Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6306071
-
Patent Number
6,306,071
-
Date Filed
Thursday, December 16, 199924 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 23, 200122 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Trempus; Thomas R.
- Levine; Edward L.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 493 214
- 493 114
- 493 213
- 493 308
- 493 325
- 493 393
- 493 927
- 024 400
- 024 399
- 024 587
- 024 576
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A single-piece slider device for use with resealable closure mechanisms having a first closure profile and a second closure profile is provided. The slider device includes a rigid top wall, at least a first plow for separating the first and second closure profiles, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The first and second sidewalls each have an inner surface, an outer surface, a bottom edge, and a length. The first sidewall has a first flex point arranged and configured to allow the first sidewall to flex at the first flex point. The second sidewall has a second flex point arranged and configured to allow the second sidewall to flex at the second flex point. The flexpoints can be notches on the outer portions or inner portions of the sidewalls, between the top wall and the sidewalls, or between the sidewalls and the bottom portions. The top wall can have depending tabs to help align the slider device with the profiles. Further embodiments include guide rails and tracks on the profiles and sidewalls, sloped surfaces on the profiles and sidewalls, surface ridges, an opening in the top wall of the slider device, and a secondary closure mechanism. Methods of construction are described.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to closure arrangements for polymer packages, such as, plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to resealable closure mechanisms or zipper-type closures for resealable packages.
BACKGROUND
Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store and ship food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storage container for the unused portion of the products in the package is thus avoided. As such. providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products.
Some types of resealable packages are opened and closed using a slider device. The slider device typically includes a separator or plow-type structure at one end that opens a closure mechanism, having profiled elements or closure profiles, when the slider device travels in a first direction along the mechanism. The sidewalls of the slider device are inwardly tapered from one end to the opposite end so that the sidewalls engage the closure profiles and progressively move them into engagement to close the resealable package when the slider device is moved along the closure mechanism in a direction opposite the first direction.
Concerns are raised regarding resealable closure mechanisms with slider devices. One such concern is attachment of the slider device to the package. For example, rigid slider devices can be difficult to attach to the package, and multiple piece slider devices require additional manufacturing steps. Not only do both of these alternatives involve additional costs, but they also result in lower manufacturing rates. Improvements are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, one example embodiment involves a single-piece slider device for use with a resealable closure mechanism having a first closure profile and a second closure profile. The slider device includes a rigid top wall, at least a first plow depending from the top wall for separating the first and second closure profiles, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. Each of the first and second sidewalls has an inner surface, an outer surface, a bottom edge, and a first length. The first sidewall has a first flex point configured to allow a first portion of the first sidewall to flex at the first flex point. The second sidewall has a second flex point configured to allow a first portion of the second sidewall to flex at the second flex point.
In another aspect, another embodiment of the present invention involves a closure arrangement for use with a package having a plurality of edges. The closure arrangement includes a first closure profile, a second closure profile, and a slider device. The first and second closure profiles both include a base strip and an interlocking closure member. The interlocking closure members of the first and second closure profiles are arranged and configured to selectively engage. The slider device can include structures described herein.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention involves a resealable package. The resealable package has first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region and a mouth providing access to the enclosed region. The resealable package also has a closure arrangement secured to the first and second panel sections for selectively opening and sealing the mouth. The closure arrangement can include structures, including slider devices, as described herein.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of attaching a single-piece slider device having a rigid top wall is provided. The method includes a step of providing a package having a resealable closure mechanism. A slider device is placed over the closure mechanism and aligned therewith. Next, the slider device is pushed onto the closure mechanism causing the sidewalls of the slider device to spread apart no greater than 30 degrees from a vertical line through a center of the top wall to encapsulate the closure mechanism.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of sealing a resealable package is provided. The method includes a step of providing a package having first and second opposite side edges, a resealable mouth between the first and second side edges, a first resealable closure mechanism with a slider thereover for opening and resealing the mouth, and a second closure mechanism outside of the slider device for sealing the mouth. The slider device is moved along the mouth in a first direction from the second side, encapsulating the first closure mechanism and not encapsulating the second closure mechanism, to interlock the first closure mechanism and to interlock the second closure mechanism.
The above summary of principles of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Principles of the invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the detailed description of various embodiments of the invention that follows in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable package having a slider device, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a fragmented, cross-sectional view of profiled elements secured to a flexible package, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of an enlarged slider device, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4
is a back elevational view of the slider device of
FIG. 3
engaging interlocked profiled elements, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5
is an enlarged, fragmented, back elevational view of an alternate slider device , according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6
is a fragmented, back elevational view of another alternate embodiment of a slider device engaging interlocked profiled elements, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7
is a fragmented, back elevational view of another alternate embodiment of a slider device engaging interlocked profiled elements, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8
is a fragmented, back elevational view of another alternate embodiment of a slider device engaging interlocked profiled elements, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9
is a fragmented, back elevational view of another alternate embodiment of a slider device engaging interlocked profiled elements, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9A
is a fragmented, back elevational view of another alternative embodiment of a slider device engaging interlocked profile elements, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9B
is a fragmented, back elevational view of another alternative embodiment of a slider device engaging interlocked profile elements, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10A
is a fragmented, back elevational view of another alternate embodiment of a slider device, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10B
is a cross-sectional view of the slider device depicted in
FIG. 10A
, taken along the line
10
B—
10
B of FIG.
10
A.
FIG. 11
is a schematic, exploded view illustrating one step of the slider device of
FIG. 3
being assembled onto the package of
FIG. 1
, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 12
is a schematic, exploded view illustrating another step of the slider device of
FIG. 3
being assembled onto the package of
FIG. 1
, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
While principles of the invention are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety of packaging arrangements. An appreciation of various aspects of the invention is best gained through a discussion of an example for such a packaging arrangement.
According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a slider device has flexible sidewalls that allow the slider device to be easily attached to a package.
FIG. 1
illustrates an example type of package
110
that benefits from the use of the present invention.
Attention is directed to FIG.
1
.
FIG. 1
illustrates an example packaging arrangement in the form of a resealable, flexible package
110
, for example, a polymer package such as a plastic bag, having a resealable closure mechanism
114
, for example, interlocking profiled elements, constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flexible package
110
includes first and second opposed panel sections
116
,
118
, typically made from a flexible, polymer, plastic film. For some manufacturing applications, the first and second panel sections
116
,
118
are heat-sealed together along two side edges
120
,
122
and meet at a fold line
123
in order to form a three-edged containment section for a product within an interior
124
of the package
110
. In the embodiment shown, the fold line
123
comprises the bottom edge
125
of the package
110
. Alternatively, two separate panel sections
116
,
118
of plastic film may be used and heat-sealed together along the two side edges
120
,
122
and at the bottom edge
125
. Access is provided to the interior
124
of the package
110
through a mouth
126
at the top edge
127
of the package. In the particular embodiment shown, the mouth
126
extends the width of the package
110
.
The resealable closure mechanism
114
is illustrated in
FIG. 1
at the mouth
126
of the flexible package
110
. In the embodiment shown, the resealable closure mechanism
114
extends the width of the mouth
126
. Alternatively, the closure mechanism
114
could be positioned on the package
110
at a location different from the mouth
126
of the package
110
, depending on the application needs for the package
110
. The resealable closure mechanism
114
can be one of a variety of closure mechanisms. In the particular embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2
, the resealable closure mechanism
114
is shown in the specific form of a zipper-type closure mechanism. By the term “zipper-type closure mechanism,” it is meant a structure having opposite interlocking or mating profiled elements that under the application of pressure will interlock and close the region between the profiles.
In particular, the zipper-type closure mechanism in
FIG. 2
is an illustration of one example of a multi-track closure mechanism
114
. By “multi-track,” it is meant that each profile has two or more pairs of hooks or members for interlocking or interengaging. The closure mechanism
114
includes an elongated first closure profile
130
and an elongated second closure profile
131
. Typically, the closure profiles
130
,
131
are manufactured separately from each other. Alternatively, any simple or complex closure mechanism could be used, for example, a mono-track mechanism.
Still in reference to
FIG. 2
, the first closure profile
130
includes a bonding strip
132
, a base strip
133
, first and second closure members
134
,
135
, and first and second guide posts
136
,
137
. The closure members
134
,
135
extend from the base strip
133
and are generally projecting from the base strip
133
. The guide posts
136
,
137
also extend from the base strip
133
and are generally projecting from the base strip
133
. The guide posts
136
,
137
aid in holding the closure mechanism
114
closed and in aligning the first closure profile
130
with the second closure profile
13
I
1
for interlocking. The bonding strip
132
depends or extends downward from the second guide post
137
and is attached to a first panel section, such as the first panel section
116
of the package
110
of FIG.
1
.
The second closure profile
131
likewise includes a bonding strip
142
, a base strip
143
, first and second closure members
144
,
145
, and a guide post
146
. The closure members
144
,
145
extend from the base strip
143
and are generally projecting from the base strip
143
. The guide post
146
also extends from the base strip
143
and is generally projecting from the base strip
143
. The guide post
146
aids in holding the closure mechanism
114
closed and aids in aligning the second closure profile
131
with the first closure profile
130
for interlocking. The bonding strip
142
depends or extends downward from the second interlocking closure member
145
and is attached to a second panel section, such as the second panel section
118
of the package
110
of FIG.
1
.
The first and second closure profiles
130
,
131
are designed to engage with one another to form a resealable closure mechanism
1
14
. The closure members
134
,
135
of the first closure profile
130
extend from the base strip
133
a certain distance. The closure members
144
,
145
of the second closure profile
131
also extend from the base strip
143
, a certain distance. These certain distances, that the closure members
134
,
135
,
144
,
145
extend, are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first closure member
134
of the first closure profile
130
and the first closure member
144
of the second closure profile
131
. Likewise, the second closure member
135
of the first closure profile
130
and the second closure member
145
of the second closure profile
131
mechanically engage, or interlock, with each other. The guide posts
136
,
137
,
146
aid in aligning the profiles
130
,
131
and in keeping the profiles
130
,
131
interlocked. Furthermore, the closure profiles
130
,
131
are sealed together at their ends, such as side edges
120
,
122
of
FIG. 1
, to further aid in aligning the closure profiles
130
,
131
for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles
130
,
131
as they engage to form the openable sealed closure mechanism
114
. Pulling the first closure profile
130
and the second closure profile
131
away from each other causes the two closure profiles
130
,
131
to disengage, opening the package
110
of FIG.
1
. This provides access to the contents of the package
110
through the mouth
126
(FIG.
1
).
In some applications, the closure profiles
130
,
131
are formed by two separate extrusions or through two separate openings of the common extrusion. Typically, the resealable closure mechanism
114
is made of a polymer. plastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In one example embodiment, the closure arrangement illustrated in
FIG. 2
is manufactured using conventional extrusion and heat sealing techniques.
Referring back to
FIG. 1
, a slider device
150
opens and closes the resealable closure mechanism
114
. Attention is directed to FIG.
3
. The slider device
150
has first and second sidewalls
151
,
152
, a first end
153
, a second opposite end
154
, and a rigid top wall
155
extending between the first and second sidewalls
151
,
152
. By “rigid,” it is meant that the top wall
155
is stiff and relatively inflexible. The sidewalls
151
,
152
define a cavity
156
that receives the first and second closure profiles
130
,
131
(FIG.
2
). The slider device
150
further has a separator or plow
157
. In the embodiment shown, the plow
157
depends or extends down from the top wall
155
of the slider device
150
into the cavity
156
. In preferred embodiments, the plow
157
is located at the second end
154
of the slider device
150
and extends only partially along the length of the slider device
150
. That is, the plow
157
only extends approximately 30 to 50% of the length of the slider device
150
beginning at the second end
154
. The plow
157
does not exist at the first end
153
of the slider device
150
.
The slider device
150
also has an opening or window
158
. The window facilitates manufacturing of the slider device
150
by allowing a device (not shown) to be inserted through the window
158
to remove the slider device
150
from a conventional injection mold. Alternatively, the slider device
150
could have more than one opening or window.
Confronting portions of the sidewalls
151
,
152
are tapered towards each other from the second end
154
towards the first end
153
. Thus, referring back to
FIG. 1
, when the slider device
150
is moved in a first, sealing direction A along the top edge
127
of the package
110
, the tapered shapes of the sidewalls
151
,
152
(
FIG. 3
) of the slider device
150
apply pressure to the closure profiles
130
,
131
(FIG.
2
), pinching them together behind the slider device
150
as the slider device
150
moves forward. Interlocking the closure profiles
130
,
131
of the resealable closure mechanism
114
seals the mouth
126
of the package
110
, preventing the contents of the package
110
from spilling out.
The plow
157
(
FIG. 3
) separates the closure profiles
130
,
131
(
FIG. 2
) when the slider device
150
is moved in a second, opposite, opening direction B along the top edge
127
of the package
110
. The plow
157
forces the closure profiles
130
,
131
apart, providing access to the contents of the package
110
through the mouth
126
.
Still in reference to
FIG. 1
, generally, to seal the package
110
, a package user slides the slider device
150
in the scaling direction A across the top of the package
110
. The tapered sidewalls
151
,
152
(
FIG. 3
) apply pressure to the closure profiles
130
,
131
interlocking them as the slider device
150
travels in the sealing direction A. When the slider device
150
is proximate to the side edge
122
, the mouth
126
of the package
110
is sealed closed. Generally to open the package
110
, the package user slides the slider device
150
in the opposite, opening direction B. The plow
157
(
FIG. 3
) separates the closure profiles
130
,
131
, opening the resealable closure mechanism
114
.
Attention is directed to FIG.
4
.
FIG. 4
is a back elevational view of the slider device
150
of
FIG. 3
engaged over the closure mechanism
114
. The slider device
150
is designed to allow for easy assembly when mounted onto the closure mechanism
114
. In general, the slider device
150
includes a flexibility system
159
to allow for flexing of the slider device
150
over the closure mechanism
114
. The slider device
150
is convenient because it is a single, unitary, integral piece, avoiding the expense and complexity of multi-part, such as hinged, sliders. The single, unitary structure allows for assembly of the slider device
150
onto the closure mechanism
114
in a single step. The single piece design of the slider device
150
eliminates losing individual slider pieces during assembly. The flexibility system is particularly advantageous for slider devices having slider legs shorter than 0.25″. For slider devices having slider legs longer than 0.25″, the flexibility system
159
may include the longer slider legs having a greater flexibility.
In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 4
, the flexibility system of the slider device
150
includes first and second cut-outs or notches
160
,
161
defined by the first and second walls
151
,
152
, respectively. The first and second notches
160
,
161
are located within the cavity
156
of the sidewalls
151
,
152
, respectively, towards the top wall
155
of the slider device
150
. The first and second notches
160
,
161
have first and second top edges
162
,
163
, respectively, and first and second bottom edges
164
,
165
, respectively. The notches
160
,
161
are generally elongated grooves extending the length of the first and second walls
151
,
152
, preferably, completely between the first end
153
(
FIG. 3
) and the second end
154
(
FIG. 3
) of the slider device
150
. Preferably, the notches
160
,
161
define triangular cross-sections with the first and second top edges
162
,
163
being angled toward the top wall
155
of the slider device
150
and the first and second bottom edges
164
,
165
being angled downwards toward the package
110
. The notches
160
,
161
reduce the thickness of the sidewalls
151
,
152
, respectively, of the slider device
150
.
The first and second notches
160
,
161
, and correspondingly reduced thickness of the sidewalls
151
,
152
, form first and second flex points
166
,
167
, respectively, in the sidewalls
151
,
152
, respectively. The notches
160
,
161
allow the respective sidewalls
151
,
152
to flex or bend at flex points
166
,
167
. During assembly of the package
110
, the sidewalls
151
,
152
are pushed outward (that is, away from each other), flexing at flex points
166
,
167
, to allow the slider device
150
to be placed over the first and second closure profiles
130
,
131
. Once the slider device
150
is in place around the closure profiles
130
,
131
, the sidewalls
151
,
152
revert back to their natural position, approximately normal to the top wall
155
of the slider device
150
. No extra structure, pieces, or steps are required. In other words, the flex points
166
,
167
have sufficient flexibility to allow for easy assembly over the closure mechanism
114
, but also, sufficient rigidity to snap into place over the closure mechanism
114
, once the force on the sidewalls
151
,
152
is released.
Alternatively, the notches
160
,
161
could be one of a variety of shapes and could be placed at any location along the sidewalls
151
,
152
, respectively. Of course, the closer towards the top wall
155
of the slider device
150
that the notches
160
,
161
are placed, the greater the ease of assembly because the sidewalls
151
,
152
can be pushed out further at their ends to fit over the closure profiles
130
.
131
and because less force is required to push the sidewalls
151
,
152
out. Similarly, the lengths C. D of the sidewalls
151
,
152
. respectively, affect the flexibility of the sidewalls
151
,
152
. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 4
, the first sidewall
151
has a length C that is greater than the length D of the second sidewall
152
. The longer length C of the first sidewall
151
creates more torque on the first flex point
166
than the shorter length D of the second sidewall
152
creates on the second flex point
167
. Accordingly, the first sidewall
151
will flex or bend more easily than the second sidewall
152
. Preferably, the lengths C, D of the sidewalls
151
,
152
, respectively, correspond to the shape and size of the closure profiles
130
,
131
, creating a tight or snug fit of the slider device
150
over the closure profiles
130
,
131
. Preferably, the length C of the first sidewall
151
is about 5-15% greater than the length D of the second sidewall
152
and typically is about 8% greater. Furthermore, increasing the depth of the notches
160
,
161
relative to the thickness of the sidewalls
151
,
152
increases the flexibility of the sidewalls
151
,
152
, respectively.
Referring back to
FIG. 3
, the slider device
150
is shaped to facilitate opening and closing of the resealable closure mechanism
114
(FIG.
4
). As shown in
FIG. 3
, the shape of the top wall
155
of the slider device
150
can be contoured to provide grasping regions
168
,
169
for the consumer to use to move the slider device
150
forward and backward along the resealable closure mechanism
114
, opening and closing the resealable closure mechanism
114
. The contours include an angled out region
168
and a curved ledge region
169
. The user would be able to grasp the slider device
150
along the angled out region
168
, using ledge region
169
as a backstop. The top wall
155
of the slider device
150
is contoured above the notches
160
,
161
. Thus, the contouring does not affect the operation of the flex points
166
,
167
. Alternatively, the contouring could be done on the outside wall surfaces of the slider device
150
.
Referring back to
FIG. 4
, the angle between the top edges
162
,
163
and the bottom edges
164
,
165
, respectively, affects how far the sidewalls
151
,
152
can move away from the closure profiles
130
,
131
. For example, attention is directed to FIG.
5
. In this particular embodiment, the distance of travel of the sidewalls
151
′,
152
′ is limited by the angle of the top edges
162
′,
163
′, respectively. As shown in
FIG. 5
, the top edges
162
′,
163
′ are parallel to the top wall
155
′ of the slider device
150
′. The angle of the bottom edges
164
′,
165
′ relative to the horizontal remains the same as the angle of the bottom edges
164
,
165
of
FIG. 4
relative to the horizontal. By reducing the relative angle between the top edges
162
′,
163
′ and the bottom edges
164
′,
165
′, respectively, the distance the sidewalls
151
′,
152
′ of the slider device
150
′ can travel outward away from the closure profiles
130
,
131
(
FIG. 4
) has been reduced, as compared to the embodiment of FIG.
4
.
Attention is directed to FIG.
6
.
FIG. 6
is a back elevational view of another embodiment of a slider device
250
. In this embodiment, a flexibility system
259
includes first and second notches
260
,
261
defined by the first and second sidewalls
251
,
252
, respectively. In this particular embodiment, the first and second notches
260
,
261
are located on the outside, or opposite the cavity
256
, of the sidewalls
251
,
252
towards the top wall
255
of the slider device
250
. The first and second notches
260
,
261
have structure analogous to the first and second notches
160
,
161
of FIG.
4
.
The first and second notches
260
,
261
form flex points
266
,
267
, respectively, in the sidewalls
251
,
252
, respectively. The flex points
266
,
267
allow the respective sidewalls
251
,
252
to flex or bend. During assembly of the slider device
250
onto the closure mechanism
114
of the package
110
(FIG.
1
), the sidewalls
251
,
252
are pushed outward and away from each other, flexing at flex points
266
,
267
, to allow the slider device
250
to be placed over the first and second closure profiles
230
,
231
. Once the slider device
250
is in place, the sidewalls
251
,
252
revert back to their natural position, approximately normal to the top wall
255
of the slider device
250
.
To further aid in assembly of the slider device
250
onto the closure to mechanism
214
, a bottom edge
270
of the first sidewall
251
is angled upward a first angle E from a line parallel with the top wall
255
of the slider device
250
. Likewise, a bottom edge
271
of the second sidewall
252
is angled upward a second angle F from a line parallel with the top wall
255
of the slider device
250
. Preferably the first and second angles E, F are approximately equal, about 45 degrees. The angled bottom edges
270
,
271
deflect the sidewalls
251
,
252
outward when the slider device
250
is pushed onto the closure profiles
230
,
231
.
Attention is directed to FIG.
7
.
FIG. 7
is a back elevational view of another embodiment of a slider device
350
. To further aid in assembly of the slider device
350
over the closure mechanism
314
, the base strips
333
,
343
of the first and second closure profiles
330
,
331
, respectively, are angled. A top edge
372
of the base strip
333
of the first closure profile
330
is angled downward a third angle G from a line parallel with the top wall
355
of the slider device
350
. Likewise, a top edge
373
of the base strip
343
of the second closure profile
331
is angled downward a fourth angle H from a line parallel with the top wall
355
of the slider device
350
. Preferably, the third and fourth angles G, H are approximately equal, for example, about 45 degrees. The angled top edges
372
,
373
of the base strips
333
,
343
deflect the sidewalls
351
,
352
of the slider device
350
out away from the closure profiles
330
,
331
when the slider device
350
is pushed onto the closure profiles
330
,
331
. The sidewalls
351
,
352
flex at flexpoints
366
,
367
during assembly of the slider device
350
over the closure profiles
330
,
331
.
Still referring to
FIG. 7
, the sidewalls
351
,
352
are contoured near the top wall
355
of the slider device
350
by angling the tops
374
,
375
of the sidewalls
351
,
352
to approximate the angles G, H, respectively, of the top edges
372
,
373
, respectively of the base strips
333
,
343
, respectively. This contours the cavity
356
to fit the shape of the closure profiles
330
,
331
, allowing the slider device
350
to be quickly positioned and oriented on the closure profiles
330
,
331
.
Attention is directed to FIG.
8
. According to another example embodiment of the present invention, the slider device
450
has first and second depending tabs
476
,
477
depending from the top wall
455
. The first depending tab
476
occupies the area between the top wall
455
of the slider device
450
and the first closure profile
430
. Likewise, the second depending tab
477
occupies the area between the top wall
455
of the slider device
450
and the second closure profile
431
. The first and second depending tabs
476
,
477
contour the cavity
456
of the slider device
450
to fit the shape of the closure profiles
430
,
431
, allowing the slider device
450
to be quickly positioned and orientated on the closure profiles
430
,
431
.
The slider device
450
also has elongated projections or guide rails
478
,
479
that extend along first and second bottoms
480
,
481
, respectively. of the first and second sidewalls
451
,
452
, respectively. The closure profiles
430
,
431
also have mating recesses or grooves or guide tracks
482
,
483
that extend along the bottom of the closure profiles
430
,
431
. The guide rails
478
,
479
slidably fit within and are received by the respective guide tracks
482
,
483
. By the term “slidably fit,” it is meant the guide rails
478
,
479
are received within the guide tracks
482
,
483
such that they are retained within the guide tracks
482
,
483
but also slide along the length of the first and second closure profiles
430
,
431
within the guide tracks
482
,
483
. The guide rails
478
,
479
help to guide the slider device
450
along the closure profiles
430
,
431
. The guide rails
478
,
479
also help to maintain the sidewalls
451
,
452
approximately normal to the top
455
of the slider device
450
by locking the sidewalls
451
,
452
in place under the closure profiles
430
,
431
. Alternatively, the guide tracks could be located on the slider device
450
and the guiderails could be located on the first and second closure profiles
430
,
431
.
Attention is directed to FIG.
9
. According to another example embodiment of the present invention, the closure profiles
530
,
531
have an alignment system for helping to securely retain the slider device
550
over the closure mechanism
514
. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 9
, the closure profiles
530
,
531
include first and second projections or alignment ridges
584
,
585
respectively. Preferably, the alignment ridges
584
,
585
extend the full length of the closure profiles
530
,
531
, respectively. The first and second alignment ridges
584
,
585
have first and second top edges
586
,
587
, respectively. The first and second top edges
586
,
587
are angled down toward the package
110
(
FIG. 1
) at fifth and sixth angles I, J, respectively. Preferably, the fifth and sixth angles I, J are approximately equal to the first and second angles E, F (
FIG. 6
) of the bottoms
580
,
581
, respectively, of the sidewalls
551
,
552
, respectively, and are typically 45 degrees.
The first alignment ridge
584
and the second guide post
537
of the first closure profile
530
define a first recess or groove
588
. Likewise, the second alignment ridge
585
and the second interlocking closure member
545
of the second closure profile
531
define a second recess or groove
589
. The first and second grooves
588
,
589
are designed to receive the hooks of the first and second bottoms
580
,
581
, respectively, of the sidewalls
551
,
552
, respectively. Correspondingly, the alignment ridges
584
,
585
are located on the bonding strips
532
,
542
of the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
, respectively, such that the first and second grooves
588
,
589
receive the bottoms
580
,
581
of the sidewalls
551
,
552
, respectively. The alignment ridges
584
,
585
help to maintain the slider device
550
securely retained to or locked over the closure profiles
530
,
531
.
The first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
also have a secondary closure arrangement for providing a supplemental, or back-up, seal to ensure fluid-tightness and a leakless closure. One example embodiment is shown in
FIG. 9
as a secondary closure mechanism
590
. In particular, the bonding strip
532
of the first closure profile
530
has a first profiled member
591
. The first profiled member
591
has first and second closure ridges
592
,
593
. The bonding strip
542
of the second closure profile
531
has a second profiled member
594
. The second profiled member
594
has a first closure ridge
595
. The closure ridges
592
,
593
,
595
project out from their respective bonding strips
532
,
542
. The closure ridges
592
,
593
,
595
are located below the primary closure mechanism
514
and the slider device
550
. By the term “below,” it is meant that the secondary closure mechanism
590
is located more toward the interior
124
(
FIG. 1
) of the package
110
(
FIG. 1
) than the primary closure mechanism
514
or the slider device
550
. In other words, the secondary closure mechanism
590
is located between the primary closure mechanism
514
and the bottom edge
125
(
FIG. 1
) of the package
110
(FIG.
1
). The first and second closure ridges
592
,
593
of the first closure profile
530
are designed to receive the first closure ridge
595
of the second closure profile
531
. The first closure ridge
595
of the second closure profile
531
fits tightly or snugly within the first and second closure ridges
592
,
593
of the first closure profile
530
, such that a leakproof secondary closure mechanism
590
is formed.
Sometimes, in some embodiments, the plow
557
of the slider device
550
may keep the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
from completely engaging along the entire length of the primary closure mechanism
514
when the slider device
550
is in the closed position. Referring to
FIG. 1
, by the term “closed position,” it is meant that the slider device has traveled in the sealing direction A and has come to rest proximate to the side edge
122
of the package
110
. In this position, the plow
557
(
FIG. 9
) may keep the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
(
FIG. 9
) from engaging near the side edge
122
of the package
110
. Referring back to
FIG. 9
, the secondary closure mechanism
590
is designed to ensure that the mouth
126
of the package
110
of
FIG. 1
is leak-proof even though the primary closure mechanism
514
may not be completely sealed in the closed position. Alternatively, the secondary closure mechanism
590
may be any single or multi-track zipper-type closure mechanism.
The first and second profiled elements
591
,
594
and the first and second alignment ridges
584
,
585
are extruded from a first material along with the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
. The first material is preferably a polymer. plastic material that provides enough rigidity to seal the secondary closure mechanism
590
along with the primary closure mechanism
514
. In other words, the first material is rigid enough that when the slider device
550
slides along the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
in the sealing direction A (FIG.
1
), the slider device
550
engages the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
of the primary closure mechanism
514
as well as causes the first and second profiled elements
591
,
594
of the secondary closure mechanism
590
to interlock.
Alternatively, the first and second profiled elements
591
,
594
may be coextruded with the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
, using a second material for the first and second profiled elements
591
,
594
that is different from the first material used for the remaining portion of the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
. For example, the first and second profiled elements
591
,
594
may be coextruded from a polymer, plastic material that is softer or tackier than the first material used for the remaining portion of the first and second closure profiles
530
,
531
. The softer or tackier second material would help to improve the seal of the secondary closure mechanism
590
.
Attention is directed to FIG.
9
A.
FIG. 9A
is a back elevational view of another example embodiment of a slider device
750
. In this embodiment, a flexibility system
759
includes first and second bottoms
780
,
781
. Preferably, the first and second bottoms
780
,
781
comprise a thinner, flexible material than the sidewalls
751
,
752
of the slider device
750
. The thinner, flexible material allows the first and second bottoms
780
,
781
to deflect toward the top
755
of the slider device
750
, while the sidewalls
751
,
752
remain rigid during installation. During installation. after the slider device
750
has been installed on the closure mechanism
714
and the bottoms
780
,
781
are beyond the first and second closure profiles
730
731
, respectively, the bottoms
780
,
781
return to their normal position as shown in FIG.
9
A.
The flexibility system
759
can also have first and second notches
760
,
761
. The notches
760
,
761
further aid in deflecting the bottoms
780
,
781
during installation of the slider device
750
. The notches
760
,
761
are analogous to the notches
160
,
161
of FIG.
4
.
Attention is directed to FIG.
9
B.
FIG. 9B
is a back elevational view of another example embodiment of a slider device
850
. In this embodiment, the first and second bottoms
880
,
881
are coextruded from a first material
860
, different than that of the remainder of the slider device
850
, which is extruded from a second material
861
. The first material
860
is a more flexible material than the second material
861
. During installation, the bottoms
880
,
881
, comprising the flexible first material
860
, will deflect toward the top
855
of the slider device
850
, while the sidewalls
851
,
852
, comprising the second material
861
, remain rigid.
Attention is directed to FIG.
10
A. According to another example embodiment, a slider device
650
has a first plow
657
a
and a second plow
657
b
. The first and second plows
657
a
,
657
b
have structure analogous to the plow
157
of the slider device
150
of FIG.
3
. In some applications, the first and second plows
657
a
,
657
b
separate the closure profiles
130
,
131
(
FIG. 2
) more efficiently than a single plow
157
(FIG.
3
). Whether a single plow
157
, as in FIG.
3
. is used, or whether multiple plows
657
a
,
657
b
, as in
FIG. 10A
, are used, is dependent on the type of closure mechanism that is utilized.
Still in reference to
FIG. 10A
, the slider device
650
has first and second notches
660
,
661
. The first and second notches
660
,
661
have structure analogous to the first and second notches
160
,
161
of FIG.
4
. In embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 10A
, the first and second notches
660
,
661
are located between the rigid top wall
655
and the first and second sidewalls
651
,
652
. The first and second notches
660
,
661
create first and second flex points
666
,
667
. The first and second flex points
666
,
667
are analogous to the first and second flex points
166
,
167
of
FIG. 4
, allowing the sidewalls
651
,
652
to flex apart.
The slider device
650
also has a plurality of surface ridges for reducing the force needed to move the slider device
650
in the sealing and opening directions A, B along the top edge
127
of the package
110
of FIG.
1
. Preferably, as illustrated in
FIG. 10B
, the slider device
650
has a first bump or surface ridge
696
, a second surface ridge
697
, a third surface ridge
698
, and a fourth surface ridge
699
. The surface ridges
696
,
697
,
698
,
699
come in contact with the closure profiles
130
,
131
(FIG.
2
), respectively. The surface ridges
696
,
697
,
698
,
699
reduce the contact area between the closure profiles
130
,
131
and the surface ridges
696
,
697
,
698
,
699
, reducing the friction and resulting force necessary to move the slider device
650
in the sealing and opening directions A, B along the top edge
127
of the package
110
of FIG.
1
. Alternatively, the slider device
650
only has the first surface ridge
696
and the fourth surface ridge
699
or has more than four surface ridges. In another variation, one or more continuous or discontinuous ribs or ridges extend at an angle to the horizontal, such as vertically, to reduce the contact area with the closure profiles.
Attention is directed to FIG.
11
.
FIG. 11
illustrates schematically one of the steps in assembly of the slider device
150
onto the closure mechanism
114
. Generally, after manufacturing, the package
110
has an interlocked resealable closure mechanism
114
. The slider device
150
is oriented such that the cavity
156
, defined by the sidewalls
151
,
152
. is above and aligned with the resealable closure mechanism
114
.
Attention is directed to FIG.
12
.
FIG. 12
is an illustration of another step of the assembly process. The slider device
150
is pushed down toward the closure mechanism
114
in the direction of arrow K, causing the sidewalls
151
,
152
to flex at flex points
166
,
167
, spreading the sidewalls
151
,
152
apart. The first sidewall
151
deflects from a center line Z of the slider device
150
a seventh angle L. Likewise, the second wall
152
deflects from the center line Z of the slider device
150
an eighth angle M. The sizes of the seventh and eighth angles L, M are dependent on the length of the sidewalls
151
,
152
. Preferably the seventh and eighth angles L, M are less than approximately 30 degrees.
Referring back to FIG.
4
. after the closure profiles
130
,
131
are within the cavity
156
, the sidewalls
151
,
152
snap back into their natural position, approximately normal to the top wall
155
of the slider device
150
. Note that the bottoms
180
,
181
of the sidewalls
151
,
152
hook over and engage the bottoms
196
,
197
of the profiles
130
,
131
to help lock the slider
150
to the closure mechanism
114
. The slider device
150
then operates as described previously herein.
The steps of assembly of the slider device
150
over the closure profiles
130
,
131
, while shown for the slider device embodiment of
FIGS. 3 and 4
, are analogous to the other embodiments of the slider device.
The above specification and examples are believed to provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
- 1. A single-piece slider device for use with a resealable closure mechanism having a first closure profile and a second closure profile, the slider device comprising:(a) a rigid top wall; (b) at least a first plow depending from the top wall for separating the first and second closure profiles; (c) a first sidewall having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, a first bottom edge, and a first length; the first sidewall having a first flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the first sidewall to flex at the first flex point; and (d) a second sidewall having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a second bottom edge, and a second length; the second sidewall having a second flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the second sidewall to flex at the second flex point; wherein the first bottom edge of the first sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a first angle relative to a line parallel with the top wall of the slider device, and the second bottom edge of the second sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a second angle relative to the line parallel with the top wall of the slider device.
- 2. A slider device according to claim 1, wherein the first flex point is located on the first inner surface of the first sidewall, and the second flex point is located on the second inner surface of the second sidewall.
- 3. A slider device according to claim 2, wherein the first sidewall defines a first notch arranged and configured to create the first flex point, and the second sidewall defines a second notch arranged and configured to create the second flex point.
- 4. A slider device according to claim 1, wherein the first flex point is located on the first inner surface of the first sidewall, and the second flex point is located on the second inner surface of the second sidewall.
- 5. A slider device according to claim 4, wherein the first sidewall defines a first notch arranged and configured to create the first flex point, and the second sidewall defines a second notch arranged and configured to create the second flex point.
- 6. A slider device according to claim 5, wherein the first notch has a triangular shape having a first top edge and a first bottom edge, and the second notch has a triangular shape having a second top edge and a second bottom edge.
- 7. A slider device according to claim 6, wherein the first top edge of the first notch and the second top edge of the second notch are parallel with the top wall of the slider device.
- 8. A slider device according to claim 1, wherein the first flex point is located on the first outer surface of the first sidewall, and the second flex point is located on the second outer surface of the second sidewall.
- 9. A slider device according to claim 1, wherein the first flex point is located between the first sidewall and the top wall, and the second flex point is located between the second sidewall and the top wall.
- 10. A slider device according to claim 9, wherein the first sidewall and the top wall define a first notch arranged and configured to create the first flex point, and the second sidewall and the top wall define a second notch arranged and configured to create the second flex point.
- 11. A slider device according to claim 1, wherein the first flex point is located between the first sidewall and a first bottom portion of the first sidewall and the second flex point is located between the second sidewall and a second bottom portion of the second sidewall.
- 12. A slider device according to claim 11, wherein the first and second bottom portions are coextruded with the first and second sidewalls.
- 13. A slider device according to claim 1, wherein the slider device is contoured to provide at least a first grasping region for a consumer to operate the slider device.
- 14. A slider device according to claim 13, wherein the first flex point is rigid and configured to snap back to a first sidewall initial position; and the second flex point is rigid and configured to snap back to a second sidewall initial position.
- 15. A slider device according to claim 1, wherein the rigid top wall of the slider device has at least a first tab depending down into the cavity of the slider device.
- 16. A slider device according to claim 1, further comprising a second plow depending from the top wall for separating the first and second closure profiles.
- 17. A slider device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of surface ridges extending from the first inner surface of the first sidewall and the second inner surface of the second sidewall.
- 18. A single-piece slider device for use with a resealable closure mechanism having a first closure profile and a second closure profile, the slider device comprising:(a) a rigid top wall; (b) at least a first plow depending from the top wall for separating the first and second closure profiles; (c) a first sidewall having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, a first bottom edge, and a first length; the first sidewall having a first flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the first sidewall to flex at the first flex point; and (d) a second sidewall having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a second bottom edge, and a second length; the second sidewall having a second flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the second sidewall to flex at the second flex point; and further comprising at least a first window in the top wall.
- 19. A slider device according to claim 18 wherein the first flex point is located on the first inner surface of the first sidewall, and the second flex point is located on the second inner surface of the second sidewall.
- 20. A slider device according to claim 19, wherein the first sidewall defines a first notch arranged and configured to create the first flex point, and the second sidewall defines a second notch arranged and configured to create the second flex point.
- 21. A slider device according to claim 20, wherein the first notch has a triangular shape having a first top edge and a first bottom edge, and the second notch has a triangular shape having a second top edge and a second bottom edge.
- 22. A slider device according to claim 18 wherein the first flex point is rigid and configured to snap back to a first sidewall initial position; and the second flex point is rigid and configured to snap back to a second sidewall initial position.
- 23. A slider device according to claim 18, wherein the first flex point is located on the first outer surface of the first sidewall, and the second flex point is located on the second outer surface of the second sidewall.
- 24. A slider device according to claim 18, wherein the rigid top wall of the slider device has at least a first tab depending down into the cavity of the slider device.
- 25. A slider device according to claim 18, further comprising a plurality of surface ridges extending from the first inner surface of the first sidewall and the second inner surface of the second sidewall.
- 26. A slider device according to claim 18 wherein the first bottom edge of the first sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a first angle relative to a line parallel with the top wall of the slider device, and the second bottom edge of the second sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a second angle relative to the line parallel with the top wall of the slider device.
- 27. A single-piece slider device for use with a resealable closure mechanism having a first closure profile and a second closure profile, the slider device comprising:(a) a rigid top wall; (b) at least a first plow depending from the top wall for separating the first and second closure profiles; (c) a first sidewall having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, a first bottom edge, and a first length; the first sidewall having a first flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the first sidewall to flex outwardly from a first sidewall initial position normal to the top wall at the first flex point responsive to a first force; (i) the first flex point being rigid and configured to snap back to the first sidewall initial position upon release of the first force; and (d) a second sidewall having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a second bottom edge, and a second length; the second sidewall having a second flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the second sidewall to flex outwardly from a second sidewall initial position normal to the top wall at the second flex point responsive to a second force; (i) the second flex point being rigid and configured to snap back to the second sidewall initial position upon release of the second force; wherein the first bottom edge of the first sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a first angle relative to a line parallel with the top wall of the slider device, and the second bottom edge of the second sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a second angle relative to the line parallel with the top wall of the slider device.
- 28. A slider device according to claim 27 wherein the first flex point is located on the first inner surface of the first sidewall, and the second flex point is located on the second inner surface of the second sidewall.
- 29. A slider device according to claim 27, wherein the first flex point is located on the first outer surface of the first sidewall, and the second flex point is located on the second outer surface of the second sidewall.
- 30. A slider device according to claim 27, wherein the first flex point is located between the first sidewall and the top wall, and the second flex point is located between the second sidewall and the top wall.
- 31. A slider device according to claim 27, wherein the first flex point is located between the first sidewall and a first bottom portion of the first sidewall and the second flex point is located between the second sidewall and a second bottom portion of the second sidewall.
- 32. A slider device according to claim 27, wherein the slider device is contoured to provide at least a first grasping region for a consumer to operate the slider device.
US Referenced Citations (13)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
1 277 607 |
Sep 1968 |
DE |