Importance

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Abstract

A vertical stand-up pouch or flexible package having an integrated reclose strip, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The modified machine includes a crease-forming mechanism and an apparatus for applying a reclose strip to the sheet of material. The apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip from a single sheet of packaging film by creating a vertical crease along one edge of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. Said vertical crease is formed using a stationary tucker bar positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. The reclose strip is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material prior to forming the sheet into a tube in the conventional manner. The reclose strip includes a peel strip which is removable to allow the package, when opened, to be folded down and sealed against an adhesive which will be exposed upon the removal of the peel strip. In a preferred embodiment, the reclose strip comprises a length of two-sided adhesive tape.

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First Claim