Frito-Lay North America, Inc.

Chad Arthur Huebner

Patrick Joseph Bierschenk

Jerry Mike Reaves

Martin Bernhard Dierl

Martin Eduardo Broen

Steven Kenneth Tucker

David Jackson Lestage

Todd James Huthmaker

Frank Mathew Brenkus

Eduard Edwards

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method and apparatus for a resealable package having an internal zipper seal. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a vertical form, fill, and seal machine that includes a former, a vertical sealer, and a zipper separation blade located between the former and the vertical sealer. The zipper separation blade further comprises a connector and a blade body that defines a zipper gap between an exterior surface of the former and the blade body.

Method and apparatus for resealable package with internal zipper seal

A method and apparatus for settling a product in a partially formed package. In one aspect, the invention comprises the steps: providing a partially formed package; filling the partially formed package with a product; and settling the product in the partially formed package. The settling step comprises rotating a paddle wheel comprising at least one paddle against the partially formed package. In a second aspect, the invention comprises an improved product settler for settling product in a partially formed package. The improved product settler comprises a paddle wheel. The paddle wheel comprises at least one paddle that is positioned to cause an impact against the partially formed package. The impact agitates the partially formed package and thereby settles the product.

Method and apparatus for a product settler

Disclosed are unique resealable packages for snacks. Some embodiments comprise rigid sidewalls configured to structurally support a flexible bag to maintain the thickness of the bag as it is laid on its back and opened for product consumption. In addition, disclosed packages include a resealable flexible flap having a raised pull tab for use by a consumer to peel open the bag by separating this flap from the front of the bag, and then resealing the bag by laying the flap back over the opening. The rigid sidewalls allow the integrity of the product to be maintained after the bag is resealed so that the product is not crushed if the bag is stored for later use. Edges of the peelable flap are coated with a resealable adhesive, while one side or end of the flap is connected to a portion of the bag's front surface.

Resealable packages for snack products

The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.

Apparatus for making a flat bottom pillow pouch

Method for making a flat bottom pillow pouch

Method and apparatus for making a flat bottom pillow pouch

Growing community of inventors

Hurst, TX, United States of America

Chad Arthur Huebner