Method and apparatus for inserting sliders during automated manufacture of reclosable bags
US6938330B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/533
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for automated insertion of sliders on continuous zipper material. The method involves the following steps: (a) advancing a section of zipper material past a leading edge of a splitter plate that pries the zipper strips of the zipper material apart; (b) clamping a first portion of one zipper strip against one side of the splitter plate, while clamping a first portion of the other zipper strip against an opposite side of the splitter plate, the first portions of the zipper strips being disposed on an upstream side of a slider insertion zone; (c) closing a portion of the zipper comprising respective second portions of the zipper strips disposed on a downstream side of the slider insertion zone; and (d) inserting a slider onto the zipper in the slider insertion zone. A plow of the slider is disposed between respective third portions of the zipper strips. The proximity of closed zipper to the closing end of the slider and the presence of open zipper at the opening end of the slider and adjacent the plow facilitates insertion of the slider onto the zipper.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.