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
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difficult to determine when the male and female closure
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 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,
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
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above the closure elements, such as, U.S. Patenta 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.
BRIEF 8Ub dARY OF T8S INVENTION
According to a first broad form of the invention there is provided
a closure device comprising a first fastening strip and a second
fastening strip that are arranged to be interlocked over a
predetermined length, one of said fastening atripe having a first
uneven surface including three or more first protrusions defining
spacings there between, and having at leaet one of the following
characteristics the spacings between the protrusions are not all
equal'; the widths of the protrusions are not all equal; the
heighte of the protrusions are not all equal; and/or the shapes of
the protrusions are not all the same; a Blider slidably engaging
said first and said second fastening strips and movable toward a
first end of said fagtening strips to occlude said fastening
strips and movable towards a second end of said fastening strips
to deocciude said fastening strips, the slider having a first
engaging finger that contacts said first uneven surface and
contacts said first protrusions as it alides along the fagtening
strips, and said contact between said first engaging finger and
said first uneven surface produces an audible signal, that ia not
constant for its duration due to the fact that at leaat one oL the
spacings, widths, shapes or heights of the first protrusione are
not equal so as to indicate at least one of occlusion and de-
occ7.usa.on of the fastener.
According to another broad form of the invention there is provided
a slider for a first fastening strip and a second fastening strip
arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length, one of the
fastening strips having a first uneven surface, including three or
more first protrusions defining spacings there between, and having
at least one of the following characteristics the spacings between
the protrusions are not all equal; the widths of the protrusions
are not all equal; the heights of the protrusions are not all
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equal; and/or the shapes of the protrusions are not all the same;
the slider slidably engaging said first and said second fastening
strips and movable toward a first end of aaid fastening strips to
occlude said fastening strips and movable towards a second end of
said fastening strips to deocclude said fastening strips, the
slider having a first engaging finger that contacts said first
uneven surface and contacts said firat protrusions as it slides
along the fastening strips, and said contact between said first
engaging finger and said first uneven surface produces an audible
signal that ip not constant for its duration due to the fact that
at least one of the spacings, widths, shapes or heights of the
first protrusions are not equal so as to indicate at least one of
occlusion and de-occlusion of the fastener.
According to yet another broad form of the invention there is
provided a container comprising first and second sidewalls, said
first and second sidewalls including mating first and second
fastening strips respectively, said first and second fastening
strips arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length, one
of said fastening strips having a first uneven surface including
three or more first protrusiona defining spacings there between,
and having at least one of the following Characteristics; the
spacings between the protrusions are not al1 equal; the widthe of
the protrusions are not all equal; the heights of the protrusions
are not all equal; and/or the shapes of the protrunions are not
all the same; a slider slidably engaging said first and said
second fastening strips and movable toward a first end of said
fastening strips to occlude said fastening strips and movable
towards a second end of said fastening strips to deocclude said
fastening strips, the slider having a first engaging finger that
contacts said first uneven surface and contacts said first
protrusions as it slides along the fastening strips, and said
contact between said first engaging finger and said first uneven
surface produces an audible signal that is not constant for its
duration due to the fact that at least one of the spacings,
widths, shapes or heights of the first protrusions are not equal
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so as to indicate at least one of occlusion and de-occluaion of
the faetener.
DE9CFtIPTION OF T88 DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perapective view of a container according to
the preeent invention in the form of a plastic bag.
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Fig. 2 is an enlarged partial top view of the
container in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged partially cut away side view of
one embodiment of the invention showing an uneven surface
having protrusions that are disposed upwardly and the
engaging finger of the slider located near the end of the
slider.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged partially cut away side view of
another embodiment of the invention showing an uneven
surface having protrusions that are disposed upwardly and
the engaging finger of the slider located approximately in
the center of the slider.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged partially cut away top view of
another embodiment of the invention showing two uneven
surfaces having protrusions that are disposed outwardly
and engaging fingers of the slider located near the end of
the slider.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged partially cut away top view of
another embodiment of the invention showing two uneven
surfaces having protrusions that are disposed outwardly
and engaging fingers of the slider located approximately
in the center of the slider.
Fig. 7 is a partially cut away top view of another
embodiment of the invention showing multiple engaging
fingers for each uneven surface.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8
in Fig. 2 of another embodiment.
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Fig. 9 is a partially cut away top view of one of the
embodiments in Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 is a partially cut away top view of one of
the embodiments in Fig. 8.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a side or top view showing the uneven
surface with protrusions shaped as semi-circles.
Fig. 13 is a side or top view showing the uneven
surface with protrusions shaped as triangles.
Fig. 14 is a side or top view showing the uneven
surface with rounded-shaped protrusions.
Fig. 15 is a side view or top view showing variable
spacing between protrusions.
Fig. 16 is a side view or a top view showing a
difference in protrusion height between protrusions.
Fig. 17 is a side view or a top view showing a
difference in protrusion width between protrusions.
Fig. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 18-18 in Fig. 2 of an occluded z-axis or shearing
action interlocking closure device.
Fig. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 19-19 in Fig. 2 showing an occluded U-channel
interlocking closure device.
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Fig. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 20-20 in Fig. 2 showing an occluded arrow-head
interlocking closure device.
Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along
line 21-21 in Fig. 2 showing an occluded rolling-action
interlocking closure device.
While the invention will be described and disclosed
in connection with certain embodiments and procedures, it
is not intended to limit the invention to those specific
embodiments. Rather it is intended to cover all such
embodiments and modifications as fall within the sprit and
scope of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The present invention provides interlocking closure
devices with a slider which provide a sensory indication,
such as, audible and/or tactile indication, of occlusion
and deocclusion. Generally, the closure device comprises a
first and a second interlocking fastening strip that are
substantially parallel relative to each other and arranged
to be interlocked over a predetermined length by a slider
having an engaging finger. The slider facilitates the
occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips when the
slider is moved relative to and substantially parallel
with the first and second interlocking fastening strips.
The closure device is further comprised of an uneven
surface having protrusions. The protrusions sequentially
contact the engaging finger as the slider is moved
relative to and substantially parallel with the first and
second interlocking fastening strips.
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a container according to the
present invention in the form of a plastic bag 120 having
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a sealable closure device 122. The plastic bag includes a
top end 124, a first side wall 126 and a second side wall
128 joined at seams 130, 131 to define a compartment open
on the top but sealable by means of the closure device.
The closure device comprises a first fastening strip 140,
a second fastening strip 141 and a slider 150. The slider
can move in either a first direction 154 or a second
direction 156. Both directions of slider motion are
substantially parallel with both fastening strips.
The first fastening strip 140 is attached near the
top of the first side wall 126. The second fastening
strip 141 is attached near the top of the second side wall
128. Each fastening strip is located across from and
substantially parallel with the other fastening strip.
The slider 150 is located at the top of the plastic bag
and straddles both fastening strips. The slider 150
slidably engages each of the fastening strips 140, 141 so
that the slider is moved relative to and substantially
parallel with the fastening strips. The fastening strips
140, 141 either occlude or deocclude depending upon the
direction of travel of the slider 150.
Fig. 3 shows one embodiment of the invention which
includes an engaging finger and an uneven surface with
protrusions that contact the engaging finger. In Fig. 3,
the slider 200 includes an engaging finger 210. The
engaging finger has a first end 212 and a second end 214.
The slider further includes a first end 220, a second end
222, a first side 224, a second side 226, a top 228 and a
bottom 230. The bottom includes a first shoulder 236 and
a second shoulder 238 which define a slot 239. One or
both of the fastening strips 240, 241 includes an uneven
surface 250. The uneven surface is comprised of several
protrusions 252.
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The first end 212 of the engaging finger is integral
with the top 228 of the slider. The engaging finger 210
extends downwardly from the top of the slider toward the
bottom of the slider and is located close to the second
end 222 of the slider. The uneven surface 250 may include
several protrusions 252. The protrusions extend upwardly
from the top of the first fastening strip 140, the second
fastening strip 141 or both fastening strips toward the
top of the slider. The second end 214 of the engaging
finger sequentially contacts each of the protrusions 252
as the slider is moved substantially parallel to the
fastening strips. For example, if the slider is moving in
the right to left or occlusion direction 254 as shown in
Fig. 3, the finger 210 deflects over the first protrusion
270. After the finger clears the first protrusion, the
finger 210 contacts the next protrusion 272 and/or the
surface 216 adjacent the finger 210. When the finger
contacts the second protrusion 272 and/or the surface 216
adjacent to the finger, the contact generates an audible
and/or tactile sensation for the user. The sensation
continues as the user moves the slider along the fastening
strips 140, 141. In addition, the sensation may also
occur when the slider is moved in the opposite deocclusion
direction 256 as shown in Fig.3. This sensation provides
an audible and/or tactile indication that the fastening
strips are occluding or deoccluding.
Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the
invention in which similar components of the closure
device are similarly numbered as in Fig. 3. The
embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 4
positions the engaging finger near the center of the
slider. In Fig. 4, the engaging finger 310 is located
approximately midway between the first end 320 of the
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slider 300 and the second end 322 of the slider. The
engaging finger 310 contacts the uneven surface 350 having
protrusions 352 in the same manner as set forth in the
description of Fig. 3. However, in comparison to Fig. 3
after the finger 310 clears the first protrusion, the
finger 310 may contact the next protrusion, the surface
316 or the surface 317 depending upon the movement
direction 354, 356 of the slider 300.
Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the
invention which includes two engaging fingers and two
uneven surfaces with protrusions that sequentially contact
their respective engaging finger. In addition, the
engaging finger in Fig. 5 contacts the side of the
fastening strips in comparison to the embodiments in Figs.
3 and 4 wherein the finger contacts the top of the
fastening strip. Specifically, in Fig. 5, the slider 400
includes a first engaging finger 410. The first engaging
finger has a first end 412 and a second end 414. The
slider also includes a second engaging finger 460 having a
first end 462 and a second end 464. The slider further
includes a first end 420, a second end 422, a first side
424, a second side 426, a top 428 and a bottom 430. The
bottom is comprised of a first shoulder 436 and a second
shoulder 438 which together define a slot 439. The first
fastening strip 440 includes an uneven surface 450 which
is comprised of a first series of protrusions 452. The
second fastening strip 441 includes an uneven surface 470
which is comprised of a second series of protrusions 472.
The first end 412 of the first engaging finger is
integrally connected to the first side 424 of the slider.
The first engaging finger 410 extends inwardly from the
first side 424 of the slider toward the center of the
slider. The first engaging finger 410 is located close to
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the second end 422 of the slider.
The first end 462 of the second engaging finger is
integrally connected to the second side 426 of the slider.
The second engaging finger 460 extends inwardly from the
second side 426 of the slider toward the center of the
slider. The second engaging finger 460 is located close
to the second end 422 of the slider.
The first series of protrusions 452 extend outwardly
from the first fastening strip 440. The second end 414 of
the first engaging finger sequentially contacts each
protrusion that comprises the first series of protrusions
452. The second series of protrusions 472 extend
outwardly from the second fastening strip 441. The second
end 464 of the second engaging finger sequentially
contacts each protrusion that comprises the second series
of protrusions 472. As the slider 400 is moved along the
first and second fastening strips, the engaging fingers
410, 460 contact the uneven surfaces 450, 470.
Specifically, the second end 414 of the first engaging
finger sequentially contacts each of the protrusions that
comprise the first series of protrusions 452 and the
second end 464 of the second engaging finger sequentially
contacts each of the protrusions that comprise the second
series of protrusions 472. For example, if the slider is
moving in the occlusion direction 454 as shown in Fig. 5,
the first engaging finger 410 deflects over the first
protrusion in the first series of protrusions 452 and the
second engaging finger 460 deflects over the first
protrusion in the second series of protrusions 472. After
the first engaging finger 410 clears the first protrusion
in the first series of protrusions, the finger 410
contacts the next protrusion and/or the surface 416
adjacent the first engaging finger 410. When the first
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engaging finger 410 contacts the second protrusion in the
first series of protrusions and/or the surface 416
adjacent to the finger, the contact generates an audible
and/or tactile sensation for the user. The sensation
continues as the user moves the slider along the fastening
strips.
The tactile and/or audible sensation created by the
movement of the slider is enhanced by the use of the
second engaging finger 460. The second engaging finger
460 contacts the second series of protrusions 472 and/or
the surface 466 adjacent to the second engaging finger 460
in the same manner as the first engaging finger contacts
the first series of protrusions as the slider is moved
along the fastening strips. In addition, the sensation
may also occur when the slider 400 is moved in the
deocclusion direction 456 as shown in Fig. 5. This
sensation provides an audible and/or tactile indication
that the slider is moving and that the fastening strips
are occluding or deoccluding.
This feature of the engaging finger engaging the side
of the fastening strip(s) may be used as appropriate with
any of the embodiments herein.
As an example of another embodiment, first and second
engaging fingers may be at any location on the slider and
may engage the top of a fastening strip(s), third and
fourth engaging fingers may be at any location on the
slider and may engage respective sides of the fastening
strips and additional engaging fingers as desired may be
located to engage the side(s), the top, the bottom, and/or
the interior of the top of the fastening strips as desired
and appropriate.
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Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the
invention in which similar components of the closure
device are similarly numbered as in Fig.5. The embodiment
of the invention illustrated in Fig. 6 positions the first
engaging finger 510 and the second engaging finger 560
across from each other and located approximately midway
between the first end 520 of the slider 500 and the second
end 522 of the slider. The first engaging finger 510
contacts the first uneven surface 550 having protrusions
552 in the same manner as set forth in the description of
Figs. 4 and S. Likewise, the second engaging finger 560
contacts the second uneven surface 570 having protrusions
572 in the same manner as set forth in the description of
Figs. 4 and S.
The slider may include two or more fingers engaging
one surface of the fastening strips. Referring to Fig. 7,
the closure device is similar to the closure device in
Fig. 5 except the slider 600 has three engaging fingers
610, 611, 613, 660, 661, 663 on each side of the fastening
strips 640, 641. The three fingers 610, 611, 613 engage
the uneven surface 650 and the three fingers 660, 661, 663
engage the uneven surface 670. This feature of two or
more fingers engaging one uneven surface may be used as
appropriate with any of the embodiments herein.
The engaging finger(s) may also engage the interior
surface(s) of the fastening strip(s). Referring to Fig.
8, the closure device is similar to the other embodiments
except an engaging finger 710 may engage an uneven surface
which is located on an inside surface 724 on a first side
726, an inside surface 725 on a second side 727, a surface
729 of a first closure portion 737, and/or a surface 745
of a second closure portion 747. For example, in the
embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the inside surface 724 has an
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uneven surface 750 and the inside surface 725 has an
uneven surface 770. The engaging finger 710 may engage
one or both of the surfaces 750, 770. In the embodiment
shown in Fig. 10, the surface 729 on the first closure
portion has an uneven surface 771 and the engaging finger
710 engages the surface 771. Similarly, as shown in Fig.
11, the surface 845 on the second closure portion may have
an uneven surface and the engaging finger 810 engages the
uneven surface on surface 845. As shown in Fig. 8, the
engaging finger 710 may contact one or more surfaces. In
addition, the engaging finger 710 may be used with other
engaging fingers on the same uneven surface. Also, the
engaging finger 710 and its corresponding uneven surface
may be used in combination with other engaging fingers
776, 778 on other uneven surfaces as shown in Figs. 9 and
10. Furthermore, the engaging finger 710 may also be the
separator finger or may operate independently of the
separator finger.
In another embodiment, the engaging finger(s) may
contact an uneven surface on the sidewall(s) of the bag.
Referring generally to Figs. 12-17, the uneven
surface may have several different shapes and/or
configurations. For example, the uneven surface may have
square or rectangular protrusions of uniform height, width
and spacing as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6. However,
variously shaped protrusions can be interchanged or
combined with the square or rectangular protrusions
illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6. Furthermore,
independent of the shape of the protrusion, the height,
width and/or spacing of the protrusions can be equal or
can be altered.
Referring to Fig. 12, the uneven surface 900 includes
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semi-circularly shaped protrusions 910 that extend
upwardly or outwardly from a fastening strip 920. The
semi-circularly shaped protrusions extend upwardly in a
side view and outwardly in a top view.
Referring to Fig. 13, the uneven surface 930 includes
triangularly shaped protrusions 940 that extend upwardly
or outwardly from a fastening strip 950. The triangularly
shaped protrusions extend upwardly in a side view and
outwardly in a top view.
Referring to Fig. 14, the uneven surface 960 includes
rounded protrusions 970 that extend upwardly or outwardly
from a fastening strip 980. The rounded shaped protrusions
extend upwardly in a side view and outwardly in a top
view.
Referring to Fig. 15, the spacing between protrusions
may be unequal while maintaining a constant width and a
constant height of each individual protrusion. In Fig.
15, the uneven surface 1000 has a first spacing 1002
between a first protrusion 1004 and a second protrusion
1006 that is greater than the second spacing 1008 between
the second protrusion and the third protrusion 1010. The
height of the first protrusion 1012 is the same as the
height for all the protrusions in Fig. 15. Likewise, the
width of the first protrusion 1014 is the same as the
width for all the protrusions in Fig. 15. In other
embodiments, the height and/or the width of the
protrusions may also be unequal.
Referring to Fig. 16, the height difference between
protrusions may be unequal while maintaining a constant
width of each protrusion and a constant spacing between
protrusions. In Fig. 16, the uneven surface 1120 includes
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a first protrusion 1122 having a first height 1124 and a
second protrusion 1126 having a second height 1128. The
height of the first protrusion is greater than the height
of the second protrusion and each protrusion thereafter
may sequentially decrease in height. The spacing between
the first protrusion and the second protrusion 1130 is
equal to the spacing between subsequent consecutive
protrusions in Fig. 16. Likewise, the width of the first
protrusion 1132 is the same as the width for all the
protrusions in Fig. 16. In other embodiments, the
spacing and/or the width of the protrusions may also be
unequal.
Referring to Fig. 17, the width difference between
protrusions may be unequal while maintaining a constant
height of each protrusion and a constant spacing between
protrusions. In Fig. 17, the uneven surface 1140 includes
a first protrusion 1142 having a first width 1144 and a
second protrusion 1146 having a second width 1148. The
width 1144 of the first protrusion is greater than the
width 1148 of the second protrusion and each protrusion
thereafter may sequentially decrease in width. The
spacing 1150 between the first protrusion 1142 and the
second protrusion 1146 is equal to the spacing between
subsequent consecutive protrusions in Fig. 17. Likewise,
the height 1152 of the first protrusion 1142 is the same
as the height for other protrusions in Fig. 17. In other
embodiments, the spacing and/or the height of the
protrusions may also be unequal.
In another embodiment, the audible and/or tactile
sensation may be a first sensation in the occlusion
direction and a second sensation in the deocclusion
direction. Thus, the user can determine the direction of
the slider by the sensation. These two different
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sensations may be accomplished by varying the shapes of
the protrusions, the height, the width, the spacing of the
protrusions, the location or the shape of the engaging
finger(s), and/or the material composition of the engaging
finger(s) or the uneven surface(s). Similarly, these
factors can be used to select an appropriate sensation
even if a single sensation is desired for occlusion and
deocclusion. Furthermore, these factors can be used to
select or vary the sensation at predetermined location(s)
on the fastening strip(s), such as, near the ends of the
fastening strip(s).
The uneven surface may be manufactured by rolling a
wheel with notches or the appropriate shape along the
predetermined surface.
The interlocking fastening strips of the present
invention may be of virtually any type or form. For
example, the interlocking fastening strips may comprise
"shear action" or "Z-axis" closure strips, as shown in
FIG. 18. Shear action closure strips include a first
fastening strip 1231 and a complementary second fastening
strip 1241 which engage upon moving the slider member 1200
in the occlusion direction. With shear action closure
elements, the engaging finger 1210 may engage the upper
surface 1222 of the first fastening strip 1231, as shown,
for example, in FIG. 18. In another embodiment, the
engaging finger may engage one or both of the sides 1226,
1227 of the fastening strips as noted above.
The interlocking fastening strips may optionally
comprise U-channel closure strips as shown in Fig. 19. U-
channel closure strips include a first fastening strip
1332 with hook portions 1333, and an associated second
fastening strip 1342 with inner hook portions 1343 and
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outer wings 1344. With U-channel closure elements, the
engaging finger 1310 may engage the upper surface 1322 of
one of the outer wings 1344, as shown in FIG. 19. If the
fastening strip does not include wings 1344, then the
engaging finger 1310 engages the upper surface 1323. In
another embodiment, the engaging finger may engage one or
both of the sides 1326, 1327 of the fastening strips as
noted above.
In addition, the interlocking fastening strips may
alternatively comprise arrowhead-type closure strips, as
shown in FIG. 20. As described more fully in U.S. Patents
5,007,142 and 5,020,194 arrowhead-type closure strips
typically include a first fastening strip 1446 with an
arrowhead-shaped engagement portion 1447, and an
associated second fastening strip 1436 with a cup-shaped
engagement portion 1437. In use, the first fastening
strip 1446 and the second fastening strip 1436 and are
selectively occluded and deoccluded by moving the slider
member in the appropriate direction. This
occlusion/deocclusion action is usually accomplished by a
separator finger 1482 (only a portion of which is shown)
which projects downwardly from the top portion 1472 of the
slider member between the first fastening strip 1446 and
the second fastening strip 1436. With arrowhead-type
closure elements, the engaging finger 1410 may engage the
upper surface 1422 of one or both of the fastening strips
1446 and 1436, as shown, for example, in FIG. 20. In
another embodiment, the engaging finger may engage one or
both of the sides 1426, 1427 of the fastening strips as
noted above.
The interlocking fastening strips may optionally
comprise rolling action closure strips, as shown, for
example, in FIG. 21. As described in greater detail in
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18
U.S. Patent No. 5,007,143, rolling action closure strips
include interlocking elements 1548 and 1538. This rolling
action is usually accomplished by a separator finger 1582
(only a portion of which is shown) which projects
downwardly from the top portion 1572 of the slider member.
With such rolling action closure elements, the engaging
finger 1510 may engage the upper surface 1522 of one or
both of the elements 1548 and 1538, as shown, for example,
in FIG. 21 or may engage one or both of the sides 1526,
1527 of the fastening strips as noted above.
Although several interlocking fastening strip
embodiments have been specifically described and
illustrated herein, it will be readily appreciated by
those skilled in the art that other kinds, types, or forms
of fastening strips may alternatively be used without
departing from the scope or spirit of the present
invention.
The slider may be a one piece construction or may
include several separate pieces which are assembled in
several different ways. The slider may be manufactured by
injection molding or any other method. The slider may be
formed from thermoplastic materials such as,
polypropylene, high density polyethylene, ABS,
polystyrene, nylon, acetal, toughened acetal, polyketone,
polybutylene, terephthalate or polycarbonate. The slider
may be clear, opaque or colored.
The interlocking fastening strips of the present
invention may be manufactured by extrusion through a die.
The die should be made somewhat larger than the desired
final dimensions of the fastening strips, inasmuch as
shrinkage of the extruded fastening strips is likely upon
cooling. In addition, the fastening strips should be
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manufactured to have approximately uniform cross-sections.
This not only simplifies the manufacturing of a closure
device, but also contributes to the physical flexibility
of the closure device.
Generally, the interlocking fastening strips of the
present invention may be formed from any suitable
thermoplastic material including, 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 density
polyethylene, and low density polyethylene may be employed
to prepare the interlocking fastening strips of the
present invention. In most instances, the fastening
strips are preferably made from low density polyethylene.
The selection of the appropriate thermoplastic material,
however, is related to the particular design of the
fastening strips, the Young's Modulus of the thermoplastic
material, and the desired elasticity and flexibility of
the strips.
When the fastening strips of the present invention
are used in a sealable bag, the fastening strips and the
films that form the body of the bag may be conveniently
manufactured from heat sealable material. In this way,
the bag may be economically formed by using an
aforementioned thermoplastic material and by heat sealing
the fastening strips to the bag. In most instances, the
bag is preferably made from a mixture of high pressure,
low density polyethylene and linear, low density
polyethylene.
The fastening strips of the present invention may be
manufactured by extrusion or other known methods. For
example, the closure device may be manufactured as
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individual fastening strips for later attachment to the
bag or may be manufactured integrally with the bag. In
addition, the fastening strips may be manufactured with or
without flange portions on one or both of the fastening
strips depending upon the intended use of the closure
device or expected additional manufacturing operations.
Generally, the closure device of the present
invention can be manufactured in a variety of forms to
suit the intended use. In practicing the present
invention, the closure device may be integrally formed on
the opposing side walls of the container or bag, or
connected to the container by the use of any of many known
methods. For example, a thermoelectric device may be
applied to a film in contact with the flange portion of
the fastening strips or the thermoelectric device may be
applied to a film in contact with the base portion of
fastening strips 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 fastening strips. Suitable thermoelectric
devices include heated rotary discs, traveling heater
bands, resistance-heated slide wires, and the like. The
connection between the film and the fastening strips may
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 fastening strips to the
film stock may be carried out either before or after the
film is U-folded to form the bag. In any event, such
bonding is done prior to side sealing the bag at the edges
by conventional thermal cutting. In addition, the first
and second fastening strips may be positioned on opposite
sides of the film. Such an embodiment would be suited for
wrapping an object or a collection of objects such as
wires. The first and second fastening strips should
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usually be positioned on the film in a generally parallel
relationship with respect to each other, although this
will depend on the intended use.
In summary, the present invention provides a closure
device that overcomes many of the drawbacks inherent in
the prior art. More specifically, the present invention
affords a closure device with interlocking fastening
strips, a slider member which facilitates the occlusion
and deocclusion of the fastening strips, and an engaging
portion which produces an audible indication of movement
of the slider.
From the foregoing it will be understood that
modifications and variations may be effectuated to the
disclosed structures - particularly in light of the
foregoing teachings - without departing from the scope or
spirit of the present invention. As such, no limitation
with respect to the specific embodiments described and
illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.
Indeed, the following claims are intended to cover all
modifications and variations that fall within the scope
and spirit of the present invention. In addition, all
references and copending applications cited herein are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
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21B
zn the specification and claims the term "comprising' shall
be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term
'including' and will be understood to iTM1,y the inclusion
of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not
S the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of
integers or ateps. This definition also applies to
variations on the term 'comprising' such as 'comprise' and
'cQmprises'.
