Flexible bags – With closure – Rib and groove
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-09-25
Pascua, Jes F. (Department: 3727)
Flexible bags
With closure
Rib and groove
C024S427000, C024S400000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293701
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to closure arrangements for polymer packages, such as, plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to resealable closure mechanisms or zipper-type closures for resealable packages.
BACKGROUND
Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store or enclose various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storage container for the unused portion of the products in the package is thus avoided. In some instances, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products.
Some types of resealable packages are opened and closed using a slider device. The slider device typically includes a separator or spreader-type structure at one end that opens a closure mechanism, having profiled elements or closure profiles, when the slider device travels in a first direction along the mechanism. The internal sidewalls of the slider device are configured so that the sidewalls engage the closure profiles and progressively move them into engagement to close the resealable package when the slider device is moved along the closure mechanism in a direction opposite the first direction.
Improvements in the design and manufacture of closure mechanisms and slider devices are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In one aspect a slider device is disclosed for use with a resealable closure mechanism having a first closure profile and a second closure profile. One preferred slider device includes a top wall; a spreader depending from the top wall; first and second sidewalls; first and second hook constructions; and a guide construction projecting beyond at least one of a first end and a second end of the first sidewall.
In some embodiments, the guide construction includes first and second fingers, with at least one of: (a) the first finger projecting beyond the first end; and (b) the second finger projecting beyond the second end. In some embodiments, both: (a) the first finger projects beyond the first end of the first sidewall; and (b) the second finger projects beyond the second end of the first sidewall. In other embodiments, only one of the fingers projects beyond a respective end of the first sidewall.
Preferably, the slider device further includes first and second standoffs in projection from the first and second sidewalls, respectively.
The disclosure also concerns a reclosable zipper arrangement. In one embodiment described, the zipper arrangement includes a first closure profile defining a first shoulder and a second closure profile defining a second shoulder. A slider device is provided with a spreader to separate the first and second closure profiles. First and second hook constructions on the slider device slidably engage with the first and second shoulders of the first and second closure profiles, respectively. A guide construction preferably projects beyond at least one of a first and second end of a sidewall of the slider device.
Flexible packages are provided that comprise a package surrounding wall having first and second side seals and a mouth therebetween. A reclosable zipper is provided along the mouth for selective opening and closing of the mouth. A slider device of the type characterized above is operably mounted on the package. One preferred zipper includes first and second closure profiles defining first and second shoulders, respectively. First and second hook constructions on the slider device are included for sliding along the first and second shoulders, respectively. A guide construction is provided on the slider device.
Methods of using a resealable package are described. Methods include a step of moving a slider device along a mouth a first direction from a side seal of the resealable package until a projecting finger on the slider device engages a first side seal on the resealable package. Packages and slider devices as described herein may be usable in this method.
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