INSTANT SNAP CLOSURE MECHANISM

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for providing a reclosable snap closure. One embodiment relates to a closure device, including at least one pivot member, a first member and a second member. The first member has a predefined length LS and is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member. The second member has a predefined length LF such that LF≧LS and is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member and movably engages the first member, the first member creating a spring load, which is transferred through the at least one pivot member to at least the second member, thereby providing a relatively high pressure along a portion of at least the second member engaging the first member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a closing mechanism. More particularly, embodiments relate to a recloseable closure device used with a package, bag or container and a method of accessing a package, bag or container having a recloseable closure device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pliable containers are widely used to store both edible and non-edible products. For example, snack items, such as various types of chips and cereals, are typically packaged in pliable containers. These containers are generally sealed at both ends for initial packaging purposes and then one end is opened to access the product. It may be desirable to reuse the container to store the product for extended periods of time, allowing repeated access to the interior of the container.

When used to store edible food items for example, it is particularly advantageous to adequately seal the open end of the container between uses in order to prolong the useful life of the products stored therein. For this reason, once the initial seal at one end of the container is broken, it is common practice to roll up the openable end of the pliable container for storage. Unfortunately, the rolled-up ends of such pliable containers generally tend to unroll between uses, which may lead to the food items becoming stale or non-edible products becoming damaged or lost.

Proposed solutions to this problem include providing various types of closure mechanisms at the open end of the container to maintain the side walls of the container in a closed relationship for sealing purposes. For example, it is known to use a clip to prevent the openable container end from unrolling. Since such clips are completely separate from the container, they can be misplaced and are therefore often only used when readily available. In addition, these clips often tend to break and only directly maintain a small central section of the openable container end in a rather tight, closed condition. Zip-type or slider type closure arrangements have also become quite prevalent for use with certain types of bags. Such closure arrangements are considered advantageous in that they generally extend across the entire width of the open end and are formed integral with the container. However, such closure arrangements may be more expensive and may be difficult to use due to the required dexterity. In addition, these closure arrangements do not provide an immediate indication that a complete seal has been established. Instead, the entire arrangement must be systematically sealed from one end of the opening to the other and if any portion is not sealed, the purpose of the entire closure may be completely compromised.

In addition to providing a closure system for closing an open end of a pliable container, it is also considered advantageous to enhance the accessibility to the interior of a container when the container is opened. More specifically, when the container is opened, it is desirable to maintain the side walls of the container in an open position, at least at the open end of the container, to permit easy access to the contents.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive closure system for use with pliable containers that will enhance the accessibility to the contents when the containers are open and that can be effectively used to repetitively seal the containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment relates to a closure device, including at least one pivot member, a first member and a second member. The first member has a predefined length L_S and is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member. The second member has a predefined length L_F such that L_F≧L_S and is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member and movably engages the first member, the first member creating a spring load that is transferred through the at least one pivot member, applying the spring load to at least the second member thereby providing a relatively high pressure along a portion of at least the second member engaging at least a portion of the first member. In at least one embodiment, the first member may comprise a semi-rigid member while the second member may comprise a flexible member.

One or more embodiments include at least two pivot members pivotally connecting the first member and the second member; the second member adapted to be moved from a sealed position to an opened position by interrupting the spring load applied to the second member; interrupting the spring load applied to the second member by applying a light pressure to a portion of the second member; and the second member adapted to remain in the opened position enabling access to the interior of the container. In one or more embodiments, the first member may comprise a semi-rigid member while the second member may comprise a flexible member.

Other embodiments relate to the second member including a plurality of sub-members ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member having a predefined length L_F1, L_F2 . . . L_FN such that L_F1+L_F2+ . . . L_FN≧L_S, where at least one of the sub-members is pivotally connected to the pivot member. In at least one embodiment, two or more of the sub-members are comprised of the same material, two or more sub-members are comprised of a different material and/or at least one of the sub-members is comprised of the same material as the first member.

Other embodiments relate to the semi-rigid member including a plurality of sub-members ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member having a predefined length L_S1, L_S2 . . . L_SN such that L_F≧L_S1+L_S2+ . . . L_SN, where at least one of the sub-members is pivotally connected to the pivot member. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of sub-members are connected via one or more pivot members, where at least one of the pivot members includes a torsion spring or biasing force that applies a bias to one or more of the sub-members.

Yet other embodiment relate to the semi-rigid member including a plurality of sub-members ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member having a predefined length L_S1, L_S2 . . . L_SN, and the flexible member including a plurality of sub-members ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member having a predefined length L_F1, L_F2, . . . L_FN such that L_F1 L_F2+ . . . L_FN.≧L_S1+L_S2+ . . . L_SN where at least one of the semi-rigid sub-members and the flexible sub-members are pivotally connected to the pivot member. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of sub-members are connected via one or more pivot members, where at least one of the pivot members includes a torsion spring or biasing force that applies a bias to one or more of the sub-members.

Yet another embodiment relates to a recloseable container, comprising at least one package and a recloseable closure device. The at least one package defines an interior and has at least one open end enabling access to the interior. The closure device is positioned proximate the at least one open end and includes at least one pivot member; a first member and a second member. The first member has a predefined length L_S pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member. The second member has a predefined length L_F such that L_F≧L_S is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member and movably engages the first member forming a recloseable seal proximate the at least one open end. The first member creating a spring load which is transferred through at least one pivot member applying the spring load to at least the second member thereby providing a relatively high sealing pressure along a portion of a length of the seal.

Still another embodiment relates to a method for accessing a container. The method comprises providing at least one package having at least one recloseable closure device. The at least one package defines an interior and has at least one open end enabling access to the interior. The at least one recloseable snap closure is positioned proximate the at least one open end and has at least one pivot member, a first member and a second member. The first member has a predefined length L_S pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member. The second member has a predefined length L_F such that L_F≧L_S pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member and movably engages the first member forming a recloseable seal proximate the at least one open end. The method further comprises pivotally moving at least the second member about the at least one pivot member from a sealed position to an opened position; accessing the interior; and applying a force to at least the second member, pivotally moving at least the second member about the pivot member from the opened position to the closed position, providing a relatively high sealing pressure.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a reclosable closure device in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top view of reclosable closure device in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a reclosable closure device in an closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a top view of reclosable closure device in an closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 14 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 15 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 17 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 18 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 19 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 20 is the reclosable closure device used with a container in an closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a top view of a reclosable closure device in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the reclosable closure device in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the reclosable closure device in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the reclosable closure device in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the reclosable closure device in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the reclosable closure device in a closed position in accordance;

FIG. 27 is a top view of a reclosable closure device in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the reclosable closure device in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the reclosable closure device in an open position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the reclosable closure device in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the reclosable closure device in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a side view of the reclosable closure device in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a side view of the reclosable closure device used with cable in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a top view of the reclosable closure device used with a cable in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a plan view of the reclosable closure device used with a cable in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a top view of a reclosable closure device used in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment.

Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-2 depict side and top views of a reclosable closure device, generally designated 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, depicting the closure device 10 in a first or open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure device 10 includes at least one pivot member or hinge 12 (best viewed in FIG. 21); although two pivot members 12 are illustrated. While one or two pivot members or hinges 12 are discussed, more than two pivot members are contemplated.

FIGS. 1-2 further depict embodiments including the closure device 10 having at least one fixed, semi-rigid or first member 14 with a predefined length L_S pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member 12 or pivotally connected to two pivot members 12. The closure device 10 further includes a moveable, flexible or second member 16 having a predefined length L_F such that L_F≧L_S, where the second member 16 is illustrated pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member 12 or pivotally connected to two pivot members 12 and adapted to movably engage the first member 14.

In at least one embodiment, first member 14 has opposing ends 18 and 20 and opposing edges 22 and 24. As illustrated, at least one, two or more of the pivot members 12 include load bearing tabs or hinge mounts 26 positioned at ends 18 and 20 of member 14 proximate edges 22 and 24, where one or more of the hinge mounts 26 define a hole 28 therein.

FIGS. 1-2 further depict the second member 16 has opposing ends 30 and 32 and opposing edges 34 and 36. As illustrated, at least one, two or more of the pivot members 12 further include one or more tabs or hinge mounts 38 positioned at ends 30 and 32 proximate edges 34 and 36 defining hole 40. Hinge mounts 38 pivotally engage hinge mounts 26 and extend there between such that hole 40 lines up with one or more hole 28 and receive a pin or axle 42 (a metal or plastic pin or axle for example). It should be appreciated that while dual hinge mounts are shown positioned at each of ends 18 and 20 and a single hinge mount is positioned at each of the ends 30 and 32 of members 14 and 16, other embodiments are contemplated. One hinge mount could be positioned at each of the ends 18 and 20 that engage dual hinge mounts positioned at each of ends 30 and 32. Alternatively, a single hinge mount may be positioned at end 18 for example that engages a dual hinge mount at end 30 for example, while a dual hinge mount may be positioned at end 20 for example that engages a single hinge mount positioned at end 32. It should be appreciated that one or more embodiments do not include pin or axles, where only hinge mounts 38 pivotally engage hinge mounts 26

As provided previously, one or more pivot members 12 engage both the first member 14 and second member 16, such that the second member 16 moves between a first or open position (best illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 13-20) and a second or closed position (best illustrated in FIGS. 3-12). The first member 14 creates a spring load or biasing force. The spring load is transmitted through the one or more of the pivot hinges 12 which transfer the biasing force or spring load to at least a portion of the second member 16, biasing the second member 16 in a first or open position and a second or closed position. In at least one embodiment, the pivot member 12 applies an inward and upward biasing force to the second member 16 (inward and upward with respect to the first member 14) forming a seal interface between at least a portion of members 14 and 16. Applying a light pressure to a portion of the second member 16 in the closed position disrupts or interrupts the biasing or spring load force applied to the second member 16, thereby enabling the second member 16 to move to the first or open position. In at least one embodiment, the pivot member 12 applies sufficient force to the second member 16 such that it remains in the opened position until moved to the closed position.

FIGS. 1-2 further depict the first member 14 having a generally arch-like shape with a predetermined radius. While an arch-like shape is illustrated, any shape including semi-circular, parabolic, elliptical, polygonal and the like are contemplated, as long as the spring load and an adequate seal interface are maintained. Furthermore, any rigid or semi-rigid material including metal or plastic (polypropylene, polyethylene or an suitable copolymer whether biodegradable or non-biodegradable and the like), having any length, width, thickness and radius are contemplated.

In at least one embodiment, the second member 16 is a generally straight piece (prior to assembly) with a predefined length L_F sized at or above the length of the first member 14, such that L_F≧L_S. Furthermore, any material including a flexible material such as metal or plastic (including polypropylene, polyethylene or an suitable copolymer whether biodegradable or non-biodegradable and the like), having any length, width, thickness and radius are contemplated as long as the relationship between L_F and L_S is maintained. Again, while only one second member 16 is illustrated, embodiments are contemplated in which the second member 16 includes a plurality of sub-members 16 (best viewed in FIGS. 27-32) joined or connected together each having the same or different lengths and ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member 16a-16N having a predefined length L_F1, L_F2, LFN, such that L_F1+L_F2+ . . . L_FN.≧L_S, where at least one of the sub-members 16a-16N is pivotally connected to the pivotal member 12.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict side and top views of the reclosable closure device 10 in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment. The at least one pivot member 12 applies a spring load force to at least the second member 16, providing a relatively high pressure along at least a portion of at least the second member 16 engaging the first member 14 thereby forming a seal along at least a portion of members 14 and 16.

FIGS. 5-12 depict a package 100 including the reclosable closure device 10 used with a container 102 in a closed position in accordance with one embodiment. While device 10 is illustrated used with package 100, it may be used in non-container relationships, such as to tie wires or cables together, in a cable tie for example.

Container 102 includes at least two sidewalls 104, a closed end 106 and an open end 108. At least the side walls 104 and closed end 106 define an interior 110. The recloseable closure device 10 is positioned proximate the open end 108. It is contemplated that the package 100 with the closure device 10 are formed in one manufacturing process with the device 10 integral with the container 102. Alternatively, the container 102 and closure device 10 may be formed in separate process and joined together using heat sealing, glue or the like as known in the art.

FIGS. 13-20 depict the reclosable closure device 10 used with a container 100 in an open position in accordance with one embodiment. In at least one embodiment, the pivot member 12 applies sufficient force to the second member 16 such that it remains in the opened position, forcing side walls 104 apart, until moved to the closed position.

FIGS. 21-26 depict the closure device 200, where the device 200 includes at least one pivot member or hinge 12. FIGS. 21-23 depict the device 200 in an open position, while FIGS. 24-26 depict the device 200 in a closed position.

FIGS. 27-32 depict the closure device 300, where FIGS. 27-29 depict the device 300 in an open position, while FIGS. 30-32 depict the device 300 in a closed position. As illustrated, the second member 16 of device 300 includes a plurality of second sub-members 16 joined or connected together (by pivot member or hinge 12 or the like) or each having the same or different lengths and ranging in number from 1 through N, each second sub-member 16a-16N having a predefined length L_F1, L_F2, LFN, such that L_F1+L_F2+ . . . L_FN.≧L_S, where at least one of the first sub-members 16a-16N is pivotally connected to the pivotal member 12. In at least one embodiment, two or more of the sub-members 16a-16N are comprised of the same material, two or more of the sub-members 16a-16N are comprised of a different material and/or at least one of the sub-members 16a-16N is comprised of the same material as the first member.

FIGS. 33-35 depict the closure device 400 used with a cable or wire 410 and the like. As provided, the device 400 is illustrated in the closed position, securing the cable or wire 410 together or in a predetermined position. While one cable or wire is illustrated, any number of cables and wires are contemplated. Further, the closure device 400 may be used with any item, providing a bundle or tie capability for such items.

FIG. 36 illustrates a closure device 500 having first member 14, where the first member 14 may include a plurality of sub-members 14 having the same or different lengths joined or connected together, and ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member 14a-14N having a predefined length L_S1, L_S2 . . . L_SN, such that L_F≧L_S1+L_S2+ . . . L_SN. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 36, the plurality of sub-members 14a-14N are connected via one or more pivot members 13 similar to the pivot members 12, where the pivot member 13 includes a torsion spring or biasing force, that applies a bias to one or more of the sub-members 14a-14N.

FIG. 36 further illustrates the first member 14 includes a plurality of a sub-members 14 ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member 14a-14N having a predefined length L_S1, L_S2 . . . L_SN, and the second member 16 comprises a plurality of sub-members 16 ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member 16a-N having a predefined length L_F1, L_F2, . . . L_FN such that L_F1+L_F2+ . . . L_FN.≧L_S1+L_S2+ . . . L_SN where at least one of the sub-members 14a-14N and the sub-members 16a-16N are pivotally connected to the pivot member 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 36, the plurality of sub-members 14a-14N are connected via one or more pivot members 13 similar to the pivot members 12, where the pivot member 13 includes a torsion spring or biasing force, that applies a bias to one or more of the sub-members 14a-14N.

Still another embodiment relates to a method for accessing a container. The method comprises providing at least one package having at least one recloseable closure device 10. The at least one package defines an interior 110 and has at least one open end 108 enabling access to the interior 110. The at least one recloseable snap closure 10 is positioned proximate the at least one open end 108 and has at least one pivot member 12, a first member 14 and a second member 16. The first member 14 has a predefined length _LS pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member 12. The second member 16 has a predefined length _LF such that _LF≧_LS is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member 12 and movably engages the first member 14 forming a recloseable seal proximate the at least one open end 108. The method further comprises pivotally moving at least the second member 16 about the at least one pivot member 12 from a sealed position to an opened position; accessing the interior 110; and applying a force to at least the second member 16, pivotally moving at least the second member 16 about the pivot member 12 from the opened position to the closed position, providing a relatively high sealing pressure.

While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A closure device, comprising: at least one pivot member;a first member having a predefined length LS pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member; anda second member having a predefined length LF such that LF≧LS and pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member and movably engaging the first member, the first member creating a spring load which is transferred through the at least one pivot member to at least the second member, providing a seal along at least a portion of at least the second member engaging the first member.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising two pivot members pivotally connecting the first member and the second member.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the second member comprises a plurality of sub-members ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member having a predefined length LF1, LF2 . . . LFN such that LF1+LF2+ . . . LFN.≧LS, where at least one of the sub-members is pivotally connected to the pivot member.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the sub-members are comprised of a same material.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein at least two of the sub-members are comprised of a different material.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein at least one of the sub-members is comprised of the same material as the first member.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising the second member adapted to be moved from a closed position to an opened position by interrupting the spring load applied to the second member.

8. The device of claim 7 further comprising interrupting the spring load applied to the second member by applying a light pressure to a portion of the second member.

9. The device of claim 1 further comprising the second member adapted to remain in the opened position.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the first member comprises a semi-rigid member and the second member comprises a flexible member.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the first member comprises a plurality of sub-members ranging in number from 1 through N, each sub-member having a predefined length LS1, LS2 . . . LSN such that LF≧LS1+LS2+ . . . LSN, where at least one of the sub-members is pivotally connected to the pivot member.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the first member comprises a plurality of first sub-members ranging in number from 1 through N, each first sub-member having a predefined length LS1, LS2 . . . LSN, the second member comprises a plurality of second sub-members ranging in number from 1 through N, each second sub-member having a predefined length LF1, LF2, . . . LFN such that LF1+LF2+ . . . LFN.≧LS1+LS2+ . . . LSN where at least one of the first members and the second sub-members are pivotally connected to the pivot member.

13. A resealable container, comprising: at least one package defining an interior and having at least one open end enabling access to the interior; anda closure device positioned proximate the at least one open end, the closure device comprising:at least one pivot member;a first member having a predefined length LS pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member; anda second member having a predefined length LF such that LF≧LS pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member and movably engaging the first member forming a reusable seal proximate the at least one open end, the first member creating a spring load which is transferred though the at least one pivot member to at least the second member thereby providing a seal along a portion of a length of the second member engaging the first member.

14. The container of claim 13 further comprising two pivot members pivotally connecting the first member and the second member.

15. The container of claim 13 further comprising the second member adapted to be moved from a sealed position to an opened position by interrupting the spring load applied to the second member.

16. The container of claim 13 further comprising interrupting the spring load applied to the second member by applying a light pressure to a portion of the second member.

17. The container of claim 13 further comprising the second member adapted to remain in the opened position enabling access to the interior of the container.

18. A method for accessing a container, comprising: providing at least one package having at least one closure device, the at least one package defining an interior and at least one open end enabling access to the interior, the at least one closure device positioned proximate the at least one open end, the closure device comprising:at least one pivot member;a first member having a predefined length LS pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member; anda second member having a predefined length LF such that LF≧LS pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member and adapted to movably engage the first member forming a reusable seal proximate the at least one open end;pivotally moving at least the second member about the at least one pivot member from a sealed position to an opened position;accessing the interior; andapplying a force to at least the second member, pivotally moving at least the second member about the pivot member from the opened position to the closed position, providing a seal along a portion of a length of the second member engaging the first member.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein pivotally moving at least the second member about the at least one pivot member from a closed position to an opened position further comprises interrupting the spring load applied to the second member.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising maintaining the second member in the opened position until the force is applied, enabling access to the interior of the container.

21. The method of claim 18 further comprising moving at least the second member about two pivot members.