Zipper-type (e.g., Slider) Patents (Class 24/585.1)
  • Publication number: 20140259571
    Abstract: Reclosable fastener includes a first track having a first engagement profile and a first retention feature extending therefrom, the first retention feature disposed substantially level with or above a bottom of the first engagement profile and having a first outward extension and a first upward extension extending upwardly from the first outward extension; a second track having a second engagement profile and a second retention feature extending therefrom, the second retention feature disposed substantially level with or above a bottom of the second engagement profile and having a second outward extension and a second upward extension extending upwardly from the second outward extension; and a slider disposed on the first and second tracks and interlocking the first and second engagement profiles together when moved from an open position toward a closed position along the first and second tracks. A method of forming a reclosable fastener is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: James S. Blythe
  • Publication number: 20140130315
    Abstract: Provided is a slider for slide fastener. A pull-tab has a cam portion, and when the pull-tab is rotated from a laid-down state where the pull-tab is laid down toward one side of a slider main body to an erected state, the pull-tab is urged with using the cam portion in a direction in which the pull-tab reruns to the laid-down state by an elastic force of a spring part. The slider has a restraining part configured to prevent the pull-tab from rotating further from the erected state and prevent the pull-tab from being laid down toward the other side of the slider main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Keyaki, Yohei Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8695178
    Abstract: Various embodiments of slide fasteners include a first set of coupling elements and a second set of coupling elements configured to be removably joined together by a zipper. Each coupling element includes a first surface having a first shape and a second surface having a second shape, wherein the second surface is spaced apart from and cofaces the first surface. The first shape may be substantially triangular or substantially trapezoidal, according to various embodiments, and the second shape is substantially gear shaped. When the coupling elements of the first set and the second set are removably joined together, water is substantially prevented from leaking from the first surface to the second surface. In addition, the coupling elements are disposed on stringer tapes, and the surfaces of the stringer tapes adjacent the first surfaces of the coupling elements are laminated with a water resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Hisashi Yoneshima, Kentaro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20130227825
    Abstract: A vacuum press fit zipper assembly designed for watersports apparel and gear and other water related applications. Overmolding construction forms an effective seal around the entire perimeter of the fastener assembly, and a vacuum fit is created between the two mating portions of the zipper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kent Harrison Brightman
  • Patent number: 8359717
    Abstract: Various embodiments of slide fasteners include a first set of coupling elements and a second set of coupling elements configured to be removably joined together by a slider. Each coupling element includes a first surface having a first shape and a second surface having a second shape, wherein the second surface is spaced apart from and cofaces the first surface. The first shape may be substantially triangular or substantially trapezoidal, according to various embodiments, and the second shape is substantially gear shaped. When the coupling elements of the first set and the second set are removably joined together, water is substantially prevented from leaking from the first surface to the second surface. In addition, the coupling elements are disposed on stringer tapes, and the surfaces of the stringer tapes adjacent the first surfaces of the coupling elements are laminated with a water resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Kentaro Yamamoto, Hisashi Yoneshima, Shigeyoshi Takazawa
  • Patent number: 8127379
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Patrice L. Hardee
  • Patent number: 7850368
    Abstract: A reclosable pouch comprises a body portion having first and second pouch walls. A first closure mechanism is disposed on internal sides of the first and second walls. The first closure mechanism includes a first female profile having first and second spaced legs and a first male profile. A second closure mechanism is disposed on the internal sides of the first and second pouch walls. The second closure mechanism includes a second female profile having third and fourth spaced legs and a second male profile. One of the first, second, third, or fourth spaced legs is longer than the other leg of the same female profile. Further, the first and second closure mechanisms comprise differing opening and closing characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Pawloski, Douglas P. Gundlach
  • Publication number: 20100299881
    Abstract: A closure device for a thermoplastic bag which includes two opposing, longitudinally extending interlockable male and female fastening strips having respective male and female closure elements or profiles with outside wings that are deformed when the closure device is fully occluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael G. Borchardt, Andrew E. Neltner
  • Patent number: 7793391
    Abstract: The present invention includes a baby bottle liner constructed and arranged to fit into a cavity of a baby bottle. The baby bottle liner includes a continuous, profiled, elongated reclosable fastener. The continuous, profiled, elongated reclosable fastener has a first continuous elongated profile strip and a second continuous elongated profile strip. The first continuous elongated profile strip and the second continuous elongated profile strip are dimensioned to provide an airtight and/or watertight seal upon interconnection thereof. The baby bottle liner further comprises an airtight and watertight side seal at each end of the reclosable fastener. Each side seal connects an end of the reclosable fastener to an inside surface of a front wall and an inside surface of a back wall of the liner. The invention also provides a baby bottle with a baby bottle liner and a kit for infant nursing that has a plurality of baby bottle liners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Com-Pac International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Sprehe
  • Publication number: 20100175230
    Abstract: A waterproof fastening device is provided. The fastening device includes a first fastening member and second fastening member, both having mating surfaces that include rails and channels therein. The fastening devices further include mateable openings and projections therein that cooperate to impart a waterproof seal that is resistant to pull-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: William D. Kelsey, D. Scott Wolf, Benjamin Meager
  • Publication number: 20080196223
    Abstract: A wear-proof zipper assembly has two engaging assemblies engaging respectively with each other. Each engaging assembly has a strip, multiple engaging elements, a binding thread and a core element. Each engaging element has an intermediate recess. The binding thread is mounted on the strip, is mounted in the intermediate recesses of the engaging elements and binds the engaging elements on the strip. The binding threads are hardly worn off so the wear-proof zipper assembly is durable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Chieh-Pin Chang
  • Publication number: 20080134478
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a slider and a reclosable zipper, particularly a zipper with first and second profiles for watertight vessels, packages or similar devices. The slider is generally C-shaped with an upper arm, a lower arm, and a support wall in between. The support wall includes a groove which captures a rail formed on the first profile so that the slider can slidably move along the rail, riding the first profile. The lower arm includes separator blades which separate the first and second profiles when the slider is moved in the opening direction so as to urge the second profile between the upper and lower arms. When the slider is moved in the closing direction, the second profile travels between the upper and lower arms and is urged into engagement with the first profile by the upper arm. At the final closing position, the slider is stabilized or parked within a cut-out portion of the second profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Henry Swain, Edward Gayowski, Stanley Piotrowski, Lynnette Dehnke
  • Patent number: 7316309
    Abstract: A tool container has a pair of housing members pivotally coupled with one another to provide an opened and closed position. At least one of the members defines a cavity to receive tools. The cavity is defined by a base and a wall extending from the base. A tool retaining insert is permanently secured in the cavity. The insert and wall include tenons and grooves to secure the insert in the housing member. Also, an arcuate locking mechanism is included to maintain the pair of housing members in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John P Streich, Daniel G Findle, Patrick S Keenan, David Namey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7316052
    Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes interlocking male and female closure elements having elongate hollow closure profiles. The male closure profile has a hollow shaft section, and the female closure profile has a channel with at least one hollow side. A set of pleated grip strips may be disposed adjacent the closure elements to aid in opening a pouch. A die plate for extruding the closure element includes an extrudate aperture that forms an intermediate closure profile including a gap between spaced apart base wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Pawloski, Robert R. Turvey, Bryan L. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 7213303
    Abstract: A closure device (100) is provided for use with storage containers (50), such as plastic bags. The closure device (100) includes interlocking fastening strips (120, 130) having first and second ends and a slider member (200) movably installed upon the interlocking fastening strips to facilitate the occlusion and deocclusion thereof. The slider member (200) includes a pair of spaced-apart side walls (210, 220) which are positioned on opposite sides of the interlocking fastening strips (120, 130) and an intermediate body portion (240) therebetween which is positioned upon the interlocking fastening strips. The slider member (200) also includes notches (250, 260) formed therein which are adapted to engage cooperating protrusions (280, 290) formed on the interlocking fastening strips (120, 130) at the first and second ends (111, 112) thereof to obstruct movement of the slider member (200) beyond the first and second ends (111, 112).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Patent number: 6826808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure (3) that comprises two interacting pairs of locking ribs (23, 33) that function in pairs. Said locking ribs (23, 33) are formed integrally with connecting strips (17, 21) in which guide ribs (27, 37) are configured which engage in a common glider (31). The closure (3) is opened by conical grooves (29, 39) inside the glider (31) which modify the distance between the two guide ribs (27, 37) by pushing apart and separating or reuniting and joining them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Zip Pack IP AG
    Inventor: Martin Kutschka
  • Patent number: 6821589
    Abstract: A plastic bag comprises first and second panels each having a top, a bottom, and first and second opposing sides. The first and second panels are joined to each other along their respective bottoms, their respective first opposing sides, and their respective second opposing sides. The plastic bag includes a zipper having a male and female track. The male track includes a male profile and a first fin, in which the first fin is affixed to the first panel in proximity to the top of said first panel. The female track includes a female profile and a second fin, in which the second fin is affixed to the second panel in proximity to the top of said second panel. The male and female profiles having complementary cross-sections. The inventive fins comprise a first resin and, optionally, a second resin which, along with the fins seals, are able to withstand greater forces and more adverse conditions. At least one of the fins comprises a first resin having a polydispersity of about 1 to about 4, a melt index of about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Dobreski, Steve P Long
  • Publication number: 20040031132
    Abstract: A closure arrangement for a reclosable polymeric bag is disclosed, the closure arrangement comprising convex and concave areas that facilitate opening the bag. To initially open the bag, first and second films are separated from each other by tearing perforations. Next, interlocked closure profiles are detached from each other by grabbing onto gripper ridges and pulling the opening of the bag apart. If the first or second film becomes tucked into the groove left by the perforations such that the gripper ridges are difficult to access even after tearing the perforations, then the end of the opening may be flexed up or down, thereby causing separation of the convex area and concave area to provide access to the gripper ridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Greg J. VandenHeuvel, Greg W. Melchoir
  • Patent number: 6691375
    Abstract: The closure device (121) includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A flexible slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the vertical Z axis (106). The slider (132) includes legs (240, 242) which provide resistance against the removal of the slider from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the vertical Z axis (106) thereafter. The closure device also provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Publication number: 20040025308
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a plastic zipper equipped with a slider which zipper is imparted with high hermetical-sealability and facility in unsealing and reopening/reclosing; further a plastic zipper equipped with a slider which zipper is imparted in addition thereto with a function capable of detection of its having been unsealed after sealing packaging; and a bag body fitted with the zipper with a slider attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Juichi Kasai
  • Patent number: 6622353
    Abstract: A slider-operated fastener comprises first and second opposing tracks including respective first and second interlocking profiles and respective first and second fins extending downward from the respective first and second profiles. The first and second fins are sealed to each other by a plurality of spaced preseals. After generating each preseal, a notch is formed in the profiles and upper portions of the fins at the generated preseal. To install a slider onto the fastener, the slider is initially positioned within the respective notch and then threaded onto the fastener in response to relative movement of the slider and the fastener. Either before or after the steps of forming each preseal and respective notch and installing the respective slider, the fastener is attached to a moving web of plastic film. The fastener-carrying web is later folded and sealed to form individual plastic bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Thomas L. Coomber, Toby R. Thomas, Nathan A. Kolovich
  • Patent number: 6612002
    Abstract: The closure device (121) includes first and second fastening strips (130, 131) arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length. The first fastening strip (130) includes a first flange (163) which extends from the first fastening strip in a transverse Y axis (104) towards the second fastening strip. The second fastening strip (131) includes a second flange (153) which extends from the second fastening strip in the transverse Y axis (104) toward the first fastening strip. A slider (132) slidably engages the first and second fastening strips (130, 131). The slider (132) includes a separator and the separator engages the first flange (163) and the second flange (153) during deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Patent number: 6611996
    Abstract: A slider for a reclosable fastener for plastic bags comprises a body. The body includes a top, a first side, a second side and a separation member on an underside of the top. The separation member is adapted to open and close the fastener. The first side has at least one slot for separating the first side into at least two sections. The second side has at least one slot for separating the second side into at least two sections. Each of the slots extends from respective ends of the first and second sides opposite the top and extends through the respective first and second sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: James S. Blythe, Eric A. St. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6581253
    Abstract: A reusable bi-directional, fluid-tight, vertical sealing device for closing, sealing, and permitting re-opening of, flexible bags, with two sealing strips arranged to be interlocked and uninterlocked by a slider which has internal means such as rails acting upon the sealing strips so as to move them into a vertically interlocked fluid-tight sealing contact capable of holding a vacuum without leakage and of resisting pressure differences in either direction across the seal, so that the efficacy of the seal is improved by increases in the pressure differential. The word “fluid”, is used in its usual meaning of liquid or gas or a mixture of both, and, in addition, powder, and “vertical”, herein means in the plane of interior contact of the sheets of the bag when empty and hanging vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Beresford ErkenBrack
  • Patent number: 6550111
    Abstract: A slide fastener assembly includes a first coupling member that has a plurality of locking tabs. A second coupling member has a plurality of locking channels. Each of the locking channels of the second coupling member receives one of the locking tabs of the first coupling member when the second coupling member and the first coupling member are pressed together. A slider assembly is slidably coupled to the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The slider slides in a first direction along the first coupling member and the second coupling member for locking each of the locking tabs of the first coupling member into a respective one of the locking channels of the second coupling member. The slider slides in a second direction for removing each of the locking tabs of the first coupling member from the respective one of the locking channels of the second coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph A. Garraffa, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6546604
    Abstract: A new self-mating mechanical fastener is disclosed, which comprises a base sheet and a multiplicity of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting from the base sheet. The ribs comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and at least one flange attached to each side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet. At least the outer portions of the flanges desirably project toward the base sheet. The cross-sectional profile formed by the ribs is substantially uniform over the length of the ribs, but in the direction transverse to the ribs has a regularly repeated deviation from the profile that would be formed by a full population of equally spaced, identical, undivided, symmetric ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Galkiewicz, Graham M. Clarke, Ronald W. Ausen, Brian E. Spiewak
  • Patent number: 6487758
    Abstract: A polypropylene closure arrangement for flexible packages comprises a blend having a polypropylene random copolymer as a base resin with a flexible modifier, and a slip component. The polypropylene closure arrangement 10, 110 is sufficiently flexible to be extruded and coiled around guide wheels similar to the fusion process of a polyethylene closure arrangement. The polypropylene closure arrangement in accordance with the present invention has the ability to be fusibly attached to a polypropylene film or other fusibly compatible thermoplastic material launch conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Richard Shaffer, Charles Stempka, Lisa Mae Harris
  • Publication number: 20020170156
    Abstract: A zipper (10) for application to a film or web using cross-web techniques comprises two interengageable elements (12, 14), each having engageable hooks (20, 22), and each having an upstanding post (24) at the margin of the fastener which is engageable with a heel (28) at the opposing margin of the other element, with the respective posts (24) and heels (28) being complementarily angled (26) at their respective contact surfaces. This enables the closure more easily to resist pressure without distortion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Martin John Charles Offa-Jones
  • Publication number: 20020162200
    Abstract: A reclosable fastener (10) comprising a male/female closure between a pair of opposed base members (18) has a single flange (16) for attachment of the closure to a web or film (34) on one only of the two base members. The fastener is attached initially to the film (34) by the single flange and then the fastener is additionally attached to the film (34) by heat and pressure applied in the region of attachment ribs (30) on the base members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Martin John Charles Offa-Jones
  • Patent number: 6367128
    Abstract: A new self-mating mechanical fastener is disclosed, which comprises a base sheet and a multiplicity of parallel, narrowly spaced, elastically deformable ribs projecting from the base sheet. The ribs comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the base sheet and at least one flange attached to each side of the stem portion and spaced from the base sheet. At least the outer portions of the flanges desirably project toward the base sheet. The cross-sectional profile formed by the ribs is substantially uniform over the length of the ribs, but in the direction transverse to the ribs has a regularly repeated deviation from the profile that would be formed by a full population of equally spaced, identical, undivided, symmetric ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Galkiewicz, Graham M. Clarke, Ronald W. Ausen, Brian E. Spiewak
  • Patent number: 6350058
    Abstract: The zipper includes zipper tape with a narrow band of untreated surface on the leading edges of the flanges that permits the tack sealing of the flanges together by non-continuous sealing bars. This prevents the leading edge of the flanges from curling or flipping up thereby reducing the tendency of a leading edge of a zipper from jamming as the web moves over the collar of a form fill and seal apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Basil (Bud) C. Linton