Teardrop sealant layer for profile and spacer areas for improved sealing and guiding

Abstract

A reclosable zipper for use with package, such as food and non-food packages, that include first and second mating profile members. Each of the first and second profile members of the zipper closure includes a pair of flanges each having a sealant layer. The sealant layer formed on each of the flanges protrudes past the outer surface of the flange such that the outer surface of the sealant layer contacts the film of web material. The sealant layer is formed from a material different than the material that forms the remaining portions of the first and second profile members such that the sealant layer melts and forms a bond with the web material upon the application of heat. Each of the profile members includes a standoff area formed along the inner surface of each flange to provide support for the flange during the application of the heating element.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
     
     
         14 . A method of attaching a reclosable zipper to a web of material, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a first profile member having a base, an interlocking closure element extending from the base and a pair of flanges extending from the base, each flange having a sealant layer formed on an outer surface of the flange and a standoff area formed on an inner surface of the flange;    providing a second profile member having a base, an interlocking closure element extending from the base and a pair of flanges extending from the base, each flange having a sealant layer formed on an outer surface of the flange and a standoff area formed on an inner surface of the flange;    moving the first and second profile members into a profile guide having a first guide element and a second guide element, wherein the first and second guide elements are positioned between the flanges of the first profile member and the second profile member, wherein the standoff area formed on each of the first and second profile members contacts the respective first and second guide members;    positioning the web of material adjacent to the sealant layer formed on both of the first and second profile members;    moving a heated sealant bar into contact with the web of material to melt the sealant layer formed on both the first profile member and the second profile member, wherein the standoff area formed on each of the flanges of the first and second profile members supports the flange against the guide member.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the standoff areas are each generally aligned with one of the sealant layers.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the sealant layer is extruded with each of the first and second profile members.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the heated sealing bar melts only the sealant layer and does not deform the base of either the first profile member or the second profile member.  
     
     
         18 - 21 . (canceled)  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the steps of providing the first and second profile members includes providing members having flanges with teardrop shaped sealant layers form on the outer surfaces of the flanges.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the step of positioning the web of material includes positioning the web of material a spaced distance from the outer surfaces of the flanges of the first and second profile members.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the step of positioning the web of material includes positioning the web of material such that an air gap exists between the outer surfaces of the flanges of the first and second profile members and the inner surface of the web of material.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the step of melting the sealant layers includes melting only the sealant layers, the air gap preventing the web of material from sealing to the outer surface of the first and second profile members.