be formed by either a blown extrusion process or by using a pre-formed roll of film. The film is folded in the form shown in FIG. 1. The closure mechanism  12  may be applied to the film panel sections  13 ,  14  by heat sealing the bonding strips  32 ,  42  to the film sections. The notch  28  may be cut into the upper flanges  39 ,  49 . Next, the side seals at edges  20 ,  22  may be formed, for example by ultrasonic crushing. The slider device  50 , in particular housing  52 , is then mounted over the closure mechanism  12 , for example, by sliding it onto the notch  28 . The sequence of these steps may be rearranged as preferred, however it is preferred that the closure mechanism  12  with notch  28  is attached to panel sections  13 ,  14  prior to mounting slider device  50 .  
     [0056] As indicated previously, one preferred technique for manufacturing the slider housing  52  is injection molding. While other methods are possible, injection molding is convenient and preferred. In addition, injection molding allows for ornamental features, such as ribs  75 , to be molded as part of the housing  52 .  
     [0057] C. Method and Apparatus for Mounting the Slider Device  
     [0058] Referring now to FIG. 7, slider device  50  has been mounted onto the closure mechanism  12  so that the legs, e.g., first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78 , snap over and engage the shoulders  38 ,  48  of the closure profiles  30 ,  40 , respectively. Described below are automated processes for mounting of slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12  of package  10 .  
     [0059] A schematic top plan view of a mounting apparatus  100  and the process of one embodiment are shown in FIG. 8. The mounting apparatus  100  includes, in general, a system for providing a slider device to be mounted onto the package, a system for transporting and positioning the slider, and a system for distorting the slider so that the slider can be mounted on the package.  
     [0060] As illustrated in FIG. 8, slider positioner  101  of overall mounting apparatus  100  receives slider device  50  from a feed source  110  and mounts slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12  of package  10 ′. Package  10 ′ moves downward from the top to the bottom (as shown in FIG. 8). Overall, mounting apparatus  100  is stationary in respect to packages  10 ′; however, a portion of mounting apparatus  100 , slider positioner  101 , rotates in a counterclockwise direction during the transporting and positioning of slider device  50 . It will be appreciated that the direction, speed, and the like of the various parts of the apparatus and of the packages can be varied.  
     [0061] Inchoate packages  10 ′, which have not been formed as individual bags, are shown in FIG. 8 as having slider devices  50  being mounted thereon. Inchoate packages  10 ′ are positioned to be tangential to slider positioner  101  and to intersect with positioner  101  at a point, shown as “9 o&#39;clock” in FIG. 8. Top edge  27  is shown as the right most point of package  10 ′ closest to positioner  101 ; bottom edge  25  (not shown) would be at the left of the figure. Similar to packages  10 , inchoate packages  10 ′ comprise parallel panel sections  13 ,  14  (not shown), typically polymeric film sheets, and closure mechanism  12  attached to panels  13 ,  14 . Packages  10 ′ are connected at side edges  20 ,  22 ; that is, the bags have an interior compartment formed by seams at points where the side edges  20 ,  22  would be, but bags have not been separated yet and remain as a continuous web. In some embodiments, the polymeric webs may not yet have any welds or seams that correspond to edges  20 ,  22 . Preferably, however, notch  28  is present in closure mechanism  12  to aid mounting slider device  50  on closure mechanism  12 . Notch  28  is shown positioned close to edge  20 . Further, in some embodiments, the method and apparatus can be used to mount slider device  50  on a completed package  10 .  
     [0062] A source of slider devices  50  for apparatus  100  is provided so that slider devices  50  can be continuously mounted on closure mechanism  12 . A conveyor system, trough, slide, chute, or the like can be used to uniformly provide slider devices  50  for mounting. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a plurality of slider devices  50  is retained in stacked configuration by slider feed chute  110 . Preferably, slider devices  50  are fed to apparatus  100  in a predetermined position. By “predetermined position”, it is meant that each slider is oriented in the position desired so as to be engaged by slider positioner  101  and mounted onto closure mechanism  12 . It may be desired to include an automated device to orient slider devices  50  to the desired predetermined position. Each slider device  50  is positioned with top wall  54  (shown in FIG. 9) facing slider positioner  101 . If notch  28  in package  10 ′ is closest to side edge  20  of package  10 ′, as shown in FIG. 8, second end  56  of slider housing  52  is preferably the leading face of slider device  50 , for reasons as will be described below.  
     [0063] Mounting apparatus  100  generally comprises a continually regenerating mounting or positioning system for slider devices  50 , such as a rotatable carousel  114 . FIG. 8 illustrates the rotatable carousel  114  having equidistant spaced radially extending posts  140  and a guide rail  160 . Posts  140  extend from a central rotation axis  114 C of carousel  114  and terminate at guide rail  160 . Guide rail  160  does not rotate with posts  140  but is stationary with respect to feed chute  110  and expanding track  130  (which will be described below). Guide rail  160  acts as a cam, directing radial extension and retraction of the distal end of post  140 . This is described below.  
     [0064] On the periphery end, that is the distal end, of each post  140  is attached an attachment apparatus for engagement with slider device  50 . The attachment apparatus provides controlled motion, both lateral and radial, to slider device  50  from the feed chute  110  until slider device  50  is mounted on closure mechanism  12 . FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the attachment apparatus as end cap  115  at the distal end of post  140 . End cap  115  is spring loaded, so that with compression of the spring  116 , the radial position of end cap  115  can be retracted from a first extended position to a mid-position, and to a compressed position. An enlarged view of end cap  115  with spring  116  positioned on the end of post  140  is shown in FIG. 9. Spring  116  is retained between end cap  115  and spring base  126 . The outer end of end cap  115 , shown in phantom as protrusion  118  in FIG. 9, is configured and arranged to correspond to, and preferably insert into, aperture  58  shown in phantom in slider device  50 . The end cap  115  acts as a cam-engaging surface with the guide rail  160 , explained below.  
     [0065] The periphery of slider positioner  101  includes the continuous guide rail  160  for controlling the radial positioning of the distal end of post  140 . In the embodiment shown, guide rail  160  is essentially circular, but includes steps  162 ,  164  and taper  165 . Steps  162 ,  164  separate rail sections  161 ,  163 . Steps  162 ,  164  and sections  161 ,  163 , which includes taper  165 , are illustrated in FIG. 8. Section  161  is the portion of guide rail  160  that extends from approximately “12 o&#39;clock” on carousel  114  clockwise to approximately “9 o&#39;clock”, and section  163  is the portion of guide rail  160  that extends from approximately “9 o&#39;clock” clockwise to approximately “12 o&#39;clock”. Taper  165  is the portion of section  161  from approximately “8:30” clockwise to approximately “9 o&#39;clock”. Taper  165  is the portion of section  161  that compresses spring  116  and retracts end cap  115  from their extended position (at “9 o&#39;clock” in FIG. 8) to the compressed position just prior to engaging slider device  50  at “12 o&#39;clock”. When post  140  is within the portion of guide rail  160  defined by section  161 , end cap  115  is empty; that is, no slider device  50  is engaged and carried by end cap  115 . When post  140  is within the portion of guide rail  160  defined by section  163 , end cap  115  is engaged with slider device  50  to impart lateral and radial motion to slider device  50 .  
     [0066] Guide rail  160  acts as a cam, directing radial extension and retraction of the distal end of post  140  by guiding the compression of spring  116  and thus end cap  115  during the circular travel of post  140 . Guide rail  160  may be any system that provides a surface that can guide the radial position of end cap  115 . For example, guide rail  160  could be a rail system, such as a split rail system, that end cap  115  abuts against or partially extends therebetween. Radial displacement of the rail system thus radially displaces end cap  115 . Steps  162 ,  164  in guide rail  160  allow extension of spring  116  and end cap  115 . Taper  165 , positioned in section  161  of guide rail  160 , at least partially compresses spring  116  and end cap  115  from its extended position after mounting slider device  50  onto recloseable mechanism  12  (at “9 o&#39;clock” in FIG. 8) to its compressed positioned for engagement to slider device  50  (at “12 o&#39;clock” in FIG. 8).  
     [0067] Slider device  50  is mounted on closure mechanism  12  after having at least one of the engagement legs elastically distorted so that the distance between the two hooking constructions increases. By the term “distorted” or “elastically distorted”, it is meant that the hooking constructions are forced from their stable, steady state position by some force, but when the force is removed, the hooking constructions return to their original shape. Preferably, the legs comprise first and second hooking construction  76 ,  78 . Once the distance between the two legs is increased, slider device  50  can be easily mounted on closure mechanism  12 .  
     [0068] Along the periphery of slider positioner  101  and external to guide rail  160  extends a slider expander  103  for distorting first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78 , which facilitates mounting slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12 . The slider expander  103 , together with positioner  101 , provide the placement of slider device  50  to achieve proper positioning of slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12 . While a variety of embodiments are contemplated, FIGS. 8 through 11 illustrate the slider expander  103  as expanding track  130 . Track  130  is stationary with respect to slider positioner  101  in that expanding track  130  does not rotate or otherwise move. Track  130  expands slider device  50  in preparation for mounting slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12 . Track  130  includes a ridge  135  (FIG. 11) positioned to accept slider device  50  thereon. In a preferred embodiment, track  130  is a continuous extension of slider feed chute  110 .  
     [0069] Track  130 , in particular ridge  135  on track  130 , is used to expand first and second hooking construction  76 ,  78  of slider device  50  as slider device  50  progresses along ridge  135  and track  130 . FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of expanding track  130 , and FIGS. 10B through 10E illustrate cross-sections of track  130  at several points with slider device  50  positioned thereon as slider device  50  move in a counterclockwise direction. FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged side view of post  140  having slider device  50  engaged on end cap  115  and positioned on ridge  135  of track  130 .  
     [0070] At the end of track  130 , shown as an enlarged top view in FIG. 9, slider device  50  is mounted onto resealable closure mechanism  12  of package  10 ′ at notch  28 . A slot  138  (shown in phantom in FIG. 11) is provided in track  130  and ridge  135  through which package  10 ′ can pass.  
     [0071] To mount a slider device  50  onto recloseable closure mechanism  12  of inchoate package  10 ′ or package  10  according to the principles of this disclosure, post  140  with radially moveable end cap  115  positioned thereon, engages a slider device  50  from feed source  110 . In FIG. 8, this action is shown at “12 o-clock”, if the carousel  114  of slider positioner  101  were a clock face. Just prior to engaging slider device  50 , guide rail section  161  has caused end cap  115  and spring  116  to slightly compress, so that at step  162 , spring  116  expands at least partially, causing end cap  115  to extend into and engage with aperture  58  of slider device  50 .  
     [0072] Once slider device  50  is engaged on end cap  115 , slider device  50  is urged counterclockwise along expanding track  130  by the rotation of post  140 . Expanding track  130  includes a tapered ridge  135  that expands first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78  of slider device  50  as slider device  50  progresses along ridge  135 . That is, as slider device  50  progresses along the length of track  130 , ridge  135  separates first and second hooking construction  76 ,  78 , thereby increasing the distance therebetween. During its travel along track  130 , the radial position of end cap  115  from the center of apparatus  100  is preferably held constant along rail section  163 . Just short of the end of section  163  it may be desirable to have a slight decrease in rail section  163  diameter so that spring  116  is slightly compressed.  
     [0073]FIGS. 10B through 10E show the progression of the expansion of first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78  as slider device  50  progresses along track  130  from “12 o-clock” to “9 o&#39;clock” in FIGS. 8 and 10A along a counterclockwise direction. FIG. 11 shows slider device  50  engaged with post  140  at aperture  58  and with ridge  135  of expanding track  130 . At “12 o&#39;clock” of FIG. 8, slider device  50  has been placed on expanding track  130  and is beginning to progress counterclockwise. At this point, first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78  have not been appreciably expanded. As slider device  50  progresses to and past “11 o&#39;clock”, “10 o&#39;clock” and “9 o&#39;clock” on track  130  in FIG. 10A along a counterclockwise direction, first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78  are separated by ridge  135  on track  130 . FIGS. 10B through 10E show the incremental expansion of slider device  50  at various points along track  130 . The expansion is preferably continuous and constant.  
     [0074] At approximately “9 o&#39;clock”, track  130  terminates and slider device  50  is mounted onto closure mechanism  12  of package  10 ′. To bring package  10 ′ within an optimal distance of slider device  50  for proper positioning of slider device  50  on closure mechanism  12 , track  130  and ridge  135  have a slit  138  therein through which package  10 ′ can pass.  
     [0075] To facilitate mounting slider device  50  onto package  10 ′, step  164  may be present to help push slider device  50  further onto closure mechanism  12 . That is, step  164  between section  163  and section  161  of guide rail  160  allows spring  116  to expand and push end cap  115  radially outward so that slider device  50  on end cap  115  better engages closure mechanism  12 . A finisher  300  is provided to orient the slider devices  50  in an operable orientation, when needed. The finisher  300  is described more fully below in Section D.  
     [0076] Once slider device  50  has been mounted on package  10 ′, post  140  continues its rotation around on section  161  of guide rail  160 , until post  140  again reaches the “12 o&#39;clock” where it will engage another slider device  50 . Soon after mounting slider device  50  onto package  10 ′, spring  116  and end cap  115  are compressed by taper  165  in guide rail  160 . Spring  116  will remain at least partially compressed along section  161 , until it reaches step  162 , where it expands to engage slider device  50 .  
     [0077] Referring now to FIGS. 12 through 15, a schematic top plan view of another embodiment of mounting apparatus  200  for mounting slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12  and the process thereof are shown in FIG. 12. The mounting apparatus  200  includes, in general, a system for providing a slider device to be mounted onto the package, a system for transporting and positioning the slider, and a system for distorting the slider so that the slider can be mounted on the package.  
     [0078] As illustrated in FIG. 12, slider positioner  201  of overall mounting apparatus  200  receives slider device  50  from a feed source  210  and mounts slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12  of package  10 ′. Package  10 ′ moves downward from the top of the figure to the bottom. Overall, mounting apparatus  200  is stationary with respect to packages  10 ′; however, a portion of mounting apparatus  200 , slider positioner  201 , rotates in a counterclockwise direction during the transporting and positioning of slider device  50 . It will be appreciated that the direction, speed, and the like of the various parts of the apparatus and of the packages can be varied.  
     [0079] Inchoate packages  10 ′, which have not been formed as individual bags, are shown in FIG. 12 as having slider devices  50  being mounted thereon. Inchoate packages  10 ′ are positioned to be tangential to slider positioner  201  and to intersect with positioner  201  at a point, shown at “9 o&#39;clock” in FIG. 12 if slider positioner  201  were a clock face. Top edge  27  of package  10 ′ is shown as the right most point of package  10 ′ closest to positioner  201 ; bottom edge  25  (not shown) would be at the left most portion of the figure. Inchoate packages  10 ′, or packages  10 , onto which slider device  50  is positioned are the same as those packages used in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 11.  
     [0080] A source of slider devices  50  for apparatus  200  is provided so that slider devices  50  can be continuously mounted on closure mechanism  12 . A conveyor system, trough, slide, chute, or the like can be used to uniformly provide slider devices  50  for mounting. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a plurality of slider devices  50  is retained in stacked configuration by slider feed chute  210 , slider loading bay  212  (FIG. 13) and stop  213  (FIG. 13). Slider devices  50  are singularly fed via chute  210  to loading bay  212  (FIG. 13) where a slider device  50  is retained by stop  213  (FIG. 13) until end cap  215  of post  240  engages slider device  50 , as will be discussed in detail later. Stop  213  (FIG. 13) is an elongate member against which slider device  50  abuts so that motion of slider device  50  is halted until slider device  50  is pushed laterally along stop  213  and onto track  230  by post  240 .  
     [0081] Preferably, slider device  50  is provided to apparatus  200  in a predetermined position. By “predetermined position”, it is meant that each slider is oriented in the position desired so as to be engaged by slider positioner  201  and mounted onto closure mechanism  12 . It may be desired to include an automated device to orient slider devices  50  to the desired predetermined position. Each slider device  50  is positioned in chute  210  so that when in slider loading bay  212 , top wall  54  of slider device  50  is against stop  213  (as shown in FIG. 13). If notch  28  in package  10 ′ is closest to side edge  20  of package  10 ′, as shown in FIG. 12, second end  56  (FIG. 13) of slider housing  52  is preferably the leading face of slider device  50 , for reasons as will be described below.  
     [0082] Mounting apparatus  200  generally comprises a continually regenerating mounting or positioning system  201  for slider devices  50 , such as a rotatable carousel  214 . FIG. 12 illustrates the rotatable carousel  214  having equidistant spaced radially extending posts  240  extending out from a central rotation axis  214 C and terminating near carousel periphery  214 P.  
     [0083] At the periphery  214 P, the distal end of each post  240  has an apparatus for engagement with slider device  50 . The apparatus controls lateral motion of slider device  50  from when slider device  50  is positioned in loading bay  212  until slider device  50  is mounted on closure mechanism  12 . FIGS. 12, 13 and  14  show the apparatus as end cap  215  at the distal end of post  240 . In a preferred embodiment, end cap  215  has an elongate body which terminates at guide post  248 . Post  240  is hollow at least at its distal end to allow insertion of end cap  215  with its elongate body into post  240 . A radially extending slot  249  (FIG. 14) in post  240  is adapted and configured for extension of guide post  248  therethrough and radial movement of guide post  248  therein. Preferably, post  240  has two opposite slots  249  therein to allow extension of guide post  248  through post  240 , that is, from one side through to the other. In FIGS. 12, 13 and  14 , guide post  248  extends upward out of the page and downward into the page.  
     [0084] The position of end cap  215  can be radially retracted from a first extended position to a compressed position by compression of spring  216  on post  240 . Wall  290 , shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, can be used to compress spring  216  by providing a surface which prohibits total radial extension of guide post  248 . Spring  216  is retained on the exterior surface of post  240  between guide post  248  of end cap  215  and spring base  226 . Spring base  226  is shown in FIG. 12 as a circular lip extending near the center of carousel  214 ; however, spring base  226  may be any mechanism at which spring  216  terminates. The outer end of end cap  215  is configured to abut against slider device  50  and to push slider device  50  along expanding track  230 . Preferably, end cap  215  pushes slider device  50  by first end  55 .  
     [0085] Slider device  50  is mounted on closure mechanism  12  after having at least one of the engagement legs distorted so that the distance between the two leg constructions increases. Preferably, the engagement legs comprise first and second hooking construction  76 ,  78  (shown in FIGS. 4 through 7 and  15 ). After the distance between the two legs is increased, slider device  50  can be easily mounted on closure mechanism  12 .  
     [0086] Along a portion of the periphery  214 P of slider positioner  201  extends a slider expander  203  for distorting first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78 , which facilitates mounting slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12 . The slider expander  203 , together with positioner  201 , provide slider device  50  with proper positioning on closure mechanism  12 . While a variety of embodiments are contemplated, FIGS. 12 through 15 illustrate the slider expander  203  as expanding track  230 . Track  230  is stationary with respect to slider positioner  201 , in that expanding track  230  does not rotate or otherwise move. Track  230  expands slider device  50 , in particular, at least one of first and second hooking construction  76 ,  78 , in preparation for mounting slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12 . In a preferred embodiment, track  230  is a continuous extension of slider feed chute  210 .  
     [0087] Track  230  expands first and second hooking construction  76 ,  78  of slider device  50  as slider device  50  progresses along track  230 . FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged side view of expanded slider device  50  positioned on track  230 . A phantom unexpanded slider device  50 ′ is shown in FIG. 15 as a comparison to expanded slider device  50  at that end point on track  230 . At the end of track  230  in FIG. 15, slider device  50  is mounted onto resealable closure mechanism  12  so that it is positioned as shown by slider device  50 ′. A slot  238  adapted and configured for insertion of closure mechanism  12  therein is provided in track  230  for insertion of closure mechanism  12  of package  10 ′ therein. Slot  238  typically does not extend the entire length of track  230 , but is only present in the last few inches of track  230  where packages  10 ′ intersect with carousel  214 . See for example, FIGS. 12 and 14; slot  238  (not depicted in FIGS. 12 and 14) would extend within track  230  at least where closure mechanism  12  overlaps track  230 . In FIG. 12, slot  238  would extend within track  230  from about “10 o&#39;clock” counterclockwise to the end of track  230 . Slot  238  preferably gradually increases its depth within track  230 , so that at the end of track  230 , closure mechanism  12  is entirely within slot  238  in track  230 . Together, slot  238  and track  230  align closure mechanism  12  and expanded slider device  50  for proper mounting of slider device  50  on closure mechanism  12 . A pressure cam  231  (shown in FIGS. 12 and 14) can be used to help properly align slider device  50  on closure mechanism  12 .  
     [0088] To mount a slider device  50  onto recloseable closure mechanism  12  of inchoate package  10 ′ or package  10 , post  240  with radially moveable end cap  215  positioned thereon engages a slider device  50  from feed source  210 . In FIG. 12, this action is shown at “12 o-clock”, if the carousel  214  of slider positioner  201  were a clock face. End cap  215  is in its extended-most position with guide post  248  urged by spring  216  to the outer most end of slot  249 .  
     [0089] Slider device  50  located in loading bay  212  (FIG. 13) is engaged by end cap  215  at end  55  (FIG. 13) and is urged counterclockwise along expanding track  230  by the rotation of post  240  around axis  214 C of carousel  214 . From loading bay  212 , slider device  50  is pushed onto expanding track  230 , which causes first and second hooking constructions  76 ,  78  of slider device  50  to expand as slider device  50  progresses along track  230 . That is, as slider device  50  progresses along the length of track  230 , track  230  gradually separates first and second hooking construction  76 ,  78 , thereby increasing the distance therebetween. During the travel along the majority of track  230 , the radial position of end cap  215  from the center  214 C of apparatus  200  is preferably in the extended-most position. Guide post  248  and spring  216  are unhindered, so that spring  216  is allowed to extend outward as far as guide post  248  can move within slot  249 .  
     [0090] Just prior to the “9 o&#39;clock” position when moving counterclockwise, (approximately at “10 o&#39;clock”), wall  290  provides a cam surface against which guide post  248  abuts. Wall  290  is shown in phantom in FIG. 12 because in the embodiment shown, wall  290  is positioned below carousel  214  when viewed from a top plan view. Wall  290  is positioned so that wall  290  abuts guide post  248  (i.e., the portion of guide post  248  extending down into the page) as post  240  nears the mounting position at “9 o&#39;clock” (FIG. 14). As post  240  continues its rotation, guide post  248  is pushed inward along slot  249  by wall  290 , thereby compressing spring  216  and shortening the overall length of post  240  and radial position of end cap  215 . As shown in FIG. 14, at “9 o&#39;clock”, spring  216  is the most compressed by wall  290  abutting guide post  248  so that end cap  215  has the shortest radial position from center  214 C.  
     [0091] At approximately “9 o&#39;clock”, track  230  terminates and slider device  50  is mounted onto closure mechanism  12  of package  10 ′. When track  230  ends, slider device  50  is pushed off of track  230  by end cap  21  and onto closure mechanism  12 . At this point, closure mechanism  12  is positioned in slot  238  track  230 . Slot  238  and track  230  align expanded slider device  50  and closure mechanism  12  for proper mounting of slider device  50  on closure mechanism  12 . At the very end of track  230 , slider device  50  is pushed off of track  230  by end cap  215 , slider device  50  mounts on to closure mechanism  12 , and hooking constructions  76 ,  78  return to their original position and shape. To facilitate accurate mounting slider device  50  onto closure mechanism  12  of package  10 ′, pressure cam  231  guides slider device  50  into proper position on closure mechanism  12 .  
     [0092] Once slider device  50  has been mounted on package  10 ′, post  240  continues its rotation around carousel  214 , until post  240  again reaches the “12 o&#39;clock” where it will engage another slider device  50 .  
     [0093] D. Positioning A Mounted Slider Device  
     [0094] Once slider device  50  has been mounted on package  10 ′ or in some cases, recloseable closure mechanism  12 , this slider device  50  can be repositioned on recloseable closure mechanism  12  with finisher  300  as shown, for example, on FIG. 8. Finisher  300  contacts slider device  50  and places slider device  50  in the proper position (“operably mounted”) to allow slider device  50  to slide relative to closure mechanism  12  in a first direction or an opposite second direction along closure mechanism  12 .  
     [0095] The proper positioning of slider device  50  allows slider device  50  to operate with a minimal amount of force. Proper positioning of slider device  50  on closure mechanism  12  allows slider device  50  to operate properly and is also defined herein as being operably mounted. Proper operation of slider device  50  is disclosed in Section B above.  
     [0096]FIG. 17 illustrates a cross section view of slider device  50  operably mounted on closure mechanism  12 . As explained above, slider device  50  has first hooking construction  76  and second hooking construction  78 . FIG. 5 shows that first hooking construction  76  and second hooking construction  78  has a length that extends between first elongate finger  92  and second elongate finger  94 . FIG. 17 shows first hooking construction  76  and second hooking construction  78  of slider device  50  in engagement with first and second shoulders  38 ,  48  of closure mechanism  12 . To be operably mounted, the entire length of both hooking constructions  76 ,  78  are in engagement with both shoulders  38 ,  48  of closure mechanism as shown on FIG. 17. It is contemplated that slider device  50  may have only one hooking construction  76  or  78 ; in that case, “operably mounted” means that the entire length of hooking construction  76  or  78  is in engagement with shoulder  38  or  48  of closure mechanism  12 .  
     [0097] The term “inoperably mounted” is defined as slider device  50  positioned on closure mechanism  12  in any manner other than being operably mounted as defined above. For example, if any portion of hooking mechanism  76  or  78  is not in engagement with shoulder  38  or  48  such slider is inoperably mounted.  
     [0098] As slider devices  50  are mounted on closure mechanism  12 , as disclosed above, some slider devices  50  are inoperably mounted due to a variety of processing and external factors. These inoperably mounted slider devices  50  may be repositioned on closure mechanism  12  with the aid of finisher  300  as shown on FIG. 8.  
     [0099] Finisher  300  is located above moving closure mechanism  12  at a distance H 1 . This distance H 1  is at least the distance between top edge  27  of closure mechanism  12  upper flanges  39 ,  49  and top wall  54  of slider device  50 . The distance H 1  between finisher  300  bottom surface  310  and closure mechanism  12  allows operably mounted slider devices  50  to pass between finisher  300  and closure mechanism  12  without bottom surface  310  contacting slider device  50 . The distance H 2  is preferably greater than the distance H 1 .  
     [0100] Finisher  300  has surface  305  that contacts the inoperably mounted slider device  50  and applies a force on the inoperably mounted slider device  50 . This force generally has a downward component and moves the inoperably mounted slider device  50  to an operably mounted position. Surface  305  is preferably nonparallel to recloseable closure mechanism  12 . Preferably surface  305  and closure mechanism  12  form an acute angle θ as illustrated on FIG. 8. In preferred embodiments, angle θ will be in a range of about 15 to 45 degrees, preferably about 25 to 30 degrees.  
     [0101] When the inoperably mounted slider device  50  is in contact with surface  305 , the inoperably mounted slider device  50  may remain in a fixed position relative to finisher  300  as closure mechanism  12  continues to move forward on the process line. The inoperably mounted slider device  50  may then be operably mounted into notch  28  present in closure mechanism  12  as notch  28  passes under slider device  50 . In the operably mounted position, slider device  50  is able to travel between bottom surface  310  of finisher  300  and top edge  27  of closure mechanism  12  to further process. Finisher  300  is capable of processing 1 to 100 linear feet per minute of closure mechanism  12  having operably mounted slider devices  50 , or about 1 to 150 operably mounted slider devices  50  per minute.  
     [0102] Finisher  300  may be a fixed device as shown in FIG. 8 or finisher  300  may be a pivotally mounted or hinged device as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 16A shows a example hinged finisher  300  contacting an inoperably mounted slider device  50 . Finisher  300  shown on FIGS. 16A and 16B includes a lever  330 , a pivot pin  320 , and a spring  315 . Lever  330  includes top wall  335 , bottom wall  305  and sidewall  365  therebetween. Lever  330  also includes first end  340  and second end  345  with a length therebetween. Second end  345  includes bottom surface  310  parallel to the operably mounted slider device  50  process path. Pivot pin  320  is pivotally connected to lever  330 , for example, pivot pin  320  is the axis point for the pivot action of lever  330 . Pivot pin  320  may be located at any point of lever  330 ; preferably, pivot pin  320  is located closer to first end  340  than second end  345 . Pivot pin  320  is fixedly attached to a pin support. Spring  315  contacts top wall  335  of lever  330  and extends away from the top wall  335 . Spring  315  has first end  350  and distal end  350 . First end  350  is in contact with top wall  335  of lever  330  and preferably contacts top wall  335  at a point on lever  330  closer to second end  345  than first end  340 . Distal end  355  of spring  315  is fixedly attached to pin support  360 .  
     [0103] The inoperably mounted slider device  50  contacts finisher  300  surface  305 , spring  315  is in contact with hinged arm  330  and applies a force to the inoperably mounted slider device  50 . This force generally has a downward component and moves the inoperably mounted slider device  50  to an operably mounted position. This surface  305  is preferably nonparallel to recloseable closure mechanism  12 . Preferably, surface  305  and closure mechanism  12  form an acute angle as illustrated on FIGS. 16A and 16B. Finisher  300  may also have bottom surface  310  that is generally parallel to recloseable closure mechanism  12 . FIG. 16B shows slider device  50  repositioned into the operably mounted position by finisher  300 . FIG. 16B also shows slider device  50  operably mounted in notch  28  of closure mechanism  12 .  
     [0104]FIG. 17 shows a cross section view of an operably mounted slider device  50  located between finisher  300  and closure mechanism  12 . Finisher  300  may have first and second side guides  325 ,  326 . Preferably, side guides  325 ,  326  extend from bottom surface  310  and will cover at least a portion of slider device  50  housing  52 . Side guides  325 ,  326  and bottom surface  310  form a U-shaped channel for slideable receipt of the slider device  50 . These side guides  325 ,  326  allow finisher  300  to position slider device  50  on closure mechanism  12  with minimal side to side movement.  
     [0105] Thus, the method of positioning a mounted slider device on a recloseable closure mechanism for a resealable package includes, providing a recloseable closure mechanism and a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism “inoperably mounted” on the recloseable closure mechanism and contacting the “inoperably mounted” slider device with a surface to operably position the slider device on the reclosable closure mechanism.  
     [0106] A method of manufacturing a recloseable package includes providing a package having first and second opposite side seals and a mouth between the first and second side seals. Providing a recloseable closure mechanism and a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism. Attaching the recloseable closure mechanism to the mouth of the package. Mounting the slider device on the recloseable closure mechanism; the slider device being inoperably mounted on the recloseable closure mechanism and contacting the inoperably mounted slider device with a surface to operably position the slider device on the recloseable closure mechanism.  
     [0107] The above specification and examples are believed to provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made.  
     [0108] Having described the presently preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the appended claims.