Including Means To Facilitate Disengagement Patents (Class 383/65)
  • Patent number: 11958676
    Abstract: A container device that has an outer shell with an opening that is sealed by a closure mechanism. The closure mechanism can include magnetic strips that are configured to partially or wholly seal the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Rogers, John Fritz, Jeffrey Charles Munie
  • Patent number: 11932454
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: AA Global Imports, Inc.
    Inventors: David Aryanpanah, Brian Anav, Chao Liu
  • Patent number: 11396765
    Abstract: A hinge for connecting a first pivoting body to a second pivoting body in a relatively pivotable manner includes a sheet body configured to attach a first end of the sheet body to the first pivoting body, and to attach a second end of the sheet body to the second pivoting body. The sheet body includes a plurality of layered sheet members, and a pivot shaft between layered sheet members of the plurality of layered sheet members to allow the first end and the second end of the sheet body to pivot relative to each other. The pivot shaft includes a soft resin part between the layered sheet members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL CONSULTANT INC.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Uchida
  • Patent number: 10759569
    Abstract: A reclosable plastic zipper assembly, method of mounting and method of manufacturing of such, wherein the assembly has a ribbon with a first zipper strip profile and a second zipper strip profile, the first zipper strip profile includes at least one rib, and where the second zipper strip profile includes at least one recess, with the at least one rib and the at least one recess having complementary mating shapes for mating along the length of the plastic zipper assembly, the reclosable plastic zipper assembly also having a bead and a pair of perforations and the zipper strip profiles being capable of mating by folding the ribbon along the length of the plastic zipper assembly around the bead, and having a first perforation on the ribbon between the bead and the first zipper profile and a second perforation on the ribbon between the bead and second zipper profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: COM-PAC INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Sprehe, Donald K. Wright, Christopher L. Pemberton
  • Patent number: 10717564
    Abstract: The present application provides a child resistant zipper bag. The zipper of the protective zipper bag is designed with a special structure and can only be opened in a special way, so that children can be effectively prevented from opening the bag casually, thereby playing a role of protecting children. Moreover, the first connection bar is assembled with the second connection bar through the second meshing teeth being meshed with the first meshing teeth. Therefore, the movement between a first zipper belt and a second zipper belt is limited, and the opening of the bag body due to sliding between the first zipper belt and the second zipper belt is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Liwen Huang
  • Patent number: 10414548
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of opening a zipper-sealed bag having first and second opposing sidewalls, a zipper tape seal attached to the bag at the opening and configured to be alternated between a sealed and unsealed state, the seal having a first sealing member secured to the first sidewall along a portion of the opening, and a second sealing member secured to the second sidewall along a portion of the opening, the first sidewall having a first flap at a top edge thereof, and the second sidewall having a second flap at a top edge thereof, the method comprising grasping the first sidewall with a user's first hand, grasping the second sidewall with a user's other hand, the user pressing with a downward force on each of the first and second sealing members while simultaneously pulling the sidewalls in generally opposing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: MOLIA PACKAGING USA, INC.
    Inventor: Chao Liu
  • Patent number: 10029826
    Abstract: A reclosable zipper pouch includes a flange in covering relation to a portion of a first wall panel extending between a first zipper profile member and a mouth, when viewed from the open mouth, to provide difficulty to a child to open the pouch, and remain easy for an adult or senior citizen to open the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Reynolds Presto Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 9950842
    Abstract: A storage bag comprising first and second zipper profiles provided adjacent to an opening to the interior of the bag. The first and second zipper profiles are provided with opposing closure elements that respectively interlock with each other. The storage bag further includes first and second isolation sections between the first and second zipper profiles to prevent the opening of the first zipper profile from impacting the opening of the second zipper profile by a slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Lawrence C. Stanos, Bryan L. Ackerman, Christina J. Korinda
  • Patent number: 9790002
    Abstract: A bag has top and bottom edge margins and opposite side margins. First and second bag panels of the bag define a bag interior and an opening at the top edge margin of the bag. A reclosable closing structure at the top edge margin of the bag can repeatedly close the bag. First and second gripping panels are joined to the top edge margin of the bag at first and second joints, respectively. The gripping panels can provide surfaces for gripping when opening the bag, and the joints can be flexible to allow pivoting of the gripping panels relative to the bag. The gripping panels can be formed integrally with a closure for appending to a bag body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Inteplast Group Corporation
    Inventors: Ben Tseng, Jyh-yao Raphael Li, Kelvin Yang
  • Patent number: 9682802
    Abstract: A pouch can include a first wall, a second wall, and a lower gusset that extends from each of the first and second walls. The pouch can further include an upper gusset that extends from at least the first wall. The pouch can further include a seal region at an upper end of the pouch. The seal region can be opened to yield an opening through which the contents of the pouch can be accessed. The opening can be at least partially defined by the upper gusset and/or the upper gusset can define a pocket that can maintain external debris therein as the opening is expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Coveris Flexibles US LLC
    Inventor: Brian Joseph McDonough
  • Patent number: 9011004
    Abstract: A flexible storage bag defines an inner storage area within which is provided a flexible barrier. A user can select a first storage mode wherein the flexible barrier is positioned to one side such that only a single storage zone is available for storing products; or a dual storage mode wherein the barrier divides the storage area into first and second storage zones. The bag preferably includes an upper closure assembly having a loop extending therefrom to aid a user in sealing the bag, as well as potentially hanging the bag from a hook. The bag optionally includes a lower closure assembly on the flexible barrier for selectively sealing one of the multiple storage zones. Offset tabs may be provided to aid a user in opening the bag. In some embodiments, the bag includes a graphical image puzzle constituting multiple graphic images that combine to form a completed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Kathy Wood Paulin
  • Patent number: 8950045
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer
  • Publication number: 20140193102
    Abstract: A storage bag device is provided to facilitate improved opening of a re-sealable storage bag. The device comprises a uni-body bag container having a set of ring tabs attached thereto, and a sealing means disposed on opposing inner surfaces of said bag container. The bag container may be any resilient and reusable bag with a single opening at the top, defined by the bag container's upper edges. Ring tabs extending from the center of said upper edges are designed to receive at least one of a user's fingers. To open the bag, a user pulls the ring tabs outward in opposing directions, thereby causing the sealing means to disengage and open the bag. The sealing means may then be firmly pressed together to close the container and create an air and moisture tight seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Angela Weir, Jim Weir
  • Patent number: 8740457
    Abstract: A paint tray bag is provided. The paint tray bag comprises a bag comprising dimensions for containing a paint tray, and optionally painting tools, therein. The paint tray bag further comprises a sealing apparatus for releasably sealing the bag, the sealing apparatus around at least portion of a perimeter of the bag such that the bag comprises a closed position for containing the paint tray therein when the sealing apparatus is closed and an open position when the sealing apparatus is open, the bag enabled to lay flat in the open position to act as a drop sheet for the paint tray. The paint tray bag further comprises an extended drop sheet which unfolds from the bag to provide an extended area for the drop sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kovrd Products Inc.
    Inventors: Vance MacDonald, Benjamin Leonard
  • Publication number: 20140093194
    Abstract: A storage bag is provided with lips that are shaped to facilitate unsealing of the bag. The lips include a visual cue that indicates to a user where the lips should be grasp during the unsealing operation. The visual cue may include any of a notch, a specific formation of the lips, and a color of the lips. When grasping the lips in the area of the lips indicated by the visual cue, the user can perform a rolling motion that greatly facilitates opening of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Bunlim Ly, Jonathan David Horn, Pamela J. Weisenberger, Jose Porchia, Charles P. Althoff, Erica Eden Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140093195
    Abstract: A storage bag is provide with features that facilitate unsealing an opening of the bag, including shaped lips and visual cues for areas that the lips that should be grasped during the unsealing process. The visual cue may include relative coloring of portions of the lips of the bag. The storage bag also includes features that facilitate sealing the opening of the bag, including textured areas and dimples. Such features may provide visual cues, tactile feedback and/or audio feedback in order to facilitate the sealing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Bunlim Ly, Jonathan David Horn, Pamela J. Weisenberger, Jose Porchia, Charles P. Althoff, Erica Eden Cohen, Timothy D. Stark
  • Publication number: 20140093192
    Abstract: A storage bag has first and second closure profiles that include interlocking members configured to seal an opening of the bag. A textured area is provided on the first closure profile adjacent to the interlocking member and adjacent to an end of the first closure profile. The textured area provides a visual cue to indicate that the process of sealing the interlocking members should begin at the end of the first closure profile and move towards a center of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Bunlim Ly, Jonathan David Horn, Pamela J. Weisenberger, Timothy D. Stark, Charles P. Althoff, Erica Eden Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140093193
    Abstract: A storage bag has a first closure profile attached to a first side surface, with the first closure profile forming a lip between an interlocking member and an edge of the first closure profile. The bag also includes a second closure profile attached to the second side surface, with the second closure profile forming a lip between an interlocking member and an edge of the second closure profile. The lips of the first and second closure profiles are visually distinct colors or different shades of a color in order to aid the user in locating the lips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Bunlim Ly, Jonathan David Horn, Pamela J. Weisenberger, Jose Porchia, Charles P. Althoff, Erica Eden Cohen
  • Patent number: 8678651
    Abstract: Disposable storage bags are disclosed having a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom portion which forms the bag and having an open top portion for receiving and removing items to be stored such as snack foods or other material. Near the top opening of the bag is a closure mechanism for opening and closing the bag. The side walls of the bag are tapered inwardly from the top portion toward the bottom portion such that quillons are formed when the bag is filled with items such as snack food or other material. The bottom portion of the bag includes a gusset which, when the bag is filled with snack food or other material, expands and opens such that the bag may stand upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Schwallie, Linda A. Holland, Jamie Grace Thomas, Stacey M. Stanley, Robert R. Turvey, Brian A. Czech
  • Publication number: 20140072247
    Abstract: A pouch can include a first wall, a second wall, and a lower gusset that extends from each of the first and second walls. The pouch can further include an upper gusset that extends from at least the first wall. The pouch can further include a seal region at an upper end of the pouch. The seal region can be opened to yield an opening through which the contents of the pouch can be accessed. The opening can be at least partially defined by the upper gusset and/or the upper gusset can define a pocket that can maintain external debris therein as the opening is expanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Joseph McDonough
  • Patent number: 8641279
    Abstract: It is aimed to smoothly perform engagement and disengagement of a fastener of a packaging bag and easily take out an inner content by a desired amount. For these purposes, in a packaging bag 1 with a fastener 20 in which a male fastener element and a female fastener element are attached to inner surfaces of opposing flat surface portions 2a and an opening is opened or closed by engaging or disengaging both the fastener elements, pick-up tabs 40 are provided so as to project outward at a portion corresponding to a mounting portion of the fastener 20, or near the portion. The fastener is formed to be asymmetric with respect to the center thereof so that one side largely protruded is attached so as to be directed inward of the packaging bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hosokawa Yoko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Ichikawa, Tsutomu Hara, Kazuhiro Umenaka
  • Patent number: 8550716
    Abstract: A pouch including opposing sidewalls sealed together in a closed distal portion to form an interior that is accessible by a proximal opening. A closure profile extends along an interior surface of the opposing sidewalls for selectively sealing the proximal opening, wherein the closure profile substantially extends a length of the proximal opening. A plurality of tactile strips are disposed on an interior surface of at least one of the opposing sidewalls between the closure profile and the proximal opening, the tactile strips being variably spaced. Preferably, each tactile strip has a well-formed triangular cross-sectional shape with a height from the respective sidewall approximately double a thickness of the respective sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Leland J. Smith, James C. Pawloski, Lawrence C. Stanos
  • Patent number: 8550715
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Charles G. Greco, Glyn Russell
  • Patent number: 8469592
    Abstract: A pouch including a first sidewall. A second sidewall connects to the first side sidewall so as to form an interior of the pouch with an opening to the interior. A closure mechanism extends along an interior surface of the first sidewall for sealing the opening. The closure mechanism extends from one end of the opening to an opposite end of the opening. A first tactile strip is disposed on an exterior surface of the first sidewall and is spaced above the closure mechanism. A second tactile strip is disposed on the exterior surface of the first sidewall and is spaced below the closure mechanism. An exterior surface of at least one of the first tactile strip and the second tactile strip is provided with a texture, with the texture including a plurality of openings that open into the exterior surface. A smooth region is formed on the exterior surface of the first sidewall. The smooth region is disposed opposite to the closure mechanism and extends between the first and second tactile strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Pawloski
  • Patent number: 8459870
    Abstract: A packaging bag has a zipper including a pair of male member and a female member that are engageable with each other. The male member includes: a belt-shaped male base element provided on a packaging bag body; and a male engaging portion projecting from the belt-shaped male base element. The female member includes: a belt-shaped female base element located at a position opposed to the belt-shaped male base element; and a female engaging portion projecting from the belt-shaped female base element, the male engaging portion and the female engaging portion being disengageably engaged to form an engaging portion. The belt-shaped male base element and the belt-shaped female base element are made of a resin of which tensile modulus of elasticity is in a range of 700 MPa to 1600 MPa. The engaging portion is made of a resin of which tensile modulus of elasticity is in a range of 110 MPa to 560 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Idemitsu Unitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Katada, Hiroko Shioda, Kenichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8192085
    Abstract: An enhancement to a closure mechanism includes at least one flange that extends upwardly from an interlocking member of the closure mechanism. A line of transverse indentations is formed into the flange parallel to the interlocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Pawloski, David W. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20120082404
    Abstract: A storage bag opening device is provided to facilitate improved opening of a re-sealable storage bag. The device comprises a bag container, an edge trim, a set of ring tabs attached thereto, and a sealing means disposed on opposing inner surfaces of said edge trim. The bag container may be any resilient and reusable bag. Its upper edges are attached to or housed within the edge trim that is secured thereto. Ring tabs secured to the center of said edge trim are adapted to receive at least one of a user's fingers. To open the bag, a user pulls the ring tabs outward in opposing directions to cause separation therebetween, thereby causing the re-sealing means to disengage and open the bag. The re-sealing means may then be firmly pressed together to close the container and create an air and moisture tight seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Angela Weir
  • Patent number: 8128287
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable storage bag for packaging/containing and transporting objects, such as food. The reclosable storage bag may include a flexible inner liner contoured to the shape of a user's hand and have one or more closure members for sealing the ends of the bag. The user may store food in an interior storage area of the bag and may use the flexible inner liner to grab or hold onto the food so that the user will not have to directly touch the food while eating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: David Song, Huy John Ba Vu
  • Patent number: 8066434
    Abstract: A belt-shaped base of a female member of a zipper tape attached to an inner surface of a bag body has a wide portion that extends wider toward an opening of the bag body than a belt-shaped base of the male member. An open tape is disposed on the wide portion and a seal layer is laminated on a surface of the open tape. A first projecting portion is also provided on the wide portion. A second projecting portion is provided on an opening-side end of the belt-shaped base. The projecting portions have a substantially trapezoidal cross section. When the zipper tape is bonded to the bag body and is sealed by the seal layer, a gap is provided between the open tape and the first and the second projecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Idemitsu Unitech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Nanba, Kenichi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20110268373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic bag for a storage and transporting of items comprising: a body portion; an opening at one end of the body portion; a zip enclosure, where said zip enclosure seals the opening; and two pull tabs, where said two tabs lie at the top edge of the plastic bag above the zip enclosure and extend from the edge to provide a mechanism to open the plastic bag. The pull-tabs are positioned off center from each other in order to clearly separate the tabs. In one particular embodiment, the pull-tabs create a half-moon shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: ALEX POLLAND
  • Patent number: 7674040
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having two spaced-apart flexible closures and external finger guide ridges and/or pressure distribution ridges to facilitate their closure. The ridges lie in a region between the double closures and they extend generally parallel to each other and to the closures when the bag is in an empty and flat state. The pressure distribution ridges improve the finger pressure distribution by moving the applied forces closer to the closure profiles. When used in conjunction with external finger guide ridges, the pressure distribution ridges also improve the bearing surface of the external finger guide ridges with the thumb and forefinger of the person closing the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Edward Dowd, Herbert Zivkovic, Mary Jane Zivkovic, legal representative, Perry Malik
  • Patent number: 7651271
    Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag (10) having two panels (15) of plastics sheet or film joined to each other along their opposite side edges (12) to define a bag with an opening (13). An extruded closure/sealing means (14) of one or more inter-engagable elongate rib/groove configurations (14a, 14b) closes the opening, and a plurality of elongate strengthening ribs (18) are also extruded adjacent, and parallel, to the closure/sealing means (14) on each of the panels of the bag and also inwardly and outwardly of the closure means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Consolidated Business Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip Craig Withers
  • Patent number: 7585111
    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. Alternatively, a set of hollow male closure profiles may also form one or more female closure profiles therebetween. A set of pleated grip strips may be disposed adjacent the closure elements to aid in opening a pouch. The closure elements and grip strips may be integral with pouch sidewalls, may be secured and/or separately extruded on to, for example, a polymer, directly to pouch sidewalls, or may be secured to backing strips to form a closure strip, which may subsequently be secured to pouch sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Bryan L. Ackerman, James C. Pawloski
  • Publication number: 20080105679
    Abstract: Offset opening tabs for zippered plastic bags and a variety of disposable and reusable containers which make opening a container fast and easy, as well as solving the difficulties experienced by diverse types of users who have functional or situational finger dexterity limitations or compromised vision that make opening packages a cumbersome or frustrating event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Marlin Daniel Ballard
  • Patent number: 7337507
    Abstract: A fastener strip comprising a reclosable portion including an elongated first backing, including a trough extending lengthwise along the first backing and an elongated second backing, including a ridge extending lengthwise along a second backing, the ridge removably insertable into the trough to essentially prevent air flow across the trough, and a generally planar portion including essentially no ridge and essentially no trough, and a plug that joins the ridge of the reclosable portion and the trough of the reclosable portion at the adjacent end of the reclosable portion to the plug in an airtight seal that prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: COM-PAC International
    Inventors: Donald K. Wright, Christopher L. Pemberton, James Kendall Hankins
  • Patent number: 7300207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-tight closure for enhancing accessibility to contents of a container when the container is opened and for preventing exposure of the container contents to ambient air when the container is closed. The invention further relates to re-closable containers including the same. The closure comprises at least two elongated male units disposed a gap apart on the outer surface of one wall of the container and at least two corresponding elongated female units disposed a gap apart on the outer surface of an opposite wall of the container opposite the male units, forming at least two male-female pairs. The closure may further include a tongue for facilitating opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Ron Linneweil
  • Patent number: 7269883
    Abstract: A container (110) including a closure device (121) is disclosed. The closure device (121) includes a pair of interlocking fastening strips (130, 132) and a slider (134) for occluding and deoccluding the fastening strips (130, 132). The fastening strips (130, 132) are interlocked when the slider (134) is at a first end (136). The slider (134) includes a separator (192) that is configured to urge the fastening strips (130, 132) to wrap around the separator (192) to provide a seal when the slider (134) is at the first end (136) of the fastening strips (130, 132). The slider (134) can include a nose portion (252) for latching the slider (134) at the first end (136) of the fastening strips (130, 132). The slider (134) can include a valve (198). The slider (134) can have different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Patent number: 7223017
    Abstract: A bag constructed of a mono-web material is provided. The bag includes a first panel, a second panel, a reclose feature and at least one gusset. The first panel has an inner side and an upper edge. The second panel also has an inner side and an upper edge. The gusset has an inside edge disposed between the inner side of the first panel and the inner side of the second panel. The reclose feature has two halves of complementary shape and a flange. The first half of the reclose feature is attached to the upper edge of the inner side of the first panel. The second half of the reclose feature is attached to the upper edge of the inner side of the second panel. The flange covers a portion of the inside edge of the gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney M. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7192192
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg J. VandenHeuvel, Greg W. Melchoir
  • Patent number: 7163338
    Abstract: A tamper-evident reclosable bag having a pull tab feature that facilitates opening of a header by a consumer. The pull tab feature is provided by an offset between the top and bottom webs (or front and rear walls) of the package. One web has a cutout while the other web has a portion that overlaps the cutout. The offset provides a simple means for the consumer to grasp only one of the webs of the package and then pull the webs apart or peel the offset web away from the cutout web. The peeled-away layer can be provided with a line of weakened tear resistance, allowing a section of the header to, at the same time, be torn off the package. After the tamper-evident seal provided by the header is broken, the consumer can open the zipper, gaining access to the contents of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, Lewis Albert Haws
  • Patent number: 7134192
    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 (130, 131) when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider (132) onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102). The slider (132) provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102) and the vertical Z axis (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Alan F. Savicki, John C. Ware
  • Patent number: 7048442
    Abstract: A reclosable package for scoopable products, such as flour and detergent. The package has a closed plastic zipper installed in a gusset. The gusset comprises first and second panels connected at a fold line. The zipper comprises first and second zipper portions respectively joined to the first and second gusset panels. In one embodiment, the zipper portions are connected by a fold line situated adjacent the gusset fold line. In another embodiment, the zipper portions are connected by a fold line situated away from the gusset. In a third embodiment, the zipper portions are not connected prior to opening the package along the gusset fold line. A peel seal is placed between the zipper portions and above the interlocked profiled closure elements of the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7017240
    Abstract: A container (120) includes a closure device (121). The closure device 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. The slider includes a separator (133) that facilitates the deocclusion of the fastening strips. The container includes a seal (129) to provide a leak-proof closure by facilitating the occlusion of the closure device (121) after the slider (132) has been moved in the occlusion direction (114) and reached the end of the fastening strips. The seal (129) includes a curved portion that further facilitates the leak-proof closure. Additionally, a tactile indication that the closure device (121) has been fully occluded is given as the separator (133) passes over the seal (129). Similarly, an audible indication may also be provided. The seal may be accomplished by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing or adhesives that attach the sidewalls together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Savicki
  • Patent number: 6986920
    Abstract: A composite web of packaging material for making gusseted packages having openable and reclosable interlocking seals, the seals having male and female portions, snap detents, and formed transversely to the direction of material flow. The packaging material is provided at package length intervals with thermoformable strips secured thereto transversely to the running length of the packaging material, and is fed to a modified standard vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine with gussets forming tooling where the packaging material is formed into a bag with the thermoformable strips inside at the upper end of the bag, product deposited into the bag, the bag sealed, the reclosable interlocking seal formed, and the bag severed from the next bag being formed. The reclosable seal provides auditory and tactile indications of seal closing. Some packages are formed with the thermoformable strips in the gusset, and some are formed with the gusset free of strip material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Sealstrip Corporation
    Inventors: Harold M. Forman, Jeffrey F. Derosier
  • Patent number: 6976787
    Abstract: A reclosable package has a flexible zipper and a slider. The zipper comprises first and second zipper parts having interlocking elements, first opposing portions on one side of the interlocking elements and second opposing portions on the other side of the interlocking elements. The slider has a top wall, first and second side walls connected to the top wall, an opening end, a closing end, and first and second camming means that have respective fixed positional relationships to the first and second side walls and that cam the first opposing portions of lengthwise sections of the first and second zipper parts located inside the slider in opposite directions during movement of the slider in an opening direction along the zipper, while the second opposing portions of the lengthwise sections of the first and second zipper parts located inside the slider do not move further away from each other during the slider movement in the opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Paul Plourde
  • Patent number: 6954969
    Abstract: A reclosable fastener strip for securing to a film web comprises first and second flangeless, elongated profile strip having a plurality of interlocking hooks, recesses and protuberances. Each hook, as extruded, has a half arrowhead-shaped tip, a concave or partial-concave tail, and a generally upstanding neck connecting the tip and tail. Each recess has a base with a pair of generally upstanding neck elements disposed on opposite ends of the base. The base does not extend laterally beyond the neck elements. Each protuberance, as extruded, has a rounded tip, a concave or partial-concave tail, and a generally upstanding neck portion connecting the tip and tail. The profile strips are readily secured to the web without entrapping air between the profile strips and the film web and form an airtight and watertight seal. The interlocking hooks, recesses and protuberances are dimensioned to provide and airtight and watertight seal upon interconnection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Com-Pac International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Sprehe
  • Patent number: 6951420
    Abstract: A plastics bag has at least one seal (34, 36) extending parallel to the mouth of the bag to close the sides. Preferably, a reclosable zipper seal (36) is provided below a top seal (34). A novel tag is provided, secured to the zipper seal (36) and extending through the top seal (34). The tag (11) is generally M-shaped in cross-section with its outside legs secured to the seals and with an inner tuck which the consumer can withdraw from the mouth of the bag and break open to make an access hole through the seal or seals into the interior of the bag to facilitate full opening of the mouth of the bag. Methods of manufacturing such bags are also described, particularly for use with form-fill-seal machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Supreme Plastics Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Murray Edward Bruce Leighton
  • Patent number: 6846544
    Abstract: A slider device and methods of making. The slider device is for use with a resealable package having a zipper closure, and includes a top wall with first and second ends, a spreader depending from the top wall, a first sidewall with a first hook construction extending therefrom, and a second side wall with a second hook construction extending therefrom. An extended length of profiled material is extruded and can be converted to form individual slider devices. The spreader can be tapered, either in its width or the distance in which is depends from the top wall. These slider devices can be incorporated into resealable packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: 6767131
    Abstract: A multi-compartment reclosable bag that includes closures that effectively separate the compartments' contents and reduces accidental mixing is described. In addition, perforations in the bag facilitate selective dispensing of a portion of the bag's contents. The reclosable bag includes first and second panels joined along their side edges. An upper closure comprises a male profile having opposing first and second barbs. The first barb is substantially longer than the second barb. An intermediate closure is positioned between the upper closure and a bottom edge of the bag. The intermediate closure comprises a male profile having opposing third and fourth barbs. The third barb is substantially longer than the fourth barb. The first barb is oriented downwardly and the third barb is oriented upwardly for reducing accidental opening of the closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Bagco, Inc.
    Inventor: Nossi Taheri
  • Publication number: 20040078939
    Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes first and second pouch walls having male and female closure elements disposed on and separate from the first and second pouch walls, respectively. The female closure element includes a female profile member and first and second flanges disposed on either side of and spaced apart from the female profile member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: James C. Pawloski