A bottom and side gusseted package comprises a package body, a pair of inwardly extending side gussets, and a bottom gusset positioned transversely of a longitudinal axis of the package body. Formation of the gusseted package is effected by positioning individual sleeves transversely of the longitudinal axis of a flexible web which forms the package body. During package formation, the inwardly extending side gussets are formed, and the flexible web is cut to form individual packages, such that each individual sleeve forms a bottom gusset in a respective one of the gusseted packages.

A bottom-gusseted package comprises a package body, and a bottom gusset positioned transversely of a longitudinal axis of the package body. Formation of the bottom-gusseted package is effected by positioning individual sleeves transversely of the longitudinal axis of a flexible web which forms the package body. During package formation, the flexible web is cut to form individual packages, with each individual sleeve positioned to form a bottom gusset in a respective package. Optionally, the individual sleeve portions can be configured such that when the flexible web is cut to form individual packages, and each individual sleeve is be cut to form a bottom gusset in one package, and a top sleeve portion in an adjacent package.

A system for applying a fastening material to a substrate is provided. The system may include a first material source including the substrate. The substrate may define a first length extending from a first edge to a second edge and the first material source may feed the substrate in a first direction transverse to the first length. The system may additionally include a second material source including the fastening material. The fastening material may define a second length extending from a third edge to a fourth edge, whereby the second length is substantially equal to the first length and the second material source feeds the fastening material in a second direction transverse to the second length. The system may also include an applicator system that secures the fastening material to the substrate.

A flexible package having a closure device and a lap or fin seal is provided that reduces or eliminates an air gap present at the fin or lap seal portion of packages. The package can include a film with a closure applied to the film. The flexible package can include a film having a closure device applied to the film transverse to the first and second side edges of the film, with the first side edge portion extending into the fin seal such that at least a portion of the first side edge portion eliminates an air gap between the fin or lap seal and at least one of the first and second side edge portions.

This disclosure pertains to a forming device used in the formation of a package with a self-mating reclosure, where a single self-mating closure wraps around the periphery of the forming device, and one end of the zipper segment extends into the lap seal of the forming device. Alternatively, one or two ends of the zipper segment could extend into a fin seal. The self-mating reclosure is mounted transversely on the sheet of web or film and includes at least one crushed end proximate to one edge of the sheet of web or film. The self-mating closure may be pre-crushed, prior to attachment to the sheet of web or film, or may be crushed after the sheet of web or film is wrapped around a forming forming device or similar structure.

A flexible package having a closure device and a lap or fin seal is provided that reduces or eliminates an air gap present at the fin or lap seal portion of conventional packages. The package can include a film with a closure applied to the film. A bridge material is provided to the film to fill the air gap when the closure is in a sealed condition. The flexible package alternatively can include a film having a closure device applied to the film transverse to the first and second side edges of the film, with the first side edge portion extending into the fin seal such that at least a portion of the first side edge portion to eliminate an air gap between the fin seal and at least one of the first and second side edge portions.

A flexible package having a closure device and a lap or fin seal is provided that reduces or eliminates an air gap present at the fin or lap seal portion of packages. The package can include a film with a closure applied to the film. The flexible package can include a film having a closure device applied to the film transverse to the first and second side edges of the film, with the first side edge portion extending into the fin seal such that at least a portion of the first side edge portion eliminates an air gap between the fin or lap seal and at least one of the first and second side edge portions.

A male belt-shaped base having a male member with a short width, and a separation strip are heat-sealed to a film. A female belt-shaped base having a female member with a long width is heat-sealed at a predetermined position so that the male portion and the female portion are at engageable positions. The film is layered and suitably sealed to form a zipper-tape bag. The film and the separation strip are cut to form a cut portion at a non-bonded region in which the film of the zipper-tape bag is not bonded, thereby forming an unsealing tab. The unsealing tab can be easily formed by simply cutting the film.

A method of manufacturing a bottom gusseted pouch is provided. The method comprises unwinding a pouch webbing in a first flow direction, the pouch webbing defining front and back panels; inserting a gusset webbing between the panels in a second flow direction; attaching the gusset webbing to the panels to form a bottom gusseted end; optionally inserting a closure mechanism between the panels in a third flow direction; attaching the closure mechanism to the panels to form the resealable top end of the pouch; sealing the side edges of the panels to complete the pouch; and optionally cutting the completed pouch from the pouch webbing. At least one of the pouch webbing and the gusset webbing is formed of a supported film.

A bottom-gusseted package comprises a package body, and a bottom gusset positioned transversely of a longitudinal axis of the package body. Formation of the bottom-gusseted package is effected by positioning individual sleeves transversely of the longitudinal axis of a flexible web which forms the package body. Tape elements are applied in overlapping relationship to opposite ends of each individual sleeve. During package formation, the flexible web is cut to form individual packages, and each individual sleeve can be cut to form a bottom gusset in one package, and a top sleeve portion in an adjacent package. A top sleeve portion of the package body can be configured to include a reclosable fastener. The tape elements facilitate formation such that the packages can be formed and filled on an associated vertical form, fill and seal apparatus have conventionally configured heat-sealing jaws.