ZIPPER CLOSURE; RECLOSEABLE POUCH; & METHODS

Abstract

A recloseable zipper closure for use with a flexible package has a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess. A male profile opposing the female profile includes a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs. A female fin is attached to the female profile at an attachment area along the base; the female fin being positioned to be secured to a portion of the flexible package. A male fin is attached to the male profile member and is positioned to be secured to another portion of the flexible package.

Claims

1. A recloseable zipper closure for use with a flexible package; the zipper closure comprising: (a) a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; (b) a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs; (c) a female fin attached to the female profile at an attachment area along the base; the female fin being positioned to be secured to a portion of the flexible package; and (d) a male fin attached to the male profile member; the male fin being positioned to be secured to an opposing portion of the flexible package.

2. The zipper closure of claim 1, wherein the attachment area of the female fin is along the female base positioned between the first and second profile legs.

3. The zipper closure of claim 1, wherein the male fin is attached to the male profile member at the male base.

4. The zipper closure of claim 1, wherein the male profile member includes a male rib projection with a head remote from the male base and first and second, opposite side arms on opposite sides of the rib projection; the side arms providing for engagement recesses thereunder for locking engagement with portions of the first and second profile legs.

5. The zipper closure of claim 4, wherein: (a) the first profile leg has a first hook member; (b) the second profile leg has a second hook member; wherein when the male profile member is inserted in the receiver recess, the first and second hook member are received in respective ones of the engagement recesses to interlock.

6. The zipper closure of claim 5, wherein: (a) the first profile leg is positioned as a product-side leg and having the first hook member positioned closer to an interior of a flexible package, when the closure is secured to the flexible package; (b) the second profile leg is positioned as a consumer-side leg and having the second hook member positioned away from the interior of the flexible package, when the closure is secured to the flexible package; (c) the first side arm on the male profile member is positioned as a product-side side arm, positioned closer to the interior of the flexible package, when the closure is secured to the flexible package, and positioned to engage with the product-side leg; (d) the second side arm on the male profile member is positioned as a consumer-side side arm, positioned away from the interior of a flexible package, when the closure is secured to the flexible package, and positioned to engage with the consumer-side leg; wherein engagement between the product-side leg and product-side side arm is stronger than engagement between the consumer-side leg and consumer-side side arm.

7. The zipper closure of claim 6, wherein the male base includes a lock down feature to interfere with the second profile leg.

8. The zipper closure of claim 7, wherein the lock down feature comprises a bend defining a concave receiving volume in the male base.

9. The zipper closure of claim 7, wherein the lock down feature comprises a protuberance extending from the male base toward the female profile.

10. The zipper closure of claim 7, further including: (a) a stub projecting from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin; the stub having a terminal surface; and (b) an ear extending from the male base and sized to rest on the terminal surface of the stub, when the male profile and female profile are interlocked, forming a parting surface contained within a plane orthogonal to a plane containing the male base.

11. The zipper closure of claim 10, wherein the lock down feature comprises a bend defining a concave receiving volume in the male base.

12. The zipper closure of claim 10, wherein the lock down feature comprises a protuberance extending from the male base toward the female profile.

13. The zipper closure of claim 12, wherein the protuberance also extends from the ear toward the female profile.

14. The zipper closure of claim 1, wherein: (a) the female fin includes a first slider-engaging projection extending away from the male fin, and being spaced from the female base and the first profile leg; and (b) the male fin includes a second slider-engaging projection extending away from the female fin, and being spaced from the male base.

15. A flexible, recloseable package comprising: (a) a recloseable zipper closure including, (i) a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; (ii) a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs; (iii) a female fin attached to the female profile at an attachment area along the base; (iv) a male fin attached to the male profile member; (b) a first panel having a top edge; the female fin secured to the first panel along the top edge; and (c) a second panel, opposing the first panel, having a top edge; the male fin secured to the second panel along the second panel top edge; wherein the first panel and second panel form a surrounding package wall having an interior volume.

16. The flexible package of claim 15, further including a slider slidably located on the zipper closure; the slider including: (a) an opening end and an opposite closing end; (b) a top wall with an internal surface; (c) first and second legs extending from the top wall and enclosing the internal surface of the top wall; (i) the first and second legs having internal surfaces converging toward each other as they extend from the opening end to the closing end; (ii) the first leg having a first hook at a terminal end, extending in a direction toward the second leg; (iii) the second leg having a second hook at a terminal end, extending in a direction toward the first leg; and (d) a splitter extending from the internal surface of the top wall at the opening end.

17. The flexible package of claim 16, wherein: (a) the female fin includes a first slider-engaging projection extending away from the male fin, and being spaced from the female base and the first profile leg; (i) the first hook of the slider being engaged with the first slider-engaging projection; and (b) the male fin includes a second slider-engaging projection extending away from the female fin, and being spaced from the male base; (ii) the second hook of the slider being engaged with the second slider-engaging projection.

18. The flexible package of claim 15, wherein the first and second panels are secured together along opposite side edges.

19. A method of operating a zippered bag having an openable and recloseable mouth; the method comprising: (a) providing a zippered bag having first and second panels forming a wall surrounding an interior, an open mouth, and a closed bottom; and a recloseable zipper closure secured to the panels along the mouth; (i) the recloseable zipper closure including a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; and a female fin attached to the female profile at an attachment area along the base; the female fin being secured to the first panel; (ii) the recloseable zipper closure including a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs; and a male fin attached to the male profile member; the male fin being secured to the second panel; and (b) putting the female fin and male fin in tension to draw the first and second spaced profile legs together to increase lock interference between the male profile member and the first and second spaced profile legs. 20 The method of claim 19, wherein: (a) the male profile member has a first side arm positioned near the interior; and (b) the step of putting the female fin and male fin in tension generates torque on the first side arm.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: (a) the male base includes a lock down feature to interfere with the second profile leg; and (b) the step of generating torque on the first side arm increases lock interference between the second profile leg and the lock down feature.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the lock down feature comprises a bend defining a concave receiving volume in the male base.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the lock down feature comprises a protuberance extending from the male base toward the female profile.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art recloseable zipper closure;

[0030] FIG. 2 is the prior art zipper closure of FIG. 1 under load;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a bag with a recloseable zipper closure and slider, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a bag with a slider-free recloseable zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a recloseable zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 6 is the zipper closure of FIG. 5 under load;

[0035] FIG. 7 is another embodiment of a recloseable zipper closure;

[0036] FIG. 8 is the zipper closure of FIG. 7 under load;

[0037] FIG. 9 is another embodiment of a recloseable zipper closure;

[0038] FIG. 10 is the zipper closure of FIG. 9 under load;

[0039] FIG. 11 is another embodiment of a recloseable zipper closure;

[0040] FIG. 12 is the zipper closure of FIG. 11 under load;

[0041] FIG. 13 is another embodiment of a recloseable zipper closure;

[0042] FIG. 14 is the zipper closure of FIG. 13 under load;

[0043] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a slider usable with the zipper closures of FIGS. 5-14;

[0044] FIG. 16 is another perspective view of the slider of FIG. 15;

[0045] FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the slider of FIG. 15;

[0046] FIG. 18 is an end view of the slider of FIG. 15;

[0047] FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the slider of FIG. 15; and

[0048] FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the slider of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the inventor has recognized that the placement of the female fin 40, relative to the rest of the closure 30, results in tension forces pulling apart the lock 50 on the product side. By attaching the female fin 40 to the profile 32 in a different location (discussed below in connection with FIGS. 5-14), when the fin 40 is put into tension, it will draw the female legs 33, 34 together, increasing lock interference. The specific attachment location balances the force between upper lock 52 and lower lock 50 according to their relative locking strength. The attachment location may be adjusted to maintain optimal balance.

[0050] Further, in some selected embodiments, the position of male fin attachment concentrates force on the stronger lower lock. It also creates a rotational force and motion on the male profile. A lock down feature (discussed below in connection with FIGS. 5-14) is added to some embodiments to take advantage of this rotation. As the closure is loaded, the lock down feature rotates into place, pushing down on the top of the upper female lock, trapping it against the upper male lock and increasing interference and strength. In this way, the upper lock can achieve adequate strength while maintaining a relatively small size, which is advantageous for ease of opening.

[0051] In reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a flexible pouch 60 or package or bag with a recloseable zipper closure 62, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure, is illustrated. The pouch 60 includes a first panel 64 having a top edge 66. A second panel 68 opposes the first panel 64 and has a top edge 70. The first panel 64 and second panel 68 form a surrounding wall 72 surrounding an interior 74. The top edges 66, 70 form an open mouth 76, which allows access to the interior 74.

[0052] There are a variety of pouches 60 possible, and in the example shown, the pouch 60 has a closed bottom 78. The closed bottom 78 may be formed by a fold between the first panel 64 and second panel 68; alternatively, the bottom 78 may be formed by securing together the panels 64, 68 along bottom edges of the panels 64, 68. The panels 64, 68 are typically secured together along side edges 80, 81, extending between the top edges 66, 70 and the bottom 78. Typically, the panels 64, 68 are made from a polymeric (plastic) material, and is often transparent-but need not be. The panels 64, 68 are often secured together by heat sealing. Many other types of pouches 60 could be used, including stand up, side gusset, bottom gusset, etc. It should be appreciated that the zipper closure 62 described herein can be used with any of these various types of pouches 60.

[0053] The zipper closure 62 is attached or otherwise arranged on the mouth 76 and is used to selectively open and close the mouth 76. The zipper closure 62 has mating, interlocking members. When the members are mated or interlocked or engaged, the mouth 76 is closed, preventing access to the interior 74. When the members are unmated or unlocked or disengaged, the mouth 76 is open, providing access to the interior 74.

[0054] In the pouch 60 of FIG. 3, there is a slider 84 used to selectively mate or interlock the members, and selectively unmate or unlock or disengage the members. The slider 84 is slidably mounted on the zipper closure 62. When the slider 84 is moved in the closing direction (arrow 86), the members are interlocked, and the mouth 76 is closed. When the slider 84 is moved in the opening direction (arrow 88), the members are unlocked, and the mouth 76 is opened. FIG. 3 also shows an optional notch 90, which, in some implementation, can be provided as a parking place for a splitter 224 (FIGS. 15-20) in the slider 84. An example preferred slider 84 is discussed below, in connection with FIGS. 15-20.

[0055] The pouch 60 of FIG. 4 is slider-free. The zipper closure 62 is locked and unlocked by a user's fingers. It is typically pressed together to interlock the closure 62 and pulled apart to unlock the closure 62.

[0056] In reference now to FIGS. 5-14, example embodiments of the recloseable zipper closures 62, according to principles of this disclosure, are illustrated. In FIG. 5, the zipper closure 62 includes a female profile 100. The female profile 100 includes a first profile leg 102 and a second profile leg 104. The first and second legs 102, 104 are spaced apart and joined by a female base 106. The legs 102, 104 and base 106 define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess 108.

[0057] In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the female fin 110 is attached to the female profile 100 at an attachment area 112, and as further explained below, to increase the lock interference. As embodied herein, the attachment area 112 of the female fin 110 is along the female base 106. In preferred implementations, the attachment area 112 is along the female base 106 positioned between the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

[0058] The female fin 110 is positioned to be secured to a portion of the pouch 60. Typically the fin 110 is secured to one of the first or second panels 64, 68 by heat sealing or other suitable means.

[0059] The zipper closure 62 includes a male profile 114 opposing the female profile 100. The male profile 114 includes a male profile member 116 extending from a male base 118. The male profile member 116 is sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess 108 and engaged with the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

[0060] The zipper closure 62 includes a male fin 120. The male fin 120 is attached to the male profile member 116, and is positioned to be secured to another portion of the pouch 60. Typically the fin 120 is secured to one of the first or second panels 64, 68 by heat sealing or other suitable means.

[0061] In the example embodiment shown, the male fin 120 is attached to the male profile member 116 at the male base 118.

[0062] Many embodiments are possible. In the example shown, the male profile member 116 includes a male rib projection 122 with a head 124 remote from the male base 118. The male profile member 116, in the example embodiment shown, includes first and second, opposite side arms 126, 128 on opposite sides of the male rib projection 122. The side arms 126, 128 provide for engagement recesses 130, 132 thereunder for locking engagement with portions of the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

[0063] In some example embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 5-14, the first profile leg 102 has a first hook member 134. The second profile leg 104 has a second hook member 136. When the male profile member 116 is inserted in the receiver recess 108, the first hook member 134 and second hook member 136 are received in respective ones of the engagement recesses 130, 132. Herein, the first hook member 134 and second hook member 136 are also referred to as first female lock 134 and second female lock 136.

[0064] The position of the female fin 110 attachment area 112 draws the first female lock 134 and second female lock 136 together (toward each other), as shown by arrows 150, 151 in FIG. 6, when there is a load on the female fin 110 as shown at arrow 152 (FIG. 6) This drawing together of the female locks 134, 136 increases lock interference, as the female locks 134, 136 press or squeeze tighter against the male head 124.

[0065] In some preferred implements, the zipper closure 62 is designed so that engagement at the product-side lock is stronger than engagement at the consumer-side lock. By product-side lock, it is meant the lock (in the examples shown in the FIGS., it is the lower lock) which is closer to the interior 74 of the pouch 60 than the other lock (in the example shown, it is the upper lock) on a product side 141 (FIG. 5). By consumer-side lock, it is meant the lock (shown in the examples as the upper lock), which is more remote from the interior 74 and closer to the free end (terminal end) of the closure 62 on a consumer side 143 (FIG. 5).

[0066] In the example shown in FIGS. 5-6, the first profile leg 102 is positioned as a product-side leg 138 and having the first hook member 134 positioned closer to the interior 74 of a pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60. The second profile leg 104 is positioned as a consumer-side leg 140 and having the second hook member 136, positioned away from the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60. The first side arm 126 on the male profile member 116 is positioned as a product-side side arm 142, positioned closer to the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60, and positioned to engage with the product-side leg 138. The second side arm 128 on the male profile member 116 is positioned as a consumer-side side arm 144, positioned away from the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60, and positioned to engage with the consumer-side leg 140. Engagement between the product-side leg 138 and product-side side arm 142 (creating a product side lock 146) is stronger than engagement between the consumer-side leg 140 and consumer-side side arm 144 (creating a consumer side lock 148).

[0067] In accordance with principles of this disclosure, in some preferred embodiments, the position of male fin 120 creates a rotational force and motion on the male profile 114. A lock down feature 154 takes advantage of this rotation. As the closure 62 is loaded, the torque (shown at arrow 156, FIG. 6) actuates the lock down feature 154 into place, which results in the lock down feature 154 pushing down on the top of the upper female lock 104, trapping it against the upper male lock 128 and increasing interference and strength of the consumer side lock 148. In this way, the consumer side lock 148 can achieve adequate strength while maintaining a relatively small size, which is advantageous for case of opening.

[0068] The lock down feature 154 can be implemented in a variety of ways. In example embodiments, the male base 118 includes the lock down feature 154 to interfere with the second profile leg 104.

[0069] In the example embodiment of FIG. 11, the lock down feature 154 comprises a bend 158 defining a concave receiving volume (or recess) 159 in the male base 118. The receiving volume 159 is positioned, sized, and shaped to receive a terminal end 160 of the second profile leg 104. In some embodiments, the male base 118 has a straight section 162 extending from the male rib projection 122 in a direction toward the consumder side, bordered by the lock down feature 154, and followed by another straight section 164. As such, the concave receiving volume 159 of the bend 158 is in between the straight sections 162, 164.

[0070] FIG. 12 shows the forces of the zipper closure 62 having lock down feature 154 in the form of bend 158. The arrow 166 shows the downward force created by the lock down feature 154, which pushes down on an upper surface (consumer side) of the second profile leg 104, trapping it against the second side arm 128 and increasing interference and strength of the consumer side lock 148.

[0071] In the example embodiment of FIGS. 5-10, the lock down feature 154 includes a projection or protrusion or protuberance 170 extending from the male base 118. For example, the protuberance 170 extends from an inner surface 172 of the male base, in a direction toward the female profile 100. In the example shown, the protuberance 170 extends just above the second profile leg 104, such that the protuberance 170 holds down and traps the second profile leg 104 against the male rib projection 122. In one example, the protuberance 170 is generally oval-shaped and extends a distance toward the female profile 100 less than 25% of the total distance therebetween. It can be appreciated that the protuberance 170 is between straight sections 162, 164 of the male base 118.

[0072] Attention is directed to a variation depicted in FIGS. 7-10. In these FIGS., a stub 174 projects from the second profile leg 104 in a direction away from the female fin 110. The stub 174 has a terminal surface 176. An car 178 extends from the male base 118 and is sized to rest on the terminal surface 176 of the stub 174, when the male profile 114 and female profile 100 are interlocked, forming a parting surface 180 contained within a plane orthogonal to a plane containing the male base 118. In general, the car 178 extends toward the female profile 100 and is perpendicular to the male base 118 and parallel to the second profile leg 104.

[0073] FIGS. 7-10 shown the protuberance 170 extending from the male base 118 toward the female profile 100. FIGS. 7 and 8 shown the protuberance 170 as generally parallel to the car 178. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the protuberance 170 also extends from the car 178 toward the female profile 100. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the protuberance 170 is not U-shaped, but rather, the protuberance 170 fills in the corner at an intersection of the ear 178 and the male base 118.

[0074] The embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14 shows the bend 158 formed in the male base 118 and below the car 178.

[0075] As mentioned above, the zipper closure 62 can be used with slider 84 to selectively open and close the zipper closure 62. The closure 62 includes structure to help hold the slider 84 in place on the closure 62. In the example embodiments illustrated, the female fin 110 includes a first slider-engaging projection 184 extending away from the male fin 120, and being spaced from the female base 106 and the first profile leg 102, on the product side. The male fin 120 includes a second slider-engaging projection 186 extending away from the female fin 110, and being spaced from the male base 118. While many variations are possible, in the example shown, each of the projections 184, 186 is shaped like a right angle triangle having an angled surface 188, 189 extending from the fins 110, 120 at a non-zero and non-perpendicular angle, intersecting a base surface 190, 191 extending at a perpendicular angle from the fins 110, 120. While a perpendicular angle is shown in the example embodiments, other embodiments can include an acute angle between the fins 110, 120 and the base surfaces 190, 191. The slider 84 catches below the base surface 190, 191, to hold the slider 84 onto the zipper closure 62.

[0076] FIGS. 15-20 depict an example embodiment of slider 84, usable with zipper closure 62. The slider 84 has an opening end 200 and an opposite closing end 202. The opening end 200 is the end of the slider 84 that opens the closure 62, while the closing end 202 is the end that closes (interlocks) the zipper closure 62. As the slider 84 is moved along the top of the zipper closure 62 in the direction of the opening arrow 88 (FIG. 3), the closing end 202 leads, followed by the opening end 200. When moved in the direction of the closing arrow 86, the opening end 200 leads, followed by the closing end 202.

[0077] In FIG. 16, the slider 84 is shown with a top wall 204 with an internal surface 206 (FIG. 17). First and second legs 208, 210 (FIG. 17) extend from the top wall 204 and enclose the internal surface 206 of the top wall 204. In this example embodiment, the first leg 208 has a first hook 212 at a terminal end 213, extending in a direction toward the second leg 210. The second leg 210 has a second hook 214 at a terminal end 215, extending in a direction toward the first leg 208. The first and second hooks 212, 214 engage over the first and second slider engaging projections 184, 186 to help hold the slider 84 on the zipper closure 62.

[0078] The first and second legs 208, 210 having internal surfaces 216, 217 (FIG. 17) converging toward each other as they extend from the opening end 200 to the closing end 202. These converging surfaces 216, 217 move and squeeze the female profile 100 into mating (interlocking) engagement with the male profile 114. Extending vertically along the internal surfaces 216, 217 of the first and second legs 208, 210, from the top wall 204 partially torward the first and second hooks 212, 214 near the closing end 202 are ribs 220, 222, which help to interlock the profiles 100, 114.

[0079] Still in reference to FIG. 17, a splitter 224 extends from the internal surface 206 of the top wall 204 at the opening end 200. In this embodiment, the splitter 224 is triangle shaped (FIG. 20), pointing in a direction from the opening end 200 toward the closing end 202. The splitter 224 engages between the female profile 100 and male profile 114, to separate (disengage/unmate) the male profile member 116 from the first and seocnd profile legs 102, 104.

[0080] The above example embodiments are useable in a method of operating a zippered bag having an openable and recloseable mouth. The method includes providing zippered bag or pouch 60 (FIG. 3) having first and second panels 64, 68 forming a wall surrounding interior 74, open mouth 76, and closed bottom 78. Recloseable zipper closure 62 is secured to the panels 64, 68 along the mouth 76.

[0081] In reference again to FIG. 6, the recloseable zipper closure 62 includes female profile 100 including first and second spaced profile legs 102, 104 joined by female base 106 to define central, continuous, elongate receiver recess 108. Female fin 110 is attached to the female profile 100 at attachment area 112 along the base 106. The female fin 110 is secured to the first panel 64.

[0082] Still in reference to FIG. 6, the recloseable zipper closure 64 includes male profile 114 opposing the female profile 100. The male profile 114 includes male profile member 116 extending from male base 118, the male profile member 116 being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess 108 and engaged with the first and second profile legs 102, 104. Male fin 120 is attached to the male profile member 116 at the male base 118. The male fin 120 is secured to the second panel 68.

[0083] The method includes putting the female fin 110 and male fin 120 in tension to draw the first and second spaced profile legs 102, 104 together to increase lock interference between the male profile member 116 and the first and second spaced profile legs 102, 104.

[0084] The method includes the male profile member 116 having first side arm 126 positioned near the interior 74; and the step of putting the female fin 110 and male fin 120 in tension generates torque on the first side arm 126.

[0085] In some example methods, the male base 118 includes lock down feature 154 to interfere with the second profile leg 104; and the step of generating torque on the first side arm 126 increases lock interference between the second profile leg 104 and the lock down feature 154. The lock down feature 154 can be bend 158 or protuberance 170.

[0086] The above represents example principles. Many embodiments can be made using these principles.