CA2053602C

CA2053602C - Method and apparatus for forming a reclosable package

Info

Publication number: CA2053602C
Application number: CA002053602A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Richard G. Custer; Richard R. Kosiorek; Michael P. Kolosso; Mladomir Tomic
Original assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc
Current assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc
Priority date: 1990-10-19
Filing date: 1991-10-17
Publication date: 2001-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2011-10-17
Also published as: DE69107009D1; EP0481783B1; DE69107009T2; CA2053602A1; EP0481783A2; EP0481783A3; US5127208A; HK1006561A1; JPH05178302A

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for applying a reclosable profile element and a tear strip element to a packaging film is disclosed. Packaging film is formed into a tubular form about a forming tube. The tubular shaped packaging film is advanced along the length of the forming tube and over a product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of the forming tube. The packaging film is deformed to conform to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube. Excess packaging film, made available due to the differences in outer perimeters of the forming tube and product fill tube, is formed into a loop. A reclosable profile element is guided into the loop and adhered to the inner surface of the loop. A tear strip is also provided which may be adhered to the packaging film prior to said film into a tubular shape about said forming tube, or may be guided into the loop of said film.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
cL.r7SABLE PA s r.F
BACKGRO >~ O ~ ~~r.rnu The present im~ention relates to the field of reclosable packages and an apparatus used to apply closum elemems to a packaging film and form such packages. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying reclosable profile elements and a tear strip element to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation.
One method of forming packages is known as the form, fill and seal method, wherein a continuous length of film is fed forwardly and downwardly over a forming tube, with the marginal edges of the sheet of film being sealed to each other. The thus formed tube of film is cross-sealed, and contents are dropped into the package through the tubular mandrel over which the packaging film is formed, An additional cross seal above the contents completes the package, which is then severed from the tubular film.
Reclosable packages having male and female cooperating reclosable elements along an opening m. ~ of the package have been known for some time. Similarly, the use of a tear strip element along an opening or seam of a package has been known for some time.
There are several advantages to forming product-containing Packages with arch reclosable fasteners. As such, several methods have been developed to produce packages with reclosable fasteners on form, fill and seal equipment.
Many of these methods utilize packaging film which almady includes the r~eclosable profile element affixod to the packaging film ~ n~
Packaging film wherein the rxlosable element is formed integral with the film web. ~y way of example, the following ZJ. S. Patents disclose various methods of utilizing such packaging film in foraning i~closable packages:
Z1.S. Patent I~o. 4,840,012 discloses a method and apparatus for improving the advancement of packaging film, in a form, and seal apparatus.
U. S. Patent No. 4,698,954 discloses a guide mechanism disposed within the packaging film to align the feeding of the film into the filling portion of the form, fill and seal apparatus.
'1J.S. Patent Y~10. 4,727,709 discloses a steering, joining and guiding mechanism for joining together opposing rib and groove fastener elements present along the longitudinal border on a traveling continuous packaging film as the film is forms into a package.
'tJ.S. Patent hTo. 4,745,731 discloses a method and apparatus for forming reclosable storage containers wherein interconnecting members of a profile element, present along the outer border of the film, must be aligned after the film is wxapped about a forming shoulder of a form, fill and seal apparatus. . ' 1J.S. Patent hTo. 4,625,49b discloses a method of moving a sheet of packaging film having a profile element integral therewith over a forming shoulder of a form, fill and seal apparatus.
U.S. Patent LTo. 4,617,f83 discloses r~losable bags and a anethdd of nlaldng the ,same. The bags are formed from material having an extnaded reclosable plastic fastener extending across the longitudinal formation axis of the packaging material prior to formation of the bags.
gJ.S. Patent Ido. 4,790,126 discloses a fill and seal machine for a~eclosable bags wherein the bags are made fpm packaging material having zipper profiles attached ~idistant from the film alges prior to feeding the material into the form, fill and seal apparatus. 1'he open zipper profile must then be closed during an indexing cycle on the form, fill and seal apparatus.
~ne problem with methods and apparabrs which use packaging filnn with reclosable profiles already attached to the packaging film is that the desired combined packaging film and rack>sable profile shape must be obtained for all desired combinations of packaging falm, falm widths, profile shape and profile locations. another problem is that it is more.bulky to store the combined profile and Palm than to store the elements separately. Similar problems arise with methods and apparatus which use packagyng falm with a tear strip element already attachxl to the packaging elm.
Several methods have been developed wherein profiles are attached to a packaging film just prior to the introduction of the packaging film into the form fill and seal apparatus. For example, see U.S. Patent No.
4,355,494, which discloses an apparatus for making reclosable packages wherein the reclosable packages sae formed by applying the prefile element to the longitudinal edges of a traveling web of packaging material. The profile elements are then joined together by multiple roller pairs which guide the profiles into engagement betw~n a pair of press rolls.
~yhile these methods overcome the above noted problems, they require additional ~uipment to compensate for the difference in the intermittent operation of the form, fill and seal equipment and the preferred , continuous adhering of the reclosable profale strips to the packaging film.
Another prior art method applies the profile strips intermittently.
U.S. Patent I~os. 4,709,533 and 4,894,975 disclose a method and apparatus for forming a reclosable package wherein a reclosable profile is adhered to the outer edges of the packaging fDlm as the edges are brought together and a ~n seal is formed on a form, fill and seal machnne.
Qne disadvantage with this disclosed method of the '533 patent of applying the profile strips while the packages are being formed is that the resulting packages have the reclosable element between the fin seal and the package contents. it would be preferable to be able to place the xeclosable .
prof9le at other places on the package strucdare, such as at a package side opposite the fin seal on a three-sided seal package, or on one of the side edges of a pillow package. It is also preferable to affix a tear strip element to the package i~ relatively close psoacimity to the reclosable profile elements on the package structure.
~'C~AItY ~JF THE T~Pd The present invention provides a method and apparatus for applying a ~losable fastener and a tear strip element to a packaging film during the form, X11 and seal formation,of a package, and allows the reclosable profile and the tear strip clement to be placed other than at the fin seal.
In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus for applying a reclosable prefale element and a tear strip to ~ packaging film, the apparatus including a central member having an upper section and a lower section, the upper section including means for forming a longitudinally extending web of packaging film with marginal ages into a tube about a perimeter of the upper section, the lower section having an outer perimeter which is less than the tube forming perimeter of the upper section; a means for generating a loop in the packaging film, the loop running generally parallel to the axis of the tube, end utilizing packaging elm which is in excess of the portion of the tube reaguired to conform the tube to the outer perimeter of the lower section; a means for threading a reclosable profile element into the loop of packaging film; a means for adhering the reclosable profile element to the inner su~ace of the loop of packaging film; ~a means f~r threading a tear strip element into the loop of packaging film; and a means for adhering the tear strip element to the inner surface of the loop of packaging film. ~rlternatively, the tear strip element may be thud into the loop of packaging elm and not adhered to the inner surface of the loop of film.
Tn another aspect, the invention is a method of applying a reclosable profile element to a packaging film which includes the steps of forming a web of packaging film over a shoulder and into a tubular shape about ~ central member having an upper section and a lower section; joiming the marginal algae of the pac~gmg film to form the fdlm into a tube having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the lower section; advancing the tube of packaging film along the length of the central member; forming a longitudinally extending hp in the packaging film firm an excess of pack-aging film made available by conforaning the tubular packing filin to follow the outer perimeter of the lower section of the central member as the packaging film is advanced along the length of the central member; threading a a°eclosable profile element along the length of the central member and into the loop of film; threading a tear strip element into the loop of f lm; adhering the reclosable pmfile element to the inner surface of the loop; and adhering the tear strip element to the inner surface of the loop.
Zn a prefera~i embodiment of the present invention, a pillow pack, product-filled package having a~eclosable profile elements is fanned by forming a fin seal along a vertical length in the packaging film 90°
from the loop in which the reclosable profile element is adhered.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a three-sided sear product-filled package having r~losable profile element is formed by forming a fm seal along a vertical side of the package, 1g0°
from the loop in which the r~losable profile element is adhered.
In another preferred embodiment, the invention includes a method of and a means for applying a tear strip element to a packaging film in relatively close proximity to tire reclosable profile element prior to the form, fill and seal formation of the package.
yn another preferred embodiment, the r~eclosable profile element and the tear strip are extended as a single unit but are con~rgured to be sassily sepasat~ or detached from one another. A reclosable profile element with a detachable tear strip element made in accordance with this preferr~
embodiment can be incorporated into various types of reclosable bags, pouches, or packages including, but not limited to, pre-form pouches, three-sided seal packages, horizontal overwrap packages and packages formed on vertical end horizontal form, fill and seal machines. In this preferred embodi-ment, the invention includes a method and a means of adhering the reclosable profale element ~rith a detachable tear strip element to the inner surface of a loop of packaging film, wherein the tear strip element may or may not also be adhered to the inner surface of a loop of packaging film. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment where the reclosable profile element and the tear strip element are detachably extruded, the invention includes a method and a means of separating the tear strip element from the reclosable profile element and a method and a means for applying the tear strip element to a packaging film prior to the formation of a package.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for applying a reclosable profile element to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation comprises:
(a) a central member having an upper section and a lower section, said upper section including means for forming a longitudinally extending web of packaging film with marginal edges into a tube about a perimeter of said upper section, said lower section having an outer perimeter less than the tube forming perimeter of said upper section, said upper section comprising a forming collar; and the lower section comprising a fill tube positioned inside of and extending below the forming collar;
(b) means for generating a loop in the packaging film, said loop running generally parallel to the axis of the tube, and said loop utilizing packaging film in excess of the portion of the tube required to conform the tube to the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) means for threading a reclosable profile element into said loop of packaging film; and (d) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film.
According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for applying reclosable profile elements to a packaging film comprises (a) a forming shoulder positioned to shape a web of packaging film into a tubular shape;

(b) a product fill tube, said product fill tube located inside said tubular packaging film and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming shoulder, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the perimeter of said tubular packaging film;
(c) means for advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of the fill tube;
(d) means adjacent said product fill tube and below the bottom end of the forming shoulder for (i) conforming said tubular packaging film to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube; and (ii) forming the excess packaging film, made available due to the differences in the outer perimeter of the product fill tube and the perimeter of the tubular packaging film, into a loop;
(e) means for guiding a reclosable profile element into said loop;
and (f) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus for forming packages from packaging film and providing the packages with a pair of reclosable profile Strips each comprising interlocking elements supported on profile flanges, the apparatus comprises:
(a) a forming tube having an outer perimeter over which packaging film advances;
(b) a forming shoulder shaped and positioned to guide flat packaging film with marginal edges into a tubular shape about said forming tube;
(c) a means for joining the marginal edges of the packaging film to form said tubular shape;
(d) a product fail tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than said outer perimeter of said forming tube;
(e) means for advancing said packaging film over said forming shoulder and along the length of the forming tube;
6a (f) means for guiding the packaging film to conform to said outer perimeter of said product fill tube and thereby forming a loop of packaging film from the excess of film making up the tubular shape but not used to surround the product fill tube.
(g) means for guiding a reclosable profile element between the inside of the forming tube and the outside of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(h) a sealing guide, located adjacent to said product fill tube and having at least one vertical member positioned such that the flanges of said profile element are separated from one another by said vertical member;
(i) a profile sealer having a means for adhering said profile flanges to said inner surface of said loop of packaging film; and (j) means for forming cross seals and severing the tubular material between the cross seals to form individual packages.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a method of applying a reclosable profile element to a packaging film comprises the steps of:
(a) forming a web of packaging film over a shoulder and into a tubular shape about a central member having an upper section and a lower section;
(b) joining marginal edges of the packaging film to form the film into a tube having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) advancing said tube of packaging film along the length of said central member;
(d) forming a longitudinally extending loop in the packaging film from an excess of packaging film made available by conforming the tubular packing film to follow the outer perimeter of the lower section as the packaging film is advanced along the length of the central member, the loop being formed opposite the position of the tube where the marginal edges of the film are joined;
(e) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the central member and into said loop; and 6 b (f) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for applying reclosable profile elements to a packaging film comprises the steps of:
(a) forming a packaging film over a forming shoulder and into a tubular shape about a forming tube;
(b) advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of said forming tube and over a product fill tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of said forming tube;
(c) deforming the tubular shape of the packaging film to create a loop, said loop being formed from an excess of packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between conforming to the outer perimeter of the forming tube and conforming to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube;
(d) guiding a reclosable profile element along the length of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(e) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for producing product filled packages having reclosable profile elements for reclosing the package once the package is opened, comprises the steps of:
(a) forming a flat packaging film over a forming shoulder and into tubular shape about a central member having an outer tube and an internal tube, said internal tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of said outer tube, said internal tube extending beyond the bottom end of said outer tube;
(b) advancing the packaging film vertically downward along the length of the central member;
(c) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the internal tube and inside the tubular shape of said packaging film;
6 c (d) deforming the tubular packaging film to form a longitudinally extending loop of packaging film, said locp being formed from the packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between contacting the outer perimeter of the outer tube to contacting the outer perimeter of the internal tube extending beyond the bottom end of the outer tube;
(e) guiding the reclosable profile element along the vertical length of the internal tube of the central member and into said loop;
(f) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film;
(g) forming a cross seal in the tubular packaging film to form the bottom of the package;
(h) introducing product contents into the tubular packaging film above the cross seal;
(i) forming a second cross seal in the tubular packaging film to form the top of the package; and (j) severing the package from the tubular packaging film.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus for applying a reclosable Profile element and a tear strip to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation comprises:
(a) a central member having an tipper section and a lower section, said upper section including means for forming a longitudinally extending web of packaging film with marginal edges into a tube about a perimeter of said upper section, said lower section having an outer perimeter less than the tube forming perimeter of said upper section;
(b) means for generating a loop in the packaging film, said loop running generally parallel to the axis of the tube, and said loop utilizing packaging film in excess of the portion of the tube required to conform the tube to the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) means for threading a reclosable profile element into said loop of packaging film;
6d (d) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film;
(e) means for threading a tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film; and (f) means for adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for applying reclosable profile elements to a packaging film comprises:
(a) a forming shoulder positioned to shape a web of packaging film into a tubular shape;
(b) a product fill tube, said product fill tube located inside said tubular packaging film and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming shoulder, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the perimeter of said tubular packaging film;
(c) means for advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of the fill tube;
(d) means adjacent said product fill tube and below the bottom end of the forming shoulder for i) conforming said tubular packaging film to the outer perimeter of the product flu tube; and ii) forming the excess packaging film, made available due to the differences in the outer perimeter of the product fill tube and the perimeter of the tubular packaging film, into a loop;
(e) means for guiding a reclosable profile element into said loop;
(f) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop;
(g) means for guiding a tear strip element into said loop; and (h) means for adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop.
6e In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus for forming packages from packaging film and providing the packages with a tear strip and a pair of reclosable profile strips, each profile strip comprising interlocking elements supported on profile flanges, the apparatus comprises:
(a) a forming tube having an outer perimeter over which packaging film advances;
(b) a forming shoulder shaped and positioned to guide flat packaging film with marginal edges into a tubular shape about said forming tube;
(c) a means for joining the marginal edges of the packaging film to form said tubular shape;
(d) a product fill tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than said outer perimeter of said forming tube;
(e) means for advancing said packaging film over said forming shoulder and along the length of the forming tube;
(f) means for guiding the packaging film to conform to said outer perimeter of said product fill tube and thereby forming a loop of packaging film from the excess of film making up the tubular shape but not used to surround the product fill tube;
(g) means for guiding a reclosable profile element between the inside of the forming tube and the outside of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(h) means for guiding a tear strip element between the inside of the forming tube and the outside of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(i) a sealing guide, located adjacent to said product fill tube and having at least one vertical member positioned such that the flanges Of said profile element are separated from one another by said vertical member;
(j) a profile sealer having a means for adhering said profile flanges to said inner surface of said loop of packaging film;

(k) means for adhering said tear strip to said inner surface of said loop of packaging film; and (1) means for forming cross seals and severing the tubular material between the cross seals to form individual packages.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of applying a reclosable profile element and a tear strip to a packaging film comprises the steps of:
(a) forming a web of packaging film over a shoulder and into a tubular shape about a central member having an upper section and a lower section;
(b) joining marginal edges of the packaging film to form the film into a tube having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) advancing said tube of packaging film along the length of said central member;
(d) forming a longitudinally extending loop in the packaging film from an excess of packaging film made available by conforming the tubular packing film to follow the outer perimeter of the lower section as the packaging film is advanced along the length of the central membe r ;
(e) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the central member and into said loop;
(f) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop;
(g) threading a tear strip element along the length of the central member and into said loop;
(h) adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for applying reclosable Profile elements and a tear strip to a packaging film comprises the steps of:
(a) forming a packaging film over a forming shoulder and into a tubular shape about a forming tube;
(b) advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of said forming tube and over a product fill tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the cuter perimeter of said forming tube;
(c) deforming the tubular shape of the packaging film to create a loop, said loop being formed from an excess of packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between conforming to the outer perimeter of the forming tube and conforming to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube;
(d) guiding a reclosable profile element along the length of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(e) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop;
(f) guiding a tear strip element along the length of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(g) adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method for producing product filled packages having a tear strip for ease in opening the package and having reclosable profile elements for reclosing the package once the package is opened, comprises the steps of:
(a) forming a flat packaging film over a forming shoulder and into a tubular shape about a central member having an outer tube and an internal tube, said internal tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of said outer tube, said internal tube extending beyond the bottom end of said outer tube;
(b) advancing the packaging film vertically downward along the length of the central member;
(c) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the internal tube and inside the tubular shape of said packaging film;
(d) threading a tear strip element along the length of the internal tube and inside the tubular shape of said packaging film;
(e) deforming the tubular packaging film to form a longitudinally extending loop of packaging film, said loop being formed from the packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between contacting the outer 6h perimeter of the internal tube extending beyond the bcttcm end of the outer tube;
(f) guiding the reclosable profile element along the vertical length of the internal tube of the central member and into said look;
(g) guiding the tear strip element along the vertical length of the internal tube of the central member and into said loop of packaging film;
(h) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film;
(i) adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said look of packaging film;
(j) forming a cross seal in the tubular packaging film to form the bottom of the package;
(k) introducing product contents into the tubular packaging film above the cross seal;
(1) forming a second cross seal in the tubular packaging film to form the top of the package; and (m) severing the package from the tubular packaging film.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus for applying a tear strip element to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation comprises:
(a) a means for guiding a tear strip element onto a web of packaging film such that the tear strip element is positioned along a longitudinal axis of said packaging film;
(b) means for forming said packaging film with said tear strip attached into a tubular shape, and (c) means for adhering said tear strip element to said packaging film.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus for applying a tear strip element and a reclosable profile element to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation comprises:
(a) a means for guiding a tear strip element onto a web of packaging film such that the tear strip element is 6i packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between conforming to the outer perimeter of the forming tube and conforming to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube;
(f) guiding a reclosable profile element along the length of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(g) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of applying a reclosable profile element to a packaging film comprises the steps of:
(a) forming a web of packaging film over a shoulder and into a tubular shape about a central member having an upper section and a lower section;
(b) joining marginal edges of the packaging film to form the film into a tube having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) advancing said tube of packaging film along the length of said central member;
(d) forming a longitudinally extending loop in the packaging film from an excess of packaging film made available by conforming the tubular packaging film to follow the outer perimeter of the lower section as the packaging film is advanced along the length of the central member; the loop being formed at a position approximately 90° around the perimeter from where the marginal edges of the film are joined;
(e) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the central member and into said loop;
(f) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.
The invention has the advantage that different profiles, tear strips, and films can be combined in an interchangeable fashion on the packaging equipment, yet the equipment is very simple. An additional advantage of the present invention is that it provides a reclosable package which is also tamper resistant, since the reclosable elements are inside of a contiguous loop of film. Additionally, in those embodiments which include a 6j tear strip, the condition of the tear strip indicates if there has been any tampering. A purchaser of a reclosable package made in accordance with the present invention can see that he is obtaining a previously unused and unopened package.
These and other advantages, as well as the invention itself, will be best understood with reference to the detailed description below, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE la is a perspective view of a reclosable package made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taking along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is an expanded view of an air cylinder punch utilized with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
6k FIGURE 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line ~-5 of FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S-6 of FIGURE 1.
~G7 is a cross-sectional view ken along line 7-7 of FIGl~ 1.
F~IGUItB 7a is a pa~aal cross-sectional view of a fin shaper utilized on some embodiments of the present invention, taken just below line 7-7 of FIGURE 1.
~IG'fTRE 8 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 ~f FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 8a is a partial perspeckive view of another pa~eferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 8b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8b-8b of FIGITftE 8a.
FIGUIIE 8c is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8c-8c of FIGURE 8a.
FIGURE 8d is a cross-sectuonal view illustrating a preferred .
embodiment of a reclosable profile element and a tear strip element of the present invention.
FiGUItE 8e is a perspective view of ~a reclosable package made in accordance with a prefera~l embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 8f is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8f 8f of FIGURIr 8e.
IxIG'IJRE 9 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 9a is a perspective view of a nmclosable paclrage made in accordance with a preferaed embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIGURE 9.
FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of an alternative preferred embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 12 is a peeve view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention. .
FIGURE 12a is a perspective view of a reclosable package anade in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
ITtGU~ 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of ~IG12.
1~IGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIGURE 12.
FIGLJIZE 16 is a ca~oss-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIGURE 14.
FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of another prefera~ed embodiment of the present invention.
F1GURE 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIGURE 16.
1~dGURE 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIGURE 16.
FIGURE 1~ is a schematic view of another preferaod embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 of FIGURE 19.
FIGURE 21 is a schematic view of another preferr~ embodiment of the present inven~on.
FIGURF, 22 ~is a perspective view of a reclosable package made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGUIaE 23 is a cross-sectional view of a reclosable package made in accordance with a p~fera~i embodiment of the pmsent invention taken along .
line 23-23 of FIGURB 22.

I5~'I'A>I~D TJESC1~ZTOId ~~ I7~,(~5 AI~'3 P 1~D S
Referring now to the drawings, FICI~ 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Caenerally, a sheet of packaging film 15 is released from an unwind apparatus 12 and foamed into a reclosable package. Preferably, the reclosable package is formed on a form, fill and seal apparatus 10. The form, fill and seal appagatus 10 of the pa~efexrecl embodiment of PJfG'(TRB 1 includes a central member made up of a forming shoulder 20, a forging tube 22, and product fill tube 24.
The forming shoulder 20 is adjacent to the fozming tube 22 and is positioned to shape flat packaging film 15 received from the unwind apparatus 12 into a tubular form about the forming tube 22. In this embodiment, the forming.shoulder 20 and forming tube 22 comprise a means for forming the longitudinally extending web of packaging film 15 with marginal edges into a tube about a perimeter (in this case an outer perimeter) of the upper section of the central member.
Adjacent also to the foaming W be 22 is a heat seal apparatus 60, which seals the marginal edges of the packaging film 15 into a taabular form.
The heat seal apparatus includes seam seal b~~ss 62 and 64 of a conventional design.
The outer perimeter of the lower section of the central member of the foran, fill and seal apparatus of PIGI~fE 1 is defined by the outer perimeter of the product fill tube 24. The product fill tube 24 has a lesser outer perimeter than the foaming tube perimeter of the up~r section. The product fill tube 24 is positioned internally within the forming tube 22 aad extends below the bottom of the forming tube 22. Positioned at the uppermost end of the product fill tube is a funnel 26 which xrceives the product and directs the product down the product fill tune 24 and into a package being formed on the apparatus.

Preferably, positioned directly below the lowermost portion of the forming tube 22 is a film shaper 70. The flm shaper 70 is a cellar-like device and is positioned about the product fall tube 24. Preferably, the film shaper 70 has two arms 71 and 72 each with a hack-like extension 73 and 74 on one end, best seen in gIGITl~ 7. Gppasite the hook-like extensions 73 and 74, the arms 71 and 72 axe spaced a distance apart, forming an opening, The arms 71 and 72 are bolted together by a pin 75. A spring 76 is mounted between the hook°like extensions 73 and 74 of the arms 71 and 72. 'Ihe fdm shag 70 surrounds the product X11 tube 24.
Attached to the product fill tub 24 below the bottom end of the forming tube 22 is a p~-foam fm 78, best shown in 1~IG7a. T#~e pre-form fm 78 is attached on the product fill tube 24 approximately at the same vertical height as the height at which the film shaper 70 enciz~cles the product fill tube 24. 'The pre-form fin 78 is aligned an the product iill tube 24 to be within the opening farmed between the arms of the film shaper 70.
Attached also to the product fill tube 24 is a sealing guide backup 80, list seen in FIGZTRB 8. T'he sealing guide backup 80 is a two , piece rigid device that is attached vertically an the side of the product ~Il tube 24. T'he first and second piece of the sealing guide backup are attached at their uppermost end by a band having an opening centered between the pieces through which the profile element is passed (;not shown in FiGtJRld 1~. The sealing guide backup 80 is positioned directly beneath the pre-form fin 78 and aids in properly applyi8g a a~closable profile element to the packaging film 15.
Additionally, adjacent to the product fill tube 24 is a profile sealer 82. Preferably, the profale sealer 82 includes two seal bars 84 and 86 which supply heat in a conventional meaner. The profale sealer 82 supplies .
the fusion eneagy necessary to adhere the reclosable prafle element 30 to the packaging film 15. The seal bars 84 and 86 of the profile seder 82 are positioned an apposite sides of the sealing guide backup 80 and, when actuated, seal the xeGlosable prof le element 30 to the packaging film 15.

11 ' Attached at the lowermost end of the product X11 babe 24 is a pair of bag spreaders 28 (Fig. 1). gaenerally, the bag spreaders 28 are metal wires. ~ne wia~e extends firom the end of the product fill tube 24. The second wire extends from the lowermost end of the sealing guide backup 80. The bag spreaders 28 are designed to spread and flatten the tube of packaging film 15.
IJimctly beneath the bag spreaders 28 is a jaw-pull device 88 of conventional design. The jaw-pull device 88 has cross sealing jaws. The jaw-pull device 88 advances both the packaging falm 15 and reclosable profile element 30. Faefexably, the cross sealing jaws also form the top seal of one package and the bottom seal of the next package as the film is advanead. The cross sealing jaws form the top and bottom seals 89 (Fag. la) in the packaging fivm 1S in a known manner substantially similar to the manner in which the heat seal apparatus 60 seals the packaging film into a tubular form.
In accordance with the preferx~d embodiment of the present invention, a reclosable profile element 30 having male and female cooperating elements and flanges 32 is threaded downward along the vertical length of the form, fill and seal appaaatus. Preferably, the reclosable pxofile element 30'is threaded downward between the pr~3uct fill tube 24 and the forming tube 22, along the outer perimeter of the product fill tube 24, as shown in FI~UI~ 2.
The reclosable px~f~le element 30 is guided into a loop of packaging film and adhered to the inner surface of the loop, detail of this will be described later in connection with. FIG~JRES 7, '7a, and 8.
I~eferably in advance of threading the ~losable profile element 30 into the form, fill and seal apparatus, a poation of the a~eclosable profile element 30 is punched out and pre-punch seals are formed. As the a~eclosable pie eleme~ 30 is fed from a suitable supply 14 ~lFig. 1) to the form, fill and seal apparatus, is it threaded tha~ugh a pre-punch seal apparatus 40.
preferably fhe pre-punch seal appaiatirs 40 forms a pair of heat seals 41 in the profile element that axe incaementally spaced. The pre-punch seal apparatus forms the seals 41 in the ~losable p~~le element 30 to lock the male and female members of the profale 30 together. Accordingly, the seals 41 a~°~

am formed to prevent slippage of one member of the p~fale element relative to the other, along their length, as the profale element 30 is advanr.,ed.
Referring now to. FIGl~ 3, a cross-section of the pre-punch seat apparatus 40 is shown. The profzle element 30 is guided through the bottom 42 of the pre-punch seal apparatus 40. A pair of heath cartridges 44, surrounded by an insulating material 48, each supports a heated probe 46.
The probes 46 are fnternittently forced downward into the profile element 30 as the pxsof~le element 30 is guided through the bottom 42 of the apparatus.
Accordingly, at incremental time intervals, synchraniT.,~l with the dwell period during the jaw pull cycle, the heated probes 4b ane extended simultaneously through the upper flange 32 and upper r~operating element 36 of the profile element 30 and into a portion of the lower operating element 38 of the profile element 30. The heated probes 4h thus form the pair of seals 41 in the profile element 30. The seals 41 may be spaced at a distance slightly greater than the width of the combined top and bottom cross-seals 89 fornn~
by the jaw dull apparatus 88. Optionally, the spacing betw~n the seals 41.
may be varied according to specifications of the package desi;~l.
After the heated px,obes 46 are retracted from the profile element 30, the element is guided through a punch device 50, depicted in FyCitJ~,S 1 and 4. The punch device 50 removes portions of the flanges 32 and 34 and cooperating elements 3~ and 38 of the profile element 30. The profile is passed through the bottom 52 of the punch device 50. At intervals while the profile is stationary, a punch 54 is extended tlu~ough the profile element 30 to sever out a rectangular area 31. The rectangular area 51 cut away from the profile element is shown in 1~IGURl3 5. Rreferably an air-cylinder 36 is asst to actuate the punch 54.
The mctangular areas 51 punched out of the profile element 30 are incrementally spaced to t~ in between the heat seals 41 and in register with the cross seals 89 formed by the jaw-pull device 88 as the packaging film is formed into a package. Accoy°d'mgly, where the cross seals 89 are formed, the mass of the c~erating elements 3fi and 38 is not present. This makes it easier for the jaw pull cross sealers to form heranetic. cross seals 89.
Referring now to I?IG» 6, in forming the packaging film 15 into a tubular shape about the forming tube 22, marginal edges 16 and 17 of the web of packaging film 15 are brought together to be sealed. 1?referably, the sealing is a heat seal process. Sean seal bars b2 and 54 exert an external pressure along the verkical length of the alges 16 and 17 of the film 15 to form a fin seal 19 dig la). ~ptionally, a lap seal may be used to seal the packaging frlm into a tubular form. I ap seals aie known in the art and therefore not discussed in detail. Edges of single layer or multiple layer filnlm may be sealed in this manner.
PIGS la illustrates a pillow product filled package having reclosable. profile elements made in accordance with the present invention. A
pillow product filled package is ccrnstrlucted by forming the cross seals 89 such that the package has the fin seal 19 on the face, rather than on one of the sides of the package. optionally, a pillow product fill~l package may be constructed by forming a lap seal in place of the fan seal 19. , after the fin seal 19 is formed, the packaging film 15 is advanced downward from the forming tube over the exposed poalaon of the product fill tube 24. As notal above, the product f311 tube 24 has a lesser outer perimeter than the outer perimeter of the of the forming tube 22. As the film 15 is advan~eed, an excess of film is made available due to the differences in outer perianeters of the forming tube 22 and product fill tube 24. Z'he film shaper apparatus 70 guides the film 15 to conform to the outer perimeter of the pmduct fill tube 24 and guides the excess film to form a loop of film 18 panning generally pazallel to the axis of the tui~ of f lm, as seen in IaTGiTRI?S
1 and 7. The spring 76 mounted between the hook-like extensions 73 and 74 of the film shapes applies pressure to the arms 71 and 72 of the shaper such that the arms 71 and 72 encompass tire packaging film 15 as it is advanced downward over the product fill tube 24. 7che loop 18 of the packaging film 15 is formed in the opening betw~ the arms as it is advanced over the pre-form 14 ' fin 78. Accordingly, the pre-form fan 78 init~tes orientation of the loop 18 to smooth advancement of the loop 18 over the seaiang guide backup 80 (1~IG8). The at'closable profile element 30 is threaded downward to one side of the pre-form fin 78 and into the loop 18 of packaging film (1?dCsURIE
7a).
ltefezring now to FIGU~ 8, as the profile element 30 is guided unto the loop 18, the flanges 32 and 34 of the profile are oriented on either side of the sealing guide backup 80. The sealing guide backup 80, located adjacent to the product fall fair 24, provides a rigid sealing backup for adhesion of the profile element 30 to the balm 15. As shown in FIC°tJFtE 8, the two pieces of the backup 80 are spaced so that the cooperating elements 36 and 38 can x~aoain mated as the profile element 30 passes down the sealing guide.
~aenerally, the proi'ale element 30 is adhered to the inner surface of the loop 18 by a heat scaling process. Preferably, a profile sealer 82 having heated seal bars 84 and 86 seals the outside of the profile element 30 to the two inside surfaces of the film loop 18 by supplying a squeezing pressure inward toward each other. Preferably, only a Single actuator is used to supply this pressure. ZTse of a single actuator prevents damage to the sealing guide backup 80, which may result if the two seal bars 84 and 86 were actuated separately.
As the packaging film and profile assembly is advanced, it is drawn over a pair of big spreaders 28 by the jaw pall device 88, as illustrated in FtGZJRIr 1. Tine bag spreaders spread the assembly as flat as possible to permit better sealing of the top and bottom seams of the package.
The jaw pull device 88 has cross sealing bars that heat seal the .
packaging film and proffile assembly. The jaw pull device 88 also includes conventional severing means for cutting the balm 15 between a tap seal in one assembly hnd a bottom seal in the next advancing assembly. Prior to foraging the top seal on tech package, a product is funneled down the product fill tube i 5 : t~
24 and into the packaging film and profile assernbly already having a bottom cross seal.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a tear strip 31 is fed alongside the profile element 30 into the loop of film 18. The tear strip 31 aids in opening the resultant package and in indicating if the package has been tampered with in any manner.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tear strip 31 is adhered to the inner surface of the loop of film in a manner substantially similar to the manner an which the seclosable profile element is adhered to the inner surface of the loop of film 18 as illustrated in ~IGILI~
8. I
Referring now to F%Gl~ 8a, in thus preferr~ embodiment, a tear strip element 31 is threadal downward along the vertical length of the form, fill and seal apparatus. Preferably, the tear strip element 31 is threaded downward between the product fill tube 24 and the forming tube knot shown], along the outer perimeter of the product fill tube 24, as shown in PI~URL~ 8a.
The tear strip 31 is guided into a loop of packaging film 18. In this preferred embodiment the sealing guide backup 80, which is attached vertically on the side of the product fill tube 24, includes a tear strip guide extension 81 which orients the tear strip 31 and provides a rigid sealing backup for adhesion of the tear strip 31 to the 1~op of packaging film 15. Optionally, the tear strip sealer may be independent and not part of the sealing guide backup 80.
~a illus~ated an FIOUItI? 8b, the tear strip element 31 may be guided into the loop 18, and oriented within the loop 18 by means of a tear strip guide extension 81 to the sealing guide backup 80. Preferably, the extension 81 to the sealing guide backup 80 has at its uppermost end a band leaving an opening through which the tear strip element 31 is threads into the loap of packaging Palm. Preferably, the tear strip guide opening is circular and has an inner diameter which is greater than the greatest cross~sectional dimension of the tear strip element 31. The tear strip element 31 may take the form of various geometric shapes including, but not limited to, rectangular, triangular, square, or cW lar strips. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the tear serip element 31 is not adhered to the inner surface of the loop of film 18. Rather, the tear strip element 31 is threaded into the loop of film 18 as illustrat~l in I~IGI~ 8b and remains loose and unadhered to the film within the loop 18.
ferably, as the ca~ss-sealing jaws of the jaw pull device or other sealing means form the tap seal of one package and the bottom seal of the next package, the tear strip element is affixed to the packaging film within the area of the cross-seals.
As illustrated in FIG'tTla» 8e, the tear strip element 31 is adhered to the inner surface of the loop 18 by a heat sealing px~cess.
Pruferably a tear stxip sealer 83 is located adjacent to the product fall tube 24.
Gptionally, the tear strip sealer 83 may ~be attached, or is an extension, to the profile sealer 82. Pa~ferably the tear strip sealer 83 includes two tear strip seal bars 8S and 87 which supply heat in a conventional manner. Tike tear strip sealer 83 supplies the fusion energy necessary to adhere the tear strip element 31 to the packaging film 15. The tear strip seal bars 8S and 87 are positioned on opposite sides of the tear strip guide extension 81 and, when , ' actuated, seal the tear strip element 31 to the packaging film 15. 1?referably a tear strip sealer extension 83 having at least one heated seal bar 85 and a support bar 87 (which may be heated) seals tithe tear strip element 31 to at least one of the inside surfaces of the fnlm loop 18 by supplying a squ~~g pressut~e inwanl. ~eferably, only a single actuator is used to supply this pressure to prevent damage to the tear strip guide extension 81.
In an alternative preferrud embodiment, the xeclosable profile element 30 and the tear strip element 31 exte°uded as a single unit.
Preferably, they are extruded with a thin bridge between them which allows the tear strip element 31 to be sassily separated from the reclosable profile element. Preferably, the profile element 30 and the tear strip element 31 are detachably extruded as illustrated in 1~G1» 8d.
~pi~y. ~~saon die need to produce a reolosable profile element is cut with a shapal slot from which molten plastic extrudes.
T°he ~

e~i shape of the sl~t determines the cross sectional "profile" ~f the reclosable element. T'o e~mude a reclosable profile element with a detachable tar strip element as illustrated in FIGS 8d, one skilled an the aat could, with minimal experimentation, shape the extrusion die slot to include an attached tear strip element.
Generally, the amount of molten plastic used to tie or bond the reclosable element and tear strip element determines the amount of force required to detach the tear step element from the reclosable profrle element.
Fy varying the amount of plastic used to tie or bond the reclosable profile element and the tear strip element one can vary the amount of force acquired to detach or separate the tear strip element from the reclosable panfile element an accordance with their intended use. For example, by varying the amount of plastic one can vary the degree of force requir~l to separate the tear strip element from the profile element. ZJse of a relatively small amount of plastic permits the tear strip element to be easily separated from the reclosable profale element by a low forced generally not x~uirlng a mechanical means to detach the elements from one another. ZJse of a greater amount of plastic will result' in a higher amount of force tying requited, such as a force that x~quit~es a cutting or splitting utensil to detach the elements from one another.
lPreferably, the plastic used to tie or bond the ~closable profile element 30 with the detachable tear strip element 31 forms a bridge 37 between them as illustrated in FIGI» 8d. T'he thickness of the bridge 37 is dependent upon the amount of force one desires to use to detach the tear strip element 31 from the reclosable element 30.
In additaon, the a~losable profile element and/or the detachable tear strip element may be incompatible with the packaging trim or the substrate to which the profile drip is to be attached. lTnder such conditions adhesive strips or an adhesive layer can be co-extruded with With the ~losable pra~le element and with the tear strip element. ~n adhesive strip is employal to provide an adequate seal between tl~ substrate and the reclosable profile element or tear strip element.

a~~~

Preferably, the adhesive ship 33, as illustrated in T~GITRE 8d, is jade of a material which will adhere well to both~the reclosable prr~#"~le ele-ment 30, the detachable tear strip element 31, and the packaging f~ or substrate employed [not shown]. In a typical packaging pmcess, such as a form, fill and seal process, the reclosable profile strip 30 is hermetically sealed to the packaging film. Therefore, preferably the adhesive strip 33 or layer should be made from a material that provides a hermetic seal between the adhesive strip and the packaging f lm. Tfie exact dimensions of the adhesive straps 33 and the adhesive-f~ area 35 on the arxlosable profile element 30 and tear strip element 31 is dependent on the type of adhesive used. One of ordinary sill as the art will be readily able to determine such exact dimensions, with minimal experimentation, for a particular combination of the materials used for the adhesive strip 33, the reclosable profile element 30, and the tear strip element 31. Preferably the co-extrusi~n prmduces a reclosable profile element 30 with a detachable tear strip 31 which, upon cooling, is sub-stantially free of deformation. ~s discussed previously the tear strip element 31 may >~ in the form of various gex~metric shapes but to facilitatelthe combining of the tear strip to the packaging film preferably a rectangular or triangular shaped tear strip element is employed. Therefore, preferably straight cuts are formed in the extrusion die to create flat sides 39 on the resulting tear strip element.
Generally, to produce an extruded profile consisting of one or more than one maternal, an extruder means is retluia'ed for each different material. The shape or co~guration of the openings or slots on the extrusion means determines the shape of the profile product. ZJ.S. Patent application serial number 07/600,764, fled on October 22, 1990, which discloses a co- ' extruded profile strip containing lateral webs with adhesive subdivided into ribs and a method of forming the same is herein incorporated by reference.
Typically, when different materials are to be extruded together the co-extreded layers rnay be combined internally within the extrusion means, or externally after exiting the e~sioaxieans, to form a co-extruded profile i 9 _ ~~~
element and tear strip element. glpon exiting the extrusion means, the molten plastic must be cooled to freeze the shape and bring the pro~ale to a state of strength and toughness needed for storage.
T~rpically, the reclosably profale element and detachable tear strip element are formed from polyolefins, lareferably, they are formed from low density polyethylene (I~P~ which is a low cost material that results in significant savings in reateraal costs. 13y extruding the a~eclosable profile element with detachable tear strip element as a single unit, with or without an adhesive strip, a continuous length of the combined elements is produced in such a manner that they may be wrapped onto a spool and stor~l as one unit until the unit is needed in a packaging Process. Optionally, before storing a reclosable profile element with a detachable tear strip the two may be severed from each other, wrapped onto separate spools and stored individually until they are needed in a packaging Process.
Referring again to JIG 8a, 8b, and 8c the sealing guide backup 80 with the tear strip guide extension 81 may be mod~~1 to permit a reclosable profile element 30 with a detachable tar strip element 31 to be guided into the loop I8 of packaging film. The reclosable pro~ale element 30 is oriented within the loop 18 of film and adhenecl to the inner surface of the loop 18 in substantially the same manner as tb~at discussed above with respext to FIGUd~ 8. In this pmfeared embodiunent, the tear strip element 31 may also be adhered to the inner surface of the loop 18 of elm in substantially the same manner as that discussed with respect to gyGTll~ 8c. Alternatively, the tear strip element 31 is removably attached only to the x~closa'b1e proF~le element 30 and remains unattached or loose from the packaging falna.
1~G8e illustrates a pillow prmduct filled package having a aeclosable , profile element 30 'and a tear strip element 31 which are detachably extruded.
FIGZJR~ 8f shows a cross-s~tional view of the pillow product filled paclrage of FiGURI3, 8e wherein the tear strip element 31 is removably attached solely to the ~losable pmfile element 30 and is not adhemd to the packaging film 15. In these preferred embodim~nnts in which the reclosable profile element 30 and the tear strip element 31 are detachably extruded, tb:e tear strip element is separable from the n~xlosable profile element 30.
Preferably a reclosable profile element with a detachable tear strip element made in accordance with this preferred embodiment can be incorporated into various types of reclosable packages, bags, or pouches.
1?xamples of such packages into which a reclosable profile element with a detachable tear strip may be incorporated include, but are not limited to, the following: pre-formed pouches and bags; three sid~l-seal packages wherein the reclosable profale element with detachable tear strip is affixed to the film before forming a package; packages formed on a horizontal, form, fill and seal machine; and overwrap packages including horizontal overarr~ap packages which produce pillow packages. Preferably, any bag, pouch or packaging operation which utilizes a reclosable means could incorporate a reclosable profile element with a detachable tear strip element made in accordance with this preferred embodiment.
Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the form, fill and seal apparatus is substantially similar to the form;
fill and seal apparatus illustrated in FIG~1B 1 and described with a~espeCt themto. However, in this preferred embodiment, the film shaper 70 and the pre-form fm 78 are not included. Instead, as the packaging film 15 advances from the forming tube 22 to the product fill ty~be 24, the film 15 is deformed to contour to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube 24 by also shifting to surround the sealing gniide backup 80. The sealing guide backup 80 facilitates forming the loop of packaging film 18 into which the reclosable profile element 30 is threaded. The profile clement 30 is guided into the loop 18 by being threaded through the sealing guide backup 80. The p~file element 30 is adhered to the inner surface of the loop 18 as previously described. Sine there is no preform fin, the top of the sealing guide backup 80 in this embodiment must be free of sharp edges to avoid damaging the film.
emt of the invention is shown in F~~iiJlt~,S 9-10. Lost components of the form, fill and seal apparatus illustrated in 2i F~IGUI~i 9 ate substantially similar to companents of the f~rxn, fill and seal apparatus illustrated in FrdGLl7l~ 1. These components ane denoted with the same reference numeral, inca~eased by a factor of 100. For example, the forming shoulder 120 of the embodiment illustrated in FgG9 is sub-stantially sinailat to the f~rcning shoulder 20 illustrated in FICiLTl~ 1. (!n FlfGUItE 9, the packaging film is broken away to show the band 181 connecting the two pieces of the sealing guide backup 180.) In the alternative embodiment of the pzessent invention illustrated in ~iGiT~ 9, the packaging ~n 115 is advanced downwardly over the form, .
fill and seal apparatus through engagement of the outer surface of the filnq by a pair of frictional or vacuum belts 190 diametrically opposite one another.
The pair of belts 190 are constructed essentially identical such that equal and opposite forces are applied to the film 115 as it is advanced downwardly.
Such belts are well known in form, fill and seal apparatus. In this embodiment, each~belt is positioned adjacent to the product fill tube 124 and is spaced 90° around the circumference of the fill tube 124 from whey the , profile element 130 is adhered to the film 115 by the profile sealers 184 and '.
186.
1~IG9a illustrates a three sided seal product filled package having reclosable pxnfile elements made in accordance with the apparatus of I~GUItF 9. The three sided seal package is constructed by forming the ~n seal 119 in the packaging film diagnetrically opposite from the i'ilm from which the loop 118 having the reclosable profile element 130 is formed. Also, the cross seal jaws 188 are positioned to form the cross seals 189 so that the resulting package has the fin seal 119 on one of the side ages of the package.
~ptionally, a tla~sided seal pyroduct X11 package having reclosable profile elements may be constructed by forming a lap seal in the packaging film instead of a fin seal. .Accordingly, such a lap seal of th~e-sided seal package is formed 180° fpm where the loop 118 and reciosable profile element 130 is position.

Fi~~,10 shows how the reclosable profile element 130 is threaded into the loop 118 of excess packaging film which is formed in a manner substantially samilar to that describe previously. T'he at~closable profile element is adhered to the inner surface of the loop 118 by the profile sealing bars 184 and 186. ~ptionally, a tear strip element may also be included within the loop 118 by any of the manners discussed previously or discussed below.
I~IG'I,llt~ 10 also shows the fxn seal 119 spaced 180° from the loop 118 of ea~cress packaging film. yn this preferr~ embodiment, the heat seal apparatus 160, which seals the packaging film into a tubular form, is located adjacent to the product :011 tube 124, positioned 90° from each frictional or vacuum belt 190. Ry locating the heat seal apparatus i60 at lease partially longitudinally adjacent to the profile sealer and the product fall tube 124, the length of the forming tube, and thus the overall height of the machine, may be reduced.
Referring now to l~dG'IJRE 11, a cross-sectional view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. 1~IGZJRE
11 depicts a cross-sectional view of a form, f°nll and seal apparatus substantially similar to that of 1~TGUR~ 9. ~Iowever, in this preferred emb~iment, the beat seal apparatus (not shown) is located adjacent to the forming tube 122 and the fin seal 119 is formed 90° from where thE; prefile is attached. As the film 11.5 is deformed over the product X11 tube 124, one of the pair of belts 190 is aligned to come in contact with the fin seal 119. Also, the cross seal jaws are located dia~ctly underneath tech belt drive. Accordingly, the resa~lti..~ng agclosable package made in accordance with this preferred ement is a pillow product felled package substantially similar to the , pillow package illustrated in FaT~I~ la.
In another preferr~ embodiment of the present invention, the form, fill and seal apparatus is substantially similar to the form, fill and seal apparatus ill in FI 9 or 11 xnd described with x~t thereto.
~Iowever, in this preferx~l embodiment, the elm shaper 170 and the pre-form 2 3 : e~~
fin 178 aa~ not included. Instead, the sealing guide backup 180 facilitates in forming the loop lib into which the reclosable profile element 130 is threaded, as described earlier with the embodiment similarly modiffied from that shows in ~JfGXJRfi 1.
dither the pillow product fled package or three sided seam seal package can ~ formed in the apparatus without the film shaper and preform Vin.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is partially shown in FiG12. Many components of the form, fill and seal apparatus of this preferred em~diment are substantially similar to comments of the form, fill and seal apparatus illuin hIGU~,1. The components of the preferred embodiment illustrated in I7IG12 which are substantially similar to components illustrated in FIGS 1 are denoted with the same reference numeral, increased by a factor of 2~. For example the foaming shoulder 220 illustrated in FiIGT,JItE 12 is substantially similar to the forming shoulder 20 illustrated in I~iG1.
~ne of the differences between the embodiment of FIGS 12 and the earlier described embodiments is that the forming tube 222 is very short. Adjacent to the product fall tube 224, and below the lowermost end of the forming tube 222, is a heat sealing apparatus 268, which seals the packaging film into tubular form. The heat sealing apparatus illustrated in IaIGUR~ 12 includes a seam seal bar 269 and forms a lap seal.
Another, difference between the embodiment of FtIGL)RE 12 and the earlier described embodiments is that the overall length of the product fill tube 224 is minimized from that of the earlier describ~l embodiments.
Attached to the product fill tube 224 is a sealing guide backup .
280 which is substantially similar to the sealing guide backup 80 of FIGUl~3 1. Adjacent to the product X11 tube 224 is a profile sealer 282, also substantially similar to the profile sealer describ~l in IxIGU.R~ 1.
Another major difference in this embodiment is the inclusion of a balancing fin 294, long'ttudiaally extending outwardly from the fill tube ~~~(~~

(best shown in F~TGtJREoS 14 ~ 15). ~"9ae fin 294 is positioned 180°
from the sealing guide backup 280. the fan 294 enables a lap seal to be formed in approasimately the same plane of the fill, form and seal apparatus as the profile sealer 282 adheres the reclosable pzr~file element 230 to the packaging film 215. I~GtJR~ 14 also illustaates how the packaging film conf~rms about the product fill tub 224, balancing fin 294, and sealing guide backup 280. As shown, the outer perl~.eter of the lower section of the central member in this embodiment is the shoatest distance required to circumnavigate around the combined fill tube 224 and fin 294.
In accoaxiance with this preferred embodiment, the packaging film 215 is foxxned about the forming shoulder 220 and advanced downward over the product fill tube 224. T°he balancing fin 294 provides symmetry in the film drag as it advances about the product fill tube 224. in this preferred embodiment, not only is the length of the forrning tube 222 reduced, but the length of the p~duct fill ~aix 224 is also minimized, resulting in a very compact form, fill and seal machine.
FIGiJFt~ 12a illustrates a pillow product filled package made in accordance with this~preferred embodiment. 'The pillow product filled package is constructed by for~aog the lap seal in the packaging film 90° from the loop 218 and reclosable profile element 230. Optionally, a tear strip element may also be included within the loop 218 in the manner discussed previously or in the manner discussed below.
Iteferradg now to FIGIJIt~ 16, a perspective view of another embodiment is shown. In this preferred embodiment, the product fill tube 324 has an oblong shape. 3°he forming collar or forming shoulder 320 envelops the product fill tube 324 and produces an oblong shaped film tube. In this embodiment, the forming collar or forming shoulder 320 terminates in inner perimeter which is larger than the outer perimeter of the product fill tube 324.
~Ience, the tube forming perimeter of the upper section of the form, fill and seal apparatus of this embodiment its the inside perimeter of the forming collar o~~a~~~
or forming shoulder 320. hdo forming tube is utilized. The product fill tube 324 extends above and l~Iow the forming collar 320.
~n this preferred embodiment, the packaging Palm 315 is feed from an unwind apparatus onto to the forarxing collar or forming shoulder 320.
The sheet of packaging elm 315 conforms about the terminating perimeter of the forming shoulder. The film is then advanced along the length of the form, fill and seed ap~par~tus. As the f lm 315 is advanced, it is deform~l to conform to the outer perimeter of the product ~~ll tube 324 and creates a loop 318 about a sealing guide bacl~up 380 (FIGi~ 18). Preferably, a lap seal is ,made in the elm by a lap sealer 368 after the balm has advanc~l from the forming collar to the prnduct fill tube 324. Optionally, a lap seal or t"an seal may be applial when the packaging fylm is forzn~ about the forming collar or forming shoulder 320. .
Referring now to >~TCaTJItE 17, the reclosable profile element 330 is thz~aded downward along the vertical length of the form, fill and seal machine 310. Preferably, the reclosable prol~ale element is thr~ded downward betw~n the product fill tube 324 and the foaming collar or forming shoulder ' 320, along the outer perimeter of the product fill tube 324. Optionally, a tear strip element may also be included in this preferred embodiment.
The use of an oblong product fill tube enables a lap seal to be formed in approximately the same plane of the fill, form and seal apparatus as that at which the profile sealer adheres the rr~losable profile element to the packaging film. Additionally, the use of an oblong product X11 tub incx~ases the fill tube cross-sectional aa~ea over that of a form, fill and seal apparahrs having a round product fill tube and balancing blade.
lIn alternative preferred embodirraents, the tear strip is adhered to~
the packaging Palm i~ediately prior to the form, fill and seal operation of the present invention. In these preferred embodiments, the tear strip is adhered to the packaging film such that its position in the anal package structure is in relatively close proximity to flee reclosable prc~ale element and is placed or adhered so that it is parallel to the profile element in the resulting package st~uct~are. Details of these alternative preferred embodiments will be described below in connection with FIGURES 19 through 23.
mother preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGURE 19. Ivlost of the components of the form, fill and seal apparatus illustrated in I~IGI~ 19 are substantially san~ilar 2o components of the foxxra, fill and seal apparatus illustrated in FIGUR14S 1, 9, 11, 12 and 15. a components of the prefeamd embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 19 which are substantially similar to comments illustrated in FIGURE 1 are denoted with the same referensx numeral inca~sed by a factor of 500. ~iowever, in this prefermd embodiment, the tear strip element 531 is adhered to the packaging film 515 prior to forming the packaging film 515 into a reclosable package having a tear strip. As illustrated in FIGURE 19, located in proximity to the fornn, fill and seal apparatus is an apparatus 595 for adhering a tear strip element 531 to the web of packaging film.
In accordance with this preferred embodiment, a tear strip element 531 is unwound from a supply source 591 and is guide over a series of stationary rollers or idlers 592 and into a heat sealing apparatus 595. , Simultaneously, the~packaging film 515 is also unwound from a supply source 512 and is also guided over a series of stationary rollers or idlers 592 and into the heat sealing apparatus 595.
hrefexably the tear strip element 531 and the packaging film 515 are guided between a heat seal bar 596 and a seal platen 598 which comprise the heat sealing apparatus 595. Accordingly, at inc~mental time intererals, the tear strip element 531 is adhered to the packaging film 515 by a heat sealing process. IPreferably the heat seal bar 596 intermittently seals the tear strip eleme~3 531 to the packaging film 515 by supplying a squeezing pressure, inward toward the seal platen 598, as illustrated in FIGURE 20. l~ferably the time intervals are synchronized to occur during the dwell period of the jaw-pull cycle. Most preferably the tear strip element 531 is adhered to the packaging film 515 at ials while the r~losable profile element 530 is stationary. A~err the tsar strip element 531 is adhered to the packaging film f3~6t~~

515, the film is drawn about the form, fall and seal apparatus and foryned into a package having a reclosable profile element 530 iwthe manner described previously. Alternatively, this apparatus may be ust~d in the malting of various forms of r~losable packages with tear Strips. Preferably, to ensure that the reclosable prD~le element 530, is synchronized properly such that the rectangular punched out areas of the reclosable profile element are incrementally spaced and in ~gister with the cross-seals formed by the jaw pull device or other sealing means as the packaging film is formed into a package, the packaging apparatus may be configured to include a series apparatus which operate to registrate and/or adjust the length of the reclosable profile element, An example of Such a series of apparatus is illustrat~i as reference numeral 565 in FIGIJ%tE 1~.
As illustrated in FICaLtitl~ 19, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the length of the reclosable pmfile element 531 between point A and point ~ must be a multiple of the desia~ed package length.
Preferably, the length of the reclosable profile element between points A and B
is an exact multiple of the length of the desired package. a'he multiple distance is utilized to keep the punched out areas of the reclosable px~nfale element incrementally spaced and in register with the cross seals formed as the packaging film is formed into a package structure. T'he pre-punch seal apparatus 540 and the punch device 550 can create a drag on the reclosable profile element 530. ~'hesefome, preferably an infeed drive means 566 is added to control the tension of the r~closable prnfile element. To ensure that a constant force or tension is exerted on the reclosable profile element 530, a loaded accumulator dancer 567 may be utilized. Additionally, to adjust the length of the r~losable profile element 530 between points A and 13, a registration adjustment means 568 iS used. Preferably Such registration adjustment means includes a Series of adjustable rollers or idlers 552 which allow for easy adjustment of the length of the reclosable profile element between paints A and P.

_ 2 $ .
Preferably, when a loaded accumulator dancer 567 is used, the accumulator 567 is configured to return to its exact staining position each time before a punch is made in the reclosable profile element and after the reclosable profile element is advanced. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, a sensor means which indicates the seaming position of the accumulator dancer is included to c~ntroi the infeed drive means 566 to insure that whatever length of rexlosable pa~ofile element 530 is pulp by the jaw pull device 588 yr like means is also matched by the drive means 566 pulling the reclosable profile element 530 through the punch device 550.
Generally the apparatus represented by reference numeral 565 are used because the reclosable profile element 530 is extensible and though a moderate amount of stretch may occur, the apparaf~s 565 serves to synchronize the reclosable profile element for proper placement of the punch device 550 in the reclosable profile element 530 such that the aectangular areas punched out of the reclosable px~fxle element are incrementally spaced and in register with the crass seals as the packaging flm is formal into a package.
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in F~GITRE 21.
Most of the components of the form, fill and seal apparatus illustrated in FIGS 21 are substantially similar to components of the fog, fill and seal .apparatus illustrated in FiGLT~ 1. 1"he components of the preferueed embodiment illustrated in F~TGTJIt~ 21 which afire substantially similar to components illustrated in FIG'Ult~ 1 are deno~t~l with the same reference numeral increased by a.factar of 600.
Referring snow t~ FIGL1R~ 21, in an alternative preferred embodiment, the tar strip element 631 is adheirecD to the packaging film 615 prior to forming the packaging film into a tubular form about the form, fill and seal forming tube. In this prefer~al embodiment, the reclosable profile eleme~. 630 includes separable interlocking fastener elements on opposing flanges as illustrated previously in FIG1~ 8d a tear strip element 631 detachably extruded along at least one of the opposing flanges.

In accordance with this preferred embodiment in advance of adhering the tear strip element 631 to the packaging film 615, the tear strip element 631 is severed from the reclosable profile element 630. Preferably a splitting means 693 detaches the tear strip element 631 from the reclosable profile element 630. ~'ter the tear strip element 631 is detached from the reclosable profile element 630 the tear strip element 631 is adhered to the web of packaging film 615 in the manner previously describ~l with respect to FIt~IJI~S 19 and 20. The splitting means 693 may be any device, mechanical or otherwise which separates or detaches the tear strip element 631 from the reclosable profile element 630. PTGII~ 22 illustrates a pillow product filled paclaage having a reclosable profile element 630 and a detachable tear strip element 631 which have teen separated prior to forming the packaging film 615 into a reclosable package. FdGLJ~tE 23 illustrates a cross~sectional view of the pillow product filled package of 17IGLTRl:122 wherein the tear strip element 631 is separated from the reclosable profile element 630 and is adhered within the loop of packaging film 618.
In this preferred embodiment ,and in the previously described preferred embodiments the tear strip element may be made of a material similar to the reclosable element or may be formed from a material that is different Than that of the reclosable element. Preferably the tear strip element is formal of a plastic material having properties which allow the strip to be sealable to the packaging film. Alternatively, if the tear strip is formed of a material having propert. ies which are incompatible with those of the packaging film the strip can be coextruded with a sealant layer or adhesives which permit attachment of the strip to the film.
When packaging with an inert atmosphere is desired, any of the foregoing embodiments may be fittal with gas flush lines as is conventional.
In addition, it is preferable to run a gas flush babe along the line of travel of the profile element to terminate in the vicinity of the sealing guide backup.
Such a gas flush tube may be formed in a shape to assist in forming the loop of film into which the reclosable pmf~7e is .

so v 2~ i3~~
It should be appreciated that the apparatus and methods of the p~sent invention are capable of being incoaporated in the form of a variety of embodaments, only a fev~ of evhich have been illus~eated and described above.
The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing fxom its spirit or essential characteristics. For example, inst~d of using separate forming and product fill tube, $ single tube leaving a lower s~tion with a reduced diameter, and hence reduced perimeter, could be utilized. The top section would act as a combined forrnaaig and fill tube, and as the product traveled down the tube it could be funneled into the smaller diametei section.
For this resason, the described embodiments are to be considered in all a~espects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appends claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims aru to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for applying a reclosable profile element to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation comprising:
(a) a central member having an upper section and a lower section, said upper section including means for forming a longitudinally extending web of packaging film with marginal edges into a tube about a perimeter of said upper section, said lower section having an outer perimeter less than the tube forming perimeter of said upper section, said upper section comprising a forming collar; and the lower section comprising a fill tube positioned inside of and extending below the forming collar;
(b) means for generating a loop in the packaging film, said loop running generally parallel to the axis of the tube, and said loop utilizing packaging film in excess of the portion of the tube required to conform the tube to the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) means for threading a reclosable profile element into said loop of packaging film; and (d) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film.

2. The apparatus of claim I further having a means for advancing said packaging film from the upper section to the lower section of said central member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the loop generating means comprises a film shaper having an inner perimeter substantially the same as the perimeter of said lower section of said central member, said film shaper having a spring for applying pressure to said packaging film as the film advances past the film shaper, said pressure being effective to direct the excess of packaging film made available due to the difference in the outer perimeter of the lower section and the tube forming perimeter of said upper section to form said loop of packaging film.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the adhering means comprises a profile sealer adjacent to said lower section of the central member and having a means for providing fusion energy sufficient to adhere said profile web to said packaging film.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the forming means comprises a forming shoulder and a means adjacent the upper section of the central member for sealing the marginal edges of the packaging film to each other.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the threading means guides the reclosable profile from a supply means to a position between the fill tube and the forming collar.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the forming collar terminates on a forming tube, the outer perimeter of the forming tube comprising the tube forming perimeter of the upper section, and the forming tube extending below the forming collar only a portion of the distance toward the bottom of the fill tube.

8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the advancing means comprises jaw pull elements below the bottom of the lower section of the central member.

9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the advancing means comprises belt drives adjacent the central member.

10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the edge sealing means produces a lap seal.

11. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the edge sealing means produces a fin seal.

12. The apparatus of claim I wherein the loop is formed in approximately the center of the web of packaging film.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the loop is formed so as to be positioned at about 90° around the perimeter of the packaging film tube from one of the marginal edges of the packaging film.

14. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the edge sealing means is positioned longitudinally above the reclosable profile adhering means.

15. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the edge sealing means is positioned at least partially longitudinally adjacent the reclosable profile adhering means.

16. The apparatus of claim I wherein the lower section comprises said fill tube and a longitudinally positioned fin extending outwardly from the fill tube, the perimeter of the lower section comprising the shortest distance required to circumnavigate around the combined fill tube and fin.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fill tube has an oblong cross-sectional shape.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reclosable profile element includes separable, interlocking fasteners on opposing flange elements, and the apparatus further includes means for removing portions of the interlocking fasteners from the reclosable profile strip prior to adhering the profile strip to the packaging film.

19. An apparatus for applying reclosable profile elements to a packaging film comprising:
(a) a forming shoulder positioned to shape a web of packaging film into a tubular shape;

(b) a product fill tube, said product fill tube located inside said tubular packaging film and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming shoulder, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the perimeter of said tubular packaging film;
(c) means for advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of the fill tube;
(d) means adjacent said product fill tube and below the bottom end of the forming shoulder for (i) conforming said tubular packaging film to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube; and (ii) forming the excess packaging film, made available due to the differences in the outer perimeter of the product fill tube and the perimeter of the tubular packaging film, into a loop;
(e) means for guiding a reclosable profile element into said loop;
and (f) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the advancing means comprises a means for applying an advancing force to the packaging film below the bottom end of said product fill tube.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the advancing means comprises a means for applying an advancing force to the packaging film along the outer perimeter of the product fill tube.

22. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising means for removing portions of the reclosable profile strip in advance of where said Strip is guided into said loop.

23. An apparatus for forming packages from packaging film and providing the packages with a pair of reclosable profile Strips each comprising interlocking elements supported on profile flanges, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a forming tube having an outer perimeter over which packaging film advances;
(b) a forming shoulder shaped and positioned to guide flat packaging film with marginal edges into a tubular shape about said forming tube;
(c) a means for joining the marginal edges of the packaging film to form said tubular shape;
(d) a product fail tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than said outer perimeter of said forming tube;
(e) means for advancing said packaging film over said forming shoulder and along the length of the forming tube;
(f) means for guiding the packaging film to conform to said outer perimeter of said product fill tube and thereby forming a loop of packaging film from the excess of film making up the tubular shape but not used to surround the product fill tube.
(g) means for guiding a reclosable profile element between the inside of the forming tube and the outside of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(h) a sealing guide, located adjacent to said product fill tube and having at least one vertical member positioned such that the flanges of said profile element are separated from one another by said vertical member;
(i) a profile sealer having a means for adhering said profile flanges to said inner surface of said loop of packaging film; and (j) means for forming cross seals and severing the tubular material between the cross seals to form individual packages.

24. A method of applying a reclosable profile element to a packaging film comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a web of packaging film over a shoulder and into a tubular shape about a central member having an upper section and a lower section;
(b) joining marginal edges of the packaging film to form the film into a tube having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) advancing said tube of packaging film along the length of said central member;
(d) forming a longitudinally extending loop in the packaging film from an excess of packaging film made available by conforming the tubular packing film to follow the outer perimeter of the lower section as the packaging film is advanced along the length of the central member, the loop being formed opposite the position of the tube where the marginal edges of the film are joined;
(e) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the central member and into said loop; and (f) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.

25. A method for applying reclosable profile elements to a packaging film comprising the steps of.
(a) forming a packaging film over a forming shoulder and into a tubular shape about a forming tube;
(b) advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of said forming tube and over a product fill tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of said forming tube;
(c) deforming the tubular shape of the packaging film to create a loop, said loop being formed from an excess of packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between conforming to the outer perimeter of the forming tube and conforming to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube;
(d) guiding a reclosable profile element along the length of the product fill tube and into said loop;

(e) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.

26. A method for producing product filled packages having reclosable profile elements for reclosing the package once the package is opened, comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a flat packaging film over a forming shoulder and into tubular shape about a central member having an outer tube and an internal tube, said internal tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of said outer tube, said internal tube extending beyond the bottom end of said outer tube;
(b) advancing the packaging film vertically downward along the length of the central member;
(c) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the internal tube and inside the tubular shape of said packaging film;
(d) deforming the tubular packaging film to form a longitudinally extending loop of packaging film, said loop being formed from the packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between contacting the outer perimeter of the outer tube to contacting the outer perimeter of the internal tube extending beyond the bottom end of the outer tube;
(e) guiding the reclosable profile element along the vertical length of the internal tube of the central member and into said loop;
(f) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film;
(g) forming a cross seal in the tubular packaging film to form the bottom of the package;
(h) introducing product contents into the tubular packaging film above the cross seal;
(i) forming a second cross seal in the tubular packaging film to form the top of the package; and (j) severing the package from the tubular packaging film.

27. An apparatus for applying a reclosable Profile element and a tear strip to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation comprising:
(a) a central member having an tipper section and a lower section, said upper section including means for forming a longitudinally extending web of packaging film with marginal edges into a tube about a perimeter of said upper section, said lower section having an outer perimeter less than the tube forming perimeter of said upper section;
(b) means for generating a loop in the packaging film, said loop running generally parallel to the axis of the tube, and said loop utilizing packaging film in excess of the portion of the tube required to conform the tube to the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) means for threading a reclosable profile element into said loop of packaging film;
(d) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film;
(e) means for threading a tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film; and (f) means for adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the means for adhering said tear strip element comprises a profile sealer adjacent to said lower section of the central member and having a means for providing fusion energy sufficient to adhere said tear strip element to said packaging film.

29. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the means for threading a tear strip element guides the tear strip element from a supply means to a position between the fill tube and the forming collar.

30. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the reclosable profile element includes separable, interlocking fasteners on opposing flange elements, and the apparatus further includes means for removing portions of the interlocking fasteners from the reclosable profile strip prior to adhering the profile strip to the packaging film.

31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the reclosable profile element includes separable, interlocking fasteners on opposing flange elements, and a co-extruded, separable tear strip on at least one of said flange elements.

32. An apparatus for applying reclosable profile elements to a packaging film comprising:
(a) a forming shoulder positioned to shape a web of packaging film into a tubular shape;
(b) a product fill tube, said product fill tube located inside said tubular packaging film and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming shoulder, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the perimeter of said tubular packaging film;
(c) means for advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of the fill tube;
(d) means adjacent said product fill tube and below the bottom end of the forming shoulder for i) conforming said tubular packaging film to the outer perimeter of the product flu tube; and ii) forming the excess packaging film, made available due to the differences in the outer perimeter of the product fill tube and the perimeter of the tubular packaging film, into a loop;
(e) means for guiding a reclosable profile element into said loop;
(f) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop;
(g) means for guiding a tear strip element into said loop; and (h) means for adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop.

33. An apparatus for forming packages from packaging film and providing the packages with a tear strip and a pair of reclosable profile strips, each profile strip comprising interlocking elements supported on profile flanges, the apparatus comprising:
(a) a forming tube having an outer perimeter over which packaging film advances;
(b) a forming shoulder shaped and positioned to guide flat packaging film with marginal edges into a tubular shape about said forming tube;
(c) a means for joining the marginal edges of the packaging film to form said tubular shape;
(d) a product fill tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than said outer perimeter of said forming tube;
(e) means for advancing said packaging film over said forming shoulder and along the length of the forming tube;
(f) means for guiding the packaging film to conform to said outer perimeter of said product fill tube and thereby forming a loop of packaging film from the excess of film making up the tubular shape but not used to surround the product fill tube;
(g) means for guiding a reclosable profile element between the inside of the forming tube and the outside of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(h) means for guiding a tear strip element between the inside of the forming tube and the outside of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(i) a sealing guide, located adjacent to said product fill tube and having at least one vertical member positioned such that the flanges Of said profile element are separated from one another by said vertical member;
(j) a profile sealer having a means for adhering said profile flanges to said inner surface of said loop of packaging film;
(k) means for adhering said tear strip to said inner surface of said loop of packaging film; and (l) means for forming cross seals and severing the tubular material between the cross seals to form individual packages.

34. A method of applying a reclosable profile element and a tear strip to a packaging film comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a web of packaging film over a shoulder and into a tubular shape about a central member having an upper section and a lower section;
(b) joining marginal edges of the packaging film to form the film into a tube having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) advancing said tube of packaging film along the length of said central member;
(d) forming a longitudinally extending loop in the packaging film from an excess of packaging film made available by conforming the tubular packing film to follow the outer perimeter of the lower section as the packaging film is advanced along the length of the central member;
(e) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the central member and into said loop;
(f) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop;
(g) threading a tear strip element along the length of the central member and into said loop;
(h) adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop.

35. A method for applying reclosable Profile elements and a tear strip to a packaging film comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a packaging film over a forming shoulder and into a tubular shape about a forming tube;
(b) advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of said forming tube and over a product fill tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of said forming tube;
(c) deforming the tubular shape of the packaging film to create a loop, said loop being formed from an excess of packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between conforming to the outer perimeter of the forming tube and conforming to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube;
(d) guiding a reclosable profile element along the length of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(e) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop;
(f) guiding a tear strip element along the length of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(g) adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said loop.

36. A method for producing product filled packages having a tear strip for ease in opening the package and having reclosable profile elements for reclosing the package once the package is opened, comprising the steps of:
(a) forming a flat packaging film over a forming shoulder and into a tubular shape about a central member having an outer tube and an internal tube, said internal tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of said outer tube, said internal tube extending beyond the bottom end of said outer tube;
(b) advancing the packaging film vertically downward along the length of the central member;
(c) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the internal tube and inside the tubular shape of said packaging film.
(d) threading a tear strip element along the length of the internal tube and inside the tubular shape of said packaging film;
(e) deforming the tubular packaging film to form a longitudinally extending loop of packaging film, said loop being formed from the packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between contacting the outer perimeter of the internal tube extending beyond the bottom end of the outer tube;
(f) guiding the reclosable profile element along the vertical length of the internal tube of the central member and into said look;
(g) guiding the tear strip element along the vertical length of the internal tube of the central member and into said loop of packaging film;
(h) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film;
(i) adhering said tear strip element to the inner surface of said look of packaging film;
(j) forming a cross seal in the tubular packaging film to form the bottom of the package;
(k) introducing product contents into the tubular packaging film above the cross seal;
(l) forming a second cross seal in the tubular packaging film to form the top of the package; and (m) severing the package from the tubular packaging film.

37. An apparatus for applying a tear strip element to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation comprising:
(a) a means for guiding a tear strip element onto a web of packaging film such that the tear strip element is positioned along a longitudinal axis of said packaging film;
(b) means for forming said packaging film with said tear strip attached into a tubular shape, and (c) means for adhering said tear strip element to said packaging film.

38. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the adhering means comprises at least one heat seal bar having a means for providing fusion energy sufficient to adhere said tear strip to said packaging film.

39. An apparatus for applying a tear strip element and a reclosable profile element to a packaging film in a form, fill and seal packaging operation comprising:
(a) a means for guiding a tear strip element onto a web of packaging film such that the tear strip element is positioned along a longitudinal axis of said packaging film;
(b) a central member having an upper section and a lower section wherein said upper section includes a means for forming said longitudinally extending web of packaging film with marginal edges into a tube about a perimeter of said upper section, said lower section having an outer perimeter less than the tube forming perimeter of said upper section;
(c) means for generating a loop in the packaging film, said loop running generally parallel to the axle of the tube, and said loop utilizing packaging film in excess of the portion of the tube required to conform the tube to the outer perimeter of the lower section and including the tear strip element;
(d) means for threading a reclosable profile element into said loop of packaging film; and (e) means for adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop of packaging film.

40. The apparatus of claim 39 further comprising a means for adhering said tear strip to said packaging film.

41. A method of applying a tear strip element and a reclosable element to a packaging film comprising the steps of:
(a) guiding packaging film from a supply source to a forming tube;
(b) guiding a tear strip element from a supply source to said forming tube;
(c) forming said packaging film, with said tear strip element adhered to said film, over a forming shoulder into a tubular shape about said forming tube;

(d) advancing said tubular shaped packaging film along the length of said forming tube and over a product rill tube located inside said forming tube and extending beyond the bottom end of the forming tube, said product fill tube having an outer perimeter less than the outer perimeter of said forming tube;
(e) deforming the tubular shape of the packaging film to create a loop, said loop being formed from an excess of packaging film made available as the packaging film is advanced between conforming to the outer perimeter of the forming tube and conforming to the outer perimeter of the product fill tube;
(f) guiding a reclosable profile element along the length of the product fill tube and into said loop;
(g) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising the step of adhering said tear strip element to said packaging film.

43. The method of claim 41 wherein said tear strip element and said reclosable profile element are co-extruded, said reclosable profile elements including separable, interlocking fasteners on opposing flange elements, said tear strip element being detachably extruded on at least one of said opposing flange elements;
wherein said tear strip element is severed from said flange element prior to adhering the tear strip to the packaging film.

44. The apparatus of claim 39 further comprising a means for separating the tear strip element, provided as a co-extruded portion of said reclosable profile element, from the reclosable profile element prior to adhering said tear strip element to said packaging film.

45. A method of applying a reclosable profile element to a packaging film comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a web of packaging film over a shoulder and into a tubular shape about a central member having an upper section and a lower section;
(b) joining marginal edges of the packaging film to form the film into a tube having a perimeter larger than the outer perimeter of the lower section;
(c) advancing said tube of packaging film along the length of said central member;
(d) forming a longitudinally extending loop in the packaging film from an excess of packaging film made available by conforming the tubular packaging film to follow the outer perimeter of the lower section as the packaging film is advanced along the length of the central member; the loop being formed at a position approximately 90° around the perimeter from where the marginal edges of the film are joined;
(e) threading a reclosable profile element along the length of the central member and into said loop;
(f) adhering said reclosable profile element to the inner surface of said loop.

46