U.S. patent application number 10/836302 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for closure device for a reclosable pouch.
Invention is credited to Colucci, Michael J., Dais, Brian C., Pawloski, James C., Saad, Zain E.M., Trent, John S..
Application Number | 20040234173 10/836302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33449879 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040234173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saad, Zain E.M. ; et
al. |
November 25, 2004 |
Closure device for a reclosable pouch
Abstract
A reclosable pouch includes a body portion having first and
second opposing bag walls, wherein each bag wall has an internal
side. The pouch further includes a first reclosable closure
mechanism disposed on the internal sides of the first and second
bag walls, respectively, wherein the first closure mechanism
includes a slider for opening and closing the first and second
closure elements. Still further, the pouch includes a second
reclosable closure mechanism disposed on the internal sides of the
first and second bag walls, respectively. The second closure
mechanism is spaced from the first closure mechanism such that the
slider mechanism of the first closure mechanism does not open or
close the third and fourth closure elements of the second closure
mechanism.
Inventors: |
Saad, Zain E.M.; (Racine,
WI) ; Colucci, Michael J.; (Saginaw, MI) ;
Dais, Brian C.; (Saginaw, MI) ; Pawloski, James
C.; (Bay City, MI) ; Trent, John S.; (Kenosha,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
1525 HOWE STREET
RACINE
WI
53403-2236
US
|
Family ID: |
33449879 |
Appl. No.: |
10/836302 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10836302 |
Apr 30, 2004 |
|
|
|
10440822 |
May 19, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/63 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/2558 20130101;
B31B 70/8133 20170801; B29C 48/08 20190201; B65D 33/01 20130101;
B65D 33/2566 20130101; B29L 2005/00 20130101; B29L 2031/7128
20130101; B29C 48/155 20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/063 |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/16; B65D
065/26 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A reclosable pouch, comprising: a body portion having first and
second opposing bag walls, wherein each bag wall has an internal
side; a first reclosable closure mechanism disposed on the internal
sides of the first and second bag walls, respectively, wherein the
first closure mechanism includes a slider for opening and closing
the first and second closure elements; a second reclosable closure
mechanism disposed on the internal sides of the first and second
bag walls, respectively, wherein the second closure mechanism is
spaced from the first closure mechanism such that the slider
mechanism of the first closure mechanism does not open or close the
second closure mechanism.
2. The reclosable pouch of claim 1, wherein the first closure
mechanism is disposed at a top portion of the pouch.
3. The reclosable pouch of claim 2, wherein the second closure
mechanism is disposed between the first closure mechanism and a
bottom portion of the pouch.
4. The reclosable pouch of claim 3, wherein the slider includes an
extension member extending towards the bottom portion of the
pouch.
5. The reclosable pouch of claim 4, wherein the extension member
extends over the second closure mechanism to aid in closing the
second closure mechanism.
6. The reclosable pouch of claim 1, wherein the first and second
closure mechanisms are preferably spaced preferably between about
0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and about 2 inches (50.8 mm) apart.
7. The reclosable pouch of claim 6, wherein the first and second
closure mechanisms are more preferably spaced between about 0.8
inch (20.32 mm) and about 1 inch (25.4 mm) apart.
8. The reclosable pouch of claim 1, wherein at least one hole
extends through at least one of the first and second bag walls
between the first and second closure mechanisms.
9. The reclosable pouch of claim 8, wherein a plurality of holes
extend through at least one of the first and second bag walls
between the first and second closure mechanisms.
10. A reclosable pouch, comprising: a body portion having first and
second opposing bag walls, wherein each bag wall has an internal
side; first and second closure mechanisms disposed on the internal
sides of the first and second bag walls, wherein the closure
mechanisms are parallel to one another and wherein the first
closure mechanism includes a slider for opening and closing the
closure mechanism; and at least one hole extending through at least
one of the first and second bag walls between the first and second
closure mechanisms.
11. The reclosable pouch of claim 10, wherein a plurality of holes
extend through at least one of the first and second bag walls
between the first and second closure mechanisms.
12. The reclosable pouch of claim 10, wherein the first closure
mechanism is disposed at a top portion of the pouch.
13. The reclosable pouch of claim 12, wherein the second closure
mechanism is disposed between the first closure mechanism and a
bottom portion of the pouch.
14. The reclosable pouch of claim 10, wherein the slider includes
an extension member extending towards the bottom portion of the
pouch.
15. The reclosable pouch of claim 14, wherein the extension member
extends over the second closure mechanism to aid in closing the
second closure mechanism.
16. The reclosable pouch of claim 8, wherein the first and second
closure mechanisms are preferably spaced between about 0.5 inch
(12.7 mm) and about 2 inches (50.8 mm) apart so that the first and
second closure mechanisms must be closed separately.
17. The reclosable pouch of claim 16, wherein the first and second
closure mechanisms are more preferably spaced between about 0.8
inch (20.32 mm) and about 1 inch (25.4 mm) apart
18. A reclosable pouch, comprising: a body portion having first and
second opposing bag walls, wherein each bag wall has an internal
side; a first reclosable closure mechanism disposed on the internal
sides of the first and second bag walls, respectively, wherein the
first closure mechanism includes a slider for opening and closing
the first and second closure elements; a second reclosable closure
mechanism disposed on the internal sides of the first and second
bag walls, respectively; and an extension member extending from the
slider of the first closure mechanism to aid in closing the second
closure mechanism.
19. The reclosable pouch of claim 18, wherein the first closure
mechanism is disposed at a top portion of the pouch.
20. The reclosable pouch of claim 19, wherein the second closure
mechanism is disposed between the first closure mechanism and a
bottom portion of the pouch.
21. The reclosable pouch of claim 18, wherein the extension member
comprises a finger that extends from a first side of the slider and
is disposed adjacent the first bag wall where a closure element of
the second closure mechanism is disposed.
22. The reclosable pouch of claim 21, wherein the extension member
presses against the closure element to cause engagement with the
opposing closure element when the slider is moved in a bag closing
or bag opening direction.
23. A zipper tape, comprising: first and second strips; a first
reclosable closure mechanism including first and second closure
elements, wherein the first and second closure elements are
disposed on the first and second strips, respectively; and a second
reclosable closure mechanism including third and fourth closure
elements, wherein the third and fourth closure elements are
disposed on the first and second strips, respectively, and wherein
the first and second closure mechanisms are preferably spaced
between about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and about 2 inches (50.8 mm)
apart
24. The zipper tape of claim 23, wherein the first and second
closure elements of the first closure mechanism are disposed
adjacent first edges of the first and second strips,
respectively.
25. The zipper tape of claim 24, wherein flange portions extend
from second edges of the first and second strips.
26. The zipper tape of claim 25, wherein the third and fourth
closure elements of the second closure mechanism are disposed
between the first and second closure elements of the first closure
mechanism and second edges of the first and second strips,
respectively.
27. The zipper tape of claim 18, wherein a hole is disposed in at
least one of first and second strips between the first and second
closure mechanisms.
28. The zipper tape of claim 27, wherein a plurality of holes are
disposed in at least one of the first and second strips between the
first and second closure mechanisms.
29. The zipper tape of claim 26, in combination with a bag having
first and second opposing bag walls, wherein the bag walls are
sealed to one another at first and second side portions of the bag
walls and bottom portions of the bag walls.
30. The zipper tape of claim 29, wherein the flange portions of the
first and second surfaces are attached to the first and second bag
walls.
31. The zipper tape of claim 23, wherein a slider is disposed on
the first closure mechanism.
32. The zipper tape of claim 31, wherein the slider includes an
extension member extending towards the second edges of the strips
to aid in closing the second closure mechanism.
33. The zipper tape of claim 23, wherein the first and second
closure mechanisms are more preferably spaced between about 0.8
inch (20.32 mm) and about 1 inch (25.4 mm) apart.
34. A zipper tape, comprising: first and second strips; a closure
mechanism including first and second closure elements, wherein the
first and second closure elements are disposed on the first and
second strips, respectively, adjacent first edges thereof; and a
plurality of holes disposed in at least one of the first and second
strips between the closure mechanism and second edges of the first
and second surfaces.
35. The zipper tape of claim 35, in combination with a bag having
first and second opposing bag walls, wherein the bag walls are
sealed to one another at first and second side portions of the bag
walls and bottom portions of the bag walls.
36. The zipper tape of claim 36, wherein the bag includes third and
fourth closure elements of a second closure mechanism that are
disposed on internals sides of the first and second bag walls,
respectively, adjacent a top portion of the bag walls.
37. The zipper tape of claim 35, wherein the second edges of the
first and second surfaces of the zipper tape are attached to the
first and second bag walls at a top portion thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/440,822, filed May 19, 2003.
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Technical Field
[0005] The present invention relates to closures for reclosable
pouches, and more particularly, to such closures that include two
closure mechanisms each having opposing closure elements.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] A thermoplastic bag for the storage of items typically
includes a closure mechanism comprising male and female closure
elements or profiles attached to an inner surface of a bag wall. In
addition, thermoplastic bags are known having one or more pairs of
ribs on outer surface(s) of the bag wall straddling at least one of
the closure elements to guide a user's fingers when sealing the
closure elements. Ribs have also been used on an internal surface
of the thermoplastic bag closely spaced and adjacent the closure
elements to assist in aligning the male and female closure elements
when sealing the bag. Bags have also been developed that allow air
or other gas transport through bag walls.
[0008] Hugues et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,723 discloses a
stabilized reclosable extruded plastic fastener. The fastener
comprises a female profile on one wall of an extruded film material
and a male profile on an opposite wall of the film material.
Alignment ribs are spaced alongside and integral with a base area
of the male profile to facilitate alignment of the male profile
with the female profile during closing of the fastener.
[0009] Fisher, U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,496, owned by the assignee of
the present application, discloses a wide-track integral
thermoplastic closure for a reclosable thermoplastic container. The
closure includes ribs on either side of an element of the closure
to assist in guiding a user's fingers during closure of the
thermoplastic container.
[0010] Tilman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,929,487 discloses a
thermoplastic bag having male and female fastener profiles and at
least one alignment rib integral with the film and disposed on an
outer surface of a bag wall opposite and aligned with the male
profile. The rib functions to stiffen the area of film occupied by
the male profile and facilitate the alignment of the male and
female fastener profiles.
[0011] Porchia et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,561, also owned by the
assignee of the present application, discloses a closure for
reclosable thermoplastic containers. The closure comprises male and
female closure elements, wherein the male closure element includes
a male profile member and ribs disposed on either side of the male
profile member and attached thereto by a base. The ribs are of a
sufficient size and proximity to the male profile member so as to
move together as a unit with the male profile member when the male
and female closure elements are engaged or disengaged.
[0012] Dais et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,727, owned by the assignee
of the present application, discloses a zipper for reclosable
thermoplastic bags and a process and apparatus for making the same.
The zipper comprises opposing longitudinally extending
interlockable rib and groove profiles. The rib profile defines a
bulbous head that is generally triangularly shaped in
cross-section, a stem, and optionally, one or more ribs adjacent
the stem.
[0013] Tilman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,574 discloses a reclosable
plastic bag having a sliderless zipper. The bag includes front and
rear walls sealed along three edges to form a mouth or opening.
Male and female profiles are attached to internal surfaces of the
front and rear walls, respectively, wherein the male and female
profiles are engageable to close the opening. Two ribs are provided
on an outside surface of the front wall, one on each side of the
male profile, to define a valley therebetween. Similarly, two
additional ribs are formed on the outside surface of the rear wall,
one on each side of female profile, to define a valley
therebetween. The valleys act as finger guides for the user of the
bag.
[0014] Scott et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,394 discloses a reclosable
bag having a stabilizer wedge zipper. The reclosable bag comprises
front and rear walls sealed along three edges to form an opening.
Male and female profiles are attached to internal faces of the
walls. Each of the male and female profiles includes two stabilizer
wedges that assist in transmitting forces to male and female
profiles during opening of the bag.
[0015] Porchia et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,705, owned by the
assignee of the present application, discloses a flexible film for
storage bags used for packaging produce, such as vegetables and
fruits. The film includes a plurality of holes therein to allow air
transport through the film so that the produce can breathe at a
controlled rate.
[0016] Saad et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,265, also owned by the
assignee of the present application, discloses a multilayer freezer
bag having at least an inner liner bag and an outer support bag.
The inner liner bag and/or the outer support bag may include a
plurality of holes through sidewalls thereof.
[0017] Dobreski et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,508 discloses a vented
reclosable bag having a first reclosable slider closure and a
second tamper evident partition disposed below the slider closure,
wherein the tamper evident partition is not reclosable.
[0018] Tilman, U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,236 discloses a resealable
package having a venting structure. The package includes first and
second reclosable closure mechanisms disposed at an end of the
package, wherein the first closure mechanism is disposed between
the second closure mechanism and the end of the package. The
venting structure defines a gas-flow passageway between an interior
of the package and an exterior of the package when the first
closure mechanism is in a closed configuration and the second
closure mechanism is in an open configuration.
[0019] Tomic et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,042 discloses a first
reasealable slider closure mechanism and a second resealable
closure mechanism disposed below the first closure mechanism.
Preferably, a slider of the first closure mechanism opens only the
first closure mechanism but closes the first and second closure
mechanisms.
[0020] Healy et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,043 discloses a side
gusset bag with a slide zipper reclosable seal. The bag also
includes a tamper evident seal disposed above the slide zipper seal
and a venting feature disposed below the tamper evident seal.
[0021] Nelson, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0066267
discloses a reclosable bag with a closure having extruded male and
female interlocking profiles extending along opposite sides of an
opening of the bag. The closure further includes an extruded valve
flange extending from one side of the closure to engage an opposing
surface of the closure. One or more vent passages are disposed
between the interlocking profiles and the valve flange or the
female profile is segmented to allow air to escape from the
bag.
[0022] Other thermoplastic bags have been developed having spaced
multiple closure mechanisms. For example, a bag manufactured by
Thai Griptech Company, Ltd. of Bangkok, Thailand, includes first
and second spaced closure mechanisms disposed at a top portion of
the bag. Each closure mechanism includes a male closure portion and
a female closure portion, wherein the male closure portions are
disposed on a first bag wall and the female closure portions are
disposed on a second bag wall opposite the male closure portions.
The first closure mechanism is disposed approximately {fraction
(3/8)}ths inch from the second closure mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, a
reclosable pouch includes a body portion having first and second
opposing bag walls, wherein each bag wall has an internal side. The
pouch further includes a first reclosable closure mechanism
disposed on the internal sides of the first and second bag walls,
respectively, wherein the first closure mechanism includes a slider
for opening and closing the first and second closure elements.
Still further, the pouch includes a second reclosable closure
mechanism disposed on the internal sides of the first and second
bag walls, respectively. The second closure mechanism is spaced
from the first closure mechanism such that the slider mechanism of
the first closure mechanism does not open or close the third and
fourth closure elements of the second closure mechanism.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
reclosable pouch includes a body portion having first and second
opposing bag walls, wherein each bag wall has an internal side. The
pouch further includes first and second closure mechanisms disposed
on the internal sides of the first and second bag walls, wherein
the closure mechanisms are parallel to one another and wherein the
first closure mechanism includes a slider for opening and closing
the closure mechanism. Still further, the pouch includes at least
one hole extending through at least one of the first and second bag
walls between the first and second closure mechanisms.
[0025] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
reclosable pouch includes a body portion having first and second
opposing bag walls, wherein each bag wall has an internal side. The
pouch further includes a first reclosable closure mechanism
disposed on the internal sides of the first and second bag walls,
respectively, wherein the first closure mechanism includes a slider
for opening and closing the first and second closure elements.
Still further, the pouch includes a second reclosable closure
mechanism disposed on the internal sides of the first and second
bag walls, respectively. An extension member extends from the
slider of the first closure mechanism to aid in closing the second
closure mechanism.
[0026] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
a zipper tape includes first and second strips and a first
reclosable closure mechanism including first and second closure
elements, wherein the first and second closure elements are
disposed on the first and second strips, respectively. The zipper
tape further includes a second reclosable closure mechanism
including third and fourth closure elements, wherein the third and
fourth closure elements are disposed on the first and second
strips, respectively. The first and second closure mechanisms are
preferably spaced between about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and about 2
inches (50.8 mm) apart.
[0027] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a
zipper tape includes first and second strips and a closure
mechanism including first and second closure elements, wherein the
first and second closure elements are disposed on the first and
second strips, respectively, adjacent first edges thereof. The
zipper tape further includes a plurality of holes disposed in at
least one of the first and second strips between the closure
mechanism and second edges of the first and second surfaces.
[0028] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of a
reclosable thermoplastic storage bag according to the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken
generally along the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIGS. 3 and 4 are views similar to FIG. 2 illustrating
alternative closure mechanisms of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a second embodiment of a
reclosable thermoplastic storage bag with a first embodiment of a
venting mechanism according to the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken
generally along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0034] FIGS. 7A-7D are fragmentary isometric views of alternative
embodiments of closure mechanisms including venting mechanisms of
the present invention;
[0035] FIGS. 8A and 8B are fragmentary sectional views similar to
FIG. 2 of alternative embodiments of closure mechanisms including
venting mechanisms of the present invention;
[0036] FIGS. 8C and 8D are enlarged, fragmentary, sectional views
taken generally along the lines 8C-8C and 8D-8D, respectively, of
FIG. 5;
[0037] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a third embodiment of a
reclosable thermoplastic storage bag according to the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken
generally along the lines 10.sup.-10 of FIG. 9;
[0039] FIG. 11 is an elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a
reclosable thermoplastic storage bag according to the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary, sectional view taken
generally along the lines 12-12 of FIG. 11;
[0041] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a fifth embodiment of
reclosable thermoplastic storage bag according to the present
invention;
[0042] FIGS. 14 and 15 are elevational views of embodiments of
zipper tape according to the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an apparatus for producing
bags of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 17 is an enlarged, fragmentary isometric view of a
portion of the apparatus of FIG. 16;
[0045] FIG. 18 is an enlarged end elevational view of the apparatus
of FIGS. 16 and 17; and
[0046] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic isometric view of an extrusion
apparatus for extruding zipper tape incorporating the present
invention;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a reclosable pouch in the form of a
thermoplastic storage bag 20 comprises first and second body
portions 22, 24 joined to one another to form first and second bag
walls 26, 28. The first and second bag walls 26, 28 are joined at
first and second side portions 30, 32, respectively, and at a
bottom portion 34. An opening 35 is disposed at a top portion 36 of
the bag 20. First and second closure mechanisms 38a, 38b and two
lips 40 are also disposed at the top portion 36 of the bag 20. The
first closure mechanism 38a is disposed between the second closure
mechanism 38b and an upper edge 42 of the top portion 36.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, male and female closure elements or
portions 44a, 44b of the closure mechanism 38a are disposed on
opposing internal sides or surfaces 46, 48 of the first and second
body portions 22, 24, respectively. In addition, male and female
elements or portions 50a, 50b of the closure mechanism 38b are
disposed on the internal sides or surfaces 48, 46, respectively.
Preferably, although not necessarily, the closure mechanism 38a is
parallel to the closure mechanism 38b and the two are spaced from
one another by a distance that is sufficiently large to allow each
of the closure mechanisms to be individually opened or closed, but
still optionally allow the closure mechanisms to be opened and
closed simultaneously. Typically, these results are accomplished by
spacing the mechanisms 38a, 38b between about 0.2 inch (5.08 mm)
and about 0.8 inch (20.32 mm) apart, more preferably between about
0.3 inch (7.62 mm) and about 0.6 inch (15.24 mm) and, most
preferably, about 0.4 inch (10.16 mm), although a different spacing
may instead be used.
[0049] Preferably, the closure elements or portions 44a, 44b, 50a,
and 50b have a cross sectional shape and/or may be formed in
accordance with the teachings of Geiger, et al. U.S. Pat. No.
4,755,248, Zieke et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,789, and/or Porchia et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,561, owned by the assignee of the present
application and the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein. Optionally, the first closure mechanism 38a
exhibits a first closure characteristic and the second closure
mechanism 38b exhibits a second closure characteristic different
than the first closure characteristic. For example, either or both
of the first and second closure mechanisms 38 may exhibit a
relatively low level of resistance to bag opening forces but
provide a high level of deformation so as to exhibit a clicking
feel and/or sound when the bag is opened or closed. In addition,
either or both of the first and second closure mechanisms 38 may
exhibit a low level of deformation but provide a relatively high
overall resistance to bag opening forces. Either or both of the
male closure elements 44a, 50a may be symmetric or asymmetric about
a longitudinal centerline thereof and either or both of the female
closure elements 44b, 50b may be symmetric or asymmetric about a
longitudinal centerline thereof. Thus, for example, either or both
of the first and second closure mechanisms 38 may have an
asymmetric configuration so that the closure mechanism 38 exhibits
a first resistance to opening forces exerted on one side of the
mechanism 38 and further exhibits a second, different resistance to
opening forces exerted on another side of the mechanism 38.
[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates a further embodiment wherein like
reference numbers denote structures common to the various
embodiments. As seen in FIG. 3, the male closure elements 44a and
50a are disposed on the internal side or surface 46 and the female
closure elements 44b and 50b are disposed on the internal side or
surface 48.
[0051] As seen in FIG. 3, each male closure element 44a, 50a
comprises an arrow-shaped engagement member 80, 82, respectively,
and a base member 84, 86, respectively. Each female closure element
44b, 50b comprises a C-shaped profile member 90, 92, respectively,
joined to base members 94, 96, respectively. The base members 84,
86 are only slightly wider than the engagement members 80, 82 and
the base members 94, 96 are only slightly wider than the
side-to-side extent (as seen in FIG. 3) of the C-shaped profile
members 90 and 92. The same is true of the embodiment of FIG. 2. In
both of these embodiments relatively little resin is required to
form the closure mechanisms 38. In fact, it is believed that only a
minimal increase in resin is needed to produce the closure elements
38 compared to a standard bag design utilizing a single closure
mechanism.
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention wherein the closure mechanisms 38a, 38b are replaced by
closure mechanisms 138a, 138b. The mechanism 138a includes male and
female closure elements 144a, 144b and the mechanism 138b includes
male and female closure elements 150a, 150b. The mechanisms 138a,
138b are identical, and hence, only the closure mechanism 138a will
be discussed in detail. The male closure element 144a of the
closure mechanism 138a comprises a base 154 integral with flanking
side members 156 and 158 and an arrow-shaped engagement member 160
that extends from the base 154. A female closure element 144b
comprises a base 162 with a C-shaped profile member 164 extending
therefrom, wherein the female closure element 144b is adapted to
receive the male closure element 144a when pressure is exerted on
the closure elements by a user's finger(s) during closing of the
bag. The side members 156 and 158 are of a sufficient size and
proximity to the engagement member 160 such that the side members
156 and 158 move together with the member 160 when the members 160
and 164 are engaged and disengaged. The side members 156 and 158
also have a height that is less than the height of the engagement
member 160, and the members 156 and 158 extend beyond tips 168 of
the female profile member 164 when the engagement member 160 is
engaged with the female profile member 164. Thus, at such time, the
tips 168 of the female profile member 164 reside between the side
members 156 and 158 and the male engagement member 160.
[0053] As in the previous embodiments, the male closure elements
144a, 150a may be disposed on the same bag wall or on different bag
walls, as may the female closure elements 144b, 150b.
[0054] As should be evident by a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4, the
base members 84, 86, 94, and 96 of FIG. 3 are replaced by elongate
members 180, 182, 184, 186, respectively, and hence, more resin is
required to produce the closure mechanisms 138a, 138b as compared
to the closure mechanisms 38a, 38b. However, the elongate members
180-186 further promote guiding of the user's fingers and thumb
during closing of the respective closure mechanism.
[0055] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a first embodiment of the venting
mechanism of the present invention. The closure mechanisms 38a, 38b
of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be identical or similar to any of the closure
elements described above. The venting mechanism includes a
plurality of holes 188 disposed in at least one of the first and
second bag walls 26, 28 between the male and female closure
elements 44a, 44b of the closure mechanism 38a and the male and
female closure elements 50a, 50b of the closure mechanism 38b. The
venting mechanism includes between about 1 hole and about 1000
holes per bag, and more preferably between about 10 holes and about
100 holes per bag, whether the hole(s) are disposed in a single bag
wall between the closure mechanisms 38a, 38b or both bag walls. The
diameter of the holes is between about 0.001 inch (0.0254 mm) and
about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), and more preferably between about 0.05
inch (1.27 mm) and about 0.2 inch (5.08 mm). The holes may be
spaced randomly or in a pattern, but preferably are spaced in a
line across a width of the bag 20.
[0056] To utilize a plurality of holes as a venting mechanism, a
user may place produce or another product in an interior of the
pouch 190 and seal the closure mechanism 38a, such that there is
air communication between the interior of the pouch 190 and an
exterior of the pouch 192 through the holes 188. If desired, the
user may vent air in the pouch 192 outwardly through the holes 188
by squeezing the pouch 192. If the pouch is not to be made air
tight, the closure mechanism 38b may be left non-occluded.
Alternatively, if the user desires an air-tight pouch, the user may
place a product in the interior of the pouch 190, seal the closure
mechanism 38a, force any air in the interior of the pouch 190 out
through the holes 188 in the manner noted above, and seal the
closure mechanism 38b. Optionally, the user may place a product in
the interior of the pouch 190, seal the closure mechanism 38b, and
occlude or not occlude the closure mechanism 38a.
[0057] Further embodiments of the venting mechanism of the present
invention are shown in FIGS. 7A-7D. In these embodiments, one or
both of the male or female closure elements of either of the
closure mechanisms 38a or 38b is segmented to allow passage of
fluid, air, or another gas or gases therethrough. As seen in FIG.
7A, the male closure element 44a of the closure mechanism 38a is
segmented and the female closure element 44b is solid. Conversely,
in FIG. 7B, the female closure element 44b of the closure mechanism
38a is segmented and the male closure element 44a is not. In either
case, if the user prefers to utilize the venting mechanism, the
user would place a product in an interior of the pouch 190 and
occlude the closure mechanism 38a, thus capturing the product in
the interior of the pouch 190 but allowing fluid communication
between the interior of the pouch 190 and the exterior of the pouch
190 through the segmented closure element, whether it is the male
or female closure element. To utilize the pouch as an air-tight
pouch, the user may place a product in the pouch and seal the
closure mechanism 38b either with or without occluding the closure
mechanism 38a.
[0058] Optionally, as seen in FIG. 7C, the male closure element 50a
of the closure mechanism 38b is segmented and the female closure
element 50b is not. FIG. 7D further depicts the female closure
element 50b of the closure mechanism 38b being segmented and the
male closure element 50a being non-segmented. Either way, in order
to utilize the venting mechanism, the user may place the product in
the interior of the pouch 190 and occlude the closure mechanism
38b. To create an air-tight pouch, the user may optionally force
any excess air from the pouch interior 190 out through the
segmented closure mechanism 38b and seal the closure mechanism 38a.
Alternatively, the user may simply place a product in the interior
of the pouch 190 and seal the closure mechanism 38a. The
segmentation of FIGS. 7A-7D may be utilized with any closure
element disclosed herein or any other type of closure
mechanism.
[0059] Depending on the use for the pouch, the closure mechanism
38a may also have male and female closure elements 44a, 44b that
are both segmented and/or the closure mechanism 38b may have both
male and female closure elements 50a, 50b that are segmented.
[0060] Alternative embodiments of the venting mechanism of the
present invention are shown in FIGS. 8A-8D. In each of these
embodiments one or both of the closure mechanisms 138 has either a
deformed male closure member 189b or a deformed female closure
member 189a. As seen in FIG. 8A, the female closure member 189a has
been modified by increasing the side-to-side distance between
opposed tips 168 of the female profile member 164 and/or the male
closure member 160 has been modified by narrowing the side-to-side
thickness of a stem portion 167 thereof. Either modification may be
accomplished by removing or deforming material either during or
after the extrusion process. In any event, one or more spaces or
gaps are interposed between the tips 168 of the female profile
member 164 and the stem portion 167 when the closure members 189a,
189b are occluded. Fluid, air, or another gas may pass through the
gaps as desired. In another embodiment, the male arrow-shaped
profile member 160, as seen in FIG. 8B, may be deformed by
displacing and/or removing portions thereof to create at least one
gap that permits fluid communication from one lateral side of the
closure element to an opposite lateral side of the closure element.
More generally, one aspect of the present invention comprehends the
formation or creation of a gap or other passage between the male
and female closure members that allows fluid communication from one
side of a closure mechanism 138 to another side of the closure
mechanism 138. As a further example, the embodiment of FIGS. 8C and
8D includes at least one closure mechanism 138 having a gap 169a
between one of the tips 168 of the female profile member 164 and
the stem 167 of the male arrow-shaped profile member 160 at a first
location across the width of the closure mechanism 138 (seen in
FIG. 8C). The closure mechanism(s) 138 may further include another
gap 169b between the other of the tips 168 of the female profile
member 164 and the stem 167 at a second location across the width
of the closure mechanism 138 (FIG. 8D). Fluid communication is
provided between the gaps 169a, 169b due to a space 170 that exists
between the external surfaces of the male profile member and the
internal surfaces of the female profile member. If desirable or
necessary, additional gaps similar or identical to the gaps 169 may
be provided at other locations along the width of the pouch. The
fluid communication across the closure element(s) 138 allows slow
leaking of air through the profiles, therefore allowing some
ventilation in the pouch.
[0061] As seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 9-14, a reclosable pouch
220 in the form of a thermoplastic bag includes first and second
body portions 222, 224 joined to one another to form first and
second bag walls 226, 228. The first and second bag walls 226, 228
are joined at first and second side portions 230, 232,
respectively, and at a bottom portion 234. An opening 235 is
disposed at a top portion 236 of the bag 220. First and second
closure mechanisms 238a, 238b are disposed at the top portion 236
of the bag 220. The first closure mechanism 238a is disposed at an
upper edge 242 of the top portion 236 of the bag 220 and includes a
slider 243 disposed thereon for opening and closing the first
closure mechanism 238a. The second closure mechanism 238b is
disposed between the first closure mechanism 238a and the bottom
portion 234 of the bag 220 and is of the type of closure mechanism
that is closed by pressing and gliding one's fingers along the
closure mechanism 238b and is opened by pulling the bag walls 226,
228 apart.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, the first closure mechanism 238a
includes first and second upwardly facing hook-shaped closure
elements 244a, 244b disposed on an internal side or surface 246 of
the first body portion 222. Additionally, a flange portion 247 is
disposed on the internal side 246 of the first body portion 222
above the first and second closure elements 244a, 244b. Third and
fourth downwardly facing hook-shaped closure elements 244c, 244d
are disposed on an internal side or surface 248 of the second body
portion 224, wherein the third and fourth closure elements 244c,
244d interlock with the first and second closure elements 244a,
244b, respectively, to form the first closure mechanism 238a.
[0063] As with previous embodiments, the upwardly facing
hook-shaped elements 244a, 244b may be disposed on the internal
side 248 of the second body portion 224 and the downwardly facing
hooked-shaped closure elements 244c, 244d may be disposed on the
internal side 246 of the first body portion 222.
[0064] Preferably, the closure elements or portions 244a-244d have
a cross sectional shape and/or may be formed in accordance with the
teachings of this application. Alternatively, or in addition, the
closure elements or portions 244a-244d may have a cross sectional
shape and/or may be formed in accordance with the teachings of
Porchia et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,285, or Porchia et al. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,836,056, owned by the assignee of the present application and
the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0065] The slider 243 disposed on the first closure mechanism 238a
includes a top portion 249 and first and second side walls 251a,
251b extending perpendicularly from first and second sides 253a,
253b of the top portion 249. The slider 243 further includes first
and second slider feet 255a, 255b extending perpendicularly from
the first and second side walls 251a, 251b, respectively, toward
one another. When the slider is disposed on the first closure
mechanism 238a, the slider feet 255a, 255b are disposed below first
and second rails 257a, 257b extending from outer sides or surfaces
259a, 259b of the first and second body portions 222, 224,
respectively. The rails 257a, 257b aid in retaining the slider on
the bag 220 in a direction transverse to the direction of movement
of the slider 243. As the slider 243 is moved across the bag in a
first direction 261, the bag is opened and as the slider 243 is
displaced across the bag in a second direction 263, the bag is
closed. Preferably, the slider 243 may be formed in accordance with
the teachings of Porchia et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,285, Porchia et
al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,056, Smith et al. U.S. Patent Design No.
D422,909, Smith et al. U.S. Ser. No. 10/458,316, or Smith et al.
U.S. Ser. No. 29/183,883, owned by the assignee of the present
application and the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
[0066] Preferably, although not necessarily, the bag 220 includes
first and second end stops 265a, 265b, as seen in FIG. 9, disposed
adjacent the first and second side portions 230, 232, respectively.
The end stops 265a, 265b are either formed by heating and melting a
portion of the closure mechanism 238a or each may comprises one or
more clips or the like that are attached to the bag 220. The end
stops 265a, 265b prevent removal of the slider 243 in the direction
of movement of the slider 243.
[0067] Referring again to FIG. 10, the second closure mechanism
238b includes male and female closure elements or portions 268a,
268b disposed on the internal sides 246, 248 of the first and
second body portions 222, 224, respectively. The male closure
element 268a of the closure mechanism 238b comprises a base 270
integral with flanking side members 272 and 274 and a male
arrow-shaped engagement member 276 that extends from the base 270.
The female closure element 268b comprises a base 278 with a
C-shaped profile member 280 extending therefrom, wherein the female
closure element 268b is adapted to receive the male closure element
268a when pressure is exerted on the closure element 238b by a
user's finger(s) during closing of the bag 220. The side members
272 and 274 are of sufficient size and proximity to the male
engagement member 276 such that the side members 272 and 274 move
together with the male engagement member 276 when the members 276
and 280 are engaged and disengaged. The side members 272 and 274
also have a height that is preferably less than the height of the
male engagement member 276, and the side members 272 and 274 extend
beyond tips 282 of the female profile member 280 when the male
engagement member 276 is engaged with the female profile member
280. Thus, at such time, the tips 282 of the female profile member
280 reside in spaces between the side members 272 and 274 and the
male engagement member 276.
[0068] As with previous embodiments, the male closure element 268a
may be disposed on the internal side 248 of the second body portion
224 and the female closure element 268b may be disposed on the
internal side 246 of the first body portion 222.
[0069] Preferably, the closure elements or portions 268a, 268b of
the second closure mechanism 238b have a cross sectional shape
and/or may be formed in accordance with the teachings of the
present application. Alternatively, or in addition, the closure
elements or portions 268a, 268b of the second closure mechanism
238b may have a cross sectional shape and/or may be formed in
accordance with the teachings of Geiger et al. U.S. Pat. No.
4,755,248, Zieke et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,789, and/or Porchia et
al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,561, owned by the assignee of the present
application and the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
[0070] To utilize the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, when both
closure mechanisms 238a, 238b are open, a user may place one or
more products in an interior of the bag 220 and thereafter exert
force on the outer surfaces 259a, 259b of the first and second body
portions 222, 224, respectively, adjacent the male and female
closure elements 268a, 268b of the second closure mechanism 238b,
thereby forcing the male and female closure elements 268a, 268b
into interlocking relation. The user may thereafter move the slider
243 in the second direction 263, thus interlocking the closure
elements 244a-244d of the first closure mechanism 238a and closing
the bag 220. Optionally, the user may only close the first closure
mechanism 238a or the second closure mechanism 238b or the user may
reverse the order in which he closes the closure mechanisms 238a,
238b.
[0071] FIGS. 11 and 12 depict an embodiment similar to that of
FIGS. 9 and 10 having a venting mechanism. The venting mechanism
includes a plurality of holes 288 disposed in at least one of the
bag walls 226, 228 between the first and second closure mechanisms
238a, 238b. Preferably, the venting mechanism includes between
about 1 hole and about 10,000 holes per bag, and more preferably
between about 10 holes and about 100 holes per bag. The diameter of
the holes is preferably between about 0.0005 inch (0.0127 mm) and
about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), and more preferably between about 0.01
inch (0.254 mm) and about 0.2 inch (5.08 mm), and most preferably
about 0.02 inch (0.508 mm). The holes may be of any shape and size
and the shape and/or size may vary or not vary from hole to hole.
For example, the holes may all be circular in shape and may all
have the same diameter or variable diameters. Also, the holes may
be spaced randomly or in a pattern, but preferably are spaced in a
line across a width of the bag 220.
[0072] To utilize the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, when both
closure mechanisms 238a, 238b are open, a user may place one or
more products in an interior 290 of the bag 220, and thereafter
move the slider 243 in the second direction 263, thus interlocking
the closure elements 244a-244d of the first closure mechanism 238a.
At this time there is air communication between the interior 290 of
the bag 220 and an exterior 292 of the bag 220 through the holes
288. Optionally, the user may then vent air in the bag 220
outwardly through the holes 288 by squeezing the bag 220. If the
bag 220 is not to be made air tight, the second closure mechanism
238b may be left non-occluded. Alternatively, if the user desires
an air-tight bag 220, the user may place a product in the interior
290 of the bag 220, seal the first closure mechanism 238a, force
any air in the interior 290 of the bag 220 out through the holes
288 in the manner noted above, and seal the second closure
mechanism 238b before air can reenter the bag 220. Optionally, the
user may place a product in the interior 290 of the pouch 220, seal
the second closure mechanism 238b, and occlude or not occlude the
first closure mechanism 238a. Optionally, the embodiments of FIGS.
9-12 may include any of the other venting mechanisms disclosed
herein.
[0073] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment of
FIGS. 9 and 10 except that the slider 243 of FIG. 13 includes an
extension member 294 protruding from one or both of the side walls
251a, 251b of the slider 243. The extension member 294 is in the
shape of a finger and extends towards a bottom portion 234 of the
bag 220. When a user moves the slider in the second direction 263
to close the first closure mechanism 238a, the extension member 294
may be pressed against the second closure mechanism 238b, thereby
closing the second closure mechanism 238b as the slider 243 is
sealing the first closure mechanism 238a. Optionally, the extension
member 294 may be utilized in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12.
Still optionally, the extension member 294 may take any form or
shape that would perform the function of closing the second closure
mechanism 238b.
[0074] Another embodiment as shown in FIG. 14 comprises a zipper
tape 300. The zipper tape 300 includes first and second
thermoplastic strips 302, 304, wherein a first closure element 306
is disposed on the first strip 302 and a second closure element 308
is disposed on the second strip 304. The closure elements 306, 308
may be integral with or separately deposited onto the strips 302,
304 and may be of any type described in the present application. A
slider 343 is disposed on the closure elements 306, 308 for opening
and closing the closure elements 306, 308, thereby forming a
closure mechanism 310 at a first edge 311 of the strips 302, 304.
The closure mechanism 310 is preferably similar to the closure
mechanism 238a of FIGS. 9-14. Preferably, second edges 320 of the
strips 302, 304 in the form of flange portions 321 are attached to
top edges of a thermoplastic bag having a closure mechanism, such
as the closure mechanism 238b described with respect to FIGS. 9-14.
Optionally, the first bottom edge 320 of the zipper tape 300 may be
attached to top edges of a folded thermoplastic sheet. In either
case, the zipper tape 300 is attached by any suitable conventional
process and apparatus. Optionally, the zipper tape 300 may include
end stops 312, 314 that formed adjacent first and second edges 316,
318 of the strips 302, 304 either before or after the zipper tape
300 is attached to a thermoplastic bag or folded thermoplastic
sheet. As discussed above, the end stops 312, 314 may be in the
form of fused portions or one or more clips or the like that are
attached to the zipper tape 300.
[0075] FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of a zipper tape 300 similar
to FIG. 14. The embodiment of FIG. 15 further includes a second
closure mechanism 332 disposed below the closure mechanism 310. The
second closure mechanism 332 includes male and female closure
elements 334, 336 similar to the male and female closure elements
268a, 268b of FIGS. 9-14. The female closure element 336 receives
the male closure element 334 when pressure is exerted on the
closure elements 334, 336 by a user's finger(s). Second edges 338
of the strips 302, 304 in the form of flange portions 339 may be
attached to top edges of a folded thermoplastic sheet by any
suitable conventional process and apparatus.
[0076] Preferably, although not necessarily, the first closure
mechanism 238a is parallel to the second closure mechanism 238b and
the two are spacing from one another by a distance sufficiently
large to allow the slider 243 of the first closure mechanism 238a
to exert opening and closing forces only on the first closure
mechanism 238a. Typically, these results are accomplished by
spacing the first and second closure mechanisms 238a, 238b between
about 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and about 2 inches (50.8 mm) apart, more
preferably between about 0.8 inch (20.32 mm) and about 1 inch (25.4
mm) apart, although a different spacing may instead be used.
Optionally, the first and second closure mechanisms 238a, 238b may
be spaced from one another by a distance sufficiently small to
allow the slider 243 of the first closure mechanism 238a to exert
opening and/or closing forces on the second closure mechanism
238b.
[0077] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, one or more
gripping ribs (not shown) may be disposed on the internal surfaces
46, 48 or 246, 248 of the bag 20 or 220 between the closure
mechanisms 38a, 38b or 238a, 238b and the top portion 36 or 236 of
the bag 20 or 220, wherein the gripping ribs are integrally
extruded with the walls of the bag. Any number of gripping ribs can
be used, although space is necessary between adjacent ribs in order
to facilitate a gripping action with a user's fingers. Any of the
gripping ribs may be continuous or discontinuous. Preferably, if
the gripping ribs are disposed between the closure mechanisms 38a,
38b or 238a, 238b and the bag walls 26, 28 or 226, 228 include
holes 188 or 288 therein, the gripping ribs are discontinuous to
allow air flow through the holes 188 or 288. In the embodiments of
FIGS. 1-6, preferably about six or seven gripping ribs are disposed
on each lip 40 of the bag 20.
[0078] Reclosable thermoplastic storage bags as described herein
can be produced by any suitable bag-making process, such as a cast
post applied process, a cast integral process, a blown process or
any other process known in the art. It should be noted that the
extrusion die(s) used to form the closure mechanisms and strip(s)
must include a suitable number of profile plates to form such
structures. In addition, an air nozzle may be provided in
association with each female closure element that blows air into
the opening of each C-shaped female profile member to open the
member as it is being extruded. The air flow and/or velocity may be
varied to obtain the desired deformation for venting purposes, as
noted above. In addition, one or more cooling water jets may be
provided to cool the male and female closure elements after they
are extruded.
[0079] If desired, an alternative post applied process can be used
to produce any of the bags disclosed herein, such as seen in FIGS.
16 and 17. Referring to such FIGS., the alternative post applied
process utilizes an extrusion apparatus including a first extrusion
slot die 400, a temperature-controlled driven casting roll 402,
edge pinning devices or apparatus 404a, 404b, an air knife 406,
second and third extrusion dies 408a, 408b (that are
diagrammatically shown and which, together with the die 400, form
the extrusion apparatus) and blowing apparatus 410a, 410b. The
extrusion die 400 receives molten thermoplastic from an extruder
(not shown) and deposits the thermoplastic in sheet form as a web
412 onto the casting roll 402. The extrusion die 400 includes a
slot opening (not shown) that optionally forms thickened areas 414,
416 at outside edge portions 418a, 418b of the resulting web 412
and a relatively thinner portion 420 intermediate the thickened
areas 414, 416. The edge portions 418a, 418b are pinned to the
casting roll 402 by the edge pinning devices 404a, 404b,
respectively. The web 412 is then pinned across the entire width
thereof (i.e., as a whole) to the casting roll 402 by the air knife
406.
[0080] After the web 412 is pinned to the casting roll 402, the
male and female closure elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or 268a, 268b
are formed on the web 412. Preferably, the extrusion dies 408a,
408b receive molten thermoplastic from separate extruders and
extrude the male and female closure elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or
268a, 268b onto the thickened areas 414, 416. Alternatively, the
separate extrusion dies 408a, 408b may be replaced by a single
extrusion die having two outlets at which the male and female
closure elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or 268a, 268b are simultaneously
extruded onto the thickened areas 414, 416. As a still further
alternative, each extrusion die 408a, 408b may be replaced by two
or more extrusion dies that individually and separately extrude the
closure elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or 268a, 268b. In any event, as
seen in FIG. 18, the angle of a face 422 of each die 400 is at
least initially disposed substantially parallel to a horizontal (as
seen in FIG. 18) radial line 424 extending from the center of the
casting roll 402. The position of the die 400 (or each die 400a,
400b individually if separate dies are used) may then be adjusted
by moving the die left, right, up, or down (all as seen in FIG. 18)
or the die may be tipped (i.e., angularly displaced) to adjust the
angle of the die face 422 to obtain desirable results. The closure
elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or 268a, 268b formed by the die(s) 408
may exit the die(s) 408 at a point coincident with a vertical
tangent line 426 (FIG. 18) intersecting the surface of the casting
roll 402 on the side of the casting roll 402 where the web 412 is
first deposited thereon. Alternatively, the closure elements 44,
50, 144, 150, or 268a, 268b formed by the die(s) 408 may exit the
die(s) 408 at a point displaced to the right or left (as seen in
FIG. 18) of the tangent line 426. If the extrudate exits the die(s)
408 at a point displaced to the right of the line 426, some
provision must be made at the initiation of production to attach
the extrudate stream to the casting roll 402. Thereafter,
production may commence, (provided that the exit of the die(s) 408
is not disposed too far to the right of the tangent line 426)
whereupon the melt strength of the extrude stream carries the
stream into contact with the roll 402.
[0081] Once the molten thermoplastic from the die(s) 408 has been
deposited onto the web 412, coolant is applied to the closure
elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or 268a, 268b by coolant apparatus (not
shown) to bring the temperature thereof below the melting point of
the thermoplastic material forming the closure elements 44, 50,
144, 150, or 268a, 268b as quickly as possible. Preferably, the
coolant comprises water or any other suitable cooling fluid and the
coolant is applied to the material of the closure elements 44, 50,
144, 150, or 268a, 268b only after such material contacts the
material of the web 412 so that adhesion thereto is optimized. The
web 412 and the closure elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or 268a, 268b
are maintained in contact with the temperature-controlled casting
roll 402 for a period of time as the roll 402 is rotated so that
the web 412 and closure elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or 268a, 268b
are further cooled. The casting roll 402 should be maintained at a
temperature below the melting point of the thermoplastic
material(s) forming the web 412 and the closure elements 44, 50,
144, 150, or 268a, 268b, typically about 20-80 degrees C.
[0082] If desired, any of the closure elements and/or strips and/or
other associated structures of the above embodiments can be
integrally extruded on internal surfaces of flanges as zipper tape
that is subsequently post-applied to film in a bag production
process. For example, the closure elements 44, 50, 144, 150, or
268a, 268b may be extruded with flanges as zipper tape portions
500, 502. In this embodiment, gripping ribs may also be formed on
the zipper tape and the zipper tape may have relatively thicker
portions at portions that ultimately form the top of the bag and
relatively thinner portions at opposite portions where the zipper
tape is to be joined to the film. For example, as seen in FIG. 19,
zipper tape portions 500, 502 may be extruded separately by an
extrusion die 504 into a water bath 506. If desired, more than one
extrusion die may be employed for this purpose. The zipper tape
portions 500, 502 extend about pulleys or rollers 508, 510,
respectively, in the water bath 506 and may further extend about
additional pulleys or rollers 512, 514 and 516, 518 out of the
water bath 506. The zipper tape portions 500, 502 may thereafter
pass through a dewatering station 520, where the water is removed
therefrom, and the portions 500, 502 may be joined together (i.e.,
occluded) by nip rollers 522. The occluded portions 500, 502 may
thereafter be stored on spools or reels or the occluded portions
may be directly delivered to an in-line bag manufacturing
apparatus, where the portions 500, 502 are laminated or otherwise
secured to bag film.
[0083] During or after the use of any suitable bag-making process
to create pouches or partial pouches, holes may be created in the
pouches between the closure mechanisms by any means known in the
art. Such processes include punching, using lasers, burning holes
in the thermoplastic with hot pins or needles, perforating,
utilizing high pressure water jets, or using electrical arcs to
create holes therein. Some of these processes are disclosed in
detail in Dais et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,561, owned by the
assignee of the present application and the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0084] Alternatively, during or after the use of any suitable
bag-making process to create pouches or bags, any of the closure
elements may be segmented or deformed. Segmentation and deformation
may be created using a lateral punching means or a deforming
apparatus, respectively, as disclosed in Dais et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,140,727, owned by the assignee of the present application and the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Optionally, deformation may be created by pulsing the extruder
during extrusion of any of the closure elements or forcing water
from a water jet onto any of the closure elements after extrusion
thereof to effect deformation.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0085] The pouch described herein advantageously can have an
air-tight seal for products that should not be in substantial
contact with air during storage thereof or can have a vented seal
for products, such as fruits and vegetables, that are best stored
in a manner that allows air and water vapor to circulate through
the bag walls. In addition, the bag can be used to permit product
stored therein to be treated with a gas before storage of the
product. Still further, the pouch may also permit venting of steam
when microwaving foods therein or to simply remove all excess air
from the pouch prior to air tight sealing thereof.
[0086] The pouch of the present invention is provided with two
closure mechanisms spaced apart a distance far enough wherein each
closure mechanism can be sealed and unsealed individually or
simultaneously. A venting mechanism is provided in the pouch either
by disposing holes between the closure mechanisms, segmenting one
or more of the closure elements of one or more of the closure
mechanisms, or deforming one or more of the closure elements of one
or more of the closure mechanisms.
[0087] Numerous modifications to the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing
description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling
those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach
the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all
modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims
are reserved.
* * * * *