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 relates generally to closure
devices and, more particularly, to a slider, interlocking
fastening strips, and a method of assembly. The
inventive closure device and method may be employed in
traditional fastener areas, and is particularly well
suited for fastening flexible storage containers,
including plastic bags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of closure devices for fastening storage
containers, including plastic bags, is generally well
known. Furthermore, the manufacture of closure devices
made of plastic materials is generally known to those
skilled in the art, as demonstrated by the numerous
patents in this area.
A particularly well-known use for closure devices is
in connection with flexible storage containers, such as
plastic bags. In some instances, the closure device and
the associated container are formed from thermoplastic
materials, and the closure device and the side walls of
the container are integrally formed by extrusion as a
single piece. Alternatively, the closure device and side
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walls of the container may be formed as separate pieces
and then connected by heat sealing or any other.suitable
connecting process. In either event, such closure devices
are particularly useful in providing a closure means for
retaining matter within the bag.
Conventional closure devices typically utilize mating
fastening strips or closure elements which are used to
selectively seal the bag. With such closure devices,
however, it is often difficult to determine whether the
fastening strips are fully occluded. This problem is
particularly acute when the strips are relatively narrow.
Accordingly, when such fastening strips are employed,
there exists a reasonable likelihood that the closure
device is at least partially open.
Such fastening strips are also particularly difficult
to handle by individuals with limited manual dexterity.
Thus, in order to assist these individuals and for ease of
use by individuals with normal dexterity, the prior art
has also provided sliders for use in opening and closing
the fastening strips, as disclosed, for example, in U.S.
Patent Nos. 4,199,845, 5,007,142, 5,007,143, 5,010,627,
5, 020, 194, 5, 070, 583, 5, 283, 932, 5, 301, 394, 5, 426, 830,
5,431,760, 5,442,838, and 5,448,808.
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During assembly of closure devices utilizing sliders,
the sliders are often mounted onto fastening strips by
moving the slider over the fastening strips in the
vertical Z axis. Specifically, if the longitudinal axis
of the fastening strips and slider is the X axis, the
width is the transverse Y axis and the height is the
vertical Z axis, the slider is attached to the fastening
strips by moving the slider over the fastening strips in
the vertical Z axis. In the past, sliders attached in the
vertical Z axis have utilized folding design with the
hinge along the X axis such as the sliders in U.S. Patents
5,010,627, 5,067,208, 5,070,583, and 5,448,808.
Other sliders have used multiple parts which are
assembled together such as the sliders in U.S. Patent Nos.
5,007,142, 5,283,932 and 5,426,830.
Another method of installing a slider is shown in
U.S. Patent 5,431,760.
It would be desirable to have a continuous process
for attaching a slider to the end of the fastening strips
in the horizontal X axis. Such a device would reduce the
manufacturing costs of closure devices utilizing sliders
in addition to providing an effective and reliable means
of attaching sliders to the fastening strips.
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OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a general object of the present
invention is to provide a slider which overcomes the
deficiencies of the prior art.
A more specific object of the present invention is
to provide a slider that may be attached to fastening
strips in the horizontal X axis.
A further object of the present invention is to
provide a slider that may be attached to the end of the
fastening strips in the horizontal X axis.
Another object of the present invention is to
provide a slider that once attached prevents itself from
being removed from fastening strips thereafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The inventive closure device is intended for use with
a storage container which includes a pair of complementary
sheets or opposing flexible side walls, such as a plastic
bag. The closure device includes interlocking fastening
strips disposed along respective edge portions of the
opposing side walls, and a slider slidably disposed on
the interlocking fastening strips for facilitating the
occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips when
moved towards first and second ends thereof. In
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accordance with the present invention, a method is
provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider
onto the fastening strips in the horizontal X axis. In
5 addition, the slider and fastening strips engage to
prevent removal of the slider from the fastening strips
in the horizontal X axis. Additionally, the slider
includes offsets which provide resistance against the
removal of the slider from the fastening strips in the
vertical Z axis.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides
a closure device comprising a first fastening strip and a
second fastening strip 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 having 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
first fastening strip includes a first offset and a first
lower flange, said second fastening strip includes a
second lower flange, 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 slider includes
a first shoulder and a second shoulder, said first
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fastening strips through said slot in said vertical Z
axis; and wherein said first shoulder includes a first
concave surface and said second shoulder includes a
second concave surface, said first and second concave
surfaces extending along said longitudinal axis, and said
first and second lower flanges respectively engaging said
first and second concave surfaces at a bottom end thereof
when said slider is positioned in at least one
intermediate position between said first and second ends
such that said first and second fastening strips are
respectively pivotally movable about each bottom end of
said first and second lower flanges.
In a still further invention, the present invention
provides a first fastening strip and a second fastening
strip adapted to receive 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 slider includes
a first shoulder and a second shoulder defining a slot,
said fastening strips comprising 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 having 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 first
fastening strip includes a first offset and a first lower
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flange, said second fastening strip includes a second
lower flange, said first offset prevents removal of said
slider from said fastening strips through said slot in
said vertical Z axis; and wherein said first shoulder
includes a first concave surface and said second shoulder
includes a second concave surface, said first and second
concave surfaces extending along said longitudinal axis,
and said first and second lower flanges respectively
engaging said first and second concave surfaces at a
bottom end thereof when said slider is positioned in at
least one intermediate position between said first and
second ends such that said first and second fastening
strips are respectively pivotally movable about each
bottom end of said first and second lower flanges.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides
a container comprising first and second side walls
including first and second fastening strips arranged to
be interlocked, 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 having 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 first
fastening strip includes a fast offset and a first lower
flange, said second fastening strip includes a second
lower flange, a slider which slidably engages said first
and second fastening strips, said slider facilitates the
occlusion of said fastening strips when moved towards a
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first end of said fastening strips and deocclusion of
said fastening strips when moved toward a second end of
said fastening strips, said slider includes a first
shoulder and a second shoulder defining a slot, said
first offset prevents removal of said slider from said
fastening strips through said slot in said vertical Z
axis, and wherein said first shoulder includes a first
concave surface and said second shoulder includes a
second concave surface, said first and second concave
surfaces extending along said longitudinal axis, and said
first and second lower flanges respectively engaging said
first and second concave surfaces at a bottom end thereof
when said slider is positioned in at least one
intermediate position between said first and second ends
such that said first and second fastening strips are
respectively pivotally movable about each bottom end of
said first and second lower flanges.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of
the present invention will become more readily apparent
upon reading the following detailed description of
exemplified embodiments and upon reference to the
accompanying drawings herein.
BRIEF 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 a top view of the container in Fig. 1;
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Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the
fastening strips taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is another embodiment of attaching the
fastening strips to the side walls of the container;
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Fig. 5 is a top view of the slider in Fig. 2;
Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the slider in Fig. 2;
Fig. 7 is a front view of the slider in Fig. 2;
Fig. 8 is a rear view of the slider in Fig. 2;
Fig. 9 is a right side view of the slider in Fig. 2;
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
10-10 in Fig. 2;
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
11-11 in Fig. 2;
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line
12-12 in Fig. 2;
Fig. 13 is a right side view of the slider in Fig 2
and a fragmentary side view of the container in Fig. 2;
Fig. 14 is a top view of the slider and the fastening
strips and illustrates their respective positions to one
another as the fastening strips are positioned onto the
slider;
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Fig. 15 is a top view of the slider and the fastening
strips and illustrates their respective positions to one
another as the fastening strips are positioned onto the
slider;
Fig. 16 is a top view of the slider and the fastening
strips and illustrates their respective positions to one
another as the fastening strips are positioned onto the
slider;
Fig. 16A is a cross-sectional view taken along line
16A-16A in Fig. 16;
Fig. 17 is a top view of the slider and the fastening
strips and illustrates their respective positions to one
another as the fastening strips are positioned onto the
slider;
Fig. 17A is a cross-sectional view taken along line
17A-17A in Fig. 17;
Fig. 18 is a top view of the slider and the fastening
strips and illustrates their respective positions to one
another as the fastening strips are positioned onto the
slider;
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Fig. 18A is a cross-sectional view taken along line
18A-18A in Fig. 18;
Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a system used to
attach sliders onto containers in the horizontal X axis;
Fig. 20 is a side view of another embodiment of a
system used to attach sliders onto containers in the
horizontal X axis;
Fig. 21 is a top view of the system in Fig. 20;
Fig. 22 is a side view of another embodiment of the
slider and a side view of another embodiment of the
fastening strips;
Fig. 23 is a top view of the slider and fastening
strips in Fig. 22;
Fig. 24 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view
taken along line 24-24 in Fig. 22;
Fig. 25 is a side view of the slider engaged with an
end stop of the fastening strips in Fig. 22;
Fig. 26 is a top view of the slider engaged with the
end stop of the fastening strips in Fig. 22;
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Fig. 27 is a top view of the slider and another
embodiment of the fastening strips;
Fig. 28 is a rear view of another embodiment of the
slider and a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the fastening strips; and
Fig. 29 is a rear view of another embodiment of the
slider and a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the fastening strips.
While the present invention will be described and
disclosed in connection with certain embodiments and
procedures, the intent is not to limit the present
invention to these embodiments and procedures. On the
contrary, the intent is to cover all such alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents that fall within the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a container in the form of a
plastic bag 120 having a sealable closure device 121. The
bag 120 includes side walls 122, 123 joined at seams 125,
126 to form a compartment sealable by means of the closure
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device 121. The closure device 121 comprises first and
second fastening strips 130, 131 and a slider 132.
The fastening strips 130, 131 and the slider 132
5 have a longitudinal X axis 102 and a transverse Y axis
104 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis
102. Also, the fastening strips 130, 131 have a vertical
Z axis 106 which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X
axis 102 and which is perpendicular to the transverse Y
10 axis 104.
In use, the slider 132 of the present invention
facilitates the occlusion and deocclusion of the
interlocking fastening strips 130, 131 when moved in the
appropriate direction along the longitudinal X axis 102
of the fastening strips 130, 131. In particular, the
slider 132 facilitates the occlusion of the interlocking
fastening strips 130, 131 when moved towards a first end
110 thereof, and facilitates the deocclusion of the
interlocking fastening strips 130, 131 when moved towards
a second end 112 thereof. When the slider 132 is moved
in an occlusion direction, as indicated by reference
numeral 114 in Figs. 1 and 2, closure of the fastening
strips 130, 131 occurs. Conversely, when the slider 132
is moved in a deocclusion direction, as indicated by
reference numeral 116, separation of the fastening strips
130, 131 occurs.
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In keeping with a general aspect of the present
invention and as will be described in greater detail
below, the interlocking fastening strips 130, 131 of the
present invention may be of virtually any type or form
including, for example: (1) U-channel fastening strips as
best shown herein at Figs. 3 and 4; (2) "arrowhead-type"
fastening strips, as shown herein at Fig. 28; and/or (3)
''profile" fastening strips, as disclosed in U.S. Patent
No. 5,664,299 and as shown herein at Fig. 29.
An illustrative example of the type of closure device
that may be used with the present invention is shown in
Fig. 3. The fastening strips include a first fastening
strip 130 with a first closure element 136 and a second
fastening strip 131 with a second closure element 134.
The first closure element 136 engages the second closure
element 134. The first fastening strip 130 may include an
upper flange 163 disposed at the upper end of the first
fastening strip 130 and a lower flange 167 and an offset
169, each disposed at the lower end of the first fastening
strip 130. The offset 169 is at angle of approximately
60 to the lower flange 167. Likewise, the second
fastening strip 131 may include an upper flange 153
disposed at the upper end of the second fastening strip
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131 and a lower flange 157 and an offset 159, each
disposed at the lower end of the second fastening strip
131. The offset 159 is at angle of approximately 60 to
the lower flange 157. The side walls 122, 123 of the
plastic bag 120 may be attached to the offsets 159, 169 of
their respective fastening strips 130, 131 by conventional
manufacturing techniques. As shown in Fig. 4, the side
walls 622, 623 of the bag may also be attached to the
outside surfaces of their respective fastening strips 630,
631, where the outside surfaces comprise the lower flanges
657, 667 and the base portions 638, 648.
The second closure element 134 includes a base
portion 138 having a pair of spaced-apart parallely
disposed webs 140, 141, extending from the base portion
138. The webs 140, 141 include hook closure portions 142,
144 extending from the webs 140, 141 respectively, and
facing towards each other. The hook closure portions 142,
144 include guide surfaces 146, 147 which serve to guide
the hook closure portions 142, 144 for occluding with the
hook closure portions 152, 154 of the first closure
element 136.
The first closure element 136 includes a base portion
148 including a pair of spaced-apart, parallely disposed
webs 150, 151 extending from the base portion 148. The
webs 150, 151 include hook closure portions 152, 154
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extending from the webs 150, 151 respectively and facing
away from each other. The hook closure portions 152, 154
include guide surfaces 145, 155, which generally serve to
guide the hook closure portions 152, 154 for occlusion
with the hook closure portions 142, 144 of the second
closure element 134. The guide surfaces 145, 155 may also
have a rounded crown surface. In addition, the hook
closure portions 144, 154 may be designed so that the hook
closure portions 144, 154 adjacent the interior of the
container provide a greater resistance to opening the
closure device 121.
The second fastening strip 131 may or may not include
a color enhancement member 135 which is described in U.S.
Patent 4,829,641.
Referring to Figs. 5-9, the slider 132 includes a
housing 160 having a top portion 170, a first side portion
174, and a second side portion 176. The top portion 170
provides a separator 172 having a first end 190 and a
second end 192 where the first end 190 is wider than the
second end 192. The separator 172 is triangular in shape
as shown in Fig. 6.
The top portion 170 of the slider merges into a first
side portion 174 and a second side portion 176. As viewed
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in Fig. 7, the first side portion 174 merges into the
first front shoulder 240. Likewise, the second side
portion 176 merges into the second front shoulder 242.
The front shoulders 240, 242 extend inwardly in the
transverse Y axis 104 thereby forming a front slot 270 of
substantially uniform width as seen in Figs. 5 and 6. The
front shoulders 240, 242 provide radial upper surfaces or
concave surfaces 246, 248 to maintain proper orientation
of the fastening strips 130, 131 within the slider 132.
Similarly, as viewed in Fig. 8, the first side
portion 174 merges into the first rear shoulder 260.
Also, the second side portion 176 merges into the second
rear shoulder 262. The rear shoulders 260, 262 angle
inwardly in the transverse Y axis 104 thus forming a rear
slot 280 of substantially uniform width. The rear
shoulders 260, 262 also provide radial upper surfaces or
concave surfaces 266, 268 to maintain proper orientation
of the fastening strips 130, 131 within the slider 132.
The first side portion 174 has a first grip 196.
Likewise, the second side portion 176 has a second grip
198. The first grip 196 and the second grip 198 extend
laterally along the outer surfaces of the side portions
174, 176 and provide inwardly protruding radial gripping
surfaces 206, 208 as viewed in Figs. 5 and 6. The radial
surfaces 206, 208 are designed to correspond to the
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contour of a person's fingertips and facilitate grasping
the slider 132 during occlusion or deocclusion of the
fastening strips 130, 131.
5 The slider also provides a flexible occlusion member
210 to force the fastening strips 130, 131 together thus
effectuating occlusion of the fastening strips 130, 131
when the slider 132 is moved in the occlusion direction
114. The flexible occlusion member 210 includes a pair of
10 flexible arms 214, 216. The two flexible arms 214, 216
angle inwardly from their respective side portions 174,
176 and project toward the front of the slider 132 as most
easily seen in Figs. 5 and 6.
15 In accordance with a principal aspect of the present
invention, a slider 132 is provided for attaching the
slider 132 to the fastening strips 130, 131 in the
horizontal X axis 102 while preventing the slider 132 from
being removed from the fastening strips 130, 131 in the
horizontal X axis 102 and in the vertical Z axis 106
thereafter.
Figs. 10-12 illustrate the fastening strips 130, 131
at different locations along the separator 172 of the
slider 132. Fig. 10 depicts the fastening strips 130, 131
at a location near the second end 192 (the narrow end) of
the separator 172. The separator 172 is located between
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the flanges 153, 163 of the fastening strips 130, 131. At
this location, the upper webs 140, 150 and the lower webs
141, 151 are occluded. Fig. 11 illustrates the fastening
strips 130, 131 at a location along the separator 172.
The width of the separator 172 at this location forces the
fastening strips 130, 131 apart in the transverse Y axis
104 and the upper webs 140, 150 of the fastening strips
130, 131 are deoccluded. Fig. 12 shows the fastening
strips 130, 131 near the first end 190 (the wide end) of
the separator 172. At this position, the width of the
separator 172 deoccludes both the upper webs 140, 141 and
the lower webs 150, 151 of the fastening strips 130, 131.
The flanges 153, 163 of the fastening strips 130, 131 are
the only separator 172 engaging surfaces of the fastening
strips 130, 131. Consequently, the slider 132 need not
force itself between the webs 140, 141, 150, 151 of the
fastening strips 130, 131.
As an aspect of the present invention, the shoulders
240, 242, 260, 262 prevent removal of the slider 132 from
the fastening strips 130, 131 in the vertical Z axis 106
after the slider 132 has been attached to the fastening
strips 130, 131. Moreover, the shoulders 240, 242, 260,
262 of the slider 132 provide upper radial or concave
surfaces 246, 248, 266, 268 which engage the lower flanges
157, 167 of the fastening strips 130, 131 to retain the
proper orientation of the fastening strips 130, 131 within
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the slider 132. In the event removal of the slider 132 in
the vertical Z axis 106 is attempted, the shoulders 240,
242, 260, 262 will provide resistance against removal of
the slider 132. The shoulders 240, 242, 260, 262 retain
the slider 132 on the fastening strips 130, 131 by
resisting vertical Z axis 106 movement of the fastening
strips 130, 131 through the slots 270, 280. Referring to
Fig. 10, if the slider 132 was pulled upward in the Z axis
106, the offset 159 engages the offset 169 to prevent the
fastening strips from entering the slots 270, 280. In
addition, the lower flanges 157, 167 engage the upper
radial or concave surfaces 246, 248, 266, 268 to prevent
the fastening strips from entering the slots 270, 280. As
a result, the slider 132 may only be removed from the
fastening strips 130, 131 in the vertical Z axis 106 by
either tearing through the fastening strips 130, 131 or
breaking and/or by deforming the shoulders 240, 242, 260,
262 of the slider 132.
Fig. 13 illustrates the respective vertical positions
of the slider 132 and container 120 immediately prior to
attaching the slider 132 onto the fastening strips 130,
131. The container 120 provides a seam 125 at the end of
the fastening strips 130, 131. At the seam 125, the
fastening strips 130, 131 are melted together which
effectively occludes the fastening strips 130, 131.
During attachment of the slider onto the fastening strips
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in the horizontal X axis 102, the separator 172 of the
slider 132 extends below the top of the fastening strips
130, 131 a distance 290. Consequently, the seam 125 of
the fastening strips has an opening at least a minimum
distance 290 from the top of the fastening strips 130, 131
to permit insertion of the separator 172 between the
fastening strips 130, 131 during attachment of the slider
132 onto the fastening strips 130, 131 in the horizontal X
axis 102.
Figs. 14-18 sequentially illustrate the attachment
of the slider 132 onto the fastening strips 130, 131 in
the horizontal X axis 102. Fig. 14 depicts occluded
fastening strips 130, 131 and a slider 132 having a
flexible occlusion member 210 in a relaxed position. The
occluded fastening strips 130, 131 are positioned between
the first side portion 174 and the second side portion 176
immediately above the rear slot 280. Referring to Fig.
15, the fastening strips 130, 131 are moved in the
horizontal X axis 102 toward the slider 132. The
fastening strips 130, 131 engage the legs 214, 216 of the
flexible occlusion member 210 and deflect the legs 214,
216 outwardly in the transverse Y axis 104 toward their
respective side portions 174, 176 thus permitting passage
of the seam 125 and fastening strips 130, 131. The seam
125 has protrusions 291, 292 which are created during the
thermal cutting of the seam 125.
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As shown in Figs. 16, upon further movement of the
fastening strips 130, 131 toward the slider 132 in the
horizontal X axis 102, the seam 125 and the fastening
strips 130, 131 project through the legs 214, 216 of the
flexible occlusion member 210. The legs 214, 216 move
toward each other after the seam 125 passes through the
legs 214, 216 of the flexible occlusion member 210. The
second end 192 of the separator 172 is positioned against
the seam 125 of the fastening strips 130, 131 and is
properly aligned to fit between the flanges 153, 163 of
the fastening strips 130, 131 as seen in Fig. 16A.
As an aspect of the present invention, the flexible
occlusion member 210 allows the slider 132 to accommodate
fastening strips of different widths and/or varying width.
Specifically, the flexible occlusion member can flex to
accommodate fastening strips of different widths and/or
varying widths, but can also exert sufficient force to
occlude the fastening strips.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the present invention may be embodied in a variety of
configurations. The resistance which the flexible
occlusion member provides during attachment of the slider
onto the fastening strips in the horizontal X axis may be
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affected by varying the dimensions and/or material
composition of the slider design.
In addition, by properly selecting the slider
5 material, the flexible occlusion member 210 can be relied
upon to self adjust with time to the width of the
fastening strips. Most plastics will "take a set" (self-
adjust with time) to an external stress. Furthermore, due
to manufacturing tolerances, the width of the fastening
10 strips may vary along the length, and in addition the
width of the slider may vary from one slider to another
slider. As an example, if the fastening strips are wide,
then the occlusion member 210 will self-adjust or take a
set to the wide fastening strips and thereby allow the
15 slider to maintain a low slide force. As another example,
if the slider is narrow or tight fitting, then the
occlusion member 210 will self-adjust or take a set to the
narrow or tight fitting slider and thereby allow the
slider to maintain a low slide force. As a further
20 example, the occlusion member 210 will also self-adjust or
take a set to narrow fastening strips and/or a wide
slider. If the plastic material did not take a set, then
wide fastening strips or a tight fitting slider would have
a high slide force. Proper selection of material will
allow the slider to self adjust to the width of the
fastening strips soon after installation and prior to the
expected delivery to the consumer.
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As seen in Fig. 17, further movement of the fastening
strips 130, 131 in the horizontal Z axis 102 forces the
separator 172 of the slider 132 between the flanges 153,
163 of the fastening strips 130, 131. Fig. 17A shows the
middle of separator 172 positioned between the fastening
strips 130, 131 near the seam 125. In accordance with one
feature of the invention, Figs. 17A and 18A demonstrate
that the fastening strips 130, 131 will have a leak proof
seal when the slider 132 is in the end position.
The leak proof seal is created even though the
separator 172 extends between flanges 153, 163 of the
fastening strips 130, 131. Specifically, the fastening
strips 130, 131 are effected not only by the forces acting
upon them by the separator 172 at that location but are
also by the position of the fastening strips 130, 131 at
locations before and after that location. For example,
with respect to the position of the fastening strips 130,
131 in Figs. 17A and 18A, the webs 140, 141, 150, 151 are
effected by the seam 125 at the end of the fastening
strips 130, 131. The seam 125 prevents deocclsuion of the
fastening strips by the separator 172.
When the separator 172 is positioned at the locations
shown in Figs. 17 and 18 (17A and 18A), the webs 140, 141,
150, 151 of the fastening strips 130, 131 would usually be
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deoccluded as shown in Figs. 11-12. When the slider 132
moves to the locations shown in Figs. 15-17, the webs 140,
141, 150, 151 are already occluded and the separating
action of the separator 172 is not able to overcome the
occlusion effect of the seam 125. Consequently, the
fastening strips 130, 131 remain occluded through the
length of the fastening strips and establish a leak proof
seal when fully occluded.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that a number of different methods may be used to attach
sliders to fastening strips in the horizontal X axis.
These methods may include manually inserting fastening
strips through sliders. Because manual insertion is
cumbersome and inefficient from an economic and production
standpoint, automated insertion of the fastening strips
through the sliders is desirable.
Fig. 19 illustrates an automated rotary system 300
that effectively inserts fastening strips 130, 131 through
sliders 132 in the horizontal X axis 102. The rotary
system 300 includes a first drum 310 and a second drum 320
which rotate about a single axis. The first drum 310 has
a first end 314 and a second end 316 and rotates in a
clockwise direction 304 at a first radial speed as viewed
in Fig. 19. The perimeter of the first drum 310 provides
holes 318 to which a controllable vacuum is connected.
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The vacuum holes 318 provide a means for securing the
containers 120 to and releasing the containers 120 from
the perimeter of the first drum 310 during production.
The containers 120 are positioned onto the first drum 310
such that the fastening strips 130, 131 of the containers
120 are disposed along the first end 314 of the first drum
310.
The second drum 320 has a first end 324 and a second
end 326 and rotates at a second radial speed also in a
clockwise direction 304 as viewed in Fig. 19. The second
radial speed is less than the first radial speed.
Accordingly, the first drum 310 rotates faster than the
second drum 320. The second drum 320 includes a number of
axially extending channels 326. Disposed within each
channel 326 is a slider retaining cartridge 328.
In operation, a container 120 is placed on the first
drum 310 at position 330 or an earlier position. The
vacuum of the first drum 310 is used to attach the
container 120 to the surface of the first drum. The
containers 120 rotate as the first drum 310 rotates and
the containers achieve various positions 330, 332, 334,
336, 338 as shown in Fig. 19. The cartridges 328 of the
second drum 320 receive sliders 132 at the second end 326
of the second drum 320 at position 340 or an earlier
position. The cartridges 328 and sliders 132 rotate as
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the second drum 320 rotates and the cartridges 328 achieve
various positions 340, 342, 344, 346, 348 as shown in Fig.
19. The cartridges 328 with the sliders 132 move to the
first end 324 of the second drum 320 and achieve various
positions 340, 342, 344, 346 as shown in Fig. 19. Prior
to position 346, the sliders extend beyond the second drum
320 and into the path of the containers 120 on the first
drum 310.
The containers 120 attached to the first drum 310 are
traveling at a greater radial speed than the sliders 132
and cartridges 328 on the second drum 320. Consequently,
each set of fastening strips 130, 131 are inserted within
a slider 132 in the horizontal X axis 102 as the fastening
strips 130, 131 pass a cartridge 328 and slider 132 as
shown in position 346. After the fastening strips 130,
131 are inserted within the slider 132, the slider 132 is
disengaged from the cartridge 328 as shown in position
348. The container 120 with the slider 132 then rotates
on the first drum 310 to position 346 or a later position
and the vacuum retaining the container 120 to the first
drum 310 is momentarily turned off to release the
container 120 with the slider 132. The vacuum is
subsequently turned on to secure another container 120 to
the surface of the first drum 310 to repeat the process.
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Another embodiment of an automated production system
that attaches fastening strips 130, 131 to sliders 132 in
the horizontal X axis 102 is illustrated in Figs. 20 and
21. This conveyor system 400 may include any number of
5 conveyors 440, 460 and slider feeders 470. However, for
purposes of clarity and convenience, the description will
be limited to an upper conveyor 440 and a lower conveyor
460. The conveyor system 400 illustrated in Figs. 20 and
21 includes a drum 410, an upper conveyor 440, a lower
10 conveyor 440 and a slider feeder 470.
The drum 410 rotates in a clockwise direction 404 as
viewed in Fig. 21 and supplies containers 120 to the upper
conveyor 440 and lower conveyor 460. The perimeter of the
15 drum 410 provides holes 441 to which a controllable vacuum
is connected. The vacuum holes 441 provide a means for
securing containers 120 to and releasing containers 120
from the perimeter of the drum 410 during production.
20 The conveyors 440, 460 also provide holes 442 to
which a controllable vacuum is connected. The vacuum
holes 442 provide a means for securing containers 120 to
and releasing containers 120 from the conveyors 440, 460
during production. The containers 120 are positioned onto
25 the conveyors 440, 460 by the drum 410 such that the
fastening strips 130, 131 are located on the inside edge
of its respective conveyor. The conveyors 440, 460 move
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in direction 462 and the containers 120 travel from the
first end 464 of the conveyors to the second end 466 of
the conveyors.
Slider feeders 470 such as vibrating drum feeders are
provided to supply sliders 132 through a channel 476 to
the slider holding mechanism 480. The slider holding
mechanism 480 is located at the inside edge of each
conveyor. As the container 120 with the fastening strips
130, 131 travels along the conveyor 440, 460 and reaches
the slider holding mechanism 480, the conveyor 440, 460
moves the fastening strips 130, 131 through the slider 132
in the horizontal X axis 102. After the slider 132 has
been inserted on the fastening strips, the slider 132 is
released from slider holding mechanism 480. The container
120 with the slider 132 then travels to the second end 466
of the conveyor 440, 460 until the vacuum retaining the
container 120 to the conveyor 440, 460 is momentarily
turned off to release the container with the slider.
The lower conveyor 460 operates in a similar fashion.
The purpose of using upper and lower conveyors 440, 460 is
to create space 482 between the containers 120. As the
drum 410 rotates, the containers 120 are placed on the
conveyors 440, 460 in an alternating fashion. For
example, a first container 120 is placed on conveyor 440,
a second container 120 is placed on conveyor 460, a third
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container 120 is placed on conveyor 440, a fourth
container 120 is placed on a conveyor 440 and this
alternating sequence continues. Thus, the alternating
sequence creates the space 482 between the containers on
the conveyors 440, 460.-
The present invention also prevents removal of the
slider from the fastening strips in the horizontal X axis
102 once the slider has been attached to the fastening
strips. Figs. 22-27 illustrate a slider 1132 having a
first and second set of retaining jaws 1200, 1210. The
first set of retaining jaws 1200 are provided at the first
end 1190 of the slider 1132. The second set of retaining
jaws 1210 are provided at the second end 1192 of the
slider 1132. As most easily seen in Figs. 23-24, the
retaining jaws 1200, 1210 extend outward from the top of
the slider 1132 and angle inwardly in the transverse Y
axis 104 to form a first upper slot 1270 and a second
upper slot 1272. When the slider 1132 is attached to the
fastening strips 1130, 1131, the retaining jaws 1200, 1210
are positioned above the top of the fastening strips 1130,
1131 as seen in Figs. 22 and 24.
Figs. 22-23 illustrate first and second crimped end
stops 1135, 1137 provided at each end of the fastening
strips 1130, 1131. The end stops 1135, 1137 include
detents 1140 and protrusions 1142 for engagement with the
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retaining jaws 1200, 1210. The crimped end stops 1135,
1137 also extend above the top of the fastening strips
1130, 1131 to correspond with the vertical position of the
retaining jaws 1200, 1210. Once the slider 1132 is moved
a sufficient distance along the fastening strips 1130,
1131 in the horizontal X axis 102, the respective
retaining jaws 1200, 1210 engages the corresponding
crimped end stop 1135, 1137.
For example, if the slider 1132 is continually moved
in the deocclusion direction 116, the second set of
retaining jaws 1210 will eventually engage detents 1140
and protrusions 1142 on the crimped end stop 1137 as shown
in Figs. 25-26. Specifically, the upper slot 1272 has a
width 1280 which is less than the width 1282 of the
protrusions 1142 on the end stop 1137. In addition, the
width 1280 of the upper slot is equal to or less than the
width 1284 of the detents 1140. As the jaws 1210 engage
the end stop 1137, the jaws 1210 engage the detents 1140.
As the jaws 1210 move forward, the jaws engage the
protrusions 1142 and are stopped by the protrusions 1142.
The width 1280 of the slot is less than the width 1282 of
the protrusions 1142. In addition, the jaws 1210 are not
able to deflect to increase the width 1280 of the slot.
Thus, the retaining jaws 1210 will resist further movement
of the slider 1132 in the horizontal X axis 102 in the
deocciusion direction 116. As a result, the slider 1132
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may only be removed from the fastening strips 1130, 1131
in the horizontal X axis 102 by either tearing through the
end stops or by breaking and/or deforming the retaining
jaws 1200, 1210 of the slider 1132.
Fig. 27 illustrates another embodiment of end stops
2135, 2137 that may be used with the retaining jaws 2200,
2210 similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 22-26.
However, the wedge end stops 2135, 2137 of Fig. 27 angle
outwardly at the respective ends of the fastening strips
2130, 2131 thereby increasing the width 2284 of the end
stop. The retaining jaws 2200, 2210 also utilize the
increase in the width 2284 of the end stops 2135, 2137 to
engage the retaining jaws 2200, 2210 as well as the
protrusions 2142 provided along the outer surface of the
wedge stops 2135, 2137. The width 2284 of the wedge end
stops 2135, 2137 increases to a width greater than the
width 2280 of the upper slots 2270, 2272. Once the
retaining jaws 2200, 2210 engage the end stops 2135, 2137,
the width 2284 of the end stops and the width 2282 of the
protrusions 2142 prevent further horizontal movement of
the slider 2132 in the horizontal X axis 102.
In another embodiment, the slider may have a single
jaw on the end of the slider to engage the end stop.
Since the jaw will not deflect, the slider will stop when
the jaw engages the protrusion and/or the increasing width
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of the end stop. Furthermore, in an additional
embodiment, the slider may have a single jaw on each end
of the slider.
5 Figs. 28-29 illustrate interlocking fastening strips
of different configurations and the corresponding slider
design. As shown in Fig. 28, the interlocking fastening
strips 3130, 3131 may alternatively comprise "arrowhead-
type" closure elements which are used with a slider 3132.
Additionally, the interlocking fastening strips 4130,
4131 may comprise "profile" closure elements which are
used with a slider 4132, as shown in Fig. 29. These
closure elements are described in U.S. Patent 5,664,299.
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 interlocking fastening strips of the present
invention may be manufactured by extrusion through a die.
In addition, the fastening strips may be manufactured to
have approximately uniform cross-sections. This not only
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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 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
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bag is 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
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
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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
usually be positioned on the film in a generally parallel
relationship with respect to each other, although this
will depend on the intended use.
The slider may be multiple parts and snapped
together. In addition, the slider may be made from
multiple parts and fused or welded together. The slider
may also be a one piece construction. The slider can be
colored, opaque, translucent or transparent. The slider
may be injection molded or made by any other method. The
slider may be molded from any suitable plastic material,
such as, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, acetal,
toughened acetal, polyketone, polybutylene terrephthalate,
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high density polyethylene, polycarbonate or ABS
(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).
In summary, the present invention affords a closure
device with interlocking fastening strips, a slider which
facilitates the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening
strips, and a method which facilitates attachment of the
slider onto the fastening strips in the horizontal X axis.
In addition, the closure device prevents the removal of
the slider from the fastening strips in the horizontal X
axis and in the vertical Z axis.
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.
