U.S. patent application number 11/385175 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-27 for zip lock closure.
Invention is credited to Michael S. Gzybowski.
Application Number | 20060165317 11/385175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32042319 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060165317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gzybowski; Michael S. |
July 27, 2006 |
Zip lock closure
Abstract
A one-way, zip-locking closure for bag-type containers that
include slider zipper arrangements. The locking mechanism includes
a series of registration structures that is provided along one side
of the mouth of the containers and a catch mechanism that is
provided within the slider. The catch mechanism engages the series
of registration structures as the slider is moved to close the
mouth of the container, and thereby prevents movement of the slider
in the opposite direction.
Inventors: |
Gzybowski; Michael S.; (Ann
Arbor, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUTZEL LONG
350 SOUTH MAIN STREET
SUITE 300
ANN ARBOR
MI
48104
US
|
Family ID: |
32042319 |
Appl. No.: |
11/385175 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10264755 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
7029178 |
|
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11385175 |
Mar 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/64 ;
24/399 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 19/16 20130101;
Y10T 24/2532 20150115; B65D 33/2591 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/064 ;
024/399 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16; A44B 19/16 20060101 A44B019/16 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A bag-type container having a mouth defined by opposed side
panels, said bag-type container comprising: cooperating coupling
structures on inner surfaces of the opposed side panels adjacent
the mouth; a slider coupled to the cooperating coupling structures
for closing the mouth of the bag-type containing when slid in a
first direction between a first position to a second position; and
a series of projecting structures provided along at least one side
of the bag-type container near the mouth and spaced away from an
upper top edge of the bag-type container.
17. A bag-type container according to claim 16, wherein a series of
projecting structures is spaced away from a top edge of the
cooperating coupling structures.
18. A bag-type container according to claim 16, wherein a series of
projecting structures is provided along both sides of the bag-type
container near the mouth.
19. A bag-type container according to claim 16, wherein the
projecting structures are substantially parallel to one another and
to side edges of the bag-type container.
20. A bag-type container according to claim 17, wherein the
projecting structures are substantially parallel to one another and
to side edges of the bag-type container.
21. A bag-type container according to claim 16, wherein the series
of projecting structures extend across the entire width of the
bag-type container.
22. A bag-type container according to claim 1 16, wherein the
slider extends over the series of projecting structures.
23. A bag-type container according to claim 16, wherein the slider
is provided with a structure that abuts the series of projecting
structures.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to closure arrangements for
flexible bag-type containers. More particularly, the present
invention relates to one-way zip-locking closures for bag-type
containers.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There are numerous closures for bag-type containers such as
polymeric bags that are used for storing non-food items, food
products, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other
items.
[0003] Bag-type containers having closure structures are well
known. Typically bag-type containers are provided with mouths or
openings along a top side thereof. The mouths or openings are
defined by opposed side edges of the containers that can be coupled
together along the top side (the closed position) or uncoupled so
as to define the mouth or opening (the open position). To provide
such a closable function, the opposite side edges of the containers
are provided with cooperating structural features that can be
coupled together or interlocked.
[0004] There are different types of closure structures for bag-type
containers, including those that include slider devices that couple
and uncouple the closure structures, those that are do not include
slider devices that couple and uncouple the closure structures, and
those that are resealable and those that are not resealable.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,750 to Gundlach et al. exemplifies a
bag-type closure that includes a closure structure that is operated
by pressing the opposite sides of the mouth of the bag together.
Using this type of bag-type closure, the user typically squeezes
the opposite sides of the mouth together between his or her thumb
and index finger and slides his or her finger and thumb along the
mouth of the bag so that the cooperating interlocking or coupling
structures are engaged together. An alternative approach that some
people take is to squeeze incremental portions of the opposite
sides of the mouth of the bag together along the length there. Once
closed, the mouth of the bag can be opened by gripping and pulling
the opposite sides of the mouth of the bag apart. Such a bag is
resealable.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,810,944 to Sander exemplifies a bag-type
closure that includes a closure mechanism having a slider. The
slider can be thought of as providing a function similar the user's
thumb and index finger as discussed above in U.S. Pat. No.
5,138,750. That is, the slider, which is slidably coupled to each
of the opposite sides of the mouth of the bag, is configured so
that as it is slid in one direction, it couples the cooperating
interlocking or coupling structures of the mouth of the bag
together. In contrast, as the slider is slid in the opposite
direction, it uncouples the cooperating interlocking or coupling
structures of the mouth of the bag.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,428 to Bruno et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
6,004,032 to Kapperman et al. exemplify non-resealable bag-type
closures which are configured to be permanently sealed after
various items and substances are placed therein. The mouths of
non-resealable bag-type closures include cooperating interlocking
or coupling structures, which when engaged together, resist being
opened. In some cases, it is known to provide bags having
non-resealable bag-type closures with secondary means for gaining
access to the contents thereof. For example such bags can include
tearable, e.g. perforated, frangible, etc. portions that can be
torn apart to gain access to the contents of the bags.
[0008] The present invention provides one-way zip-locking closures
for bag-type containers.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to various features, characteristics and
embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as
the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides a
one-way, zip-locking closure for a bag-type container having a
mouth defined by opposed side panels, the one-way, zip-locking
closure including:
[0010] cooperating coupling structures on inner surfaces of the
opposed side panels adjacent the mouth;
[0011] a slider coupled to the cooperating coupling structures for
closing the mouth of the bag-type container when slid in a first
direction between a first position to a second position;
[0012] a series of registration structures provided along at least
one side of the mouth;
[0013] a catch mechanism provided within the slider for engaging
the series of registration structures and thereby preventing the
slider from sliding in a second direction opposite the first
direction.
[0014] The present invention further provides an improvement in
bag-type containers that include zip-lock mechanisms, including
sliders, the improvement including:
[0015] a series of registration structures provided along at least
a portion of a width of the container; and
[0016] a catch mechanism within the slider which engages the series
of registrations and thereby restricts movement of the slider in
only one direction.
[0017] The present invention further provides a method of locking a
mouth of a bag-type container in a closed position which
comprises:
[0018] providing a bag-type container having a mouth defined by
opposed side panels;
[0019] providing cooperating coupling structures on inner surfaces
of the opposed side panels adjacent the mouth;
[0020] coupling a slider to the cooperating coupling structures for
closing the mouth of the bag-type container when slid in a first
direction between a first position to a second position;
[0021] providing a series of registration structures along at least
one side of the mouth;
[0022] providing a catch mechanism within the slider for engaging
the series of registration structures and thereby preventing the
slider from sliding in a second direction opposite the first
direction and
[0023] sliding the slider along the first direction from an open
position to a closed position so that the catch mechanism engages
the series of registration structures and prevents movement of the
slider in the second direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] The present invention will be described with reference to
the attached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples
only, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional wire
harness.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view that exemplifies a conventional
a bag-type container, provided with a closure mechanism having a
slider.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag-type container
according to one embodiment of the present invention that is
provided with a one-way zipper-locking closure.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a locking slider
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention is directed to one-way zip-locking
closures for bag-type containers. The one-way zip-locking closures
of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a variety
of containers that include mouths defined by opposed panel members.
The one-way zip-locking closures of the present invention include a
series of registration structures and a catch mechanism that is
configured to engage the registration structures. The catch
mechanism is provided on a slider structure and can comprise a
biased structure that deflects against the registration structures
in one direction and engages the registration structures in an
opposite direction. The slider structure is configured to slide
along the mouths of the containers. Opposite sides of the mouths of
the containers are provided with cooperating interlocking or
coupling structures which become engaged together as the slider is
moved in one direction along the mouths. As the catch mechanism of
the slider engages the registration structures, the slider is
prevented from being slide in an opposite direction. Thus, in
effect, a container provided with the one-way zip-locking mechanism
of the present invention can be closed, but not opened once
closed.
[0030] The one-way zip-lock mechanism of the present invention can
be readily incorporated into the structure of conventional zip-lock
plastic bags that include cooperating interlocking or coupling
structures on opposite inner sides of the mouths thereof. For such
incorporation, one or both of the outer sides of the mouth of the
bags can be provided with the series of registration structures and
an inner portion(s) of the slider can be provided with the catch
mechanism(s).
[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one or
both of the outer surfaces of a zip-lock bag is/are provided with a
series of teeth and the slider is provided with one or more tangs
that is/are biased to engage the series of teeth in one direction.
In alternative embodiments, the series of registration structures
can be projections and/or depressions with any convenient shape,
including rectangular, circular, etc., and the catch mechanism can
be complementarily configured to engage the registration structures
in one direction. It is also possible to provide the series of
registration structures on less the entire width of the containers.
For example, a discrete series of registration structures could be
provided near the side of the container whereat the slider would be
position when the mouth of the container is completely closed.
[0032] Since the one-way zipper-lock closures of the present
invention are designed and configured to lock in the closed
position, bag-type containers provided with the one-way zipper-lock
closures can be cut open to gain access to the contents thereof.
Otherwise, the bag-type containers of the present invention can be
provided with rupturable, frangible, tearable, breachable, or
similar structures or portions by which access to the contents
thereof can be gained without the need of scissors, knifes, or
other auxiliary tools. For example, a portion or area of the
bag-type containers can be perforated or otherwise weakened or
provided with non-resealable structures to gain access to the
contents therein if desired.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional wire harness.
The wire harness 1 includes a strap 2 having a serrated portion 3
along one side thereof, a head 4 at one end of the strap 2 and a
free end 5 opposite the head 4. The head 4 includes an aperture 6
that is configured to receive the strap 2 therein. The head 4 also
includes an internal tang 7 which is configured to engage the strap
2 along the serrated portion 3 in a known manner. The wire harness
1 is used by inserting the free end 5 into the aperture 6 of the
head 4 and pulling (or pushing) the strap 2 into and through the
aperture 6 until the internal tang 7 engages the serrated portion 3
of the strap 2. The wire harness 1 is tightened about an article or
articles by pulling the strap 2 tightly through the aperture 6. The
tang 7 engages the serrated portion 3 of the strap 2 so that while
the strap 2 can be pulled through the aperture 6 in the head 4 in
one direction (the tightening direction), the strap 2 resists
movement through the aperture 6 in an opposite direction. Wire
harnesses are typically used to bundle wire together and therefore
sometimes referred to as wire ties or wire straps. Once tightened,
wire harnesses can only be opened by cutting the exposed strap
portion or otherwise breaking the head or tang of thereof. The
tangs of wire harnesses are typically biased to engage the serrated
portions and deflect, when the strap is slid through the aperture
in the head in the tightening or locking direction. When an attempt
is made to slide the strap in the opposite direction, the biased
tang engages the serrated portion and locks the strap from
movement.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view that exemplifies a conventional
a bag-type container, provided with a closure mechanism having a
slider. The bag-type container 10 in FIG. 2 is formed from side
panel members 11, 12 that are sealed together or integral along the
bottom 13 and sides 14. A mouth or opening 15 provided along a top
side of the bag-type container 10 is defined by opposed top side
edges of the side panel members 11, 12. The opposite top side edges
of the bag-type container 10 are provided with cooperating coupling
structures 16, 17 that can be coupled together or interlocked. Such
cooperating coupling structures 16, 17 are exemplified by elongate
beading elements that have cross sectional profiles or shapes that
allow the opposed beading elements on opposite sides of the mouth
or opening 15 to engage and be coupled together or interlock. In
the case of bag-type containers that are provided with a slider 18
as in the case of FIG. 2, the cooperating coupling structures 16,
17 (opposed beading elements) are configured so that when the
slider 18 is slid in one direction, the slider 18 couples the
cooperating coupling structures 16, 17 of the mouth or opening 15
of the bag-type container 10 together. In contrast, as the slider
18 is slid in the opposite direction, the slider 18 uncouples the
cooperating coupling structures 16, 17 of the mouth or opening 15
of the bag-type container 10.
[0035] The slider 18 includes a body section 19 and a pair of side
legs 20, 21 that are configured to extend downward over the outer
top edges of the mouth or opening 15 of the bag-type container 10
and engage the outer or side portions of the cooperating coupling
structures 16, 17 so that the slider 18 slides along the top of the
bag-type container 10 while inner surfaces of the legs 20, 21
engage the cooperating coupling structures 16, 17 and prevent the
slider 18 from being pull off the top of the bag-type container
10.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag-type container
according to one embodiment of the present invention that is
provided with a one-way zipper-locking closure. In their simplest
forms, the one-way zipper-locking closures of the present invention
can be thought of as incorporating the features of a wire harness
into a bag-type container that is provided with a closure mechanism
having a slider. Specifically, the serrated element of a wire
harness is provided along one or both opposite outer side edges of
the mouth or opening of a bag-type closure, and the tang element
(or two or more tang elements) of a wire harness are provided in
the slider. With this combination, as the slider is slide across
the mouth or opening of the bag-type container, the tang(s) within
the slider engages the serrated portion(s) on the outer side
edge(s) of the mouth or opening of a bag-type closure so that, as
the slider is slide along the direction that causes the bag-type
container to become closed, the slider cannot be moved in the
opposite direction. Accordingly, once the bag-type container if
closed, it cannot be opened by manipulating the slider.
[0037] The bag-type container 30 in FIG. 3 is formed from side
panel members 31, 32 that are sealed together or integral along the
bottom 33 and sides 34. A mouth or opening 35 provided along a top
side of the bag-type container 30 is defined by opposed top side
edges of the side panel members 31, 32. The opposite top side edges
of the bag-type container 30 are provided with cooperating coupling
structures 36, 37 that can couple together or interlocked in a
known manner. Such cooperating coupling structures 36, 37 are
exemplified by elongate beading elements that have cross sectional
profiles or shapes that allow the opposed beading elements on
opposite sides of the mouth or opening 35 to engage and couple
together or interlock. According to the present invention, the
cooperating coupling structures 36, 37 are preferably configured so
that once coupled together, they cannot be easily pulled apart or
uncoupled. In the bag-type container 30 of FIG. 3, the cooperating
coupling structures 36, 37 (opposed beading elements) are
configured so that when the slider 38 is slid in the direction
indicated by arrow "A," the slider 38 couples the cooperating
coupling structures 36, 37 of the mouth or opening 35 of the
bag-type container 30 together. The slider 38 could be configured
so that if it were possible to slide the slider 38 in the opposite
direction indicated by arrow "B," the slider 38 would uncouple the
cooperating coupling structures 36, 37 of the mouth or opening 35
of the bag-type container 30. That is, although provisions do not
have to be made for the slider 38 to uncouple the cooperating
coupling structures 36, 37, the present invention could be realized
by including the series of registration structures and catch
mechanism(s) in a conventional bag-type container provided with a
slider that allow the mouth or opening of the container to be
opened or closed by operation of the slider.
[0038] The slider 38 includes a body section 39 and a pair of side
legs 40, 41 that are configured to extend downward over the outer
top edges of the mouth or opening 35 of the bag-type container 30
and engage the outer or side portions of the cooperating coupling
structures 36, 37 so that the slider 38 slides along the top of the
bag-type container 30 while inner surfaces of the legs 40, 41
engage the cooperating coupling structures 36, 37 and prevent the
slider 38 from being pull off the top of the bag-type container
30.
[0039] A series of registration structures 42 are shown as being
provided on an outer side of the mouth or opening 35 of the
bag-type container 30. This series of registration structures 42
can comprise teeth-shaped structures similar to the serrated
portion 3 of the wire harness 1 depicted in FIG. 1. Alternatively,
the series of registration structures 42 can comprise projections
and/or depressions with any convenient shape, including for
example, rectangular, circular, etc. In addition, the series of
registration structures 42 can be provided on one or both of the
outer sides of the mouth or opening 35 of the bag-type container
30. Alternatively, or in addition, the series of registration
structures 42 can be provided along the top edges(s) of the mouth
or opening 35 of the bag-type container 30.
[0040] In order to perform the one-way zip-locking function, the
slider 38 in FIG. 3 is provided with a catch mechanism 50 (see FIG.
4) that is configured to engage the registration structures 42. The
catch mechanism 50 can comprise an internal tang similar to that
used in the wire harness 1 of FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a locking slider
according to one embodiment of the present invention. The slider 38
in FIG. 4 is depicted as having engaged cooperating coupling
structures 36, 37 together in a known manner. In FIG. 4 the outer
side of one of the cooperating coupling structure 37 is depicted as
including a series of registration structures 42 thereon. The
series of registration structures 42 and be affixed to or integral
with the cooperating coupling structure 37. A catch mechanism 50 in
the form or a biased tang is provided on an inner surface of the
slider 38 adjacent the outer side of the cooperating coupling
structure 37 having the series of registration structures 42. The
catch mechanism 50 engages the registration structures 42 in a
manner similar to the functioning of the wire harness 1 discussed
above, to allow the slider 38 to be slide only in the direction
that causes the bag-type container 30 to be closed. Therefore, the
one-way zip-locking closure mechanism of the present invention
allows a bag-type container to be closed and, once closed, prevents
the bag-type container from being opened.
[0042] The catch mechanism 50 can comprise a biased structure, e.g.
metal tang that deflects against the registration structures 42 in
one direction and engages the registration structures 42 in an
opposite direction. Such structures are found in wire harnesses.
The catch mechanism 50 can be angled with respect to the
registration structures 42 so as to be deflected thereby in one
direction and become engaged in an opposite direction. Otherwise,
the shape of the registration structures 42 can be configured to
slide over and deflect the catch mechanism 50 in one direction and
engage the catch mechanism in an opposite direction. For example,
the registration structures can have tapered, sloped or other cam
shapes that are configured to slide over and deflect the catch
mechanism 50 in one direction and engage the catch mechanism in an
opposite direction. The catch mechanism can therefore be biased
with or without the use of a supplemental means such as a separate
spring element.
[0043] In order to simplify the description, FIG. 4 depicts an
embodiment of the invention in which the series of registration
structures 42 are provided on one of the outer sides of the mouth
or opening 35 of the bag-type container 30 (actually on the outer
side of the cooperating coupling structure 37). As discussed above,
the series of registration structures 42 can be provided on one or
both of the outer sides of the mouth or opening 35 of the bag-type
container 30 or, alternatively or in addition, along the top
edges(s) of the mouth or opening 35 of the bag-type container 30.
In such alternative embodiments, appropriated catch mechanisms 50
can be provided in inner surfaces of the slider 50 adjacent the
registration structures for purposes of engaging the registration
structures 42. It is also to be understood that the catch
mechanisms 50 can be complementarily configured to engage the
registration structures 42.
[0044] Once the bag-type containers of the present invention are
closed, they can be cut open to gain access to the contents
thereof. Otherwise, the bag-type containers of the present
invention can be provided with rupturable, frangible, tearable,
breachable, or similar structures or portions by which access to
the contents thereof can be gained without the need of scissors,
knifes, or other auxiliary tools. For example, a portion or area of
the bag-type containers can be perforated or otherwise weakened or
provided with non-resealable structures to gain access to the
contents therein if desired.
[0045] Bag-type containers having the one-way zip-locking closures
of the present invention can provide solutions to a number of
problems. For example, bag-type containers of the present invention
can be used to collect evidence at crime scenes and thereby limit
the possibility that such collected evidence can be tampered with
after the one-way zip-locking closures are closed. In hospitals and
medical clinics, body fluid samples are often enclosed in small
resealable plastic bags when they are transported. Providing such
small resealable plastic bags with the one-way zip-locking closures
of the present invention will increase the safety of handling and
transporting such samples. Bag-type containers having the one-way
zip-locking closures of the present invention can be used to pack
school lunches and thereby ensure that such lunches will not be
tampered with. Bag-type containers provided with the one-way
zip-locking closures of the present invention can be used to
courier documents while providing a means of determining if the
documents have been accessed by unauthorized persons. These are
only a very limited list of uses of the one-way zip-closing
closures of the present invention. The bag-type containers could be
made from plastic materials, foils, woven materials, laminates, and
other flexible materials.
[0046] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, from the
foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain
the essential characteristics of the present invention and various
changes and modifications can be made to adapt the various uses and
characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of
claims which are attached below.
* * * * *