EP2214972A1

EP2214972A1 - Slider with urging spigots

Info

Publication number: EP2214972A1
Application number: EP08858129A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antony Roger
Original assignee: S2F Flexico SARL
Current assignee: S2F Flexico SARL
Priority date: 2007-12-04
Filing date: 2008-11-28
Publication date: 2010-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-28
Also published as: EP2214972B1; WO2009071494A1; FR2924312A1; FR2924312B1; US20100310196A1

Abstract

The invention particularly relates to a slider (1) for actuating closure profiles (P1, P2), in particular for a closing assembly on a bag (S), that includes a base (10), two flanges (11, 12), and means adapted for respectively urging said closure profiles (P1, P2) towards each other or away from each other, depending on the slider movement direction along the profiles (P1, P2), in order to move the profiles (P1, P2) between a closed latched position and an open separated position, as well as protruding urging spigots (4) on said flanges (11, 12) in the vicinity of the end thereof opposite said base (10) in order to temporarily open the same and facilitate the engagement thereof onto said profiles (P1, P2) when a force is applied on said spigots (4). The slider is characterised in that said means includes means for receiving protrusions (T1, T2) associated with said profiles.

Description

CURSOR WITH SOLLICITATION ERGOTS

The present invention relates to the field of bags provided with complementary closure profiles actuated by a slider.

It relates more specifically to a slider provided with biasing pins, a bag that is equipped, a closure assembly with complementary profiles, a device and a method for its implementation.

Many bags with complementary closure profiles equipped with sliders have already been proposed.

Some of the appended figures represent an example of slider according to the state of the art.

More precisely :

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of such a slider;

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of this slider;

- Figure 3A is a view similar to the previous slightly in perspective;

FIGS. 4A, 5A, 6A and 7A are respectively sectional views of the cursor of FIG. 2A, along the planes IV-IV, V-V, VI-VI and VII-VII of this figure;

- Figure 8A is an end view of the slider of Figure 1 A. In these figures, the sections with which the slider is intended to cooperate have been shown only in Figure 8A, so as not to weigh down the other figures unnecessarily.

Such a slider is made of molded plastic and has a generally known structure. More precisely, this slider has an inverted "U" -shaped section, and comprises a base 10 to which two lateral wings 11 and 12 are attached, called "sidewalls". X-X ', the longitudinal axis of the slider, which corresponds to its direction of movement when it is installed on a bag with complementary profiles, has been designated. The flanks extend parallel to this axis. In the aforementioned figures, there is referenced 1 10 and 1 1 1 the outer and inner faces of the sidewall 1 1, while the inner and outer faces of the sidewall 12 carry the references 120 and 121.

Essentially for reasons of rigidity, the opposite ends of the slider 1 are shaped arches 2 and 3 of greater thickness than the rest of his body.

Of course, in an embodiment not shown, this thickness could be identical over the entire range of the cursor.

In a manner that is well known per se, the internal space of the slider contains means adapted to urge complementary closure profiles of a bag (marked Pi, P ₂ and S, respectively, in FIG. 8A), towards or away from each other according to FIG. direction of movement of the cursor along these profiles. By the term "internal space" is meant the space delimited by the base 10 and the flanks 11 and 12. In this case, these means comprise a longitudinal rib 13 which extends along the median plane XX 'of the cursor.

This rib 13, integral with the inner face of the base 10, separates the internal space into two corridors Ci and C ₂ .

As shown more specifically in FIGS. 4A and 8A, the rib is extended downwards by an elongate central soleplate 14 which projects on either side of the rib 13 to form facets.

140 and 141 for guiding a protuberance Ti, T ₂ , here in the form of an arrowhead, located above an associated closure profile Pi, P ₂ (see FIG.

8A). Each facet is turned towards the base 10. For "protuberance" means any means associated with the corresponding section, which allows the cursor to cooperate with the bag.

Furthermore, the inner faces 1 1 1 and 121 of the flanks 1 1 and 12 each bear, facing the flange 14, a projection January 14, respectively 124, which is also provided with a facet 1 15, respectively 125 guide of a protuberance.

The corridors Ci and C ₂ are therefore delimited by the base 10, the rib 13 and its associated sole 14, the inner faces of the flanks 1 1 and 12 and their projections 1 14 and 124 associated. In other words, the corridors Ci and C ₂ are in the form of grooves with convergent edges. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the corridors Ci and C ₂ extend only over part of the longitudinal extent of the cursor, in this case near each of its opposite ends.

Furthermore, the corridors Ci and C ₂ are closer to one another at a longitudinal end, so as to allow the spacing or the approximation of the profiles Pi, P ₂ according to whether it is desired to close or open the S bag in question. This feature is clearly visible in Figures 2A and 3A, as well as comparing Figures 4A and 7A.

This is the structure of a slider according to the state of the art. Such a slider must be placed on a bag S whose two sails are provided with complementary closure profiles.

The technique generally used for this purpose generally consists in deforming the slider so as to temporarily move its flanks 11 and 12 away from each other, to bring it closer to the profiles to "belt" the latter, and then to bring the flanks in their initial position.

In the application FR-A-2667225 of the present applicant, it was provided, on the basis of the slider, two longitudinal ribs serving during their request, to spread the flanks to open the passageways and allow additional engagement profiles.

This solution does not give complete satisfaction when the slider has a significant thickness.

Indeed, under these conditions, the lever arm generated is not important, and the sides do not deform as well as one might wish.

In addition, the bias at the opening of the flanks is made simultaneously with the push of the cursor to the profiles, which requires a perfect coordination of these operations. In US-A-6 584 666 is described a slider that solves the problem explained above. This slider comprises protruding lugs protruding on its sides, near the end opposite the base of the slider, to open temporarily and facilitate its engagement on profiles, when a bias is exerted on the lugs. A first object of the invention is to further improve this type of slider, particularly as regards its cooperation with the closure profiles.

A secondary object of the invention is to provide a device and a method of placing the cursor which simplifies the installation.

The invention therefore relates to a slider for the actuation of closure profiles, in particular for a closure assembly equipping a bag, comprising a base, two sidewalls, means adapted to respectively urge said closure profiles, in or out according to the direction of movement of the cursor along the profiles, to move the profiles between a position in closing engagement and a separate opening position, and the biasing lugs projecting on said flanks, in the vicinity of the end of those -ci opposite said base, to open temporarily and facilitate its engagement on said profiles when a bias is exerted on said lugs, characterized in that said means comprise means for receiving protrusions associated with said profiles.

According to other advantageous and nonlimiting features of this slider:

the large external faces of said flanks are slightly convergent towards their opposite end to said base;

the angle α formed by said large external faces is of the order of 4 °; the angle β formed by said facet and the associated wall of said rib is less than 90 °;

the angle β formed by said facet and the internal face of said flank is less than 90 °;

said angle β is of the order of 85 °; an intermediate part of said lanes has a profile such that they ensure the guiding of said sections during its placement of the cursor on the sections, so that once the cursor is assembled, these channel profiles are then without contact or practically without contact with them

The invention also relates to a bag comprising a closure system with complementary profiles, provided with a slider actuating said profiles at the opening and closing according to one of the preceding characteristics.

It also relates to a closure system with complementary profiles, provided with a slider for actuating said profiles at the opening and closing, according to one of the preceding features.

It also relates to a device for the implementation of such a slider, on a bag with complementary closure profiles or on a closure system with complementary profiles, which comprises at least one retaining clip in the stable position of the profiles.

This device is remarkable in that it also comprises means for pushing a slider towards means for temporarily spacing said flanks of the slider in order to make it cooperate with said profiles, these means for spacing comprising sloping cam paths. ascending adapted to cooperate with said lugs.

Advantageously, said cam paths have a longitudinal extent smaller than the stroke of said cursor, so that after having crossed the cam paths, the sides of said cursor return to their initial position.

Preferably, said cam paths are carried by said clamp.

Finally, the invention relates to a method of placing such a slider on a bag, by means of clamps whose facing faces carry cams with an upward slope. This method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

- open the jaws of each clamp and engage the edge of the bag provided with complementary profiles;

- tighten the jaws to immobilize the bag; pushing said slider towards the bag, so that its lugs engage on the cams and ensure the spacing of its flanks, until the lugs protrude from said cams and are no longer loaded, which causes the slider engagement on the profiles.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to annexed drawings, and more specifically with reference to FIGS. 1B to 8B, which are similar to FIGS. 1A to 8A commented on above, as well as to the additional FIGS. 9 to 13G in which:

FIG. 9 is a side view of a slider according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a view from above of the slider of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an end view of this slider;

- Figure 12 is a diagram showing, in an end view, the cursor of the previous figures, in relation to cam paths that will allow to separate the flanks;

- Figures 13A to 13G are diagrams showing a device for the introduction of a slider such as that of the previous figures, on a bag with complementary closure profiles, these different figures illustrating the main steps of implementation. The example of cursor according to the invention, which is represented in the figures announced above, has substantially the same general structure as that described above, with reference to the state of the art (FIGS. 1A to 8A). .

We will therefore essentially limit ourselves to the description of the differences that the slider of the invention has with respect to the state of the art. In the figures specific to the invention, the references identical to those already used designate the same elements.

As announced, the slider 1 of FIGS. 1B to 8B, has projecting lugs 4 projecting on the flanks 1 1 and 12, in the vicinity of the end thereof, which is opposite to the base 10, for the temporarily open and facilitate its engagement on complementary profiles, associated or not with a bag, when a solicitation is exerted on these lugs 4.

The manner in which this solicitation is exercised will be described later in the description.

More specifically, in the accompanying figures, the lugs 4 have the shape of rectangular parallelepipeds, and are integral with the cursor. They extend on the opposite edges 1 12 and 122 of the flanks 1 1 and 12, along the axis XX 'There is provided a lug on the edge of each flank. And these lugs are placed in the vicinity of the free end of the flanks. Finally, and as is visible in particular in Figure 2B, the lugs 4 have, transversely, a thickness identical to that of the songs 1 12 and 122. However, this thickness could be smaller or thicker. Referring to FIG. 8B, it can be seen that the large external faces 1 10 and 120 of the flanks 1 1 and 12 are slightly convergent towards their free end, opposite to the base 10. In the example illustrated here, the angle α formed by these large external faces is of the order of 4 °. The interest of such a characteristic will be explained later.

Referring now to Figures 2B and 7B, it is found that the corridors Ci and C ₂ are present over the entire longitudinal extent of the slider.

More specifically, in the intermediate region of the profile, these corridors Ci and C ₂ convergent edges have a channel profile, such that they ensure the guidance of complementary profiles during the introduction of the cursor on the profiles. Once the cursor is assembled, these channel profiles are then without contact, or virtually without contact with the complementary profiles. Referring now to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the facets 1 and 140 on the one hand, and on the other hand 141 and 125 form, with the associated walls of the rib 13 and flanks 11 and 12, an angle β slightly less than 90 °. This angle is for example of the order of 85 °.

Such orientation of the facets will constitute a fastening element and retaining the protuberances Ti, T ₂ associated with the profiles Pi, P ₂ of the bag S, thus improving the holding of the cursor on tearing.

This is particularly useful, for example, when dealing with children who grab the bag and try to pull the slider by putting it in their mouths. For the implementation of such a slider on the complementary profiles associated or not with a bag, it will, as in the prior art, seek to separate the flanks 1 1 and 12, so as to "open" momentarily the corridors Ci and C ₂ , so as to be able to position said protuberances. To do this and as illustrated schematically in the figure

12, we will make use of pairs of cams 5 having external faces 50 opposing constituting cam paths with upward slope, and we will move the cursor towards these cam paths in the direction of the arrow f, so that the lugs 4 come to rely on it.

It is understood that as the displacement in the direction of the arrow f is continued, the flanks 1 1 and 12 deviate from each other in the direction of the arrows g, by corner effect.

The arrangement of the lugs 4 on the end of the flanks 1 1 and 12 makes it possible to implement a much greater deformation torque than that obtained with ribs conventionally placed on the top of the slider, the lever arm relative to the zone hinge illustrated by reference A of Figure 12 being longer. In this way, the deformation of the flanks is easier, which simplifies the laying of the cursor on a bag.

With the ribs located on the top of the sliders, their solicitation at the opening is made simultaneously with the push in translation of the slider towards the profiles.

On the contrary, according to the invention, the bias at the opening of the sliders and the thrust can be decoupled.

Referring now to Figures 13A to 13G to illustrate the establishment of such a slider on a bag S provided with complementary profiles Pi and P ₂ .

It is clear that this description also applies to the introduction of a cursor on profiles P1 and P2, not yet associated with a bag. In this case, it is these sets that are moved in the direction of the arrow h.

The bag is part of a band of contiguous bags, which are moved step by step, to equip them in turn with a slider. The direction of travel is illustrated by the arrow h in FIGS. 13A and 13G.

In a conventional manner, such a device 6 comprises a pair of parallel clamps 7 whose upper jaws are referenced 70, while the lower jaws are referenced 71.

In a manner known per se, this device comprises means (not visible) slider feed and pushing these sliders in the direction of the bag to be equipped. In this case, these means are disposed midway between the aforementioned jaws 7. A first step of this implementation, shown in Figure 13A, is to open the jaws 70 and 71 of each clamp 7 so as to engage the edge of the bag S provided with complementary profiles Pi and P ₂ . In a second step, the jaws 70 and 71 are pressed against each other (FIG. 13B), so as to immobilize the bag S. FIG. 13B clearly shows the aforementioned cams 5, which are borne by the faces facing the jaws 70 and 71 of the clamps 7.

In a third step illustrated in FIG. 13C, the cursor 1 is pushed towards the bag S, so that its biasing pins 4 engage the paths 50 of the cams 5.

The ascending configuration of these cam paths causes the flanks 1 1 and 12 to gradually move apart while, simultaneously, the thrust means mentioned above bring the slider 1 closer to the bag S.

This thrust movement is such that when the cursor is exactly opposite the profiles, the lugs 4 have then exceeded the cam paths 50 and are no longer solicited. They then tend to return to their original position. This is the situation of Figure 13E. The cursor is then engaged on the Pi and P ₂ profiles.

In a subsequent step, the jaws 70 and 71 are moved away from the clamps 7. This is the situation of FIG. 13F.

Finally, we move the band of bags for the establishment of a cursor on a new bag (Figure 13G).

Note that the particular orientation (angle α) of the outer faces of the flanks 1 1 and 12 as illustrated in FIG. 8 allows, when the flanks return to their initial position, to compensate for the fact that this return is not made integrally, the flanks tending to occupy a position slightly behind their starting position.

In summary, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of:

- open the jaws of each clamp and engage the edge of the bag provided with complementary profiles; - tighten the jaws to immobilize the bag; - Push said cursor towards the bag, so that its lugs engage on the rods and ensure spacing of its flanks, until the pins protrude beyond said rods and are no longer required, which causes the slider engagement on the profiles.

Claims

1. Slider (1) for actuating closure profiles (Pi, P2), in particular for a closure assembly equipping a bag (S), comprising a base (10), two sidewalls (11, 12), means (13) adapted to urge respectively said profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) closure, moving towards or away in the direction of movement of the cursor along the profiles (Pi, P ₂ ), to move the profiles (Pi, P ₂₎ ) between a closed engagement position and a separate open position, as well as projection lugs (4) projecting from said sidewalls (11, 12), in the vicinity of the end thereof opposite said base (10), to open it temporarily and facilitate its engagement on said profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) when a bias is exerted on said lugs (4), characterized in that said means comprise means (Ci, C ₂ ) receiving protrusions (Ti, T ₂ ) associated with said profiles.

2. Slider according to claim 1, characterized in that the large outer faces (110, 120) of said flanks (11, 12) are slightly convergent towards their opposite end to said base (10).

3. Slider according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle α formed by said large outer faces (110, 120) is of the order of 4 °.

4. Slider according to one of claims 1 to 3, the means (Ci, C ₂ , 13, 14, 114, 124) adapted to respectively urge said profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) closing, moving in or out according to the direction of movement of the cursor along the profiles, to move the profiles between a position in closing engagement and a separate opening position, comprising a longitudinal rib (13) which subdivides at least a portion of its internal space into two corridors (Ci, C ₂ ), this rib (13) extending by a sole (14) which protrudes on either side of said rib (13) to form facets (140, 141) for guiding a protrusion ( Ti, T ₂ ), characterized in that the angle β formed by said facet (140; 141) and the associated wall of said rib (13) is less than 90 °.

5. Slider according to claim 4, wherein the inner face (111, 121) of each of the flanks (11, 12) comprises a longitudinal projection (114, 124) which delimits an edge of one of said corridors (Ci, C2). , this projection comprising a facet (115, 125) for guiding a protrusion (Ti, T ₂ ), characterized in that the angle β formed by said facet (115; 125) and the internal face (111, 121 ) of said flank (11, 12) is less than 90 °.

6. Slider according to claims 4 and 5 in combination, characterized in that said angle β is of the order of 85 °.

7. Slider according to one of claims 1 to 6, the means

(Ci, C ₂ , 13, 14, 114, 124) adapted to respectively urge said closure sections (Pi; P ₂ ) towards or away in the direction of movement of the slider along the profiles (Pi, P ₂ ), for moving the profiles between a closed position and a separate opening position, comprising a longitudinal rib (13) which divides at least a part of its internal space into two corridors (Ci, C ₂ ), characterized by the fact that an intermediate portion of said corridors (Ci, C ₂ ) has a profile such that they ensure the guidance of said profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) during its introduction of the cursor on the profiles, so that a Once the slider is assembled, these channel profiles are then without contact or virtually without contact with them.

8. Bag (S) comprising a closure assembly with complementary profiles (Pi, P ₂ ), provided with a slider (1) for actuating said profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) at the opening and closing according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Closure assembly with complementary profiles (Pi, P ₂ ), comprising a closure assembly with complementary profiles (Pi, P ₂ ), provided with a slider (1) for actuating said profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) to opening and closing according to one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Device for the introduction of a slider (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 on a bag (S) with profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) complementary closure or on a set of profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) complementary closure, characterized in that it comprises at least one clamp (7) for retaining in a stable position profiles (Pi, P ₂ ), and means for pushing a slider (1) to means (5) for temporarily spacing said flanks (11, 12) from the slider (1) for the purpose of doing so cooperate with said profile (Pi, P _2), said means for moving comprising cam paths (50) upward slope capable of cooperating with said lugs (4).

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said cam paths (50) have a longitudinal extent smaller than the stroke of said cursor (4), so that after having crossed the cam paths (50), the flanks (11, 12) of said slider (1) return to their initial position.

12. Device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that said cam paths (50) are carried by said clamp (7).

13. A method for placing a slider (1) on a bag (S) with complementary closure profiles (Pi, P ₂ ), said slider (5) comprising a base (10), two sidewalls (11, 12) and means (13) adapted for biasing respectively the said profiles (Pi, P ₂₎ of closing in towards or away by cursor direction along the profiles (Pi, P ₂₎ for moving the sections (Pi, P ₂ ) between a position in closing engagement and a separate opening position, as well as projection lugs (4) projecting from said flanks (11, 12), in the vicinity of the end thereof. opposed to said base (10), to open it temporarily and facilitate its engagement on said profiles (Pi, P ₂ ) when a bias is exerted on said lugs (4), with the help of clamps (7), the facing faces of the jaws carry cams (5) with an upward slope, characterized in that it comprises the steps which consist of to:

- Open the jaws (70, 71) of each clamp (7) and engage the edge of the bag (S) provided with complementary profiles;

- tighten the jaws (70, 71) to immobilize the bag

(S); - Pushing said slider (1) towards the bag (S), so that its lugs (4) engage on the cams (5) and ensure the spacing of its flanks (11; 12), until the lugs (4) protrude from said cams (5) and are no longer loaded, which causes the slider (1) to engage the sections.