Packaging machine for producing reclosable packages
US6868654B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B9/04
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A form-fill-and-seal (FFS) packaging machine is described wherein a zipper is attached to the package simultaneously with the sealing operation at the sealing and evacuation station. The attached zipper is thereafter welded in place at the zipper welding and cutting station. A zipper blank feeder and a channel-forming die with an impulse sealer are integrated into the sealing die of a packaging machine forming a combination work station. The zipper is installed at an existing work station and shares the existing lifting device. This enables the retrofitting of an FFS packaging machine to include a zipper attachment function without changing the footprint thereof. The combination work station forms a channel for the zipper blank between the thermoformed web and the lidstock. While the sealing die is providing a seal about the lid, the impulse sealer in the channel-forming die attaches the zipper to an initial attachment portion of the packaging film. Upon completion of the package, this initial attachment portion, if retained, becomes the tamper-indication portion of the package. Both the sealing and evacuation station and the zipper welding stations of this invention are of jackete…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.