Patent US4654878A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4654878A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Plastic bag chain
Assignee: Minigrip Inc
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Filing: 1985-01-08
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Granted: 1987-03-31
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Expires: 2005-01-08
Abstract
Abstract A serially interconnected chain of reclosable, zipper-lock plastic bags is arranged for facilitated handling in an automatic bag filling machine. The bag chain may be formed with single or plural connecting spot links between side edges of adjacent bags to maintain alignment of the bags in the chain as the chain is unwound from storage and threaded along a lateral transport path running through the filling machine. The connecting links are adapted to be broken during the loading operation so that separate, loaded bags may be discharged from the machine for packaging. Each bag is formed with raised ridge surface means running laterally thereacross adapted to be slidably received in a suitable guide track means of the filling machine to provide vertical support for the bags as the chain is being drawn between various work stations in the filling machine.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Lems
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 13:09
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B43/00; B65B43/12; B65B43/123; B65B43/26; B65B43/267; B65D; B65D75/00; B65D75/40; B65D75/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
193 words
In combination a chain of laterally interconnected bags and a machine for filling them, each bag having bottom and side edges fully closed along the entire length thereof and a reclosable upper end mouth having interlocking fastener strip profiles running fully laterally across opposed inner facing surfaces of said mouth, said machine comprising drive means for pulling said chain disposed in and along a laterally extending linear track extending through the machine, with said track having a channel recess, means for filling said bags, and means for separating each filled bag from said chain, said bag chain comprising: a sole linking means adjacent the upper end of said bag for interconnecting said bags withone another at adjacent side edges and transmitting chain pulling tension between adjacent bags, each linking means having a rupture strength less than that of said bags, and a ridge running laterally along at least one face of each said bag adjacent said mouth and precisely aligned with said linking means at each side edge of each said bag, said ridge having a thickness sufficient for extending into said channel recess for supporting said chain in and along said track.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
193 words
In combination a chain of laterally interconnected bags and a machine for filling them, each bag having bottom and side edges fully closed along the entire length thereof and a reclosable upper end mouth having interlocking fastener strip profiles running fully laterally across opposed inner facing surfaces of said mouth, said machine comprising drive means for pulling said chain disposed in and along a laterally extending linear track extending through the machine, with said track having a channel recess, means for filling said bags, and means for separating each filled bag from said chain, said bag chain comprising: a sole linking means adjacent the upper end of said bag for interconnecting said bags withone another at adjacent side edges and transmitting chain pulling tension between adjacent bags, each linking means having a rupture strength less than that of said bags, and a ridge running laterally along at least one face of each said bag adjacent said mouth and precisely aligned with said linking means at each side edge of each said bag, said ridge having a thickness sufficient for extending into said channel recess for supporting said chain in and along said track.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said linking means has a rupture strength of between two and seven pounds.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein both said linking means are plastic spot welds.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said linking means are plastic spot welds having an area of relatively reduced thickness.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 1, wherein said ridge comprises at least one outwardly protruding bead.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination of claim 5, wherein said ridge comprises a pair or outwardly protruding beads respectively formed on opposed surfaces of said mouth of each said bag.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination of claim 5, wherein said ridge is formed by said fastener strip profiles.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-03-30 | 1990-09-29 | 1991-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-03-30 | 1994-09-29 | 1995-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-03-30 | 1998-09-29 | 1999-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |