U.S. patent application number 14/359562 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for device for closing pouches with tactile and sound features and pouch comprising such a device.
The applicant listed for this patent is S2F FLEXICO. Invention is credited to Henri Bois, Isabelle Moulin.
Application Number | 20150043840 14/359562 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47216275 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150043840 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bois; Henri ; et
al. |
February 12, 2015 |
DEVICE FOR CLOSING POUCHES WITH TACTILE AND SOUND FEATURES AND
POUCH COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device for closing pouches or
the like comprising a series of complementary parallel profiles
(110a-110e, 210a-210e), said profiles being carried by respective
supporting sheets (100, 200), characterised in that said device has
sequential alterations (300) in at least one profile (110, 210)
along a direction perpendicular to the supporting sheets (100,
200).
Inventors: |
Bois; Henri;
(Neuilly-sur-Seine, FR) ; Moulin; Isabelle;
(Paris, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S2F FLEXICO |
Henonville |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
47216275 |
Appl. No.: |
14/359562 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
November 21, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/073186 |
371 Date: |
October 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/61.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/25 20130101;
B65D 33/255 20130101; B29K 2023/12 20130101; B65D 33/2566 20130101;
B29K 2023/0633 20130101; B29K 2023/065 20130101; B29D 5/10
20130101; B65D 33/2558 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/61.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/25 20060101
B65D033/25 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2011 |
FR |
1160605 |
Claims
1. A closure device for bags or the like, including a series of
parallel complementary profiles (110a-110e, 210a-210e) borne by
respective support webs (100, 200), characterised in that it has
sequential alterations (300) of at least one complementary profile
(110, 210), in a direction perpendicular to the support webs (100,
200).
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sequential
alterations (300) include sequential crushings (120, 220) of the
complementary profiles when they are connected, such that the
sequential crushings (120, 220) flare both complementary profiles
(110, 210) in the direction of the width transversal to the
elongation direction of the closure device.
3. The device according to one of claim 1 or 2, wherein the
sequential alterations (300) include sequential incisions (120,
220) without removal of material.
4. The device according to claims 2 and 3 taken in combination,
including at least five complementary profiles (110a-110e,
210a-210e), whereof at least three complementary profiles
(110a-110c, 210a-210c) including sequential crushings (120, 220)
and at least one complementary profile (110d-110e, 210d-210e)
including sequential incisions (120', 220').
5. The device according to one of claims 1 to 3, including at least
five complementary profiles (110a-110e, 210a-210e), whereof at
least three complementary profiles including sequential alterations
(110a-110c, 210a-210c) and at least one complementary profile
devoid of sequential alterations (110d-110e, 210d-210e).
6. The device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the
complementary profiles (110a-110e, 210a-210e) include profiles of
male/male type.
7. The device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least
one part of the complementary profiles (110a-110c, 210a-210c) is
made of a first material, and at least one other part of the
complementary profiles (110d-110e, 210d-210e) is made of a second
material, different to the first material.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the first material
includes polypropylene or high-density polyethylene, and the second
material includes polyethylene or low-density polyethylene.
9. The device according to one of claim 7 or 8, wherein the
complementary profiles (110a-110c, 210a-210c) including sequential
alterations are made of the first material.
10. The device according to one of claims 7 to 9, including both
complementary profiles (110a-110c, 210a-210c) including sequential
alterations (300) and complementary profiles (110d-110e, 210d-210e)
devoid of sequential alterations, and wherein the complementary
profiles (110d-110e, 210d-210e) devoid of sequential alterations
(300) are made of the second material.
11. The device according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the
complementary profiles (110a-110c, 210a-210c) made of the first
material and/or the complementary profiles (110d-110e, 210d-210e)
made of the second material are formed integrally with a tread
(116), attached on the corresponding web (100, 200).
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the tread (116) is
attached on the corresponding web (100, 200) by means of a binder
(118).
13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the tread (116) is
embedded in the corresponding web (100, 200) such that said tread
(116) is attached on said web (100, 200).
14. The device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in
that the pitch of the sequential crushings (300) is comprised
between 4 mm and 1 cm.
15. A bag, characterised in that it includes a closure device
according to one of claims 1 to 14.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of closure
devices for bags, sacks or the like.
[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to closure
devices based on two complementary profiles 10, 20, borne by
respective opposite support webs or walls 12, 22 as illustrated as
a non-limiting example in the appended FIG. 1.
[0003] Many alternative embodiments of the device illustrated in
FIG. 1 have already been proposed and fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0004] Generally, the aforementioned complementary profiles are
formed with the complementary male/female elements, the male
element comprising a rod 14 secured to the web or to the wall 12
and provided with a widened protrusion 15 at its top, while the
female element 20 is formed with a groove 24 with convergent edges
having as a section, a complementary cavity of the protrusion
15.
[0005] The general purpose of the present invention is to propose
enhancements to the thereby known profiles in order to generate a
tactile sensation and a sound effect upon closing or opening the
aforementioned device, i.e. upon engaging the profiles 10, 20 and
separating the latter.
[0006] Various arrangements have already been proposed in order to
generate such tactile sensations and sound effects upon closing and
opening the aforementioned device.
[0007] Examples of such known arrangements are described in
documents WO 96/28063, U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,584 and EP 0 446 760.
These documents disclose means as illustrated in the appended FIGS.
2 and 3. As seen in FIG. 2, the known arrangements most often
consists of performing sequential deformation or cutting 30 along
one of the two profiles, for example the male profile 10 according
to the illustration of FIG. 2, in order to thereby define a
succession of hard points and of weak points in the respective
engagement of the elements 10, 20.
[0008] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the known means for making such
closing devices according to the prior art, generally proceed with
squeezing or lateral cutting of one of the profiles, for example
the male profile 10, by means of notched knurls 40 driven into
rotation around a general axis transverse to the support webs or
walls 12 of the relevant profile, i.e. along a thickness
deformation or modification direction parallel to the support webs
or walls 12.
[0009] In this context, the particular aim of the present invention
is to improve the known arrangements of the prior art to reinforce
the tactile sensation and the sound effect.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to propose a closure
device which is tightly sealed.
[0011] This object is attained within the scope of the present
invention by a closure device for bags or the like including a
series of parallel complementary profiles borne by support webs,
characterised in that it has sequential alterations of at least one
complementary profile, in a direction perpendicular to the support
webs.
[0012] Some preferred though non-limiting aspects of the closure
device according to the invention are the following: [0013]
sequential alterations include sequential crushings in contact,
such that sequential crushings effect flaring of both complementary
profiles in the direction of the width transversal to the
elongation direction of the closure device, [0014] sequential
alterations include sequential incisions without removal of
material, [0015] the device includes at least five complementary
profiles, whereof at least three complementary profiles including
sequential crushings and at least one complementary profile
including sequential incisions, [0016] the device includes at least
five complementary profiles, whereof at least three complementary
profiles include sequential alterations and at least one
complementary profile is devoid of sequential alterations, [0017]
the complementary profiles include profiles of male/male type,
[0018] at least one part of the complementary profiles is made of a
first material, and at least one other part of the complementary
profiles is made of a second material, different to the first
material, [0019] the first material includes polypropylene or
polyethylene high-density, and the second material includes
polyethylene or polyethylene low-density, [0020] the complementary
profiles including sequential alterations are made of the first
material, [0021] the device includes both complementary profiles
including sequential alterations and complementary profiles devoid
of sequential alterations, and wherein the complementary profiles
devoid of sequential alterations are made of the second material,
[0022] the complementary profiles made of the first material and/or
the complementary profiles made of the second material are formed
integrally with a tread, attached on the corresponding web, [0023]
the tread is attached on the corresponding web by means of a
binder, [0024] the tread is embedded in the corresponding web such
that said tread is attached on said web, and [0025] the pitch of
the sequential crushings comprised between 4 mm and 1 cm.
[0026] According to a second aspect, the invention also proposes a
bag including a device such as described hereinabove.
[0027] Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present
invention will emerge from the following detailed description, and
with respect to the appended diagrams given by way of non-limiting
examples and wherein:
[0028] FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 described earlier respectively illustrate a
transverse sectional view of a closure device according to the
state of the art which may be used within the scope of the present
invention, a partial perspective view of a closure device having
sequential cutouts compliant with the state of the art and a tool
according to the state of the art including two lateral squeezing
knurls over a closure profile, movable along an axis of rotation
globally transverse to the support webs of said profile,
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view in partial perspective
of a closure device before alteration according to the present
invention,
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates the same closure device in partial
perspective after sequential alteration according to the present
invention, wherein the sequential alterations are crushings,
[0031] FIGS. 6a and 6b respectively illustrate individual views of
a first embodiment of a male profile and a female profile in
combination forming a closure device according to the present
invention illustrated in FIG. 5,
[0032] FIG. 7a illustrates a view in transversal segment of a
closure device during squeezing according to the present invention
and an example of a tool used for this purpose,
[0033] FIG. 7b illustrates an alternative of a view in transversal
segment of a closure device during squeezing according to the
present invention and an alternative of a tool used for this
purpose,
[0034] FIG. 7c is a view in segment according to the axis Ya-Ya of
FIG. 7a of an embodiment of a knurl which can be used in the tools
illustrated schematically in FIGS. 7a and 7b,
[0035] FIGS. 8a and 8b respectively illustrate individual views of
a second embodiment of a male profile and a female profile forming
in combination a closure device according to the present invention,
wherein the sequential alterations are incisions without removal of
material,
[0036] FIG. 8c illustrates a view in transversal segment of a
complementary profile of a closure device during alteration by
incision according to the present invention and an example of a
tool used for this purpose,
[0037] FIG. 8d is a view in segment according to the axis Yb-Yb of
FIG. 8c of an embodiment of a knurl which can be used in the tool
illustrated schematically in FIG. 8c
[0038] FIGS. 9a, 9c, 9h and 9i illustrate views in perspective of
embodiments of support webs which can be used in a closure device
according to the invention,
[0039] FIG. 9b is a view in transversal segment of an embodiment of
a closure device according to the invention, prior to contacting of
the complementary profiles,
[0040] FIG. 9d is a view side of an embodiment of a knurl which can
be used in the tool illustrated schematically in FIG. 8c,
[0041] FIG. 9e is a view in segment according to the axis Yc-Yc of
the knurl of FIG. 9d,
[0042] FIG. 9f is a side view of an embodiment of a knurl which can
be used in the tools illustrated schematically in FIGS. 7a, 7b and
8c,
[0043] FIG. 9g is a view in segment according to the axis Yd-Yd of
the knurl of FIG. 9f,
[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates a view in perspective of a bag according
to the present invention including sequential alterations made
according to the modalities of the invention,
[0045] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate respectively, for a first
alternative embodiment of a closure device according to the present
invention including two pairs of parallel complementary closing
profiles, a view in partial perspective of the closure device after
sequential squeezing of a pair of profiles and individual views of
male profiles and female profiles forming in combination a closure
device according to the present invention illustrated in FIG.
11,
[0046] FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 respectively illustrate, for a second
alternative embodiment of a closure device according to the present
invention including two pairs of parallel complementary closing
profiles, a view in partial perspective of the closure device after
sequential squeezing of two pairs of profiles and individual views
of male profiles and female profiles forming in combination a
closure device according to the present invention illustrated in
FIG. 14,
[0047] FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 illustrate respectively, for a third
alternative embodiment of a closure device according to the present
invention including two pairs of parallel complementary closing
profiles, a view in partial perspective of the closure device after
sequential squeezing of both pairs of profiles with longitudinal
shift between the crushings made on both pairs of profiles and
individual views of male profiles and female profiles forming in
combination a closure device according to the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 17,
[0048] FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 respectively illustrate, for a fourth
alternative embodiment of a closure device according to the present
invention including two pairs of parallel complementary closing
profiles, one of complementary male/female type and the other of
complementary hook type, a view in partial perspective of the
closure device after sequential squeezing and individual views of
the profiles borne by supporting films opposite and in combination
forming a closure device according to the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 20, and
[0049] FIGS. 23a and 23b schematically illustrate a complementary
profile attached by means of an embodiment of a tread on a
corresponding support web.
[0050] The appended FIG. 4 illustrates a closure device including
two support webs 100, 200 respectively carrying two complementary
profiles 110, 210.
[0051] According to the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG.
4, the first profile 110 includes a rod 112 overall perpendicular
to the support web 100 and fitted at its top opposite the support
web 100 with a widened protrusion 114. The complementary female
profile 210 per se essentially includes a groove with converging
edges 212 defining in its segment a complementary cavity of the
widened protrusion 114.
[0052] The complementary closing profiles 110 and 210 present a
constant segment over their length. They are preferably made by
extrusion. Such a closure device will not be described in more
detail in its initial structure, to the extent where such closure
devices are well known to one skilled in the art, and can give rise
to many embodiments or alternatives. One example is an alternative
embodiment wherein the closure device includes two complementary
profiles 110, 210, not in the form of a male element or
complementary a female element, but in the form of simple
complementary hooks or complementary male profiles.
[0053] Also, within the scope of the present invention, there can
be either a closure device including both closing profiles 110, 210
made separately from a bag, then connected and attached for example
by thermal welding onto films including a bag or even a closure
device directly forming a single piece, for example extrusion, with
films forming the walls of the bag.
[0054] As indicated previously, within the scope of the present
invention the complementary profiles 110, 210 are altered
sequentially according to alteration in a direction perpendicular
to the webs and supporting walls 100, 200. The sequential
alterations are sequential local modifications of the profiles 110,
210, which can especially include sequential crushings and/or
sequential incisions without removal of material. FIG. 5
illustrates the alteration areas resulting at the level of an area
referenced 300. The alteration areas 300 cover all or part of the
width L of the relevant profiles perpendicularly to their
elongation direction.
[0055] According to a first embodiment, FIGS. 6a and 6b
respectively illustrate a male profile 110 and a female profile 210
altered sequentially by squeezing. FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate
sequential flarings 120, 220 according to the width transversal to
the elongation direction, both of the male profile 110 and of the
female profile 210. However, as the sequential squeezing is borne
out according to the present invention when both profiles 110, 210
are in the assembled position, this ensures that the transversal
segments, both the male profile 110 and the female profile 210,
although deformed by flaring, remained properly paired,
complementary to a certain degree, and compatible both for closing,
that is, placing in contact, and opening, that is, separation.
[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7c, the sequential crushings
can be achieved within the scope of the present invention by means
of a notched knurl 400a with peripheral protrusions 410a at the
preferred pitch of the sequential crushings 300, urging one side of
the closure device and a simple support roller 420 located on the
opposite side.
[0057] The knurl 400a and the support roller 420 illustrated in the
Figs. are driven in rotation according to axes 402, 422 parallel to
each other and parallel to the main direction of the complementary
profiles 110, 210.
[0058] The appended FIG. 7b illustrates an alternative embodiment
according to which sequential squeezing according to the present
invention is achieved by means of two rollers or notched knurls
400a arranged respectively on either side of the closure device,
the toothed rollers 400a including protrusions 410a at the pitch of
the preferred crushings 300 and here too being driven in rotation
about axes 402 parallel to each other and parallel to the principal
direction of the complementary profiles 110, 210. Both knurls 400a
are synchronised such that their respective protrusions
simultaneously stress the profiles 110, 210 by squeezing.
[0059] According to a first embodiment, FIGS. 8a and 8b
respectively illustrate a male profile 110 and a female profile 210
altered sequentially by incision without removal of material. The
Figs. actually show sequential incisions 120', 220' according to
the width transversal to the elongation direction, both of the male
profile 110 and the female profile 210. It is evident that the
incisions 120', 220' of the profiles 110 and profiles 210 are
preferably arranged opposite when the profiles are assembled to
form the closure device. This is not however limiting, to the
extent where the incisions 120', 220' could be shift to each other
relative to the others on the profiles 110 and 210 without any
impact on the sound and tactile effects of the closure device.
[0060] The sequential incisions 120', 220' are made preferably in a
separate position of both profiles 110, 210. It has actually been
noted that in the event where the alterations include incisions, it
is not necessary for the incisions 120', 220' of the profiles 110,
120 to be opposite so that the profiles remain perfectly paired and
complementary, such that they remain compatible both for closing
and opening. In addition, the sequential incisions 120', 220' are
preferably achieved so as to not cut the support web 100, 200
carrying the complementary profiles 110, 210. It is therefore
preferable to make the incisions 120', 220' directly on the
profiles 110, 210 rather than indirectly by applying stress to the
webs 100, 200.
[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 8c and 8d, the sequential incisions
120', 220' can be made by means of a tool including a notched knurl
400b with peripheral protrusions 410b at the preferred pitch of the
sequential incisions 120', 220', cutting the profiles 110, 210 of
the closure device according to their width, and a simple support
roller 420 located on the opposite side.
[0062] The knurl 400b and the support roller 420, are driven in
rotation according to the axes 402, 422. also, the sequential
incisions 120', 220' of both complementary profiles 110, 210 can be
made either simultaneously on the same support roller 420 (or
optionally on two separate support rollers), by means of two knurls
400b, as illustrated in FIG. 8c, or successively by means of two
sets of knurls 400b and corresponding support rollers 420.
[0063] According to an embodiment, the support webs 100, 200 of the
closure device can each carry at least two complementary profiles
110a-110e, 210a-210e for multiple closing. The sequential
alterations 300 can include sequential crushings 120, 220 and/or
sequential incisions 120', 220' (that is either only sequential
crushings 120, 220, or only sequential incisions 120', 220', or
both sequential crushings 120, 220 and sequential incisions 120',
220').
[0064] FIGS. 9a to 9c, 9h and 9i for example illustrate webs 100,
200 each including five complementary profiles 110a-110e,
210a-210e. The profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e are all male/male
profiles, each including a rod 112, 214 overall perpendicular to
the support web 100, 200 and fitted with a widened protrusion 114,
216 at its top opposite the support web 100, 200 in the form of an
arrow head. This is not however limiting, to the extent where the
webs can include a different number of complementary profiles 110,
120, in particular three, four, or six, which can be of male/male,
male/female type, hooks, or any other conventional form in the
field of closing profiles.
[0065] The complementary profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e of FIG. 9a
include only sequential crushings. In this embodiment, the width of
the knurl 400a and its peripheral protrusions 410a is dimensioned
so as to simultaneously squeeze the set of profiles 110, 120 of the
webs 100, 200, the webs being preferably in the assembled position
to guarantee their later pairing.
[0066] It is understood of course that the complementary profiles
can similarly include sequential incisions 120', 220' only. The
width of the knurl and its peripheral protrusions are dimensioned
so as to simultaneously cut the set of profiles 110, 120 of the
webs 100, 200, the webs being preferably in a separate position for
easier cutting. And preferably, the height and the point of the
free end of the peripheral protrusions is dimensioned to cut the
complementary profiles 110, 120 only, without altering the
corresponding support web 100, 200.
[0067] The appended FIG. 9c illustrates an alternative embodiment
wherein the sequential alterations include both sequential
crushings 120, 220 and sequential incisions 120', 220'.
[0068] The sequential alterations 300 can be made whereas the
complementary profiles are separate by means of a tool including a
notched knurl 400c with peripheral protrusions 410c at the
preferred pitch of the sequential crushings 120, 220 and sequential
incisions 120', 220', and a simple support roller 420 situated on
the opposite side. As is evident in FIGS. 9d and 9e, the peripheral
protrusions 410c of the knurl 400c present as such a first part
411c, adapted to perform the sequential crushings 120, 220 by
locally flaring profiles 110, 210, and a second part 412c,
extending in the extension of the first part 411c, adapted to cut
the profiles 110, 210 according to their width, and accordingly
form the incisions 120', 220'.
[0069] To guarantee that the profiles 110, 210 are definitely
opposite the corresponding parts 411c and 412c of the knurl 400c,
the tool can also include guide means of the profiles 110, 210,
adapted to guide the profiles 110, 210 between the support roller
420 and the notched knurl or notched knurls 400c. For example, the
guide means of the profiles 110, 210 can include a guide arranged
upstream (in the direction of scrolling of the profiles 110, 210)
of the roller 420 and the knurls 400c (guide via support web 100,
200 to be guided), including an arm presenting, at the level of a
free end, a U-shaped housing. The housing is configured to receive
and position the profiles 110, 210 of the web 100, 200 relative to
the support roller 420 and the knurls 400c. For this, the lateral
walls of the housing can for example be separated by a distance
corresponding substantially to the distance between both end
profiles 110, 210 of the webs 100, 200. As an alternative, the
guide can include two arms extending on either side of the
corresponding profiles 110, 210 of the web 100, 200 so a to apply
lateral stress to both end profiles 110, 210 of the web 100, 200 to
then guide them towards the knurls 400c and the support roller
420.
[0070] FIGS. 9f and 9g illustrate another embodiment, at the same
time produce the preferred sound and tactile effect and guarantee
sealing of the closure device.
[0071] For this, the closure device includes at least two
complementary profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e, preferably at least
three, for example five complementary profiles 110a-110e,
210a-210e, as illustrated in FIGS. 9h and 9i.
[0072] In the embodiments illustrated, the complementary profiles
110a-110e, 210a-210e are borne by webs 100, 200 forming a single
piece, located respectively on either side of the profiles
110a-110e, 210a-210e, each preferably having a width greater than
the complementary profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e. Also, the
thickness of the webs 100, 200 opposite the profiles 110a-110e,
210a-210e is greater than the thickness of the web on the exterior
of the profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e, for example twice as big.
Finally, the webs 100, 200 can be fitted with grooves 102, 202 on
their surface for easier handling of the closure device.
[0073] The complementary profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e are
preferably of male/male type, and each include a rod 112, 214
overall perpendicular to the support web 100, 200 and fitted at its
top opposite the support web 100, 200 with a widened protrusion
114, 216 in the form of an arrow head. The widened protrusions 114,
216 in fact form undercuts for reinforcing mutual hooking of the
profiles 110, 210.
[0074] Within the scope of this embodiment, part of the
complementary profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e is altered sequentially
in a direction perpendicular to the support webs 100, 200, the
other part of the complementary profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e
remaining intact, that is, devoid of alterations such as defined in
the invention.
[0075] Here too, the alterations 300 can especially include
sequential crushings 120, 220 and/or sequential incisions 120',
220' without removal of material.
[0076] In this way, the complementary profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e
including alterations assure the tactile sensation and the sound
effect of clicking during opening and closing of the closure
device, whereas the complementary profiles devoid of these
alterations assure sealing of the closure device.
[0077] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9h and 9i, each web
100, 200 of the closure device can include three complementary
profiles 110a-110c, 210a-210c including alterations (here of
squeezing 120, 220 type), and two complementary intact profiles
110d-110e, 210d-210e. As an alternative (not illustrated in the
Figs.), for a closure device including five complementary profiles
each web 100, 200 can include one, two or four complementary
profiles 110a-110c, 210a-210c including alterations, and
respectively four, three or one intact complementary profiles
110d-110e, 210d-210e. It is clear of course that this applies
mutatis mutandis in the case of a closure device including
different numbers of complementary profiles 110, 210.
[0078] In general, to combine the tactile and sound effects with
the property of sealing, the webs 100, 200 must each preferably
include at least one complementary profile including sequential
alterations 300, and at least one complementary intact profile.
[0079] In use, to ensure the sealing of the closing of a bag fitted
with a closure device according to the invention, the intact
complementary profiles (that is, devoid of sequential alterations
300), can be placed randomly towards the base or towards the mouth
of the bag, the sealing being guaranteed by the intact
complementary profiles despite the very close presence of the
sequential alterations 300 and any local deformations they can
cause on the support webs 100, 200.
[0080] Also, the relative arrangement of the intact complementary
profiles 110, 210 relative to the complementary profiles 110, 210
devoid of sequential alterations 300 has no effect on the tactile
and sound sensation or on the capacity for sealing of the closure
device. So, the profiles devoid of sequential alterations 300 and
the intact profiles can be grouped randomly by type of profile
(FIG. 9h), or alternate in the direction of width (FIG. 9i).
[0081] For example, FIG. 9h illustrates the case of a web 100
including three complementary closing profiles 110a-110c, including
alterations of adjacent squeezing 120 type, extending parallel to
two intact adjacent complementary profiles 110d-110e, and in FIG.
9i the case of a web 100 including the same complementary profiles
110a-110e arranged to alternate.
[0082] In this embodiment, the sequential alterations 300 can be
made, whereas the complementary profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e are
separate, by means of the tool illustrated in FIG. 8c fitted this
time with a notched knurl 400d with peripheral protrusions 410d
adapted to the pitch and preferred sequential alterations 300, and
of the support roller 420 located on opposite the side.
[0083] As evident in FIGS. 9f and 9g, the peripheral protrusions
410d of the knurl 400d present per se a first part 411d,
dimensioned so as not to alter the profiles 110, 210, and a second
part 412d, extending in the extension of the first part 411d,
adapted to make the sequential alterations 300 preferred
(sequential crushings 120, 220 or sequential incisions 120', 220')
by locally altering the profiles 110, 210 according to their
width.
[0084] For this, the second part 412d of the peripheral protrusions
410d present a larger diameter than the first part 411d of said
protrusions 410d. Also, the height and the point of the second part
411d of the peripheral protrusions 410d is dimensioned so as to
squeeze or cut the complementary profiles 110, 120 only, according
to the type of preferred alteration 300, and this without altering
the corresponding support web 100, 200.
[0085] To ensure that the profiles 110a-110e, 210a-210e are
definitely opposite the parts 411d and 412d of the knurl 400d, to
alter only the corresponding profiles 110d-110e, 210d-210e the tool
can be fitted with guide means of the profiles, and especially of
the guide, for taking up and positioning the profiles 110a-110e,
210a-210e relative to the support roller 420 and the knurls
400d.
[0086] The closure devices in keeping with the present invention
can be made based on any suitable material, preferably based on
polyolefin. Especially, to accentuate the substantial sound and
tactile effects, the closing profiles 110, 210 can be made of
relatively rigid plastic material, for example polypropylene. In
this way, the succession of strong and weak points in engagement
and separation of the profiles causes snapping to produce the
preferred effects.
[0087] According to an embodiment, the closure device can include
complementary profiles 110, 210 made of different materials. In
fact, the contacting and separation of the complementary profiles
110, 210 made of rigid material can prove difficult, in particular
when the profiles are all of male/male type, the tearing force in
fact being very considerable. So, when the closure device includes
at least two complementary profiles 110, 210, one of the profiles
can be made of rigid material, whereas the other of the profiles
can be made of a more flexible material.
[0088] For example, rigid materials to be used include high-density
polypropylene or polyethylene, whereas flexible materials to be
used include low-density polyethylene or polyethylene type.
[0089] The use of complementary bi-material profiles 110, 210, that
is, made of different materials, especially has an advantage in the
case of closure devices having sealing properties. The
complementary profiles including alterations (profiles 110a-110c in
FIGS. 9h and 9i) can in fact be made of rigid material to improve
the sound and tactile effects of the device, whereas the intact
complementary profiles (profiles 110d-110e on these same Figs.) can
be made of a suppler material for easier engagement and separation
in the longitudinal direction of the closure device. The use of
suppler material also has the advantage of improving the sealing
properties of the complementary profiles 110d-110e and therefore of
the closure device, to the extent where these complementary
profiles have better deformation capacity for limiting the risks of
accidental opening under the effect of internal pressure of the
bags.
[0090] The bi-material complementary profiles 110, 210 can be
co-extruded directly with the support webs 100, 200 (the profiles
110, 210 being made of the same material as the corresponding
segment of the web 100, 200 on which they are attached), or
obtained separately and then attached to the latter,
conventionally.
[0091] Nevertheless, according to the materials selected for the
different complementary profiles 110, 210, problems of cohesion
between the materials constituting the complementary profiles 110,
210, and where appropriate the support webs 100, 200, can
appear.
[0092] In this case, it is possible especially to fit each
complementary profile with a tread 116 extending according to the
longitudinal direction of the profiles 110, 210, and to fix this
tread 116 on the corresponding web 100, 200. The tread 116 is
preferably formed integrally with the respective rod 112, 214 of
the profiles 110, 210, and can extend for example either side of
the rod 112, 214, over a width at least equal to the width of the
widened protrusion 114, 216 of the profiles 112, 214.
[0093] The tread 116 can be attached by means of a conventional
binder 118, applied between the corresponding web 100, 200 and the
tread 116 over its entire length, as illustrated in FIG. 23a. As an
alternative, the tread 116 can be embedded in the material of the
support web 100, 200, as illustrated in FIG. 23b. Reference could
especially be made to French application FR 2 884 119 for more
details on the profiles fitted with treads 116.
[0094] If needed, when the webs 100, 200 include several
complementary profiles 110, 210 made of different materials, each
complementary profile 110, 210 can be fitted with its own tread
116. As an alternative, a simple tread can be made per group of
complementary profiles 110, 210 made of the same material.
Therefore, in the example of a device with five profiles 110, 210
described hereinaforementioned, the complementary profiles
110a-110c, 210a-210c made of rigid material can be formed
integrally with a common tread or each be formed integrally with
their own tread, then attached on the complementary web 100, 200.
The closing profiles 110d-100e as such, made of suppler material,
can form a single piece with the web complementary 100, 200 or, as
an alternative, also be fitted with such a tread and attached on
the corresponding web 100, 200, similarly to the profiles
110a-110c, 210a-210c made of rigid material.
[0095] One skilled in the art will understand that making
alterations of both complementary profiles 110, 210, reinforces the
tactile sensation and the sound effect of clicking obtained
especially during opening of the device, but also during its
closing, due to the succession of strong points and weak points in
the engagement and the separation as defined in the longitudinal
direction of closing.
[0096] The present invention in fact produces considerable
sequential alteration of both complementary profiles 110, 210, and
ensures their possible engagement and separation. In fact, in the
case of crushings 120, 220, the latter are perfectly complementary,
as they are borne out in a closed position of both profiles 110,
120, whereas in the case of sequential incisions 120', 220', the
profiles 110, 120 are not deformed according to their width such
that they remain complementary despite any shift of the incisions
120', 220' between the complementary profiles 110, 120.
[0097] It is evident that the presence of segments 130, 230 of
constant segment and therefore easy engagement of these segments
between two alterations 300 by simple sliding between the fingers
of a user prolongs the engagement obtained at the level of such
segments 130, 230 of constant segment towards the deformed
alteration areas 300.
[0098] Reinforcement of the tactile sensation and sound effect as a
result of the present invention results from common enlarging
achieved on both profiles.
[0099] By way of non-limiting example, the pitch of the sequential
alterations is comprised between 4 mm and 1 cm.
[0100] Also within the scope of the present invention, the
crushings are preferably achieved such that the result is flaring
in the direction of the width L of the profiles 110, 120, at least
equal to 5% of the original width L, preferably greater than 10% of
this width L.
[0101] The squeezing and/or incision knurls 400a-400d and if needed
the support roller 420 can be heated to reinforce the alteration of
closing profiles 110, 210 and ensure that the latter is kept in
position.
[0102] However, if the material allows, the crushings can be
achieved by means of simple knurls 400a-400d at room
temperature.
[0103] According to yet another alternative, the sequential
alterations can be achieved with knurls 400a-400d at room
temperature, but operating on "softened" closing, that is, deformed
by hot extrusion at the output of the latter.
[0104] FIG. 10 illustrates a bag according to the present
invention. FIG. 10 shows a series of alterations distributed over
the length of the closure device.
[0105] Naturally the present invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments which have just been described, but extends
to any alternative according to its nature. In particular, FIGS. 11
to 22 illustrate embodiments wherein the alterations 300 include
sequential crushings 120, 220, achieved on closure devices
including two complementary profiles 110a/210a and 110b/210b per
web 100, 200. But this is not limiting, to the extent where one
skilled in the art can apply the invention as described without
difficulty for sequential alterations 300 including incisions 120',
220' combined or not with crushings 120', 220 and/or intact
profiles, if needed on webs including a larger number of
complementary profiles 110, 210 and with different types of
profiles (male/male, hooks, etc.).
[0106] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 22, according to alternative
embodiments in line with the present invention, the closure device
can include at least two pairs of parallel complementary profiles.
This arrangement reinforces especially sealing of the bags once
closed and limits the risks of accidental opening under the effect
of internal pressure of the bags.
[0107] In this case it can be provided that both pairs of parallel
profiles are simultaneously squeezed sequentially with the same
pitch and synchronised, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, or with
longitudinal shift, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19 (or again
encore with different pitches or in multiples from one pair of
profiles to the other, with or without longitudinal shift) or just
one pair of profiles is squeezed, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 to
13.
[0108] As illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 22 where appropriate one at
least of the pairs of profiles can be formed from complementary
profiles in a hook 150, 160.
[0109] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate a first alternative
embodiment of a closure device according to the present invention
including two pairs of parallel complementary closing profiles
110a/210a and 110b/210b. More precisely, FIGS. 11, 12 and 13
illustrate respectively a view in partial perspective of the
closure device after sequential alteration by squeezing of a pair
of profiles 110a/210a (the second pair of profiles 110b/210b is not
squeezed) and individual views of male profiles 110a and 110b and
female profiles 210a and 210b forming in combination a closure
device according to the present invention illustrated in FIG.
11.
[0110] FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate a second alternative
embodiment of a closure device according to the present invention
including two pairs of parallel complementary closing profiles
110a/210a and 110b/210b. More precisely, FIGS. 14, 15 and 16
illustrate respectively a view in partial perspective of the
closure device after sequential alteration by squeezing of two
pairs of profiles 110a/210a and 110b/210b and individual views of
male profiles 110a and 110b female and profiles 210a/210b forming
in combination a closure device according to the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0111] FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 illustrate a third alternative
embodiment of a closure device according to the present invention
including two pairs of parallel complementary closing profiles
110a/210a and 110b/210b. More precisely, FIGS. 17, 18 and 19
illustrate respectively a view in partial perspective of the
closure device after sequential alteration by squeezing of two
pairs of profiles 110a/210a and 110b/210b with longitudinal shift
between the crushings achieved on both pairs of profiles and
individual views of male profiles 110a and 110b and female profiles
210a and 210b forming in combination a closure device according to
the present invention illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0112] FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 illustrate a fourth alternative
embodiment of a closure device according to the present invention
including two pairs of parallel complementary closing profiles
complementary of male/female type 110/210 and the other of
complementary hook type 150/160. More precisely, FIGS. 20, 21 and
22 illustrate respectively a view in partial perspective of the
closure device after sequential alteration by squeezing and
individual views of profiles borne by opposite supporting films and
forming in combination a closure device according to the present
invention illustrated in FIG. 20.
* * * * *