Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CLOSURE DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to an interlocking
closure device, and, more particularly, to a closure
device with a slider. The closure device of the present
invention may be employed in traditional fastener areas,
and is particularly suited for use as a fastener for
storage containers, such as plastic bags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of fastening devices for the closure of
containers, including plastic bag bodies, is generally
known. Furthermore, the manufacture of fastening devices
made of plastic materials is generally known to those
skilled in the art relating to closure devices, as
demonstrated by the numerous patents in this area.
A particularly well-known use for fastening devices
is in connection with flexible containers, such as bag
bodies. The closure device and the associated container
may be formed from thermoplastic materials, and the
closure device and sidewalls of the container can be
integrally formed by extrusion as a single piece.
Alternatively, the closure device and sidewalls may be
formed as separate pieces and then connected by heat
sealing or any other suitable connecting process. The
closure devices when incorporated as fasteners on bag
bodies have been particularly useful in providing a
closure means for retaining the contents within the bag
body.
Conventional closure devices utilize mating male and
female closure elements which are occluded. When
conventional closure devices are employed, it often is
difficult to determine when the male and female closure
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elements are occluded. This problem is particularly acute
when the closure devices are relatively narrow.
Accordingly, when conventional closure devices are
employed, there exists a reasonable likelihood that the
closure device is at least partially open.
The occlusion problem arises from the inability of a
user to perceive when the male and female closure are
occluded to form a seal between the contents of the bag
and the environment external to the bag. A number of
solutions to this problem have been attempted. For
example, United States Patents 4,186,786, 4,285,105, and
4,829,641, as well as in Japanese patent application No.
51-27719, disclose fasteners that provide a visual
indication that the male and female closure elements are
properly occluded. Specifically, a color change means for
verifying the occlusion of the male and female members of
the closure is provided wherein male and female members
having different colors are employed, and, upon occlusion,
provide yet a different color. For example, the female
member of the closure may be opaque yellow and the male
member of the closure may be translucent blue. Upon
occlusion of the male member and female member a composite
color with a green hue results. This use of a color
change greatly improves the ability of the user of the
interlocking closure device to determine when the male and
female members are occluded.
The change in color that is viewed when dissimilarly
colored male and female members are occluded is
demonstrated in a commercially available product sold
under the trademark GLAD-LOCK (Glad-Lock is the registered
trademark of First Brands Properties, Inc., Danbury,
Connecticut, United States of America). This color change
effect may be enhanced by the incorporation of a color
change enhancement member in the closure device, as
disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,829,641.
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Color-changing closure devices are not a universal
solution to the aforementioned problem of assuring full
closure, however. For example, the color-change effect is
imperceptible in the dark, thus mooting the color-change
advantage of the closure devices when they are used under
such conditions. In addition, sight-impaired or color-
blind people may not be able to perceive the color-change
effect. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a
closure device that affords other indications of
occlusion.
The prior art has attempted to furnish a fastener
that provides a tactile or audible indication of
occlusion. For example, U.S. Patents 4,736,496,
5,138,750, 5,140,727, 5,403,094, and 5,405,478, as well as
EP 510,797, disclose closure devices that allegedly
provide a tactually or audibly perceptive indication of
proper interlocking of the closure elements. It is said
that, upon occlusion of the disclosed closure devices, a
user is able to feel or hear that full closure is
accomplished. For example, U.S. Patent 4,736,946
discloses the use of additional ribs on either side of the
closure elements. These ribs are said to give an improved
"feel" to the closure, thus aiding a user in aligning the
closure elements.
Such devices are difficult to handle by individuals
who have limited manual dexterity. Thus, in order to
assist these individuals and for ease of use by
individuals with normal dexterity, the prior art has
attempted to furnish a fastener that provides a reclosable
fastener and a slider for opening and closing the
fastener. For example, several U.S. Patents disclose
fasteners with sliders. However many of these fasteners
use either: (1) a separator finger which extends between
the closure elements, such as U.S. Patents 3,054,434,
3,115,689, 3,122,807, 3,230,593, 3,426,396, 3,713,923,
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4,199,845, 4,262,395, 5,007,142, and 5,010,627 (Figs. 9
and 10); or (2) the separator finger runs along a track
above the closure elements, such as, U.S. Patents
5,007,143, 5,010,627 (Figs. 3-8), 5,020,194, 5,067,208,
5,070,583, 5,088,971, 5,131,121, 5,161,286, 5,283,932,
5,301,395, 5,426,830, 5,442,837 and 5,448,808.
With respect to fasteners which use a separator
finger which extends between the closure elements, these
fasteners do not provide a leak proof seal because the
separator finger extends between the closure elements.
With respect to the fasteners which run along a track, the
fastener typically include slits, notches or another means
to accommodate the separator finger in the end position.
These means are used to achieve occlusion of the closure
elements at the end position and thus attempt to achieve a
leak proof seal. For example, U.S. Patents 5,020,194,
5,067,208, 5,088,971, 5,131,121, 5,161,286, 5,301,394,
5,301,395, and 5,442,837 use a slit, notch or other means
to accommodate the separator finger in the end position.
These means in the fasteners create additional steps in
the manufacturing process and thus may increase the cost
of these fasteners.
A reclosable fastener with a slider and without a
separator finger nor the use of a track is described in
U.S. Patents 3,074,137 and 5,442,838. However, the
fastener in the 1137 patent would be too expensive to
manufacture and may not seal when the slider is in the end
position. With respect to the fastener in the `838
patent, the slider does not manipulate the interlocking
elements directly. Rather, the slider engages the
structure located below the interlocking elements to
control the opening and closing of the interlocking
elements. Difficulties and additional variables can arise
when the slider does not act directly upon the
interlocking elements. In addition, the fastener in the
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`838 patent may not operate properly if the tolerances are
incorrect for the slider and/or the fastener. The
structure below the interlocking elements and/or the
slider may be difficult to extrude or manufacture. If the
5 tolerances are incorrect, the slider may not move smoothly
or fail to open or close the fastener elements. Thus, it
would be difficult to achieve a properly functioning
fastener.
In addition, the prior art closure devices are
designed to deocclude if a sufficient force is applied
laterally to the closure device. Thus, the closure device
may unintentionally deocclude if a force is applied
laterally. For example, when the closure device is used
on a plastic bag and the contents of the bag exert a force
on the bag sidewalls, then the closure device may
unintentionally deocclude.
Furthermore, as noted above, several closure devices
use a slider which includes: (1) a separator finger; or
(2) a separator finger and a track. These sliders can be
expensive to manufacture and assemble onto the fastening
strips.
Thus, the prior art has failed to afford a closure
device with a slider which occludes and deoccludes by
using a shearing action. Specifically, the prior art has
failed to show a closure device in which the first
fastening strip is sheared relative to the second
fastening strip. For example, if the longitudinal axis of
the fastening strip is the X axis, the width is the Y axis
and the height is the Z axis, then the prior art has
failed to disclose a closure device which occludes in the
Z axis.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the present invention to
provide a closure device wherein the opening and closing
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force is applied in shear as opposed to lateral or
rolling.
An additional object is to provide a closure device
so that the opening and closing forces are applied only to
one of the fastening strips while the other fastening
strip is held stationary. This situation can simplify the
design of a slider.
Another object is to provide a slider for use in
conjunction with a shear closure which does not require a
separator finger to open or close the fastening strips.
A further object is to provide a slider for use in
conjunction with a shear closure which does not require
special flanges designed into the fastening strips that
are to be gripped by the slider to open the fastening
strips.
Another object is to provide a slider which can be
installed around the fastening strips without opening or
closing the fastening strips.
An additional object of the invention is to provide
fastening strips with profiles having a combination of
pivoting forces and shearing forces that can take
advantage of the attributes of the shearing action.
A further object is to provide a closure device
wherein the force applied to the first fastening strip
could also push the second fastening strip away and apart
from the first fastening strip.
Another object is to provide a closure device wherein
the closure device maintains a leak proof seal for a
considerable amount of the distance during the opening and
closing of the closure device.
It is a further general object of the present
invention to provide a container that is closeable and
sealable by means of such a closure device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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The present invention satisfies these general objects by
providing a closure device with interlocking fastening strips
wherein the fastening strips occlude and deocclude in the Z axis
by using a shearing action. The closure device comprises first
and second interlocking fastening strips arranged to be
interlocked over a predetermined length. The fastening strips
have a longitudinal X axis and a transverse Y axis which is
perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis. The fastening strips
have a vertical Z axis which is perpendicular to the
longitudinal X axis and which is perpendicular to the transverse
Y axis. The fastening strips are occluded and deoccluded by
moving one fastening strip relative to the other fastening
strip in substantially the vertical Z axis.
During occlusion and deocclusion, portions of the
fastening strips may rotate, deflect and/or move in the
transverse Y axis. In addition, the fastening strips may
include a locking feature which assists in preventing
unintentional deocclusion of the closure device.
The closure device may also include a slider which slidably
engages said first and second fastening strips. The slider
facilitates the occlusion of the fastening strips when moved
towards a first end of the fastening strips and deocclusion of
the fastening strips when moved towards a second end of the
fastening strips.
In one aspect, the present invention resides in a closure
device comprising first and second interlocking fastening
strips arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined
length, said fastening strips have a longitudinal X axis,
said fastening strips have a transverse Y axis, said
transverse Y axis is perpendicular to said longitudinal X
axis, said fastening strips have a vertical Z axis, said
vertical Z axis is perpendicular to said longitudinal X axis,
said vertical Z axis is perpendicular to said transverse Y
axis, a slider which slidably engages said first and second
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fastening strips, said slider facilitates the occlusion of
said fastening strips when moved towards a first end of said
fastening strips and deocclusion of said fastening strips
when moved toward a second end of said fastening strips, said
fastening strips are occluded and deoccluded by moving said
first fastening strip relative to said second fastening strip
in said vertical Z axis, wherein said first fastening strip
comprises a first web, said first web extending from said
first fastening strip, said first web terminating in a first
closure portion, said second fastening strip comprises a
second web, said second web extending from said second
fastening strip, said second web terminating in a second
closure portion which engages said first closure portion when
said fastening strips are occluded. Preferably, said first
closure portion includes a first portion which extends from
said first web in the Z axis towards said second web and a
second portion which extends from said first portion in the Y
axis towards the second fastening strip. More preferably,
said second fastening strip includes a second base, said
second web is attached to said second base, said second base
has a first recessed portion, said second portion engages
said recessed portion. Still more preferably, said first
fastening strip includes a first base, said first web is
attached to said first base, said first base has a second
recessed portion, said fourth portion engages said recessed
portion.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in a
slider for a closure device including first and second
interlocking fastening strips arranged to be interlocked over
a predetermined length, the fastening strips have a
longitudinal X axis, the fastening strips have a transverse Y
axis, the transverse Y axis is perpendicular to the
longitudinal X axis, the fastening strips have a vertical Z
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axis, the vertical Z axis is perpendicular to the
longitudinal X axis, the vertical Z axis is perpendicular to
the transverse Y axis, said slider comprising portions which
slidably engage the first and second fastening strips, said
slider facilitates the occlusion of the fastening strips when
moved towards a first end of the fastening strips and
deocclusion of the fastening strips when moved towards a
second end of the fastening strips, said slider acts upon the
fastening strips such that the fastening strips are occluded
and deoccluded by moving the first fastening strip relative
to the second fastening strip in the vertical Z axis, wherein
said slider includes a top portion with an inner surface and
a bottom portion with an inner surface, said slider has a
first end which corresponds with the first end of the
fastening strips, said slider has a second end which
corresponds with the second end of the fastening strips, a
first portion of said inner surface of said top portion and a
first portion of said inner surface of said bottom portion
are separated by a distance, the distance near said first end
of said slider is less than the distance near said second end
of said slider to facilitate occlusion of said fastening
strips, said slider includes a first side which extends from
said top portion to said bottom portion, said first side has
an inner surface, a second side which extends from said top
portion to said bottom portion and said second side has an
inner surface, and said first portion of said inner surface
of said top portion of the slider lies in a first plane, said
first portion of said inner surface of said first side of
said slider lies in a second plane, said second portion of
said inner surface of said second side of said slider lies in
a third plane.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in a
container comprising first and second sidewalls, said first
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and second sidewalls including first and second fastening
strips respectively, said first and second fastening strips
arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length, said
fastening strips have a longitudinal X axis, said fastening
strips have a transverse Y axis, said transverse Y axis is
perpendicular to said longitudinal X axis, said fastening
strips have a vertical Z axis, said vertical Z axis is
perpendicular to said longitudinal X axis, said vertical Z
axis is perpendicular to said transverse Y axis, a slider
which slidably engages said first and second fastening
strips, said slider facilitates the occlusion of said
fastening strips when moved towards a first end of said
fastening strips and deocclusion of said fastening strips
when moved toward a second end of said fastening strips, said
fastening strips are occluded and deoccluded by moving said
first fastening strip relative to said second fastening strip
in said vertical Z axis, wherein said first fastening strip
comprises a first web, said first web extending from said
first fastening strip, said first web terminating in a first
closure portion, said second fastening strip comprises a
second web, said second web extending from said second
fastening strip, said second web terminating in a second
closure portion which engages said first closure portion when
said fastening strips are occluded.
In yet another aspect, the present invention resides in
a method for using a closure device comprising the steps of:
providing a first interlocking fastening strip, providing a
second interlocking fastening strip, said fastening strips
have a longitudinal X axis, said fastening strips have a
transverse Y axis, said transverse Y axis is perpendicular to
said longitudinal X axis, said fastening strips have a
vertical Z axis, said vertical Z axis is perpendicular to
said longitudinal X axis, said vertical Z axis is
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perpendicular to said transverse Y axis, wherein said first
fastening strip comprises a first web, said first web
extending from said first fastening strip, said first web
terminating in a first closure portion, said second fastening
strip comprises a second web, said second web extending from
said second fastening strip, said second web terminating in a
second closure portion which engages said first closure
portion when said fastening strips are occluded, providing a
slider which slidably engages said first and second fastening
strips, said slider facilitates the occlusion of said
fastening strips when moved towards a first end of said
fastening strips and deocclusion of said fastening strips
when moved towards a second end of said fastening strips,
moving said slider, said slider occludes and deoccludes said
fastening strips by moving said first fastening strip
relative to said second fastening strip in said vertical Z
axis.
In another aspect, the present invention resides in a
closure device comprising first and second interlocking
fastening strips arranged to be interlocked over a
predetermined length, said fastening strips have a
longitudinal X axis, said fastening strips have a transverse
Y axis, said transverse Y axis is perpendicular to said
longitudinal X axis, said fastening strips have a vertical Z
axis, said vertical Z axis is perpendicular to said
longitudinal X axis, said vertical Z axis is perpendicular to
said transverse Y axis, said fastening strips are occluded
and deoccluded by moving said first fastening strip relative
to said second fastening strip in said vertical Z axis.
In yet another aspect, the present invention resides in
a container comprising first and second sidewalls, said first
and second sidewalls including first and second fastening
strips respectively, said first and second fastening strips
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arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length, said
fastening strips have a longitudinal X axis, said fastening
strips have a transverse Y axis, said transverse Y axis is
perpendicular to said longitudinal X axis, said fastening
strips have a vertical Z axis, said vertical Z axis is
perpendicular to said longitudinal X axis, said vertical Z
axis is perpendicular to said transverse Y axis, said
fastening strips are occluded and deoccluded by moving said
first fastening strip relative to said second fastening strip
in said vertical Z axis.
In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a
method for using a closure device comprising the steps of:
providing a first interlocking fastening strip, providing a
second interlocking fastening strip, said fastening strips
have a longitudinal X axis, said fastening strips have a
transverse Y axis, said transverse Y axis is perpendicular to
said longitudinal X axis, said fastening strips have a
vertical Z axis, said vertical Z axis is perpendicular to
said longitudinal X axis, said vertical Z axis is
perpendicular to said transverse Y axis, occluding said
fastening strips by moving said first fastening strip
relative to said second fastening strip in said vertical Z
axis.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to
the present invention in the form of a plastic bag.
Fig. 2 is an enlarged partial top view of the container in
Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view taken
along line 3-3 in Fig. 2 of the fastening strips and
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without the bag sidewalls.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4
in Fig. 2 of the slider without the fastening strips.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5
in Fig. 2 of the slider without the fastening strips.
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6
in Fig. 2.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7
in Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8
in Fig. 2.
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9
in Fig. 2.
Fig. 10 is an enlarged partial top view of the
container shown in Fig. 1 with the slider in the end
position and the fastening strips in the occluded
position.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
11-11 in Fig. 10.
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
12-12 in Fig. 10.
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
13-13 in Fig. 10.
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
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14-14 in Fig. 10.
Fig. 15A is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment.
Fig. 15B is a cross-sectional view taken along line
15B-15B in Fig. 15A.
Fig. 15C is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment.
Fig. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of the
invention.
Fig. 17 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view
taken along line 17-17 in Fig. 16 of the fastening strips
and without the bag sidewalls.
Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
18-18 in Fig. 16 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
19-19 in Fig. 16 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
20-20 in Fig. 16.
Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
21-21 in Fig. 16.
Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
22-22 in Fig. 16.
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Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
23-23 in Fig. 16.
Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
5 24-24 in Fig. 16.
Fig. 25 is a partial top view of another embodiment
of the invention.
Fig. 26 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken
along line 26-26 in Fig. 25 of the fastening strips and
without the bag sidewalls.
Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
27-27 in Fig. 25 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
28-28 in Fig. 25 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
29-29 in Fig. 25.
Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
30-30 in Fig. 25.
Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
31-31 in Fig. 25.
Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
32-32 in Fig. 25.
Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
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33-33 in Fig. 25.
Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
34-34 in Fig. 25.
Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
35-35 in Fig. 25.
Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
36-36 in Fig. 25.
Fig. 37 is a partial top view of another embodiment
of the invention.
Fig. 38 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken
along line 38-38 in Fig. 37 of the fastening strips and
without the bag sidewalls.
Fig. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
39-39 in Fig. 37 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
Fig. 40 is a cross sectional view taken along line
40-40 in Fig. 37 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
Fig. 41 is a bottom view of the slider in Figs. 39
and 40.
Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
42-42 in Fig. 39.
Fig. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
43-43 in Fig. 40.
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Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
44-44 in Fig. 37.
Fig. 45 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
45-45 in Fig. 37.
Fig. 46 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
46-46 in Fig. 37.
Fig. 47 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
47-47 in Fig. 37.
Fig. 48 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
48-48 in Fig. 37.
Fig. 49 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
49-49 in Fig. 37.
Fig. 50 is a partial top view of another embodiment
of the invention.
Fig. 51 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view
taken along line 51-51 in Fig. 50 of the fastening strips
and without the bag sidewalls.
Fig. 52 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 52-52 in Fig. 50 of the slider and without the
fastening strips.
Fig. 53 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 53-53 Fig. 50 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
Fig. 54 is a top view of the slider shown in Figs. 52
and 53.
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Fig. 55 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 55-55 in Fig. 53.
Fig. 56 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
56-56 in Fig. 53.
Fig. 57 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 57-57 in Fig. 50.
Fig. 58 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 58-58 in Fig. 50.
Fig. 59 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 59-59 in Fig. 50.
Fig. 60 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 60-60 in Fig. 50.
Fig. 61 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 61-61 in Fig. 53.
Fig. 62 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 62-62 in Fig. 50.
Fig. 63 is a top view of another embodiment of this
invention.
Fig. 64 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken
along line 64-64 in Fig. 63 of the fastening strips and
without the bag sidewalls.
Fig. 65 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
65-65 in Fig. 63 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
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Fig. 66 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
66-66 in Fig. 63 of the slider and without the fastening
strips.
Fig. 67 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 67-67 in Fig. 63.
Fig. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 68-68 in Fig. 63.
Fig. 69 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 69-69 in Fig. 63.
Fig. 70 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 70-70 in Fig. 63.
Fig. 71 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 71-71 in Fig. 63.
Fig. 72 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 72-72 in Fig. 63.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The present invention provides interlocking closure
devices with a slider which occlude and deocclude in the Z
axis using a shearing action. Fig. 1 illustrates a
container according to the present invention in the form
of a plastic bag 120 having a sealable closure device 121.
The bag 120 includes side walls 122 joined at seams 125
to form a compartment sealable by means of the closure
device 121.
The closure device comprises first and second
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fastening strips 130, 131 and a slider 132. As shown in
Fig. 3, the first fastening strip 131 includes a first
closure element 134. The second fastening strip 130
comprises a second closure element 136 for engaging the
5 first closure element 134.
The first closure element 134 comprises a base
portion 138 and a web 140 extending from the base portion
138. The web 140 includes a hook portion 142 extending
from the web 140.
10 The second closure element 136 comprises a base
portion 148 and a web 150 extending from the base portion
148. The web 150 includes a hook portion 152 extending
from the web 150.
Referring to Figs 1-3, the closure device and the
15 fastening strips have an X axis 160, a Y axis 162 and a Z
axis 164. The X axis 160 is the longitudinal axis of the
closure device, the Y axis 162 is the lateral axis which
is perpendicular to the X axis 160 and the Z axis 164 is
the vertical axis which is perpendicular to the X axis 160
and the Y axis 162.
Referring to Figs. 4-5, the slider 132 includes a top
portion 170, a first side portion 174, a second side
portion 176, a bottom portion 178 and a slot 180.
Referring to Fig. 2, the slider 132 has a first end 184
and a second end 186.
Returning to Figs. 4 and 5, the top portion 170 has
an inner surface 220 and an outer surface 222. The inner
surface 220 includes an offset portion 224 which includes
an upper surface 225 and an offset side surface 226. The
offset portion 224 begins at the second end 186 and slopes
downward towards the first end 184.
The bottom portion 178 has an inner surface 230 and
an outer surface 232. The inner surface 230 includes an
offset portion 234 which includes an upper surface 236 and
an offset side surface 238. The offset portion 234 begins
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at the second end 186 and slopes downward towards the
first end 184.
The first side portion 174 has an inner surface 240
and an outer surface 242. The second side portion 176 has
an inner surface 248 and an outer surface 250. The bottom
portion 178 has a slot 180 which extends from the outer
surface 232 to the inner surface 230. In addition, the
slot extends from the first end 184 to the second end 186
of the slider. The slot has substantially the same width
from the first end 184 to the second end 186 of the
slider.
The slider may be a one piece construction or may
include several separate pieces which are assembled in
several different ways.
Figs. 6-9 illustrate occlusion and deocclusion of the
closure device. When Figs. 6-9 are viewed in numerical
sequence, Figs. 6-9 illustrate occlusion of the fastening
strips. When Figs. 6-9 are viewed in reverse numerical
sequence (i.e. viewed from Fig. 9 backwards to Fig. 6),
Figs. 9-6 illustrate deocclusion of the fastening strips.
The occlusion of the fastening strips will be
described and then the deocclusion of the fastening strips
will be described. The slider 132 facilitates the
occlusion of the fastening strips 130, 131 by moving the
fastening strips towards each other in a shear direction
or Z axis direction and causing the webs to engage.
Referring to Fig. 2, the slider 132 is moved in the
occlusion direction 280 and the fastening strips 130, 131
enter the slider 132 as shown in Fig. 6. Referring to
Fig. 6, the fastening strips 130, 131 are deoccluded and
the web 140 and web 150 are separated by a distance 259.
In addition, the upper surface 236 of the bottom portion
and the inner surface 220 of the top portion are separated
by a distance 260.
Referring to Fig. 7, as the slider is moved further
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along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction 280
as shown in Fig. 2, the slider causes the fastening strips
to move closer together in a shear direction or Z axis 164
as shown in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, the fastening strips 130,
131 are deoccluded. However, the upper surface 236 and
the inner surface 220 are closer together than in Fig. 6
and are separated by a distance 262 which is less than
distance 260 in Fig. 6. Due to the reduction in distance,
the upper surface 236 and the inner surface 220 cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
164. Thus, the webs 140, 150 are separated by a distance
263 which is less than the distance 259 in Fig. 6. In
addition, the hooks 142, 152 begin to deflect in order to
allow the hooks to pass each other and engage when the
fastening strips are occluded.
With respect to Figs. 6-9, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that location but are
also effected by the position of the fastening strips at
locations before and after that location. For example,
the positions of the fastening strips in Fig. 7 are
effected by the positions of the fastening strips in Figs.
6 and 8.
The amount of effect that the position of fastening
strips from one location has upon the position of the
fastening strips in another location depends upon several
factors, such as, the structure of the fastening strips
and the material from which the fastening strips are made.
For example, if the fastening strips are relatively
thick, then the effect at other locations would be greater
than if the fastening strips were relatively thin. As
another example, if the material for the fastening strips
is relatively rigid, then the effect at other locations
would be greater than if the material was relatively
flexible.
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Referring to Fig. 8, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
280 as shown in Fig. 2, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 164
as shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, the upper surface 236 and
the inner surface 220 are closer together than in Fig. 7
and are separated by a distance 264 which is less than
distance 262 in Fig. 7. The surfaces 220, 236 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
164. The webs 140, 150 are separated by a distance 265
which is less than the distance 263 in Fig. 7. In
addition, the hooks 142, 152 in Fig. 8 have deflected more
in comparison to Fig. 7 in order to allow the hooks to
pass each other and engage when the fastening strips are
occluded.
With respect to Fig. 9, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
280, the slider continues to cause the fastening strips to
move closer together in the Z axis 164 as shown in Fig. 9.
Referring to Fig. 9, the fastening strips 130, 131 are
occluded. Specifically, the webs 140, 150 are occluded
and the hooks 142, 152 have engaged each other. The
surfaces 220, 236 are closer together in Fig. 9 as
compared to Fig. 8 and are separated by a distance 266
which is less than distance 264 in Fig. 8. The inner
surfaces 240, 248 apply forces to the fastening strips
which causes the fastening strips to move closer together
in the Z axis 164. The webs 140, 150 are separated by a
distance 267 which is less than the distance 265 in Fig.
8. Thus, as shown in Fig. 9, the fastening strips 130,
131 are occluded prior to exiting the slider.
The fastening strips 130, 131 are occluded by moving
the fastening strips in the Z axis 164 toward each other.
The distance of the movement in the Z axis is
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approximately equal to the Z axis dimension of the closure
portion. For example, the fastening strips 130, 131 in
Figs. 6-9 moved a distance in the Z axis which is equal to
the difference between distance 259 and distance 267. The
distance 259 less the distance 267 will be referred to as
the Z axis movement distance. The Z axis movement
distance is approximately equal to or equal to the Z axis
dimension 272 of the hook closure portion 152 in Fig. 6.
Thus, in order to occlude the fastening strips 130, 131,
the fastening strips are moved toward each other by a Z
axis movement distance which is equal to the Z axis
dimension of the closure portion.
The deocclusion of the fastening strips 130, 131 in
Figs. 6-9 would occur in the reverse order of these
figures. Thus, deocclusion is illustrated by beginning at
Fig. 9 and moving in reverse order toward Fig. 6. The
slider 132 facilitates the deocclusion of the fastening
strips 130, 131 by moving the fastening strips away from
each other in the Z axis 164 and causing the webs to
disengage. Referring to Fig. 2, the slider 132 is moved
in the deocclusion direction 281 and the fastening strips
130, 131 enter the slider 132 as shown in Fig. 9.
Referring to Fig. 9, the fastening strips 130, 131 are
occluded as they enter the slider 132. The surfaces 225,
230 are separated by a distance 268 and the webs 140, 150
are separated by a distance 267.
With respect to Fig. 8, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 281, the slider causes the fastening strips to
move away from each other in the Z axis 164 as shown in
Fig. 8. Referring to Fig. 8, the surfaces 225, 230 are
separated by a distance 269 which is less than the
distance 268 in Fig. 9. Due to the reduction in distance,
the surfaces 225, 230 cause the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 164. In addition, the
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hooks 142, 152 begin to deflect in order to allow the
hooks to pass each other and disengage when the fastening
strips are deoccluded. During deocclusion the position of
the hooks 142, 152 in Fig. 8 would be the opposite as
5 shown in Fig. 8. Specifically, during deocclusion the
position of hook 142 would be in a downward direction and
the position of hook 152 would be in a upward direction.
Furthermore, as noted above, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
10 acting upon them by the slider at that specific location,
but are also effected by the position of the fastening
strips at locations before and after that specific
location. In this case, the fastening strips 130, 131 are
being urged against the surfaces 225, 230 due to the
15 shearing action of the surfaces 225, 230 as shown in Figs.
6-7.
With respect to Fig. 7, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 281 as shown in Fig. 2, the slider continues to
20 cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 164 as shown in Fig. 7. Referring to Fig. 7,
the surfaces 225, 230 are separated by a distance 270
which is less than the distance 269 in Fig. 8. The
surfaces 225, 230 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 164. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 140, 150 are
separated by a distance 263 which is greater than the
distance 265 in Fig. 8. In addition, the hooks 142, 152
in Fig. 7 would deflect more in comparison to Fig. 8 in
order to allow the hooks to pass each other and disengage.
Also, as noted above, the position of the hooks in Fig. 7
would be in the opposite direction during deocclusion.
With respect to Fig. 6, as the slider continues to
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move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 281, the slider continues to cause the fastening
strips to move away from each other in the Z axis 164 as
shown in Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 6, the fastening
strips 130, 131, and thus the webs 140, 150 have
deoccluded. The surfaces 225, 230 are separated by a
distance 260 which is less than the distance 270 in Fig.
7. The surfaces 225, 230 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 164. The fastening
strips deocclude due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Thus, the webs 140, 150 are separated
by a distance 259 which is greater than the distance 263
in Fig. 7. Also, the hooks 142, 152 in Fig. 6 have
disengaged. As shown in Fig. 6, the webs 140, 150 of the
fastening strips 130, 131 are deoccluded when the
fastening strips exit the slider 132.
Fig. 10 shows the slider 132 in the end position of
the fastening strips 130, 131 near the seam 125. Figs.
11-14 illustrate occlusion of the fastening strips in the
end position. In accordance with one feature of the
invention, these figures demonstrate that the closure
device will have a leak proof seal when the slider is in
the end position. Referring to Fig. 1, the fastening
strip 131 has a notch 278 near the seam 125. As shown in
Fig. 1 and by the dashed lines in Figs. 11-13, the notch
278 removes a portion 282 of fastening strip 131 to allow
the hooks 142, 152, and thus the fastening strips, to
occlude in the end position.
The movement of the fastening strips 130, 131 at the
end position is shown in Figs. 11-14. As noted above, the
positions of the fastening strips are effected not only by
the forces acting upon them by the slider at that location
but are also effected by the position of the fastening
strips at locations before and after that location.
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Specifically, with respect to the position of the webs
140, 150 in Figs. 11-13, the position of the inner webs
140, 150 is effected by the seam 125 at the end of the
fastening strips. At the seam 125, the fastening strips
130, 131 are melted together in the occluded position.
This occlusion of the fastening strips 130, 131 at the
seam 125 and the notch 278 prevent the shearing action of
the slider from deoccluding the webs 140, 150. Thus, the
webs 140, 150 remain occluded because the notch and the
seam prevent the slider from deoccluding the webs 140,
150. Consequently, the webs 140, 150 remain occluded
through the length of the fastening strips and establish a
leak proof seal through the length of the fastening
strips.
For example, as the user moves the slider 132 in the
occlusion direction 280 as shown in Fig. 10, the slider
would occlude the fastening strips 130, 131 in the
sequence shown in Figs. 11-14. When the slider is in the
locations shown in Figs. 11-13, the webs 140, 150 of the
fastening strips would usually be deoccluded as shown in
Figs. 6-8. In addition, the slider would be prevented
from further movement in the occlusion direction 280 due
to the seam 125 or when the slider contacts an end stop or
is prevented from further movement by some other device.
However, as noted above, the seam 125 causes the webs 140,
150 to be occluded at the locations in Figs. 11-13 even
when the slider is not present. Therefore, when the
slider moves to the locations shown in Figs. 11-13, the
webs 140, 150 are already occluded and the shearing action
of the slider is not able to deocclude the fastening
strips due to the notch 278 and the occlusion effect of
the seam 125. Thus, the webs 140, 150 remain occluded
through the length of the fastening strips and establish a
leak proof seal.
Another feature of the invention is that the slider
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may also provide an additional seal. Referring to Fig.
11, the slider 132 includes a slot 180 at the bottom of
the slider and which extends along the length of the
slider. The sidewalls 122 of the bag extend from the
fastening strips 130, 131 and downward through the slot
180. The slot 180 includes a first face 286 and a second
face 288 which are separated by a width 284. The width
284 is small enough to cause a seal between the sidewalls
122 near the location of the faces 286, 288 and large
enough to allow the slider to move along the sidewalls 122
without making the slider too difficult to move. Thus,
the slot 180 provides an additional seal along the length
of the slider.
The slider is attached to the fastening strips so
that the slider may move in the longitudinal X axis but
not the transverse Y axis nor the vertical Z axis.
Specifically, the slot 180 and the bottom portion 178 form
shoulders which assist in retaining the slider 132 on the
fastening strips 130, 131. Referring to Fig. 11, the
inner surfaces 220, 230, 240, 248 enclose the fastening
strips 130, 131. Furthermore, the width 284 of the slot
180 does not permit the passage of the fastening strips
130, 131. Therefore, a user should not be able to remove
the slider 132 from the fastening strips 130, 131 by
pulling in an upward direction with respect to Fig. 11.
In addition, the sidewalls 122 and/or the fastening strips
130, 131 engage the inner surfaces 220, 230, 240, 248 and
act as guides for the sliding movement of the slider 132
along the fastening strips.
Another feature of the invention is that the slider
may be used without an additional end stop on the
fastening strips. As noted above and as shown in Figs.
11-13, the slider is prevented from further movement in
the occlusion direction 280 if one of the fastening strips
does not have a notch. Specifically, the occlusion of the
CA 02371746 2006-12-12
24
fastening strips near the seam 125 prevents the freedom of
movement in the fastening strips which the slider needs to
move along the fastening strips. Thus, an interference
fit occurs between the slider and the fastening strips.
Consequently, the slider is prevented from further
movement in the occlusion direction 280. A similar effect
occurs at the other seam in the deocclusion direction 281.
Therefore, the slider may be used without an additional
end stop on the end of the fastening strips. However, the
slider may be used with additional end stops, such as, the
end stops shown in U.S. Patents 5,067,208, 5,088,971,
5,131,121, 5,161,286, 5,189,764, 5,405,478, 5,442,837,
5,448,807 and 5,482,375.
The fastening strips and/or the slider may also
include a structure to provide a home or parking position
for the slider at the end of the fastening strips, such
as, the structure shown in U.S. Patents 5,067,208,
5,189,764, 5,301,394 and 5,301,395.
The fastening strips and the slider may also include
other structure to accommodate the slider at the end of
the fastening strips, such as, the slits and other means
as shown in U.S. Patents 5,020,194, 5,067,208, 5,088,971,
5,131,121, 5,161,286, 5,301,394, 5,301,395 and 5,442,837.
The structure may accommodate the separator finger and
thus allow the webs 140, 150 to occlude near the end of
the fastening strips.
The fastening strips and/or the sidewalls of the bag
may also include flanges to allow the user to open the bag
more easily and insert items in the bag. The flanges
would extend above the webs and the slider would be
increased in height to accommodate the flanges.
Figs. 15A and 15B illustrate another embodiment of
CA 02371746 2006-12-12
the slider. The slider includes one or two protrusions
292, 293 at or near the end 294 of the slider. The
protrusions 292, 293 cause the fastening strips 130, 131
to move closer together and cause a seal between the
5 contacting surfaces of the fastening strips. Thus, even
though the fastening strips are deoccluded at the location
in Fig. 15A, the protrusions 292, 293 cause a seal between
the contacting surfaces of the fastening strips.
Fig. 15C illustrates another embodiment of the
10 closure device of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the closure device includes another type of
closure portion. Referring to Fig. 15C, the fastening
strip 330 includes a web 350 similar to web 150 in Fig. 3
and the fastening strip 331 includes a web 340 similar to
15 web 140 in Fig. 3. However, the closure portion 352 is
different from the closure portion 152 in Fig. 3.
Similarly, the closure portion 342 is different from the
closure portion 142 in Fig. 3. The closure portions 342,
352 include an additional hook 343, 353 and a recess 344,
20 354 between the hooks, respectively. In addition, the
base portions include an indentation 358, 360 to
receive a portion of the hooks 343, 353 when the fastening
strips are in the occluded position.
Fig. 15C shows the fastening strips 330, 331 in an
25 occluded position. The occlusion and deocclusion of the
fastening strips 330, 331 is similar to the occlusion and
deocclusion of the fastening strips 130, 131 noted above.
Figs. 16-24 illustrate another embodiment of the
invention. This embodiment occludes and deoccludes in the
Z axis by using a shearing action similar to other
embodiments. In addition, this embodiment rotates one of
the fastening strips and the webs deflect during occlusion
and deocclusion. The fastening strips may be occluded and
deoccluded manually or a slider may be used to facilitate
occlusion and deocclusion.
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Fig. 16 shows a top view of the closure device. The
closure device comprises first and second fastening strips
430, 431 and a slider 432. As shown in Fig. 17, the first
fastening strip 431 includes a first closure element 434.
The second fastening strip 430 comprises a second closure
element 436 for engaging the first closure element 434.
The first closure element 434 comprises a base
portion 438 and a web 440 extending from the base portion
438. The web 440 includes a hook portion 442 extending
from the web 440. The base portion 438 includes an
indentation 458.
The second closure element 436 comprises a base
portion 448 and a web 450 extending from the base portion
448. The web 450 includes a hook portion 452 extending
from the web 450. The base portion 448 includes an
indentation 459.
Referring to Figs 16-17, the closure device and the
fastening strips have an X axis 460, a Y axis 462 and a Z
axis 464. The X axis 460 is the longitudinal axis of the
closure device, the Y axis 462 is the lateral axis which
is perpendicular to the X axis 460 and the Z axis 464 is
the vertical axis which is perpendicular to the X axis 460
and the Y axis 462.
Referring to Figs. 18-19, the slider 432 includes a
top portion 470, a first side portion 474, a second side
portion 476, a bottom portion 478 and a slot 480.
Referring to Fig. 16, the slider 432 has a first end 484
and a second end 486.
Returning to Figs. 18 and 19, the top portion 470
has an inner surface 520 and an outer surface 522. The
inner surface 520 includes an offset portion 524 which
includes an upper surface 525 and an offset side surface
526. The offset portion 524 begins at the second end 486
and slopes downwards towards the first end 484.
The bottom portion 478 has an inner surface 530 and
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an outer surface 532. The inner surface 530 includes an
offset portion 534 which includes an upper surface 536 and
an offset side surface 538. The offset portion 534 begins
at the second end 486 and slopes downward towards the
first end 484.
The first side portion 474 has an inner surface 540
and an outer surface 542. The second side portion 476 has
an inner surface 548 and an outer surface 550. The bottom
portion 478 has a slot 480 which extends from the outer
surface 532 to the inner surface 530. In addition, the
slot extends from the first end 484 to the second end 486
of the slider. The slot has substantially the same width
from the first end 484 to the second end 486 of the
slider.
The slider may be a one piece construction or may
include several separate pieces which are assembled in
several different ways.
Figs. 20-24 illustrate occlusion and deocclusion of
the closure device. When Figs. 20-24 are viewed in
numerical sequence, Figs. 20-24 illustrate occlusion of
the fastening strips. When Figs. 20-24 are viewed in
reverse numerical sequence (i.e. viewed from Fig. 24
backwards to Fig. 20), Figs. 20-24 illustrate deocclusion
of the fastening strips.
The occlusion of the fastening strips will be
described and then the deocclusion of the fastening strips
will be described. The slider 432 facilitates the
occlusion of the fastening strips 430, 431 by moving the
fastening strips towards each other in a shear direction
or Z axis direction and causing the webs to engage.
Referring to Fig. 16, the slider 432 is moved in the
occlusion direction 580 and the fastening strips 430, 431
enter the slider 432 as shown in Fig. 20. Referring to
Fig. 20, the fastening strips 430, 431 are deoccluded and
the web 440 and web 450 are separated by a distance 559.
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In addition, the upper surface 536 of the bottom portion
and inner surface 520 of the top portion are separated by
a distance 560. Furthermore, the fastening strip 430 has
been rotated at an angle to the Z axis 464.
With respect to Fig. 21, as the slider is moved
further along the fastening strips in the occlusion
direction 580 as shown in Fig. 16, the slider causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in a shear
direction or Z axis 464 as shown in Fig. 21. Referring to
Fig. 21, the fastening strips 430, 431 are deoccluded.
However, the upper surface 536 and the inner surface 520
are closer together than in Fig. 20 and are separated by a
distance 562 which is less than distance 560 in Fig. 20.
Due to the reduction in distance, the upper surface 536
and the inner surface 520 cause the fastening strips to
move closer together in the Z axis 464. Thus, the webs
440, 450 are separated by a distance 563 which is less
than the distance 559 in Fig. 20. In addition, the webs
440, 450 begin to deflect in order to allow the hooks to
pass each other and engage when the fastening strips are
occluded.
With respect to Figs. 20-24, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that location but are
also effected by the position of the fastening strips at
locations before and after that location. For example,
the positions of the fastening strips in Fig. 21 are
effected by the positions of the fastening strips in Figs.
20 and 22. Referring to Fig. 21, the fastening strip 430
is at an angle to the Z axis 464. However, at this
location the slider 432 is not applying forces to the
fastening strip 430 to cause the angular position of the
fastening strip 430 at this location. The fastening strip
430 is at this angle because the fastening strip is
continuous and the portions of the fastening strip 430 in
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Figs. 22-24 are acting upon the portion of the fastening
strip 430 in Fig. 21.
The amount of effect that the position of fastening
strips from one location has upon the position of the
fastening strips in another location depends upon several
factors, such as, the structure of the fastening strips
and the material from which the fastening strips are made.
For example, if the fastening strips are relatively thick,
then the effect at other locations would be greater than
if the fastening strips were relatively thin. As another
example, if the material for the fastening strips is
relatively rigid, then the effect at other locations would
be greater than if the material was relatively flexible.
With respect to Fig. 22, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
580 as shown in Fig. 16, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 464
as shown in Fig. 22. In Fig. 22, the upper surface 536
and the inner surface 520 are closer together than in Fig.
21 and are separated by a distance 564 which is less than
distance 562 in Fig. 21. The surfaces 520, 536 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
464. The webs 440, 450 are separated by a distance 565
which is less than the distance 563 in Fig. 21. In
addition, the webs 440, 450 in Fig. 22 have deflected more
in comparison to Fig. 21 in order to allow the hooks to
pass each other and engage when the fastening strips are
occluded.
With respect to Fig. 23, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
580 as shown in Fig. 16, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 464
as shown in Fig. 23. In Fig. 23, the upper surface 536
and the inner surface 520 are closer together than in Fig.
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22 and are separated by a distance 566 which is less than
distance 564 in Fig. 22. The surfaces 520, 536 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
5 464. The webs 440, 450 are separated by a distance 567
which is less than the distance 565 in Fig. 22. In
addition, the web 450 in Fig. 23 has deflected more in
comparison to Fig. 22. However, the web 440 is no longer
deflected and returned to its previous relaxed position as
10 in Fig. 20.
With respect to Fig. 24, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
580, the slider continues to cause the fastening strips to
move closer together in the Z axis 464 as shown in Fig.
15 24. Referring to Fig. 24, the fastening strips 430, 431
are occluded. Specifically, the webs 440, 450 are
occluded and the hooks 442, 452 have engaged each other.
In addition, the hooks have engaged the indentations 458,
459. The surfaces 520, 536 are closer together in Fig. 24
20 as compared to Fig. 23 and are separated by a distance 568
which is less than distance 566 in Fig. 23. The surfaces
520, 536 apply forces to the fastening strips which causes
the fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
464. The webs 440, 450 are separated by a distance 569
25 which is less than the distance 567 in Fig. 23. Thus, as
shown in Fig. 24, the fastening strips 430, 431 are
occluded prior to exiting the slider.
The deocclusion of the fastening strips 430, 431 in
Figs. 20-24 would occur in the reverse order of these
30 figures. Thus, deocclusion is illustrated by beginning at
Fig. 24 and moving n reverse order toward Fig. 20. The
slider 432 facilitates the deocclusion of the fastening
strips 430, 431 by moving the fastening strips away from
each other in the Z axis 464 and causing the webs to
disengage. Referring to the Fig. 16, the slider 432 is
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moved in the deocclusion direction 581 and the fastening
strips 430, 431 enter the slider 432 as shown in Fig. 24.
Referring to Fig. 24, the fastening strips 430, 431 are
occluded as they enter the slider 432. The surfaces 525,
530 are separated by a distance 574 and the webs 440, 450
are separated by a distance 569.
In addition, the slider causes the fastening strip
430 to rotate at an angle to the Z axis 464.
Specifically, the fastening strip 430 engages the side
surface 526 which applies a force to the fastening strip
430 and causes the fastening strip 430 to rotate. The
rotation of the fastening strip facilitates the
deocclusion of the fastening strips. Specifically, the
rotation assists the hook 442 to disengage the indentation
459. As shown in Fig. 24, the web 450 deflects or flexes
and allows the base 448 to rotate at an angle to the Z
axis 464.
With respect to Fig. 23, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 581, the slider causes the fastening strips to
move away from each other in the Z axis 464 as shown in
Fig. 23. Referring to Fig. 23, the surfaces 525, 530 are
separated by a distance 576 which is less than the
distance 574 in Fig. 24. Due to the reduction in
distance, the surfaces 525, 530 cause the fastening strips
to move away from each other in the Z axis 464. In
addition, the web 450 continues to deflect in order to
allow the hooks to pass each other and disengage when the
fastening strips are deoccluded.
Furthermore, as noted above, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that specific location,
but are also effected by the position of the fastening
strips at locations before and after that specific
location. In this case, the fastening strips 430, 431 are
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32
being urged against the surfaces 525, 530 due to the
shearing action of the surfaces 525, 530 as shown in Figs.
20-22.
With respect to Fig. 22, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 581 as shown in Fig. 16, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 464 as shown in Fig. 22. Referring to Fig. 22,
the surfaces 525, 530 are separated by a distance 578
which is less than the distance 576 in Fig. 23. The
surfaces 525, 530 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 464. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 440, 450 are
separated by a distance 565 which is greater than the
distance 567 in Fig. 23. In addition, the web 450 in Fig.
22 deflects more in comparison to Fig. 23. Also, the web
440 begins to deflect in order to allow the hooks to pass
each other and disengage.
With respect to Fig. 21, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 581 as shown in Fig. 16, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 464 as shown in Fig. 21. Referring to Fig. 21,
the surfaces 525, 530 are separated by a distance 579
which is less than the distance 578 in Fig. 22. The
surfaces 525, 530 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 464. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 440, 450 are
separated by a distance 563 which is greater than the
distance 565 in Fig. 22. In addition, the webs 440, 450
continue to deflect in order to allow the hooks to pass
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33
each other.
With respect to Fig. 20, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 581, the slider continues to cause the fastening
strips to move away from each other in the Z axis 464 as
shown in Fig. 20. Referring to Fig. 20, the fastening
strips 430, 431, and thus the webs 440, 450 have
deoccluded. The surfaces 525, 530 are separated by a
distance 582 which is less than the distance 579 in Fig.
21. The surfaces 525, 530 are applying shear forces to
the fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to
move away from each other in the Z axis 464. The
fastening strips deocclude due to the shearing action
between the fastening strips. Thus, the webs 440, 450 are
separated by a distance 559 which is greater than the
distance 563 in Fig. 21. Also, the hooks 442, 452 in Fig.
have disengaged. As shown in Fig. 20, the webs 440,
450 of the fastening strips 430, 431 are deoccluded when
the fastening strips exit the slider 432.
20 As noted above, the closure device may include other
features. For example, the closure device may include a
notch near the seam to assist the leakproof seal. The
slider may also include an additional seal at the slot.
The closure device may also have an end stop.
Furthermore, the closure device may have a structure for a
home or parking position. In addition, the closure device
may include other structures to accommodate the slider at
the end of the fastening strips, such as, slits or other
means.
Figs. 25-36 illustrate another embodiment of the
invention. This embodiment occludes and deoccludes in the
Z axis by using a shearing action similar to other
embodiments. In addition, this embodiment moves the
fastening strips in the Y axis and the webs deflect during
occlusion and deocclusion. The fastening strips may be
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occluded and deoccluded manually or a slider may be used
to facilitate occlusion and deocclusion.
Fig. 25 shows a top view of the closure device. The
closure device comprises first and second fastening strips
630, 631 and a slider 632. As shown in Fig. 26, the first
fastening strip 631 includes a first closure element 634.
The second fastening strip 630 comprises a second closure
element 636 for engaging the first closure element 634.
The first closure element 634 comprises a base
portion 638 and a web 640 extending from the base portion
638. The web 640 includes a hook portion 642 extending
from the web 640.
The second closure element 636 comprises a base
portion 648 and a web 650 extending from the base portion
648. The web 650 includes hook portion 652 extending from
the web 650.
Referring to Figs. 25-26 the closure device and the
fastening strips have an X axis 660, a Y axis 662 and a Z
axis 664. The X axis 660 is the longitudinal axis of the
closure device, the Y axis 662 is the lateral axis which
is perpendicular to the X axis 660 and the Z axis 664 is
the vertical axis which is perpendicular to the X axis 660
and the Y axis 662.
Referring to Figs. 27-28, the slider 632 includes a
top portion 670, a first side portion 674, a second side
portion 676, a bottom portion 678 and a slot 680.
Referring to Fig. 25, the slider 632 has a first end 684
and a second end 686.
Returning to Figs. 27 and 28, the top portion 670 has
an inner surface 720 and an outer surface 722. The inner
surface 720 includes an offset portion 724 which includes
an upper surface 725 and an offset side surface 726. The
offset portion 724 begins at the second end 686 and slopes
downwards towards the first end 684.
The bottom portion 678 has an inner surface 730 and
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an outer surface 732. The inner surface 730 includes an
offset portion 734 which includes an upper surface 736 and
an offset side surface 738. The offset portion 734 begins
at the second end 686 and slopes downward towards the
5 first end 684.
The first side portion 674 has an inner surface 740
and an outer surface 742. The second side portion 676 has
an inner surface 748 and an outer surface 750. The bottom
portion 678 has a slot 680 which extends from the outer
10 surface 732 to the inner surface 730. In addition, the
slot extends from the first end 684 to the second end 686
of the slider. The slot has substantially the same width
from the first end 684 to the second end 686 of the
slider.
15 The slider may be a one piece construction or may
include several separate pieces which are assembled in
several different ways.
Figs. 29-36 illustrate occlusion and deocclusion of
the closure device. When Figs. 29-36 are viewed in
20 numerical sequence, Figs. 29-36 illustrate occlusion of
the fastening strips. When Figs. 29-36 are viewed in
reverse numerical sequence (i.e. viewed from Fig. 36
backwards to Fig. 29), Figs. 29-36 illustrate deocclusion
of the fastening strips.
25 The occlusion of the fastening strips will be
described and then the deocclusion of the fastening strips
will be described. The slider 632 facilitates the
occlusion of the fastening strips 630, 631 by moving the
fastening strips towards each other in a shear direction
30 or Z axis direction and causing the webs to engage.
Referring to Fig. 25, the slider 632 is moved in the
occlusion direction 780 and the fastening strips 630, 631
enter the slider 632 as shown in Fig. 29. Referring to
Fig. 29, the fastening strips 630, 631 are deoccluded and
35 the web 640 and web 650 are separated by a distance 759.
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In addition, the upper surface 736 of the bottom portion
and inner surface 720 of the top portion are separated by
a distance 760.
As the slider is moved further along the fastening
strips in the occlusion direction 780 as shown in Fig. 25,
the slider causes the fastening strips to move closer
together in a shear direction or Z axis 664 as shown in
Fig. 30. Referring to Fig. 30, the fastening strips 630,
631 are deoccluded. However, the upper surface 736 and
the inner surface 720 are closer together than in Fig. 29
and are separated by a distance 762 which is less than
distance 760 in Fig. 29. Due to the reduction in
distance, the upper surface 736 and the inner surface 720
cause the fastening strips to move closer together in the
Z axis 664. Thus, the webs 640, 650 are separated by a
distance 763 which is less than the distance 759 in Fig.
29. In addition, the webs 640, 650 begin to deflect in
order to allow the hooks to pass each other and engage
when the fastening strips are occluded. The distance
between the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662 is greater
than the distance in Fig. 29 to accommodate the deflection
of the webs 640, 650.
With respect to Figs. 29-36, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that location but are
also effected by the position of the fastening strips at
locations before and after that location. For example,
the positions of the fastening strips in Fig. 30 are
effected by the positions of the fastening strips in Figs.
29 and 31.
The amount of effect that the position of fastening
strips from one location has upon the position of the
fastening strips in another location depends upon several
factors, such as, the structure of the fastening strips
and the material from which the fastening strips are made.
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For example, if the fastening strips are relatively thick,
then the effect at other locations would be greater than
if the fastening strips were relatively thin. As another
example, if the material for the fastening strips is
relatively rigid, then the effect at other locations would
be greater than if the material was relatively flexible.
With respect to Fig. 31, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
780 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 664
as shown in Fig. 31. In Fig. 31, the upper surface 756
and the inner surface 720 are closer together than in Fig.
30 and are separated by a distance 764 which is less than
distance 762 in Fig. 30. The surfaces 720, 736 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
664. The webs 640, 650 are closer together than in Fig. 30
and are separated by a distance 765 which is less than the
distance 763 in Fig. 30. In addition, the webs 640, 650
in Fig. 31 have deflected more in comparison to Fig. 30 in
order to allow the hooks to pass each other and engage
when the fastening strips are occluded. The distance
between the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662 is greater
than the distance in Fig. 30 to accommodate the deflection
of the webs 640, 650.
With respect to Fig. 32, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
780 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 664
as shown in Fig. 32. In Fig. 32, the upper surface 736
and the inner surface 720 are closer together than in Fig.
31 and are separated by a distance 766 which is less than
distance 764 in Fig. 31. The surfaces 720, 736 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
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664. The webs 640, 650 are closer together than in Fig. 31
and are separated by a distance 767 which is less than the
distance 765 in Fig. 31. In addition, the webs 640, 650
in Fig. 32 have deflected more in comparison to Fig. 31 in
order to allow the hooks to pass each other and engage
when the fastening strips are occluded. The distance
between the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662 is greater
than the distance in Fig. 31 to accommodate the deflection
of the webs 640, 650.
With respect to Fig. 33, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
780 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 664
as shown in Fig. 33. In Fig. 33, the upper surface 736
and the inner surface 720 are closer together than in Fig.
32 and are separated by a distance 768 which is less than
distance 766 in Fig. 32. The surfaces 720, 736 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
664. The webs 640, 650 are closer together than in Fig.
32 and are separated by a distance 769 which is less than
the distance 767 in Fig. 32. In addition, the webs 640,
650 in Fig. 33 have deflected more in comparison to Fig.
32 in order to allow the hooks to pass each other and
engage when the fastening strips are occluded. The
distance between the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662
is greater than or equal to the distance in Fig. 32 to
accommodate the deflection of the webs 640, 650.
With respect to Fig. 34, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
780 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 664
as shown in Fig. 34. In Fig. 34, the upper surface 736
and the inner surface 720 are closer together than in Fig.
33 and are separated by a distance 770 which is less than
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39
distance 768 in Fig. 33. The surfaces 720, 736 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
664. The webs 640, 650 are separated by a distance 771
which is less than the distance 769 in Fig. 33. In
addition, the webs 640, 650 in Fig. 34 have deflected
approximately the same amount in comparison to Fig. 33 in
order to allow the hooks to pass each other and engage
when the fastening strips are occluded. The distance
between the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis is less than
previous figure and accommodates the deflection of the
webs.
With respect to Fig. 35, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
780 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 664
as shown in Fig. 35. In Fig. 35, the upper surface 736
and the inner surface 720 are closer together than in Fig.
34 and are separated by a distance 772 which is less than
distance 770 in Fig. 34. The surfaces 720, 736 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
664. The webs 640, 650 are closer together than in Fig. 34
and are separated by a distance 773 which is less than the
distance 771 in Fig. 34. In addition, the webs 640, 650
in Fig. 35 have deflected less in comparison to Fig. 34.
The distance between the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis
is less than the previous figure and accommodates the
deflection of the web.
With respect to Fig. 36, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
780, the slider continues to cause the fastening strips to
move closer together in the Z axis 664 as shown in Fig.
36. Referring to Fig. 36, the fastening strips 630, 631
are occluded. Specifically, the webs 640, 650 are
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occluded and the hooks 642, 652 have engaged each other.
The surfaces 720, 736 are closer together in Fig. 36 as
compared to Fig. 35 and are separated by a distance 774
which is less than distance 772 in Fig. 35. The surfaces
5 720, 736 apply forces to the fastening strips which causes
the fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
664. The webs 640, 650 are closer together than in Fig.
35 and are separated by a distance 775 which is less than
the distance 773 in Fig. 35. In addition, webs 640, 650
10 are no longer deflected and returned to their previous
relaxed position as in Fig. 29. Furthermore, the distance
between surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis is substantially
the same as the distance in Fig. 29. Thus, as shown in
Fig. 36, the fastening strips 630, 631 are occluded prior
15 to exiting the slider.
The deocclusion of the fastening strips 630, 631 in
Figs. 29-36 would occur in the reverse order of these
figures. Thus, deocclusion is illustrated by beginning at
Fig. 36 and moving in reverse order toward Fig. 29. The
20 slider 632 facilitates the deocclusion of the fastening
strips 630, 631 by moving the fastening strips away from
each other in the Z axis 664 and causing the webs to
disengage. Referring to the Fig. 25, the slider 632 is
moved in the deocclusion direction 781 and the fastening
25 strips 630, 631 enter the slider 632 as shown in Fig. 36.
Referring to Fig. 36, the fastening strips 630, 631 are
occluded as they enter the slider 632. The surfaces 725,
730 are separated by a distance 779 and the webs 640, 650
are separated by a distance 775.
30 With respect to Fig. 35, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 781, the slider causes the fastening strips to
move away from each other in the Z axis 664 as shown in
Fig. 35. Referring to Fig. 35, the surfaces 725, 730 are
35 separated by a distance 782 which is less than the
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41
distance 779 in Fig. 36. Due to the reduction in
distance, the surfaces 725, 730 cause the fastening strips
to move away from each other in the Z axis 664. In
addition, the webs 640, 650 begin to deflect in order to
allow the hooks to pass each other and disengage when the
fastening strips are deoccluded. The distance between the
surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662 is greater than the
distance in Fig. 36 to accommodate the deflection of the
webs 640, 650.
Furthermore, as noted above, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that specific location,
but are also effected by the position of the fastening
strips at locations before and after that specific
location. In this case, the fastening strips 630, 631 are
being urged against the surfaces 725, 730 due to the
shearing action of the surfaces 725, 730 as shown in Figs.
29-34.
With respect to Fig. 34, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 781 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 664 as shown in Fig. 34. Referring to Fig. 34,
the surfaces 725, 730 are separated by a distance 784
which is less than the distance 782 in Fig. 35. The
surfaces 725, 730 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 664. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 640, 650 are
separated by a distance 771 which is greater than the
distance 773 in Fig. 35. In addition, the webs 640, 650
in Fig. 34 deflect more in comparison to Fig. 35 in order
to allow the hooks to pass each other and disengage. The
distance between the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662
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42
is greater than the distance in Fig. 35 to accommodate the
deflection of the webs 640, 650.
With respect to Fig. 33, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 781 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 664 as shown in Fig. 33. Referring to Fig. 33,
the surfaces 725, 730 are separated by a distance 786
which is less than the distance 784 in Fig. 34. The
surfaces 725, 730 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 664. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 640, 650 are
separated by a distance 769 which is greater than the
distance 771 in Fig. 34. In addition, the webs 640, 650
in Fig. 33 deflect more in comparison to Fig. 34 in order
to allow the hooks to pass each other and disengage. The
distance between the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662
is greater than the distance in Fig. 34 to accommodate the
deflection of the webs 640, 650.
With respect to Fig. 32, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 781 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 664 as shown in Fig. 32. Referring to 32, the
surfaces 725, 730 are separated by a distance 788 which is
less than the distance 786 in Fig. 33. The surfaces 725,
730 are applying shear forces to the fastening strips
which causes the fastening strips to move away from each
other in the Z axis 664. The fastening strips separate
due to the shearing action between the fastening strips.
Consequently, the webs 640, 650 are separated by a
distance 767 which is greater than the distance 769 in
Fig. 33. In addition, the webs 640, 650 in Fig. 32
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43
continue to deflect in order to allow the hooks to pass
each other and disengage. The distance between the
surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662 is less than or equal
to the distance in Fig. 33 to accommodate the deflection
of the webs 640, 650.
With respect to Fig. 31, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 781 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 664 as shown in Fig. 31. Referring to Fig. 31,
the surfaces 725, 730 are separated by a distance 790
which is less than the distance 788 in Fig. 32. The
surfaces 725, 730 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 664. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 640, 650 are
separated by a distance 765 which is greater than the
distance 767 in Fig. 32. In addition, the webs 640, 650
in Fig. 31 continue to deflect in order to allow the hooks
to pass each other and disengage. The distance between
the surfaces 740, 748 in the Y axis 662 is less than the
distance in Fig. 32 to accommodate the deflection of the
webs 640, 650.
With respect to Fig. 30, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 781 as shown in Fig. 25, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 664 as shown in Fig. 30. Referring to Fig. 30,
the surfaces 725, 730 are separated by a distance 792
which is less than the distance 790 in Fig. 31. The
surfaces 725, 730 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 664. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
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fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 640, 650 are
separated by a distance 763 which is greater than the
distance 765 in Fig. 31. In addition, the webs 640, 650
continue to deflect in order to allow the hooks to pass
each other. The distance between the surfaces 740, 748 in
the Y axis 662 is less than the distance in Fig. 31 to
accommodate the deflection of the webs 640, 650.
With respect to Fig. 29, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 781, the slider continues to cause the fastening
strips to move away from each other in the Z axis 664 as
shown in Fig. 29. Referring to Fig. 29, the fastening
strips 630, 631, and thus the webs 640, 650 have
deoccluded. The surfaces 725, 730 are separated by a
distance 760 which is less than the distance 792 in Fig.
30. The surfaces 725, 730 are applying shear forces to
the fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to
move away from each other in the Z axis 664. The
fastening strips deocclude due to the shearing action
between the fastening strips. Thus, the webs 640, 650 are
separated by a distance 759 which is greater than the
distance 763 in Fig. 30. In addition, the webs 640, 650
are no longer deflected and have returned to their
previous relaxed position as in Fig. 36. Also, the hooks
642, 652 in Fig. 29 have disengaged. Furthermore, the
distance between the surfaces 740, 748 is substantially
the same as the distance in Fig. 36. As shown in Fig. 29,
the fastening strips 630, 631 are deoccluded when the
fastening strips exit the slider 632.
As noted above, the closure device may include other
features. For example, the closure device may include a
notch near the seam to assist the leak proof seal. The
slider may also include an additional seal at the slot.
The closure device may also have an end stop.
Furthermore, the closure device may have a structure for a
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home or parking position. In addition, the closure device
may include other structures to accommodate the slider at
the end of the fastening strips, such as, slits or other
means.
5 Figs. 37-49 illustrate another embodiment of the
invention. This embodiment occludes and deoccludes in the
Z axis by using a shearing action similar to other
embodiments. In addition, the fastening strips move in
the Y axis and the bases deflect during occlusion and
10 deocclusion. The fastening strips may be occluded and
deoccluded manually or a slider may be used to facilitate
occlusion and deocclusion.
Fig. 37 shows a top view of the closure device. The
closure device comprises first and second fastening strips
15 830, 831 and a slider 832. As shown in Fig. 38, the first
fastening strip 831 includes a first closure element 834.
The second fastening strip 830 comprises a second closure
element 836 for engaging the first closure element 834.
The first closure element 834 comprises a base
20 portion 838 and a web 840 extending from the base portion
838. The web 840 includes a hook portion 842 extending
from the web 840. The base portion 838 includes a third
hook portion 858.
The second closure element 836 comprises a base
25 portion 848 and a web 850 extending from the base portion
848. The web 850 includes a hook portion 852 extending
from the web 850. The base portion 848 includes a fourth
hook portion 859.
Referring to Figs. 37-38, the closure device and the
30 fastening strips have an X axis 860, a Y axis 862 and a Z
axis 864. The X axis 860 is the longitudinal axis of the
closure device, the Y axis 862 is the lateral axis which
is perpendicular to the X axis 860 and the Z axis 864 is
the vertical axis which is perpendicular to the X axis 860
35 and the Y axis 862.
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Referring to Figs. 39-40, the slider 832 includes a
top portion 870, a first side portion 874, a second side
portion 876, a bottom portion 878 and a slot 880.
Referring to Fig. 37, the slider 832 has a first end 884
and a second end 886.
Returning to Figs. 39 and 40, the top portion 870
has an inner surface 920 and an outer surface 922. The
inner surface 920 includes an offset portion 924 which
includes an upper surface 925 and an offset side surface
926. The offset portion 924 begins at the second end 886
and slopes downwards towards the first end 884.
The bottom portion 878 has an inner surface 930 and
an outer surface 932. The inner surface 930 includes an
offset portion 934 which includes an upper surface 936 and
an offset side surface 938. The offset portion 934 begins
at the second end 886 and slopes downward towards the
first end 884.
The first side portion 874 has an inner surface 940
and an outer surface 942. The second side portion 876 has
an inner surface 948 and an outer surface 950. The bottom
portion 878 has a slot 880 which extends from the outer
surface 932 to the inner surface 930. In addition, the
slot extends from the first end 884 to the second end 886
of the slider. The slot has substantially the same width
from the first end 884 to the second end 886 of the
slider.
The slider may be a one piece construction or may
include several separate pieces which are assembled in
several different ways.
Figs. 44-49 illustrate occlusion and deocclusion of
the closure device. When Figs. 44-49 are viewed in
numerical sequence, Figs. 44-49 illustrate occlusion of
the fastening strips. When Figs. 44-49 are viewed in
reverse numerical sequence (i.e. viewed from Fig. 49
backwards to Fig. 44), Figs. 44-49 illustrate deocclusion
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of the fastening strips.
The occlusion of the fastening strips will be
described and then the deocclusion of the fastening strips
will be described. The slider 832 facilitates the
occlusion of the fastening strips 830, 831 by moving the
fastening strips towards each other in a shear direction
or Z axis direction and causing the webs to engage.
Referring to Fig. 37, the slider 832 is moved in the
occlusion direction 980 and the fastening strips 830, 831
enter the slider 832 as shown in Fig. 44. Referring to
Fig. 44, the fastening strips 830, 831 are deoccluded and
the web 840 and web 850 are separated by a distance 959.
In addition, the upper surface 936 of the bottom portion
and inner surface 920 of the top portion are separated by
a distance 960.
With respect to Fig. 45, as the slider is moved
further along the fastening strips in the occlusion
direction 980 as shown in Fig. 37, the slider causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in a shear
direction or Z axis 864 as shown in Fig. 45. Referring to
Fig. 45, the fastening strips 830, 831 are deoccluded.
However, the upper surface 936 and the inner surface 920
are closer together than in Fig. 44 and are separated by a
distance 962 which is less than distance 960 in Fig. 44.
Due to the reduction in distance, the upper surface 936
and the inner surface 920 cause the fastening strips to
move closer together in the Z axis 864. Thus, the webs
840, 850 are separated by a distance 963 which is less
than the distance 959 in Fig. 44. In addition, the bases
838, 848 begin to deflect in order to allow the hooks to
pass each other and engage when the fastening strips are
occluded. The distance between the surfaces 940, 948 at
some locations is greater to accommodate the deflection of
the bases 838, 848. Specifically, the surfaces 940, 948
are at an angle to the Z axis 864 to accommodate the
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movement of the bases 838, 848.
With respect to Figs. 44-49, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that location but are
also effected by the position of the fastening strips at
locations before and after that location. For example,
the positions of the fastening strips in Fig. 45 are
effected by the positions of the fastening strips in Figs.
44 and 46.
The amount of effect that the position of fastening
strips from one location has upon the position of the
fastening strips in another location depends upon several
factors, such as, the structure of the fastening strips
and the material from which the fastening strips are made.
For example, if the fastening strips are relatively thick,
then the effect at other locations would be greater than
if the fastening strips were relatively thin. As another
example, if the material for the fastening strips is
relatively rigid, then the effect at other locations would
be greater than if the material was relatively flexible.
With respect to Fig. 46, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
980 as shown in Fig. 37, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 864
as shown in Fig. 46. In Fig. 46, the upper surface 936
and the inner surface 920 are closer together than in Fig.
45 and are separated by a distance 964 which is less than
distance 962 in Fig. 45. The surfaces 920, 936 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
864. The webs 840, 850 are separated by a distance 965
which is less than the distance 963 in Fig. 45. In
addition, the bases 838, 848 in Fig. 46 have deflected
more in comparison to Fig. 45 in order to allow the hooks
to pass each other and engage when the fastening strips
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are occluded. The distance between the surfaces 940, 948
at some locations is greater to accommodate the deflection
of the bases 838, 848. Specifically, the surfaces 940,
948 are at an angle to the Z axis 864 to accommodate the
movement of the bases 838, 848. In addition, the hook
portions 842, 852 are deflected.
With respect to Fig. 47, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
980 as shown in Fig. 37, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 864
as shown in Fig. 47. In Fig. 47, the upper surface 936
and the inner surface 920.are closer together than in Fig.
46 and are separated by a distance 966 which is less than
distance 964 in Fig. 46. The surfaces 920, 936 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
864. The webs 840, 850 are separated by a distance 967
which is less than the distance 965 in Fig. 46. In
addition, the bases 838, 848 in Fig. 47 have deflected
more in comparison to Fig. 46. The distance between the
surfaces 940, 948 at some locations is greater to
accommodate the deflection of the bases 838, 848.
Specifically, the surfaces 940, 948 are at an angle to the
Z axis 864 to accommodate the movement of the bases 838,
848. In addition, the hook portions 842, 852 continue to
deflect.
With respect to Fig. 48, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
980 as shown in Fig. 37, the slider continues to cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis 864
as shown in Fig. 48. In Fig. 48, the upper surface 936
and the inner surface 920 are closer together than in Fig.
47 and are separated by a distance 968 which is less than
distance 966 in Fig. 47. The surfaces 920, 936 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
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fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
864. The webs 840, 850 are separated by a distance 969
which is less than the distance 967 in Fig. 47. In
addition, the bases 838, 848 in Fig. 48 have deflected
5 more in comparison to Fig. 47. The distance between the
surfaces 940, 948 at some locations to greater to
accommodate the deflection of the bases 838, 848.
Specifically, the surfaces 940, 948 are at an angle to the
Z axis 864 to accommodate the movement of the bases 838,
10 848. In addition, the hook portions 842, 852 continue to
deflect.
With respect to Fig. 49, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
980, the slider continues to cause the fastening strips to
15 move closer together in the Z axis 864 as shown in Fig.
49. Referring to Fig. 49, the fastening strips 830, 831
are occluded. Specifically, the webs 840, 850 are
occluded and the hooks 842, 852 have engaged each other.
In addition, the hooks have engaged the hooks 858, 859.
20 The surfaces 920, 936 are closer together in Fig. 49 as
compared to Fig. 48 and are separated by a distance 970
which is less than distance 968 in Fig. 48. The surfaces
920, 936 apply forces to the fastening strips which causes
the fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
25 864. The webs 840, 850 are separated by a distance 971
which is less than the distance 969 in Fig. 48. In
addition, the bases 838, 848 are not deflected and have
returned to their relaxed position. Thus, as shown in
Fig. 49, the fastening strips 830, 831 are occluded prior
30 to exiting the slider.
The deocclusion of the fastening strips 830, 831 in
Figs. 44-49 would occur in the reverse order of these
figures. Thus, deocclusion is illustrated by beginning at
Fig. 49 and moving in reverse order toward Fig. 44. The
35 slider 832 facilitates the deocclusion of the fastening
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strips 830, 831 by moving the fastening strips away from
each other in the Z axis 864 and causing the webs to
disengage. Referring to the Fig. 37, the slider 832 is
moved in the deocclusion direction 981 and the fastening
strips 830, 831 enter the slider 832 as shown in Fig. 49.
Referring to Fig. 49, the fastening strips 830, 831 are
occluded as they enter the slider 832. The surfaces 925,
930 are separated by a distance 974 and the webs 840, 850
are separated by a distance 971.
With respect to Fig. 48, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 981, the slider causes the fastening strips to
move away from each other in the Z axis 864 as shown in
Fig. 48. Referring to Fig. 48, the surfaces 925, 930 are
separated by a distance 976 which is less than the
distance 974 in Fig. 49. Due to the reduction in
distance, the surfaces 925, 930 cause the fastening strips
to move away from each other in the Z axis 864. In
addition, the bases 838, 848 are deflected in order to
allow the hooks to pass each other and disengage when the
fastening strips are deoccluded. The distance between the
surfaces 940, 948 at some locations is greater to
accommodate the deflection of the bases 838, 848.
Specifically, the surfaces 940, 948 are at an angle to the
Z axis 864 to accommodate the movement of the bases 838,
848. In addition, the hook portions 842, 852 are
deflected.
Furthermore, as noted above, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that specific location,
but are also effected by the position of the fastening
strips at locations before and after that specific
location.
With respect to Fig. 47, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
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direction 981 as shown in Fig. 37, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 864 as shown in Fig. 47. Referring to Fig. 47,
the surfaces 925, 930 are separated by a distance 978
which is less than the distance 976 in Fig. 48. The
surfaces 925, 930 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 864. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 840, 850 are
separated by a distance 967 which is greater than the
distance 969 in Fig. 48. In addition, the bases 838, 848
continue to deflect in order to allow the hooks to pass
each other and disengage. The distance between the
surfaces 940, 948 at some locations is greater to
accommodate the deflection of the bases 838, 848.
Specifically, the surfaces 940, 948 are at an angle to the
Z axis 864 to accommodate the movement of the bases 838,
848. In addition, the hook portions 842, 852 continue to
deflect.
With respect to Fig. 46, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 981 as shown in Fig. 37, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 864 as shown in Fig. 46. Referring to Fig. 46,
the surfaces 925, 930 are separated by a distance 980
which is less than the distance 978 in Fig. 47. The
surfaces 925, 930 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 864. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 840, 850 are
separated by a distance 965 which is greater than the
distance 967 in Fig. 47. In addition, the webs 840, 850
continue to deflect in order to allow the hooks to pass
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each other. The distance between the surfaces 940, 948 at
some locations is greater to accommodate the deflection of
the bases 838, 848. Specifically, the surfaces 940, 948
are at an angle to the Z axis 864 to accommodate the
movement of the bases 838, 848. In addition, the hook
portions 842, 852 continue to deflect.
With respect to Fig. 45, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 981 as shown in Fig. 37, the slider continues to
cause the fastening strips to move away from each other in
the Z axis 864 as shown in Fig. 45. Referring to Fig. 45,
the surfaces 925, 930 are separated by a distance 982
which is less than the distance 980 in Fig. 46. The
surfaces 925, 930 are applying shear forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
away from each other in the Z axis 864. The fastening
strips separate due to the shearing action between the
fastening strips. Consequently, the webs 840, 850 are
separated by a distance 963 which is greater than the
distance 965 in Fig. 46. In addition, the webs 840, 850
continue to deflect in order to allow the hooks to pass
each other. The distance between the surfaces 940, 948 at
some locations is greater to accommodate the deflection of
the bases 838, 848. Specifically, the surfaces 940, 948
are at an angle to the Z axis 864 to accommodate the
movement of the bases 838, 848. In addition, the hook
portions 842, 852 continue to deflect
With respect to Fig. 44, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 981, the slider continues to cause the fastening
strips to move away from each other in the Z axis 864 as
shown in Fig. 44. Referring to Fig. 44, the fastening
strips 830, 831, and thus the webs 840, 850 have
deoccluded. The surfaces 925, 930 are separated by a
distance 984 which is less than the distance 982 in Fig.
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45. The surfaces 925, 930 are applying shear forces to
the fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to
move away from each other in the Z axis 864. The
fastening strips deocclude due to the shearing action
between the fastening strips. Thus, the webs 840, 850 are
separated by a distance 959 which is greater than the
distance 963 in Fig. 45. Also, the hooks 842, 852 in Fig.
44 have disengaged. In addition, the bases 838, 848 are
not deflected and have returned to their relaxed position.
As shown in Fig. 44, the fastening strips 830, 831 are
deoccluded when the fastening strips exit the slider 832.
As noted above, the closure device may include other
features. For example, the closure device may include a
notch near the seam to assist the leak proof seal. The
slider may also include an additional seal at the slot.
The closure device may also have an end stop.
Furthermore, the closure device may have a structure for a
home or parking position. In addition, the closure device
may include other structures to accommodate the slider at
the end of the fastening strips, such as, slits or other
means.
Figs. 50-62 illustrate another embodiment of the
invention. This embodiment occludes and deoccludes in the
Z axis by using a shearing action similar to other
embodiments. In addition, this embodiment rotates and
flexes one of the fastening strips during occlusion and
deocclusion. The fastening strips include two webs and
hook portions. The hook portions are engaged
sequentially. The fastening strips may be occluded and
deoccluded manually or a slider may be used to facilitate
the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips.
Fig. 50 shows a top view of the closure device. The
closure device comprises first and second fastening strips
1030, 1031 and a slider 1032. As shown in Fig. 51, the
first fastening strip 1031 includes a first closure
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element 1034. The second fastening strip 1030 comprises a
second closure element 1036 for engaging the first closure
element 1034.
The first closure element 1034 comprises a base
5 portion 1038 and a first web 1040 extending from the base
portion 1038. The first web 1040 includes a first hook
portion 1042 extending fzom the web 1040. A third web
1044 extends from the base portion 1038 and the web 1044
includes a third hook portion 1041.
10 The second closure element 1036 comprises a base
portion 1048 and a second web 1050 extending from the base
portion 1048. The web 1050 includes a second hook portion
1052 extending from the web 1050. The second hook portion
1052 engages the first hook portion 1042. A fourth web
15 1051 extends from the base portion 1048. The fourth web
1051 includes a fourth hook portion 1045 which engages the
third hook portion 1044.
Referring to Figs. 50-51 the closure device and the
fastening strips have an X axis 1060, a Y axis 1062 and a
20 Z axis 1064. The X axis 1060 is the longitudinal axis of
the closure device, the Y axis 1062 is the lateral axis
which is perpendicular to the X axis 1060 and the Z axis
1064 is the vertical axis which is perpendicular to the X
axis 1060 and the Y axis 1062.
25 Referring to Figs. 52-56, the slider 1032 includes a
top portion 1070, a first side portion 1074, a second side
portion 1076, a bottom portion 1078 and a slot 1080.
Referring to Fig. 50, the slider 1032 has a first end 1084
and a second end 1086.
30 Returning to Figs. 52 and 53, the top portion 1070
has an inner surface 1120 and an outer surface 1122. The
inner surface 1120 includes an offset portion 112.4 which
includes an upper surface 1125 and an offset side surface
1126. The offset portion 1124 begins at the second end
35 1186 and slopes downwards towards the first end 1084.
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The bottom portion 1078 has an inner surface 1130 and
an outer surface 1132. The inner surface 1130 includes an
offset portion 1134 which includes an upper surface 1136
and an offset side surface 1138. The offset portion 1134
begins at the second end 1086 and slopes downward towards
the first end 1084.
The first side portion 1074 has an inner surface 1140
and an outer surface 1142. The second side portion 1076
has an inner surface 1148 and an outer surface 1150. The
bottom portion 1078 has a slot 1080 which extends from the
outer surface 1132 to the inner surface 1130. In
addition, the slot extends from the first end 1084 to the
second end 1086 of the slider. The slot has substantially
the same width from the first end 1084 to the second end
1086 of the slider.
The slider may be a one piece construction or may
include several separate pieces which are assembled in
several different ways.
Figs. 57-62 illustrate occlusion and deocclusion of
the closure device. When Figs. 57-62 are viewed in
numerical sequence, Figs. 57-62 illustrate occlusion of
the fastening strips. When Figs. 57-62 are viewed in
reverse numerical sequence (i.e. viewed from Fig. 62
backwards to Fig. 57), Figs. 57-62 illustrate deocclusion
of the fastening strips.
The occlusion of the fastening strips will be
described and then the deocclusion of the fastening strips
will be described. . The slider 1032 facilitates the
occlusion of the fastening strips 1030, 1031 by moving the
fastening strips towards each other in the Y axis and the
Z axis and causing the webs to engage. Referring to Fig.
50, the slider 1032 is moved in the occlusion direction
1180 and the fastening strips 1030, 1031 enter the slider
1032 as shown in Fig. 57. Referring to Fig. 57, the
fastening strips 1030, 1031 are deoccluded and the web
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1040 and web 1050 are separated by a distance 1159. In
addition, the upper surface 1136 of the bottom portion and
inner surface 1120 of the top portion are separated by a
distance 1160. Furthermore, the surface 1140, is at an
angle 1162 to the Z axis 1064. The surface 1140 causes
the fastening strip 1031 to rotate. Prior to entering the
slider 1032, the fastening strip 1031 was substantially
parallel to the Z axis 1064 as shown in Fig. 51. Due to
the rotation, the base 1038 is at an angle 1164 to the Z
axis 1064. The rotation begins the process of occluding
the hooks 1042, 1052.
With respect to Fig 58, as the slider is moved
further along the fastening strips in the occlusion
direction 1180 as shown in Fig. 50, the position of the
fastening strips is relatively unchanged from Fig. 57.
The webs 1040, 1050 are separated by a distance 1166 which
is approximately the same as the distance 1159 in Fig. 57.
The surfaces 1120, 1136 are separated by a distance 1167
which is approximately the same as the distance 1160 in
Fig. 57. The angles 1168, 1169 are approximately the same
as the angles 1162, 1164 in Fig. 57. Finally the distance
between the hooks 1044, 1045 which is represented by the
distance 1170 between the bases 1038, 1048 is
approximately the same as the distance 1165 in Fig. 57.
With respect to Figs. 57-62, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that location but are
also effected by the position of the fastening strips at
locations before and after that location. For example,
the positions of the fastening strips in Fig. 59 are
effected by the positions of the fastening strips in Figs.
58 and 60.
The amount of effect that the position of fastening
strips from one location has upon the position of the
fastening strips in another location depends upon several
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factors, such as, the structure of the fastening strips
and the material from which the fastening strips are made.
For example, if the fastening strips are relatively thick,
then the effect at other locations would be greater than
if the fastening strips were relatively thin. As another
example, if the material for the fastening strips is
relatively rigid, then the effect at other locations would
be greater than if the material was relatively flexible.
With respect to Fig. 59, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
1180 as shown in Fig. 50, the slider causes the fastening
strips to move closer together in the Z axis 1064 as shown
in Fig. 59. In Fig. 59, the surface 1120 and the surface
1136 are closer together than in Fig. 58 and are separated
by a distance 1174 which is less than distance 1167 in
Fig. 58. The surfaces 1120, 1136 are applying forces to
the fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to
move closer together in the Z axis 1064. The webs 1040,
1050 are closer together than in Fig. 58 and are separated
by a distance 1176 which is less than the distance 1166 in
Fig. 58. The webs 1040, 1050 including the hooks 1042,
1052 are occluded. The base 1038 is at an angle 1171 to
the Z axis 1064 in order to allow the hooks 1042, 1052 to
engage. The angle 1171 is approximately the same as angle
1169 in Fig. 58. In addition, the surface 1140 is at
angle 1172 to the Z axis 1064 which is approximately the
same as angle 1168 in Fig. 58. Also, the hooks 1044, 1045
are separated by a distance which is represented by the
distance 1178 between the bases 1038, 1048 and which is
approximately the same as the distance 1170 in Fig. 58.
With respect to Fig. 60 as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
1180 as shown in Fig. 50, the base 1138 begins to deflect
and causes the web 1041 and hook 1044 to move in the Y
axis 1062 as shown in Fig. 60. In Fig. 60, the surface
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1140 is at an angle 1179 to the Z axis 1264 which is
approximately the same as the angle 1172 in Fig. 59. The
surfaces 1140, 1148 are applying forces to the fastening
strips which causes the fastening strips to move in the Y
axis 1062. The base 1038 is at angle 1182 which is
approximately the same as the angle 1171 in Fig. 59. The
base 1038 begins to deflect or flex and causes the web
1041 and the hook 1044 to move in the Y axis 1062.
The base 1038 flexes due to effect caused by the
position of the fastening strips at later locations.
Specifically, the base 1038 flexes due to the engagement
of the hooks 1044, 1045 and a restraining force applied by
surface 1126 at locations between Figs 61. 62. As the
base 1038 flexes, the hooks 1044, 1045 move closer
together and are separated by a distance which is
represented by the distance 1184 between the bases 1038,
1048. The distance 1184 is less than the distance 1178 in
Fig. 59.
In addition, the fastening strips are moving relative
to each other in the Z axis 1064 as shown in Fig. 60. The
surfaces 1120, 1136 are separated by a distance 1186 which
is less than the distance 1174 in Fig. 59. Due to
reduction in distance, the surfaces 1120, 1136 are
applying forces to the fastening strips and causing them
to move relative to each other in the Z axis 1064. This
movement in the Z axis 1064 assists the hooks 1044, 1045
in passing each other and occluding. Specifically, the
forces cause the webs 1040, 1050 and the hooks 1042, 1052
to deflect which permits the movement in the Z axis 1064.
With respect to Fig. 61, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
1180 as shown in Fig. 50, the slider continues to cause
the base portion 1038 to move in the Y axis 1062 as shown
in Fig. 61. In Fig. 61, the surface 1140 is at an angle
1187 to the Z axis 1064 which is smaller than the angle
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1179 in Fig. 60. The surfaces 1140, 1148 are applying
forces to the fastening strips which causes the fastening
strips to move closer together in the Y axis 1062. Thus,
the base 1038 is at angle 1188 which is smaller than the
5 angle 1182 in Fig. 60. The base continues to flex as
noted above and causes the web 1041 and the hook 1044 to
move in the Y axis 1062. As the base 1038 flexes, the
hooks 1044, 1045 move closer together and are separated by
a distance which is represented by the distance 1189
10 between the bases 1038, 1048. The distance 1189 is less
than the distance 1184 in Fig. 60.
In addition, the fastening strips are moving relative
to each other in the Z axis 1064 as shown in Fig. 61. The
surfaces 1120, 1136 are separated by a distance 1190 which
15 is less than the distance 1186 in Fig. 60. Due to the
reduction in distance, the surfaces 1120, 1136 are
applying forces to the fastening strips and causing them
to move relative to each other in the Z axis 1064. This
movement in the Z axis 1064 assists the hooks 1044, 1045
20 in passing each other and occluding. The forces cause the
webs 1040, 1050 and hooks 1042, 1052 to deflect which
permits movement in Z axis 1064.
With respect to Fig. 62, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
25 1180 as shown in Fig. 50, the slider continues to cause
the base portion 1038 to move in the Y axis 1062 as shown
in Fig. 62. In Fig. 62, the surface 1140 is no longer at
an angle to the Z axis 1064. Thus, the base 1038 is not
at an angle to the Z axis. In addition, the hooks 1044,
30 1045 are closer together and have engaged. The hooks
1044, 1045 are separated by a distance which is
represented by the distance 1191 between the bases 1038,
1048. The distance 1191 is less than the distance 1189 in
Fig. 61.
35 In addition, the fastening strips are moving relative
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to each other in the Z axis 1064 as shown in Fig. 62. The
surfaces 1120, 1136 are separated by a distance 1192 which
is less than the distance 1190 in Fig. 61. Due to the
reduction in distance, the surfaces 1120, 1136 are
applying forces to the fastening strips and causing them
to move relative to each other in the Z axis 1064. This
movement in the Z axis 1064 assists the hooks 1044, 1045
in passing each other and occluding. Specifically, the
forces cause the webs 1040, 1050 and the hooks 1042, 1052
to deflect which permits the movement in the Z axis 1064.
As shown in Fig. 62, the fastening strips 1030, 1031 are
occluded prior to exiting the slider.
The deocclusion of the fastening strips 1030, 1031 in
Figs. 57-62 would occur in the reverse order of these
figures. Thus, deocclusion is illustrated by beginning at
Fig. 62 and moving in reverse order toward Fig. 57. The
deocclusion of the fastening strips 1030, 1031 occurs by
moving the fastening strips away from each other in the Z
axis 1064. Also, one of the fastening strips rotates and
flexes during deocclusion. The hook portions are
disengaged sequentially. The slider facilitates the
deocclusion of the fastening strips.
Referring to the Fig. 50, the slider 1032 is moved
in the deocclusion direction 1181 and the fastening strips
1030, 1031 enter the slider 1032 as shown in Fig. 62.
Referring to Fig. 62, the fastening strips 1030, 1031 are
occluded as they enter the slider 1032. The surface 1140
is parallel to the Z axis 1064. Thus, the base 1038 is
also parallel to the Z axis. In addition, the hooks 1044,
1045 are engaged and the distance between the hooks is
represented by the distance 1191 between the bases 1038,
1048.
With respect to Fig. 61, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1081, the slider causes the base 1038 to move in
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the Y axis 1062 as shown in Fig. 61. Referring to Fig.
61, the surface 1126 is at an angle 1193 to the Z axis
1064. The surface 1126 causes the base 1038 to flex and
rotate. The base 1038 flexes and rotates relative to the
Z axis 1064 in order to allow the hooks 1044, 1045 to
disengage and pass each other when the fastening strips
deocclude. The base 1038 is at an angle 1188 to the Z
axis 1064. The hooks 1044, 1045 are further apart than in
Fig. 62. Specifically, the hooks 1044, 1045 are separated
by a distance in the Y axis 1062 which is represented by
the distance 1189 between the bases 1038, 1048.
Furthermore, as noted above, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that specific location,
but are also effected by the position of the fastening
strips at locations before and after that specific
location. For example, the positions of fastening strips
1030, 1031 in Fig. 61 are effected by the positions of the
fastening strips in Figs. 60 and 62.
With respect to Fig. 60, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1181 as shown in Fig. 50, the slider continues
to cause the base 1038 to move in the Y axis 1062 as shown
in Fig. 60. Referring to Fig. 60, the surface 1126 is at
an angle 1194 to the Z axis 1064 which is greater than the
angle 1193 in Fig. 61. Due to the increase in angle and
thus distance, the surface 1126 causes the base 1038 to
flex and rotate. The base 1038 flexes and rotates
relative to the Z axis 1064 in order to allow the hooks
1044, 1045 to move in the Y axis 1062 and disengage. The
base 1038 is at an angle 1182 to the Z axis 1064 which is
greater than the angle 1188 in Fig. 61. Consequently, the
hooks 1044, 1045 are further apart than in Fig. 61 and
have disengaged. Specifically, the hooks 1044, 1045 are
separated by a distance in the Y axis 1062 which is
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represented by the distance 1184 between the bases 1038,
1048 and which is greater than the distance 1189 in Fig.
61. In addition, the surfaces 1125, 1130 are separated by
a distance 1195.
With respect to Fig. 59, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1181 as shown in Fig. 50, the slider continues
to cause the base 1038 to move in the Y axis 1062 as shown
in Fig. 59. Referring to Fig. 59, the surface 1140 is at
an angle 1172 to the Z axis 1064 which is approximately
the same as the angle 1179 in Fig. 60. The base 1038 is
at an angle 1171 to the Z axis 1064 which is approximately
the same as angle 1182 in Fig. 60. However, the base 1038
is no longer flexed and has returned to the relaxed
position. Consequently, the hooks 1044, 1045 are further
apart than in Fig. 60. Specifically, the hooks 1044, 1045
are separated by a distance in the Y axis 1062 which is
represented by the distance 1178 between the bases 1038,
1048. The distance 1178 is greater than the distance 1184
in Fig. 60.
The fastening strips also move closer together in the
Z axis 1064 as shown in Fig. 59. In Fig. 59 the surfaces
1125, 1130 are closer together than in Fig. 60 and are
separated by a distance 1196 which is less than the
distance 1195 in Fig. 60. The surfaces 1125, 1136 are
applying forces to the fastening strips which causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Z axis
1064. The webs 1040, 1050 are separated by a distance
1176.
With respect to Fig. 58, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1181 as shown in Fig. 50, the slider causes the
fastening strips to move away from each other in the Z
axis 1064 as shown in Fig. 58. Referring to Fig. 58, the
surfaces 1125, 1130 are separated by a distance 1197 which
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is less than the distance 1196 in Fig. 59. The surfaces
1125, 1130 are applying shear forces to the fastening
strips which causes the fastening strips to move away from
each other in the Z axis 1064. The fastening strips
separate due to the shearing action between the fastening
strips. Consequently, the webs 1040, 1050 are separated
by a distance 1166 which is greater than the distance 1176
in Fig. 59. In addition, the hooks 1042, 1052 have
disengaged and are further apart in the Z axis 1064 than
in Fig. 59.
The angles 1168, 1169 are approximately the same as
the angles 1172, 1171 in Fig. 59. In addition, the
distance between the hooks 1044, 1045 which is represented
by the distance 1170 between the bases 1038, 1048 is
approximately the same as the distance 1178 in Fig. 59.
With respect to Fig. 57, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1181 as shown in Fig. 50, the position of the
fastening strips is relatively unchanged from Fig. 58.
The webs 1040, 1050 are separated by a distance 1159 which
is approximately the same as the distance 1166 in Fig. 58.
The surfaces 1120, 1136 are separated by a distance which
is approximately the same as the distance 1197 in Fig. 58.
The angles 1162, 1164 are approximately the same as the
angles 1168, 1169 in Fig. 58., Finally, the distance
between the hooks 1044, 1045 which is represented by the
distance 1165 between the bases 1038, 1048 is
approximately the same as the distance 1170 in Fig. 58.
As shown in Fig. 57, the fastening strips 1030, 1031 are
deoccluded when the fastening strips exit the slider 1032.
As noted above, the closure device may include other
features. For example, the closure device may include a
notch near the seam to assist the leak proof seal. The
slider may also include an additional seal at the slot.
The closure device may also have an end stop.
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Furthermore, the closure device may have a structure for a
home or parking position. In addition, the closure device
may include other structures to accommodate the slider at
the end of the fastening strips, such as, slits or other
5 means.
Figs. 63-72 illustrate another embodiment of the
invention. This embodiment occludes and deoccludes in the
Z axis by using a shearing action similar to other
embodiments. In addition, this embodiment includes a
10 locking feature which assists in preventing unintentional
deocclusion of the closure device. Specifically, the
fastening strips prevent deocclusion of the closure device
by not permitting movement in the Z axis until the locking
feature is released. The locking feature includes
15 engagement portions which disengage in substantially the Y
axis. The disengagement is substantially 90 degrees
relative to the disengagement of the closure device.
Thus, an unintentional force acting in the Z axis will not
be able to deocclude the closure device. This embodiment
20 achieves the locking feature by moving or pivoting the
engagement portions in the Y axis to unlock the fastening
strips. Then, the fastening strips may be deoccluded by
moving or shearing the fastening strips relative to each
other in the Z axis. The fastening strips may be operated
25 manually or a slider may be used to facilitate the
engagement and disengagement of the locking feature and
also the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening
strips.
Fig. 63 shows a top view of the closure device. The
30 closure device comprises first and second fastening strips
1230, 1231 and a slider 1232. As shown in Fig. 64, the
first fastening strip 1231 includes a first closure
element 1234. The second fastening strip 1230 comprises a
second closure element 1236 for engaging the first closure
35 element 1234.
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The first closure element 1234 comprises a base
portion 1238 and a web 1240 extending from the base
portion 1238. The web 1240 includes a hook portion 1242
extending from the web 1240. A second web 1241 extends
from the base portion 1238 and the web 1241 includes a
first engagement portion 1244.
The second closure element 1236 comprises a base
portion 1248 and a web 1250 extending from the base
portion 1248. The web 1250 includes hook portion 1252
extending from the web 1250. A second web 1251 extends
from the base portion 1248. The second web 1251 includes
a second engagement portion 1245 which engages the first
engagement portion 1244.
Referring to Figs. 63-64 the closure device and the
fastening strips have an X axis 1260, a Y axis 1262 and a
Z axis 1264. The X axis 1260 is the longitudinal axis of
the closure device, the Y axis 1262 is the lateral axis
which is perpendicular to the X axis 1260 and the Z axis
1264 is the vertical axis which is perpendicular to the X
axis 1260 and the Y axis 1262.
Referring to Figs. 65-66, the slider 1232 includes a
top portion 1270, a first side portion 1274, a second side
portion 1276, a bottom portion 1278 and a slot 1280.
Referring to Fig. 63, the slider 1232 has a first end 1284
and a second end 1286.
Returning to Figs. 65 and 66, the top portion 1270
has an inner surface 1320 and an outer surface 1322. The
inner surface 1320 includes an offset portion 1324 which
includes an upper surface 1325 and an offset side surface
1326. The offset portion 1324 begins at the second end
1286 and slopes downwards towards the first end 1284.
The bottom portion 1278 has an inner surface 1330 and
an outer surface 1332. The inner surface 1330 includes an
offset portion 1334 which includes an upper surface 1336
and an offset side surface 1338. The offset portion 1334
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begins at the first end 1284 and slopes downward towards
the second end 1286.
The first side portion 1274 has an inner surface 1340
and an outer surface 1342. The second side portion 1276
has an inner surface 1348 and an outer surface 1350. The
bottom portion 1278 has a slot 1280 which extends from the
outer surface 1332 to the inner surface 1330. In
addition, the slot extends from the first end 1284 to the
second end 1286 of the slider. The slot has substantially
the same width from the first end 1284 to the second end
1286 of the slider.
The slider may be a one piece construction or may
include several separate pieces which are assembled in
several different ways.
Figs. 67-72 illustrate occlusion and deocclusion of
the closure device. When Figs. 67-72 are viewed in
numerical sequence, Figs. 67-72 illustrate occlusion of
the fastening strips. When Figs. 67-72 are viewed in
reverse numerical sequence (i.e. viewed from Fig. 72
backwards to Fig. 67), Figs. 67-72 illustrate deocclusion
of the fastening strips.
The occlusion of the fastening strips will be
described and then the deocclusion of the fastening strips
will be described. The slider 1232 facilitates the
occlusion of the fastening strips 1230, 1231 by moving the
fastening strips towards each other in a shear direction
or Z axis direction and causing the webs to engage. The
slider also facilitates the engagement of the engagement
portions. Referring to Fig. 63, the slider 1232 is moved
in the occlusion direction 1380 and the fastening strips
1230, 1231 enter the slider 1232 as shown in Fig. 67.
Referring to Fig. 67, the fastening strips 1230, 1231 are
deoccluded and the web 1240 and web 1250 are separated by
a distance 1359. In addition, the upper surface 1330 of
the bottom portion and inner surface 1320 of the top
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portion are separated by a distance 1360. In addition,
the surfaces 1340, 1348 are separated by a distance 1361
and the bases 1238, 1248 are separated by a distance 1362.
With respect to Fig 68, as the slider is moved
further along the fastening strips in the occlusion
direction 1380 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider causes the
fastening strips to move closer together in Y axis 1262 as
shown in Fig. 68. Referring to Fig. 68, the fastening
strips 1230, 1231 are deoccluded. However, the surface
1340 and the surface 1348 are closer together than in Fig.
67 and are separated by a distance 1363 which is less than
distance 1361 in Fig. 67. Due to the reduction in
distance, the surface 1340 and the surface 1348 cause the
fastening strips to move closer together in the Y axis
1262. Thus, the bases 1238, 1248 are separated by a
distance 1364 which is less than the distance 1362 in Fig.
67. The surface 1326 is at an angle 1367 to the Z axis
1264. This surface 1326 causes a portion of the fastening
strips to deflect or rotate. Specifically, a portion 1249
of the base 1248 deflects or rotates relative to the Z
axis 1264 in order to allow the engagement portions 1244,
1245 to pass each other and engage when the fastening
strips are occluded. This portion 1249 is at an angle
1368 to the Z axis 1264. Furthermore the surfaces 1320,
1330 are separated by a distance 1365 which is
approximately the same as distance 1360 in Fig. 67. Thus,
the webs 1240, 1250 are separated by a distance 1366 which
is approximately the same as the distance 1359 in Fig. 67.
With respect to Figs. 67-72, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that location but are
also effected by the position of the fastening strips at
locations before and after that location. For example,
the positions of the fastening strips in Fig. 68 are
effected by the positions of the fastening strips in Figs.
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69
67 and 69.
The amount of effect that the position of fastening
strips from one location has upon the position of the
fastening strips in another location depends upon several
factors, such as, the structure of the fastening strips
and the material from which the fastening strips are made.
For example, if the fastening strips are relatively thick,
then the effect at other locations would be greater than
if the fastening strips were relatively thin. As another
example, if the material for the fastening strips is
relatively rigid, then the effect at other locations would
be greater than if the material was relatively flexible.
With respect to Fig. 69, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
1380 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider causes the fastening
strips to move closer together in the Z axis 1264 as shown
in Fig. 69. In Fig. 69, the surface 1320 and the surface
1330 are closer together than in Fig. 68 and are separated
by a distance 1375 which is less than distance 1365 in
Fig. 68. The surfaces 1320, 1330 are applying forces to
the fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to
move closer together in the Z axis 1264. The webs 1240,
1250 are closer together than in Fig. 68 and are separated
by a distance 1376 which is less than the distance 1366 in
Fig. 68. The webs 1240, 1250 are occluded. The surface
1326 is at an angle 1378 to the Z axis 1264. This surface
1326 continues to cause a portion of the fastening strips
to deflect or rotate. Specifically, the portion 1249 of
the base is at an angle 1379 to the Z axis 1264 in order
to allow the engagement portions 1244, 1245 to pass each
other and engage when the fastening strips are occluded.
The angle 1379 is approximately the same as angle 1367 in
Fig. 68. In addition, the surface 1349 is at angle 1382
to the Z axis 1264.
With respect to Fig. 70 as the slider continues to
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move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
1380 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider causes the portion
1249 to move in the Y axis 1262 as shown in Fig. 70. In
Fig. 70, the surface 1349 is at an angle 1383 to the Z
5 axis 1264 which is smaller than the angle 1382 in Fig. 69.
The surfaces 1340, 1349 are applying forces to the
fastening strips which causes the fastening strips to move
closer together in the Y axis 1262. Thus, the portion
1249 is at angle 1384 which is smaller than the angle 1379
10 in Fig. 69. In addition, the engagement portions 1244,
1245 are closer together than in Fig. 69.
With respect to Fig. 71, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
1380 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider continues to cause
15 the base portion 1249 to move in the Y axis 1262 as shown
in Fig. 71. In Fig. 71, the surface 1349 is at an angle
1384 to the Z axis 1264 which is smaller than the angle
1383 in Fig. 70. The surfaces 1340, 1349 are applying
forces to the fastening strips which causes the fastening
20 strips to move closer together in the Y axis 1262. Thus,
the portion 1249 is at angle 1385 which is smaller than
the angle 1384 in Fig. 70. In addition, the engagement
portions 1244, 1245 are closer together than in Fig. 70.
With respect to Fig. 72, as the slider continues to
25 move along the fastening strips in the occlusion direction
1380 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider continues to cause
the base portion 1249 to move in the Y axis 1262 as shown
in Fig. 72. In Fig. 72, the surface 1349 is no longer at
an angle to the Z axis 1264. Thus, the portion 1249 is
30 not at an angle to the Z axis. In addition, the
engagement portions 1244, 1245 have engaged. As shown in
Fig. 72, the fastening strips 1230, 1231 are occluded
prior to exiting the slider.
The deocclusion of the fastening strips 1230, 1231 in
35 Fig. 67-72 would occur in the reverse order of these
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71
figures. Thus, deocclusion is illustrated by beginning at
Fig. 72 and moving in reverse order toward Fig. 67. The
slider 1232 facilitates the deocclusion of the fastening
strips 1230, 1231 by moving the fastening strips away from
each other in the Z axis 1264 and causing the webs to
disengage. The slider also facilitates the disengagement
of the engagement portions. Referring to the Fig. 63, the
slider 1232 is moved in the deocclusion direction 1381 and
the fastening strips 1230, 1231 enter the slider 1232 as
shown in Fig. 72. Referring to Fig. 72, the fastening
strips 1230, 1231 are occluded as they enter the slider
1232. The surface 1349 is parallel to the Z axis 1264.
Thus, the portion 1249 is also parallel to the Z axis. In
addition, the engagement portions 1244, 1245 are engaged.
With respect to Fig. 71, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1381, the slider causes the portion 1249 to move
in the Y axis 1262 as shown in Fig. 71. Referring to Fig.
71, the surface 1326 is at an angle 1391 to the Z axis
1264. The surface 1326 causes the portion 1249 to deflect
or rotate. The portion 1249 deflects or rotates relative
to the Z axis 1264 in order to allow the engagement
portions to disengage and pass each other when the
fastening strips deocclude. The portion 1249 is at an
angle 1385 to the Z axis 1264. The engagement portions
1244, 1245 are further apart than in Fig. 72.
Specifically, the engagement portions 1244, 1245 are
separated by a distance 1392 in the Y axis 1262.
Furthermore, as noted above, the positions of the
fastening strips are effected not only by the forces
acting upon them by the slider at that specific location,
but are also effected by the position of the fastening
strips at locations before and after that specific
location. For example, the positions of fastening strips
1230, 1231 in Fig. 71 are effected by the positions of the
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fastening strips in Figs. 70 and 72.
With respect to Fig. 70, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1381 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider continues
to cause the portion 1249 to move in the Y axis 1262 as
shown in Fig. 70. Referring to Fig. 70, the surface 1326
is at an angle 1393 to the Z axis 1264 which is greater
than the angle 1391 in Fig. 71. Due to the increase in
angle and thus distance, the surface 1326 causes the
portion 1249 to deflect or rotate. The portion 1249
deflects or rotates relative to the Z axis 1264 in order
to allow the engagement portions to move in the Y axis
1262 and disengage. The portion 1249 is at an angle 1384
to the Z axis 1264 which is greater than the angle 1385 in
Fig. 71. Consequently, the engagement portions 1244, 1245
are further apart than in Fig. 71. Specifically, the
engagement portions 1244, 1245 are separated by a distance
1394 in the Y axis 1262 which is greater than the distance
1392 in Fig. 71.
With respect to Fig. 69, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocciusion
direction 1381 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider continues
to cause the portion 1249 to move in the Y axis 1262 as
shown in Fig. 69. Referring to Fig. 69, the surface 1326
is at an angle 1378 to the Z axis 1264 which is greater
than the angle 1393 in Fig. 70. Due to the increase in
angle and thus the distance, the surface 1326 causes the
portion 1249 to deflect or rotate. The portion 1249
deflects or rotates relative to the Z axis 1264 in order
to allow the engagement portions to move in the Y axis
1262 and disengage as in Fig. 69. The portion 1249 is at
an angle 1379 to the Z axis 1264 which is greater than the
angle 1384 in Fig. 70. Consequently, the engagement
portions 1244, 1245 are further apart than in Fig. 70.
Specifically, the engagement portions 1244, 1245 are
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separated by a distance 1395 in the Y axis 1262 which is
greater than the distance 1394 in Fig. 70.
With respect to Fig. 68, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1381 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider causes the
fastening strips to move away from each other in the Z
axis 1264 as shown in Fig. 68. Referring to Fig. 68, the
surfaces 1325, 1336 are separated by a distance 1398 which
is less than the distance 1397 in Fig. 69. The surfaces
1325, 1336 are applying shear forces to the fastening
strips which causes the fastening strips to move away from
each other in the Z axis 1264. The fastening strips
separate due to the shearing action between the fastening
strips. Consequently, the webs 1240, 1250 are separated
by a distance 1366 which is greater than the distance 1367
in Fig. 69.
With respect to Fig. 67, as the slider continues to
move along the fastening strips in the deocclusion
direction 1381 as shown in Fig. 63, the slider continues
to cause the fastening strips to move away from each other
in the Z axis 1264 as shown in Fig. 67. Referring to Fig.
67, the surfaces 1325, 1336 are separated by a distance
1398. The surfaces 1325, 1336 are applying shear forces
to the fastening strips which causes the fastening strips
to move away from each other in the Z axis 1264. The
fastening strips separate due to the shearing action
between the fastening strips. Consequently, the webs
1240, 1250 are separated by a distance 1359 which is
greater than the distance 1366 in Fig. 68.
In addition, the fastening strips 1230, 1231, move
away from each other in the Y axis 1262 as shown in Fig.
67. The surfaces 1340, 1348 are further apart than in
Fig. 68 and are separated by a distance 1361 which is
greater than the distance 1363 in Fig. 68. Due to the
increase in distance, the surfaces 1340, 1348 permit the
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fastening strips to move away from each other in the Y
axis 1262. The surface 1326 assists in moving the
fastening strips away from each other in the Y axis 1262.
The bases 1238, 1248 are separated by a distance 1362
which is greater than the distance 1364 in Fig. 68. Thus,
the webs 1240, 1250 including the hooks 1242, 1252 have
disengaged and are deoccluded. Furthermore, the surface
1349 is no longer at an angle to the Z axis 1264. Thus,
the portion 1249 is not at an angle to the Z axis. As
shown in Fig. 67, the fastening strips 1230, 1231 are
deoccluded when the fastening strips exit the slider 1232.
As noted above, the closure device may include other
features. For, example, the closure device may include a
notch near the seam to assist the leak proof seal. The
slider may also include an additional seal at the slot.
The closure device may also have an end stop.
Furthermore, the closure device may have a structure for a
home or parking position. In addition, the closure device
may include other structures to accommodate the slider at
the end of the fastening strips, such as, slits or other
means.
The slider may be manufactured by injection molding
or any other method. The slider may be formed from
thermoplastic materials such as, nylon, polypropylene,
polystyrene, acetal, toughened acetal, polyketone,
polybutylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene,
polycarbonate, or ABS. The slider can be clear, opaque,
or colored.
The fastening strips may be manufactured by extrusion
through a die that has the approximate dimensions given
above, although the die should be made somewhat larger
than the desired final dimensions of the fastening strip,
inasmuch as shrinkage of the extruded fastening strip is
likely upon cooling. The fastening strips of the closure
device should be manufactured to have approximately
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uniform cross-sections. This not only simplifies the
manufacturing of a device, but also contributes to the
physical flexibility of the device, which may be a
desirable property.
5 Generally, the closure elements of this invention may
be formed from thermoplastic materials such as, for
example, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or the like,
or from a combination thereof. Thus, resins or mixtures
of resins such as high density polyethylene, medium
10 density polyethylene and low density polyethylene may be
employed to prepare the novel fastener of this invention.
Preferably, the closure element is made from low density
polyethylene. The selection of the thermoplastic material
will be related to the closure design and its Young's
15 Modulus and desired elasticity and flexibility correlated
to provide the functionality of the closure as herein
claimed.
When the fastener of the present invention is used in
a sealable bag, the fastener and the films that form the
20 body of the bag can be made from heat sealable material.
The bag thus can be formed economically by heat sealing
the aforementioned components to form the bag using
thermoplastics of a type aforementioned for formation of
the closure elements. Preferably, the bag is made from a
25 mixture of high pressure, low density polyethylene and
linear low density polyethylene.
The closure elements of the invention may be
manufactured by extrusion or other known methods. The
closure device can be manufactured as individual fastening
30 strips for later attachment to a film, or the fastening
strips can be manufactured integrally with a film. In
addition, the closure elements can be manufactured with or
without flange portions on one or both of the closure
elements depending upon the intended use or expected
35 additional manufacturing operations.
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Generally, the closure device of this invention can
be manufactured in a variety of forms to suit the intended
use. In the practice of the instant invention, the closure
device may be integrally formed with the sidewalls of a
container, or connected to a container, by the use of any
of many known methods. For example, a thermoelectric
device can be applied to a film in contact with a flange
portion of a closure element or the thermoelectric device
can be applied to a film in contact with the base portion
of a closure element having no flange portion, to cause a
transfer of heat through the film to produce melting at
the interface of the film and a flange portion or base
portion of the closure element. The thermoelectric device
can be heated rotary discs, traveling heater bands,
resistance-heated slide wires, or the like. The
connection between the film and the closure element can
also be established by the use of hot melt adhesives, hot
jets of air to the interface, ultrasonic heating, or other
known methods. The bonding of the closure element to the
film stock may be carried out either before or after the
film is U-folded to form a bag. In any event, such
bonding is done prior to side sealing the bags at the
edges by conventional thermal cutting. In addition, the
male and female closure elements can be positioned on
opposite sides of a film. Such an embodiment would be
suited for wrapping an object or a collection of objects
such as wires. The male and female closure elements on a
film generally should be parallel to each other, but this
will depend on the intended use.
Thus, the present invention provides a closure device
that overcomes the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.
While particular embodiments of the invention have
been shown, it will of course be understood that the
invention is not limited thereto since modifications may
be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light
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of the foregoing teachings. It is, therefore,
contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such
modifications as incorporate those features which
constitute the essential features of these improvements
within the true spirit and scope of the invention. All
references and copending applications cited herein are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
