BR112020010570A2 - resealable packaging including self-coupling fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

Various types of resealable packaging (100) are disclosed. The package (100) includes a containment bag (120) that defines an internal volume (122) and an opening (124) that allows access to the internal volume, and a self-coupling fastener (150) connected to the containment bag. The containment bag (120) includes a flexible material and a seal region (140) that is arranged adjacent to the opening and adapted to be broken to allow a first opening of the containment bag. Additionally, the self-coupling fastener (150) includes an open configuration and a closed configuration. When in the open configuration, the self-coupling fastener is adapted to allow access to the internal volume of the containment bag through the opening after the seal region has been broken. When in the closed configuration, the auto-coupling fastener is adapted to prevent access to the internal volume of the con- tention bag through the opening.

Description

“REFLECTABLE PACKAGE INCLUDING SELF-CONTAINER HOLDER” Background

[001] Fasteners are used in a variety of applications, including construction, machinery, medical equipment, car assembly, personal care products and the textile industry. Commonly known fasteners range from rivets, fittings and buttons to hook and loop fasteners, each of which involves the joining of different components (for example, male and female components) for the assembly of two articles as a set. Some fasteners, which are sometimes called self-coupling fasteners or hook fasteners, are made up of interlocking members that do not include male and female components. To assemble two articles as a set, each fixing member is attached to a surface of its respective article and the two articles are joined when the fixing members are coupled.

[002] Certain fasteners have been reported that include different structures on the same fixation member. See, for example, Patent Nos. 5,586,372 (Eguchi); 5,884,374 (Clune); 6,276,032 (Nortman); and 6,546,604 (Galkiewicz). Different structures may have different shapes, sizes or capacities to engage.

[003] Refillable packaging can be used as containers for various products intended for the consumer, such as dry products, foods such as French fries and cheeses, animal feed, lawn care products, etc. Such packages are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

In addition, several refillable packaging can be multi-purpose containers that can maintain the storage of products intended for the consumer arranged inside the packages by a desired number of openings and closings of the package. For example, a multipurpose package can provide a user with access to the content inside the package and then be closed to prevent the content from leaving the package. These multipurpose packages can include internal fasteners that can be opened and closed repeatedly. In addition, several multipurpose packages can also be resealed after the first opening of the packages to keep the contents fresh and protected against the entry of various external elements, such as air, humidity and various contaminants.

[004] Typically, resealable packaging can be produced from one or more sheets or films that include one or more flexible materials. A film can be folded and sealed to form a containment bag with an internal volume and an opening through which products intended for the consumer can be arranged within the volume. A fastener can be arranged in a position adjacent to the opening that can be manipulated repeatedly between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[005] Some resealable packages with self-coupling fasteners have been reported. See, for example, Patent No. 8,641,278 (Economy), and US Patent Application Publications No. 2006/0168776 (Dais) and 2013/0071047 (VanLoocke).

summary

[006] In general, the present disclosure provides several types of resealable packaging that includes a self-coupling fastener. The self-coupling clamp can be connected to a containment bag. The self-coupling fastener can include an open configuration and a closed configuration. When in the open configuration, the self-coupling fastener is adapted to allow access to an internal volume of the containment bag through an opening arranged in the containment bag after a first opening of the containment bag. Additionally, when in the closed configuration, the self-coupling fastener is adapted to prevent access to the internal volume of the container bag

through the opening.

[007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a resealable packaging that includes a containment bag that defines an internal volume and an opening that allows access to the internal volume, with the containment bag including a flexible material and a region seal which is arranged in a position adjacent to the opening and adapted to be broken to allow a first opening of the containment bag. The resealable package also includes a self-coupling fastener connected to the containment bag, the self-coupling fastener including a first and a second fastener member. Each of the first and second fastener members includes a support layer that has a length, width and thickness, and rows of rail segments and rows of columns that project perpendicularly from the support layer, the rows of rail segments and the rows of columns alternating. Each of the rail segments has a base portion attached to the support layer and a distal head portion in relation to the support layer, the head portion having a head width that is greater than the portion width base, and the head portion is suspended over the base portion on opposite sides. In addition, the base portion has a length that is greater than the width of the base portion, and each of the columns has a height that is not greater than a height of the rail segments and a length that is different from the length of the rail segments. rail. The self-coupling clamp additionally includes an open configuration and a closed configuration. When in the open configuration, the self-coupling fastener is adapted to allow access to the internal volume of the containment bag through the opening after the seal region has been broken.

When in the closed configuration, the self-coupling fastener is adapted to prevent access to the internal volume of the containment bag through the opening.

[008] All headings provided here are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the headings, unless otherwise specified.

[009] The term “comprises”, and variations thereof, does not have a limiting meaning when these terms appear in descriptions and claims. Such terms will be understood as implying the inclusion of a step or element, or a group of declared steps or elements, but not the exclusion of any other step or element, or group of steps or elements.

[010] Terms such as “one”, “one”, “o” and “a” are not intended to refer to only one singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example can be used for illustration . The terms "one", "one", "a (s)" and "o (s)" are used interchangeably with the term "at least one".

[011] The phrase “comprises at least one among” followed by a list refers to understanding any of the items on the list and any combination of two or more items on the list. The phrase “at least one of them”, followed by a list, refers to any of the items on the list or any combination of two or more items on the list.

[012] As used here, the term "or" is generally used in its common sense which includes "and / or", unless the content clearly indicates otherwise.

[013] The term “and / or” means one or all of the elements mentioned, or a combination of any two or more of the elements mentioned.

[014] The term “machine direction” (DM) as used here denotes the direction of a moving blanket of material during a manufacturing process. When a strip is cut from a continuous web, the dimension in the direction of the machine corresponds to the length “L” of the strip. The terms "machine direction" and "longitudinal direction" can be used interchangeably. The term “cross-machine direction” (DT) as used here denotes the direction that is essentially

perpendicular to the direction of the machine. When a strip is cut from a continuous web, the dimension in the direction transversal to the machine corresponds to the width “W” of the strip. Consequently, the term "width" typically refers to the shortest dimension in the plane of the first surface of the support layer, which is the surface that contains the rail segments and the columns. As used here, the term “thickness” usually refers to the smallest dimension of the fastener, which is the dimension perpendicular to the first surface of the support layer.

[015] The term “toggle”, as used herein, refers to a row of rail segments that is arranged between any two adjacent rows of columns (that is, the rows of columns have only one row of rail segments between them) and a row of columns that is arranged between any two adjacent rows of rail segments.

[016] The term “perpendicular”, as used here to refer to the relationship between the support layer and the rail and / or column segments, also includes the meaning of the expression “substantially perpendicular”. “Substantially perpendicular” means that the planes defined by the support layer and a row of rail or column segments can deviate from the perpendicular up to 10 (in some embodiments, up to 7.5 or 5) degrees.

[017] As used here in relation to a measured quantity, the term “about” refers to a variation in the measured quantity, as would be expected by the person skilled in the technique that makes the measurement and who exercises a level of care appropriate to the measurement purpose, and the accuracy of the measurement equipment used. In the present invention, "up to" a number (for example, up to 50) includes the number (for example, 50).

[018] All numeric ranges include their endpoints and non-integer values between endpoints, except where otherwise noted (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[019] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be evident from the detailed description below. In no case, however, should the above summaries be interpreted as limitations on the claimed subject, the subject being defined solely by the attached claims, and may be modified during the course of the process.

Brief description of the drawings

[020] The disclosure can be understood more fully, taking into account the detailed description below of the various modalities of the disclosure, in connection with the attached drawings, in which:

[021] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of a fastener embodiment of the present disclosure.

[022] Figure 1B is a schematic side view of the fastener in Figure 1A.

[023] Figure 1C is a schematic side view of the fastener of Figure 1A, the side view being orthogonal to the side view shown in Figure 1B.

[024] Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a fastener of the present disclosure.

[025] Figure 2B is a schematic side view of the fastener in Figure 2A.

[026] Figure 2C is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a system for fixing the present disclosure, in which both fastener members include the fastener of Figures 2A and 2B.

[027] Figure 3A is a schematic side view of a fastener modality of the present disclosure that undergoes deformation during fixation, with effort calculated by finite element modeling represented by shading.

[028] Figure 3B is a schematic side view of the fastener in Figure 3A after fixation, with residual stress calculated by finite element modeling represented by shading.

[029] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a fastener not compliant with the present disclosure, with permanent plastic deformation after the fixation calculated by finite element modeling represented by shading.

[030] Figure 5 is a schematic front plan view of a resealable packaging.

[031] Figure 6 is a schematic rear plan view of the resealable packaging in Figure 5.

[032] Figure 7 is a schematic top perspective view of the resealable packaging of Figure 5.

[033] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the resealable packaging of Figure 5, with a fastener modality of the present disclosure arranged in a closed configuration.

[034] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the resealable packaging of Figure 5 with an embodiment of the fastener of the present disclosure arranged in an open configuration with the upper seal region still intact.

[035] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the resealable package of Figure 5, with an embodiment of the fastener of the present disclosure arranged in an open configuration.

[036] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the resealable packaging opening of Figure 5 when the fastener is in the closed configuration.

[037] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of another type of resealable packaging.

[038] Figure 13 is a schematic front plan view of the resealable packaging of Figure 11.

[039] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of another type of resealable packaging.

[040] Figure 15 is a schematic front plan view of the resealable packaging of Figure 13.

[041] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus and a method used to form a resealable package.

[042] Figure 17 is a photomicrograph of the fastener produced in Example

two.

Detailed Description

[043] One embodiment of a fastener of the present disclosure is shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C. Fastener 1 includes a support layer 2 having a length (L), a width (W) and a thickness (T). Fastener 1 includes rows 14 of rail segments 4. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1A, 1B and 1C, rail segments 4 project perpendicularly from support layer 2. Each of the rail segments 4 has a portion of base 10 attached to the support layer 2 and a head portion 8 distal to the support layer 2. The head portion 8 has a head width X4 that is greater than the width X1 of the base portion 10, and the portion head 8 protrudes over the base portion 10 on opposite sides. The ratio of head width X4 to width X1 of the base portion 10 is typically at least 1.25: 1, 1.5: 1 or 2: 1 and can be up to 3: 1, 4: 1 or 5 :1. Figure 1B illustrates the projection distance of the X6 head. In some embodiments, the head portion 8 projects over the base portion 10 on all sides of the base portion 10. Figure 1C illustrates the projection distance of head Y5, in the direction parallel to the length (L) of the fastener 1 The heads also have a head thickness which, if the head is not straight, is measured as a distance between a line tangent to the highest point on the head above the support layer and a line tangent to the lowest point on the head above the support layer. For example, in the modality shown in the

Figure 1B, the head thickness is Z1 minus Z2. By "rows of rail segments", it is to be understood that each row 14 includes more than one rail segment 4. Clamp 1 does not include a continuous rail; instead, the rail segments 4 are separated from each other in the support layer 2. For example, the heads 8 of the rail segments 4 in a row 14 are separated by the head-to-head distance Y3 in the direction parallel to the length (L) of fastener 1.

[044] The base portion 10 of the rail segment 4 is a length Y1 that is greater than the width X1 of the base portion 10. In some embodiments, the ratio between length Y1 and width X1 of the base portion is at minus about 1.5: 1, 2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 1 or 5: 1, 10: 1 or 15: 1. The base portion 10 of the rail segment 4 can have a variety of shapes in cross section. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the base 10 portion can be a polygon (for example, rectangle, hexagon or octagon), or the cross-sectional shape of the base 10 portion can be curved (for example, elliptical) . The base portion 10 can taper from its base to its distal end. In this case and in the case of curved base portions, the ratio between the length Y1 and the width X1 of the base portion 10 is measured from the widest and longest point. As shown in Figure 1B, the length Y1 of the base portion at the longest point is approximately equal to the length of the head portion.

[045] For modalities such as the one illustrated in Figure 1C, the base portions 10 that taper from their bases to their distal ends have a tilt face and a taper angle A1 between the tilt face and the tilt layer. support 2. In some modalities, the taper angle A1 between the slope face of the base portion 10 and the support layer 2 is in a range of 91 degrees to 130 degrees, in some modalities, in a range of 91 degrees to 125 degrees, 95 degrees to 120 degrees, 95 degrees to 115 degrees, 95 degrees to 110 degrees, 93 degrees to 105 degrees or 95 degrees to 100 degrees.

[046] In some embodiments, the rail segments 4 have a maximum height Z1 (above the support layer 2) of up to 3 mm (mm), 1.5 mm, or

1 mm and, in some embodiments, a minimum height of at least 0.1 mm or

0.2 mm.

The height Z1 of the rail segments 4 can be in a range of

0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm.

The thickness Z7 of the head portion 8 of rail segments 4 can be in a range of

0.03 mm to 0.3 mm, 0.04 mm to 0.15 mm, or 0.04 mm to 0.1 mm.

In some fashion-

the base 10 portions of the rail segments 4 have a maximum width

X1 up to about 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm or 0.2 mm and a minimum width of at least 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.125 mm.

Some useful widths X1 of the base portions 10 are in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, or

0.125 mm to 0.175 mm.

Some useful X4 head widths of the trimming segments

son 4 are in a range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm to

0.45 mm, or 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm.

Some useful X6 head projection distances from the rail segments 4 are in a range of 0.025 mm to 0.4 mm, 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, or 0.1 m to 0.25 mm.

In some embodiments, the rail segments 4 have a maximum Y1 length of up to about 1.5 mm (in some embodiments,

up to 1.25, 1.0, 0.9 or 0.8) mm and a minimum length Y1 of at least about

0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm or 0.5 mm.

The Y1 length of the rail segments can be in a range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, or 0.600 mm to

0.800 mm.

Some useful head projection distances Y5 of the rail segments 4 in the length direction are in the range of 0.025 mm to 0.2 mm,

0.025 mm to 0.1 mm, or 0.04 mm to 0.075 mm.

In some embodiments, the head-to-head distance Y3 in the direction parallel to the length (L) of fastener 1 is up to about 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm or 0.25 mm and at least about 0.05 mm,

0.1 mm or 0.125 mm.

Some useful head-to-head distances Y3 are in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm or 0.125 mm to 0.225 mm.

[047] Typically, the fastener of the present disclosure also comprises rows of columns. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C, the fastener 1 includes rows 16 of columns 6 that project perpendicularly from the support layer 2. In some embodiments, rows 14 of the rail segments 4 and files 16 of columns 6 alternate. Fastener 1 can have at least 2, 3, 5 or 10 of rows 14 of track segments 4 alternating with at least 2, 3, 5 or 10 of rows 16 of columns 6. By “rows of columns”, it should be understood that each row 16 includes more than one column 6. Fastener 1 does not include a continuous ridge; instead, columns 6 are separated from each other on the support layer 2. For example, columns 6 in a row 16 are separated by a distance Y4 in the direction parallel to the length (L) of fastener 1. In general, the columns have a length that is different from the length of the rail segments. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C, the length Y1 of the base portion 10 of the rail segments 4 is greater than the length Y2 of column 6, and the number of columns 6 in one of the rows 16 of columns is greater than the number of rail segments 4 in one of the rows of rail segments 14. The length Y1 of the base portion 10 of the rail segments 4 can be at least two, three or four times the length Y2 of the columns 6 The number of columns 6 in one of the rows 16 of columns can be at least 1.5, 2 or 3 times the number of rail segments 4 in one of the rows of rail segments

14. Since fastener 1 is useful as a self-coupling fastener, the columns generally have a height that is no greater than the height of the rail segments. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C, the height Z3 of the columns 6 is less than the height Z1 of the rail segments 4. In some embodiments, the height Z3 of columns 6 is up to 95, 90, 80, 75 or 70 percent of the Z1 height of the 4 rail segments.

[048] The columns useful in the fastener of the present disclosure may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes in a plane parallel to the support layer.

For example, the shape of the column cross section can be a polygon (for example, square, rectangle, rhombus, hexagon, pentagon or dodecagon), which can be a regular polygon or not, or the shape of the column cross section can be curved (for example, round or elliptical). In some modalities, the column has a base fixed to the support layer and a distal tip, and the distal tip has an area in cross section that is less than or equal to an area in cross section of the base. The spine can taper from its base to its distal tip, but this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the spine has a distal head with a head width that is greater than the width of the base. The head can project on the base on opposite sides or it can project on the base on all sides. Head columns useful in the fastener of the present disclosure can have a variety of useful shapes that include a mushroom (for example, with a circular or oval head enlarged in relation to the stem), a nail, a tee or a golf tee.

[049] Referring again to Figures 1A, 1B and 1C, in some modalities, the columns 6 useful in the fastener of the present description have a maximum width X2 of up to about 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0 , 3 mm or 0.2 mm and a minimum width of at least 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.125 mm. Some useful widths X2 of columns 6 are in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm or 0.125 mm to 0.175 mm. In some embodiments, the columns 6 useful in the fastener of the present disclosure have a maximum length Y2 of up to about 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm or 0.2 mm and a minimum width of at least 0, 05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.125 mm. Some useful widths Y2 of column 6 are in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm or 0.125 mm to 0.175 mm . In some modalities, the distance Y4 between columns 6 in the direction parallel to the length (L) of fastener 1 is up to about 1.5 mm (in some modes, up to 1.25, 1.0, 0.9 or 0.8) mm and at least about 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.4 mm. The distance Y4 between columns 6 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm or

0.400 mm to 0.600 mm.

[050] For modalities like the modality illustrated in Figure 1C, the columns 6 that taper from their bases to their distal ends have a slope face and a taper angle A2 between the slope face and the layer of support 2. In some modalities, the taper angle A2 between the inclination face of column 6 and the support layer 2 is in a range of 91 degrees to 130 degrees, in some modalities, in a range of 91 degrees at 125 degrees, 91 degrees at 120 degrees, 91 degrees at 115 degrees, 91 degrees at 110 degrees, 91 degrees at 105 degrees or 95 degrees at 100 degrees.

[051] In some modalities, the columns 6 have a maximum height Z3 (above the support layer 2) of up to 2.85 mm (mm), 1.25 mm or 1 mm and, in some modalities, a minimum height of at least 0.08 mm or 0.16 mm.

The column height Z3 can be in a range of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm or 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm. In some embodiments, each speaker has an aspect ratio between height and width that is at least 1.5: 1, at least 2: 1 or at least 3: 1. In some embodiments, each speaker has an aspect ratio between height and length that is at least 1.5: 1, at least 2: 1 or at least 3: 1.

[052] Another embodiment of a fastener of the present disclosure is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In this embodiment, the head portion 8 of the track segment 4 has a different shape than the head portion 8 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C. The characteristics and dimensions of any of the modalities described above for the fastener shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C can be used in combination with the fastener shown in Figures 2A and 2B to provide corresponding modalities.

[053] Fastener 1 is useful, for example, as a self-coupling fastener. For use in the present invention, the term "self-coupling" refers to fasteners where fastening is carried out by means of meshed fasteners of the same type (for example, fastening heads). In some modalities, the term “self-coupling” refers to fasteners in which fastening is carried out by meshed fastening elements of identical shapes. In some embodiments, self-coupling refers to the fastener's ability to engage with itself when it is in a folded configuration, for example, along a geometric axis parallel to the fastener's length (L) or width (W), with reference to Figures 1A and 2A. Two fastener members (for example, a first and a second fastener member (1, 5)), which each have the structure shown in Figures 2A and 2B, for example, can be fastened together in a hitch self-coupling as shown in Figure 2C. In some embodiments, a first fastener member 1 is a fastener of the present disclosure as described above in any of its modalities, and a second fastener member may include the rail segments, but not include the columns. In some embodiments, the first and second fastener members may be different from the fastener of the present disclosure. For example, the first fastener member 1 can have a head shape like the one shown in Figure 1A and a second fastener member 5 can have a head shape like the one shown in Figure 2A. In any of these modes, when the first and second fastener members 1, 5 engage in fixation, the columns typically flex in the opposite direction to the rail segments, while the head portions of the first and second rail segments of the second fastener members pass through each other, as shown in Figure 3A.

The columns then return to their original positions after the first and second fastener members are coupled as shown in Figure 3B.

[054] Consequently, in some modalities, the columns have less flexural stiffness than that of the rail segments. Flexural stiffness k for small effort behavior is determined by the equation k = 3EI / H, in which E is the

module of the material that constitutes the columns and the rail segments, H is the height of the columns or rail segments, and I = W3L / 12, where W is the width and L is the length of the columns or rail segments. rail. In some embodiments, the length of the base portion of the rail segments is greater than a length of the columns.

In these modalities, when the width of the base portion and the width of the columns are similar, the flexural stiffness of the rail segments will be greater than the flexural stiffness of the columns. Again with reference to Figure 1A, rows 14 of the rail segments 4 can collectively have greater flexural stiffness than rows 16 of columns 6. When there are more columns 6 in a row 16 of columns, the flexural stiffness of columns can be adjusted (for example, by selecting length or width) so that collectively row 16 of columns 6 has less flexural stiffness than a row 14 of track segments 4. The flexural rigidity of each row of columns rail or column segments can be determined by the number of rail or column segments in each row and the flexural stiffness of each of the rail or column segments.

[055] In some embodiments, the fixation system of the present disclosure is releasably fixable. For use in the present invention, the term "releasably fixable" means that the fastener members can alternate between the fixed and detached configurations one or more times without destroying the fastener functionality. Typically and advantageously, the exclusive fastener structure of the present disclosure can allow multiple fixation and detachment cycles without excessive (ie, irreversible) plastic deformation of the engaging rail segments. As described in detail in the following examples, a comparative fastener that includes rail segments, but not columns, can engage in fixation when the rail segments are pushed against and beyond each other for interlocking.

The head portions of the rail segments of the comparative fastener exhibit a relatively high degree of plastic deformation (that is, irreversible) after such engagement,

as shown in Figure 4. Plastic deformation can limit the ability of the comparative fastener to be detached and fixed again, since the shape of the fastener is changed by the first and successive couplings. In contrast, in the fixation system of the present disclosure when the first and second fastener members engage in fixation, the columns undergo elastic deformation, while the head portions of the rail segments of the first and second fastener members pass each other as shown in Figure 3A. The head portions of the fastener rail segments of the present disclosure exhibit a relatively low degree of plastic deformation (i.e., reversible) after engagement as shown in Figure 3B.

[056] Since the fastener 1 shown in Figures 1A to C and 2A is useful, for example, as a self-coupling fastener, a shorter distance X8 between one of the columns 6 and one of the base portions 10 of the rail segments 4 in adjacent rows 14, 16 it is wide enough to allow insertion of the head portion 8 of the rail segments 4. The distance X8 can be substantially equal to X4, as described above in any of the modalities for X4. In some modalities, the distance X8 is within about 20, 15 or 10 percent of the head width X4. In some embodiments, a ratio between the distance X8 and the width X1 of the base portion 10 is in the range of 2: 1 to 5: 1 or 2: 1 to 4: 1, or the ratio may be about 3: 1. The distances X3 and X5 between one of the columns 6 and one of the head portions 8 of the rail segments 4 in adjacent rows 14, 16 are generally smaller than the distance X8, since the head width X4 is wider than the width base portion X1. Some useful distances X3 and X5 are in the range of 0.08 mm to 0.8 mm, 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm or 0.2 mm to 0.35 mm. The distances X3 and X5 between a column 6 and two adjacent rows of head portions 8 of track segments 4 do not have to be the same.

[057] In some embodiments, when the first and second fastener members are coupled, they can slide relative to each other in a direction parallel to the length of the support layer. This can be advantageous, for example, if the positioning of the first and second fastener members relative to each other is not desirable when the first and second fastener members are initially coupled. To achieve a desirable position, the first and second fastener members can be moved into place.

[058] The first and second fastener members of a fastening system according to some of the modalities of the present disclosure may or may not be connected together. In some embodiments, the first and second fastener members can be connected to two different substrates. In some embodiments, the first and second fastener members may form part of the same strip of material into which the first fastener member is folded to contact the second fastener member.

[059] In the fastener according to the present disclosure, the rail segments, columns and at least a portion of the support layer are integral (ie, usually formed at the same time as a unit, unitary). Different fastening elements such as rail segments and vertical columns in a support layer can be produced, for example, by feeding a thermoplastic material over a continuously moving mold surface with cavities that have the inverse shape of the fixation. The thermoplastic material can pass between a choke formed by two rollers or a choke between a die face and a roll surface, with at least one of the rollers having the cavities. The pressure provided by the choke forces the resin into the cavities. In some embodiments, a vacuum can be used to evacuate the cavities to facilitate filling the cavities. The strangulation has a gap sufficiently so that a coherent support layer is formed over the cavities. The support layer can be formed without holes through it. The mold surface and cavities can be optionally cooled by air or water before extracting the support layer and the integrally formed fixing elements from the mold surface using, for example, an extractor roller.

[060] Mold surfaces suitable for forming fasteners on a support layer include machining rollers such as those formed from a series of plates that define a plurality of cavities around its periphery including those described, for example, in US patent No. 4,775,310 (Fischer). Cavities can be formed in the plates by perforation or photoresist technology, for example. Other suitable machining rollers may include wire-wrapped rollers, which are disclosed together with their manufacturing methods, for example, in US Patent No. 6,190,594 (Gorman et al.). Another example of a method for forming a support layer with vertical fasteners includes the use of a flexible mold belt that defines a matrix of cavities in the shape of a fastener, as described in US patent no. US 7,214,334 (Jens et al.). Still other useful methods for forming a support layer with vertical fasteners can be found in US patents No. 6,287,665 (Hammer), 7,198,743 (Tuma) and 6,627,133 (Tuma).

[061] If the rail segments formed at the exit of the cavities have no heads, the first and second fastener members will not have any close affinity with each other. The heads can be subsequently formed on the rail segments by means of a head forming method, as described in US Patent No. 5,077,870 (Melbye et al.).

Typically, the head forming method includes deforming the tip portions of the rail segments with the use of heat and / or pressure. Heat and pressure, if both are used, could be applied sequentially or simultaneously. The formation of rail segments can also include a step in which the shape of the track

head is changed, for example, as described in US Patent No. 6,132,660 (Kampfer) and / or in US Patent No. 6,592,800 (Levitt). For example, one or more of these processes may be useful for changing the shape of the head portion 8 shown in Figure 1A to the shape shown in Figure 2A. The formation of rail segments can also include a step in which the head is embossed, for example, as described in US Patent No. 6,000,106 (Kampfer). After one or more of these head forming processes, the first and second fastener members in a fixation system of the present disclosure can be closed together. The amount of force required to close and open the first and second fastener members by detachment can be adjusted as desired by adapting the head forming process.

[062] Another useful method for attaching elements to a support layer is profile extrusion, described, for example, in US Patent No. 4,894,060 (Nestegard).

Typically, in this method, a current of thermoplastic flow is passed through a patterned matrix bead (for example, cut by electrical discharge machining) to form a blanket that has ridges downstream of the blanket, cut the ridges and stretch the blanket to form separate fasteners. The ridges can be considered precursors for the fastening elements and exhibit the cross-sectional shape of the rail and column segments to be formed.

The ridges are cut transversely in spaced spaces along the length of the ridges to form distinct portions of the ridges that have lengths in the direction of the ridges corresponding essentially to the length of the fastening elements to be formed. Stretching the support layer so that it deforms plastically results in the separation of the fastening elements.

[063] The fastener of the present description can be produced from a variety of suitable materials, including thermoplastics. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials for making the fastener using the methods described above include polyolefin homopolymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, copolymers,

ethylene, propylene and / or butylene products; copolymers containing ethylene, such as ethylene

vinyl feel and ethylene acrylic acid; polyesters such as poly (ethylene terephthalate), can

li (ethylene butyrate), and poly (ethylene naphthalate); polyamides, such as poly (hexamethylene adipamide); polyurethanes; polycarbonates; poly (vinyl alcohol); ketones, such as poly (ether-

ether-ketone); poly (phenylene sulfide); and mixtures thereof.

In some modalities

Also, the thermoplastic useful for making the fastener comprises at least one of a polyolefin, a polyamide or a polyester.

In some modalities, the thermoplastic

useful for making the fastener is a polyolefin (for example, polyethylene, polypropylene

lene, polybutylene, ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers, butylene copolymers and copolymers and blends of these materials). In some modalities, the

The donor of the present disclosure is produced from a blend of any of these thermoplastic materials and an elastomer.

Examples of elastomers useful in such fixation layers include elastomers such as ABA block copolymers (for example,

example, in which blocks A are polystyrene and formed predominantly of substituted (for example, alkylated) or unsubstituted chemical moieties, and blocks B are formed predominantly of conjugated dienes (for example, isoprene and 1,3-

butadiene), which can be hydrogenated), polyurethane elastomers, polyolefin elastomers (for example, polyolefin metallocene elastomers), olefin block copolymers, polyamide elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetate elastomers and polyester elastomers.

Examples of useful polyolefin elastomers include a propylene ethylene elastomer, an octene ethylene elastomer, a propylene ethylene elastomer

leno diene, an ethylene propylene octene elastomer, polybutadiene, a butadiene copolymer, polybutene or a combination thereof.

Elastomers are available

available from a variety of commercial sources as described below.

Any of these elastomers can be present in a blend with any of the thermo-

plastics in an amount of up to 20, 15 or 10 weight percent.

[064] The support layer of the fastener of the present disclosure can have a variety of thicknesses. In some embodiments, including the modality shown in Figures 1A to 1C and Figures 2A to 2C, the thickness (Z4-Z5) of the support layer 2 integral with the rail segments 4 and the columns 6 can be up to about 300 micrometers (µm), 250 micrometers or 200 micrometers and at least about 50 micrometers or 75 micrometers. This thickness does not include the height of the rail segments and the columns that project from the first main surface of the support layer. In some embodiments, the thickness of the thermoplastic support layer is in the range of 50 to about 300 micrometers, from about 50 to about 200 micrometers or from about 100 to about 150 micrometers.

[065] In some embodiments, including the modality shown in Figures 1A to 1C and Figures 2A to 2C, the rows of track segments 14 and the files of columns 16 are each formed in fillets 12. With reference to Figure 1B, the thickness of fillet Z6 above support layer 2 can be up to about 100 micrometers (µm), 75 micrometers or 50 micrometers and at least about 10 micrometers or 15 micrometers. This thickness does not include the height of the rail segments and the columns that project from the first main surface of the support layer. In some embodiments, the Z6 fillet thickness ranges from 10 to about 100 micrometers, from about 15 to about 75 micrometers or from about 20 to about 50 micrometers. In some modes, the support layer, excluding the rail, column and fillet segments, has a substantially uniform thickness. For a thermoplastic that has a substantially uniform thickness, a difference in thickness between any two points on the backing layer can be up to 5, 2.5 or 1 percent.

[066] The rail segments on the first surface of the support layer can have a density of at least 10 per square centimeter (cm2) (63 per square inch, in2). For example, the density of the rail segments can be at least 100 / cm2 (635 / in2), 248 / cm2 (1,600 / in2), 394 / cm2 (2,500 / in2) or 550 / cm2 (3,500 / in2). In some embodiments, the density of the rail segments can be up to 1,575 / cm2 (10,000 / in2), up to about 1,182 / cm2 (7,500 / in2) or up to about 787 / cm2 (5,000 / in2). Densities in a range from 10 / cm2 (63 / in2) to 1,575 / cm2 (10,000 / in2) or 100 / cm2 (635 / in2) to 1,182 / cm2 (7,500 / in2) can be useful, for example. The density of the rail segments is related to the distance between the X7 rail segments, measured as the distance from center to center of the rail segments in adjacent rows as shown in Figure 1B. A variety of X7 distances between rows of rail segments can be useful. In some embodiments, the distance X7 between rows of rail segments is 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm or 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm. The row spacing of the rail segments and columns need not be uniform, for example, as shown in Figures 8 to 10.

[067] In some embodiments, the support layer can be stretched mono-axially or biaxially. The stretching in the machine direction can be carried out on a continuous blanket of the support layer, for example, directing the blanket on rollers of increasing speed. Stretching in a direction transverse to the machine can be performed on a continuous mat using, for example, divergent rails or divergent discs. A versatile stretching method that allows sequential monoaxial and biaxial stretching of the thermoplastic layer employs a flat film stretcher with a frame. Such apparatus secures the thermoplastic layer with the use of a plurality of clamps, grippers or other means of gripping the film edge along the opposite edges of the thermoplastic mat, so that the sequential monoaxial and biaxial stretching in the desired direction is obtained by pushing the gripping medium at varying speeds along the diverging tracks. Increasing the speed of the clip towards the machine generally results in stretching towards the machine. Stretching at angles in relation to the machine direction and transverse direction is also possible with a flat film drawing device with a frame. Monoaxial and biaxial stretching can also be performed, for example, by the methods and apparatus presented in patent No. 7,897,078 (Petersen et al.) And the references cited therein. Flat film stretchers with frames are commercially available, for example, from Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH, Siegsdorf, Germany.

[068] In some embodiments, after stretching, the support layer has an average thickness of up to 150 µm, 125 µm, 100 µm, 80 µm or 75 µm. In some embodiments, the average thickness of the backing layer after stretching is in the range of 30 µm to 150 µm, 50 µm to 150 µm or 50 µm to 125 µm. In general, the support layer has no through holes before and after stretching. In some embodiments, the density of the rail segments and / or columns after stretching can be up to about 1,182 / cm2 (7,500 / in2) or up to about 787 / cm2 (5,000 / in2). Densities after stretching in the range of 2 / cm2 (13 / in2) to 1,182 / cm2 (7,500 / in2), from 124 / cm2 (800 / in2) to 787 / cm2 (5,000 / in2), 248 / cm2 (1,600 / inch2 up to 550 / cm2 (3,500 / inch2), or from 248 / cm2 (1,600 / inch2) to 394 / cm2 (2,500 / inch2) may be useful, for example. Again, the spacing of the rows of rail segments and columns need not be uniform.

[069] In some embodiments, the support layer includes a multilayer construction. The multilayer construction can include 2 to 10, 2 to 5 or 2 to 3 layers.

The multilayer construction can include films, adhesives and fastening layers. The multiple layers can be joined using a variety of methods, including coating, adhesive bonding and extrusion lamination. In some embodiments, the support layer that has the rail segments and protruding columns can be produced (for example, using any of the methods described above) from a flow of multilayer melt from thermoplastic materials. This can result in protruding rail segments and columns being formed at least partially from a different thermoplastic material than the one that forms pre-

dominantly the support layer. Various configurations of the vertical rods produced from a flow of multilayer cast material are shown in patent No. US 6,106,922 (Cejka et al.), For example. In some embodiments, the thickness of the support layer (including a multilayer support layer) combined with the height of the rail segments is up to 3,300, 2,000, 1,000, 900, 800, 700, 650, 600, 500 , 540 or 400 micrometers. In some embodiments, the thickness of the fastening system according to the present disclosure, in which the first and second fastener members are engaged with each other, is up to 3,300, 2,000, 1,000, 900, 800, 750 or 700 micrometers.

[070] The flexural stiffness of the fastener (for example, on a geometric axis parallel to the fastener width) is influenced by the modulus of the material or materials that make up the backing layer, the thickness of the layer or layers that constitute the support layer, by the distance between the structures (including rail segments and columns) on the support layer, and by the size of the fastener parallel to the geometric axis of flexion. In general, the materials, the thickness of the layer or layers in the fastener and the distances between the structures can be selected to provide the fastener with a desirable flexural stiffness. Advantageously, in many fastener modalities of the present disclosure, the fastener's flexural stiffness is low enough so that the fastener does not open unintentionally when flexed.

In some of these modalities, the fastener flexural stiffness in a closed configuration is in the range of 100 mN / mm to 1,500 mN / mm, 200 mN / mm to

1,200 mN / mm, or 300 mN / mm to 1,000 mN / mm, as measured by a flexural stiffness test method, for example, as described in the examples below.

[071] In some embodiments, the fastener of the present disclosure and / or the support layer of the fastener includes a fastening layer. The fixation layers can include elastomeric materials or other materials that have lower melting points than the integral support layer with the rail and column segments. Examples of useful elastomers in such fixation layers include elastomers such as ABA block copolymers (for example, where A blocks are polystyrene and formed predominantly of substituted (for example, alkylated) or unsubstituted chemical moieties, and blocks B are formed predominantly of conjugated dienes (for example, isoprene and 1,3-butadiene), which can be hydrogenated), polyurethane elastomers, polyolefin elastomers (for example, polyolefin metallocene elastomers), block copolymers olefin, polyamide elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetate elastomers and polyester elastomers. Examples of useful polyolefin elastomers include an ethylene propylene elastomer, an ethylene octene elastomer, an ethylene propylene diene elastomer, an ethylene propylene octene elastomer, polybutadiene, a butadiene copolymer, polybutene or a combination thereof. Various elastomeric polymers and other polymers can be mixed to have varying degrees of elastomeric properties. For example, any of these elastomeric materials can be present in a range of 50% in weight to 95% by weight in a blend with any of the thermoplastics described above to form the integral support layer with the rail segments and the columns.

[072] Many types of thermoplastic elastomers are commercially available, including those from BASF, Florham Park, NJ, USA, under the trade name “STYROFLEX”, from Kraton Polymers, Houston, TX, USA, under the name commercial nation “KRATON”, with Dow Chemical, Midland, MI, USA, under the trade name “PELLETHANE”, “INFUSE”, VERSIFY ”,“ NORDEL ”and“ ENGAGE ”, with DSM, Heerlen, The Netherlands, under the trade name “ARNITEL”, with EI

duPont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE, USA, under the trade name “HYTREL”, with ExxonMobil, Irving, TX, USA, under the trade name “VISTAMAXX”, and more.

[073] In some embodiments, the fastener of the present disclosure and / or the support layer of the fastener includes a layer of a hot melt adhesive. Hot-melt adhesives are typically non-sticky at room temperature and the use of hot-melts can reduce contamination in the equipment during handling of the film and laminating. Suitable hot-melt adhesives include those based on ethylene-vinyl-acetate copolymers, ethylene-acrylate copolymers, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, styrene block copolymers, polycaprolactone and polycarbonates and may include a variety of tachyphine resins dyes, plasticizers, pigments, fillers and stabilizers. Examples of suitable hot melt adhesives include those available from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN, USA, under the trade name “3M SCOTCH-WELD” hot melt adhesives (for example, products 3731 B and 3764 PG).

[074] In some embodiments, the fixing layer or hot melt adhesive will be thermally activated over a temperature range of 90 ° C to 125 ° C depending on time and pressure and can be useful to produce a secure connection to a substrate, such as a film used in resealable packaging. Again with reference to Figure 1B, the fixing layer or hot-melt adhesive layer 3 can have any useful thickness Z5. In some embodiments, the fixing layer or hot-melt adhesive layer 3 has a Z5 thickness of up to 0.1 mm, 0.075 mm, 0.05 mm or 0.025 mm. Typically, the fixing layer or hot-melt adhesive layer 3 has a thickness of at least 0.005 mm or 0.01 mm. Useful thicknesses Z5 include those in a range of 0.005 mm to 0.1 mm, 0.005 mm to 0.05 mm and 0.01 mm to 0.025 mm.

[075] The fastener of the present disclosure can be useful for joining two articles together for a variety of purposes. For example, the fastener of the present disclosure can be useful as a self-coupling fastener for refillable packaging. The self-coupling fastener can be connected to a packaging or containment bag. The self-coupling fastener can include an open configuration and a closed configuration. When in the open configuration, the self-coupling fastener is adapted to allow access to an internal volume of the containment bag through an opening arranged in the containment bag after a first opening of the containment bag. Additionally, when in the closed configuration, the self-coupling fastener is adapted to prevent access to the internal volume of the containment bag through the opening.

[076] Figures 5 to 10 are several views of a type of a resealable packaging 100. The resealable packaging 100 includes a containment bag 120 that defines an internal volume 122 and an opening 124 that allows access to the internal volume. . The containment bag 120 also includes an upper seal region 140 which is disposed adjacent to opening 124 and adapted to be broken to allow a first opening of the containment bag. The resealable package 100 also includes a self-coupling fastener 150 connected to the containment bag 120. The self-coupling fastener 150 can include any suitable fastener, for example, fastener 1 of Figures 1A to C and 2A to C. self-coupling 150 includes an open configuration (as shown in Figure 7) and a closed configuration (as shown in Figures 5 and 6). When in the open configuration, the self-coupling fastener 150 is adapted to allow access to the internal volume 122 of the containment bag 120 through the opening 124 after the seal region 140 has been broken. Additionally, when in the closed configuration, the self-coupling fastener 150 is adapted to prevent access to the internal volume 122 of the containment bag 120 through the opening 124.

[077] For use in the present invention, the term "allow access" means that a user of the resealable packaging 100 can reach the internal volume 122 of the containment bag 120 through the opening 124 and hold at least a portion of the products intended for the consumer arranged inside the internal volume. Add-

finally, for use in the present invention, the term "prevent access" means that the user of the resealable packaging cannot reach the internal volume 122 of the containment bag 120 through the opening 124 to hold at least a portion of the products intended for the consumer arranged inside of the internal volume without first manipulating the self-coupling clamp 150.

[078] The containment bag 120 can include any suitable pouch or packaging that defines the internal volume 122. In addition, the containment bag 120 can be adapted to contain any suitable items. In one or more embodiments, the containment bag 120 can be adapted to contain any suitable consumer products, for example, food products such as crackers, chips and cheese, bulk powder or granular products, animal feed, garden products - lawn care and care, etc.

[079] The containment bag 120 can be formed using any suitable technique or techniques. In the modalities illustrated in Figures 5 to 10, the containment bag 120 is formed from a single piece of material or film that is connected along a region of rear seal 138 that extends in a vertical direction that is substantially parallel to the first and second side edges 134, 136 of the containment bag, as shown in Figure 6. Additionally, the containment bag 120 includes the upper seal region 140 and a lower seal region 142. The seal regions rear, top and bottom 138, 140, 142 can be formed using any suitable technique or techniques, for example, ultrasonic welding, adhesion (for example, with the use of a hot-melt adhesive as described in the present invention ), thermal bonding and combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the seal regions 138, 140, 142 can be formed using the same technique or techniques. In one or more modalities, one or more of the seal regions 138, 140, 142 can be formed using a technique that is different from the technique used to form the other seal regions.

[080] Containment bag 120 may be of any suitable size and assume any suitable shape or combination of shapes. In addition, the containment bag 120 includes a front panel 130 and a rear panel 132. Front panel 130 and rear panel 132 can be located on the first and second side edges 134, 136. In one or more embodiments, the front panel 130 and rear panel 132 are integral so that the containment bag 120 does not include joints or seal regions adjacent to one or both of the first and second side edges 134,

136. For use in the present invention, the term "adjacent to the side edge" means that an element or component of package 100 is arranged closer to one of the first and second side edges 134, 136 than to the rear seal region 138 .

In one or more embodiments, the front and rear panels 130, 132 can be connected to each other at the side edges 134, 136 with the use of any suitable technique or techniques. For example, in one or more embodiments, the front panel 130 and the rear panel 132 can be made separately and then joined on the first and second side edges 134, 136 by connecting the front panel to the rear panel.

[081] The containment bag 120 can include opening 124 (Figure 7) that allows access to internal volume 122. Opening 124 can be arranged anywhere in the containment bag 120. As shown in Figure 7, the opening 124 is disposed adjacent to a top edge 126 of containment bag 120. For use in the present invention, the term "adjacent to the top edge" means that an element or component of package 100 is arranged more closer to the top edge 126 of the containment bag 120 than to a bottom edge 128 of the containment bag. Aperture 124 can take any shape or have any suitable dimensions. In one or more embodiments, the opening extends between the first and second side edges 134, 136 of the containment bag. In one or more modalities, one or more sealing regions may be arranged between the edges of the opening 124 and the first and second side edges 134, 136 of the containment bag 120 so that the opening does not extend to one or more both between the first and the second side edges of the containment bag. In one or more embodiments, the opening 124 of the containment bag 120 can be defined by the top edge 126 of the containment bag.

[082] In one or more embodiments, the containment bag 120 may include a seal region that is disposed adjacent to opening 124 and adapted to be broken to allow a first opening of the containment bag at a time that the user can access products intended for the consumer disposed within the internal volume 122. For use in the present invention, the term “first opening” refers to the first time that the resealable packaging is opened by the user after manufacturing and filling the packaging . In the modalities illustrated in Figures 5 to 10, such a sealing region includes the upper sealing region 140. The upper sealing region 140 seals the containment bag 120 before the first opening of the containment bag to preserve products intended for the consumer disposed within the internal volume 122. To access such products intended for the consumer, the user can break the upper seal region 140 using any suitable technique or techniques, for example, pulling, tearing, cutting, etc.

[083] The containment bag 120 can be made using any suitable material or materials, for example, one or more inorganic, polymeric and metallic materials. In one or more embodiments, the containment bag 120 may include one or more polymeric materials such as a polyolefin (for example, oriented polypropylene (OPP), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE )), a polyester (for example, poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)), a polyacrylate and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). The films of these materials are available as single-layer films, for example, and as multi-layer films that include functional fixation layers. Multi-layer films

can be produced by coextrusion or gradual extrusion. The functional attachment layer can be made of any of the polymeric materials described for the containment bag mixed with 5% by weight to 50% by weight of a functional polymer. The multilayer film is usually configured with the fixing layer inside the containment bag 120 and can allow for adhesive bonding and an airtight closure of the containment bag. Many functional polymers useful as fixing layer resins are commercially available, for example, from the Dow Chemical Company under the trade name “AMPLIFY”. In one or more embodiments, the containment bag 120 may include a flexible material. The attachment layers in the containment bag can also include any of the elastomeric materials described above in connection with the attachment layer on the fastener.

[084] The containment bag 120 may include any image or suitable graphic images (not shown) arranged on one or both of the front and rear panels 130, 132 using any suitable technique or techniques, for example, inkjet printing, lamination, digital printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, ink transfer and combinations thereof. In one or more modalities, the graphic image (not shown) can be arranged on the front panel of the containment bag, where a portion of the graphic image is arranged on the self-coupling fastener 150 when the fastener is in the closed configuration.

[085] Connected to the containment bag 120 is the self-coupling fastener 150 of the present disclosure as described above in any of its modalities. The self-coupling clamp 150 can be connected to the containment bag 120 in any suitable location. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 10, the self-coupling fastener 150 is connected to the containment bag 120 adjacent to the top edge 126 of the containment bag. In one or more embodiments, the self-coupling clamp 150 is arranged on the top edge 126 of the containment bag 120. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the self-coupling clamp 150 can be arranged in a position adjacent to a region. center 146 of the containment bag 120. For use in the present invention, the term "adjacent to the central region" means that the self-coupling fastener 150 is arranged closer to the central region 146 of the containment bag 120 than to the top edge. 126 or the bottom edge 128 of the containment bag.

[086] Additionally, the self-coupling fastener 150 of the present disclosure can be arranged in any suitable location in relation to the opening 124 of the containment bag 120 so that the fastener when in the open configuration can allow access to the internal volume 122 of the bag of containment through the opening, after the upper seal region 140 has been broken and so that when in the closed configuration the fastener is adapted to prevent access to the internal volume of the containment bag through the opening.

[087] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the self-coupling clamp 150 is arranged adjacent to opening 124. For use in the present invention, the term "adjacent to opening" means that self-coupling clamp 150 is arranged so that the fastener can manipulate the opening so that it is sufficiently open to allow access to products intended for the consumer arranged inside the containment bag 120 and sufficiently closed to prevent access to the products intended for the consumer.

In one or more embodiments, the self-coupling clamp 150 can be arranged inside the opening 124. In one or more embodiments, the self-coupling clamp 150 can be arranged outside the opening 124 along an edge of the opening so that that the fastener can be manipulated between open and closed configurations to open and close the opening, as further described in this document.

[088] The self-coupling clamp 150 can be of any suitable size and assume any suitable shape or shapes. In one or more modalities, the self-coupling fastener 150 can be connected to the containment bag 120 adjacent to the top edge 126 of the containment bag and extends between the first and second side edges 134, 136 of the containment bag as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The self-coupling fastener 150 can extend up to one or both of the first and second side edges 134, 136 of the containment bag. In one or more embodiments, the self-coupling fastener 150 can be adapted so that one or both of a first side edge 156 and a second side edge 158 of the fastener is separated from the respective first and second side edges 134, 136 of the bag containment 120 at any suitable distance. In such modalities, the containment bag 120 may also include one or more sealing regions disposed between one or both of the first and second side edges 156, 158 of the self-coupling fastener 150 and the first and second side edges 134 136 of the containment bag 120 so that the fastener together with the sealing regions seal the containment bag over a width of the containment bag.

[089] As shown in Figure 8, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the containment bag 120 of Figures 5 to 7, the self-coupling clamp 150 includes a first clamp member 152 and a second fastener member 154. The first fastener member 152 can be the same as the second fastener member 154 or different from the second fastener member. In addition, the first and second fastener members 152, 154 can be connected to the containment bag 120 at any suitable location. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the first fastener member 152 is disposed on an internal surface 131 of the front panel 130 and the second fastener member 154 is disposed on an internal surface 133 of the rear panel 132. In one or more modalities , the first fastener member 152 can be disposed on the inner surface 131 of the front panel 130 adjacent to the top edge 126 of the containment bag 120, and the second fastener member 154 can be disposed on the inner surface 133 of the back panel 132 adjacent to the top edge of the containment bag.

[090] In one or more embodiments, the first fastener member 152 can overlap the second fastener member 154 in an orthogonal direction to the front and rear panels 130, 132 so that at least a portion of the first fastener member can engage with the second fastener member. In one or more embodiments, the first fastener member 152 is aligned with the second fastener member 154 in the direction orthogonal to the front and rear panels 130, 132 as shown, for example, in Figure 8.

[091] The self-coupling clamp 150 can be connected to the containment bag 120 using any suitable technique or techniques. In one or more embodiments, the fastener 150 is adhered to the containment bag 120 using any suitable adhesive or combination of adhesives, including any of the hot melt adhesives described herein. Additionally, in one or more modalities, the self-coupling clamp 150 can be ultrasonically attached to the containment bag 120. In one or more embodiments, the clamp 150 can be mechanically attached to the containment bag 120 using a any suitable technique or techniques. In one or more embodiments, a fixation layer as described in the present invention in any of its embodiments can be arranged between one or both of the first and second fastener members 152, 154 and the front and rear panels 130, 132, respectively.

[092] When fastening layers or hot-melt adhesives are used to connect the self-coupling fastener 150 of this description to the containment bag 120, the heating of the adhesive or the fastening layer can be performed with the use of impact fluid from high temperature, as described in US Patent Nos. 9,096,960 (Biegler et al.), 9,126,224 (Biegler et al.) and 8,956,496 (Biegler et al.). In some embodiments, the high temperature fluid is a high temperature gas (for example, air, dehumidified air, nitrogen, an inert gas, a mixture of any of these, or another gas mixture). In some embodiments, the high temperature fluid is high temperature air. The high temperature fluid can be directed towards the fixing layer or the hot melt adhesive only, or the high temperature fluid can be directed towards both the fixing layer or the hot melt adhesive and the film useful to form the bag. containment. In some modes, the high temperature air is directed towards the fixation layer or the hot melt adhesive just before being attached to the containment bag. In some embodiments, connecting the self-coupling fastener 150 to the containment bag 120 includes making the high-temperature fluid, including any of those described above, fall onto a second surface of a self-coupling fastener blanket while it is in contact. movement, the second surface being the opposite surface to the first surface that supports the rail and column segments. In some of these embodiments, the second surface of the blanket includes an anchoring layer. In some embodiments, the second surface of the mat includes a hot melt adhesive.

Optionally, sequentially or simultaneously, connecting the self-coupling fastener 150 to the containment bag 120 includes making the high temperature fluid, including any of those described above, fall on a film mat surface useful for form the containment bag while the film blanket is moving. The connection of the self-coupling fastener 150 to the film can then be carried out by placing the second surface of the self-coupling fastener mat in contact with the film mat useful to form the containment bag.

A heated bar can also be useful for connecting the self-coupling fastener to the containment bag. The self-coupling fastener, the fixing layer and / or the hot-melt adhesive can be placed in contact with a heated bar.

one or multiple times to ensure a good bond to the packaging film.

Typically, the heated bar is placed in contact with the non-adhesive side of the packaging film.

[093] As mentioned in the present invention, the self-coupling fastener 150 has an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the self-coupling fastener 150 is in the closed configuration so that the user cannot access the internal volume 122 of the containment bag 120 through the opening 124 of the containment bag. In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the upper seal region 140 is intact and has not yet been broken after the first opening of the containment bag 120. As a result, consumer products arranged within the internal volume 122 of the bag containment 120 can be preserved by the seal region 140.

[094] In general, the self-coupling fastener 150 can be connected to the containment bag 120 so that the fastener is in that closed configuration when the bag is manufactured. In one or more embodiments, the self-coupling fastener 150 can be connected to the containment bag 120 during manufacture so that it is in an open configuration. For example, Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the containment bag 120 of Figures 5 to 7. As shown in Figure 9, the self-coupling fastener 150 is in the open configuration. For use in the present invention, the term "open configuration" means that one or more portions of the self-coupling fastener 150 have been separated so that the user can reach inside the containment bag 120 through opening 124 and the self-coupling fastener for holding a portion of the consumer products arranged within the internal volume 122 of the containment bag.

[095] As also shown in Figure 9, the upper seal region 140 is still intact and has not yet been broken after the first opening of the con-

120. In modalities where the self-coupling fastener 150 is connected to the containment bag 120 so that it is in the open configuration before the first opening of the containment bag 120, the user can hold portions of the front and rear panels. 130, 132 and manipulate the panels away from each other. During this manipulation by the user, the upper seal region 140 can remain intact while portions of the self-coupling fastener 50 can be separated so that it remains in the open configuration as shown in Figure 9. In one or more modalities, the manipulation by the user after the first opening of the containment bag 120 may, instead, first separate the upper seal region 140 so that the seal region is at least partially broken before handling the self-coupling fastener 150 from the closed configuration to the configuration open.

[096] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the containment bag 120 of Figures 5 to 7, where the upper seal region 140 was broken after the first opening of the containment bag and the self-coupling fastener. 150 is in the open configuration. As shown in Figure 10, the user can now access the internal volume 122 of the containment bag 120 through opening 124 and through the self-coupling fastener 150. The user can then manipulate the self-coupling fastener 150 of the open configuration for - the configuration is closed so that the user can no longer access the internal volume 122 of the containment bag 120.

[097] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modality of opening 124 of containment bag 120 of Figures 5 to 7, where the self-coupling fastener 150 is in the closed configuration. The self-coupling fastener 150 includes a first fastener member 152 and a second fastener member 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastener member 152 and the second fastener member 154 are part of the same strip of material,

folded over itself. The self-coupling fastener 150 is bent, for example, along a geometric axis parallel to the width (W) of the fastener, with reference to Figure 1A, so that a row of columns 106 is visible in the cross-sectional view. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, the first fastener member 152 is disposed on an internal surface 131 of the front panel 130 and the second fastener member 154 is disposed on an internal surface 133 of the rear panel 132 of the containment bag. The first fastener member 152 is attached to the inner surface 131 of the front panel 130 and the second fastener member 154 is attached to the inner surface 133 of the back panel 132 using the attachment layer 103. Advantageously, the thickness of the fastener self-coupling 150 in this folded configuration can be up to 1,000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 450 or 400 micrometers. Such thickness can allow the self-coupling fastener 150 to be connected to the containment bag 120 in this folded configuration when the bag is manufactured.

[098] Any suitable technique or techniques can be used by the user to manipulate the self-coupling fastener 150 for the closed configuration. For example, the user can press the self-coupling fastener 150 by placing one hand on the front panel 130 and the other hand on the rear panel 132 and pressing the first fastener member 152 against the second fastener member 154. Additionally, for example, the The user can place the packaging 100 on a flat surface so that the first or second panels 130, 132 are in contact with the surface, and then press the first and second fastener members 152, 154 together.

[099] When in the closed configuration, as shown in Figure 8, the self-coupling fastener 150 can prevent consumer products arranged within the internal volume 122 of the containment bag 120 from falling or leaking out of the containment bag through the opening 124. Additionally,

in one or more embodiments, the self-coupling fastener 150 can seal the containment bag 120 in the closed configuration so that products intended for the consumer arranged within the internal volume 122 remain fresh.

[0100] Any suitable technique or techniques can be used to determine if the self-coupling fastener 150 is in the closed configuration. For example, in one or more embodiments, the self-coupling clamp 150 is in the closed configuration when an opening force of the self-coupling clamp is at least about 0.1 Newton and not greater than 1.0 Newton, as me determined from the average maximum load obtained with the method of detachment test T described in the examples. In some modalities, the opening force of the self-coupling fastener is in a range of 0.2 N to 0.9 N or 0.3 N to 0.8 N, as determined from the average maximum load obtained with the T detachment test method described in the examples.

[0101] Additionally, in one or more modalities, the force required to obtain a closed configuration from an open configuration, as previously defined, is not greater than 3.0 Newtons (N) but at least 0, 3 N, as determined using the closing force test method described in the examples. In one or more embodiments, the force required to achieve a closed configuration from an open configuration is not greater than 0.3 N / mm, but at least 0.03 N / mm, as determined using the method of closing force test. In some modalities, the force required to achieve a closed configuration from an open configuration is in the range of 0.45 N to 2.7 N or 0.6 N to 2.4 N, as determined with the use of the closing force test method. In some modes, the transition from an open to a closed configuration is readily achieved with pressure from the fingers.

[0102] The self-coupling fastener 150 and the material used for the containment bag 120 can be selected to provide any desirable flexural strength stiffness around a geometry axis of the containment bag 102 that is perpendicular to a length 104 of the fastener self-coupling, as shown in Figure 5. Any suitable technique or techniques can be used to determine the flexural stiffness of the containment bag 120 and the self-coupling fastener 150. The self-coupling fastener 150 can have a stiffness flexural strength of at least about 100 mN / mm and up to about 1,500 mN / mm, as determined using the flexural stiffness test method described in the examples. In some embodiments, the fastener's flexural stiffness is in the range of 100 mN / mm to 1,500 mN / mm, 200 mN / mm to 1,200 mN / mm, or 300 mN / mm at

1,000 mN / mm, as measured by the flexural stiffness test method. With a flexural stiffness in these bands, typically and advantageously, the fastener does not open unintentionally when the fastener is flexed.

[0103] The various types of resealable packaging described here can include any suitable containment bag configuration. For example, Figures 12 and 13 are several views of another embodiment of a resealable packaging 200. All design considerations and possibilities related to packaging 100 in Figures 5 to 11 apply equally to packaging 200 of Figures 12 and 13. The resealable package 200 includes a containment bag 220 that defines an internal volume 222 and an opening 224 that allows access to the internal volume. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the opening is arranged adjacent to a top edge 226 of the containment bag

220. The containment bag 220 also includes an upper seal region 240 which is disposed adjacent to opening 224 and adapted to be broken to allow a first opening of the containment bag.

[0104] The containment bag 220 additionally includes a front panel 230 and a rear panel 232. The containment bag 220 can be formed using a single film that can be sealed over a first region of side seal 234 and a second side seal region 236. In one or more embodiments, the containment bag 220 also includes the top seal region 240. Additionally, an opening 241 can be arranged adjacent to the upper seal region 240 , so that the containment bag 220 can be hung on a showcase shelf.

[0105] The package 200 also includes a self-coupling fastener 250 according to the present disclosure connected to the containment bag 220. The self-coupling fastener 250 can be connected to the containment bag 220 in any suitable location. In one or more embodiments, the self-coupling clamp 250 is disposed adjacent to opening 224 of containment bag 220.

[0106] The containment bag 220 may also include a bottom stabilizer 270 disposed adjacent to a bottom edge 228 of the containment bag. Bottom interlining 270 can be folded inwardly from bottom edge 228 of the containment bag. Bottom interlining 270 can be formed using any suitable technique or techniques.

[0107] In addition, Figures 14 and 15 are several views of another model of a resealable packaging 300. All design considerations and possibilities related to resealable packaging 100 of Figures 5 to 11 apply equally to the packaging 300 of Figures 14 and 15. The resealable packaging 300 includes a containment bag 320 that has a front panel 330 and a rear panel 332 that can be joined in a first side seal region 334 and a second side seal region 336. The front and rear panels 330, 332 can also be joined in an upper seal region 340 adjacent to a top edge 326 of the containment bag. An opening 341 can be arranged adjacent to the top edge 326 so that the package 300 can be hung on a display shelf. The resealable package 300 also includes a self-coupling fastener 350 of the present disclosure.

[0108] The front panel 330 includes a perforated opening 324 which is adapted to allow a user to separate the perforation and access the consumer products arranged within an internal volume 322 of the containment bag 320.

In one or more embodiments, the containment bag 320 may also include a tear strip (not shown) that is arranged on the self-coupling fastener 350 and adapted to allow the user to remove the strip and access the inner volume 322 of the bag. containment.

[0109] The self-coupling clamp 350 can be arranged adjacent to opening 324 on an external surface 331 of front panel 330. In one or more embodiments, the portions of the self-coupling clamp 350 may extend over the opening. For example, a first fastener member 352 of the self-coupling fastener 350 can cover the opening 324 while a second fastener member 354 of the fastener includes a first portion disposed on a portion of the outer surface 331 of the front panel 330 above the opening. when the containment bag 320 is positioned in a vertical orientation (that is, a geometrical axis of the containment bag that extends parallel to the first and second lateral seal regions 334, 336 is substantially parallel to that normal to the Earth's surface) , and a second portion of the second fastener member is disposed below the opening. A recess 302 can be formed in the self-coupling clamp 350 to allow a user to hold the first clamp member 352 and pull the first clamp member away from the second clamp member 354 to manipulate the self-clamp clamp from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0110] The various types of refillable packaging described in the present

this invention can be manufactured using any suitable technique or techniques. For example, Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of an appliance 400 style and a method for forming the resealable package 100 of Figures 5 to 11. Although described in reference to the resealable package 100 of Figures 5 to 11, apparatus 400 can be used to form any suitable resealable packaging. A film 402 is supplied in the form of a roll or sheet and transported to station 410, where the closing material 408 is connected to the film using any suitable technique or techniques. The film can include a top edge 404 and a bottom edge 406. The closing material 408 can be arranged at any suitable location on the film 402, for example, adjacent to the top edge 404.

[0111] The closing material 408 can include any suitable closing material. In one or more embodiments, the closing material 408 includes the first fastener member 152 coupled to the second fastener member 154. In one or more embodiments, the closing material 408 can include the first fastener member 152 or the second fastener member

154. In one or more embodiments, the same closure material can be used to form both the first fastener member 152 and the second fastener member 154. In such modalities, the first fastener member 152 can be arranged in a first region of the film 402, and the second fastener member 154 can be arranged in a second region of the film so that the first and second fastener members 152, 154 are aligned when the containment bag 120 is formed from the film.

[0112] At station 411, film 402 can be split or cut to form several individual sheets that are used to form individual containment bags

120. In addition, the bottom seal region 142 can be formed at the bottom edge 128 of the containment bag 120 at station 411 prior to the disposition of consumer products 416 within the inner volume 122 of the containment bag

station 412. After the containment bag 120 is filled, the upper seal region 140 can be formed at the top edge 126 of the containment bag at station 418 so that consumer products 416 are sealed within the package 100. Any suitable technique or techniques can be used to form the upper and lower seal regions 140, 142.

[0113] Although re-sealable packaging with fasteners has been reported, fasteners can be rigid and bulky, making these packages difficult to manufacture and fill with consumer products. Additionally, fasteners that use hooks and loops can collect particles from stored consumer products or from the environment outside the packaging that contaminate the fastener. Such contamination can prevent the fastener from being completely closed, thus allowing portions of the products intended for the consumer to leak from the packaging or prevent the packaging from preserving the freshness of the products intended for the consumer.

[0114] In addition to the advantages of the present disclosure fastener described above, various embodiments of the present disclosure fastener may provide one or more advantages over other fasteners currently available for resealable packaging. For example, one or more fastener modalities may be reduced in thickness compared to currently available fasteners so that the fastener can be connected to a packaging film used to form the packaging without compromising the stability of the film roll while also minimizing film loss from the roll. As described above, in some embodiments, the thickness of the fastening system according to the present disclosure in which the first and second fastener members are engaged with each other is up to 1,000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 450 or 400 micrometers. In addition, as described above, in some embodiments, the fastener includes a fixing layer or hot-melt adhesive that can be thermally activated at a relatively low temperature (for example, 90 to 125 ° C). In some embodiments, at least one of the thickness of the fixation system or the activation at low temperature of the fixation layer can provide aesthetic advantages when the fastener is fixed to a package. For example, any graphic images on the packaging may have little or no distortion at the fastener location. In addition, the fastener of the present disclosure may be more flexible than the fasteners currently available so that the fastener does not open unintentionally if the fastener is flexed, thus preventing consumer products placed inside the containment bag from leaking out. containment bag. In addition, one or more of the fastener embodiments of the present disclosure may be more resistant to contamination by preventing food debris such as small particles and salt from contaminating the fastener.

Some modalities of revelation

[0115] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fastener comprising: a support layer that has a length, a width and a thickness; and rows of rail segments and rows of columns that project perpendicularly from the support layer, with rows of rail segments and rows of columns alternating; each of the rail segments having a base portion attached to the support layer and a distal head portion in relation to the support layer, the head portion having a head width that is greater than a width of the base portion, with the head portion projecting over the base portion on opposite sides, the base portion having a length that is greater than the width of the base portion, and each of the columns having a height that is not greater than a height of the rail segments and a length that is different from the length of the rail segments.

[0116] In a second modality, the present disclosure provides the holder of the first modality, with a number of columns in one of the column files being greater than a number of rail segments in one of the rows of segments. rail.

[0117] In a third embodiment, the present disclosure provides a fastener comprising: a support layer that has a length, a width and a thickness; and rows of rail segments and rows of columns that project perpendicularly from the support layer, with rows of rail segments and rows of columns alternating; each of the rail segments having a base portion attached to the support layer and a distal head portion from the support layer, the head portion having a head width that is greater than a portion width base, with the head portion projecting over the base portion on opposite sides, with a number of columns in one of the column rows being greater than a number of rail segments in one of the rows of rail segments, and each column having a height that is not greater than a height of the rail segments and a length that is different from the length of the rail segments.

[0118] In a fourth embodiment, the present disclosure provides the fastener of the third embodiment, with the base portion having a length that is greater than the width of the base portion.

[0119] In a fifth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any one of the first to the fourth modalities, one reason being

between the length of the base portion and the width of the base portion is at least 2: 1.

[0120] In a sixth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any one of the first to the fifth modalities, with a ratio between the length of the base portion and the width of the base portion is at least 5: 1.

[0121] In a seventh modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any of the first to sixth modalities, with a ratio between the length of the base portion and the width of the base portion is at least 10: 1.

[0122] In an eighth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any of the first to the seventh modalities, with the thickness of the support layer combined with the height of the rail segments being up to 3,300 micrometers.

[0123] In a ninth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any of the first to eighth modalities, with the length of the base portion of the rail segments being greater than a length of the columns.

[0124] In a tenth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any of the first to the ninth modalities, with the length of the base portion of the rail segments being at least twice the length of the columns.

[0125] In an eleventh mode, the present disclosure provides the fastener of the eleventh mode, the length of the base portion of the rail segments being at least three times the length of the columns.

[0126] In a twelfth mode, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any one of the first to the eleventh modes,

the number of columns in one of the rows of columns is at least 1.5 times the number of rail segments in one of the rows of rail segments.

[0127] In a thirteenth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any one of the first to the twelfth modalities, the number of columns in one of the column rows being at least twice the number of rail segments in one of the rows of track segments.

[0128] In a fourteenth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any one of the first to the thirteenth modalities, with each of the columns having at least one of an aspect ratio between height and width that is at least 1.5: 1 or an aspect ratio between height and length that is at least 1.5: 1.

[0129] In a fifteenth modality, the present disclosure provides the catch for the fourteenth modality, with each of the columns having at least an aspect ratio between height and width that is at least 2: 1 or an aspect ratio between height and length that is at least 2: 1.

[0130] In a sixteenth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any one of the first to the fifteenth modalities, with the columns having less flexural rigidity than that of the rail segments.

[0131] In a seventeenth mode, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any of the first to sixteenth modes, with the height of the columns being up to 95 percent of the height of the rail segments.

[0132] In an eighteenth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any one of the first to the seventeenth modalities, with the column having a base fixed to the support layer and a distal tip, with the distal tip having a cross-sectional area that is less than or equal to a cross-sectional area of the base.

[0133] In a nineteenth modality, the present disclosure provides the holder according to any of the first and eighteenth modalities, with the head portion protruding over the base portion on all sides.

[0134] In a twentieth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any one of the first to the nineteenth modality, with the head portion protruding over the base portion in the amount of at least 25 micrometers on the opposite sides.

[0135] In a twenty-first modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any one of the first to the twentieth modalities, with a shorter distance between one of the columns and one of the base portions of the rail segments in adjacent rows is within 20 percent of head width.

[0136] In a twenty-second modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any of the first to the twenty-first modalities, with the fastener having at least three of the rows of rail segments alternating with at least three of the rows of columns.

[0137] In a twenty-third modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any one of the first to the twenty-second modalities, with the fastener having at least five of the rows of rail segments alternating with at least five of the rows of columns.

[0138] In a twenty-fourth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener for any one of the first to the twenty-third modality, since the support layer is formed without through holes.

[0139] In a twenty-fifth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any one of the first to the twenty-fourth modalities, which additionally comprises a fixing layer on a main surface of the support layer opposite the rows of rail segments and the rows of columns.

[0140] In a twenty-sixth modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of the twenty-fifth modality, with the fixation layer comprising a polyolefin elastomer.

[0141] In a twenty-seventh modality, the present disclosure provides the fastener of any one of the first to the twenty-sixth modalities, attached to an inner portion of a container.

[0142] In a twenty-eighth modality, the present disclosure provides a fastening system comprising first and second fastener members, at least one of the first and second fastener members comprising the fastener of any one from the first to the twenty-seventh modalities.

[0143] In a twenty-ninth modality, the present disclosure provides the system for fixing the twenty-eighth modality, with each of the first and second members of fastener comprising the fastener of any one of the first to the twenty-seventh modalities.

[0144] In one thirtieth modality, the present disclosure provides the system for fixing the twenty-eighth or twenty-ninth modalities, the first member of the fastener comprising the fastener of any one of the first to the twenty-seventh modalities, and being that the second fastener member comprises a support layer having a length, width and thickness, with rows of rail segments that project from the support layer, each of the rail segments having a base portion attached to the support layer and a distal head portion in relation to the support layer, the head portion having a head width that is greater than the width of the base portion, the head portion being projects over the base portion on opposite sides.

[0145] In a thirty-first modality, the present disclosure provides the fixing system of the thirty-modality, with the base portion having a length that is greater than the width of the base portion.

[0146] In a thirty-second modality, the present disclosure provides the fixation system for any of the twenty-eighth to the thirty-first modalities, and when the first and second fastener members are coupled, they can slide one in relation to the other in a direction parallel to the length of the support layer.

[0147] In order for this revelation to be more fully understood, the examples are presented below. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting disclosure in any respect.

Examples Method for detachment T test

[0148] The values of the opening force of a self-coupling fastener can be determined using the ASTM D1876 standard (designation D1876-08 (2015) e1). In general, a standard T-detachment test as defined by the ASTM D1876 standard is performed at an extension rate of 12 inches per minute (30.5 cm / minute) on a representative sample both in the machine direction and in the transverse direction to the blanket and can be used to determine whether the fastener is in the open or closed configuration. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the direction transverse to the blanket is parallel to the vertical junction 138 of the pocket 100, and the machine direction is orthogonal to the vertical junction 138.

[0149] T-detachment was measured using strips that were 14 inches (35.6 cm) long in the direction of the machine and that have the widths described below. Each strip was folded in half and self-coupled to provide a sample.

A calibrated stainless steel cylinder of 11.5 pounds (5.22 kg) was used to roll the sample. The cylinder was applied in a complete round trip back and forth on each side of the sample. The sample ends were peeled open by being separated by one inch (2.54 cm) from each other. The separated portions were flexed perpendicular to the sample plane for clamping on the claws of the Instron machine. A tailstock speed of 12 inches per minute (30.5 cm / minute) was used to open the sample by detaching a distance of 4.5 inches (11.4 cm). Three replicates were used per sample.

Closing force test method

[0150] The force required to close a fastener was measured by pulling an open strip of closing device through a defined span, at a rate of 12 in./minute (30.5 cm / minute). Each side of the span was made up of a radial piece of PTFE to minimize friction and at the same time maintain said span. A multidirectional load cell is used to measure the orthogonal and tangential force on the closing device. The average kinetic detachment force is obtained by calculating the average force of 1 inch (2.54 cm) after the beginning of the closure and 1 inch (2.54 cm) before the end of the closure. This measurement is repeated for a total of 3 measurements, which are then averaged.

[0151] Using the clamping force test method, the tactile response to a fastener can be obtained by calculating the average amplitude between the first 50 peaks and the first 50 valleys of the detachment force curve. - kinetic.

Flexural strength test method

[0152] The ASTM D790 (2003) standard is used to measure the flexural stiffness of a sample. A universal testing machine is used with a three-point bending attachment. The test samples were closed, flattened and placed in the flexion accessory at three points. The span between the 2 bottom points is adjusted to

12 mm and the opening force of the sample at a defined distance is measured. The upper compression point diameter was 4 mm and the support diameters were 5 mm. The upper compression point is advanced at a linear rate of 12 inches / minute (30.5 cm / minute). Flexural stiffness is determined from the first primary angular coefficient of the force curve as a function of the displacement before the fasteners slide and start to slide one after the other resulting in a second primary slope.

Example 1

[0153] A 40 mm double screw extruder was used to extrude a food grade MDPE (medium density polyethylene) obtained from Dow Chemical USA, Inc., under the trade name “Dowlex 2027G”. A 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) single screw extruder was used to extrude a combination of 70% by weight of the performance polymer “VISTAMAXX 3980FL” and 30% by weight of a low density polyethylene obtained from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI, USA, under the trade name “DOW LDPE 722”. Both feed streams were introduced into a die tubing on top of a flat sheet die produced by Cloeren Inc., Orange, TX, USA. The molten polymer was nominally extruded at 220 ° C from the flat sheet die like a blade in a cylinder-extruded extrusion removal contact line with a rubber cylinder and a mold cylinder with the layer included 100% by weight of food grade MDPE against the mold cylinder and the layer including 70% by weight of performance polymer “VISTAMAXX 3980FL” against the rubber cylinder. The rubber cylinder forced the polymer melt into the mold cylinder which has a nominal surface temperature of 50 ° C to 75 ° C. The molten polymer solidified on the cylinder, and the structured film was removed from the molding cylinder after a 180-degree bend from the strangulation point of the rubber cylinder, as described by US Patent No. 6,106,922

(Cejka). The mold cylinder had a combination of cavities to provide rail segments and cavities to provide columns that have different heights, with the cavities that provide the rail segments being deeper than the cavities that provide the columns.

[0154] The rail segments received the heads using the method described in US Patent No. 5,868,987 (Kampfer) to produce heads with peaks and grooves. The blanket was slit into strips having a width of 13 mm. When tested manually by folding a strip over itself, the fastener was easy to close and had enough strength to open by peeling. The fastener dimensions are provided in Table 1 below.

Example 2

[0155] The mat produced in Example 1 was additionally subjected to the method described in US patent No. 6,132,660 (Kampfer) to deform the heads and turn a portion of the heads down towards the support layer. The resulting self-coupling fastener had the appearance shown in Figure 17, with the dimensions listed in Table 1, below. The image shown in Figure 17 was obtained with an analytical scanning electron microscope, model JSM-6010LA. Part of the blanket was slit into strips having a width of 13 mm, and part of the blanket was slit into strips having a width of 9 mm. When a 13 mm strip of the self-coupling fastener was folded over itself, as shown in Figure 2C, it was less than 30 mil (762 micrometers) thick. When tested manually, the fastener was easy to close and had sufficient opening resistance to detach the contents in a pouch without spillage.

[0156] The layer on the smooth side has been thermally activated using high temperature impact air at 200 ° C, as described in US Patent Nos. 9,126,224 (Biegler) and 8,956,496 (Biegler), and attached to a 5-layer printed polyolefin packaging film without affecting print quality and with minimal to no

twist of visible film. The high temperature impact air was directed both to the layer on the smooth side of the fastener and on one side of the polyolefin packaging film. The bonding strength between the fastener and the packaging film was considered adequate, since a cohesive failure in the layers of the packaging film was observed when the fastener was removed manually.

[0157] Fifteen samples of 13 mm strips were taken from different areas of the blanket. These samples were evaluated according to the T-detachment test method described above. The T-detachment test was performed in the direction of the machine (MD) of the samples. For the 15 samples of 13 mm, the maximum mean load was 0.424 N, with a standard deviation of 0.055 N, and the average load was 0.302 N, with a standard deviation of 0.052 N.

Example 3

[0158] Example 3 was prepared as described in Example 1 with the modification that 100% food grade medium density polyethylene obtained from the Dow Chemical Company under the trade name “DOWLEX 2027G MDPE” has been replaced by 90% polypropylene under the trade name 3571 and 10% performance polymer “VISTAMAXX 3980FL”. The smooth forming head cylinder was used to produce smooth heads instead of heads with peaks and grooves. The heads looked like the one shown in Figure 1A. The self-coupling fastener was also attached to a printed polyolefin packaging film as described in Example 2 without damage or wrinkling of the oriented printed packaging film. The bonding strength between the fastener and the packaging film was considered adequate since, after removing the attached fastener from the packaging film, a cohesive failure was observed in the packaging film layers.

Example 4

[0159] Before being attached to the packaging film, the blanket produced in

Example 3 was additionally subjected to the method described in US patent no.

6,132,660 (Kampfer) to deform the heads and turn a portion of the heads downwards towards the support layer. The resulting self-coupling fastener had the appearance shown in Figures 2A to 2C, with the dimensions listed in Table 1, below. Part of the blanket was slit into strips having a width of 13 mm, and part of the blanket was slit into strips having a width of 9 mm. When a 13 mm strip of the self-coupling fastener was folded over itself, as shown in Figure 2C, it was less than 30 mil (762 micrometers) thick.

[0160] Six samples of 13 mm strips were taken from three different areas of the blanket in the transversal direction, one towards each edge and one towards the center of the blanket. Two strip samples were taken from each zone. Similarly, 18 samples of 9 mm strips were taken from the three zones, six from each zone. These samples were each evaluated according to the closing force test method described above. The maximum and minimum values of the kinetic detachment force for closing at 12 inches per minute of the sample set were 2.37 N and 0.6 N, respectively, with the maximum and minimum values of the mean kinetic peak oscillation amplitude. 0.84 N and 0.39 N, respectively. When the data were normalized as a function of the two different widths, the maximum and minimum values of the closing detachment force at 12 inches per minute of the sample set were 2.1 N and 0.69 N, respectively, with the maximum and minimum values of the mean kinetic peak oscillation amplitude of 0.93 N and 0.006 N, respectively.

[0161] Six samples of 13 mm strips and eighteen 9 mm strips were taken from the three different areas of the mat, as described above. These samples were each evaluated according to the flexural stiffness test method described above. For these samples, flexural stiffness was in the range of 221.7 mN / mm to 1,149.3 mN / mm with an average of 601.0 mN / mm and a standard deviation of 221.7 mN / mm. The reported flexural stiffness was the slope of the first branch of the force curve as a function of the displacement from the flexion at three points before the rail segments started to slide against each other. No opening of any of the samples was observed during flexion at three points.

[0162] Fifteen samples of 13 mm strips were taken from different areas of the blanket. These samples were evaluated according to the T-detachment test method described above. The T-detachment test was performed in the direction of the machine (MD) of the samples. For the 15 samples of 13 mm, the maximum mean load was 0.511 N, with a standard deviation of 0.072 N, and the average load was 0.339 N, with a standard deviation of 0.056 N.

[0163] Sixteen samples of 9 mm strips were taken from different areas of the blanket. These samples were evaluated according to the T-detachment test method described above. The T-detachment test was performed in the direction of the machine (MD) of the samples. For the 18 9 mm samples, the mean maximum load was 0.562 N, with a standard deviation of 0.062 N, and the mean load was 0.351 N, with a standard deviation of 0.049 N.

Table 1.

X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6 X7 Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4 Y5 (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) Ex. 1 Average 139 134 297 392 247 121 1,051 688 117 139 511 67 Standard 3.5 3,5 7.4 4.6 16.8 16.0 9.6 0.8 5.6 9.1 4.7 8, 4 Ex. 2 Average 134 135 310 388 219 116 701 671 119 154 524 64 Standard 1.5 3.4 24.6 11.4 8.0 25.0 443.9 9.7 2.0 6.8 7, 7 4.0 Ex. 3

Average 132 129 238 427 277 147 1,064 686 115 173 531 60 Standard 3.2 5.2 23.1 23.4 29.4 20.6 5.7 11.0 11.2 9.9 5.0 6.8 Ex. 4 Average 133 135 292 351 322 113 1,060 638 114 212 538 49 Standard 2.3 3.4 13.4 21.1 33.7 16.2 11.9 14.9 7.2 12.6 3.0 6.0 A1 A2 Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Z5 Z6 Z1-Z2 Z1 + Z4 (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) (µm) Ex. 1 Average 95 101 377 305 346 113 20 22 71 490 Standard 1.0 0.4 11.1 12.1 6.7 9.4 1.5 1.5 17.2 15.5 Ex. 2 Average 101 100 386 279 337 104 20 32 107 490 Standard 2.4 1.7 11.8 18.7 19.9 5.2 2.0 2.9 27.1 9.5 Ex. 3 Average 99 105 419 357 373 111 19 28 62 530 Standard 1.5 0.8 11.1 28.4 13.2 4.0 1.6 2.9 27.8 10.2 Ex. 4 Average 95 91 443 356 359 116 19 39 86 559 Standard 1.3 2.0 15.0 19.4 10.6 4.7 4.3 10.6 24.7 17.4 The dimensions refer to Figures 1B and 1C, Mean = Mean, Standard = Standard deviation, each mean is 5 measurements. The data were obtained with a Keyence digital microscope, model VHX-600.

Example 5

[0164] To assess whether fastener member designs can be in the fixed and detached configurations one or more times without destroying the fastener functionality, a finite element model (FEM) was developed to capture the effects of system deformation on the generation of plastic deformation in resources. The Simaquia Abaqus 2017 commercial code was used to facilitate modeling tasks. A standard analysis method was used to capture steady-state deformation results without considering the inertial effects. Two representative units of fastener members were placed in a detached configuration and then moved towards each other until complete engagement occurred. A definition of frictionless contact was established in the physical interface of the two fastener member units. A definition of elastic-plastic material was used with a Young modulus of 21.755 psi, a Poisson's ratio of 0.33, a plastic strain limit of 10.6%, an elastic limit of

2,320 psi, a maximum stress of 50% and a maximum tension of 2,900 psi. The results of stress in nodes dispersed throughout the deformable mesh were monitored by a transition in plastic deformation (irreversible deformation). The results of logarithmic stress (LE) (real deformation) of a finite element model of a representative column and rail construction are shown in Figure 3A. The stress contours are illustrated on the surface and are in a range from minimum stress (white) to maximum stress (black). Figure 3A shows the construction of the fixation system in its state of maximum deformation with 11.19% of effort. Figure 3B shows the construction of a fixation system in its final fixed state with a maximum residual effort of 0.69%.

Illustrative example A

[0165] An FEM was developed using the definitions in Example 5.

Similar fastening features were used on this model in a head rail system construction to another head rail. The fixing features are illustrated in Figure 4 in their final fixed state. The rated stress state in the final fixed configuration results in 20.15% of permanent plastic deformation, which can reduce the life of the fastener.

[0166] Various modifications and changes to the present description can be made

by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope and spirit of the description,

and it should be understood that the present description will not be unduly limited to the illustrative modalities presented here.

All patents and patent applications

previously mentioned are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety

in.

Claims (15)

1. Refillable packaging CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a containment bag that defines an internal volume and an opening that allows access to the internal volume, in which the containment bag comprises a flexible material and a seal region disposed in a position adjacent to the opening which is adapted to be broken to allow a first opening of the containment bag; and a self-coupling fastener connected to the containment bag, where the self-coupling fastener comprises first and second fastener members, where each of the first and second fastener members comprises: a support layer that has a length, a width and a thickness; and rows of rail segments and rows of columns protruding perpendicularly from the support layer, where rows of rail segments and rows of columns alternate; wherein each of the rail segments has a base portion attached to the support layer and a head portion distal to the support layer, where the head portion has a head width that is greater than a width the base portion, where the head portion projects over the base portion on opposite sides, where the base portion has a length that is greater than the width of the base portion, and where each of the columns has a height that is not greater than a height of the rail segments and a length that is different from the length of the rail segments; where the self-coupling clamp further comprises an open configuration and a closed configuration, where, when in the open configuration, the self-coupling clamp is adapted to allow access to the internal volume of the containment bag through the opening after the seal region have been broken, and in which, when in the closed configuration, the self-coupling fastener is adapted to prevent access to the internal volume of the containment bag through the opening. 2. Packaging, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the self-coupling fastener is disposed in a position adjacent to the opening of the containment bag. 3. Packaging, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the self-coupling fastener is releasably fixable. 4. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the self-coupling fastener and the flexible material of the containment bag are adapted to provide maximum flexural stiffness around a geometric axis perpendicular to a length of the self-coupling clamp. 5. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the containment bag also comprises front and rear panels, in which the self-coupling fastener is connected to the containment bag adjacent to an upper edge of the bag containment and extends between the first and second side edges of the containment bag. 6. Packaging, according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the opening extends between the first and the second side edges of the containment bag. 7. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the self-coupling fastener comprises an opening force of at least about 0.1 Newton and not greater than 1.0 Newton. 8. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the self-coupling fastener comprises a closing force of at least about 0.3 Newton and not greater than 3.0 Newtons. 9. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first and second fastener members can slide relative to each other in a direction parallel to the length of the support layer when the self-coupling fastener is in the closed configuration. 10. Packaging, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that a thickness of the support layer of each one between the first and the second fasteners combined with the height of the rail segments of each one among the first and second fasteners are up to 3,300 micrometers. 11. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first fastener member is arranged on an internal surface of a front panel of the containment bag and the second fastener member is arranged on a surface of a second portion of a rear panel of the containment bag. 12. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 11, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the self-coupling fastener is attached to the containment bag. 13. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the self-coupling fastener is ultrasonically attached to the containment bag. 14. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the opening of the containment bag is defined by an upper edge of the containment bag. 15. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also comprises a fixing layer disposed between at least one between the first and the second fastener members and the containment bag