Method and apparatus for manufacturing a resealable package

Abstract

A method of making a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles, the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively engage, and wherein the first and second closure profiles are engaged. The method further comprises providing a pair of panels comprising a flexible polymeric material, inserting a wedge between the closure profiles, disengaging the closure profiles; and attaching the closure mechanism to the pair of side panels. Various embodiments of opening devices are also presented.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for opening a closure mechanism of a resealable package, the closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively engage, the apparatus comprising; 
 (a) a piston and a rod, said rod being in operable connection with a wedge;    (b) a guide channel aligned to guide the closure mechanism in proximity with the wedge; and    (c) means for activating said piston such that the piston moves the rod which functions to insert the wedge into the closure mechanism to thereby open the closure mechanism.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein upon activation of said piston the rod is moved in a reciprocal and repetitive manner.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a support blade in planer alignment with said wedge such that the closure mechanism is supported by the blade and aligned in proximity with the wedge.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the wedge further comprises guide members to align the closure mechanism in proximity with the wedge.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the wedge has a length substantially equal to the width of the resealable package.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the wedge has a general shape similar to a section of a circle.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the wedge further comprises an arm in rotatable connection with a brace such that upon activation of said piston the rod functions to rotate the wedge between the closure profiles of the closure mechanism.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the wedge is generally cylindrical in shape.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the wedge has an end that is tapered to facilitate its insertion into the closure mechanism.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the wedge is a channel wedge.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for opening a closure mechanism of a resealable package comprising: 
 (a) a piston and a rod, said rod being in operable connection with a wedge;    (b) a guide channel aligned to guide the closure mechanism into adjacent proximity with the wedge; and    (c) means for activating the piston such that the piston moves the wedge in a perpendicular direction relative to the closure mechanism to thereby pinch-open the closure mechanism.    
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  further comprising sealing bars in parallel alignment with said wedge.  
     
     
         13 . An apparatus for opening a closure mechanism of a resealable package, the closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively engage, the apparatus comprising; 
 (a) a wedge having an opening plow and at least two guide legs, said plow being centered along a path of travel defined between the guide legs; and    (b) means for moving said wedge to insert the plow into the closure mechanism to thereby separate the closure profiles.    
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  whereby said means for moving said wedge operate in a rotational manner.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13  whereby said means for moving said wedge operate in a reciprocal manner.