FR2813169A1 - SLIDING CLOSURE SECTION, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to the manufacture of zippers, and relates to a method which comprises providing a first profile (22) and a second profile (24) for a zipper, mounting a device for the slide fastener. slide (50) on each of the first and second profile (22, 24), the slide device being able to move in both directions, and the formation of a first stop member (33) and a second member of 'slide stopper (35), the slide device being placed between the first and the second slide stopper (35), and the steps of mounting a slide device and forming a first slide member. 'stopper (33) and a second slide stopper (35) are produced simultaneously. Application to zippers.

Description

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The present invention relates generally to packages having interlocking zipper profiles which are co-operated and separated by a slide device. In particular, the invention relates to methods of mounting the slide device on the closure profiles, the closure profile on which the slide device is mounted, and the packaging produced with it.

Many applications of packaging relate to containers which can be sealed so that they contain or enclose various types of articles and materials. These packages can be used to store food, non-food items, medical supplies, waste and many other items. Packages that can be closed and have zipper mechanisms are convenient, as they can be closed and sealed after initial opening, so that the enclosed contents are preserved. Goods which are not fully used when the packaging is initially opened may be re-enclosed in the packaging using the zipper and may remain fresh. It is therefore not necessary to have a container for storing the unused part of the product in the packaging. In some cases, the arrangement of products in packaging that can be closed significantly increases the marketing possibilities of these products. Examples of consumables often packaged in packages, such as bags, having a zipper are potting soil, fertilizers, pet food, dog biscuits, vegetables, grains and many different foods for human consumption.

In the case of certain types of packaging which can be closed, the opening and closing of the zipper is facilitated by a slide device mounted on the closure. The slide device comprises

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 usually a separator or spreader structure at one end, opening the closing mechanism and having profiled or "profiled" closing elements, when the slider moves in a first direction along the mechanism. The side walls of the slide device have a configuration such that they cooperate with the closure profiles and gradually move them into the cooperation position so that the packaging is closed tightly when the slide device is moved along the mechanism. closing in the opposite direction to the first direction.

I1 is desirable that the manufacture of these packages which can be closed, in particular the mounting of the slide device on the slide fastener, is improved.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to methods of applying or mounting slide devices intended to open and close slide fasteners which can be sealed. The method comprises several steps applied to the slide fastener, that is to say that the slide device is mounted and the sealing members which stop the slide are formed simultaneously or practically simultaneously. In certain embodiments, a housing notch of the slide device is determined before the other stages or practically at the same time as these. The zipper can be put in cooperation (nested) or released (dislocated) when the various steps are carried out.

In particular, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a zipper, comprising a first and a second closure profile, the method comprising the mounting of a slide device on each of the first and second profiles, and the formation first and second slide stop members, the slide device being placed between the first and second stop members. The steps for mounting a slide device and for forming the first and second members

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 Slider stops are practically simultaneous. The method may optionally include punching a notch in the first and second profiles.

In another aspect, the invention relates to the production of a long length section of zipper. This long length section of zipper comprises several segments and each segment has a length which corresponds to the width of the package in which the zipper is incorporated. Each segment includes first and second slide stop members, and a slide device mounted on the slide fastener between the first and second slide stop members.

In particular, the invention relates to an extended section of zipper which comprises several sections, each section being delimited by a first and a second end, and each section comprising a first section which can fit into a second section, the first profile and the second profile being continuous along the sections. A slide device, having a construction and arrangement such that it can cause the first and second sections to nest when moved in a first direction, and separate the first section from the second when it is moved in the opposite direction, is mounted so that it can be operated, on the first and the second profile. A first slider stop member is placed at a first end of the section and a second slider stop member is placed at the second end of the section, and the slider device is mounted in the intermediate position.

The extended zipper section can be incorporated into packages or can be stored, for example, on a spool or reel for later incorporation into packages.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which will follow of exemplary embodiments, made with reference to the appended drawings in which

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 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a flexible package which can be sealed and has a slide device according to the invention; Figure 2 is a section of a flexible package which can be sealed, along line 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic section of a zipper, for example of a flexible package which can be resealed, as shown in Figure 1 and 2, without the slide device; Figure 4 is a front elevational view illustrating the mounting of the slide devices on an elongated slide fastener, showing a device for mounting the slide devices on a slide fastener in a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the front of the mounting device for the slider devices of Figure 4; Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the rear of the mounting device for the slide devices of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a schematic front elevational view of a device for mounting the slide devices on a slide fastener in a second embodiment; Figure 8 is a schematic side elevational view of the device of Figure 7 for mounting slide devices on a slide fastener; Figure 9 is a partial section of a slide device placed in the mounting position on a slide fastener; Figure 10 is a front elevational view of an extended section of slide fastener on which slide devices are mounted, in a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a front elevational view of an extended section of zipper on which are

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 mounted slider devices in a second embodiment; Figure 12 is a front elevational view of an extended section of slide fastener on which slide devices are mounted, in a third embodiment; Figure 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating the method of manufacturing the slide fastener of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a front elevational view of a flexible package which can be sealed and which has a slide device, comprising the slide fastener of Figure 10; Figure 15 is a front elevational view of a flexible package which can be sealed and has a slide device, comprising the slide fastener of Figure 11; FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of part of the flexible packaging which can be closed in FIG. 15; and FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of a flexible package which can be closed and which has a slide device, comprising the slide fastener of FIG. 12.

Consider Figures 1 and 2 which show an example of a packaging assembly in the form of a flexible package 10 which can be sealed, for example a polymer package, such as a plastic bag, having a closure. slide 20 which can be sealed. The flexible packaging 10 has a peripheral body formed by first and second opposite sections 12, 14 of panel formed from a flexible polymer film of plastic. Depending on the point of view, these sections are also simply called "panels" or, "section". The film can be monolayer or multilayer. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to combine at least one layer of a polymeric film with a layer

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 additional, for example paper, for the formation of a film with several constituent elements.

In certain manufacturing applications, the first and second section 12, 14 of the panel are heat-sealed along the lateral edges 13, 15 and meet at a fold line 17 for the formation of a confining section with three edges intended for the product, inside 11 (FIG. 2) of the packaging 10. In the embodiment shown, the fold line 17 forms the bottom or lower edge 18 of the packaging 10. In a variant, two separate sections 12 , 14 of plastic film panel can be used and heat sealed along two side edges 13, 15 and the bottom edge 18. In another embodiment, the sections 12, 14 of panel can be formed from a tubular sheet intended to form folds at each of the lateral edges 13, 15, and lateral panels 12, 14 are heat-sealed along the lower edge 18. Access to the interior 11 of the package 10 is given by a mouth 30 d e the packaging 10. In the particular embodiment shown, the mouth 30 extends over the entire width of the packaging 10, that is to say that the mouth 30 extends from the first lateral edge 13 at the second lateral edge 15.

The lower edge 18 may include a gusset 31 shown in FIG. 2. It is known that the gussets give the packages stiffness characteristics. The gusset 31 of the package 10 has a first and a second section 32, 34 of gusset which have practically equal lengths. Preferably, each of the first and second sections 32, 34 of gusset is formed from the same piece of material as the first and second sections 12, 14 of panel. For example, when making the gusset 31, a single piece of film is folded so that it forms the two opposite sections 12, 14 of panel. The fold 38 is then formed between the first and the second section 12, 14 of panel and thus gives the first and the second section 32, 34 of gusset with the fold line 38 between them. Finally, heat is applied to form the side edges

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 13, 15 (Figure 1). These lateral edges 13, 15 form a tight seal between the four layers of the packaging, along each respective lateral gusset edge of the packaging.

A slide fastener assembly 20 having closure profiles which can open and close (open and close in a sealed manner) the mouth 30 of the package 10 extends along the mouth 30 and preferably over the entire width of the package 10, that is to say that the zipper 20 preferably extends from the first side edge 13 to the second side edge 15. The zipper 20 can have various structures and configurations. The zipper 20 can be made in any known manner, for example as described in U.S. Patents 4,240,241, 4,246,288 and 4,437,293. The term "zipper" and The term "slide closing mechanism" designates a structure having opposite closing or interlocking profiled elements which, under the application of pressure, interlock and close the region between the profiles.

We refer to Figures 2 and 3; the slide fastener 20 has a first profile 22 and a second closure profile 24 which cooperate and separate in a suitable manner to close and open the packaging 10. In particular, the first complementary member 26 of the first profile 22 and a second complementary member 28 of the second profile 24 are suitably fitted so that the profiles 22, 24 are brought into cooperation and separated. The first and second sections 22, 24 of the slide fastener 20 are fixed to side panels 12, 14 respectively by sealing flanges 42, 44 (Figures 2 and 3) described in more detail below. The transition region between the complementary members 26, 28 and the sealing flanges 42, 44 is identified by shoulders 212, 214. Opposite sealing flanges 42, 44 form the outer ends of the flanges 43, 45 (FIG. 3 ) profiles 22, 24.

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 In the embodiment shown, the zipper 20 extends over the width of the mouth 30 from the first lateral edge 13 to the second 15. In a variant, the mouth 30 and the zipper 20 can be placed on the package 10 at different locations from that of the mouth 30 of the package 10, according to the application intended for the package 10. For example, the mouth 30 and the zipper 20 can be placed at the inside one of the side panels 12, 14.

In certain applications, the sections 22, 24 are formed by two separate extruded sections or by two separate members of a common section. For example, the zipper 20 is formed from conventional materials, for example a polymeric plastic material, in particular polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or polypropylene. In another application, the sections 22, 24 are formed by the extrusion of a single section which can be split to give the two individual sections.

Reference is again made to Figures 1 and 2; the slide device 50 is mounted on the slide fastener 20 to facilitate opening and closing of the latter. Slide devices and their operation during the opening and closing of slide fasteners are generally known, for example, from US Pat. Nos. 5,063,644, 5,301,394 and 5,442 837 or others.

Referring now to the slide device 50 of Figure 2; this device 50 has an upper wall 51 of which projects a first arm 52 and a second arm 53, the first and second arms 52, 54 forming side walls of the slide device 50. The first arm 52, in particular the first hook 62 , hooks onto the shoulder 212 and the second arm 54, in particular the second hook 64, hooks onto the shoulder 214. A spacer member 55 extends from the upper wall 52 between the outer ends of the flanges 43, 45 (FIG. 3) of the profiles 22, 24, and it leverages the profiles 22, 24 when the slide device 50 moves

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 in a first direction along the zipper 20; during movement in the other direction along the closure 20, the slide device 50 puts the profiles 22, 24 in cooperation.

Another preferred slide device is shown in Figure 9 by the device 50 '. This device 50 ′ has an upper wall 51 ′ of which a first arm 52 ′ and a second arm 54 ′ which project downwards form side walls of the device 50 ′. The first arm 54 ', in particular the first hook 62', hooks onto the shoulder 212 of the first profile 22 of the zipper 20, and the second arm 54 ', in particular the second hook 64', hooks on the shoulder 214 of the second closure section 24. The hook 62 'has an internal surface 61 and the hook 64' an internal surface 63. Each of the internal surfaces 61, 63 is inclined inwards to facilitate mounting of the device 50 'with a slide on the slide fastener 20.

We refer again to FIG. 1; a first member 33 and a second stop member 35 are placed respectively on the closure 20 near the first lateral edge 13 and the second lateral edge 15. These stop members 33, 35 can be any physical obstacle which prevents the movement of the slide device 50 on the closure 20. The stop members 33, 35 are regions of the closure 20 which have been deformed, for example by ultrasonic welding, fusion by heating, crushing or any other fusion or deformation operation . The deformation gives a mass of plastic (polymer), for example grouped by fusion. In certain embodiments, the stop members 33, 35 can be devoid of material. The stop members 33, 35 can be found in the upper flanges 43, 45 (Figures 2 and 3), in the sealing flanges 42, 44 (Figures 2 and 3), in the complementary members 26, 28 (Figures 2 and 3), or according to any combination of these elements. Several slide stop members may be used at each end or at least at one end of the slide fastener 20. The

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 slide device 50, mounted on the closure 20, can move from the first stop member 33 to the second 35 and is not in contact with the first lateral edge 13 or the second 15. A notch 25 is placed in the closure slide 20 near the first lateral edge 13 in the package 10. The notch 25 is intended to form a "parking space" at which the slide device 50 stops when the closure 20 is sealed and the slide device 50 located at the first lateral edge 13. This notch 25 can reduce the tendency for incomplete fitting of the first profile 22 and the second profile 24. The width of the notch 25 can be arbitrary. In some embodiments, the notch 25 can be so narrow that it can simply be viewed as a slit or cut. A preferred notch 25 has two straight edges or sides which are generally perpendicular to each other, and an opposite side which, in a preferred embodiment, extends obliquely to the adjacent side. The term "obliquely" indicates that the angle formed is neither straight nor zero.

Methods and apparatuses for processing a zipper reference is made to FIG. 4 which illustrates a method 100 for mounting slide devices 50 on an extended section of a zipper 20. In this embodiment, the devices slide 50 are mounted on the slide fastener 20, in particular on the first and the second profile 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3) before fixing on the fastener 20 to the side panels 12, 14 (Figures 1 and 2) to the formation of packages 10. At least two different styles or types of packages can be produced with the zipper 20 in process 100, packages filled with the zipper 20 and packages filled with the bottom 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

The packages intended to be filled by the zipper 20 generally have profiles 22, 24 of

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 closure (Figures 2 and 3) which are not engaged. After filling, the sections 22, 24 are sometimes engaged or left open, and a fraud protection structure 60 (Figures 14 to 16) can be applied. Packages intended to be filled by the bottom 18 (Figures 1 and 2), for example by a gusset 31 (Figure 2), generally have profiles 22, 24 which are engaged, with a structure 60 for protection against fraud (Figures 14 to 16) which is intact before filling the packaging.

Packages intended to be filled by the consumer can also be produced using the zipper 20 manufactured by the method 100.

An extended section of zipper 20, having the first and second profiles 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3), is transmitted by a coil 120. In another embodiment, the zipper 20 can be extruded, cast or formed in another way just before the implementation of the method 100, so that the winding of the zipper 20 on a reel 120 after the formation of the closure 20, and the unwinding during the assembly of the slide devices 50 can be eliminated.

The first and the second profile 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) can be nested (put in cooperation) or separated while being held on the coil 120. If the profiles 22, 24 are not in engagement, it may be desirable in certain embodiments a first profile 22 is placed on a first coil and a second profile 24 on a second coil. It should be noted that the nested sections can be separated if necessary, and the separate sections can be engaged if necessary. In most embodiments, it is desirable that the sections 22, 24 are in cooperation.

The slide fastener 20 is unwound from the reel 120 and transmitted to the slide mounting system 200. A zipper tension or drive unit 122 can control the transmission of the closure 20 by the coil 120. In the mounting system 200

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 slide, the closure 20 undergoes various operations, in particular the mounting of a slide device 50.

The slide device 50 intended to be mounted on the slide fastener 20 is transmitted by a reserve of slides, for example a bowl supply member 150 which suitably orientates the slide device 50 so that it is mounted on flanges 43, 45 (Figures 2 and 3) of the slide fastener 20. In Figure 4, the bowl supply member 150 is placed on a table or other support 110. The slide devices 50 progress from member 150 for supplying the bowl along the supply path 152 to the slider mounting system 200. In a variant, the slide device 50 can be transmitted to the mounting system 200 by several cup feed members which feed a single channel 152, by a vibratory feed member, by a coil of glued or fixed slide devices to a support strip, a chain of slide devices which are connected, by manual feeding or by any other operation which allows the transmission of the slide devices to the mounting system 200. Methods using gravity, a current of air or the like can be used to facilitate the advance of the slide devices. In one embodiment, a bowl feeder having multiple channels is used to orient the slide devices 50 suitably for their application to the slide fastener 20 by the mounting system 200.

The slider mounting system 200 supported by the table 110 undergoes the passage of the zipper 20. The table 110 may include a positioning system 125 intended to finely adjust the spacing and the positioning, if necessary, of the mounting system 200 slide. This system 200, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and in an inverted form in FIG. 6, comprises a unit 240 for punching the slide rest position, a unit 250 for clamping profiles, a mechanism 260 for installing the slide, and a closing unit 270

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 watertight of the slide stop member, and a punching unit 240 may also not always be present. The various characteristics of the slide mounting system 200 have the following functions: the punching unit 240 forms the notch 25 (FIG. 1), the profile clamping member 250 firmly holds the slide fastener 20 during the various operations, the slide installation mechanism 260 mounts the slide device 50 on the slide fastener 20, and the stop member sealing unit 270 forms the slide stop members 33, 35 (Figure 1). The slider mounting system 200 is such that each of the various units (i.e. the punching unit 240, the section clamping unit 250, the slider installation mechanism 260 and the unit 270 for sealing the slide stop member) work together practically simultaneously for the preparation of an extended section of zipper 20 treated and ready to be incorporated into a package, for example a plastic bag. A slide fastener 20 is positioned in advance in steps in the mounting system 200 so that the treated slide fastener 20 has repeated characteristics, i.e. a slide device 50, stop members 33, 35 of slide (Figure 1) and a notch 25 (Figure 1).

 When the zipper 20 enters the mounting system 200 from the coil 120 or another reserve, the first and second profiles 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3) are preferably separated; if they are in engagement, the system 200 may include a unit intended to separate them. However, in certain embodiments, for example when the resulting packaging has to be filled by the bottom 18 (FIGS. 1 and 2), the sections 22, 24 can be in cooperation. The profile clamping unit 250 fixes the closure 20 during the various operations carried out by the mounting system 200 on the closure 20. The profile clamping member 250 can be any mechanism which is capable of holding the zipper 20, such

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 mechanisms which may include articulated clamps, arms, fingers or any other element. The profile clamping unit 250 can be controlled mechanically, pneumatically or by servo control. In certain embodiments, a programmable servomotor can be connected to a cam which is engaged with a control linkage for the profile clamping member 250.

The profile clamping member 250 holds each of the first and second profiles 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3) individually, or it can hold the profiles 22, 24 by a single mechanism or a single surface. In certain embodiments, it is preferable that the profile clamping member 250 has two opposite parts between which the zipper 20 is retained. In addition, it is preferable that the surfaces of the profile clamping member 250 which are in contact with the closure 20 are at least to some extent brought into the form of the zipper 20 so that the clamping pressure is widely distributed over the first profile 22 and the second 24.

The punching unit 240, when present, forms the notch 25 (FIG. 1) on the zipper 20. The punching unit 240 can use a die, a knife, a stamp or the like. element. As described above, the notch 25 can be a narrow slot. In one embodiment, the punching unit 240 is a hydraulic punch. In another embodiment, the punching unit 240 is a pneumatic punch. In certain embodiments, a programmable servomotor can be connected to a cam which cooperates with a control linkage of the punching unit 240.

The small piece of polymeric material (which may be called a drop) removed by the punching unit 240 which delimits the notch 25 (FIG. 1) can be removed from the region of the punching unit 240 by blowing air or by suction.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable for a punching unit to be separate from the

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 slider mounting system 200; a separate punching unit can be placed upstream or downstream of the slider mounting system 200. A separate punching unit can be controlled mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically. In embodiments in which a servo motor is used to operate the separate punching unit, it may be desirable to use a servo separate from that for controlling the profile clamping member 250 and the other elements. of the slide mounting system 200.

The slide device 50 is applied to the slide fastener 20 by a slide installation mechanism 260 which can be any device implementing any method of applying the device 50 to the fastener 20. In general, when the profiles 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3) are engaged, the slide device 50 is applied at the notch 25 (Figure 1), and if the profiles 22, 24 are separated, the slide device 50 is applied in generally at the opposite end of the closure 20, for example near the second slide stop member 35 (FIG. 1).

In general, the slide installation mechanism 260 applies the slide device 50 to the slide fastener 20 directly, i.e. the slide device 50 is placed on the slide fastener 20 in the axial alignment of the upper flanges 43, 44 (Figures 2 and 3). For example, FIG. 9 represents the slide device 50 axially aligned with the slide fastener 20.

FIGS. 4 to 6 represent a mechanism 260 for installing a slide in a first embodiment. This mechanism 260 is a horizontal loading mechanism which applies the slide devices 50 to the closure 20 directly. The expression "horizontal loading" indicates that the slide device 50 and the slide fastener 20 have a horizontal axis disposed between them during the mounting operation. In FIG. 5, the orientation of the slide devices 50 and of the

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 zipper 20 is shown. The slide fastener 20 is oriented with upper flanges 43, 45 closer to the slide device 50 than sealing flanges 42, 44. This slide installation mechanism 260 can be modified so that it forms a locking mechanism. vertical loading. The expression "vertical loading" indicates that the slide device 50 and the slide fastener 20 have a vertical axis disposed between them during the mounting operation.

The slider devices 50 are transmitted by a channel 152 to the slider mounting system 200 and, in particular, to the slider installation mechanism 260. The slide devices 50 are oriented relative to the zipper 20 as shown in FIG. 9, so that the arms 52, 54 (FIG. 9) of the slide device 50 are in contact with shoulders 212, 214 (FIG. 9). A cylinder 262 pushes the slide device 50 from the location to which it is transmitted by the track 152 on the slide fastener 20, in particular on the upper flanges 43, 45; the slide device 50 is installed on the slide fastener at installation point 269.

Figures 7 and 8 show a slide installation mechanism in a second embodiment. This slide installation mechanism 260 ′ is of the vertical loading type which applies the slide devices 50 to the slide fastener 20 directly. In Figure 7, the zipper 20 is shown in end view, and in Figure 8, the closure 20 is shown in phantom. A plurality of slide devices 50 are aligned and advance through a chute in which the slide devices 50 are aligned horizontally at a loading point 266 '. The slide devices 50 which are aligned are then stacked and vertically aligned at a drop point 268 'by a first cylinder 262'. A slide device 50 of the lower part of the stack is pushed forward on the slide fastener by the first cylinder 262 'at the point

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 slide installation 269 '; a force of gravity, an air jet or the like pushes a next slider device 50 towards the lower part of the stack. In the same stroke, the first cylinder 262 'pushes one of the slide devices 50 aligned horizontally forward, towards the upper part of the stack. Before the slide device 50 is pushed onto the slide fastener, a second cylinder 264 'activates the profile clamping member 250 so that it holds the slide fastener firmly. The second cylinder 264 ′ of the profile closure member 250 releases the slide fastener and the latter is positioned. It should be noted that other techniques, in particular belt drive systems, can be used for the arrangement in the desired position of the slide devices 50.

Any of the cylinders 262, 262 ', 264, ... can be of the mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or servo type. A programmable servomotor can be connected to a cam which is engaged with a control linkage of one of the cylinders. The actuator used may be the same as that which is already used for other devices of the slide assembly system 200 or may be different. It should be noted that the synchronization, the sequence of steps and the like can be precisely regulated by a programmable servomotor.

Reference is again made to FIGS. 4 and 5; a unit 270 for sealing the slide stop members forms the slide stop members 33, 35 (FIG. 1) or the like on the upper flanges 43, 45 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the slide fastener 20. The slide stop members 33, 35 reduce the probability that a slide device 50, when it slides along the zipper 20 incorporated in a package, will come into abutment against a lateral edge 13, 15 ( figure 1). The stopper sealing unit 270 can carry out any operation which forms a physical barrier to the movement of the slide device 50 so that it does not move beyond it, along the closure. slide 20.

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 The physical barrier can be a mass of plastic (polymer). This material can be ultrasonically welded, melted by heating, crushed or melted or otherwise deformed by the unit 270 for sealing stop members. In some embodiments, thermal energy, pressure, ultrasound or the like can be applied on both sides of the zipper 20, that is to say on the side of the first profile 22 (Figures 2 and 3) and on the side of the second profile 24 (Figures 2 and 3). The application of thermal, pressure, ultrasonic or other energy can be controlled in a controlled manner.

The slide stop members 33, 35 can be produced in a two-step operation in certain embodiments, for example a part of the sections 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is crushed to a reduced width, then the members stop 33, 35 are made. Additionally or alternatively, a slider stop member 33 may be formed in a separate step of forming the slider stop member 35.

The slider mounting system 200 has a construction allowing various operations on the slide fastener 20 to be carried out almost simultaneously. The expression "practically simultaneous") indicates that various operations are carried out with a difference which does not exceed approximately 0.01 s between the start of a step and the start of another step. In many embodiments, the trigger time of all steps in the mounting system 200 does not exceed about 0.005 s. The total period required to complete the steps is called a "cycle". In general, each cycle does not exceed 2 s, preferably 1 s and very advantageously 0.75 s, and very often it does not exceed 0.5 s. These synchronizations, which may include the short period required in advance of the zipper 20, allow the execution of a number of cycles per minute up to 30, preferably 60 and even 80 and up to 120 cycles per minute. In some embodiments, processing speeds exceeding 150 cycles per minute may be

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 processing speeds of about 85 to 115 cycles per minute are usually used.

The order of the steps performed by the mounting system 200 may vary; in addition, the preferred order of steps may vary with the type of packaging to be finally formed, that is to say depending on whether the packaging is to be filled by the upper edge or the lower edge.

For example, if you want the finished packages to be filled by the zipper 20 at the top of the package (see Figure 1), the profiles 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3) are not engaged . Thus, in certain embodiments, the first and the second profile 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3), when engaged, are first separated by the mounting system 200. The separate profiles are clamped by the clamping member 250 then sealed by the sealing unit 270, punched by the punching unit 240 and subjected to the installation of the slide device 50 by the mechanism 260, during the same cycle. In other embodiments, the sections 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3) are separated, the notch 25 (Figure 1) is punched by the punching unit 240, and the slide device 50 is installed by the installation mechanism 260 practically at the same time as the unit 270 for sealing the stop members forms the slide stop members 33, 35. In one variant, the stop member sealing unit 270 can form the stop members 33, 35 before or after the installation of the slide device 50. In another variant, the notch 25 can be punched by the punching unit 240 before the separation of the profiles 22, 24 of the closure member. However, it is preferable that the sections 22, 23 are not engaged when the stop members 33, 35 are produced by the sealing unit 270.

When the finished packages must be filled by the lower edge 18 (Figures 1 and 2), the sections 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3) are in cooperation. When in cooperation, the various steps implemented in the mounting system 200 can be executed in an order

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 any. For example, the slide device 50 can be installed before the punching of the notch 25 or the production of the stop members 33, 35. In a variant, the stop members 33, 35 are formed before the punching of the 'notch 25 and the mounting of the slide device 50. As indicated, any order of steps can be used.

The various steps are usually carried out without moving the slide fastener but, in some embodiments, the slide fastener can advance to the position determined for various steps.

As described above, the zipper 20 is processed by the slider mounting system 200 before incorporating the zipper 20 into the packages. Reference is now made to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 which represent three examples of extended sections of zipper 20 which have progressed in the slider mounting system 200. The zippers have segments which have the various characteristics given by the mounting system 200.

The slide fastener 20 'of FIG. 10 comprises the first and the second profile (not shown) welded at the level of the stop members 33, 35; these stop members 33, 35 define a first segment 20'A and a second adjacent, continuous and contiguous segment 20'B of zipper. The stop members 33, 35 of the slide fastener 20 'are in particular punctually welded members 33', 35 '. A notch 25 is placed near each stop member 33 and, as described above, it facilitates the proper engagement of the first and second sections by the slide device 50. The slide device 50 is mounted on the slide fastener 20 'by the outer ends of the flanges 43, 45 (Figure 10 and Figures 2 and 3). Sealing flanges 42, 44 (Figures 10 and 2 and 3) are also shown.

It should be understood that the length of each zipper segment 20'A and 20'B depends on the desired width of the package in which the

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 20 'zipper. Each package has a first stop member 33, a second stop member 35, a slide device 50 and possibly a notch 25.

The zipper 20 "of FIG. 11 comprises the first and the second profile (not shown) sealed at certain intervals at the level of the slide stop members 33, 35. The zipper 20 'has at least a first segment 20 "A and a second segment 20" B of the zipper and each segment 20 "A, 20" B each has the characteristics given by the mounting system 200. In particular, the locking members 33, 35 Slide 20 "are crushed regions 33", 35 ", and crushed regions 33", 35 "extend from the outer ends of the flanges 43, 45 into the sealing flanges 42, 44. As shown in FIG. Figure 11, a second crushed region 35 "A of a first segment 20" A of the zipper is connected to a first crushed region 33 "B of a second segment 20" B. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the stop members 33, 35 are inclined towards the segment of which they are part. A V-shaped notch is formed between the stop members 33, 35. In certain embodiments, the members 33, 35 may be continuous along the outer edges of the flanges 43, 45, without a notch between them.

The notch 25 is placed near each slide stop member 33 and, as described above, it facilitates the engagement of the first and second profiles by the slide device 50. This device 50 is mounted on the slide fastener 20 "by external ends of the flanges 43, 45.

The zipper 20 "'of FIG. 12 comprises a first and a second profile (not shown) put in tight cooperation at certain intervals at the level of slide stop members 33, 35. The zipper 20"' has a first segment 20 "'A and a second segment 20"' B, each segment 20 "'A, 20"' B each having properties given by the slider mounting system 200. In particular, the stop members 33, 35 of

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 zipper 20 "'are empty regions 33"', 35 "'in which zipper 20"' has no material. These empty regions 33 "', 35"' are formed by a stop member sealing unit 270 'shown in Figure 13. The notch 25 is placed near each stop member 33 and, as described above , it facilitates the proper engagement of the first and second sections by the slide device 50. The latter is mounted on the slide fastener 20 "'by external ends of the flanges 43, 45.

We now refer to Figure 13; the unit 270 'for sealing the stop members having a first and a second stud 273, 275 in V respectively, forms empty regions 33 "', 35" 'as indicated by the zipper 20 "' of the Figure 12. These V-shaped studs 273, 275 are heated for example to around 345 C. The heated studs 273, 275 are hot enough to cause the toasting or the melting of parts of the upper flanges 43, 45, so that , when brought into contact with the upper flanges 43, 45, non-material regions of the flanges are formed. In most embodiments, at the edges of the empty regions 33 "', 35"' indicated by the references 333, 335 in FIG. 13, the upper flanges 43, 45 are at least partially welded or otherwise connected by the molten material of the upper flanges 43, 45. The empty regions 33 "', 35"', although they are represented in triangular form in figure 13, can have a shape any, such as square, circular or the like.

The various zippers 20, such as the closures 20 ', 20 "and 20"' in Figures 11 to 13, can be immediately incorporated into packages, or they can be rolled up or otherwise stored for later incorporation to packaging. The packages can be formed by any conventional process, for example by forming, filling and vertical sealing (VFFS) techniques, by forming, filling and horizontal sealing techniques.

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 (HFFS) or by any other process. One or more fraud protection structures or features, for example peel seals or forgery structures, may be incorporated into the package.

The zipper 20 'in FIG. 10 is shown incorporated in a package 10' in FIG. 14. The closure 20 'comprises stop members 33', 35 'spot welded, a notch 25 and a slide device 50 which are incorporated into the slide fastener 20 ′ by the slide mounting system 200.

The package 10 'is delimited by a body which surrounds it, such as a first and a second side panel (the first side panel is designated by the reference 12) which are connected to a first side edge 13 and a second edge side 15. The zipper 20 'extends from the first side edge 13 to the second 15 and is fixed to the side panels by sealing flanges 42, 44. The slide device 50 mounted on the zipper 20' on the flanges 43, 45 can move from the first welded stop member 33 'to the second 35' and is not in contact with the first lateral edge 13 or the second 15.

A fraud protection structure 60 is placed on the slide fastener 20 'and the slide device 50 opposite the lower edge 18. The expression "fraud protection" indicates that the device gives an indication to the customer or consumer the fact that the package 10 'has already been opened. To gain access to the interior of the package 10 ′, the fraud protection structure 60 must be destroyed. A line of weakness 65 is intended to facilitate the removal of this protective structure 60. The line of weakness 65 can be formed by perforations, by a head or strip to be torn off, by a cutting line, by a line of laser cuts or by another zone of weakness which allows the easy extraction of the structure 60, and it can be formed on structure 60 before or after the zipper 20 'has been incorporated into the package 10'.

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 The zipper 20 "in Figure 11 is shown incorporated in the package 10" in Figure 15. This zipper 20 "has crushed regions 33", 35 ", a notch 25 and a slide device 50 which are all incorporated into the 20 "zipper by the slider mounting system 200.

The package 10 "has a peripheral body, comprising for example a first and a second side panel (the first bears the reference 12) which are connected to a first side edge 13 and a second 15. The zipper 20" s' extends from the first side edge 13 to the second side 15 and is fixed to the side panels by sealing flanges 42, 44. The slide device 50, mounted on the slide fastener 20 "on the flanges 43, 45, can move from the first crushed region 33 "towards the second 35" and is not in contact with the first lateral edge 13 or the second 15. FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of the second lateral edge 15 and the second crushed region 35 ". This region 3511 has a section 37 which extends inwards from the side edge 15 and creates a space with respect to this edge. Section 37 can be tilted as shown in Figure 15A, or can have any shape, and it can be formed at the same time as the crushed region 35 ".

A fraud protection structure 60 is placed on the zipper 20 "and the slide device 50 on the side opposite the lower edge 18. The structure 60 must be destroyed for access to the interior of the package 10 ". A line of weakness 65 is intended to facilitate the removal of this structure 60.

The zipper 20 "'in Figure 12 is shown incorporated in a package 10"' in Figure 16. The zipper 20 "'has V regions 33"', 35 "', a notch 25 and a slider device 50 incorporated into the 20 "zipper by the slider mounting system 200.

The package 10 "'has a peripheral body having a first side edge 13 and a second side edge 15. The zipper 20"' extends from the first side edge

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 13 towards the second 15 and is fixed to the side panels by sealing flanges 42, 44. The slide device 50 mounted on the zipper 20 "'can move from the first V-shaped region 33' to the second region in V 35 "'and is not in contact with the first lateral edge 13 or the second 15. A fraud protection structure 60 is placed on the zipper 20"' and the slide device 50 on the side opposite the lower edge 18. A line of weakness 65 is intended to facilitate the removal of this structure 60.

The resulting packages can be filled, for example by the upper part (when the structure 60 for protection against fraud is not permanently welded and preferably when the sections 22, 24 (Figures 2 and 3) are engaged) or by the lower edge 18. In a variant, the packages can be sold empty for subsequent filling.

 When the package 10 'of Figure 14, the package 10 "of Figure 15 or the package 10"' of Figure 16 must be opened, the fraud protection structure 60 is removed by separation from this structure 60 of the first and second side panels along the line of weakness 65. This operation is illustrated by FIGS. 14 and 16.

Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art to the methods, sections and devices which have just been described solely by way of non-limiting example without departing from the scope of the invention.

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Claims (23)

CLAIMS 1. Method for manufacturing a zipper, characterized in that it comprises (a) the arrangement of a first profile (22) and a second profile (24) of zipper, the first profile (22) being able to temporarily fit into the second profile (24), each of the first and second profile (22, 24) having an upper flange, (b) mounting a slide device (50) on each of the first and second profile (22, 24), the slider device having a construction and arrangement such that it allows the first profile (22) to be interlocked with the second when the slider device is moved in a first direction, and the separation of the first profile (22) from the second when the slide device is moved in the opposite direction, and (c) the formation of a first stop member (33) and a second stop member (35) at least on the upper flange of each of the first and second profile é (22, 24), the slider device being placed between the first and second slider stop members (35), and in that the steps of mounting a slider device and forming a first stop member (33) and a second slide stop member (35) are produced practically simultaneously. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, before the steps of mounting the slide device and of forming a first stop member (33) and a second slide stop member (35) , the method further comprises a step of temporarily fixing the first profile (22) and the second profile (24). 3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of forming a first stop member (33) and a second slide stop member (35) comprises forming a first member stop (33) and a second slide stop member (35) by application of heat <Desc / Clms Page number 27>  and of a pressure for a period at the first and the second profile (24). 4. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises the punching of a notch (25) in the zipper. 5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of temporarily fixing the first and the second profile (24) is carried out before the step of perforating a notch (25) in the zipper. 6. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the provision of a first profile (22) and a second profile (24) comprises the provision of the first profile (22) so that it is fitted with the second profile (24). 7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the step of punching a notch (25) is carried out practically at the same time as the steps of mounting a slide device and of forming a first member d 'stop (33) and a second slide stop member (35). 8. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the step of punching a notch (25) is carried out before the steps of mounting a slide device and of forming a first stop member (33 ) and a second slide stop member (35). 9. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that, after the steps of punching a notch (25), mounting a slide device and forming a first stop member (33) and d 'a second slide stop member (35), the method further comprises the relative positioning of the first profile (22) and the second profile (24) of the closure. 10. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that (a) the step of disposing of a first profile (22) and of a second closure profile (24) comprises the provision of the first profile (22) under separate form of the second profile (24), and <Desc / Clms Page number 28>  (b) the step of punching a notch (25) is carried out before the steps of mounting a slider device and of forming a first stop member (33) and a second member slide stop (35). 11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that, after the steps of mounting a ram device and of forming a first stop member (33) and a second stop member ( 35) of slide, the method further comprises the relative positioning of the first profile (22) and the second closure profile (24). 12. Elongated section for zipper closure, characterized in that it comprises several sections each delimited by a first end and a second end, each section comprising (i) a first profile (22) and a second closure profile (24) , the first profile (22) being able to interlock with the second profile (24), the first and the second profile being continuous along several sections, (ii) a slide device mounted during operation on the first profile (22 ) and the second profile (24), the slide device having a construction and an arrangement such that it ensures the interlocking of the first profile (22) with the second profile (24) when the slide device is moved into a first direction, and the separation of the first profile (22) from the second profile (24) when the slide device is moved in the second opposite direction, and (iii) a first slide stop member (33) placed at the at the first end of the section and a second slide stop member (35) placed at the second end of the section, the slide device being mounted between the first and the second slide stop member. 13. Section according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a notch (25) placed in the first profile (22) and the second profile (24), the notch (25) being near the first member slide stop (33). <Desc / Clms Page number 29>  14. Section according to claim 13, characterized in that the first and the second profile are fitted. 15. Section according to claim 14, characterized in that the slide device is placed very close to the first stop member (33) of the slide. 16. Section according to claim 12, characterized in that the first and the second section are separated. 17. Section according to claim 16, characterized in that the slide device is placed very close to the second slide stop member (35). 18. Section according to claim 12, characterized in that each of the first and second slide stop members (33, 35) is located in the region of an at least partially molten polymeric material. 19. Section according to claim 18, characterized in that the second slide stop member (35) of a first section is connected to the second slide stop member (35) of a second section. 20. Section according to claim 18, characterized in that each of the first and second stop members (33, 35) of the slide is located in a region devoid of polymeric material. 21. Section according to claim 12, characterized in that it is wound on a bobbin. 22. Apparatus for processing an elongated section of zipper, characterized in that it comprises (a) a unit (250) for clamping profiles intended to temporarily hold the zipper, (b) a mechanism (260 ) slide installation intended for mounting a slide device on the slide fastener, and (c) a unit (270) for sealing slide stop members intended to form stop members (33 , 35) of the slide by welding on the slide fastener, the profile clamping unit, the slide installation mechanism and the slide stopper sealing unit being incorporated in the device so <Desc / Clms Page number 30>  that they act practically simultaneously on the zipper. 23. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises a unit (240) for punching a notch (25).