Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6418605
-
Patent Number
6,418,605
-
Date Filed
Thursday, July 6, 200024 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 16, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 029 408
- 029 768
- 029 332
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A method for mounting a slider device on a recloseable package includes mounting the slider device by providing a package having a recloseable closure mechanism and providing a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second leg constructions having a first distance therebetween. The method also includes, expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance, wherein the expanding includes inserting an expanding device into a slide channel between first and second leg constructions and moving the first leg construction away from the second leg construction. Then removing the slider device from the expanding device and mounting the slider device onto recloseable closure mechanism. Finally, decreasing the second distance between the first and second leg constructions to third distance. Apparatus is also disclosed.
Description
FIELD
This disclosure generally relates to closure arrangements for polymer packages, such as plastic bags. In particular, this disclosure relates to recloseable closure mechanisms or zipper-type closures for packages, methods, and apparatus for applying slider devices to zipper-type closures.
BACKGROUND
Many packaging applications use resealable 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.
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.
With the growing popularity of these slider closure mechanisms, there is a desire to improve the processes used to attach the slider device to the resealable package with the profiled closure mechanism.
SUMMARY
This disclosure relates to methods of mounting a slider device onto flexible packages comprising a recloseable closure mechanism, such as a “zipper-type” closure mechanism.
In particular, one aspect relates to a method of mounting a slider device on a recloseable closure arrangement for a recloseable package. Preferred methods include mounting the slider device onto the closure arrangement by providing a package having a recloseable closure mechanism and providing a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second leg constructions having a first distance therebetween. The method also includes expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance, wherein the expanding includes inserting an expanding device into a slide channel between first and second leg constructions and moving the first leg construction away from the second leg construction. Then removing the slider device from the expanding device and mounting the slider device onto recloseable closure mechanism. Finally, decreasing the second distance between the first and second leg constructions to a third distance.
Further, an apparatus for mounting a slider device to a recloseable closure mechanism is described. The slider device has a first and second opposite leg constructions and a first distance therebetween. Preferably, apparatus includes a slider device positioner system including a rotating carousel, a slider distorting apparatus including an expanding device with four contact surface fingers adapted to insert into a slider side channel and expand at least one of the first and second leg constructions from the first distance to a second distance and a slider mounting system constructed and arranged to align the slider device with the recloseable closure mechanism.
Other described methods of mounting a slider device on a recloseable closure mechanism for a resealable package include positioning the slider device by using a rotating carousel comprising a plurality of radially extending posts, each post having an expanding device including four insertion fingers thereon, and each post constructed and arranged to engage the slider device. Preferably, the method includes moving the slider device along a radial path of the carousel and expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance. The second distance is decreased between the first and second leg constructions to a third distance. Further, then steps of mounting the slider device onto recloseable closure mechanism and removing the slider device from the expanding device are conducted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a flexible, recloseable package having a slider device;
FIG. 2
is a cross-sectional view of profiled elements usable with the recloseable package of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is an enlarged, top perspective view of the slider device of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 4
is an enlarged, bottom perspective view of the slider device of
FIGS. 1 and 3
;
FIG. 5
is a bottom plan view of the slider device depicted in
FIGS. 3 and 4
;
FIG. 6
is a cross-sectional view of the slider device depicted in
FIG. 5
taken along the line
6
—
6
of
FIG. 5
;
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;
FIG. 8
is a schematic illustration of a method of applying a slider device to a recloseable package, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9
is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a method of applying a slider device to a recloseable package including a hook distorting apparatus engaging a slider device;
FIG. 10
is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a further step in the method of
FIG. 9
of applying a slider device to a recloseable package; the hook distorting apparatus having expanded the slider devices and the slider device being mounted on the recloseable package; and
FIG. 11
is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of yet a further step in the method of
FIG. 9
of applying a slider device to a recloseable package; the slider device being mounted on the recloseable package and the hook distorting apparatus being disengaged from the slider device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. The Package and Closure Construction
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
.
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
10
. In the particular embodiment shown, the mouth
26
extends the width of the package
10
.
The 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 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.
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.
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 corner forming the shoulder
38
. The upper flange
39
extends upwardly from the base strip
33
and first guide post
36
.
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 comer of the bonding strip
42
and guide post
46
.
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
.
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 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.
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
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 recloseable 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
.
B. The Slider Device Construction
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 recloseable package
10
in an predominantly open position. The housing
52
slides over the resealable closure mechanism
12
relative to the top edge
27
of the resealable package
10
to open and close mouth
26
.
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.
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.
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 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
.
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.
Preferably, the housing
52
includes a system for permitting the housing
52
to slide along the closure mechanism
12
without becoming disengaged from the recloseable 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
76
,
78
.
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
.
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
.
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.
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.
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
.
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 recloseable 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
.
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
.
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 recloseable closure mechanism
12
is minimized. This permits easier manipulation of the slider device
50
by the user.
To operate, the slider device
50
may be slid relative to the recloseable 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 recloseable 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 . Note that no extra tools are needed for operation.
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.
To construct the flexible recloseable 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
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
50
.
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
.
C. Methods and Apparatus for Mounting the Slider Device
Referring now to
FIG. 7
, slider device
50
has been mounted onto closure mechanism
12
so that the legs, e.g., first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
, snap over and engage shoulders
38
,
48
, of closure profiles
30
,
40
, respectively. Processes for mounting slider device
50
onto closure mechanism
12
of package
10
are provided below.
A schematic top plan view of mounting apparatus
100
and the process of one embodiment are shown in FIG.
8
. Mounting apparatus
100
includes, in general, a slider device supply system
104
for providing slider device
50
to be mounted onto package
10
, a slider device transporting system
105
for transporting and positioning slider device
50
, and a slider device distortion system
106
for distorting slider device
50
so that slider device
50
can be mounted on package
10
.
As illustrated in
FIG. 8
, slider device transportation system
105
includes slider device positioner
101
. Slider device positioner
101
receives slider device
50
from slider device supply system
104
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 with respect to packages
10
′; however, a portion of mounting apparatus
100
, slider positioner
101
, rotates in the illustrated embodiment 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.
Inchoate packages
10
′, which have not been formed as individual bags, are shown in
FIG. 8
as having slider devices
50
being mounted thereon. In preferred embodiments, 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'clock” (if the carousel
114
of slider positioner
101
were a clock face) 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 opposing 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 interior compartment
24
formed by seams at points where 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 described method and apparatus can be used to mount slider device
50
on completed package
10
.
Slider Device Supply System
Slider device supply system
104
provides slider devices
50
that are subsequently mounted on closure mechanism
12
by the slider device distortion system
106
and slider device transportation system
105
. Slider device supply system
104
includes a source
110
of slider devices
50
so that slider devices
50
can be continuously mounted on closure mechanism
12
. A conveyor system, trough, slide, chute, bowl feeder, 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
and are fed to the slider transportation system
105
at the “12 o'clock” position. Preferably, sliders
50
are fed to slider device transportation system
105
in a predetermined position. By “predetermined position”, it is meant that each slider device
50
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. Preferably, each slider
50
is positioned with top wall
54
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
.
Slider Device Transportation System
Mounting apparatus
100
generally comprises a continually regenerating slider device transportation system
105
for slider devices
50
, such as rotatable carousel
114
. In the particular embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 8
, rotatable carousel
114
has eight equidistant spaced radially extending posts
140
and guide rail
160
. It will be appreciated that the number of posts can be varied. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, 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
.
Slider Device Distortion System
In preferred arrangements, mounting apparatus
100
includes slider device distortion system
106
for distorting slider device
50
. According to preferred methods slider device
50
is mounted on closure mechanism
12
after having at least one of first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
elastically distorted by the slider device distortion system
106
so that the distance between two hooking constructions
76
,
78
increases. By the term “distorted” or “elastically distorted”, it is meant that hooking constructions
76
,
78
are forced from their stable, steady state position by some force, but when the force is removed, hooking constructions
76
,
78
return to their original shape. Once the distance between the two legs is increased, slider device
50
can be easily mounted on closure mechanism
12
.
Preferably, the slider device distortion system
106
is attached to the distal end of post
140
. In general, slider device distorting system
106
includes hook distorting apparatus
115
. In preferred methods, hook distorting apparatus
115
provides controlled motion, both lateral and radial, to slider device
50
from slider device supply system
104
until slider device
50
is mounted on closure mechanism
12
.
Preferably, on the periphery end, that is the distal end, of each post
140
is attached hook distorting apparatus
115
for engagement with slider device
50
.
FIG. 8
illustrates hook distorting apparatus
115
at the distal end of post
140
. An enlarged view of hook distorting apparatus
115
with slider device
50
engaged therein is shown in FIG.
9
.
When post
140
is within the portion of guide rail
160
defined by section
161
, hook distorting apparatus
115
is empty; that is, no slider device
50
is engaged and carried by hook distorting apparatus
115
. When post
140
is within the portion of guide rail
160
defined by section
163
, hook distorting apparatus
115
is engaged with slider device
50
to impart lateral and radial motion to slider device
50
.
Hook Distorting Apparatus
Hook distorting apparatus
115
includes slider expander guides
103
for distorting first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
, which facilitates mounting slider device
50
onto closure mechanism
12
. Slider expander guides
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 guides
103
as a “side entry fingers” arrangement. Expander guides
103
, in particular, contact surface
135
, is used to expand first and second hooking construction
76
,
78
of slider device
50
as slider device
50
progresses from the “12 o'clock” position to the “9 o'clock” position.
Hook distorting apparatus
115
is attached to the distal end of post
140
. Hook distorting apparatus
115
includes at least two slider device expander guides
103
that are planar with each other and separated by a distance no greater than the spacing between first and second side walls
72
,
74
of slider device
50
. Slider device expander guides
103
extend from the post
140
away from axis of rotation
114
C a first length. At an end of the length of slider expander guide
103
furthest from the axis of rotation
114
C, is located a contact surface
135
. Contact surface
135
is attached to slider expander guide
103
and forms an angle; in the particular embodiment illustrated, it is a 90 degree angle with slider expander guide
103
. Contact surface
135
is constructed and arranged to enter slider device
50
at slider device
50
first end
56
and second end
55
and between first side wall
72
and second side wall
74
of slider device
50
. Contact surface
135
will preferably cover at least a portion of the slider device
50
slide channel
77
. A first expansion device (not shown) is located between the slider device expander guides
103
to move the slider device expander guides
103
that contact first side wall
72
of slider device
50
away from slider expander guides
103
that contact second side wall
74
of slider device
50
in a direction away from each other (in
FIGS. 9 and 10
it is a vertical direction) and increase the distance between first and second side walls
72
,
74
of slider device
50
engaged in the hook distorting apparatus
115
. A second expansion device (not shown) is located between the slider device expander guides
103
to move slider expander guides or fingers
103
that enter first end
56
of slider device
50
away from slider expander guides
103
that enter second end
55
of slider device
50
in a lateral direction. The second expansion device inserts and removes the fingers
103
from the first end
56
and second end
55
of the slider device
50
. The second expansion device moves the fingers
103
in direction perpendicular to the direction the first expansion device moves the fingers. Preferably the expansion devices are air cylinders or the like. The slider expander guides
103
can be constructed and arranged in any shape such as for example an L-shape or a U-shape as shown in FIG.
8
.
To mount slider device
50
onto recloseable closure mechanism
12
of inchoate package
10
′ or package
10
according to the principles of this disclosure, hook distorting apparatus
115
, engages a slider device
50
from slider device supply system
104
. In
FIG. 8
, this action is shown at the “12 o-clock” position. Hook distorting apparatus
115
rotates counterclockwise by the slider device transportation system
105
from the “12 o'clock” position to the “9 o'clock” position. At the “9 o'clock” position, slider device
50
is mounted onto resealable closure mechanism
12
of package
10
′ at notch
28
.
At the “12 o'clock” position, the hook distorting apparatus
115
may extend from a retracted position to an extended position as illustrated on FIG.
8
. In the retracted position, slider expander guides
103
of hook distorting apparatus
115
are in an “open” position. By “open” it is meant that hook distorting apparatus
115
slider expander guides
103
can surround slider device
50
without touching the sides
55
,
56
of slider device
50
. Once in the extended “12 o'clock” position, slider expander guides
103
that enter first end
56
of slider device
50
move towards slider expander guides
103
that enter second end
55
of slider device
50
in a lateral direction slider expander guides
103
; thus, slider expander guides “close” and engage slider device
50
within the hook distorting apparatus
115
. Slider expander guides
103
enter at least one of the two sides
55
,
56
of slider device
50
and contact slide channel
77
of slider device
50
. There are at least two slider expander guides or “fingers”
103
. At least one finger
103
contacts a first side wall
72
of slide channel
77
and at least one finger
103
contacts a second side wall
74
of slide channel
77
. Preferably, four fingers
103
contact slide channel
77
. Most preferably, a first pair of two fingers
103
enter a first end
56
of slider device
50
. The first pair of fingers
103
includes a first finger
103
and a second finger
103
. The first finger
103
contacts the first side wall
72
of slide channel
77
and the second finger
103
contacts the second side wall
74
of slide channel
77
. The second pair of fingers
103
includes a third finger
103
and a fourth finger
103
. The second pair of fingers
103
enter a second end
55
of slider device
50
. Third finger
103
contacts the first sidewall
72
of slide channel
77
and the fourth finger contacts the second sidewall
74
of slide channel
77
.
As engaged slider device
50
moves from the “12 o'clock” position to the “9 o'clock” position, finger
103
or fingers
103
contacting the first side wall
72
of slide channel
77
move away from finger
103
or fingers
103
contacting the second side wall
74
of slide channel
77
and expand first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
of slider device
50
. That is, as slider device
50
progresses along the rotation path, the contact surfaces
135
of fingers
103
separate first and second hooking construction
76
,
78
, thereby increasing the distance therebetween. The expansion of first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
is preferably continuous and constant from the “12 o'clock” to the “9 o'clock” position.
At the “9 o'clock” position, the process that occurred at the “12 o'clock” position is reversed. At the “9 o'clock” position, hook distorting apparatus
115
may move into the “open” position. That is, fingers
103
that enter first end
56
of slider device
50
move away from fingers
103
that enter second end
55
of slider device
50
in a lateral direction until the terminal ends of fingers
103
extend beyond or “clear” the edge of slider device
50
first and second sides
56
,
55
. Once fingers
103
“clear” first and second sides
56
,
55
of slider device
50
, hook distorting apparatus
115
retracts away from mounted slider device
50
towards the axis of rotation
114
C as shown in FIG.
8
. In the retracted position, hook distorting apparatus
115
travels counterclockwise to the “12 o'clock” position, and the cycle repeats.
The process for mounting slider device
50
onto closure mechanism
12
is further shown in
FIGS. 9 through 11
.
FIG. 9
illustrates an enlarged side view of hook distorting apparatus
115
having slider device
50
engaged on slider expander guides or fingers
103
entering into the sides of slider device
50
and positioned within slide channel
77
of slider device
50
.
FIGS. 10 and 11
show slider device
50
being mounted onto closure mechanism
12
having first and second closure profiles
30
,
40
. First and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
are distorted from their original position (shown in
FIGS. 3 through 7
) to facilitate the mounting of slider device
50
onto closure mechanism
12
. By “distorted”, it is meant that hooking constructions
76
,
78
experience elastic deformation; that is, the shape of each of at least one of hooking constructions
76
,
78
is deformed by some force, and when the force is removed, hooking constructions
76
,
78
returns to its original shape before being deformed.
Before mounting slider device
50
onto closure mechanism
12
, slider device
50
is positioned within hook distorting apparatus
115
that aligns slider device
50
with closure mechanism
12
on which slider device
50
will be mounted. Hook distorting apparatus
115
can be configured for manual placement of slider device
50
therein, or slider device
50
may be deposited into hook distorting apparatus
115
by any automated mechanism. Preferably, a continuous supply of slider devices
50
is fed to the hook distorting apparatus
115
by slider device supply system
104
.
As illustrated in
FIGS. 9 through 11
, slider expander guides
103
are attached at one end to hook distorting apparatus
115
and are used to distort first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
. Each slider expander guide or finger
103
, is attached to contact surfaces
135
, which contacts the sides of slide channel
77
.
FIG. 9
shows slider device
50
held in hook distorting apparatus
115
in a manner so that top wall
54
of slider housing
52
, is facing rotation axis
114
C. Slider device
50
is positioned so that first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
extend outward from hook distorting apparatus
115
toward closure mechanism
12
.
Fingers
103
enter at least one side
56
,
55
of slider device
50
and contact at least a portion of slide channel
77
. As described above, at least one finger
103
is in contact with a first side of slide channel
77
and at least another finger
103
is in contact with a second side of slide channel
77
. Preferably, two fingers
103
are in contact with a first side of slide channel
77
and two more fingers
103
are in contact with a second side of slide channel
77
. Preferably, two fingers
103
enter a first side
56
of slider device
50
and two fingers
103
enter a second side
55
of slider device
50
.
FIG. 10
shows recloseable closure mechanism
12
, comprising first and second closure profiles
30
,
40
, positioned so that first and second upper flanges
39
,
49
extend toward slider device
50
in hook distorting apparatus
115
. As described above, package
10
may exist as an individual package
10
or as inchoate package
10
′ during the process of attaching slider device
50
. Additionally, slider device
50
can be mounted onto closure mechanism
12
without closure mechanism
12
being attached to first and second panel sections
13
,
14
.
FIG. 10
shows how first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
are distorted by slider expander guides or fingers
103
. Finger or fingers
103
in contact with a first side of slider device
50
are moved away from finger or fingers
103
in contact with a second side of slider device
50
. Thus, first and second hooking constructions
76
,
78
are distorted or bent outward away from each other, thereby increasing the overall width of slider housing
52
at that point. With the width of housing
52
increased, slider device
50
can be positioned over closure mechanism
12
until slider device
50
is snapped over shoulders
38
,
48
, as shown in FIG.
11
. First and second closure profiles, in particular upper flanges
39
,
49
, and other portions of closure mechanism
12
may be slightly distorted inward by the force of pushing slider device
50
over closure mechanism
12
.
To achieve proper placement of slider device
50
onto closure mechanism
12
, closure mechanism
12
is preferably securely held in some manner during the mounting process so that any displacement of closure mechanism
12
in respect to hook distorting apparatus
115
is minimized.
FIG. 11
shows contact surfaces
135
in the “open” and “retracted” position. Once slider device
50
is mounted on closure mechanism
12
the terminal ends of fingers
103
move away from each other in a lateral direction until the terminal ends of fingers
103
“clear” mounted slider device
50
. Once the fingers
103
“clear” mounted slider device
50
, hook distorting apparatus
115
retracts as shown in FIG.
11
. In the “open” position, hook distorting apparatus
115
is ready to accept another slider device
50
for mounting onto another closure mechanism
12
. The “open” and “retracted” hook distorting apparatus
115
travels counterclockwise to the “12 o'clock” position and the cycle starts again.
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.
Claims
- 1. A method of mounting a slider device on a recloseable closure arrangement for a recloseable package; the method comprising:(a) providing a package having a recloseable closure mechanism; (b) providing a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second leg constructions having a first distance therebetween; (c) expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance, wherein the expanding comprises inserting an expanding device into a slide channel between first and second leg constructions and moving the first leg construction away from the second leg construction; (d) removing the slider device from the expanding device; (e) mounting the slider device onto recloseable closure mechanism; and (f) decreasing the second distance between the first and second leg constructions to the first distance.
- 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing the slider device comprises using a rotating carousel having a central axis to move the slider device from a chute to a track.
- 3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the step of providing the slider device comprises using the rotating carousel including a radially extending hook distorting apparatus to engage the slider device.
- 4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of providing the slider device comprises using the rotating carousel including a plurality of radially extending hook distorting apparatuses to engage a plurality of slider devices.
- 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance comprises using an expanding device with four inserting fingers.
- 6. An apparatus for mounting a slider device to a recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second opposite leg constructions having a first distance therebetween, the apparatus comprising:(a) a slider device positioner system comprising a rotating carousel; (b) a slider distorting apparatus comprising an expanding device with four contact surface fingers adapted to insert into a slider side channel and expand at least one of the first and second leg constructions from the first distance to a second distance; and (c) a slider mounting system constructed and arranged to align the slider device with the recloseable closure mechanism.
- 7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the rotating carousel comprises a plurality of radially extending posts.
- 8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of radially extending hook distorting apparatuses is constructed and arranged to engage with the slider device.
- 9. A method of mounting a slider device on a recloseable closure mechanism for a resealable package; the method comprising:(a) providing a package having a recloseable closure mechanism; (b) providing a slider device for opening and closing the recloseable closure mechanism, the slider device having first and second leg constructions having a first distance therebetween; (c) positioning the slider device by using a rotating carousel comprising a plurality of radially extending posts, each post having an expanding device including four insertion fingers thereon, and each post constructed and arranged to engage the slider device; (d) moving the slider device along a radial path of the carousel; (e) expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance; (f) decreasing the second distance between the first and second leg constructions to the first distance; (g) mounting the slider device onto recloseable closure mechanism; and (h) removing the slider device from the expanding device.
- 10. The method according to claim 9 wherein the steps of moving the slider device and expanding the slider device are done simultaneously.
- 11. The method according to claim 9 wherein the step of expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance comprises inserting a first finger into a slider device first end and inserting a second finger into a slider device second end.
- 12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the step of expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance comprises contacting a slide channel first wall with the first finger and contacting a slide channel second wall with the second finger.
- 13. the method according to claim 9 wherein the step of expanding the slider to increase the first distance between the first and second leg construction to a second distance comprises inserting a first finger pair into a slider device first end inserting a second finger pair into a slider device second end.
- 14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the step of expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance comprises engaging the slide channel first wall with the first finger pair and engaging the slide channel second wall with the second finger pair.
- 15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the step of expanding the slider device to increase the first distance between the first and second leg constructions to a second distance comprises moving the two fingers engaged with the slide channel first wall away from the two fingers engaged with the slide channel second wall.
- 16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the step of removing the slider device from the expanding device comprises removing the fingers from slider device first end and removing the fingers from the slider device second end.
- 17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the step of removing the slider device from the expanding device comprises moving the expanding device toward an axis of the rotating carousel.
US Referenced Citations (13)