U.S. patent application number 12/420909 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for tamper-proof package with adhesive assist zip closure and method for using the same.
Invention is credited to Andrew W. Bowling.
Application Number | 20100257822 12/420909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42933224 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100257822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bowling; Andrew W. |
October 14, 2010 |
TAMPER-PROOF PACKAGE WITH ADHESIVE ASSIST ZIP CLOSURE AND METHOD
FOR USING THE SAME
Abstract
A one-use, tamper-evident and tamper-proof package with an
adhesive, seal-assist zip closure. The zip closure with an adhesive
seal assist is suitable for transporting valuable and/or important
items in a secure manner. The subject zip closure is a pressure
joined, interlocking assembly. The interlocking assembly also
comprises an adhesive, such as a microencapsulated adhesive or
other specialty adhesive, that is activated when the interlocking
zip assembly is secured. The adhesive provides a seal assist that
prevents the interlocking assembly from being opened without
tampering with or otherwise opening the packaging in a non-reusable
manner.
Inventors: |
Bowling; Andrew W.; (Long
Island, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas, Raring, & Teague, P.C.
536 GRANITE AVENUE
RICHMOND
VA
23226
US
|
Family ID: |
42933224 |
Appl. No.: |
12/420909 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/476 ; 383/211;
383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02W 30/80 20150501;
Y02W 30/807 20150501; B65D 33/2516 20130101; B65D 33/2541
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/476 ; 383/64;
383/211 |
International
Class: |
B65B 7/02 20060101
B65B007/02; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; B65D 33/18 20060101
B65D033/18 |
Claims
1. A one-time use, non-resealable, tamper-evident package for
secure storage comprising: a package opening for inserting an item
into the package; a zip closure arranged to close the package
opening, the zip closure comprising: an elongated female portion
and a corresponding elongated male portion; the female portion
comprising a base wall, at least one elongated female channel
associated with the base wall, the female channel having a
trough-like shape partially enclosed by at least one upper wall;
the male portion comprising a male base wall, a male member
extending from the base wall, the shape of the male member
corresponding to the shape of the female channel, and a stem
connecting the male member to the male base wall; and an adhesive
in the female channel, the adhesive sealing the male member within
the female channel when the male member is forcibly inserted into
the female channel.
2. The package as described in claim 1, wherein the package
comprises a material selected from the group comprising cardboard,
co-extruded foam, foam, bubble wrap, vinyl, paper, plastic,
composite, textile and some combination thereof.
3. The package as described in claim 1, wherein the adhesive
selected from the group comprising a microencapsulated adhesive, a
pressure sensitive adhesive, a membrane-protected adhesive, and
some combination thereof.
4. The package as described in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a
microencapsulated adhesive.
5. The package as described in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is an
acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive.
6. The package as described in claim 1, wherein the female channel
extends away from the female base wall.
7. The package as described in claim 1, wherein the female channel
further comprises an elongated aperture, the male member insertable
through the aperture into the female channel.
8. The package as described in claim 1, where at least one of the
male or female base walls are integrally formed with the
package.
9. The package as described in claim 1, wherein the at least one
female channel comprises two channels separated by a raised
ridge.
10. The package as described in claim 1, further comprising a
slide, the slide comprising a structure with apertures
corresponding to the shape of the female portion and male portion,
the slide moving along the length of the elongated female and male
portions.
11. The package as described in claim 10, wherein the slide is
removable from the zip closure.
12. A method for sealing a package in a tamper-evident, one-time
use manner, the method comprising: providing a zip closure on a
package, the zip closure comprising male and female portions, the
female portion further comprising a channel; securing an adhesive
in the channel of the female portion; forcibly inserting the male
zip closure portion into the female zip portion; placing opposing
forces on the male portion and female portions; and sealing the
male member in the female channel via the adhesive.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to one-use,
tamper-evident and/or tamper-proof packaging and, more
particularly, to packaging with an adhesive seal-assist zip locking
closure. The subject apparatus provides a zip closure with an
adhesive seal assist suitable for transporting valuable and/or
important items in a secure manner. In one embodiment, the zip
closure is a pressure joined, interlocking assembly. An adhesive,
such as a microencapsulated adhesive or other specialty adhesive,
is activated when the interlocking zip assembly is secured. The
adhesive provides a seal assist that ensures the interlocking
assembly is closed in a non-reusable manner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Tamper evident, high security packaging is highly important
for courier services, interbank transfers, or other services and
uses where the security and integrity of the package contents is
valued. However, current packaging offerings do not provide
adequate security and tamper-evident solutions. For instance, the
primary packaging for critical documents sent by courier services
(such as Federal Express, UPS, U.S. Postal Service, and the like)
comprises flexible sleeves or rigid boxes with adhesive-sealed
`flaps`. In use, a user places the items to be delivered into the
packaging. A user seals the package shut by adhering the flap to
the package. Similar type packaging is used for interbank, chain of
custody, HIPAA, and evidence related courier/mail services.
[0003] Pressure sensitive adhesives are typically used, but there
is a need to protect the adhesive prior to closing the package flap
or seal. As such, typical packaging requires that the user remove
an optional protective layer that selectively covers an adhesive
strip. With or without the releasable protective layer, the flap is
then pressed against the packaging so that the exposed adhesive
secures the flap to the body of the packaging. In this manner, the
package is closed. Opening the package involves the ripping a
scored portion in the body of the package. However, it is also
possible to tamper with the adhesive to open and reseal the
package.
[0004] Basically, while this type of packaging is commonly used, it
does not provide proper security for a user's contents. It is not
tamper proof and does not provide evidence of tampering. The
adhesively sealed flap can be steamed, heated, frozen, or otherwise
opened without altering the package. It is also possible to slide a
flat instrument under the flap to separate the flap from the
package. Additional adhesive can then be applied to reseal the
envelope or box. In any event, the flap can be resealed without any
or sufficient indication that the package has been opened. For this
reason, it is also possible to reuse these packages.
[0005] It is understood in the art that it is difficult to find a
pressure sensitive adhesive that is easy to apply, that is strong
enough to form an effective seal upon closure, but that does not
cause undesirable problems during use (i.e., does not
unintentionally form strong bonds to the user or other items when
exposed). Improved packaging for mailing envelopes, pouches, bags
or boxes or security envelopes, pouches, bags or boxes is
needed.
[0006] In addition, releasable liners, layers, or strips as
commonly used to cover the adhesive are inconvenient and produce
waste. Many organizations and individuals are looking for more
environmentally sustainable alternatives to known products. The
current volume of release lines that are disposed of is not
environmentally "green". The release liners also add expense and
difficulty in manufacturing, particularly when used with plastic
bags. Yet, typical packaging relies on these features.
[0007] Other adhesive type closure arrangements have been used to
selectively seal and/or close bags and packages, such as those used
for food, refuse, or other household applications. These solutions
have not been suitable for commercial use. For instance, adhesive
closures include weak shear strength because the exposed adhesive
cannot exceed a certain "strength". Overly, strong adhesives might
adhere to a user or other items in a harmful manner or otherwise
render the package inoperable.
[0008] Plastic bags with zipper-locking closures are used with food
transport and storage. Zip closing plastic bags, such as plastic
bags sold under the Ziploc.TM. brand name, involve male and female
portions that interlock under pressure to close a package. These
zip closures do not necessarily include a slider. For example,
pressure sensitive zip closures are sealed without sliders.
Instead, a user places the male and female portions of the zipper
flush against each other. The user then slides their finger along
the length of the zipper while place opposing force on the male and
female portions simultaneously. This causes the male and female
portions to lock where pressure has been applied.
[0009] Plastic bag zipper closures basically comprise one or more
sets of mating channels. The channel may be integral to the bag or
fabricated as a separate piece and attached to the bag. This type
packaging must be reopened in order to access the food item. It is
fundamental that known zip locking packaging be resealable or
selectively opened. This type packaging is not suitable for use
with mailing, shipping, or secure courier operations.
[0010] Accordingly, despite efforts to improve upon known packaging
techniques and apparatus, there remains a need for a tamper-proof
and/or tamper-evident packaging that provides adequate integrity
for commercial shipping and courier services. The subject
disclosure addresses the above needs and provides a one-time use
packaging solution with sufficient seal strength. The apparatus as
disclosed below provides a one-time use, non-resealable,
non-reusable, positive lock closure via an adhesive assist where
the adhesive cannot stick to a user or other items.
SUMMARY
[0011] In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided
a tamper-evident and/or tamper-proof packaging solution that
provides one-time use. The method of making the same is also
provided. In one preferred embodiment, the packaging includes a
zipper-type closure with an adhesive seal assist. The disclosed
packaging is non-resealable and the zipper closure cannot be
reopened once sealed. The disclosed apparatus provides a closure
seal for flexible bags, pouches, envelopes and/or boxes wherein
mating contact between a flap and the body of the package is
eliminated. It is envisioned that the subject closure would operate
with co-extruded foam (padded) envelopes, bubble wrap packaging,
and the like.
[0012] The subject package closure is a pressure zip type closure
that comprises a female channel member and a corresponding male
member. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated adhesive is placed
in the female channel during manufacturing. In use, a user inserts
the male member into the female channel. Opposing pressure to join
the male member and female channel is placed along the length of
the zipper closure. The pressure bursts or ruptures the
microencapsulated adhesive system, which then activates an adhesive
that cures to seal the male member to the female channel. In this
manner, the package associated with the disclosed package closure
cannot be reopened via the zip closure. As such, tampering with the
package contents is prevented without disassembling or permanently
damaging the package.
[0013] It is also envisioned that other specialty adhesives might
be used. For instance, there are known pressure sensitive adhesive
membranes (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,880). It is also
envisioned that a known adhesive might be placed in the female
channel and is "covered" or protected by a breakable, non-adhesive
membrane layer. In this embodiment, the pressure of inserting the
male member into the female channel would break the membrane
allowing the underlying adhesive to seal the male member in the
female channel.
[0014] With respect to microencapsulated adhesives, it is known
that microencapsulated adhesives differ in their mode of
activation, extent of component microencapsulation, adhesive
chemistry, and/or suitability for various surfaces. A
microencapsulated adhesive, for example, might include a
solvent-based system or reactive and curable resin systems.
Solvent-based systems rely on adhesive reactivation through solvent
delivery. An initiator is often encapsulated and placed within a
resin. Releasing the initiator by opening the capsules activates
the adhesive qualities of the resin.
[0015] Capsules containing a solvent for the adhesive are typically
dispersed throughout a non-tacky adhesive coating on a substrate.
The solvent is released upon rupture of the capsules, which then
makes the adhesive tacky. A plasticizer can similarly be
encapsulated. A plasticizer could be used in place of or with a
solvent to tackify the adhesive.
[0016] Reactive resin systems typically involve an encapsulated
curing system. One component or the complete formulation may be
encapsulated. However, the reactive components must be isolated
until use.
[0017] Another form of encapsulated adhesive is the self-contained
capsule. In this arrangement, a curing agent exists on the surface
of the resin capsules. The resin flows into contact with the curing
agent when the capsules are breached. While capsule release
mechanisms can involve heat or dissolution of the capsule wall, it
is envisioned that a pressure release mechanism would be used with
the subject closure. The closure would be provided with any known
or commercially available microencapsulated adhesive. As mentioned
above, other specialty adhesives might be used (e.g., without
limitation, pressure sensitive adhesive membranes or
membrane-protected adhesives).
[0018] Turning to the zip closure, the structure and shape of the
subject zip closure may comprise known zip-locking bag closures. In
one embodiment, for example, the female channel comprises an
elongated semispherical channel that is partially enclosed. An
elongated aperture runs the length of the female channel. The male
member comprises an elongated semispherical member that corresponds
to and fits within the female channel. The male member is forced,
under pressure, through the elongated aperture into the partially
enclosed female channel. The pressure of joining the male member
and female channel bursts the adhesive capsules within the female
channel or otherwise creates an adhesive seal assist between the
male and female components. The shape of the closure resists
removal of the male member. The adhesive (microencapsulated,
pressure sensitive, membrane-protected, etc.) provides a strong
seal-assist that inhibits or prevents the zip closure from being
reopened.
[0019] The adhesive with the subject closure may be temperature
sensitive, but in one embodiment, the adhesive is not temperature
sensitive. In this embodiment, the closure would not be subject to
tampering by heat, steam, ice or freezing once the adhesive
seal-assist is activated. In any event, reopening the subject zip
closure destroys the adhesive seal assist so that the zip closure
cannot be resealed. It is envisioned that colored pigment might
also be encapsulated so as to indicate that the microencapsulated
adhesive has been activated (i.e., the pigment would be released
into the adhesive when the encapsulated initiator or resin/adhesive
is released). As such, the zip closure disclosed herein may be
transparent, but the closures could also be opaque or of a solid
color. It is also envisioned that multiple, adhesive seal-assist
zip closures may be provided for any one package. The zip closures
may be manufactured with the subject package or independently.
[0020] The non-reusable, zip-closing packaging of the present
invention effectively addresses one or more of the problems
associated with prior art packaging. For instance, the packaging of
the present disclosure precludes tampering without leaving physical
evidence of the tampering. The packaging of the present invention
precludes selectively opening or resealing the packaging once the
adhesive has been activated. The foregoing and additional features
and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to
those of skill in the art from the following detailed description
of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIGS. 1A-1C are perspective views of a package with a
pressure actuated zip closure;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a close-up, cutaway view of one embodiment of an
adhesive seal-assist closure in accordance with the subject
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 2B is an additional view thereof;
[0024] FIG. 3A is a close-up, cutaway view of an embodiment of an
adhesive seal-assist closure with a slider-type zipper in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 3B is an additional view thereof;
[0026] FIG. 4A is a close-up, cutaway view of one embodiment of an
adhesive seal-assist closure in accordance with the subject
disclosure; and
[0027] FIG. 4B is an additional view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0028] FIGS. 1 through 4B illustrate one or more preferred
embodiments of the present invention. Naturally, a person having
ordinary skill with the assembly and construction of packages will
be able to create an adhesive seal-assist package closure that
incorporates the teachings of the present disclosure, but which may
look different and incorporate different, alternative parts.
[0029] The subject packaging including a zip closure with adhesive
seal assist eliminates a release liner necessary to protect the
adhesive, as currently found in practice. The elimination of the
release liner reduces costs and facilitates use of the disclosed
packaging. The disclosed seal-assist zip closure is more
environmentally friendly and sustainable as the need for a release
liner is obviated by the subject construction. As described above,
the disclosed packaging is not resealable or reusable. This is
accomplished through a strong microencapsulated adhesive, pressure
sensitive adhesive (membrane), membrane-protected adhesive, and the
like. The nonreusable, nonresealable closure, as disclosed herein,
is designed for, although not limited to, mailing envelopes,
pouches, bags, boxes, and the like, particularly where security of
the package contents is important (banker bags, evidence bags,
legal correspondence, and the like).
[0030] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective
view of a package 10 with a zip-style closure. Package 10 might be
a flexible bag of any known packaging material including, but not
limited to, plastic, paper, vinyl, cardboard, co-extruded foam,
bubble wrap, or the like. Package 10 might comprise a composite
material, such as fibers blown into a curable resin, or other form
of textile. A single zip closure 12 is provided, although not
illustrated in detail in this view. Packaging 10 is formed of two
rectilinear pieces of material joined along three edges. Zip
closure 12 runs along or adjacent to the fourth edge.
[0031] At the fourth edge, package 10 includes an opening 14 into
which an item to be stored or transported is inserted. However,
different configurations and shapes are envisioned. Zip closure 12
is arranged adjacent opening 14. As will be further illustrated and
described herein, the zip closure 12 comprises corresponding male
and female portions that are pressed into a sealing relationship so
as to close opening 14.
[0032] As illustrated, there is excess package or zipper material
16 provided between closure 12 and the fourth edge of package 10
immediately adjacent to closure 12. This excess material 16 can
assist with manipulating the closure. In known bags, this excess
material 16 or "finger tab" can assist in reopening the zip closure
12 by providing an area to grip and pull apart closure 12. It is
envisioned that in order to reinforce the non-reusable,
tamper-evident features of the subject disclosure, that excess
material 16 would be eliminated. Without the excess material 16, it
is even more difficult to pull open the zip closure 12 as there is
little leverage to pull apart the corresponding male and female
portions of the zip closure 12.
[0033] Package 10 is stored where zip closure 12 is not pressed
into a sealing or "zipped" arrangement. For storing, transporting,
or manufacturing packaging 10, it is foreseen that a removable
insert (not illustrated) could be placed between the corresponding
male and female portions of the zip closure. For environmental
reasons, it is preferred that an insert or removable liner not be
employed. Instead, in another embodiment, the structure of the zip
closure (as discussed further below) is such that substantial
and/or intentional force is necessary to seal the zip closure. In
this embodiment, any need for an insert or release liner would be
obviated. The seal-assist would only be activated when a user
intentionally shuts the zip closure through pressure applied to the
zip closure.
[0034] An item for shipment or storage (illustrated but not labeled
in FIG. 1B) is inserted through opening 14 into package 10. The
user then places intentional forces on zip closure 12 along the
length of zip closure 12 (see FIG. 1C). This force engages the male
and female portions and activates or initiates a microencapsulated
adhesive, pressure sensitive membrane, membrane-protected adhesive,
or the like.
[0035] Although package 10 is illustrated as a flexible material
joined along three edges, it is also envisioned that packaging with
the subject closure might comprises boxes with rigid sides. In this
embodiment, the zip closure might be joined to rigid, overlapping
flaps. It is also possible that zip closure 12 might be adhered or
otherwise joined to a rigid package even where closure 12 might be
joined to flexible material (i.e., a six sided box where one side,
which incorporates zip closure 12, would be of a flexible
material). In yet other embodiments, zip closure 12 is incorporated
to "bank bags" or other packaging configurations. Applicant does
not intend to limit the structure to the flexible, rectilinear bags
of illustrations 1A-1C. Pouches, co-extruded foam bags, bubble
wrap, and the like are all operable with the subject
adhesive-assist closure.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is illustrated the
structure of one embodiment of zip closure 12 in a close-up view.
As illustrated, a female channel member 20 comprises a base wall 22
of a given thickness. Integrally formed or associated with wall 22
is a female channel 24. As illustrated, channel 24 rises from the
surface of wall 22. It is also envisioned that channel 24 might be
recessed or otherwise associated with wall 22. In this embodiment,
the channel is a semicircle, elongated trough. The trough is
partially enclosed by upper walls 26, 26' that run along the length
of trough/channel 24. The female channel is partially enclosed by
upper walls or "ledges" that are aligned parallel to the base
wall.
[0037] Basically, in cross section, a channel wall 28 is C-shaped.
The wall is elongated to form the channel 24 with a semicircle
cross-sectional shape. Upper walls 26, 26' intersect channel wall
28 at 90 degrees at the top of the semicircle to partially enclose
trough 24. Walls 26, 26' are not joined together. As a result, an
elongated aperture 30 runs the length of channel 24.
[0038] A male portion 32 of zipper closure 12 provides a male base
wall 34. Descending from male base wall 34 is a male member 36.
Male member 36 corresponds to the shape of channel 24 (i.e., in
this embodiment, an elongated member with a semicircular
cross-sectional shape) and is dimensioned to fit within the
channel. A stem 38 connects the male member 36 to male base wall
34. The stem 38 is dimensioned to forcibly fit between walls 26,
26' in the female channel member (i.e., the stem is shaped and
dimensioned to fit within aperture 30).
[0039] The male base wall, once the male member is inserted into
the female channel, sits flush with walls 26, 26'. Stem 38 projects
through the elongated channel 30. Male member 36 is effectively
locked within the female channel.
[0040] A microencapsulated adhesive 40 made by any known technique
is placed, injected, laminated, or otherwise secured within female
channel 24. The adhesive is applied to channel 24 by known
techniques. As disclosed above, other known adhesives may be used.
The adhesive is secured in the channel either because it is a
semi-rigid microencapsulated adhesive (in the non-activated state),
a membrane, or is otherwise secured in the channel, such as by a
protective membrane. Forcibly displacing, rupturing or otherwise
activating the adhesive creates a seal-assist for zip closure.
[0041] The zip closure, comprising female channel member 20 and
male portion 32, may be fabricated independently from package 10.
When manufactured independent of package 10, the channel member 20
and male portion 32 can be joined at the base walls to a package 10
by an adhesive, heat deformation, heat sealing, or the like. The
channel member 20 and male portion 32 might also be integral parts
of package 10 (i.e., formed together).
[0042] Sealing a package via closure 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A
and 2B is achieved by aligning male member 36 with channel 24 in an
adjacent relationship. A user places opposing force onto base wall
20 and male base wall 34. Under pressure, walls 26, 26' deform, to
an extent, to permit the entry of male member 36 into channel 24.
Stem 38 may also deform, to an extent, to align male member 36 in a
manner so as to pass through aperture 30.
[0043] As male member 36 corresponds in shape to the semispherical
channel 24, the widest point of male member 36 locks against walls
26, 26'. In addition, the displaced volume of channel 24 due to the
insertion of member 36, in conjunction with the force required to
insert male member 36, ruptures the capsules of the
microencapsulated adhesive 40. The adhesive is thereby activated to
seal male member 36 within female channel 24. The adhesive
seal-assist ensures zipper closure 12 cannot be reopened without
damaging the zipper (i.e, providing tamper evidence).
[0044] Variations of the zip closure are envisioned. All known
variations, such as multi-zip closures, are suitable for use. The
combination of the zip-locking mechanism and laminated, coated, or
otherwise secured adhesive in the female channel creates the
tamper-evident, one-time use, adhesive-seal assist closure of this
disclosure. The adhesive is preferably not temperature sensitive,
and it is difficult or impossible to insert an object between the
male and female portions. Opening the subject package requires
permanent deformation of the package, such as removing a scored
opening, cutting, tearing, or the like.
[0045] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a corresponding zip closure 12
wherein a slide 50 is used to forcibly engage the male portion 32
and female channel member 20. In this embodiment, slide 50 is
placed on zip closure 12 prior to joining the closure to package
10. Slide 50 can also be used with closures that are integral to
the subject package.
[0046] In further detail, slide 50 is a block with apertures
through the width of the block corresponding to the shape of female
channel member 20 and male portion 32. One or both apertures
through slide 50 is/are angled so as to bring the two components of
zip closure 12 into a sealed relationship. Slide 50 moves along the
length of the male and female portions. Slide 50 may be removed
from the zip closure after sealing the closure by pushing the slide
50 off one end of the zip closure. This would prevent the slide
from being "reversed" along the length of the zip closure and
possibly opening the package. To satisfy environmental concerns,
the slides could be recycled/reused.
[0047] Briefly, with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another
alternative construction of zipper closure 12 is provided. In this
embodiment, the female channel, as illustrated, comprises two
distinct channels 60, 60'. A raised ridge 62 separates the
channels. Each channel includes a "ledge" 64, 64' that partially
extends over (i.e., partially encloses) the respective channel 60,
60'. The ledges are aligned parallel to the base wall of the female
portion.
[0048] Two corresponding male members 70, 70' act as tabs that fit
within the respective female channels 60, 60' and lock beneath
ledges 64, 64'. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, adhesive 40 in both
channels provides a seal assist to prevent zipper closure 12 from
being reopened.
[0049] Again, other zip locking constructions would be suitable.
For instance, without limitation, the shape and size of the female
channel and corresponding male members could be altered while still
falling within scope of this disclosure. It is also known to
include multiple zip closures together (double zips, triple zips,
etc.)
[0050] The subject zip closure is not limited to particular
dimensions or packages of a particular size. The height, thickness,
and length of the zip closure components can vary as necessary.
Typically, the zip closure will comprise some form of plastic
applied to a package by means of a hot melt technique, adhesives,
or heat sealing arrangement. However, as would be understood by one
of skill in the art in light of this disclosure, the closure might
be formed from other materials and sealed, adhered, or otherwise
joined to a wide variety of materials such as co-extruded foams,
bubble wrap, cardboard, vinyl, and the like.
[0051] The adhesive in the female channel may be coated, injected
or otherwise placed in the channel in a manner that prevents the
adhesive from escaping prior to sealing the closure. Additives may
be used in the channel composition to improve the adhesives
adherence to the package.
[0052] The closures of this disclosure provide a locking mechanical
feature in conjunction with the adhesive seal assist. As the
adhesive is not exposed to contact with the user or other items
prior to the insertion of the male member, a stronger adhesive can
be used than previously considered. Microencapsulated adhesives,
acrylic or other pressure sensitive adhesives, known adhesives, or
known adhesives protected by a breakable/rupturable membrane would
be suitable.
[0053] While the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that numerous
variations, modifications and additional embodiments are possible,
and all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be
regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *