RECLOSABLE PACKAGE AND METHOD
A reclosable tamper-evident package is opened and closed repeatedly by moving a slider device with a clip in a first, inoperative position that interlocks a first closure of the package. When it is desired to close the package and provide an indication of further opening, the clip is moved to a second, operative position, so that motion of the slider also interlocks a second closure that cannot be opened without providing an indication. A slider device includes a top wall, first and second sidewalls, and a clip moveable from an inoperative position to an operative position. A closure assembly includes a zipper with the slider device. A method of using a package includes grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down to engage the clip against a portion of a zipper closure arrangement, and then moving the slider device in a first direction while the clip squeezes the portion of the zipper closure arrangement to close the mouth.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/721,186 filed Sep. 27, 2005. application Ser. No. 60/721,186 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to closure arrangements packages, and, in particular, to a closure arrangement for recloseable tamper-evident packages, and methods of using tamper-evident packages.
BACKGROUNDReclosable packages are convenient because they can be closed and sealed to preserve and contain the enclosed contents. Reclosable packages are also advantageous because they may be opened and closed multiple times. However, in certain applications such as where it is desired to maintain the security and integrity of the contents of the package, it may be desired that a reclosable package be capable of being opened and closed multiple times, and also be capable of being closed in such a way that it cannot be readily opened again without providing an indication that it has been opened or tampered with. In this way, the package is tamper-evident, such that an indication, such as a visual indication, is apparent if the package is opened after having been closed in such a way to prevent re-opening without providing an indication of tampering. For example, it may be desired to place evidence for use in a legal proceeding in a package. This may require opening and closing the package multiple times to deposit contents into the package, and when it is desired that the contents no longer be accessed, then closing the package in a manner that prevents the evidence contained within from being accessed or tampered without an indication being provided. Similarly, it may be desired to place cash or financial instruments in a package where the package is capable of being opened and closed multiple times before being closed in a manner that provides an indication if the contents are later accessed. Other applications for tamper-evident packages exist.
Consequently, a need exists for a package that can be opened and closed multiple times, and can be closed in such a way that an indication is provided if the package is re-opened.
SUMMARYIn one aspect, there is disclosed a slider device for use with a zipper closure arrangement for a recloseable package that has a top wall, a first sidewall depending from the top wall, and a second sidewall depending from the top wall. Together, the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall define a cavity adapted to receive the zipper closure arrangement. The slider device also includes a clip that is secured to at least one of the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall. The clip is moveable from a first, inoperative position to a second position, where the second position includes the clip being oriented to operatively engage the zipper closure arrangement.
In another aspect, a closure assembly is disclosed that has a zipper closure arrangement with first and second zipper profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock. A slider device is oriented to slide along the zipper closure arrangement, which includes a top wall that is oriented to slide along a top of the zipper closure arrangement, a first sidewall depending from the top wall that is oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement, and a second sidewall depending from the top wall that is oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement. Together, the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall define a cavity to operatively receive the zipper closure arrangement. The slider device also includes a clip that is secured to at least one of the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall. The clip is moveable from a first position to a second position, where in the first position, the clip is remote from the zipper closure arrangement, and in the second position, the clip is oriented to operatively engage the zipper closure arrangement.
In another aspect, a package is disclosed that includes a surrounding wall that defines a bottom, an interior volume, and a mouth to provide access to the interior volume. A closure assembly is oriented at the mouth of the package, where the closure assembly includes a zipper closure arrangement having first and second zipper profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock, and a slider device oriented to slide along the zipper closure arrangement. The slider device includes a top wall oriented to slide along a top of the zipper closure arrangement, a first sidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement, and a second sidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement. The top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall define a cavity to operatively receive the zipper closure arrangement therein. There is also a clip secured to at least one of the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall, the clip being moveable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the clip is remote from the zipper closure arrangement, and in the second position, the clip is oriented to operatively engage the zipper closure arrangement.
In yet another aspect, a tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement is disclosed that includes a first closure including mating profile members constructed and arranged to selectively move between being interlocked and separated, and a second closure, adjacent to the first closure, and including mating profile members constructed and arranged to selectively interlock. The second closure includes a tamper-evident structure to signal when the second closure has been interlocked and then separated at least once after being interlocked.
In a further aspect, a method of using a package is disclosed. The package includes a package surrounding wall defining an interior volume, a mouth, and a closure assembly oriented at the mouth. The closure assembly includes a zipper closure arrangement and a slider device operably oriented on the zipper closure arrangement. The method of using the package includes grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down to engage the clip against a portion of the zipper closure arrangement, and moving the slider device in a first direction while the clip squeezes the portion of the zipper closure arrangement to close the mouth.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety of packaging arrangements. The invention has been found to be particularly advantageous for use in sealing mechanisms for polymeric packages. An appreciation of various aspects of the invention is best gained through a discussion of an application example for such a packaging arrangement.
Zipper closure arrangement 42 includes a first zipper profile 44 defining a first closure 46 and a second zipper profile 48 defining a second closure 50. First closure 46 is constructed and arranged to selectively interlock. Many embodiments of closure 46 are useable. One embodiment of closure 46 is a reclosable closure 46 shown in
In the specific embodiment shown, the reclosable closure further includes a first closure post 60 attached to first opposing surface 52 adjacent to the first hooked profile member 56. The first closure post 60 and first hooked profile member 56 form a gap 61 along first surface 52 that is configured to receive second hooked profile member 58 within gap 61. First and second hooked profile members 56, 58 are constructed and arranged to selectively interlock and separate. Specifically, an end region 62 of the first hooked profile member 56 engages with an opposing end region 64 of the second hooked profile member 58 to interlock the first and second hooked profile members 56, 58. To separate the first and second profile members 56, 58, sufficient force must be applied to closure 46 in a separating direction to cause first hooked profile member 56 and second hooked profile member 58 to deform and to slide out of contact. In some embodiments, a slider device is used to separate the members 56, 58, as described further below.
Second closure 50 is also constructed and arranged to selectively interlock. Many embodiments of closure 50 are useable. Closure 50 may be proximate to first reclosable closure 46 along first and second opposing surfaces 52, 54. In one embodiment, closure 50 may be a closure constructed in accordance with the embodiment depicted in
In reference now to
Still in reference to
In
Closure assembly 38 includes a slider device 40. Slider device 40 is oriented to slide along the zipper closure arrangement 42 and is constructed to selectively squeeze one or more of first and second closures 46, 50. Many embodiments of slider device 40 are usable. A perspective view of one useable embodiment of a slider device 40 is shown in
Slider device 40 also comprises a clip 108 that is movable from a first, inoperative position to a second position. By “inoperative,” it is meant that when in the first position, the clip 108 does not affect the operation of the slider device 40 relative to the zipper closure arrangement 42. Many embodiments of clip 108 are possible. A perspective view of one embodiment of clip 108 is shown in
In the embodiment shown, top wall 96 of slider device 40 includes an aperture or opening 118 extending through top wall 96. Opening 118 is sized or dimensioned to allow the first and second legs 112, 114 of clip 108 to move through the cavity 102. First sidewall 98 of slider device 40 defines a first groove 134 sized to receive first leg 112 of clip 108. Second sidewall 100 of slider device 40 defines a second groove 136 sized to receive second leg 114 of clip 108.
Clip 108 is moveable from a first position, as shown in
In some embodiments, slider device 40 includes a plow or splitter 120. Splitter 120 is constructed and arranged to at least partially separate the zipper closure arrangement 42 when the slider device 40 is slid along the zipper closure arrangement 42. One embodiment of a splitter 120 is depicted in
In use, as the slider device 40 is slid or moved in an opening direction A (
When the slider device 40 is slid along the zipper closure arrangement 42, splitter 120 does not operatively affect the second closure 50. In the embodiment of the zipper closure arrangement 42 depicted in
Referring now to the embodiment of slider device 40 depicted in
Slider device 40 is configured to engage with zipper closure arrangement 42. Referring to the particular embodiment depicted in
In use, interior surface 102 of slider 40 engages with and slides along top surfaces 138 of zipper closure arrangement 42. Zipper squeezing region 124 engages with and slides along first region 140, and zipper non-squeezing region 128 engages with and slides along second region 142. Zipper squeezing region 124 generally contacts first region 140 and applies a compression load or squeezing force to first closure 46. Zipper non-squeezing region 128 generally provides a clearance with second region 142 or makes light contact with second region 142, such that zipper non-squeezing region 128 does not cause significant squeezing force to be applied to second closure 50. Hook construction 130, 132 engages with and slides along rails 150.
Referring to
When clip 108 is moved to the second position (
To open second closure 50, it is necessary to apply force in a separating direction to second closure 50, such as by manually spreading zipper closure arrangement 42. When applying a tensile load or separating force to second closure 50, the amount of force required to disengage male profile member 66 from female profile member 70 is greater than the amount of force required to break male profile member 66 at neck 80. Thus, applying a sufficient separating force will break male profile member 66 at neck 80, releasing the connection between male profile member 66 and female profile member 70, and causing second closure 50 to be opened. However, the broken male profile member 66 will provide an indication that the package 10 has been opened at least once after the second closure 50 has been closed, providing evidence of tampering.
Zipper closure arrangement 42 typically comprises a polymeric material. Alternatively, as shown in
A method of using a package such as package 20 is provided. The package 20 includes a package surrounding wall 34 defining an interior volume 30, a mouth 36, and a closure assembly 38 oriented at the mouth 36. Closure assembly 38 includes a zipper closure arrangement 42. In one embodiment, the method of using a package includes grasping a slider device such as slider device 40 and pushing a clip such as clip 108 down toward the slider device 40, and moving the slider device 40 in a first direction while the clip 108 squeezes a portion of the zipper closure arrangement 42 to close the mouth 36. In the embodiment of closure assembly 38 depicted in
The method of using a package also includes a step, before the step of grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down, where the earlier step includes grasping a slider device and moving the slider device in a first direction to squeeze only a portion of the zipper closure and releasably close the mouth. For example, where the clip 108 is not pushed down toward top face 96 of the slider device 40, but rather is removed from opening 118 and in an inoperative position and slider device 40 is moved in a first direction along zipper closure arrangement 42, then first and second sidewalls 98, 100 of slider device 40 apply a squeezing force only to first region 140. The squeezing force applied to first region 140 typically causes first and second hooked members 56, 58 to interlock and create a releasable seal. A squeezing force is not applied to second region 142, so that male profile member 66 does not interlock with female profile member 70.
In one embodiment, slider device 40 and zipper closure arrangement 42 are configured so that after clip 108 has been moved to a second, operative position and slider device 40 has been moved in a direction to operatively engage male member 66 and female member 70 of second closure 50, slider device 40 may be slid off of zipper closure arrangement 42 and disposed of.
The above specification and examples are believed to provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the invention. Because many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the true scope and spirit of the invention reside in the broad meaning of the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims
1. A slider device for use with a recloseable package having a zipper closure arrangement; the slider device comprising:
- (a) a top wall;
- (b) a first sidewall depending from the top wall;
- (c) a second sidewall depending from the top wall; (i) the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall defining a cavity to operatively receive a zipper closure arrangement; and
- (d) a clip secured to at least one of the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall; the clip being moveable from a first, inoperative position to a second position; (i) the second position including the clip being operatively oriented to engage the zipper closure arrangement.
2. A slider device according to claim 1 wherein:
- (a) the clip includes a first wall, a first leg depending from the first wall, and a second leg depending from the first wall.
3. A slider device according to claim 2 wherein:
- (a) the clip is secured to the top wall.
4. A slider device according to claim 3 further comprising:
- (a) a living hinge between the clip first wall and top wall to secure the clip to the top wall.
5. A slider device according to claim 4 wherein:
- (a) the first position of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being outside of the cavity; and (ii) the clip first wall being angled relative to the top wall; and
- (b) the second position of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being at least partially inside of the cavity; and (ii) the clip first wall being against the top wall.
6. A slider device according to claim 5 wherein:
- (a) the top wall defines an opening; and
- (b) the first and second legs are movable through the opening when the clip moves from the first position to the second position.
7. A slider device according to claim 6 further comprising:
- (a) a splitter depending from the top wall; the splitter being constructed and arranged to at least partially separate the zipper closure arrangement when the slider device is slid along the zipper closure arrangement.
8. A slider device according to claim 7 wherein:
- (a) the first and second sidewalls define: (i) a first width therebetween to define a zipper squeezing region; the first width being sized to cause the first and second sidewalls to squeeze at least a portion of the zipper closure arrangement; (ii) a second width therebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region; the second width being sized greater than the first distance;
- (b) the first and second sidewalls each has a hook construction at an end remote from the top wall; (i) the zipper non-squeezing region being between each hook construction and the zipper squeezing region;
- (c) the first sidewall defines a first groove sized to receive the first leg; and
- (d) the second sidewall defines a second groove sized to receive the second leg.
9. A slider device according to claim 2 wherein:
- (a) the first position of the clip includes the first and second legs being outside of the cavity; and
- (b) the second position of the clip includes the first and second legs being at least partially inside of the cavity.
10. A slider device according to claim 9 wherein:
- (a) the top wall defines an opening; and
- (b) the first and second legs are movable through the opening to move the clip from the first position to the second position.
11. A slider device according to claim 1 further comprising:
- (a) a splitter depending from the top wall; the splitter being constructed and arranged to at least partially separate the zipper closure arrangement when the slider device is slid along the zipper closure arrangement.
12. A slider device according to claim 1 wherein:
- (a) the first and second sidewalls define: (i) a first width therebetween to define a zipper squeezing region; the first width being sized to cause the first and second sidewalls to squeeze at least a portion of the zipper closure arrangement; and (ii) a second width therebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region; the second width being sized greater than the first distance.
13. A slider device according to claim 12 wherein:
- (a) the first and second sidewalls each has a hook construction at an end remote from the top wall; (i) the zipper non-squeezing region being between each hook construction and the zipper squeezing region.
14. A slider device according to claim 2 wherein:
- (a) the first sidewall defines a first groove sized to receive the first leg; and
- (b) the second sidewall defines a second groove sized to receive the second leg.
15. A closure assembly comprising:
- (a) a zipper closure arrangement having first and second zipper profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock; and
- (b) a slider device oriented to slide along the zipper closure arrangement; the slider device including: (i) a top wall oriented to slide along a top of the zipper closure arrangement; (ii) a first sidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement; (iii) a second sidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement; (A) the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall defining a cavity to operatively receive the zipper closure arrangement therein; and (iv) a clip secured to at least one of the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall; the clip being moveable from a first position to a second position; (A) the first position including the clip being remote from the zipper closure arrangement; and (B) the second position including the clip being oriented to operatively engage the zipper closure arrangement.
16. A closure assembly according to claim 15 wherein:
- (a) the zipper closure arrangement includes first and second closures defined by the first and second zipper profiles; (i) the first closure being constructed and arranged to mate when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in a first direction; and (ii) the second closure being constructed and arranged to mate when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in the first direction and when the clip is in the second position; the second closure being constructed and arranged not to mate when the clip is in the first position.
17. A closure assembly according to claim 16 wherein:
- (a) the slider device further includes a splitter depending from the top wall; the splitter being constructed and arranged to separate the first closure when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
18. A closure assembly according to claim 17 wherein:
- (a) the splitter and the second closure are oriented so that the second closure is not separated by the splitter, when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in the second direction.
19. A closure assembly according to claim 16 wherein:
- (a) the clip includes a first wall, a first leg depending from the first wall, and a second leg depending from the first wall.
20. A closure assembly according to claim 19 wherein:
- (a) the clip is secured to the top wall.
21. A closure assembly according to claim 20 further comprising:
- (a) a living hinge between the clip first wall and top wall to secure the clip to the top wall.
22. A closure assembly according to claim 21 wherein:
- (a) the first position of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being outside of the cavity; and (ii) the clip first wall being angled relative to the top wall; and
- (b) the second position of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being at least partially inside of the cavity and pressed against the second closure; and (ii) the clip first wall being against the top wall.
23. A closure assembly according to claim 22 wherein:
- (a) the top wall defines an opening; and
- (b) the first and second legs are movable through the opening to move the clip from the first position to the second position.
24. A closure assembly according to claim 22 further comprising:
- (a) a splitter depending from the top wall; the splitter being constructed and arranged to separate the first closure when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in a second direction opposite of the first direction.
25. A closure assembly according to claim 19 wherein:
- (a) the first and second sidewalls define: (i) a first width therebetween to define a zipper squeezing region; the first width being sized to cause the first and second sidewalls to mate the first closure; (ii) a second width therebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region; the second width being sized greater than the first distance and to not cause the first and second sidewalls to mate the second closure.
26. A closure assembly according to claim 19 wherein:
- (a) the first and second sidewalls each has a hook construction at an end remote from the top wall; (i) each of the hook constructions slidably engaging an external portion of the zipper closure arrangement.
27. A closure assembly according to claim 19 wherein:
- (a) the first sidewall defines a first groove sized to receive the first leg; and
- (b) the second sidewall defines a second groove sized to receive the second leg.
28. A closure assembly according to claim 16 wherein:
- (a) the second closure includes a tamper-evident structure to signal when the second closure has been mated and then separated at least once after being mated.
29. A closure assembly according to claim 28 wherein:
- (a) the second closure includes: (i) a male profile member on the first zipper profile; the male profile member including a head at a free end and a stem connecting the head to a remaining portion of the first zipper profile; and (ii) a female profile member on the second zipper profile; the female profile member being sized to receive and interlock with the male profile member.
30. A closure assembly according to claim 29 wherein:
- (a) the stem is frangible and will break to separate the head from a remaining portion of the first zipper profile responsive to a separation force applied to the second closure.
31. A closure assembly according to claim 30 wherein:
- (a) the female profile member includes first and second arms with a receiving void therebetween sized to receive the head; and
- (b) each of the first and second arms includes a depending finger extending into the void to engage a base of the head, when the head is oriented in the void of the female profile member.
32. A closure assembly according to claim 31 wherein:
- (a) the second closure includes first and second posts on the first zipper profile; the first post being adjacent to and against the first arm and the second post being adjacent to and against the second arm when the male profile member is operably oriented in the female profile member.
33. A closure assembly according to claim 31 wherein:
- (a) the clip includes a first wall, a first leg depending from the first wall, and a second leg depending from the first wall;
- (b) the top wall defines an opening; and
- (c) the second position of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being at least partially through the top wall opening and inside of the cavity pressed against the second closure to force the head of the male profile member into the void of the female profile member.
34. A closure assembly according to claim 28 wherein:
- (a) the first closure includes a first hooked profile member on the first zipper profile;
- (b) the first closure includes a second hooked profile member on the second zipper profile; (i) the first and second hooked profile members being constructed and arranged to selectively mate and separate.
35. A closure assembly according to claim 34 wherein:
- (a) the first closure further includes a first closure post on the first zipper profile adjacent to the first hooked profile member; (i) the second hooked profile member being received within a gap between the first closure post and the first hooked profile member, when the first and second hooked profile members are mated.
36. A closure assembly according to claim 35 wherein:
- (a) the first and second sidewalls define: (i) a first width therebetween to define a zipper squeezing region; the first width being sized to cause the first and second sidewalls to press against the first closure and move the second hooked profile member into the gap between the first closure post and the first hooked profile member, (ii) a second width therebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region; the second width being sized greater than the first distance and to not cause the first and second sidewalls to mate the second closure.
37. A closure assembly according to claim 36 wherein:
- (a) the first closure is located between the second closure and the top wall of the slider device; and
- (b) the zipper squeezing region is located between the zipper non-squeezing region and the top wall.
38. A closure assembly according to claim 16 wherein:
- (a) the first closure is located between the second closure and the top wall of the slider device.
39. A package comprising:
- (a) a surrounding wall defining a bottom, an interior volume, and a mouth to provide access to the interior volume; and
- (b) a closure assembly oriented at the mouth; the closure assembly including: (i) a zipper closure arrangement having first and second zipper profiles constructed and arranged to selectively interlock; and (ii) a slider device oriented to slide along the zipper closure arrangement; the slider device including: (A) a top wall oriented to slide along a top of the zipper closure arrangement; (B) a first sidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement; (C) a second sidewall depending from the top wall oriented to slide along a side of the zipper closure arrangement; (1) the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall defining a cavity to operatively receive the zipper closure arrangement therein; and (D) a clip secured to at least one of the top wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall; the clip being moveable from a first position to a second position; (1) the first position including the clip being remote from the zipper closure arrangement; and (2) the second position including the clip being oriented to operatively engage the zipper closure arrangement.
40. A package according to claim 39 wherein:
- (a) the zipper closure arrangement includes first and second closures defined by the first and second zipper profiles; (i) the first closure being constructed and arranged to mate when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in a first direction; and (ii) the second closure being constructed and arranged to mate when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in the first direction and when the clip is in the second position; the second closure being constructed and arranged not to mate when the clip is in the first position.
41. A package according to claim 40 wherein:
- (a) the slider device further includes a splitter depending from the top wall; the splitter being constructed and arranged to separate the first closure when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in a second direction opposite of the first direction; and
- (b) the splitter and the second closure are oriented so that the second closure is not separated by the splitter, when the slider device is moved along the zipper closure arrangement in the second direction.
42. A package according to claim 41 wherein:
- (a) the clip includes a first wall, a first leg depending from the first wall, and a second leg depending from the first wall;
- (b) the clip is secured to the top wall with a living hinge;
- (c) the first position of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being outside of the cavity; and (ii) the clip first wall being angled relative to the top wall;
- (d) the second position of the clip includes: (i) the first and second legs being at least partially inside of the cavity and pressed against the second closure; and (ii) the clip first wall being against the top wall;
- (e) the top wall defines an opening; and
- (f) the first and second legs are movable through the opening to move the clip from the first position to the second position;
43. A package according to claim 40 wherein:
- (a) the first and second sidewalls define: (i) a first width therebetween to define a zipper squeezing region; the first width being sized to cause the first and second sidewalls to mate the first closure; (ii) a second width therebetween to define a zipper non-squeezing region; the second width being sized greater than the first distance and to not cause the first and second sidewalls to mate the second closure;
- (b) the first sidewall defines a first groove sized to receive the first leg; and
- (c) the second sidewall defines a second groove sized to receive the second leg;
44. A package according to claim 40 wherein:
- (a) the second closure includes a tamper-evident structure to signal when the second closure has been mated and then separated at least once after being mated.
45. A package according to claim 44 wherein:
- (a) the second closure includes: (i) a male profile member on the first zipper profile; the male profile member including a head at a free end and a stem connecting the head to a remaining portion of the first zipper profile; and (ii) a female profile member on the second zipper profile; the female profile member being sized to receive and interlock with the male profile member; (iii) the stem being frangible to separate the head from a remaining portion of the first zipper profile responsive to a separation force applied to the second closure;
- (b) the first closure includes: (i) a first hooked profile member on the first zipper profile; and (ii) a second hooked profile member on the second zipper profile; the first and second hooked profile members being constructed and arranged to selectively mate and separate.
46. A package according to claim 44 wherein:
- (a) the first closure is located between the second closure and the top wall of the slider device.
47. A package according to claim 40 wherein:
- (a) the first closure comprises a first material; and
- (b) the second closure comprises a second material different from the first material.
48. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement comprising:
- (a) a first closure including mating profile members constructed and arranged to selectively move between being interlocked and separated; and
- (b) a second closure, adjacent to the first closure, and including mating profile members constructed and arranged to selectively interlock; (i) the second closure including a tamper-evident structure to signal when the second closure has been interlocked and then separated at least once after being interlocked.
49. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement according to claim 48 wherein:
- (a) the second closure includes: (i) a male profile member on a first zipper profile; the male profile member including a head at a free end and a stem connecting the head to a remaining portion of the first zipper profile; and (ii) a female profile member on a second zipper profile; the female profile member being sized to receive and interlock with the male profile member; (A) the stem being frangible to separate the head from a remaining portion of the first zipper profile responsive to a separation force applied to the second closure.
50. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement according to claim 49 wherein:
- (a) the female profile member includes first and second arms with a receiving void therebetween sized to receive the head; and
- (b) each of the first and second arms includes a depending finger extending into the void to engage a base of the head, when the head is oriented in the void of the female profile member;
- (c) the second closure includes first and second posts on the first zipper profile; the first post being adjacent to and against the first arm and the second post being adjacent to and against the second arm when the male profile member is operably oriented in the female profile member.
51. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement according to claim 49 wherein:
- (a) the first closure includes a first hooked profile member on the first zipper profile;
- (b) the first closure includes a second hooked profile member on the second zipper profile; (i) the first and second hooked profile members being constructed and arranged to selectively interlock and separate; and
- (c) the first closure includes a first closure post on the first zipper profile adjacent to the first hooked profile member; (i) the second hooked profile member being received within a gap between the first closure post and the first hooked profile member, when the first and second hooked profile members are interlocked.
52. A tamper-evident zipper closure arrangement according to claim 48 wherein:
- (a) the first closure comprises a first material; and
- (b) the second closure comprises a second material different from the first material.
53. A method of using a package; the package including a package surrounding wall defining an interior volume, a mouth, and a closure assembly oriented at the mouth; the closure assembly including a zipper closure arrangement and a slider device operably oriented on the zipper closure arrangement; the method comprising:
- (a) grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down to engage the clip against a portion of the zipper closure arrangement; and
- (b) moving the slider device in a first direction while the clip squeezes the portion of the zipper closure arrangement to close the mouth.
54. A method according to claim 53 further comprising:
- (a) before the step of grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down, grasping the slider device and moving the slider in a first direction to squeeze only a second portion of the zipper closure and releasably close the mouth.
55. A method according to claim 53 wherein:
- (a) the zipper closure arrangement includes a first closure and a second closure; and
- (b) the step of moving the slider in a first direction while the clip squeezes the portion of the zipper closure arrangement to close the mouth includes moving the slider in a first direction while the clip squeezes the second closure to close the mouth.
56. A method according to claim 55 wherein:
- (a) before the step of grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down, grasping the slider device and moving the slider in a first direction to squeeze only the first closure and not the second closure to releasably close the mouth.
57. A method according to claim 56 wherein:
- (a) the step of grasping a slider device and pushing a clip down includes pushing a clip having a pair of legs through an opening in a top wall of the slider device to engage the second closure.
58. A method according to claim 56 wherein:
- (a) the step of moving the slider device in a first direction while the clip squeezes the second closure to close the mouth includes locking the second closure secure; the second closure being unable to be opened without breaking a portion of the second closure.
59. A method according to claim 56 further comprising:
- (a) after the step of using the clip to close the second closure, accessing the interior volume by breaking the second closure.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 25, 2006
Publication Date: Mar 29, 2007
Inventor: James Buchman (Hortonville, WI)
Application Number: 11/534,741
International Classification: B65D 33/16 (20060101); B65D 33/14 (20060101); A44B 19/16 (20060101); A44B 1/04 (20060101);