U.S. patent application number 10/159618 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for liquid tight closure mechanism.
Invention is credited to Gerrits, Robert P..
Application Number | 20030223654 10/159618 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29582964 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030223654 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gerrits, Robert P. |
December 4, 2003 |
Liquid tight closure mechanism
Abstract
A resealable package includes first and second panel sections
joined together to define an enclosed region, first and second
opposite side edges, a bottom edge, and a mouth that provides
access to the enclosed region. The resealable package also includes
a closure mechanism for selectively opening and sealing the mouth.
The closure mechanism includes first and second closure profiles,
the first closure profile having first and second base strips with
first and second interlocking closure members extending from the
first and second base strips. The first and second closure profiles
also include first and second sealing members extending from third
and fourth base strips, the sealing members both having teeth
disposed thereon. The first and second interlocking closure members
and first and second sealing members extend a length from the
first, second, third and fourth base strips sufficient for the
first and second interlocking closure members and the first and
secondd sealing members to selectively engage. The first and second
sealing members engage to form a liquid-tight seal.
Inventors: |
Gerrits, Robert P.;
(Appleton, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALCOA INC
ALCOA TECHNICAL CENTER
100 TECHNICAL DRIVE
ALCOA CENTER
PA
15069-0001
US
|
Family ID: |
29582964 |
Appl. No.: |
10/159618 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/2541 20130101;
A44B 19/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/63 |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A resealable flexible package comprising: (a) first and second
panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region, first
and second opposite side edges, a bottom and a mouth that provides
access to the enclosed region; (b) a closure mechanism comprising
first and second closure profiles; (i) the first closure profile
comprising a first base strip, the first base strip having a first
interlocking member extending therefrom; (ii) the second closure
profile comprising a second base strip, the second base strip
having a second interlocking member extending therefrom; (iii) the
first and second interlocking members constructed and arranged to
selectively interlock; (iv) the first closure profile further
comprising a third base strip having a first sealing member
extending therefrom, the first sealing member having a plurality of
teeth disposed thereon; (v) the second closure profile further
comprising a fourth base strip with a second sealing member
extending therefrom, the second sealing member having a plurality
of teeth disposed thereon; and (vi) wherein the teeth disposed on
the first sealing member are designed and arranged to selectively
engage the teeth disposed on the second sealing member.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first sealing member further
comprises an elongated body and a head.
3. The package of claim 2, wherein the second sealing member
further comprises an elongated body and a head.
4. The package of claim 2, wherein the teeth disposed on the first
sealing member are disposed on the head of the first sealing
member.
5. The package of claim 4, wherein the teeth disposed on the second
sealing member are disposed on the head of the second sealing
member.
6. The package of claim 4, wherein the head of the first sealing
member is generally arc-shaped.
7. The package of claim 6, wherein the teeth disposed on the
arc-shaped head of the first sealing member are disposed on the
inside of the arc.
8. The package of claim 6, wherein the head of the second sealing
member is generally arc-shaped and the arc is sized and shaped such
that the head of the second sealing member mates with the head of
the first sealing member.
9. The package of claim 8, wherein the teeth disposed on the
arc-shaped head of the second sealing member are disposed on the
outside of the arc.
10. The package of claim 1, wherein the first and second sealing
members are located beneath the interlocking closure members.
11. The package of claim 1, wherein the first closure profile
further comprises a fifth base strip having a third interlocking
member extending therefrom, wherein the third interlocking member
is constructed and arranged to selectively interlock with the
second interlocking member.
12. The package of claim 1, wherein the first closure profile
further comprises a plurality of base strips, each of the plurality
of base strips having an interlocking member extending therefrom,
the second closure profile further comprises a plurality of base
strips, each of the plurality of base strips having an interlocking
member extending therefrom, and wherein each of the interlocking
members extending from a base strip on the first closure profile is
constructed and arranged to selectively interlock with an
interlocking member extending from a base strip on the second
closure profile.
13. A closure mechanism comprising (a) first and second closure
profiles; (b) the first closure profile comprising a first base
strip, the first base strip having a first interlocking member
extending therefrom; (c) the second closure profile comprising a
second base strip, the second base strip having a second
interlocking member extending therefrom; (d) the first and second
interlocking members constructed and arranged to selectively
interlock; (e) the first closure profile further comprising a third
base strip having a first sealing member extending therefrom, the
first sealing member having a plurality of teeth disposed thereon;
(f) the second closure profile further comprising a fourth base
strip with a second sealing member extending therefrom, the second
sealing member having a plurality of teeth disposed thereon; and
(g) wherein the teeth disposed on the first sealing member are
designed and arranged to selectively engage the teeth disposed on
the second sealing member.
14. The closure mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first sealing
member further comprises an elongated body and a head.
15. The closure mechanism of claim 14, wherein the second sealing
member further comprises an elongated body and a head.
16. The closure mechanism of claim 14, wherein the teeth disposed
on the first sealing member are disposed on the head of the first
sealing member.
17. The closure mechanism of claim 16, wherein the teeth disposed
on the second sealing member are disposed on the head of the second
sealing member.
18. The closure mechanism of claim 16, wherein the head of the
first sealing member is generally arc-shaped.
19. The closure mechanism of claim 18, wherein the teeth disposed
on the arc-shaped head of the first sealing member are disposed on
the inside of the arc.
20. The closure mechanism of claim 18, wherein the head of the
second sealing member is generally arc-shaped and the arc is sized
and shaped such that the head of the second sealing member mates
with the head of the first sealing member.
21. The closure mechanism of claim 20, wherein the teeth disposed
on the arc-shaped head of the second sealing member are disposed on
the outside of the arc.
22. The closure mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first and second
sealing members are located beneath the interlocking closure
members.
23. The closure mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first closure
profile further comprises a fifth base strip having a third
interlocking member extending therefrom, wherein the third
interlocking member is constructed and arranged to selectively
interlock with the second interlocking member.
24. The closure mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first closure
profile further comprises a plurality of base strips, each of the
plurality of base strips having an interlocking member extending
therefrom, the second closure profile further comprises a plurality
of base strips, each of the plurality of base strips having an
interlocking member extending therefrom, and wherein each of the
interlocking members extending from a base strip on the first
closure profile is constructed and arranged to selectively
interlock with an interlocking member extending from a base strip
on the second closure profile.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method of
producing closure mechanisms for polymer packages, for example,
plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to
closure mechanisms having a liquid tight arrangement.
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Many packaging applications use resealable containers to
store various types of articles and materials. These packages may
be used to store and ship 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. As such,
providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the
marketability of those products.
[0003] Resealable packages typically utilize a closure mechanism
that is positioned along the mouth of the package. The closure
mechanism often comprises profile elements or closure profiles that
engage one another when pressed together and disengage when pulled
apart. The profile elements are often designed to disengage with
the use of minimal force, to allow the package to be easily opened.
However, this can cause the profile elements to disengage as the
package is moved or placed in storage, because the profile elements
can be jostled during such movement. Because a small force is all
that is typically required to disengage the profile elements, the
elements may become disengaged even when it is undesired. This is a
significant concern when the product is a liquid or a small solid
that can leak through even the smallest opening in the package. It
is therefore desirable to provide a closure mechanism that can be
fully sealed and will remain sealed in order to prevent product
leakage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid tight
closure mechanism is provided comprising first and second closure
profiles, the first closure profile comprising a first base strip
having a first interlocking member extending therefrom and the
second closure profile comprising a second base strip having a
second interlocking member extending therefrom. The first and
second interlocking members are constructed and arranged to
selectively interlock. The first closure profile further comprises
a third base strip having a first sealing member extending
therefrom, the first sealing member having a plurality of teeth
disposed thereon and the second closure profile further comprising
a fourth base strip with a second sealing member extending
therefrom, the second sealing member also having a plurality of
teeth disposed thereon. The teeth disposed on the first sealing
member are designed and arranged to selectively engage the teeth
disposed on the second sealing member.
[0005] In another embodiment of the present invention, a resealable
package includes first and second panel sections joined together to
define an enclosed region, first and second opposite side edges, a
bottom edge, and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed
region. The resealable package also includes a liquid tight closure
mechanism for selectively opening and sealing the mouth. The
closure mechanism includes structure as previously described
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The various features and benefits of the present invention
are apparent in light of the following detailed description and the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable
package in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of a
liquid-tight closure mechanism according to an example embodiment
of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of
the liquid-tight closure mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2, shown in
the closed position.
[0010] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of a
liquid-tight closure mechanism according to an example embodiment
of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of
the liquid-tight closure mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4, shown in
the closed position.
[0012] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of a
liquid-tight closure mechanism according to an example embodiment
of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of
the liquid-tight closure mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6, shown in
the closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example packaging arrangement in the
form of a resealable, flexible package 110, for example, a
polymeric package such as a plastic bag, having a resealable
closure mechanism 114, for example, interlocking profile elements,
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flexible
package 110 includes first and second opposed panel sections 116,
118, typically made from a flexible, polymeric, plastic film, such
as a low density polyethylene.
[0015] With some manufacturing applications, the first and second
panel sections 116, 118 are heat-sealed together along two side
edges 120, 122 and meet at a fold line 123 in order to form a
three-edged containment section for a product within an interior
124 of the package 110. In the embodiment shown, the fold line 123
comprises the bottom edge 125 of the package 110. Alternatively,
two separate panel sections 116, 118 of plastic film may be used
and heat-sealed together along the two side edges 120, 122 and at
the bottom edge 125. Access is provided to the interior 124 of the
package 110 through a mouth 126 at a top edge 127 of the
package.
[0016] In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the
mouth 126 extends the width of the package 110. The resealable
closure mechanism 114 is illustrated at the mouth 126 of the
flexible package 110. Preferably, the cross-section of the closure
mechanism 114 is continuous along its length across the mouth 126
of the package 110. Alternatively, the closure mechanism 114 could
be positioned on the package 110 at a location different from the
mouth 126 of the package 110, depending on the application needs
for the package 110.
[0017] The resealable liquid tight closure mechanism 114 can be one
of a variety of closure mechanisms. In the particular embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2, the resealable closure mechanism 114 is
shown in the specific form of a zipper-type closure mechanism. By
the term "zipper-type closure mechanism," it is meant a structure
having opposite interlocking or mating profiled elements that under
the application of pressure will interlock and close the region
between the profiles.
[0018] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the resealable closure
mechanism 114 comprises first and second closure profiles 130, 131.
The first and second closure profiles 130, 131 are connected to the
two panel sections 116, 118, respectively. The first and second
closure profiles 130, 131 may be attached to the panel sections
116, 118 by any appropriate means known to those skilled in the
art. For example, the first and second closure profiles 130, 131
may be formed separately, then heat sealed to the panel sections
116, 118.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the first closure profile 130 includes a
first base strip 132 with a first interlocking member 134 extending
therefrom. At a free end or tip of the first interlocking member
134 is a first hook or catch 174. Likewise, the second closure
profile 131 includes a second base strip 133 and a second
interlocking member 135 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip
of the second interlocking member 135 is a second hook or catch
175.
[0020] The first and second closure profiles 130, 131 are designed
and constructed to engage with one another to form a liquid tight
resealable closure mechanism 114. The first interlocking member 134
of the first closure profile 130 extends from the base strip 132 an
engagement distance. The second interlocking member 135 of the
second closure profile 131 also extends from the base strip 133 an
engagement distance. These engagement distances that the first and
second interlocking members 134, 135 extend are sufficient to allow
mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first
interlocking member 134 of the first closure profile 130 and the
second interlocking member 135 of the second closure profile
131.
[0021] In particular, the first catch 174 of the first interlocking
member 134 hooks or engages with the second catch 175 of the second
interlocking member 135. Furthermore, the closure profiles 130, 131
remain sealed together at their ends, for example, as shown in FIG.
1, as first and second regions 153, 154 to further aid in aligning
the remainder of closure profiles 130, 131 for interlocking.
Pressure is applied to the closure profiles 130, 131 as they engage
to form the re-openable sealed closure mechanism 114. Pulling the
first closure profile 130 and the second closure profile 131 away
from each other causes the two closure profiles 130, 131 to
disengage.
[0022] As stated above, as closure mechanisms are typically
designed to easily disengage, some have the tendency to disengage
even when it is undesired. This is especially troublesome when the
product stored inside of the package 110 is a liquid that can
escape through small openings in the closure mechanism 114.
Therefore, the liquid tight closure mechanism 114 of the present
invention also includes first and second sealing members 138,
139.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the first closure profile 130 includes a
third base strip 136 with a first sealing member 138 extending
therefrom. The first sealing member 138 includes a plurality of
teeth (referenced collectively as 140) disposed thereon. Likewise,
the second closure profile 131 includes a fourth base strip 137
with a second sealing member 139 extending therefrom. The second
sealing member 139 also includes a plurality of teeth (referenced
collectively as 141) disposed thereon.
[0024] The teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member 138 are
disposed on the first sealing member 138 an engagement distance
from the third base strip 136. Likewise, the teeth 141 disposed on
the second sealing member 139 are disposed on the second sealing
member 139 an engagement distance from the fourth base strip 137.
These engagement distance that the teeth 140 and the teeth 141 are
disposed on the first and second sealing members 138, 139,
respectively, are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or
interlocking between the teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing
member 138 and the teeth 141 disposed on the second sealing member
139.
[0025] As stated above, pressure is applied to the closure profiles
130, 131 as they engage to form sealed closure mechanism 114. As
this occurs, the teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member 138
engage the teeth 141 disposed on the second sealing member 139 to
form a liquid-tight seal when the closure mechanism 114 is sealed.
The liquid-tight seal prevents any of a liquid product placed in
package 110 from escaping the package 110 through the closure
mechanism 114. The teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member
138 and the teeth 141 disposed on the second sealing member 139 are
configured so that when they are engaged, the force required to
disengage them is greater than the force required to disengage the
first and second interlocking members 134, 135. In this way, the
first and second sealing members 138, 139 also help prevent the
closure mechanism 114 from unintended opening, for example, during
transport.
[0026] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first
sealing member 138 comprises a body 188 and a head 198. The second
sealing member 139 comprises a body 189 and a head 199. In this
embodiment, the teeth 140 disposed on the first sealing member 138
are disposed on its head 198. However, it should be understood that
the teeth 140 may be disposed anywhere along the first sealing
member 138, as long as they are an engagement distance from the
third base strip 136, as described above. Likewise, the teeth 141
may be disposed anywhere along the second sealing member 139, as
long as they are an engagement distance from the fourth base strip
137. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the teeth
141 are disposed on the head 199 of second sealing member 139.
[0027] In order for the first and second sealing members 138, 139
to form a liquid tight seal when engaged, it is desirable that
their respective shapes be complimentary. Still in reference to
FIG. 2, it can be seen that in the embodiment illustrated, the head
198 of the first sealing member 138 is curved along its length,
i.e. it is generally arc-shaped. Likewise, the head 199 of second
sealing member 139 is aslo curved along its length to be generally
arc-shaped. More specifically, the head 199 of second sealing
member 139 is shaped so as to be complimentary to, or to mesh with,
or to mate with, or to engage the head 198 of the first sealing
member 138. In the embodiment shown, the teeth 140 disposed on the
head 198 of the first sealing member 138 are disposed on the inside
of the arc, while the teeth 141 disposed on the head 199 of the
second sealing member 139 are disposed on the outside of the arc.
In this way, the teeth 140, 141 may engage. It should beunderstood,
that depending on the shape of the heads 198, 199, that the teeth
140, 141 may be placed in various locations on the heads 198, 199,
so long as the teeth 140, 141 engage when the closure mechanism 114
is sealed.
[0028] In an alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the
closure mechanism 214 further includes a first guide post 243
extending from the second closure profile 231. It should be noted
that elements of this embodiment that are included in the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 are referenced by the reference
numbers used in FIGS. 2-3, but increased by a factor of 100. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the resealable closure
mechanism 214 comprises first and second closure profiles 230, 231.
The first and second closure profiles 230, 231 are connected to the
two panel sections 216, 218, respectively. The first and second
closure profiles 230, 231 may be attached to the panel sections
216, 218 by any appropriate means known to those skilled in the
art. For example, the first and second closure profiles 230, 231
may be formed separately, then heat sealed to the panel sections
216, 218.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, the first closure profile 230 includes a
first base strip 232 with a first interlocking member 234 extending
therefrom. At a free end or tip of the first interlocking member
234 is a first hook or catch 274. Likewise, the second closure
profile 231 includes a second base strip 233 and a second
interlocking member 235 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip
of the second interlocking member 235 is a second hook or catch
275. The second closure profile further includes a fifth base strip
241 with the first guide post 243 extending therefrom. The guide
post 243 aids in holding the closure mechanism 214 closed and in
aligning the first interlocking member 234 with the second
interlocking member 235 for engagement.
[0030] The first and second closure profiles 230, 231 are designed
and constructed to engage with one another to form the resealable
closure mechanism 214. The first interlocking member 234 of the
first closure profile 230 extends from the base strip 232 an
engagement distance. The second interlocking member 235 of the
second closure profile 231 also extends from the base strip 233 an
engagement distance. These engagement distances that the first and
second interlocking members 234, 235 extend are sufficient to allow
mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first
interlocking member 234 of the first closure profile 230 and the
second interlocking member 235 of the second closure profile
231.
[0031] In particular, the first catch 274 of the first interlocking
member 234 hooks or engages with the second catch 275 of the second
interlocking member 235. Furthermore, the closure profiles 230, 231
remain sealed together at their ends, for example, as shown in FIG.
1, as first and second regions 153, 154 to further aid in aligning
the remainder of closure profiles 230, 231 for interlocking.
Pressure is applied to the closure profiles 230, 231 as they engage
to form the re-openable sealed closure mechanism 214. Pulling the
first closure profile 230 and the second closure profile 231 away
from each other causes the two closure profiles 230, 231 to
disengage.
[0032] The closure mechanism 214 also includes first and second
sealing members 238, 239, that have identical structures to the
corresponding elements, 138, 139 described in relation to the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3.
[0033] In an alternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, the
closure mechanism 314 further includes additional interlocking
members 353, 354. It should be noted that elements of this
embodiment that are included in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
2-3 are referenced by the reference numbers used in FIGS. 2-3, but
increased by a factor of 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6,
the resealable closure mechanism 314 comprises first and second
closure profiles 330, 331. The first and second closure profiles
330, 331 are connected to the two panel sections 316, 318,
respectively. The first and second closure profiles 330, 331 may be
attached to the panel sections 316, 318 by any appropriate means
known to those skilled in the art. For example, the first and
second closure profiles 330, 331 may be formed separately, then
heat sealed to the panel sections 316, 318.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the first closure profile 330 includes a
first base strip 332 with a first interlocking member 334 extending
therefrom. At a free end or tip of the first interlocking member
334 is a first hook or catch 374. Likewise, the second closure
profile 331 includes a second base strip 333 and a second
interlocking member 335 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip
of the second interlocking member 335 is a second hook or catch
375.
[0035] The first and second closure profiles 330, 331 are designed
and constructed to engage with one another to form the resealable
closure mechanism 314. The first interlocking member 334 of the
first closure profile 330 extends from the base strip 332 an
engagement distance. The second interlocking member 335 of the
second closure profile 331 also extends from the base strip 333 an
engagement distance. These engagement distances that the first and
second interlocking members 334, 335 extend are sufficient to allow
mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first
interlocking member 334 of the first closure profile 330 and the
second interlocking member 335 of the second closure profile
331.
[0036] In particular, the first catch 374 of the first interlocking
member 334 hooks or engages with the second catch 375 of the second
interlocking member 335. Furthermore, the closure profiles 330, 331
reamain sealed together at their ends, for example, as shown in
FIG. 1, as first and second regions 153, 154 to further aid in
aligning the remainder of closure profiles 330, 331 for
interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles 330, 331
as they engage to form the re-openable sealed closure mechanism
314. Pulling the first closure profile 330 and the second closure
profile 331 away from each other causes the two closure profiles
330, 331 to disengage.
[0037] In this embodiment, additional sets of interlocking closure
members are included. It should be understood that the embodiment
illustrates one additional set of interlocking closure members, but
that in accordance with this embodiment, any number of additional
sets of interlocking closure members may be included, depending on
the requirements of the specific package. As shown, the first
closure profile 330 further includes includes a sixth base strip
352 with a third interlocking member 354 extending therefrom. At a
free end or tip of the first interlocking member 354 is a third
hook or catch 394. Likewise, the second closure profile 331
includes a seventh base strip 351 and a fourth interlocking member
353 extending therefrom. At a free end or tip of the second
interlocking member 353 is a fourth hook or catch 395.
[0038] The first and second closure profiles 330, 331 are designed
and constructed to engage with one another to form the resealable
closure mechanism 314. The third interlocking member 354 of the
first closure profile 330 extends from the sixth base strip 352 an
engagement distance. The fourth interlocking member 353 of the
second closure profile 331 also extends from the seventh base strip
351 an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the
third and fourth interlocking members 354, 353 extend are
sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between
the third interlocking member 354 of the first closure profile 330
and the fourth interlocking member 353 of the second closure
profile 331.
[0039] In particular, the third catch 394 of the third interlocking
member 354 hooks or engages with the fourth catch 395 of the fourth
interlocking member 353. Furthermore, the closure profiles 330, 331
are sealed together at their ends, such as first and second regions
153, 154 of FIG. 1 to further aid in aligning the closure profiles
330, 331 for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure
profiles 330, 331 as they engage to form the openable sealed
closure mechanism 314. Pulling the first closure profile 330 and
the second closure profile 331 away from each other causes the two
closure profiles 330, 331 to disengage.
[0040] The closure mechanism 314 also includes first and second
sealing members 338, 339, that have identical structures to the
corresponding elements, 138, 139 described in relation to the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-3.
[0041] While specific embodiments and methods for practicing this
invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art
will recognize various manifestations and details that could be
developed in light of the overall teachings herein. Specifically, a
variety of interlocking closure member designs are known in the
art. While several specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described in detail, any appropriate interlocking closure members
may be used with the sealing members described herein to form the
liquid tight closure mechanism of the present invention.
Accordingly, the particular mechanisms disclosed are meant to be
illustrative only and not to limit the scope of the invention which
is to be given the full breadth of the following claims and any and
all embodiments thereof.
* * * * *