Continuous vertical form, fill and seal machine and method for making reclosable packages

US10689137B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Triangle Package Machinery Co. · US

Inventors

• Michael T. Wolf · Los Angeles, US
• Vadim A. Lubezny · Buffalo Grove, US
• Ed Barba · Chicago, US
• Joelle Walker · Tinley Park, US
• Adam Koolbeck · Chicago, US
• Nicholas D. Pankey · Chicago, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 26, 2018
• Grant date: Jun 23, 2020
• Expiry date: May 1, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B2051/105
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A form, fill and seal machine for making a reclosable package with a reclosable fastener includes a reclosable fastener handling assembly, a forming tube, a vertical seal assembly and a sealing jaw assembly. The handling assembly includes a flattening device, a reclosable fastener feed device and a slack sensor. A form, fill and seal machine alternatively includes a forming tube, a vertical seal assembly disposed adjacent the forming tube, wherein the vertical seal assembly is configured to continuously seal the film tube, and a tear notch applicator positioned downstream of the vertical seal assembly and configured to apply a slit to the continuously moving film tube. The tear notch applicator is positionally fixed in the machine direction. Methods for continuously forming a reclosable package are also provided.