JP2003501328A - Closure device - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY A closure device includes a slider 200 having first and second fastening stripes 240,241 and an engaging finger 210 arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length. As the slider 200 moves along the fastening stripe, it facilitates closing and opening of the fastening stripe 240, 241. One or both of the fastening stripes also includes an uneven surface 250 having a protrusion 252. As the slider moves along the fastening stripe, the engagement fingers 210 come into contact with the uneven surface 250. Contact between the engagement finger 210 and the uneven surface 250 generates a sensible indication of the movement of the slider 200. Sensory indications include tactile and / or audible indications.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an interlocking closure device, and more particularly to a closure device having a slider. The closure device of the present invention can be used in traditional fastener areas, in particular:
It is suitable for use as a fastener used in a storage container such as a plastic bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of fastener devices for closing containers, including plastic bag bodies, is generally known. Moreover, the manufacture of fastener devices made of plastic is generally known to those skilled in the art of closure devices and there are many patents related thereto.

The use of fastener devices is particularly well known in connection with flexible containers such as plastic bag bodies. The closure device and its associated container are formed from a thermoplastic material, and the closure device and container sidewalls are integrally formed by extrusion, such as a single solid. Alternatively, the closure device and the sidewalls can be formed as separate solids and then joined by heat sealing or other suitable joining process. Closure devices, when incorporated as fasteners in the bag body, have been particularly useful in providing closure means for retaining contents within the bag body.

Conventional closure devices are mating and occluding male and female closure elements. With conventional closure devices, it is often difficult to see when the male and female closure elements are occluded. This problem is especially noticeable when the closure device is narrow. This may result in the closure device opening up at least a portion when using a conventional closure device.

The prior art has attempted to provide fasteners that provide a tactile or audible indication of occlusion. For example, US Pat. Nos. 4,736,496 and 5,135,875.
No. 5, No. 5140727, No. 5403094, No. 5405478,
The closure device disclosed in EP 510797 is to provide a tactile or audible indication of the inherent interlock of the closure elements. The closure of these disclosed closure devices allows the user to feel or hear that complete closure has been achieved. For example, US Pat. No. 4,736,496 adds ribs to either side of the closure element. The ribs improve the “feel” of the closure and thus assist the user in aligning the closure elements.

Such a device is difficult for a user who is not dexterous to handle. Therefore, in order to assist such a user and to be easily used by a user who is normally dexterous, the prior art provides a fastener that provides a fastener that can be reclosed and a slider that closes the fastener. I tried to prepare. For example, various US patents disclose fasteners with sliders. However, many of these fasteners (1) have separator fingers extending between the closure elements (for example, US Pat. Nos. 3,054,434, 3,115,689, 3,122,807, 32,30593, and 34).
No. 26396, No. 3713923, No. 4199845, No. 42623.
95, 5,007,142 and 5,010,627 (see FIGS. 9 and 10)), or (2) separator fingers moving along a trajectory on a closure element (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5010627 (Figs. 3 to 8), No. 5020194, No. 5067208, No. 5070583.
No. 5,088,971, No. 5,131121, No. 51161286, No. 5283932, No. 5301395, No. 5426830, No. 54.
No. 42837, and No. 5448808).

It is an object of the present invention to use a slider to provide a tactile and / or auditory indication of closure and / or opening of a closure device, such that the closure or opening of the closure device is tactile and / or auditory. Is to give a specific indication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an interlocking fastening stripe.
And a closure device with a slider that provides a leakproof seal,
This achieves the above object. The closure device of the present invention comprises first and second interlocking fastening stripes arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length, and a slider having engaging fingers. The slider facilitates closure and opening of the fastening stripes as the slider moves substantially parallel to the first and second interlocking fastening stripes. The closure device further comprises an uneven surface having protrusions. The protrusions intermittently contact the engagement fingers as the slider moves substantially parallel to the first and second interlocking fastening stripes. The intermittent contact between the engagement fingers and the protrusions provides a tactile and / or audible indication of closure or opening of the closure device.

Description of Embodiments The present invention is described and disclosed in connection with specific embodiments and procedures, but is not intended to be limited to such specific embodiments. All such embodiments and modifications are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention provides an interlocking closure device having a slider. The slider provides a sensory indication such as an audible and / or tactile indication of occlusion and opening. Generally, closure devices include first and second interlocking fastening stripes. The fastening stripes are substantially parallel to each other and are arranged to be interlocked by a slider over a predetermined length. The slider facilitates closure and opening of the fastening stripes as the slider moves substantially parallel to the first and second interlocking fastening stripes. The closure device further comprises an uneven surface having protrusions. The protrusions intermittently contact the engagement fingers as the slider moves substantially parallel to the first and second interlocking fastening stripes.

1 and 2 show a container according to the invention in the form of a plastic bag 120 having a sealable closure device 122. Plastic bag
The first sidewall 1 includes an upper end portion 124, a first sidewall 126, and a second sidewall 128.
26 and the second side wall 128 are connected by seams 130, 131 to form a compartment opening in the top. However, the upper compartment opening can be sealed with a closure device. The closure device comprises a first fastening stripe 140, a second fastening stripe 141 and a slider 150. The slider has a first direction 154 or a second direction 15
It is possible to move in either one of the six directions. Movement of the slider in both directions is substantially parallel to both fastening stripes.

The first fastening stripe 140 is attached near the top of the first sidewall 126. The second fastening stripe 141 is attached near the top of the second sidewall 128. Each fastening stripe is arranged facing substantially parallel to the other fastening stripe. A slider 150 is placed on top of the plastic bag, straddling both fastening stripes. The sliders 150 move substantially with respect to these fastening stripes and slidely engage each of the fastening stripes. The fastening stripes 140 and 141 are either closed or opened according to the moving direction of the slider 150.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention including an engagement finger and an uneven surface having a protrusion that contacts the engagement finger. In FIG. 3, the slider 200 includes engagement fingers 210. The engagement fingers include a first end 212 and a second end 2
Have 14. The slider also includes a first end 220, a second end 222,
It includes a first side 224, a second side 226, an upper portion 228, and a lower portion 230. The lower portion includes a first shoulder 236 and a second shoulder 238 that form a slot 239. Both or one of the fastening stripes 240 and 241 includes the uneven surface 250. The uneven surface is composed of many protrusions 252.

The first end 212 of the engagement finger is integral with the upper portion 228 of the slider. The engagement fingers 210 extend downwardly from the top of the slider towards the bottom of the slider. Then, the engagement finger 210 serves as the second end 2 of the slider.
It is located near 22. The uneven surface 250 may include a plurality of protrusions 252. The protrusions project upward from the tops of the first fastening stripe 140, the second fastening stripe 141, or both fastening stripes toward the top of the slider. The second end 214 of the engagement finger intermittently contacts each of the protrusions 252 as the slider moves substantially parallel to the fastening stripe. For example, when the slider moves in the right-to-left direction (closing direction 254) as shown in FIG. 3, the engagement finger 210 bends when overcoming the first protrusion 270. After the engagement finger has crossed over the first protrusion, the engagement finger 210 contacts the next protrusion 272 and / or the surface 216 adjacent the engagement finger 210. When the engagement finger contacts the second protrusion 272 and / or the surface 216 adjacent the engagement finger, this contact provides the user with an audible and / or tactile sensation. The user selects the fastening stripes 140, 14
If you move the slider along 1, this sensation will continue. Also, this feeling is
It can also happen if the slider is moved in the opening direction 256, as shown in FIG.
This sensation provides an audible and / or tactile indication that the fastening stripe is occluded or open.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the components of the illustrated closure device, they are designated by similar reference numerals to those shown in FIG. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the engagement fingers are located near the center of the slider. In Figure 4,
The engagement finger 310 is located approximately in the center between the first end 320 of the slider 300 and the second end 322 of the slider. The engagement finger 310 contacts the uneven surface 350 having the protrusion 352, as described with reference to FIG. 3. However, as compared with FIG. 3, after the engagement finger 310 has passed over the first protrusion, the engagement finger 310 moves in the moving direction 354, 3 of the slider 300.
According to 56, the next protrusion, surface 316 or surface 317 may be contacted.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention including two engaging fingers and two uneven surfaces having protrusions that intermittently contact with each of the engaging fingers. Also, the engagement fingers shown in FIG. 5 contact the sides of the fastening stripe as compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 (where the engagement finger contacts the top of the fastening stripe). In particular, in FIG. 5, slider 400 includes a first engagement finger 410. The first engagement finger has a first end 412 and a second end 414. The slider also includes a second engagement finger 460 having a first end 462 and a second end 464. The slider further includes a first end 420, a second end 422, a first side 424, a second side 426, and an upper portion 42.
8 and a lower portion 430. The lower portion has a first shoulder 436 and a second shoulder 438.
And these shoulders form slots 439. The first fastening stripe 440 includes an uneven surface 450 composed of a first series of protrusions 452.
The second fastening stripe 441 includes a textured surface 470 composed of a second series of protrusions 472.

The first end 412 of the first engagement finger is coupled to the first side 424 of the slider.
Is integrally connected with. The first engagement finger 410 extends inwardly from the first side 424 of the slider toward the center of the slider. The first engagement finger 410 is located near the second end 422 of the slider.

The first end 462 of the second engagement finger is the second side 426 of the slider.
Is integrally connected to. The second engagement finger is the second side 42 of the slider.
6 extends inward toward the center of the slider. Second engagement finger 46
The 0 is located near the second end 422 of the slider.

A first series of protrusions 452 extend outwardly from the first fastening stripe 440. The second end 414 of the first engagement finger intermittently contacts each of the protrusions that make up the first series of protrusions 452. The second series of protrusions 472 project outward from the second fastening stripe 441. The second end 464 of the second engagement finger intermittently contacts each of the protrusions that make up the second series of protrusions 472. As the slider 400 moves along the first and second fastening stripes, the engagement fingers 410, 460 cause the uneven surfaces 450, 47 to move.
Touch 0. In particular, the second end 414 of the first engagement finger intermittently contacts each of the protrusions that make up the first series of protrusions 452 to provide a second end of the second engagement finger. 464 intermittently contacts each of the protrusions that make up the large series of protrusions 472. For example, when the slider moves in the closing direction 454 as shown in FIG. 5, the first engagement finger 410 bends when overcoming the first protrusion of the first series of protrusions 452, and The second engagement finger 460 flexes as it rides over the first protrusion of the second series of protrusions 472. After the first engagement finger 410 has passed over the first protrusion of the first series of protrusions 452, the engagement finger 4
10 is a surface 41 adjacent to the next protrusion and / or the first engagement finger 410.
Contact 6 When the first engagement finger 410 contacts the second protrusion of the first series of protrusions and / or the surface 416 adjacent the engagement finger, this contact is
Give the user an auditory and / or tactile sensation. This sensation continues as the user moves the slider along the fastening stripe.

The tactile and / or auditory sensations created by the movement of the slider are enhanced by the use of the second engagement fingers 460. As the slider moves along the fastening stripe, the second engagement fingers 460 move into the second series of protrusions 4 in a similar manner as the first engagement fingers contact the first series of protrusions.
72 and / or a surface 466 adjacent the second engagement finger 460.
This sensation can also occur when the slider 400 moves in the opening direction 456 as shown in FIG. This sensation provides an audible and / or tactile indication that the slider is moving and the fastening stripe is occluded or open.

The feature that the engaging fingers engage the sides of the fastening stripes can be applied to any of the embodiments shown here.

As an example of another embodiment, the first and second engagement fingers are located anywhere on the slider to engage the top of the fastening stripe and the third and fourth engagement fingers are , At any position on the slider that engages the sides of the fastening stripe and the desired additional engagement fingers are provided on the sides, top, bottom and / or top of the desired fastening stripe. Can be suitably positioned to engage the inside of the.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In the components of the illustrated closure device, they are designated by similar numerals to those shown in FIG. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6 includes a first engagement finger 510 and a second engagement finger 560 between a first end 520 of the slider 500 and a second end 522 of the slider. They are placed facing each other almost at the center. The first engagement finger 510 contacts the first uneven surface 550 having the protrusion 552 in the same manner as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Similarly, the second engagement finger 560 is similar to that described in FIGS.
It contacts the first uneven surface 570 having the protrusion 572.

The slider may include two or more engaging fingers that engage one side of the fastening stripe. Please refer to FIG. This closure device
Similar to the closure device shown in FIG. However, the slider 600 has three engaging fingers 610 on each side of the fastening stripes 640, 641.
, 611, 613, 660, 661, 663. Three engagement fingers 6
10, 611, 613 engage with the uneven surface 650, and three finger-shaped engagement variations 6601,
661 and 663 engage the uneven surface 670. The features of two or more engagement fingers that engage one textured surface may be used as appropriate in any of the embodiments shown herein.

The engagement fingers may also engage the inner surface of the fastening stripe.
Please refer to FIG. This closure device is similar to other embodiments. However,
Engaging fingers 710 are provided on the inner surface 724 on the first side 726, the second side 7
27 may engage mating surfaces located on the inner surface 724 of 27, the surface 729 of the first closure portion 737 and / or the surface 745 of the second closure portion 747. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, inner surface 724 has an uneven surface 750 and inner surface 725 has an uneven surface 770. The engagement fingers 710 have surfaces 750, 77.
One or both of the zeros may be engaged. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the surface 729 on the first closure portion has a textured surface 771 and the engagement fingers 710 engage the surface 771. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11, the surface 845 on the second closure portion has a textured surface and the engagement fingers 810 engage the textured surface on the surface 845. As shown in FIG. 8, the engagement fingers 710 may contact one or more surfaces. Also, the engagement fingers 710 can be used with other engagement fingers on the same textured surface. Also, the engagement fingers 710 and their corresponding textured surfaces can be used in combination with other engagement fingers 776, 778 on other textured surfaces as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Further, the engagement fingers 710
May be a separator finger or may operate independently of the separator finger.

[0026]   In another embodiment, the engagement fingers contact an uneven surface on the side wall of the bag.

Referring to FIGS. The textured surface can have a variety of different shapes. For example, the textured surface may have square or rectangular protrusions of uniform height, width and spacing, as shown in FIGS. However, various shaped protrusions are shown in FIGS.
It may be used in place of or in combination with the square or rectangular protrusions shown in 5 and 6. Further, the heights, widths and / or spacings of the protrusions can be the same or can be varied regardless of the shape of the protrusions.

Referring to FIG. The uneven surface 900 includes a semi-circular protrusion 910 that projects upward or outward from the fastening stripe 920. The semi-circular protrusions project upward from the side and project outwards from the top.

Referring to FIG. The uneven surface 930 includes a triangular protrusion 940 protruding upward or outward from the fastening stripe 950. The triangular protrusions project upward when viewed from the side and project outwards when viewed from the top.

Referring to FIG. The uneven surface 960 includes a round protrusion 970 protruding upward or outward from the fastening stripe 980. The round protrusion protrudes upward when viewed from the side and protrudes outward when viewed from the top.

Referring to FIG. The height and width of the individual protrusions are constant, but the spacing between the protrusions is not equal. In FIG. 15, the uneven surface 1000 indicates the first protrusion 10
04 and the second protrusion 1006 have a first spacing 1002. The first gap 1002 is the second gap 1008 between the second protrusion 1010 and the third protrusion 1010.
Greater than. The height 1012 of the first protrusion is the same as all the heights of the protrusions of FIG. Similarly, the width 1014 of the first protrusion is the same as the entire width of the protrusion of FIG. In other embodiments, the height and / or width of the protrusions may also be unequal.

Referring to FIG. The width of each protrusion is constant and the distance between the protrusions is constant, but the height differences between the protrusions are not equal. In FIG.
The uneven surface 1120 includes a first protrusion 1122 having a first height 1124 and a second protrusion 1126 having a second height 1128. The height of the first protrusion is larger than the height of the second protrusion, and the height of each of the protrusions following this is gradually reduced. The gap 1130 between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is equal to the gap between the protrusions and the protrusion in FIG. 16 that follows. Similarly, the width 1132 of the first protrusion is the same as the width of all the protrusions in FIG. In other embodiments, the spacing between the protrusions and / or the width of the protrusions may also be unequal.

Referring to FIG. The heights of the protrusions are constant and the intervals between the protrusions are constant, but the width differences between the protrusions are not equal. In FIG. 17,
The textured surface 1140 includes a first protrusion 1142 having a first width 1144 and a second protrusion 1146 having a second width 1148. First protrusion width 1144
Is larger than the width 1148 of the second protrusion, and the width of each of the protrusions that follow is gradually smaller. The distance 1150 between the first protrusion 1142 and the second protrusion 1146 is equal to the distance between the protrusions that follow it in FIG. Similarly, the height 1152 of the first protrusion 1142 is the same as the height of the other protrusions in FIG. In other embodiments, the spacing between the protrusions and / or the height of the protrusions may also be unequal.

In another example, the auditory and / or tactile sensations can be a first sensation in the direction of occlusion and a second sensation in the direction of opening. Therefore, the user can confirm the direction of the slider by that feeling. These two different sensations include the shape of the protrusions, the height of the protrusions, the width of the protrusions, the spacing between the protrusions, the position or shape of the engaging fingers, and / or the material of the engaging fingers or the textured surface. It can be achieved by changing. Similarly, these factors can be used to select the appropriate sensation, even when a single sensation is desired for occlusion and opening. Further, these factors can be used to select or change the sensation of a given location on the fastening stripe, such as near the edges of the fastening stripe.

The uneven surface can be manufactured by rotating a wheel having a notch or an appropriate shape along a predetermined surface.

The interlocking fastening stripes of the present invention can be of any type or shape. For example, the interlocking fastening stripe is
As shown in FIG. 18, it may consist of a "shift deformable" or "Z-axis" closure stripe. The displacement deformable closure stripe includes a first fastening stripe 1231 and a complementary second fastening stripe 1241 which are the first and second fastening stripes.
Engages when 0 moves to Hirazu's service. With respect to the displacement actuated closure element, the engagement finger 1210 may engage the upper surface 1222 of the first fastening stripe 1231 as shown in FIG. 18, for example. In other examples, the engagement fingers may engage one or both sides of the fastening stripes 1226, 1227, as described above.

The interlocking fastening stripes may optionally consist of U-shaped groove closure stripes as shown in FIG. The U-shaped groove closure stripe is the first fastening stripe 1332 with hook portion 1333.
, And a second fastening stripe 1342 having an inner hook portion 1343 and an outer wing 1344. For U-shaped groove closure elements, the engagement fingers 1310 may engage the upper surface 1322 of one outer wing 1344, as shown in FIG. If the fastening stripe does not include the wings 1344, the engagement fingers 1310 engage the contoured surface 1323. In another embodiment, the engaging fingers are, as described above, the sides 1326 of the fastening stripe.
, 1327, or both.

Alternatively, the interlocking fastening stripes can be modified to be composed of an arrow-shaped head type closure stripe as shown in FIG. As described in more detail in US Pat. Nos. 5,007,142 and 5,020,194,
The arrow-shaped head type closure stripes typically include a first fastening stripe 1446 with an arrow-shaped head engaging portion 1447 and a second fastening stripe with a cup-shaped engaging portion 1437. In use, the first fastening stripes 1446 and the second fastening stripes 1436 are selectively occluded and opened by moving the slider member in the appropriate direction. This closing / opening action typically involves the upper portion 1472 of the slider member between the first fastening stripe 1446 and the second fastening stripe 1436.
Achieved by separator fingers 1482 (only partially shown) projecting downwardly from. For arrow-head type closure elements, the engagement fingers 1410 may include fastening stripes 144 as shown, for example, in FIG.
The upper surface 1422 of one or both of 6, 1436 may be engaged. In another embodiment, the engaging fingers are, as described above, the sides 142 of the fastening stripe.
One or both of 6, 1427 may be engaged.

The interlocking fastening stripes may optionally be composed of rolling action closure stripes, for example as shown in FIG. The rolling action closure stripe includes interlocking elements 1548, 1538, as described in detail in US Pat. No. 5,007,143. This rolling action is accomplished by separator fingers 1582 (only partially shown) projecting downwardly from the upper portion 1572 of the slider member. For such rolling action closure elements, the engagement fingers 1510 engage the upper surface 1522 of one or both of the elements 1548, 1538, as shown in FIG. 21, or as described above, for fastening. It may engage one or both of the sides 1526, 1527 of the stripe.

Although various interlocking fastening stripes have been specifically described and illustrated, other types, types or shapes of fastening stripes may be modified without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art to be used.

The slider may be one solid, or various different solids assembled in various different ways. The slider may be manufactured by injection molding or any other method. The slider may be formed from a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene, ABS, polystyrene, nylon, acetal, reinforced acetal, polyketone, polybutylene, terephthalate or polycarbonate. The slider may be transparent or opaque and may be colored.

The interlocking fastening stripes of the present invention can be manufactured by extrusion with a mold. Since the extruded fastening stripes shrink upon cooling, the mold should be made somewhat larger than the desired final dimensions of the fastening stripes. Also, the fastening stripes should be manufactured to have a substantially uniform cross section. This not only simplifies the manufacture of the closure device, but also contributes to the physical flexibility of the closure device.

Generally, the interlocking fastening stripes of the present invention can be formed from thermoplastic materials including, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, etc., or combinations thereof. Thus, resins or mixed resins such as high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene or low density polyethylene can be used to prepare the interlocking fastening stripes of the present invention. For example, the fastening stripes are preferably made of low density polyethylene. However, the selection of the appropriate thermoplastic material is related to the particular design of the fastening stripe, the Young's modulus of the thermoplastic material, and the desired elasticity and flexibility of the stripe.

When the fastening stripe of the present invention is used in a sealable bag, the film forming the fastening stripe and the body of the bag is conventionally manufactured from a heat sealable material. In this way, the bag can be economically formed by using the thermoplastic materials described above and heat sealing the fastening stripes to the bag. For example, the bag is preferably made from a mixture of high pressure low density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene.

The fastening stripes of the present invention may be manufactured by extrusion or other known methods. For example, the closure device may be manufactured like individual fastening stripes for later attachment to the bag, or it may be manufactured integrally with the bag. Also, the fastening stripes may be manufactured with or without a flange portion on one or both of the fastening stripes according to the intended use of the closure device or the expected additional manufacturing operations. .

In general, the closure device of the present invention, in order to suit its intended use,
It can be manufactured in various shapes. In practical use of the present invention, the closure device may be integrally formed on the opposite sidewalls of the container or bag, or may be coupled to the container using any known method. For example, a thermoplastic device
Applied to the film in contact with the flange portion of the fastening stripe, or a thermoplastic device is applied to the film in contact with the base portion of the fastening stripe that does not have a flange portion, by the heat transferred through the film, The interface between the film and the flange portion or base portion of the fastening stripe may be melted. Suitable thermoplastic devices include heated rotating discs, transfer heating bands and refractory silicide wires. The connection between the film and the fastening stripes can also be made by using a hot melt adhesive, a heat jet of air at the interface, ultrasonic heating or other known methods. Bonding the fastening stripes to the film stock can be done either before or after folding the film into a U-shape to form a bag. In either case, such bonding is done prior to sealing the sides of the bag with the edges by conventional thermal cutting. Also, the first and second fastening stripes may be located opposite the sides of the film. Such an embodiment is suitable for wrapping objects and for collecting objects such as wires. The first and second fastening stripes, regardless of their intended use, should generally be located on the film approximately parallel to each other.

In general, the present invention provides a closure device that overcomes many of the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the present invention provides an interlocking fastening stripe, a slider member that facilitates closure and opening of the fastening stripe, and an engagement portion that produces an audible indication of slider movement.

From the above, modifications and variations may be implemented from the disclosed structures (especially the techniques described above) without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. It is not limited to the particular embodiments described and illustrated herein. The appended claims are intended to cover all modifications and variations that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, all references and pending patent applications cited in the specification are incorporated by reference.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cheerful device according to the invention in the form of a plastic bag.

[Fig. 2]   FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the container of FIG. 1 seen from above.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway side view of an embodiment of the present invention, in which an uneven surface having a protrusion protruding upward and an engagement finger of the slider located near an end of the slider are shown. Indicates.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway side view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which an uneven surface having a protrusion protruding upward and an engagement finger of the slider positioned substantially in the center of the slider. And indicates.

FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway plan view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which an uneven surface having a protrusion protruding outward and an engagement of a slider positioned near an end of the slider. Indicates a finger.

FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway plan view of another embodiment of the present invention, in which an uneven surface having a protrusion protruding outward and an engagement finger of the slider positioned substantially in the center of the slider. And indicates.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway plan view of another embodiment of the present invention, showing multiple engagement fingers for each textured surface.

[Figure 8]   FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 of another embodiment.

[Figure 9]   FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 of another embodiment.

[Figure 10]   FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway plan view of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 11   FIG. 11 is a sectional view of another embodiment.

[Fig. 12]   FIG. 12 is a side view or a plan view showing an uneven surface having semicircular protrusions.

[Fig. 13]   FIG. 13 is a side view or a plan view showing an uneven surface having triangular protrusions.

FIG. 14   FIG. 14 is a side view or a plan view, showing an uneven surface having round protrusions.

FIG. 15 is a side view or a plan view showing a structure in which the distance between the protrusions changes.

FIG. 16 is a side view or a plan view showing a difference in height of the protrusions between the protrusions.

FIG. 17 is a side view or a plan view showing a difference in the width of the protrusion between the protrusions.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 2 of the closed Z-axis or displacement deforming type interlocking closure device.

FIG. 19 is a U-groove interlocking closure device FIG.
FIG. 19 is a partial sectional view taken along line 19.

FIG. 20 is an arrow-shaped head interlocking closure device 20 of FIG. 2;
It is a -20 line partial sectional view.

21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rolling action interlocking closure device taken along line 21-21 of FIG.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY , CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP , KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Savikki, Alan F. Senior United States Beaconsfield Avenue 577 F Term (Reference) 3B098 AA08 AB07 BA04 BA09 BB02 CA12 CB02 3E064 BA22 EA12 HN20 [Continued Summary]

Claims (87)

[Claims] 1. A closure device comprising: a first fastening stripe and a second fastening stripe; and a slider having a first end and a second end and having a first engaging finger. The fastening stripes are arranged so as to be interlocked over a predetermined length, one of the fastening stripes has a first uneven surface, the slider slides, and the first and By engaging the second fastening stripe to move towards the first end of the fastening stripe, promoting closure of the fastening stripe and moving towards the second end of the fastening stripe. , Facilitating the opening of the fastening stripe, the first engaging finger In contact with the first concave-convex surface, and the contact between said first engaging finger the first uneven surface, to generate a sensory indication of the movement of the slider, when the closure device. 2. The contact between the first engagement finger and the first textured surface produces a tactile indication of blockage of the interlocking fastening stripe. Invention of 1. 3. The contact between the first engagement finger and the first textured surface produces an audible indication of blockage of the interlocking fastening stripe. Invention of 1. 4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first engagement finger is located substantially proximate the first end of the slider. 5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first engagement finger is located substantially proximate the second end of the slider. 6. The invention of claim 1 wherein said first engagement finger is located substantially centrally between said first end and said second end of said slider. 7. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the first uneven surface includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. 8. The invention of claim 7, wherein the first engagement finger intermittently contacts the protrusion. 9. The invention according to claim 7, wherein the first uneven surface includes a third protrusion. 10. The protrusion has a space between the protrusion and an adjacent protrusion,
10. The distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is substantially equal to the distance between the second protrusion and the third protrusion. invention. 11. The protrusion has a space between the protrusion and an adjacent protrusion,
10. The invention of claim 9, wherein the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is narrower than the distance between the second protrusion and the third protrusion. 12. The protrusion has a height, and the height of the first protrusion is
8. The invention of claim 7, wherein the height of the second protrusion is substantially equal to the height of the second protrusion. 13. The invention according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion has a height, and the height of the first protrusion is lower than the height of the second protrusion. 14. The invention of claim 7, wherein the protrusion has a width and the width of the first protrusion is substantially equal to the width of the second protrusion. 15. The invention according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion has a width, and the width of the first protrusion is narrower than the width of the second protrusion. 16. The invention of claim 7, wherein the protrusion is rectangular. 17. The invention of claim 7, wherein the protrusion is semicircular. 18. The invention of claim 7, wherein the protrusion is triangular. 19. The invention of claim 7, wherein the protrusion is round. 20. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the fastening stripe is a fastening stripe of a shift deformation action type. 21. The invention of claim 1 wherein the fastening stripe is a U-shaped groove type fastening stripe. 22. The invention of claim 1 wherein said fastening stripes are arrowhead fastening stripes. 23. The invention of claim 1 wherein the fastening stripes are rolling action fastening stripes. 24. The other of the fastening stripes has a second uneven surface, the slider further comprises a second engagement finger, and the second engagement finger comprises the second engagement finger. 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the contact between the second engaging finger and the second uneven surface causes an audible indication of movement of the slider. . 25. The contact between the second engagement finger and the second textured surface produces an audible indication of blockage of the interlocking fastening stripe. 24 inventions. 26. The contact between the second engagement finger and the second textured surface produces a tactile indication of blockage of the interlocking fastening stripes. 24 inventions. 27. The invention of claim 24, wherein the second engagement finger is located substantially proximate the first end of the slider. 28. The invention of claim 24, wherein the second engagement finger is located substantially near the second end of the slider. 29. The invention of claim 24, wherein the second engagement finger is located substantially centrally between the first end and the second end of the slider. 30. The invention according to claim 24, wherein the second uneven surface includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. 31. The invention of claim 30, wherein the second engagement finger intermittently contacts the protrusion. 32. The invention of claim 30, wherein the second irregular surface includes a third protrusion. 33. The protrusion has a gap between adjacent protrusions, and the gap between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is equal to that of the second protrusion. 33. The invention of claim 32, wherein the spacing between the third protrusion is substantially equal. 34. The protrusion has a gap between adjacent protrusions, and the gap between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is equal to that of the second protrusion. 33. The invention according to claim 32, wherein the distance between the third protrusion and the third protrusion is narrower. 35. The protrusion has a height, and the height of the first protrusion is
31. The invention of claim 30, wherein the height of the second protrusion is substantially equal. 36. The protrusion has a height, and the height of the first protrusion is
31. The invention according to claim 30, wherein the height is lower than the height of the second protrusion. 37. The invention of claim 30 wherein the protrusion has a width and the height of the first protrusion is substantially equal to the width of the second protrusion. 38. The invention of claim 30, wherein the protrusion has a width and the height of the first protrusion is narrower than the width of the second protrusion. 39. The invention of claim 24, wherein the protrusion is rectangular. 40. The invention of claim 24, wherein the protrusion is semi-circular. 41. The invention of claim 24, wherein the protrusions are triangular. 42. The invention of claim 24, wherein the protrusion is round. 43. The invention according to claim 24, wherein the fastening stripe is a shifting deformation type fastening stripe. 44. The invention of claim 24, wherein the fastening stripes are U-shaped groove type fastening stripes. 45. The invention of claim 24, wherein said fastening stripes are arrow-headed fastening stripes. 46. The invention of claim 24, wherein the fastening stripes are rolling action fastening stripes. 47. The invention of claim 1 wherein the first fastening stripe has a top surface and the first textured surface is located on the top surface. 48. The invention of claim 1 wherein said first fastening stripe has side portions and said first textured surface is located on said side portions. 49. The invention of claim 48 wherein the side portion has an outer surface and the first textured surface is located on the outer surface. 50. The invention of claim 48, wherein the side portion has an inner surface and the first textured surface is located on the inner surface. 51. The invention of claim 1 wherein said first fastening stripe has a closure portion and said first textured surface is located at said closure portion. 52. A slider for a first fastening stripe and a second fastening stripe arranged so as to be interlocked over a predetermined length, wherein one of the fastening stripes is a first one. The slider has an uneven surface, the slider is composed of a first engaging finger, the slider has a first end and a second end, and the slider slides to the first end. Moving toward the first end of the fastening stripe by engaging one and the second fastening stripe promotes closure of the fastening stripe and toward the second end of the fastening stripe. When moved, it facilitates the opening of the fastening stripes, the first engagement fingers are Contacting the name, the contact between said first engaging finger the first uneven surface, to generate a sensory indication of the movement of the slider, where the slider. 53. The contact between the first engagement finger and the first textured surface produces a tactile indication of blockage of the interlocking fastening stripe. 52 inventions. 54. The contact between the first engagement finger and the first textured surface produces an audible indication of blockage of the interlocking fastening stripe. 52 inventions. 55. The invention of claim 52, wherein the first engagement finger is located substantially near the first end of the slider. 56. The invention of claim 52, wherein the first engagement finger is located substantially proximate the second end of the slider. 57. The first engagement finger of claim 5, wherein the first engagement finger is located substantially centrally between the first end and the second end of the slider.
Invention of 2. 58. The other of the fastening stripes has a second uneven surface, the slider comprises a second engaging finger, and the second engaging finger comprises the second engaging finger. 53. The invention of claim 52, wherein the invention contacts an uneven surface and the contact between the second engagement finger and the second uneven surface produces an audible indication of movement of the slider. 59. The contact between the second engagement finger and the second textured surface produces an audible indication of blockage of the interlocking fastening stripe. 58 inventions. 60. The contact between the second engagement finger and the second concave-convex surface creates a contiguous block of the interlocking fastening stripes. The invention of claim 58. 61. The invention of claim 58, wherein the second engagement finger is located substantially proximate the first end of the slider. 62. The invention of claim 58, wherein the second engagement finger is located substantially proximate the second end of the slider. 63. The invention of claim 58, wherein the second engagement finger is located substantially centrally between the first end and the second end of the slider. 64. A container comprising: first and second side walls; and a slider having a first engaging finger, each of the first and second side walls being a mating first And a second fastening stripe, wherein the first and second fastening stripes are arranged so as to be interlocked over a predetermined Nagawa, and one of the first and second fastening stripes is a first The slider has a first end and a second end, and the slider slides to engage the first and second fastening stripes. , Moving toward the first end of the fastening stripe promotes closure of the fastening stripe and directs toward the second end of the fastening stripe. When moved, promoting the opening of the fastening stripe, the first engagement finger contacts the first uneven surface, the first engaging finger and the first uneven surface between the The container where the contact produces a sensory indication of the movement of the slider. 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the contact between the first engagement finger and the first textured surface produces a tactile indication of closure of the interlocking fastening stripe. invention. 66. The method of claim 64, wherein the contact between the first engagement finger and the first textured surface produces an audible indication of closure of the interlocking fastening stripe. invention. 67. The invention of claim 64, wherein the first uneven surface includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. 68. The invention of claim 67, wherein the first engagement finger intermittently contacts the protrusion. 69. The invention of claim 67, wherein the first textured surface includes a third protrusion. 70. The other of the fastening stripes has a second uneven surface, the slider further comprises a second engaging finger, and the second engaging finger comprises the second engaging finger. 65. The contact of a second textured surface, the contact between the second engagement finger and the second textured surface producing an audible indication of movement of the slider. invention. 71. The invention of claim 64, wherein said first fastening stripe has a top surface and said first textured surface is located on said top surface. 72. The invention of claim 64, wherein said first fastening stripe has a side portion and said first textured surface is located on said side portion. 73. The invention of claim 72, wherein the side portion has an outer surface and the first textured surface is located on the outer surface. 74. The invention of claim 72, wherein said side portion has an inner surface and said first textured surface is located on said inner surface. 75. The invention of claim 64, wherein the first fastening stripe has a closure portion and the first textured surface is located at the closure portion. 76. A method for using a closure device, comprising: providing a first fastening stripe; providing a second fastening stripe; providing one of the fastening stripes with a first textured surface. A step of providing a slider having a first engagement finger, wherein the slider has a first end and a second end, the first end of the fastening stripe A step of moving the slider toward a part, by sliding the slider to engage the first and second fastening stripes, thereby promoting closure of the fastening stripes, and The engagement finger is in contact with the first uneven surface, and between the first engagement finger and the first uneven surface. Wherein said contacting produces a sensory indication of the movement of the slider, at step consists. 77. The contact between the first engagement finger and the first textured surface produces a tactile indication of closure of the interlocking fastening stripe. 76 inventions. 78. The contact between the first engagement finger and the first textured surface produces an audible indication of blockage of the interlocking fastening stripe. 76 inventions. 79. The invention of claim 76, further comprising the step of providing a first protrusion and a second protrusion on one of the fastening stripes. 80. The invention of claim 79, wherein the first engagement finger intermittently contacts the protrusion. 81. The invention of claim 79, further comprising the step of providing a third protrusion on said first uneven surface. 82. A step of providing a second uneven surface on the other of the fastening stripes, and a step of providing a second engaging finger to the slider, wherein the second engaging finger is 77. Contacting a second textured surface, wherein the contact between the second engagement finger and the second textured surface produces an audible indication of movement of the slider. Invention. 83. The method further comprising the step of providing a top surface to the first fastening stripe, wherein the first textured surface is located on the top surface.
Invention of 6. 84. The method further comprising the step of providing a side portion to the first fastening stripe, wherein the first textured surface is located on the side portion.
Invention of 6. 85. The invention of claim 84, further comprising the step of providing an outer surface to the side portion, wherein the first textured surface is located on the outer surface. 86. The invention of claim 84, further comprising the step of providing an inner surface to said side portion, wherein said first textured surface is located on said inner surface. 87. The invention of claim 84, further comprising the step of providing a closure portion to said first fastening stripe, wherein said first textured surface is located on said closure portion.