Patent Abstract:
A method of manufacturing includes feeding a continuous web of flexible panel material into a package forming operation. The continuous web is configured to define first and second juxtaposed panel sections; positioning a continuous strip of resealable closure mechanism having a series of spaced slider devices thereon between the first and second panel sections of the continuous web to form a continuous combination having the first and second panel sections and the resealable closure mechanism; and forming a plurality of flexible packages from the continuous combination. Each flexible package includes only one slider device thereon and a seal between the first and second panel sections oriented to enclose the one slider device between the first and second panel sections and the seal. A system for manufacturing a flexible package is disclosed. In addition, a flexible package is disclosed.

Full Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119(E) 
     Priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) is requested to Provisional Application Serial No. 60/138,917, filed on Jun. 11, 1999, and entitled RECLOSABLE PACKAGE HAVING SLIDER DEVICE, TAMPER-EVIDENT STRUCTURE, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING. The complete disclosure of Provisional Application Serial No. 60/138,937 is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to resealable packages, such as plastic bags. In particular, the present disclosure relates to resealable packages manufactured from form, fill, and seal machines having slider devices with tamper-evident structures. This disclosure also contains methods applicable to resealable packages. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Resealable packages are used to store or enclose various types of articles and materials. These packages can be used to store a variety of products, for example food items and non-food consumer goods. Resealable packages are convenient because they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. In some instances, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products. 
     Form, fill, and seal technology is known in the packaging industry as a method to package consumable goods. When consumable goods are not used completely, after the package is initially opened, a user relies on a resealable or zipper type closure mechanism to reseal the package and keep the remaining contents fresh. 
     Many resealable packages are opened and closed by a slider device that aids in the opening and closing of the resealable closure mechanism. Attaching the slider device to the resealable package is sometimes difficult and inefficient. Therefore, improvements are desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, an example embodiment involves a method of manufacturing a flexible package. The method includes feeding a continuous web of flexible panel material into a package forming operation, the continuous web is configured to define first and second juxtaposed panel sections; positioning a continuous strip of resealable closure mechanism having a series of spaced slider devices thereon between the first and second panel sections of the continuous web to form a continuous combination having the first and second panel sections and the resealable closure mechanism; and forming a plurality of flexible packages from the continuous combination. Each flexible package includes only one slider device thereon and a seal between the first and second panel sections oriented to enclose the one slider device between the first and second panel sections and the seal. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, an example embodiment involves a method of manufacturing a flexible package. The method includes feeding a continuous web of flexible panel material into a package forming operation, the continuous web being configured to define first and second juxtaposed panel sections; positioning a continuous strip of resealable closure mechanism having a series of spaced slider devices and notches thereon between the first and second panel sections of the continuous web to form a continuous combination having the first and second panel sections and the resealable closure mechanism; forming a plurality of flexible packages from the continuous combination. Each flexible package includes only one slider device thereon; seal between the first and second panel sections oriented to enclose the one slider device between the first and second panel sections and the seal; and one operably positioned notch. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided for manufacturing a flexible package. The system includes a web feed and form assembly, a closure mechanism feed assembly, and a cutting and sealing assembly. The web feed and form assembly is configured to feed a continuous web of flexible panel material and to form first and second juxtaposed panel sections from the continuous web of flexible panel material. The closure mechanism feed assembly is configured to position a continuous strip of resealable closure mechanism having a series of spaced slider devices thereon between the first and second panel sections to form a continuous combination having the first and second panel sections and the resealable closure mechanism. The cutting and sealing assembly is configured to form a plurality of flexible packages from the continuous combination in such a manner that each flexible package includes only one slider device thereon and a seal between the first and second panel sections oriented to enclose the one slider device between the first and second panel sections and the seal. 
     A more complete appreciation of the present invention and its scope may be obtained from the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below, from the following detailed descriptions of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and from the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic, plan view of an example embodiment of a resealable package having a slider device and a tamper-evident structure, according to selected principles of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the resealable package of FIG. 1, taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG. 1, according to selected principles of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic, plan view of an example embodiment of a resealable package having a slider device and a tamper-evident structure, according to selected principles of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of a first embodiment of a horizontal form, fill, and seal machine with a zipper-type closure mechanism and a slider device attachment, according to selected principles of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic, perspective view of a second embodiment of a horizontal form, fill, and seal machine with a zipper-type closure mechanism and a slider device attachment, according to selected principles of the present disclosure; and 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of a third embodiment of a horizontal form, fill, ad seal machine with a zipper-type closure mechanism and a slider device attachment, according to selected principles of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The principles described herein are applicable to a variety of packaging arrangements. The principles of the disclosure are particularly advantageous for manufacturing resealable packages. An appreciation of various aspects can be gained from the following discussion of an application example for such a packaging arrangement. 
     A. Overview of Package  10   
     Attention is directed to FIG.  1 . FIG. 1 is a schematic, plan view illustrating an example packaging or closure arrangement in the form of a resealable, flexible package  10 , for example, a polymeric package such as a plastic bag, having a resealable closure mechanism  14  constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     Typically, the resealable package  10  is manufactured from a flexible, polymeric, plastic film, such as low density polyethylene, commonly known. Alternatively, the package  10  can be made from multilayer laminates, metalized plastic, or other materials having some flexibility. 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  2 . FIG. 2 is a schematic, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the resealable package  10  of FIG.  1 . Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, with some manufacturing applications, a single sheet of package film  17  is folded along a first closed edge  18  to create first and second panel sections  19 ,  20 . The panel sections  19 ,  20  are heat-sealed or ultrasonically crushed along first, second, and third edges  21 ,  22 ,  24 . Alternatively, two separate sheets of film, analogous to the first and second panel sections  19 ,  20 , can be heat-sealed or ultrasonically crushed along a first closed edge, analogous to the first closed edge  18 , and first, second, and third edges, analogous to the first, second, and third edges  21 ,  22 ,  24 . In other alternative embodiments, the package can also have bottom or side-gussets. 
     In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the resealable closure mechanism  14  is positioned between the first closed edge  18  and the third edge  24 . 
     The first and second panel sections  19 ,  20 , the first closed edge  18 , and the first, second, and third edges  21 ,  22 ,  24  define a package interior  29 . Access is provided to the interior  29  by opening the first closed edge  18 . The first closed edge  18  can be opened by cutting the first closed edge  18  or by tearing the first closed edge  18  from the package  10 . Removing the first closed edge  18  creates a mouth  30  at the first closed edge  18  of the package  10 . In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mouth  30  extends the width of the package  10 . 
     B. The First Resealable Closure Mechanism  14   
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the resealable closure mechanism  14  is illustrated at the mouth  30  of the flexible package  10 . The resealable closure mechanism  14  can be one of a variety of closure mechanisms. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the resealable closure mechanism  14  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 first and second interlocking or mating closure profiles  130 , 131  that under the application of pressure will interlock and close a region (not shown), between the closure profiles  130 ,  131 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure mechanism  14  is a single-track Closure mechanism and includes a first closure profile  130  and a second closure profile  131 . By the term “single-track,” it is meant one pair of interengaging profiled elements. In FIG. 2, the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  are shown in a closed configuration. By the term “closed,” it is meant the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  are generally interlocked and the package  10  is substantially sealed. By the term “sealed,” it is meant that generally, the resealable closure mechanism  14  substantially prevents gases from flowing into or out of the package interior  29 . By the term “substantially,” it is meant that the resealable closure mechanism  14  does not necessarily create a perfect seal, for example, due to imperfections in the resealable closure mechanism  14 . In general, “substantially sealed” means that the package interior  29  is not significantly exhausted under small amounts of hand pressure. Alternatively stated, the arrangement is “substantially sealed” if it is adequately sealed for its intended application. 
     The resealable closure mechanism  14  also has an open configuration (not shown). By the term “open,” it is meant the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  are at least partially not interlocked, and the package is not substantially sealed. “Partially closed” or “open” means the resealable closure mechanism  14  is in an open configuration. In the open configuration, the package interior  29  is in gas-flow communication with an exterior environment. By the term “exterior environment,” it is meant the atmosphere outside of the first and second panel sections  19 ,  20  and the resealable closure mechanism  14 . 
     In particular, the zipper-type closure mechanism in FIG. 2 is an illustration of one example of a closure mechanism  14 . The closure mechanism  14  includes an elongated first closure profile  130  and an elongated second closure profile  131 . Typically, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are manufactured separately from each other. 
     Still in reference to FIG. 2, the preferred first closure profile  130  depicted includes a sealing flange or bonding strip  132 , a base strip  133 , a first closure member  134 , first and second guide posts  136 ,  137 , and an upper flange  139 . The closure member  134  extends from the base strip  133  by way of a stem  134   a  and is generally projecting from the base strip  133 . At a free end of the stem  134   a  (the tip of the closure member  134 ) is a hook or catch  140 . The guide posts  136 ,  137  also extend from the base strip  133  and are generally projecting from the base strip  133 . The guide posts  136 ,  137  aid in holding the closure mechanism  14  closed and in aligning the first closure profile  130  with the second closure profile  131  for interlocking. The bonding strip  132  depends or extends downward from the second guide post  137  and can be attached to a first panel section, such as the first panel section  19  of the package  10 . A first shoulder  138  is defined by the intersection of the base strip  133  and the bonding strip  132 . In the example illustrated, the bonding strip  132  is spaced a distance laterally from the base strip  133  to define a corner forming the shoulder  138 . The upper flange  139  extends upwardly from the base strip  133  and the first guide post  136 . 
     The preferred second closure profile  131  depicted includes a bonding strip  142 , a base strip  143 , a first closure member  144 , a guide post  146 , and an upper flange  147 . The closure member  144  extends from the base strip  143  by way of a stem  144   a  and is generally projecting from the base strip  143 . At a free end of the stem  144   a  (or tip of the closure member  144 ) is a hook or catch  149 . The guide post  146  also extends from the base strip  143  and is generally projecting from the base strip  143 . The guide post  146  aids in holding the closure mechanism  14  closed and aids in aligning the second closure profile  131  with the first closure profile  130  for interlocking. The bonding strip  142  depends or extends downward from the guide post  146  and can be attached to a second panel section, such as the second panel section  20  of the package  10 . A shoulder  148 , analogous to the shoulder  138 , is formed at the corner of the bonding strip  142  and guide post  146 . 
     In FIG. 2, the resealable closure mechanism  14  is operably positioned. By the term “operably positioned,” it is meant that the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  are configured and constructed (or constructed and arranged) to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism  14 . The closure member  134  of the first closure profile  130  extends from the base strip  133  a first distance. The closure member  144  of the second closure profile  131  also extends from the base strip  143  a first distance, These first distances that the closure members  134 ,  144  extend are sufficient to allow operative mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first closure member  134  of the first closure profile  130  and the first closure member  144  of the second closure profile  131 . In particular, the catches  140 ,  149  hook or engage each other. 
     Typically, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are formed from a suitable plastic (or polymeric) material by two separate extrusions or through two separate openings of a common extrusion. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the bonding strips  132 ,  142  of the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131 , respectively, are secured to the first and second panel sections  19 ,  20 , respectively, of the package  10 . Preferably, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are heat-sealed to the panel sections  19 ,  20 , respectively, of the package  10 , as is well known. In alternative embodiments, the closure profiles can be secured to the panel sections by other means, such as using an adhesive. 
     Referring back to FIG. 1, the first closure profile  130  (FIG. 2) has first and second opposite ends  150 ,  151 . Likewise, although not shown, the second closure profile  131  (FIG. 2) has first and second opposite ends. The first end  150  of the first closure profile  130  and the first end (not shown) of the second closure profile  131  are sealed together at the first edge  21  of the package  10 . Analogously, the second end  151  of the first closure profile  130  and the second end (not shown) of the second closure profile  131  are sealed together at the second edge  22  of the package  10 . 
     Sealing the closure profiles  130 ,  131  (FIG. 2) together at the first and second edges  21 ,  22  of the package  10  aids in aligning the closure profiles  130 ,  131  for interlocking. Preferably, pressure is applied to the closure profiles  130 ,  131  as they engage and form an openable sealed closure mechanism  14 . Pulling the first closure profile  130  and the second closure profile  131  away from each other causes the two closure profiles  130 ,  131  to disengage, opening the package  10 . This provides access to the contents of the package  10  through the mouth  30 . 
     Typically, the resealable closure mechanism  14  is made of a polymer, plastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Typically, the resealable closure mechanism  14  illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be manufactured using conventional extrusion and heat sealing techniques. The resealable closure mechanism  14  can be any of a variety of closure mechanisms, well known or yet to be developed. For example, the resealable closure mechanism  14  can be constructed according to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,240,241; 4,246,288; or 4,437,293; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     In alternative embodiments, the resealable closure mechanism can be positioned at a location different than that depicted in FIG. 1, depending on the application needs for the package. In other alternative embodiments, the closure profiles can be extruded with the panel sections of the package. 
     C. The Slider Device  160   
     Referring back to FIG. 1, the package  10  also includes a slider device  160 . The slider device  160  aids in opening and closing the resealable closure mechanism  14 . Preferably, the slider device  160  is operably positioned. By the term “operably positioned,” it is meant the slider device  160  is configured and arranged to open the resealable closure mechanism  14  when the slider device  160  is moved in a first direction A and to close the resealable closure mechanism  14  when the slider device  160  is moved in a second direction B. The slider device  160  has a separator end  161  and a pinching end  162 . The separator end  161  of the slider device  160  is configured and arranged to separate the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131 , FIG. 2, when the slider device  160  is moved in the first direction A to open the resealable closure mechanism  14 . The pinching end  162  is configured and arranged to direct the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  toward one another when the slider device  160  is moved in the second direction B, to engage the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  and close the resealable closure mechanism  14 . 
     A notch  166  is provided in the resealable closure mechanism  14  for parking the slider device  160  when the slider device  160  is in the closed position. By the term “closed position,” it is meant when the slider device  160  is moved in the second direction B and comes to rest, or “parks,” in the notch  166 . In this position, the package  10  is substantially sealed. In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the notch  166  is in the form of a cutout  167 . The preferred notch  166  shown includes two straight edges or sides  169 ,  170 , generally perpendicular to each other, and a side  171  that extends at, in a preferred embodiment, an oblique angle relative to side  170 . By “oblique angle”, it is meant an angle that is not substantially perpendicular or straight. The side  169  preferably is generally parallel to the first edge  21 , while the side  170  preferably is generally parallel to the third edge  24 . The side  171  can extend at an angle relative to side  170  of at least 30 degrees, typically between about 100-150 degrees, typically no greater than about 160 degrees, and in the preferred embodiment about 135 degrees. The notch  166  serves as a “parking place” for a slider device  160  and also facilitates mounting the slider device  160  onto the resealable package  10  during initial assembly. 
     In addition, the side  169  closest to the first edge  21  helps to create a stop member for the slider device  160 . Further, the angle that the side  171  extends helps to reduce friction between the slider device  160  and the resealable closure mechanism  14 , when the slider device  160  is being moved from the notch  166  to open the closure mechanism  14 . This contributes to an easier opening, more convenient package  10 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  3 . FIG. 3 is a schematic, plan view of an alternate embodiment of a resealable package  10 ′. In this example embodiment, a notch  166 ′ is in the form a slit  167 ′. In other alternative embodiments, the notch can have any one of a variety of configurations, well known or yet to be developed. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the notch  166  is arranged and configured such that the separator end  161  of the slider device  160  is removed from between the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  when the slider device  160  is “parked” in the notch  166 , allowing the resealable closure mechanism  14  to be substantially sealed. 
     Slider devices  160  and how they function to open and close resealable closure mechanisms, in general, are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,063,644; 5,301,394; 5,442,837; and 5,664,229, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Such slider devices can be adapted to applications according to principles of the present disclosure. 
     D. The Tamper-Evident Structure  70   
     Attention is directed to FIG.  2 . The package  10  also includes a tamper-evident structure  180 . The tamper-evident structure  180  provides an indication to the consumer as to whether the package  10  has been previously opened, or has been “tampered.” The tamper-evident structure  180  can be used to provide a hermetic seal to preserve a product within the interior  29  of the package  10 . By the term “hermetic seal,” it is meant the package  10  is sealed to prevent the ingress or egress of undesirable levels of gases between the package interior  29  and the exterior environment. 
     In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tamper evident structure  180  includes the first and second panel sections  19 ,  20  folded at the first closed edge  18  and sealed at the first, second, and third edges  21 ,  22 ,  24 . A first portion  182  of the bonding strip  132  of the first closure profile  130  is secured to the first panel section  19  of the package  10 . A second portion  183  of the bonding strip  132  of the first closure profile  130  remains unsecured to allow attachment and movement of the slider device  160 . Likewise, a third portion  184  of the bonding strip  142  of the second closure profile  131  is secured to the second panel section  20  of the package  10 . A fourth portion  185  of the bonding strip  142  of the second closure profile  131  remains unsecured to allow attachment and movement of the slider device  160 . In this fashion, the tamper-evident structure  180  is provided around, and encloses, the resealable closure mechanism  14  and the slider device  160 . 
     In order to access the interior or contents of the package  10 , the tamper-evident structure  180  needs to be penetrated. The tamper-evident structure  180  will typically be penetrated by either cutting along the closed edge  18  or by tearing the closed edge  18  from the package  10 , in either instance, leaving permanent evidence of opening. In some embodiments, the closed edge  18  will be scored or perforated to aid in the removal of the closed edge  18  of the tamper-evident structure  180 . Once the tamper-evident structure  180  has been penetrated, the resealable closure mechanism  14  and the slider device  160  can be used to substantially reseal the package  10  and preserve the contents contained within the package interior  29 . 
     In some embodiments, tamper-evident structures can use principles described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,669, incorporated by reference herein. 
     E. Methods of Operation 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, to initially open the package  10 , the first closed edge  18  is cut or torn from the package  10 . To open the resealable closure mechanism  14 , the slider device  160  is moved in the first direction A. The separating end  161  of the slider device  160  separates the first closure profile  130  from the second closure profile  131 , causing the resealable closure mechanism  14  to disengage, allowing access to the package interior  29 . To reseal the package  10 , the slider device  160  is moved in the second direction B. The pinching end  162  of the slider device  160  directs the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  toward one another, causing the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  to mateably engage, substantially resealing the package  10  and preserving the contents contained within the package interior  29 . 
     F. Method of Manufacturing and Apparatus for Manufacturing 
     Preferably, the processes described herein utilize punching or cutting the notch  166 ,  166 ′, FIGS. 1 and 3, respectively, in the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131 , FIG. 2, of the resealable closure mechanism  14 , FIG. 2, and attaching the slider device  160 , FIG. 1, to the resealable closure mechanism  14  prior to forming the package  10 , FIG.  1 . Preferably, the slider device  160  is carried to the packaging roll stock by way of the closure mechanism  14  and phased into register with the package  10  by sliding or moving the sliding device  160  along the closure mechanism  14  until it is in register with the “park” position. The “park position” is when the slider device  160  is resting within the notch  166 . The processes described herein provide positive placement of the slider device  160  and, at the same time, allow for variability in placement of the slider device  160 . An example of this advantage includes having a slider device  160  positioned on  8 inch centers and manufacturing a package  10  with a width of 6 inches. 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  4 . FIG. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of a first example embodiment of a machine  200  for the manufacture of the resealable packages  10 . Preferably, the machine  200  includes a closure mechanism feed assembly (CMA) apparatus  202  and a form, fill, and seal (FFS) apparatus  204 , such as a horizontal form, fill and seal apparatus. 
     Preferably, the CMA apparatus  202  includes a profile applicator  210 , a slider applicator  212 , and a notching system  214 . The profile applicator  210  includes a profile wind device  220  and a profile feed system  222 . The profile wind device  220  supplies a continuous rolled, linear strip of the resealable closure mechanism  14 . Typically, the resealable closure mechanism  14  is supplied with the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  interlocked as illustrated in FIG.  2 . The profile feed system  222  supplies the linear supply of the resealable closure mechanism  14 . 
     The slider applicator  212  includes a bowl feeder  224 , a track  225 , and a slider attachment device  226 . The bowl feeder  224  supplies a continuous supply of slider devices  160 . Typically, the slider devices  160  are supplied in bulk form and are oriented by way of the bowl feeder  224 . The track  225  feeds the slider devices  160  to the slider attachment device  226 . 
     The notching system  214  cuts or punches the notch  166 , FIG. 1, or slit  166 ′, FIG. 3, in the resealable closure mechanism  14 , as the resealable closure mechanism  14  passes through the notching system  214  prior to attachment of the slider device  160  to the resealable closure mechanism  14 . The slider attachment device  226  attaches the slider device  160  to the resealable closure mechanism  14  and phases the slider device  160  into register with the package  10  by sliding or moving the slider device  160  along the resealable closure mechanism  14  until it is in register with the “park position,” or, alternatively stated, the slider device  160  is resting within the notch  166 . 
     The assembled resealable closure mechanism  14  with the attached slider device  160  is advanced to the FFS apparatus  204  for attachment to the package  10 , FIG. 1, by the FFS apparatus  204 . 
     Preferably, the FFS apparatus  204  includes a web feed and form assembly  249  having a film wind device  250 , and a film advance system  252 ; a profile sealer  254 ; a photo eye, or photo cell,  255 ; a forming system  256 ; a filling system  258 ; a cutting and sealing system or assembly  260 ; and a sealer  262 . 
     Preferably, the film advance system  252  pulls a continuous web of package film  17  from the film wind device  250  through the film advance system  252 . The film advance system  252  folds the package film  17  in half at vertical rollers  264 ,  266  forming the first closed edge  18 , and the first and second panel sections  19 ,  20 . The film advance system  252  draws the assembled resealable closure mechanism  14  with the attached slider device  160  between the first and second panel sections  19 ,  20  near the first closed edge  18 . 
     The photocell  255  scans the package  10  to determine the location of the notches  166 , FIG. 1, in the resealable closure mechanism  14  in relation to the first and second edges  21 ,  22  and the interval of the notches  166 . Preferably, the photocell  255  sends this information regarding the location of the notches  166  to a control system  275 . The control system  275  compares the information regarding the location of the notches  166  to package specifications contained within the control system  275 . The control system  275  adjusts the notching system  214 , and thus the location of successive notches  166 , to adjust for variances between the package specifications and the location of the notches  166  as read by the photocell  255 . Of course, the package specifications can be changed to vary the manufacturing depending on the application needs. In this fashion, the photocell  255 , the control system  275 , and the notching system  214  allow a package width to be varied and the placement of the notch  166  and slider device  160  to be adjusted accordingly and allow positive placement of the notch  166  and the slider device  160  throughout the manufacturing process. 
     The profile sealer  254  secures the resealable closure mechanism  14  to the panel sections  19 ,  20  forming a continuous combination  276 . The cutting and sealing system  260  cuts the package  10  to the appropriate width and seals the first and second edges  21 ,  22  of the package  10 . The forming system  256  opens the package  10  and forms the package  10 . The filling system  258  fills the opened and formed package  10  with a product  280 . The sealer  262  seals the third edge  24  to complete the package  10 . 
     It should be noted that the control system  275  can be used to adjust other components of the machine  100  to vary the manufacturing according to different package specifications. For example, the control system  275  can be used to control the cutting and sealing apparatus  260  to vary the width the package  10  is cut by the cutting and sealing apparatus  260 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  5 . FIG. 5 is a schematic, perspective view of a second embodiment of a machine  300  having a CMA apparatus  302  and a FFS apparatus  304 . The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 is analogous to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 with the exception of how the slider devices  360  are supplied. Instead of receiving the slider devices  360  in bulk form as in FIG. 4, the slider devices  360  are supplied wound on a roll  380 . The slider devices  360  are unwound and fed into a slider applicator  312 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  6 . FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of a third embodiment of a machine  400  having a CMA apparatus  402  and a FFS apparatus  404 . The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is analogous to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 with the exception that the resealable closure mechanism  514  and the slider devices  460  are assembled together on a spool  490  prior to being fed into the notching system  414 . Of course, this example embodiment does not have a slider applicator. The photocell  455  sends the information regarding the location of the notch to a control system  475  to make adjustments as necessary. 
     In other alternative embodiments, a vertical form, fill, and seal machine can be used in accordance with the principles described herein. 
     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 without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1