Abstract: A container made of an elastomer such as silicone with an integrated leak resistant seal and pressure shield. The seal incorporates press-fit elements with sizes and shapes sufficient to provide a strong seal that resists leakage of liquids from inside the container. The seal is integrated into the container and requires no external clips or clasps. The pressure shield increases leak resistance by at least 300% and is formed by adding material to the inside of the container and not to the engaging portions of the seal and works by deflecting pressure away from the two leak resistant seal portions. Additional features are provided to facilitate opening such as extended flaps for pulling the sides open, and asymmetric cavities for press-fit elements to reduce the initial opening force. The container itself may be of asymmetrical shape, such as trapezoidal, to provide a wide opening along with a strong seal.

Abstract: A closed-circuit dressing system for preventing moisture contacting PICC sites is provided. The closed-circuit dressing system include a breathable bag for harboring the PICC line(s) and a dressing film that envelopes the PICC site, wherein a moisture indicator ring provided by the dressing film indicates moisture penetrating a dressing reinforcement along the periphery of the dressing film.

Abstract: A bag including a childproof resealable closure system. The bag includes an opening extending from a first end to a second end configured with a closure system to seal the opening. The closure system includes a first elongate closure element and a second elongate closure element, coupled to opposing sidewalls of the bag and extending from the first end to the second end. The first and second elongate closure elements may be resealably interlocked to provide the seal. The first closure element may be coupled to its sidewall along its lower portion while leaving the upper portion of the closure element substantially disconnected. The second closure element may be coupled to its sidewall along its upper and lower portions. The second closure element may include a discreet partial gap along its length to facilitate the gripping and separating of the closure system, to render the resealable bag childproof.

Abstract: A closure device for detachably connecting two parts to one another includes a first closure part which has at least two first magnetic sections which are spaced apart from one another and form an intermediate space between one another, and a second closure part which has at least one second magnetic section. The first closure part and the second closure part can be attached to one another along a closure direction in such a way that the closure device assumes a closed position in which the at least one second magnetic section is accommodated at least partially by the intermediate space. In the closed position, an attractive magnetic force, which is directed substantially perpendicular to the closure direction, thereby acts both between the at least one second magnetic section and each of the at least two first magnetic sections forming the intermediate space.

Abstract: An interlocking means including a first interlocking member for which a male interlocking part is provided in a longitudinal direction of a band-shaped first base and a second interlocking member for which a female interlocking part is provided in a longitudinal direction of a band-shaped second base, and in which multiple sections whose heights are low are formed at the female interlocking part at intervals in a longitudinal direction of the female interlocking part, and the male interlocking part and the female interlocking part are interlocked in the low sections in the same manner as in the non-low sections; and a hag with an interlocking means in which the interlocking means is provided.

Abstract: An interlocking means including a first interlocking member for which a male interlocking part is provided in a longitudinal direction of a band-shaped first base and a second interlocking member for which a female interlocking part is provided in a longitudinal direction of a band-shaped second base, and in which multiple sections whose heights are low are formed at the female interlocking part at intervals in a longitudinal direction of the female interlocking part, and the male interlocking part and the female interlocking part are interlocked in the low sections in the same manner as in the non-low sections; and a hag with an interlocking means in which the interlocking means is provided.

Abstract: A hinged slider for a closure assembly of a bag includes a top wall and a pair of legs extending from the top wall. A first leg and a second leg of the pair each includes a top end attached to the top wall and a bottom end opposing the top end. A pair of wings is hingedly attached to the pair of legs. A first wing and a second wing of the pair of wings is each hingedly attached to the bottom end of the first leg and second leg, respectively, to hinge upwardly. The first wing and the second wing hinge upwardly in order to install the slider onto the closure assembly.

Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes a first bag wall. A second bag wall opposing the first bag wall is joined to the first bag wall to form an interior of the pouch with an opening to the interior. A first male closure element coupled to the first bag wall defines a plurality of deformed segments and a plurality of normal segments alternating along a length thereof. A first female closure element coupled to the second bag wall engages with the first male closure element to seal the opening of the pouch and to generate a first sound. A second female closure element coupled to the second bag wall engages with the second male closure element to seal the opening of the pouch and to generate a second sound differing from the first sound.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for a reclosable bag including an elongated groove profile having two arms which define an opening to a channel, and an elongated rib profile opposing the groove profile, wherein a plurality of first segments of the rib profile alternate with a plurality of second segments of the rib profile to create a structural discontinuity along a length thereof. The groove profile and the rib profile form a first zipper, the second segments have a smaller cross-section when viewed perpendicular to the length of the rib profile than the first segments, and the second segments are longer than the first segments.

Abstract: A child resistant zipper closure for a bag includes a slider having a flexible tab with a torpedo. To open a zipper closure, the tab must be held in a downward position to engage the torpedo between male and female tracks and result in separation of interlocked complementary profiles, while the slider is moved along the zipper closure.

Abstract: A child resistant zipper closure for a bag includes a slider having a flexible tab with a torpedo. To open a zipper closure, the tab must be held in a downward position to engage the torpedo between male and female tracks and result in separation of interlocked complementary profiles, while the slider is moved along the zipper closure.

Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes an elongated closure mechanism, disposed at the top portion of the pouch, having a first male closure element coupled to a first bag wall defining a plurality of deformed segments. A first female closure element coupled to a second bag wall opposes the first male closure element. The first female closure element has first and second spaced legs that are constructed and arranged to engage the first male closure element in order to close the opening of the pouch. The deformed segments of the first male closure element create at least one of a first clicking feel and a first clicking sound when the first female closure element engages the first male closure element to close the opening of the pouch.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a leak-resistant slider zipper. The zipper typically includes end seals at the opening and closing ends of the zipper, an upper and a lower set of interlocking elements, first and second upper flanges above the upper interlocking elements having no gaps or cut-outs therein, and first and second lower flanges below the lower interlocking elements, one of the lower flanges being folded back on itself, and a slider.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates a reclosure or zipper for a reclosable package or container, such as a plastic bag, wherein opening or closing the zipper causes an audible sound and a tactile feel. The reclosure or zipper is manufactured by an apparatus which includes a cutting wheel which is opposed to a pressure wheel. The cutting wheel includes cutting teeth spaced about its periphery. Interlocked zipper material is engaged between the cutting wheel and the pressure wheel to form indentations in the interlocked zipper, thereby resulting in audible and tactile feedback when the zipper is operated.

Abstract: A zipper for use in a reclosable bag including an elongated groove profile having two arms which form a general U-shape to define an opening to a channel, and an elongated rib profile opposing the groove profile. A plurality of first segments of the rib profile alternate with a plurality of second segments of the rib profile to create a structural discontinuity along a length thereof. The first segments have larger cross-sections and shorter lengths than the second segments such that interlocking the groove and rib profiles creates the audible clicking sound when the groove and rib profiles are engaged.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a slider zipper which includes first and second zipper profiles, typically a hinged profile and an non-hinged profile, with first and second ears extending above the respective first and second zipper profiles. A slider rides above the zipper profiles and opens the zipper by separating the ears. Typically, the slider is configured to push the non-hinged zipper profile away from the hinged zipper profiles. Similarly, typically, the ear on the non-hinged zipper profile is stiffer than the ear on the hinged zipper profile.

Abstract: The zipper includes flanges which include an oxygen scavenging polymer. The oxygen scavenging polymer can be a co-extruded layer or blended with other polymers. The oxygen scavenging polymer is activated by ultra-violet light prior to installation by a form fill seal apparatus. This zipper is particularly useful in reducing residual oxygen in the packaging of such food products as cheese and meat, thereby extending the shelf life.

Abstract: A belt-shaped base of a male member of a zipper tape attached on an inner surface of a bag body includes a main body provided with an engagement portion, a thin portion connected to an opening-side of the main body, a thick portion connected to an opening-side of the thin portion and a projecting portion provided on the thick portion. A female member is also provided with the same arrangement. When the zipper tape is fused with the bag body, a gap is provided between the thin portion and a film of the bag body and between the thin portion and a film of a bag body, so that the thin portions are easily bent.

Abstract: A zipper in which a male member having a male interlocking section and a female member having a female interlocking section that fits with the male interlocking section are peelable and re-fittable is provided. The male member and the female member are formed by different resins, and at least the male interlocking section and the female interlocking section are peelably adhered or contacted with each other with substantially no gap.

Abstract: A belt-shaped base of a male member of a zipper tape attached on an inner surface of a bag body includes a main body provided with an engagement portion, a thin portion connected to an opening-side of the main body, a thick portion connected to an opening-side of the thin portion and a projecting portion provided on the thick portion. A female member is also provided with the same arrangement. When the zipper tape is fused with the bag body, a gap is provided between the thin portion and a film of the bag body and between the thin portion and a film of the bag body, so that the thin portions are easily bent.

Abstract: A fastener including a pair of base members formed in the shape of a band and a claw unit formed between the pair of the base members, and the claw unit engages the base members with each other and seals a gap between the base members. The claw unit includes a sealing unit and an engaging unit. The sealing unit includes a male claw and a female claw that receives the male claw so as to make an area between the claws liquid-tight or air-tight. The engaging unit includes a pair of hooks. A side wall of the female claw of the sealing unit is formed as a restricting part that prevents a displacement of one hook of the engaging unit in a separation direction.

Abstract: A bag body provided with a zipper tape in which both openability by hands and openability by an automatic machine are improved while ensuring the opening strength on the contents side in order to prevent the leakage of the contents is provided. A zipper tape is configured such that the distance A between a front end part of a female part on the non-opening side and a top part on a protruded part on the opening side, the distance B between a front end part of a female part on the non-opening side and a front part opposing to a stripe-shaped base in a protruded part on the non-opening side, and the angle C formed by a protruded part on the non-opening side and a side surface of a shaft part connecting therewith satisfies the relationship represented by the following formula: A?B?0.20 mm and 50°?C?85°.

Abstract: A storage bag has a first fastener strip positioned adjacent to an opening of the bag that includes at least one interlocking profile. A second fastener strip positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag also includes at least one interlocking profile. A slider includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a top wall connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The slider includes (a) a plurality of ridges extending from a first sidewall, the plurality of ridges extending farther from the first sidewall at the ends of the slider than at a position at the center of the length of the slider, and (b) a plurality of ridges extending from a second sidewall, the plurality of ridges extending further from the second sidewall at the ends of the slider than at a position at the center of the length of the slider.

Abstract: A seal base, which is thicker than a thick portion and is bondable to an inner surface of a bag body, is continuously connected to one of belt-like bases of a zipper tape via a belt-like cutting portion that is thinner than the thick portion and separates a containing space from an outside. A first linking portion having a first corner (a) is defined by a cutting outer surface of the cutting portion and a seal outer continuous surface of the seal base. A second linking portion having a second corner (b) is defined by a contained cutting surface of the cutting portion and a contained seal continuous surface of the seal base.

Abstract: A slider is provided which can be mounted on a zipper without any pre-activation, particularly zippers which are opened by squeezing together a portion of the profiles wherein a fulcrum effect is achieved to separate the profiles. The slider omits at least part of the zipper opening elements so that the user must squeeze the slider together in order to urge the zipper profiles apart thereby opening the zipper.

Abstract: A reclosable bag includes first and second side edges and a double zipper, which includes first zipper with first side seal adjacent the first side edge and second side seal adjacent the second side edge. The double zipper includes second zipper having third side seal adjacent the first side edge, and fourth side seal adjacent to the second side edge. One of the first side seal and third side seal has an end that is spaced closer to the second side edge than the other. A method for providing a sensory indication of double sealing in a reclosable bag includes closing a mouth by pressing opposing fingers against first and second zipper closures and moving opposing fingers linearly across the closures until there is a sensory indication of an end seal for each of the first and second zipper closures at different linear locations.

Abstract: The bag may include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first fastening strip and a second fastening strip. The fastening strips may include a base portion having a pair of spaced-apart webs extending from the base portion. The webs may include hook portions extending from the webs. The fastening strips may have wide base portions. The fastening strips may have thick base portions. The fastening strips may provide a greater surface area for the user to apply a force during the occlusion process and may reduce the occlusion effort. The fastening strips may have a lower occlusion force. The fastening strips may provide improved alignment of the fastening strips. The fastening strips may have an improved perception of seal security with a high opening force and/or a high peel force.

Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes a first side wall and a second side wall joined together to form a bag. The pouch has an open top for receiving and removing items to be stored, such as food or other material. The pouch further includes at least one closure mechanism near the open top of the bag which provides for a reclosable bag. Each closure mechanism comprises a male closure element and a female closure element aligned on the opposing first and second side walls, respectively. The male closure element is asymmetrically deformed in a plurality of intermittent section. Preferably, the closure mechanism is a double zipper with at least one male section including one hook extending from an end thereof to engage the female closure element. The closure mechanism provides a clicking feel and/or sound when the pouch is closed. The closure mechanism is substantially leak-proof when closed.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper is illustrated, which includes a first profile having a first interlocking element, a first consumer side flange with a first consumer side intermeshing contour and a first product side flange with a first product side intermeshing contour. The zipper includes a second profile which includes a second interlocking element, a second consumer side flange with a second consumer side intermeshing contour, and a second product side flange with a second product side intermeshing contour. The first and second consumer side intermeshing contours are complementary intermeshing contours and the first and second product side intermeshing contours are complementary intermeshing contours. As a result, when the interlocking elements are engaged, the first and second consumer side intermeshing contours are capable of intermeshing and the first and second product side intermeshing contours are capable of intermeshing.

Abstract: A recloseable pouch defining an interior including a first wall, a second wall opposing and partially sealed to the first wall to form an opening, and a closure mechanism for selectively sealing the opening. The closure mechanism includes a female closure element having first and second spaced legs extending from the first wall that are substantially symmetric about a longitudinal centerline and defining female sealing surfaces. The closure mechanism also includes a male closure element including a proximal base portion extending from the second wall, a neck portion forming male sealing surfaces to engage the female sealing surfaces, and a distal head portion. The male closure element has a plurality of intermittent deformed portions so that upon inserting the proximal base portion into the female closure element, the female closure element deflects and, in turn, fluid is allowed to flow past the closure mechanism via the adjacent intermittent portions.

Abstract: Method of making an end termination on a reclosable fastener includes providing a reclosable fastener including a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first track has an end portion and the second track has an end portion. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. A plastic slider is slidably mounted to the fastener for movement between an open position and a closed position, and the slider has a separating finger. An end termination is formed at the end portions of the first and second tracks, and the end termination has a shape corresponding to the separating finger.

Abstract: A length of flanged zipper material for reclosable packages or bags is provided with inverted T-shape endstops wherein the zipper profiles are crushed and the flanges are fused together. The reclosable packages or bags are separated at the mid-point of the inverted T-shaped endstops thereby forming L-shaped and reversed L-shaped endstops. The zipper flanges are fused together in the lower cross elements of the endstop thereby providing an area for the slider to be placed wherein the forces from distension of the package or bag walls are unlikely to exert forces to separate the slider from the zipper. This is particularly applicable to slider zippers wherein the flanges are attached to or substantially co-planar with the exterior sidewalls of the interlocking elements of the zipper profiles.

Abstract: A slider actuates profiled closure shapes for a closure assembly equipping a sachet. The slider includes a base, two flanks, means adapted for stressing respectively said profiled closure shapes, by moving towards or moving away according to a direction of displacement of the slider along the profiled closure shapes, such that the profiled closure shapes are movable between a closed latch position and an open separated position, and a stiffening bar extending along a longitudinal free edge of each of the two flanks. The stiffening bar has a greater thickness than a thickness of its respective flank, extends over an external face of its respective flank, is made from a piece with its respective flank, and has a same longitudinal range as its respective flank.

Abstract: Since a rib having a thickness substantially equal to a thickness of each of first and second thick portions is provided in a cutting portion of a zipper tape, the first and second thick portions and the rib can be bonded to an inner surface when the zipper tape is bonded to a bag body. Accordingly, when tearing a packaging bag for opening, stress concentrates on a thin portion having a small tensile strength, so that the packaging bag can be cut at a single cutting position in the thin portion. Consequently, no cutting fragment is generated. Moreover, since a cutting line is positioned by the rib when tearing the packaging bag, the cutting line is not waved, so that the packaging bag can easily be torn with a linear cutting performance.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a reclosable zipper for a package or bag wherein apertures are formed at periodic package-width intervals passing through the interlocking elements of the zipper profiles in order to minimize the mass of zipper material in areas where side seals of packages or bags will be subsequently formed. The otherwise interlocking elements upstream of, or at the trailing edge of, the apertures are deformed so as to prevent interlocking of the elements through a limited area. This allows a separator pin to pass through the area of the apertures and pass between the zipper profiles, eliminating or reducing the collision of the separator with the zipper profiles and subsequent potential damage to the zipper profiles.

Abstract: A slider actuated closure mechanism includes internal projections that extend from interior sides of the closure elements and retention members that extend from exterior sides of the closure elements. A slider is disposed over the first and second closure elements and includes first and second sidewalls each including a shoulder inwardly extending from a distal end thereof. When the slider is disposed over the first and second closure elements, the first sidewall and the first closure element are minimally horizontally separated by a distance d1, the second sidewall and the second closure element are minimally horizontally separated by a distance d2, and the internal projections are horizontally separated by a distance d3. The sum of the distances d1, d2, and d3 equals a total non-zero distance, dt, that is less than a length that each of the shoulders inwardly extends from the respective first and second sidewalls.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a slider zipper which includes first and second zipper profiles, typically a hinged profile and an non-hinged profile, with first and second ears extending above the respective first and second zipper profiles. A slider rides above the zipper profiles and opens the zipper by separating the ears. Typically, the slider is configured to push the non-hinged zipper profile away from the hinged zipper profiles. Similarly, typically, the ear on the non-hinged zipper profile is stiffer than the ear on the hinged zipper profile.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to various embodiments of zippers with a tear flange for use in a reclosable flexible package or bag. A line of weakness can be introduced into the tear flange by application of a peel seal polymer resin or of a foaming agent. The disclosure includes further embodiments wherein lines of weakness are introduced into the flanges of zippers in reclosable packages or bags.

Abstract: The invention provides a fastener stringer for a hidden slide fastener Each of the fastener tapes includes a main tape body, a folded tape portion which is folded into a U-shape, and an element attaching portion. The folded tape portion includes at least two multiple-weave portions in which warp yarn forms a multiple-weave structure, and a single-weave portion arranged at least at one location of an intermediate portion of the folded tape portion. According to this, it is possible to enhance rigidity of the folded tape portion in a lateral direction of a tape, and to prevent a position of the warp yarn from being misaligned at the multiple-weave portion. Therefore, hiding performance of the hidden slide fastener can be enhanced.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch includes a female profile having first, second, and third legs extending from a base of a first closure element. A first sealing flange is attached to each of the first and second legs, with a slit disposed through the first sealing flange to define a first sealing flap that depends from the first leg and a second sealing flap that depends from the second leg. A second sealing flange is attached to each of the second and third legs, with a slit disposed through the second sealing flange to define a third sealing flap that depends from the second leg and a fourth sealing flap that depends from the third leg. A first male profile extends from a base of a second closure element. The first male profile engages a portion of the first and second sealing flaps to form a seal therebetween when the respective male and female profiles are occluded. A second male profile extends from the base of the second closure element.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener having a one-way valve interposed between first and second sets of interlocking members permits fluid flow in one direction through the fastener and blocks fluid flow in an opposite direction through the fastener.

Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable bag including an elongated groove profile having two arms which form a general U-shape to define an opening to a channel, and an elongated rib profile opposing the groove profile, wherein a plurality of first segments of the rib profile alternate with a plurality of second segments of the rib profile to create a structural discontinuity along a length thereof, wherein during interlocking the groove and rib profiles, an audible clicking sound of at least 50 dB on average is created during opening and closing.

Abstract: A zipper for use in a reclosable bag including an elongated groove profile having two arms which form a general U-shape to define an opening to a channel, and an elongated rib profile opposing the groove profile. A plurality of first segments of the rib profile alternate with a plurality of second segments of the rib profile to create a structural discontinuity along a length thereof. The first segments have larger cross-sections and shorter lengths than the second segments such that interlocking the groove and rib profiles creates the audible clicking sound when the groove and rib profiles are engaged.

Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable bag including an elongated groove profile having two arms which form a general U-shape to define an opening to a channel, and an elongated rib profile opposing the groove profile, wherein a plurality of first segments of the rib profile alternate with a plurality of second segments of the rib profile to create a structural discontinuity along a length thereof, wherein during interlocking the groove and rib profiles, an audible clicking sound of at least 50 dB on average is created during opening and closing.

Abstract: A reclosable locking tape for releasably attaching a fabric add-on to a foundation includes: (a) a substantially planar tape base to which is affixed at least one male locking portion that is generally mushroom-shaped and includes a stem affixed to a cap; and (b) at least one female locking portion affixed to the tape base, the female locking portion including two same-sized hook members on opposite sides of a male portion-sized space in the female portion. Also included are a reclosable rib and groove tape assembly that includes: (a) a fabric add-on including at least one longitudinally extending rib or groove on a substantially planar and flexible portion backing; and (b) a separate foundation attachment portion including at least one rib or groove on a substantially planar portion backing, the rib or groove of the foundation attachment portion corresponding to the rib or groove of the add-on attachment portion, and a related method.

Abstract: A closure mechanism includes a first elongate closure member that sealing engages with a second elongate closure member and a slider. The slider slides along the first and second elongate closure members to engage or separate the first and second elongate closure members. Further, the first elongate closure member includes a first series of regularly spaced features that interacts with the slider to produce a first feedback at a first frequency and the second elongate closure member includes a second series of regularly spaced features that interacts with the slider to produce a second feedback at a second frequency. The first feedback and the second feedback are produced simultaneously when the slider is slid along the first and second elongate closure members.

Abstract: The present invention includes a reclosable bag having first and second walls and an open top defined by first and second elongate flexible fastener strips adjacent the top of the walls. One of the fastener strip has a profile portion forming a groove and had a profile portion forming a rib. A portion of the rib is received and retained in the groove when the bag top is closed. Each of the fastener strips has a base connected to the respective walls and each of the fastener strips further has an upper edge adjacent the upper edge. The bag has a slider mounted on the strips and movable in one direction longitudinally to progressively separate the rib from the groove to open the bag, and the slider is movable in the opposite direction to progressively return the rib to a retained condition in the groove so as to close the bag.

Abstract: Rolling action reclosable fastener comprises a male track including a male profile, a female track including a female profile, and a slider disposed on the male and female tracks to matingly engage the male profile and the female profile. The slider includes a back and a pair of sidewall depending therefrom. The slider also includes a separator finger depending from the back between the pair of sidewalls and shaped along its length to first press together a bottom of the male and female profiles and then roll the profiles closed toward a top thereof as the slider moves toward the closed condition. The male profile comprises a base and a rib with a hook portion having an inwardly-directed surface including a projection defining an engagement surface. The female profile comprises a base and a first flange having an inwardly-directed surface including a projection defining an engaging surface.

Abstract: Rolling action reclosable fastener comprises a male track including a male profile, a female track including a female profile, and a slider disposed on the male and female tracks to matingly engage the male profile and the female profile. The slider includes a back and a pair of sidewall depending therefrom. The slider also includes a separator finger depending from the back between the pair of sidewalls and shaped along its length to first press together a bottom of the male and female profiles and then roll the profiles closed toward a top thereof as the slider moves toward the closed condition. The male profile comprises a base and a rib with a hook portion having an inwardly-directed surface including a projection defining an engagement surface. The female profile comprises a base and a first flange having an inwardly-directed surface including a projection defining an engaging surface.

Abstract: A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags that includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track has a first profile and the second track has a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. At least one slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is adapted to engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to movement along the zipper. The second track may have one or more to spaced primary notches interrupting the second profile. The spaced primary notches of the second track are generally aligned to respective ones of the primary notches of the first track. At least one slider is inserted onto the aligned pairs of primary notches via a respective one of the generally aligned notches.