U.S. patent application number 12/981246 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-07 for bag having both permanent and resealable seals.
This patent application is currently assigned to FLAIR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yung Chul So.
Application Number | 20110162329 12/981246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44223878 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110162329 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
So; Yung Chul |
July 7, 2011 |
BAG HAVING BOTH PERMANENT AND RESEALABLE SEALS
Abstract
A flexible pouch including first and second flexible sheets and
first and second seal arrangements is provided. The first and
second flexible sheets are permanently sealed to one another along
less than the entire periphery thereof and define a storage
compartment therebetween. The first seal arrangement has a first
portion on the first flexible sheet and a second portion on the
second flexible sheet. The first and second portions extend across
the un-sealed portion of the periphery. When the first and second
portions are mechanically locked, a permanent seal is around the
entire periphery preventing access to the storage compartment
absent visible destruction of the flexible pouch. The second seal
arrangement has a third portion on the first flexible sheet and a
fourth portion on the second flexible sheet. When the third and
fourth portions are mechanically locked, a reclosable seal is
provided preventing access to the storage compartment.
Inventors: |
So; Yung Chul; (Calgary,
CA) |
Assignee: |
FLAIR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
CORPORATION
Calgary
CA
|
Family ID: |
44223878 |
Appl. No.: |
12/981246 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61292325 |
Jan 5, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/469 ;
383/61.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/2533 20130101;
B65D 33/2541 20130101; B65D 33/2566 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/469 ;
383/61.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16; B65B 5/00 20060101 B65B005/00; B65B 7/00 20060101
B65B007/00 |
Claims
1. A flexible pouch comprising: first and second flexible sheets
permanently sealed to one another along less than the entire
periphery thereof and defining a storage compartment therebetween,
the un-sealed portion of the entire periphery defining an opening
to the storage compartment; a first seal arrangement having a first
portion on the first flexible sheet and a second portion on the
second flexible sheet, the first and second portions extending
across the un-sealed portion of the periphery between sealed
portions of the periphery, wherein when the first and second
portions are mechanically locked, a permanent seal is provided
preventing access to the storage compartment; and a second seal
arrangement having a third portion on the first flexible sheet and
a fourth portion on the second flexible sheet, the third and fourth
portions extending across the un-sealed portion of the periphery
between sealed portions of the periphery, wherein when the third
and fourth portions are mechanically locked, a reclosable seal is
provided releasably sealing the storage compartment.
2. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the second seal
arrangement is positioned inward from the first seal arrangement
and the first seal arrangement may be removed from the first and
second flexible sheets to provide access to the second seal
arrangement.
3. The flexible pouch of claim 2, wherein the first and second
flexible sheets are generally rectangular with first and second
opposed sides and third and fourth opposed sides extending between
the first and second opposed sides, the first, second and third
sides being permanently sealed and the first and second seal
arrangements being proximate the fourth side and extending
laterally between the first and second sides.
4. The flexible pouch of claim 3, wherein the second seal
arrangement is positioned closer to the third side than the first
seal arrangement.
5. The flexible pouch of claim 4, wherein the first seal
arrangement is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the
second seal arrangement.
6. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the first and second
portions are substantially identical in cross-section to one
another, but oriented at 180 degrees from one another.
7. The flexible pouch of claim 6, wherein the first portion
includes a first pair of hook portions and a first support wall,
the first pair of hook portions both extending towards the first
support wall, the second portion includes a second pair of hook
portions and a second support wall, the second pair of hook
portions both extending towards the second support wall.
8. The flexible pouch of claim 7, wherein in an engaged condition
permanently sealing the storage compartment with the first seal
arrangement, the first and second pairs of hook portions are
laterally interposed and bounded by the first and second support
walls, the first support wall being closer to the fourth side than
the first and second pairs of hook portions and the second support
wall and the second support wall being closer to the third side
than the first and second pairs of hook portions and the first
support wall.
9. The flexible pouch of claim 8, wherein the first seal
arrangement cannot be disengaged, when in an engaged position, by
pulling by a person using their fingers.
10. The flexible pouch of claim 9, wherein the second seal
arrangement can be disengaged, when in an engaged position by
pulling by a person using their fingers.
11. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the third portion is a
female portion that receives the fourth portion being in the form
of a male portion, the female portion defining a channel having
opposed hook portions that extend toward one another, the male
portion having a head portion that engages the pair of opposed hook
portions.
12. The flexible pouch of claim 5, further comprising a tear notch
in at least one of the first and second sides being interposed
between the first and second seal arrangements such that a user may
initiate permanently removing the first seal arrangement from the
pouch to provide access to the second seal arrangement.
13. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third
and fourth portions are extruded and then subsequently permanently
affixed to corresponding ones of the first and second flexible
sheets.
14. The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the first seal
arrangement prevents access to the storage compartment absent
destruction of the flexible pouch.
15. The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the first and second
portions provide an engagement of at least 3 kgf/15 mm width of the
first seal arrangement.
16. The flexible package of claim 15, wherein the first and second
portions provide an engagement of at least 3.5 kgf/15 mm width of
the first seal arrangement and the third and fourth portions
provide an engagement of no more than 0.3 kgf/15 mm width of the
second seal arrangement.
17. The flexible package of claim 1, wherein the first and second
portions provide a first engagement that is at least 10 times
greater than a second engagement provided between the third and
fourth portions.
18. The flexible package of claim 17, wherein the first and second
portions provide a first engagement that is at least 15 times
greater than a second engagement provided between the third and
fourth portions.
19. A method of packaging a product comprising: inserting a product
into storage compartment of a pouch; closing a first seal
arrangement of the pouch to permanently secure the product in the
storage compartment; removing the first seal arrangement after
being closed to provide access to the storage compartment; and
closing a second seal arrangement providing a non-permanent
reclosable seal.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising opening the second
seal arrangement with out damaging the pouch to provide access to
the storage compartment.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of removing the first
seal arrangement includes tearing the pouch between the first and
second seal arrangements.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of closing a first
seal arrangement includes mechanically engaging a first portion of
the first seal arrangement with a second portion of the seal
arrangement.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of closing a first
seal arrangement is performed free of heat sealing.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of closing a first
seal arrangement of the pouch to permanently secure the product in
the storage compartment includes engaging the first and second
portions of the first seal arrangement such that a force of greater
than 3 kgf/15 mm width of the first seal arrangement is required to
disengage the first and second portions.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of closing a first
seal arrangement of the pouch to permanently secure the product in
the storage compartment includes engaging the first and second
portions of the first seal arrangement such that a force at least
10 times greater than a force to disengage the second seal
arrangement is provided.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of closing a first
seal arrangement of the pouch to permanently secure the product in
the storage compartment includes engaging the first and second
portions of the first seal arrangement such that the first and
second portions can not be disengaged absent destruction of a
portion of the pouch.
27. A flexible pouch comprising: first and second flexible sheets
permanently sealed to one another along less than the entire
periphery thereof and defining a storage compartment therebetween,
the un-sealed portion of the entire periphery defining an opening
to the storage compartment between the first and second flexible
sheets; a first seal arrangement having a first portion on the
first flexible sheet and a second portion on the second flexible
sheet, the first and second portions extending across the un-sealed
portion of the periphery between sealed portions of the periphery,
wherein when the first and second portions are mechanically locked,
a permanent seal is provided preventing access to the storage
compartment.
28. The flexible pouch of claim 27, wherein the first and second
portions provide an engagement of at least 3 kgf/15 mm width of the
first seal arrangement.
29. The flexible pouch of claim 27, wherein the first portion
includes: a base portion and at least one hook member attached
thereto, and a first tear notch formed therein, the first tear
notch being axially interposed between the at least one hook member
and a bottom edge of the flexible sheets, the bottom edge being
opposite the opening to the storage compartment; and wherein the
second portion includes a base portion and at least one hook member
attached thereto, and a second tear notch formed therein, the
second tear notch being axially interposed between the at least one
hook member and a bottom edge of the flexible sheets, the bottom
edge being opposite the opening to the storage compartment.
30. The flexible pouch of claim 29, wherein the first and second
tear notches of the first and second portions extend the entire
length of the base portions thereof, the length being aligned with
the opening to the storage compartment.
31. The flexible pouch of claim 30, wherein the base portions of
the first and second portions have a thickness, the thickness being
greater than thicknesses of the first and second flexible
sheets.
32. The flexible pouch of claim 31, wherein the tear notches have a
depth is at least 15 percent of the thicknesses of the base
portions of the first and second portions.
33. The flexible pouch of claim 31, wherein the tear notches have a
depth is at least 25 percent of the thicknesses of the base
portions of the first and second portions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/292,325, filed Jan. 5, 2010,
the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated
herein by reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to flexible film pouches
with resealable zipper seals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Multilayer flexible films or paper are currently used as a
substrate to create flexible packages for storing food and other
products. Typically, products are sealed in flexible packages using
permanent seals created by heat sealing equipment or by reclosable
seals made by zippers or other reclosable technologies. Typically,
permanent seals are used in transport of material and zippers are
used as reusable package.
[0004] To create a permanent seal in a multilayer flexible film
pouch, pouches are heat sealed after contents have been placed
inside the pouch. A heat source is required to melt the seal layer
(inside layers of the pouch) and permanently bond the two layers
together. In order to access the contents, the seal must be
destroyed or entirely removed from the pouch. This prevents the
pouch from being able to be resealed for future use without using a
secondary resealing system.
[0005] One secondary resealing system includes the mechanical
reclosable zipper feature placed at the top of the pouch to allow
for reuse of the package as a storage vessel after opening.
However, by their very nature, reclosable zippers can easily be
opened and contents can be tampered with if the top of the pouch
above the reclosable zipper has not been permanently sealed. To
ensure contents are not tampered with, some packages are heat
sealed to provide a permanently sealed pouch and provide assurance
that contents are of their original state.
[0006] Most delis and/or supermarkets do not have heat sealing
equipment within their food preparation areas to permanently close
and seal the top of flexible pouches after loading the pouches with
product. Heat sealers can malfunction and can easily be misused by
deli personnel creating ineffective tamper resistant top seals.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the invention provide a method of permanently
sealing the top of deli pouches (such as rotisserie chicken bags)
to prevent tampering with the products such as when they are
merchandised or otherwise stored in the stores until they are taken
by a consumer. More particularly, embodiments of the invention
provide an improved dual zipper system for flexible pouches and
typically flexible (multi-layer) pouches that provides simple means
to provide a permanent seal as well as a re-closable seal avoiding
the use of a heat sealer in food preparation areas with
supermarkets and delis. Embodiments of the invention will provide a
dual zipper arrangement that will provide assurances against
tampering of contents without requiring the use of a heat seal as
well as providing for reusability of the pouch after the consumer
has purchased the product and removed it from the store or
deli.
[0008] To that end, in one embodiment, two zippers are implemented
on an embodiment of pouch having top zipper providing a permanent
closure/seal and a bottom zipper that is re-closable. When products
are enclosed in the flexible packaging and top zipper is closed to
provide a permanent seal, packaging is complete and tamper
resistant. Hence, when products are enclosed in dual zipper system,
the permanent zipper provides a guarantee that the contents cannot
be tampered with while the re-closable zipper can be used by
consumers to reseal the package for reuse as a storage compartment
for the product.
[0009] However, when the consumer takes the packaging to a private
setting where there is no fear of tampering, the consumer may
remove the permanent zipper seal and access the contents of the
packaging. However, as the re-closable or resealable second zipper
is still provided, the consumer can still re-seal the packaging to
secure the contents within the pouch until later desired use.
[0010] The use of the top zipper provides a permanent seal when
closed. The permanent seal provides security from outside tampering
of contents stored in the sealed pouch. When contents are stored in
the pouch with dual seal, or at least the permanent seal, any
attempt to tamper with the contents in a finished pouch can easily
be detected because an outside cut or tear will typically be
created to access the contents. This system provides secure storage
of products without involving a high temperature or chemical sealer
required to physically bond the layers of plastic together. In an
embodiment, the permanent seal is an entirely mechanical zipper
arrangement that is engaged by pressing opposed cooperating zipper
portions into engagement with one another, but are so engaged that
they may not be separated by the user by pulling with fingers. The
two zipper portions are engaged such that the permanent seal
provided by the permanent zipper must be destroyed so as to permit
access to the contents of the pouch.
[0011] More specific versions of the flexible pouch according to
the invention are provided. For instance, in one embodiment, a
flexible pouch including first and second flexible sheets and first
and second seal arrangements is provided. The first and second
flexible sheets are permanently sealed to one another along less
than the entire periphery thereof and define a storage compartment
therebetween. The un-sealed portion of the entire periphery defines
an opening to the storage compartment. The first seal arrangement
has a first portion on the first flexible sheet and a second
portion on the second flexible sheet. The first and second portions
extend across the un-sealed portion of the periphery between sealed
portions of the periphery. When the first and second portions are
mechanically locked, a permanent seal is around the entire
periphery preventing access to the storage compartment absent
visible destruction of the flexible pouch or a force of greater
than at least 3.0 kgf/15 mm width of the seal. The second seal
arrangement has a third portion on the first flexible sheet and a
fourth portion on the second flexible sheet. The third and fourth
portions extend across the un-sealed portion of the periphery
between sealed portions of the periphery. When the third and fourth
portions are mechanically locked, a reclosable seal is provided
selectively preventing access to the storage compartment.
[0012] In a particular embodiment, the second seal arrangement is
positioned inward from the first seal arrangement and the first
seal arrangement may be removed from the first and second flexible
sheets, along with the portions of the flexible sheets to which
they are connected, to provide access to the second seal
arrangement.
[0013] In preferred embodiments, the first and second flexible
sheets are generally rectangular with first and second opposed
sides and third and fourth opposed sides extending between the
first and second opposed sides. The first, second and third sides
are permanently sealed forming the sealed portion of the periphery.
The first and second seal arrangements are at the fourth side and
extending laterally between the first and second sides.
[0014] The second seal arrangement is preferably positioned closer
to the third side than the first seal arrangement such that the
first seal arrangement is closer to the fourth side. The first seal
arrangement is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the
second seal arrangement as well as the third and fourth sides.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the
first seal arrangement are substantially identical in cross-section
to one another, but oriented at 180 degrees from one another.
Further, in a preferred first seal arrangement, the first portion
includes a first pair of hook portions and a first support wall.
The first pair of hook portions both extending towards the first
support wall. The second portion includes a second pair of hook
portions and a second support wall. The second pair of hook
portions both extending towards the second support wall. Further
yet, in an engaged condition permanently sealing the storage
compartment with the first seal arrangement, the first and second
pairs of hook portions are laterally interposed and bounded by the
first and second support walls. More particularly, the first
support wall being closer to the fourth side than the first and
second pairs of hook portions and the second support wall. The
second support wall being closer to the third side than the first
and second pairs of hook portions and the first support wall.
[0016] To provide for the tamper evidence, the first seal
arrangement cannot be disengaged, when in an engaged position, by
pulling by a person using their fingers. However, after the
consumer has purchased the package, the second seal arrangement can
be disengaged, when in an engaged position, by pulling by a person
using their fingers such as to provide the reclosable seal.
[0017] In preferred embodiments, the third portion is a female
portion that receives the fourth portion being in the form of a
male portion. The female portion defines a channel having opposed
hook portions that extend toward one another. The male portion has
a head portion that engages the pair of opposed hook portions such
that the male portion is generally T-shaped.
[0018] To facilitate removal of the permanent seal, i.e. the first
seal arrangement, the pouch further includes a tear notch in at
least one of the first and second sides being interposed between
the first and second seal arrangements. This permits a user to
permanently remove the first seal arrangement from the pouch to
provide access to the second seal arrangement and storage
compartment.
[0019] Alternatively, the tear notch or a tear score could be
formed in a base portion of the zipper members of the permanent
seals. This prevents undesirable tearing of the flexible film,
particularly when no reclosable seal is present to stop vertical
tearing.
[0020] A method of packaging a product is also provided. The method
includes the steps of inserting a product into storage compartment
of a pouch; closing a first seal arrangement of the pouch to
permanently secure the product in the storage compartment absent
removal of the first seal arrangement or application of a load of
at least 3.0 kgf/15 mm width of the seal; removing the first seal
arrangement after being closed to provide access to the storage
compartment; and closing a second seal arrangement providing a
non-permanent seal.
[0021] Preferred methods also include opening the second seal
arrangement without damaging the pouch to provide access to the
storage compartment. Further yet, the step of removing the first
seal arrangement may include tearing the pouch between the first
and second seal arrangements. This tearing may be initiated at a
tear notch in the side of the pouch. Further, the step of closing a
first seal arrangement includes mechanically engaging a first
portion of the seal arrangement with a second portion of the seal
arrangement. The step of closing a first seal arrangement is
preferably performed free of heat sealing.
[0022] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part
of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a simplified front view illustration of a flexible
pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view illustration of the flexible pouch of
FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of a
permanent seal arrangement of the flexible pouch of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional illustration of a
reclosable seal arrangement of the flexible pouch of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the
reclosable seal arrangement of the flexible pouch of FIG. 1.;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective partial illustration of the zipper
members of FIG. 3 removed from any pouch; and
[0030] FIG. 7 is a profile illustration of the zipper members of
FIG. 6.
[0031] While the invention will be described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to
those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of a
flexible pouch 4 according to the present invention. The flexible
pouch 4 is generally rectangular in shape including sides 5-8.
Three sides, including sides 5-7 are permanently continuously
sealed, such as by way of heat sealing, to define an internal
storage compartment 10 in which products may be stored. This
storage compartment 10 is formed between two sheets of the
flexible, generally multi-layer, film which are sealingly and
permanently connected to one-another along sides 5, 6, 7. The two
sheets of flexible film are not heat sealed along fourth side, side
8 such that, at least initially, the user may have access to
storage compartment 10. The portion of the periphery proximate side
8 between the free ends of the seal around sides 5-7 defines the
opening into storage compartment 10.
[0033] The pouch 4 includes two separate seals 12, 14 along fourth
side 8 that can be used to entirely close storage compartment 10 on
all four sides. The two separate seals 12, 14 provide two separate
functions. Seal 12 provides a permanent seal that cannot be
reopened and seal 14 provides a re-sealable or re-closeable seal
that can be opened and closed numerous times. Thus, when the user
desires to provide permanent seal the user will use seal 12.
[0034] This may be done for example at the deli or supermarket. For
instance, the deli or supermarket may place a rotisserie chicken in
storage compartment 10 of pouch 4 and display the chicken for sale.
As it is desired to be sure that no tampering has occurred of the
contents of the pouch 4, i.e. the chicken, the permanent seal 12
will be used. Further, at that point and until the chicken is sold
and taken by a consumer, there is no need to access the pouch.
[0035] However, once the consumer purchases the package of chicken,
he or she will remove the permanent seal 12 to provide access to
storage compartment 10 and the chicken stored therein. At that
time, if the user would like to reseal the pouch 4 he or she may
use seal 14 to reclose the package to continue storing the
contents, i.e. chicken, within pouch 4. At that time, however,
there is no need to be afraid of tampering so the resealable seal
14 is sufficient for closing the storage compartment 10.
[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two seals 12, 14 are
vertically oriented relative to one another as they extend across
the top side 8 of the pouch 4 between vertical sides 5, 7. Seal 14
is positioned between the storage compartment 10 and seal 12. Seal
12 is positioned closer to free edge 15 of pouch 4 while seal 14 is
positioned closer to side 6 of pouch 4 than seal 12.
[0037] Seals 12, 14 are preferably zipper type seals that are
entirely mechanical interlocking arrangements free of heat sealing
or chemical bonding to provide engagement. Preferably, both seals
12, 14 are located in the upper twenty-five (25) percent of the
pouch 4, more preferably in the upper twenty (20) percent. Seal 12
is preferably located in the upper fifteen (15) percent of pouch 4,
more preferably in the upper ten (10) percent of pouch 4.
[0038] Positioned between seals 12, 14 is a tear notch 16 that
facilitates initiating tearing of the pouch 4 laterally between
sides 5 and 7 so as to remove seal 12 from the pouch 4. Again, with
seal 12 removed from pouch 4, the consumer has reclosable access to
storage compartment 10. However, if seal 12 has been removed prior
to being purchased by the consumer, the consumer can be concerned
about potential tampering of the contents of storage compartment
10.
[0039] Seal 12 is illustrated in the enlarged cross-sectional
illustration of FIG. 3. The seal 12 is formed by two substantially
identical zipper members 21, 22. These zipper members 21, 22 are
typically formed separate from the flexible film sheets forming the
pouch 4. The zipper members 21, 22 are then typically heat or
ultrasonically welded or otherwise affixed to the flexible film
sheets. Zipper members 21, 22 are typically formed from an
extrusion or molding process.
[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the zipper members 21,
22 are oriented 180 degrees relative to one another. Each zipper
member 21 includes a pair of female zipper hooks 26. Zipper member
22 includes an identical pair of female zipper hooks 25 that engage
zipper hooks 26 of zipper member 21. Both zipper members 21, 22
include a support wall 28 that supports the engagement of the hooks
25, 26 of zipper members 21, 22 to as to prevent disengagement
thereof.
[0041] The engagement between zipper members 21, 22 is such that a
person gripping the free ends of the flexible sheets between seal
12 and free edge 15 cannot separate zipper members 21, 22 from one
another. Support wall 28 also protects the engagement between
zipper members 21, 22 such that a potential tamperer cannot insert
or wedge a device between the engaged hooks 25, 26 to facilitate
disengagement therebetween.
[0042] However, as noted above, the profile of zipper members 21,
22 are identical, in a preferred embodiment, but oriented opposite
one another such that support wall 28 of zipper member 21 is
proximate free edge 15 while the support wall of zipper member 22
is proximate side 6 with hooks 25, 26 interposed therebetween.
Further, the zipper members 21, 22 are oriented such that the hook
(i.e. barb) portion of hooks 26 of zipper member 21 extend
vertically upward toward free edge 15 while the hooks 25 of zipper
member 22 extend vertically downward toward side 6. In this
arrangement the barbs of hooks 25, 26 engage one another to
increase engagement therebetween.
[0043] The engagement of the zipper members 21, 22 in preferred
embodiments requires greater than 3 kgf/15 mm of width and more
preferably greater than 3.5 kgf/15 mm of width and even more
preferably greater than 4 kgf/15 mm of width. These values are
measured using the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) standard testing having Designation F 88-00 entitled
"Standard Test Method for Seal Strength for Flexible Barrier
Materials."
[0044] This force is applied to the portion of the pouch positioned
vertically between the seal 12 and free edge 15. Seals having
engagement characteristics greater than these values provides one
means of determining whether or not it is a permanent seal. Other
means of determining a permanent seal will be discussed below as
being a relative engagement relative to seal 14 or alternatively
the need for physical destruction to the pouch 4.
[0045] Zipper 12 may be of the form illustrated in Korean Patent
Application No. 20-2008-0007596, the teachings and disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 4, secondary seal 14 is illustrated.
Seal 14 is intended to reclosable and has a different structural
arrangement than that of seal 12. In this embodiment, zipper member
32 is a female zipper member having a pair of opposed hooks
defining a channel therebetween for receipt of male zipper member
34. Male zipper member includes a shaft portion having an enlarged
head portion that is received in female zipper member 32. This
zipper seal 14 is such that a user grasping the free material of
the flexible sheets can separate zipper member 32 from 34 to open
storage compartment 10. Other recloseable zipper member
arrangements can be used for seal 14.
[0047] The engagement of the zipper members 32, 34 in preferred
embodiments requires less than 0.3 kgf/15 mm of width and more
preferably less than 0.25 kgf/15 mm of width for disengagement.
Preferably, the engagement of zipper members 32, 34 is sufficient
that the force required for disengagement is at least 0.1 kgf/15 mm
and at least 0.15 kgf/15 mm. This force is applied to the portion
of the pouch positioned vertically between the seal 14 and free
edge 15 or alternatively between seal 14 and any free edge
generated when seal 12 has been removed using tear notch 16.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the free ends 36 of zipper seal 14
are separated from the free edges 35 of the pouch 4. This
arrangement maintains the seal provided by zipper seal 14 and
prevents the potential of an undesirable leak path.
[0049] From the engagement data above, seal 12 (seal members 21,
22) provides for an engagement of at least 10 times greater than
seal 14 (seal members 32, 34). More preferably, seal 12 provides
for an engagement of at least 15 times greater than seal 14. In
some embodiments, seal provides for an engagement of at least 20
times greater than seal 14. This relative engagement values between
seals 12, 14 is a further way of determining whether both a
permanent and reclosable seal are provided.
[0050] A further way of determining whether a permanent seal has
been provided is to determine whether or not the pouch 4 must be
damaged in any way to provide access to the pouch. One example of
damage is merely tearing seal 12 from the bag using tear notch 16.
Alternatively, damage may occur on either seal member 21 or 22.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the zipper members 21 and
22 of the permanent seal are illustrated. The zipper members 21, 22
are not attached to the flexible films forming the pouch.
[0052] In some embodiment of a pouch, only a permanent seal 12 will
be provided. In these embodiments, the permanent seal is removed
from the top portion of the pouch to provide access to the pouch.
At that time, the pouch is therefore no longer resealable as the
only seal that was provided was the permanent seal 12.
[0053] Typically, the sheets of flexible film that are used to form
the pouch are thinner and provide significantly less strength than
portions of the zipper members 21, 22. As such, when a score line
is added to the flexible film to provide a tear location for
removing the permanent seal 12, the film will tend to tear at
different locations other than at the desired score line. This is
particularly due to the fact that the film is so thin and has
limited strength.
[0054] Therefore, in some embodiments, the permanent seal 12, and
particularly the zipper members 21, 22 include the tear notch or
tear score for providing the desired location for removal of the
permanent seal 12.
[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the zipper members 21, 22
include elongated base portions 40, 42. The individual zipper hooks
25 are attached to base portion 40 of zipper member 21. Similarly,
zipper hooks 26 of zipper member 22 are attached to base portion
42. The base portions 40, 42 also include tear notches 44, 46,
respectively. These tear notches 44, 46 may also be referred to as
"laser score lines," "tear scores" or "score lines." These tear
notches 44, 46 are scores or channels formed in the length of the
base portion 40, 42. These tear notches 44, 46 provide a weakened
location within the base portions 40, 42 to facilitate and promote
tearing thereat. These tear notches 44, 46 thus control the
location of a tear for removal of the permanent seal 12 from a
pouch 4 (see FIG. 1). Further, because the base portions 40, 42 are
formed from a thicker or harder material than the flexible films
forming the pouch 4, when the user goes to tear off or remove
permanent seal 12, the tear will not run vertically and will remain
in the desired location along the tear notches 44, 46 preventing
undesirable tearing of the flexible film destroying the pouch
4.
[0056] In some embodiments, the maximum depth of the tear notches
44, 46 is at least 15 percent of the thickness T of the base
portion 40, 42. In further embodiments, the depth of notches 44, 46
is at least 25 percent of the thickness T of base portions 40, 42.
In other embodiments, the depth of tear notches 44, 46 is at least
40 percent of the thickness of the base portions 40, 42. However,
other depths are contemplated therebetween the identified
ranges.
[0057] In some embodiments, the thickness T of the base portion 40,
42 is between about eight (8) mils and ten (10) mils (where mils
are 1/1000 of an inch) while the thickness of the flexible film is
between about two (2) mils and four (4) mils. Even though the
thicknesses of the film and the base portions 40, 42 appears to be
similar in the figures, from the numerical data herein, it can be
seen that the thickness T of the base portions 40, 42 may be
significantly greater than the thickness of the flexible film in
some embodiments.
[0058] Thus, as the tear notches 44, 46 are located in the
sturdier/stronger base portions 40, 42 of the zipper members 21, 22
rather than being formed merely in the flexible film, the tear
resulting in removal of the seal 12 from the pouch 4 is more
controlled and less susceptible to run away from those tear notches
44, 46 and destroy the pouch generally.
[0059] Further, this permanent seal 12 may be used on both pouches
4 that include both a permanent and reclosable seal 12, 14, as well
as pouches that only provide for a single seal and more
particularly, for pouches that only include a permanent seal such
as seal 12.
[0060] Zipper members 21, 22 are formed from a plastic material
that allows them to be laser or heat welded to the inner surface of
the flexible films forming the pouch to which they are attached.
Further, notches 44, 46 need not be continuous notches and could be
intermittent. Further, it is noted that notches 44, 46 will be
positioned between the hook members 25, 26 and the bottom edge of
the pouch. In this arrangement, it assures that the seal 12 is
removed from the pouch upon tearing along notches 44, 46. Further,
the tear notches 44, 46 are axially aligned with one another. Thus,
notch 44 is further away from support wall 28 of zipper member 21
as compared to the distance between support wall 28 of zipper
member 22 and tear notch 46.
[0061] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0062] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0063] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *