Method for applying soft cap to slider or zipper with mounted slider

Abstract

The disclosure pertains to methods for inserting a soft cap onto a slider in order to protect the slider from damaging the package film of a reclosable bag during high pressure pasteurization. A first embodiment discloses manual or automated insertion of the soft cap onto the slider, prior to inserting the slider/cap assembly onto a length of zipper. A second embodiment discloses automated insertion of the soft cap onto a slider which is already mounted on a length of reclosable zipper. A third embodiment uses an insert molding process with a first mold cavity to form the slider and a second mold cavity to form the soft cap over the slider. A fourth embodiment uses a dual shot molding process in a single mold cavity to form both the slider and the soft cap thereover.

1 . A method including the steps of: 
 providing a slider;    providing a cap to protect said zipper slider during high pressure pasteurization; and    inserting said cap over said slider.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of inserting is done manually.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of inserting is performed by an automated device.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said automated device includes a first vibratory bowl and a second vibratory bowl, said step of providing a slider is performed by said first vibratory bowl and said step of providing a soft cap is performed by said second vibratory bowl.  
   
   
       5 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a slider on a length of reclosable zipper;    providing a cap to protect said slider during high pressure pasteurization; and    inserting said cap over said slider while said slider is on said length of reclosable zipper.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said step of providing a cap is performed by a vibratory bowl.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said step of inserting said cap is performed by a reciprocating device.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said reciprocating device includes a reciprocating rod attached to a head, said head engaging said cap.  
   
   
       9 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 molding a slider in a first mold cavity;    moving said slider to a second mold cavity;    molding a cap around said slider in said second mold cavity, said cap to protect said slider during high pressure pasteurization.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said steps of molding are performed with injection molding.  
   
   
       11 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 molding a slider in a mold cavity;    molding a cap around said slider in said mold cavity, said cap to protect said slider during high pressure pasteurization.