Method and apparatus for inserting sliders during automated manufacture of reclosable bags

摘要

Methods and apparatus for automated insertion of sliders on continuous zipper material. The method involves the following steps: (a) advancing a section of zipper material past a leading edge of a splitter plate (82) that pries the zipper strips of the zipper material apart; (b) clamping a first portion of one zipper strip (6) against one side of the splitter plate, while clamping a first portion of the other zipper strip (8) against an opposite side of the splitter plate, the first portions of the zipper strips being disposed on an upstream side of a slider insertion zone; (c) closing a portion of the zipper comprising respective second portions of the zipper strips disposed on a downstream side of the slider insertion zone; and (d) inserting a slider (10) onto the zipper in the slider insertion zone. A plow (42) of the slider is disposed between respective third portions of the zipper strips. The proximity of closed zipper to the closing end of the slider and the presence of open zipper at the opening end of the slider and adjacent the plow facilitates insertion of the slider onto the zipper.