JP2003501330A - Closure device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The closure device 121 includes interlocking fastening stripes 130 and 131 and a slider 132 slidably arranged in the fastener stripe. As the slider moves toward the first and second ends of the fastening stripe, it facilitates closing and opening of the fastening stripe. Flexible shoulders 230, 232 and legs 234, 236 are arranged on the slider 132 to facilitate attachment of the slider to the fastening stripes 130, 131 in the vertical Z-axis 106. The flexible shoulders 230, 232 and legs 234, 236 further allow the slider 132 to disengage from the fastening stripes 130, 131 in the vertical Z axis 106 after the sliders are attached to the fastening stripes 130, 131. Gives resistance.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a closure device, and more particularly to a slider for a closure device having an interlocking fastening stripe. The slider of the present invention can be used in traditional fastener areas and is particularly suited for closing flexible storage containers, including plastic bags.

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 typically use mating male and female fastening stripes or closure elements used to selectively seal the bag. However, for such closure devices, it may be difficult to determine whether the fastening stripes are completely blocked. This problem is especially noticeable when the stripes are relatively narrow. Therefore, when such fastening stripes are used, the closure device may open at least partially.

Such a device is difficult for a user who is not dexterous to handle. Thus, the prior art also provided a slider for use in opening and closing the fastening stripes to assist such users and for ease of use by a normally dexterous user. For example, US Pat. Nos. 4,199,845 and 5,007.
No. 142, No. 5100143, No. 5010627, No. 5020194
No. 5,705,583, No. 5283932, No. 5301394, No. 5426830, No. 5431760, No. 5442838, and No. 5
See slider disclosed in 448808. Some of these sliders include separator fingers that at least partially overhang between the fastening stripes. When the slider moves in the proper direction, the separator fingers split the fastening stripes and open the bag.

During assembly of a closure device that uses a slider, the slider is attached to the fastening stripe by moving it vertically over the fastening stripe. In particular, if the longitudinal axis of the fastening stripe and the slider is the X-axis, the width is the horizontal Y-axis, and the height is the vertical Z-axis, the slider is the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. Attached to the fastening stripe by moving the slider over. In the past, sliders mounted in the vertical Z-axis used either multi-part designs or foldable designs. In any case,
The components of the slider are clamped or ultrasonically fused, but the slider must be uniquely located along the fastening stripe. These procedures increase manufacturing costs. Examples of sliders having multiple parts are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,007,142 and 5,283,932, and examples of foldable plastic sliders are US Pat.
No. 0583 and 5448808. The prior art has failed to attach the slider to the fastening stripe with the vertical Z-axis through a single step process. It is desirable to have the slider attached to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis simply by moving the slider across the fastening stripe. Such a device not only provides an effective and reliable means of attaching the slider to the fastening stripe, but also reduces the manufacturing cost of closure devices that use the slider.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a slider which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a single slider that can be attached to a fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis simply by moving the slider across the fastening stripe.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a slider that does not disengage from the fastening stripe once attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, there is provided a slider for use in a closure device that achieves the above and other objectives and overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art. The slider of the present invention is intended for use with a pair of sheets, such as a plastic bag, or a container that includes opposing flexible sidewalls. The closure device includes an interlocking fastening stripe arranged along each edge of the facing sidewalls and a slider slidably arranged in the interlocking fastening stripe, the slider being the first of the fastening stripes. Moving toward the first and second ends facilitates closure and opening of the fastening stripes. In accordance with the present invention, flexible shoulders and legs are placed on the slider to facilitate attachment of the slider to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. The flexible shoulders and legs further prevent the slider from disengaging from the fastening stripes in the vertical Z-axis.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the embodiments illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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 with a slider that achieves a leak tight seal. Refer to the drawings. 1 and 2 show a container in the form of a plastic bag 120 having a sealable closure device 121. The bag 120 has side walls 122, 123 connected by seams 124, 125.
And forming a sealable compartment by means of the closure device 121. The closure device comprises first and second fastening stripes 1.
It is composed of 30, 131 and a slider 132.

The fastening stripes 130, 131 and the slider 132 have a longitudinal X-axis 102 and a lateral Y-axis 104 perpendicular to the longitudinal X-axis 102.
The fastening stripe has a vertical Z-axis 106 perpendicular to the longitudinal X-axis 102 and the lateral Y-axis 104.

In use, the slider 132 of the present invention, when moved in the proper direction along the longitudinal X-axis 102 of the stripes 130, 131, facilitates the closure and opening of the interlocking fastening stripes 130, 131. To do. Especially slider 1
32 moves toward the first end 110 of the interlocking fastening stripes 130, 131, and then the interlocking fastening stripe 13
Interlocking fastening stripe 130 that promotes blockage of 0 and 131
, 131 towards the second end 112, it facilitates the opening of the interlocking fastening stripes 130, 131. When the slider 132 moves in the direction of the blockage 114 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fastening stripe 13
0 and 131 are closed.

The interlocking fastening stripes 130 and 131 of the present invention are, for example, (1) a fastening stripe having a U-shaped groove as shown in FIG. 3, (2) a shift deformation action type or a Z axis as shown in FIG. Fastening stripes, (3) U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,007,142 and 5,020,194, and arrow-shaped head type fastening stripes as shown in FIG. 26, (4) U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,714.
Any type or configuration including rolling action fastening stripes as disclosed in US Pat. No. 3, and as shown in FIG. 27 and / or (5) Pentabar fastening stripes as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,516,268. Can be. All of the above patents and patent applications are incorporated by reference.

An example of the types of closure devices that can be used with the present invention is shown in FIG. U
The grooved fastening stripes include a first fastening stripe 130 having a first closure element 136 and a second closure element 134.
A second fastening stripe 131 having The first closure element 136 engages the second closure element 134. The first fastening stripe 130 includes a pair of wings 137 on each side of the first closure element 136 that are spaced apart by the first fastening stripe.

The second closure element 134 includes a base portion 138, the base portion 138 having a pair of spaced apart and parallel webs 140, 141 extending from the base portion 138. The webs 140, 141 respectively project from the webs 140, 141 and face each other with hook closure portions 142,
Including 144. The hook closure portions 142, 144 have guide surfaces 146, 14
Including 7. The guide surfaces 146, 147 serve to guide the hook closure portions 142, 144 and provide a closure with the hook closure portions 152, 154 of the first closure element 136.

The first closure element 136 includes a base portion 148. Base portion 148 includes a pair of webs 150, 151, each spaced in parallel and extending from base portion 148. Webs 150 and 151 are respectively
Hook closure parts 1 projecting from the webs 150, 151 and facing each other
52 and 154 are included. The hook closure portions 152, 154 have guide surfaces 145
, 155, the guide surfaces 145, 155 including hook closure portion 15
It serves to guide 2, 154 and provides a closure with the hook closure portions 142, 144 of the second closure element 134. Guide surface 145
, 155 may also have a rounded coronal surface. Also, the hook closure part 1
44, 145 may be designed such that the hook closure portions 144, 154 adjacent the interior of the container provide greater resistance to opening the closure device 121. The first fastening stripe 130 includes wings 137 as shown in FIG. The wings 137 are flexible and project from the base 148 of the fastening stripe 130. Each wing 137 terminates in an end 143 that projects outwardly from the wing 137.

Please refer to FIGS. The slider 132 includes a housing 160 and a mounting means 162. The housing 160 includes an upper portion 170 and separator fingers 172.
, First side 174 and second side 176. The attachment means 162 includes a first flexible shoulder 230, a second flexible shoulder 232, a first leg 234, a second leg 236 and a slot 180. The separator finger 172 has an upper part 1
It projects downward from 70 toward the slot 180. The slider 132 has a first end 184 and a second end 186.

The separator fingers 172 project downward from the second end 186 toward the first end 184. The separator finger 172 has a first end 190 and a second end 192. The second end 192 is wider than the first end 190. The separator finger 172 has a first side 224 and a second side 226.
Have. The side portions 224, 226 have a second end 192 as shown in FIGS.
Taper inwardly toward the first end 190. The separator fingers can have other shapes such as trapezoidal, elliptical, rectangular, circular, and any other shape.

The upper portion 170 of the slider merges with the first side 174 and the second side 176. The first side 174 has an upper inner surface 240, a lower inner surface 198 and an outer surface 242. Similarly, the second side 176 includes an upper inner surface 248, a lower inner surface 208 and an outer surface 2.
Have 50. The outer surfaces 242, 250 of the sides 174, 176 bend outward from the centerline 244 and diagonally from the top 170, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the inner surfaces 240, 248 of the side portions 174, 176 are aligned with the center line 24 of the slider 132.
Bent inwardly toward 4, 246 and diagonally from the second end 186.

The first side 174 merges with the first leg 234 through the first flexible shoulder 230 to form a U-shape. The second side 176 also includes a second flexible shoulder 232.
Through to form a U-shape by being combined with the second customer portion 236. The slider first leg 234 has an inner surface 204, an outer surface 206 and an end surface 260. The second leg 236 also has an inner surface 214, an outer surface 216 and an end surface 262. Legs 234,
236 bends inwardly toward centerline 244 and ends at end faces 260, 262, thereby forming slot 180. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9,
The slot 180 extends from the first end 184 to the second end 186 of the slider 132.
And has substantially the same width from the first end 184 to the second end 186 of the slider 132.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the slider. In this embodiment, the central portion of the first leg is removed to form leg 234A and leg 234B at the end of slider 132A. Similarly, the central portion of the second leg is also removed to form legs 236A, 236B. Thus, the slots 180A, 180B are used to hold the fastening stripes. Further, the separator 172A is
It is longer and wider than the separator 172 of FIG. Further, the separator 172A is located substantially in the center of the slider 132A between the leg portions 234A and 234B and the leg portions 236A and 236B. The separator 172A also includes a ridge 173A. Ridge 1
73A has the same height along the length of the separator 172A. The slider 132A has closure members 239A, 247A having inner surfaces 240A, 248A. The inner surfaces 240, 248A engage the sides of the fastening stripe and occlude the fastening stripe.

In the relaxed state, the legs 234, 236 of the slider 132 are
74 and 176 are substantially parallel to the lower inner surfaces 198 and 208, respectively. As a result, the voids are formed on each of the lower inner surfaces 198, 208 of the sides 174, 176 and the leg 2
Formed between the inner surfaces 204 and 214 of the sliders 34 and 236, respectively.
An area is created in which the legs 234, 236 may move outwardly from the centerline 244 when the 32 is attached to the closure device 121.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the slider 132 includes a flexible shoulder 230,
Given with 232. The flexible shoulders 230, 232 have a vertical Z-axis 1.
06 provides a means for attaching the slider 132 to the fastening stripe, and after attaching the slider 132, the slider 132 is moved in the vertical Z direction.
The shaft 106 is prevented from coming off. Here, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the slider 132 may be molded from any suitable plastic material.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a series of operations for attaching slider 132 according to the present invention to first and second fastening stripes 130, 131 with vertical Z-axis 106. FIG. 10 shows closed fastening stripes 130, 131 and slider 132 with legs 234, 236 in a relaxed state. The closure device 121 includes first and second legs 23 directly below the slot 180.
It is between 4,236. Referring to FIG. The slider 132 is moved toward the fastening stripes 130 and 131 in the vertical Z-axis direction.
The fastening stripes 130, 131 are on the outer surface 206 of the legs 234, 236,
216 to engage and move or deform legs 234, 236 outwardly. as a result,
The first and second legs 234, 236 have their respective sides 174, 176.
The slot 180 is widened by flexing outwardly on the lateral Y-axis 104 toward. FIG. 12 shows fastening stripes 130, 13 moving through slots 180.
1 is shown. The base portions 148, 138 of the first and second fastening stripes 130, 131 fit between the legs 234 and 236, and the legs 2
The legs 234, 236 are moved or deformed outwardly on the lateral Y-axis 104 toward the respective sides 174, 176 of the legs 34, 236.

As closure device 121 continues to enter through slot 180, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the fastening stripes 130 and 131 contact the separator fingers 172. In particular, the first and second fastening stripes 130,
The web 140 of the second fastening stripe 131 is pressed against the separator fingers 172 while the base portions 148, 138 of 131 are sandwiched between the legs 234 and 236.

As can be seen from FIG. 14, the fastening stripe 1 is formed on the Z axis 106 in the vertical direction.
Further movement of 30, 131 toward the slider 132 causes the fastening stripes 130, 131 to project from the legs 234, 236, and the legs 234, 236.
Are returned to their relaxed position. In a relaxed position,
The legs 234, 236 are substantially parallel to the inner surfaces 198, 208 of the corresponding sides 174, 176. Similarly, the width of slot 180 returns to its relaxed position. With respect to the fastening stripes 130, 131, the webs 140, 150 outside the fastening stripes 130, 131 are the separator fingers 1
It is pushed open by 72. The inner webs 141, 151 may remain closed.

FIG. 14 shows a position where the slider 132 is mounted on the fastening stripes 130 and 131 at the opening end. Once the legs 234, 236 return to their relaxed position, the fastening stripes 130, 131 do not fit through the slots 180. As an aspect of the present invention, the leg portion 234,
236 effectively attaches the slider 132 to the fastening stripes 130 and 131 by the vertical Z-axis 106, and after the slider 132 is attached to the fastening stripes 130 and 131, the slider 132 fastens on the vertical Z-axis 106. It prevents the stripes 130 and 131 from coming off. When the slider 132 is to be removed by the vertical Z-axis 106, the leg portion 234
236 prevents the slur 132 from coming off. The legs 234, 236 prevent the fastening stripes 130, 131 from moving through the slots 180 in the direction of the vertical Z-axis 106, thereby allowing the fastening stripes 130, 131 to move.
, 131 to hold the slider 132. Especially the fastening stripe 1
When the slider 132 is inserted into the slots 30, 131, the legs 234, 236 may be moved or deformed outward along the lateral Y-axis 104 to widen the slot 180 and pass through the fastening stripes 130, 131. The legs 234 and 236 are
It is bent diagonally upward and inward. As a result, when the slider 132 is tried to be removed from the fastening stripes 130 and 131, the fastening stripes 130 and 131 contact the end portions 260 and 262 of the leg portions 234 and 236, and the leg portion 2
34 and 236 are moved or deformed inward on the lateral Y-axis 104. Thus, the width of the slot 180 is reduced until the legs 234, 236 press against each other through the side walls 122, 123. The rigidity of legs 234, 236 and shoulders 230, 232 exceeds the point where the legs engage each other through sidewalls 122, 123.
Block the inward movement of the. As a result, the slider 132 may be torn through the fastening stripes 130, 131 or the legs 234 of the slider 132,
It cannot be disengaged from the fastening stripes 130, 131 in the vertical Z-axis 106 only by breaking and / or deforming 236.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be implemented in a variety of configurations. When attaching to the fastening stripes 130 and 131, the fastening stripe 130
, 131, flexible shoulders 230, 232 and legs 234 when attempting to disengage from
The resistance of 236 can be affected by changes in the design attributes of the slider as shown in FIG. Such attributes include shoulder thickness 280, shoulder radius 282, leg angle 284, leg length 286, leg thickness 288, shoulder and leg material composition 290,
And the angles 292 of the ends 260, 262. For example, reducing shoulder thickness 280 causes legs 234, 236 to move or deform with less force. As another example, reducing the leg length 286 prevents the legs 234, 236 from moving or deforming without greater force. Also, the angles 292 of the ends 260, 262 can have different values. As shown in FIG. 15, the angle 292 between the end 260 and the inner surface 214 is approximately 45 °. In another example, the angle 292 may be 90 °.
Further, the angles 292 of the faces 260, 262 may be the same, and the angle of the face 260 may be different from the angle of the face 262.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment slider 332 according to the present invention. Compared to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the second embodiment has substantially parallel outer surfaces 442, 4
It has first and second sides 374, 376 with 50. As mentioned above, the dimensions of the shoulders 430, 432 and the legs 434, 436 are such that the sliders 33 are attached to the fastening stripe and are to be removed from the fastening stripe.
Affects the function of 2. With respect to the shoulders 430, 432, the shoulder thickness 480 of the second embodiment is less than the shoulder thickness 280 of the first embodiment. Also, the inner diameter 482 of the flexible shoulders 430, 432 is larger than the radius 282 of the first embodiment. As a result, the shoulder of the second embodiment flexes more easily when attaching the slider 332 to the fastening stripe than the shoulder of the first embodiment. In addition, the legs 434,
The ends 460, 462 of 436 extend vertically to form slots 380.
Therefore, as compared with the first embodiment, the end portions 460 and 462 have the slider 332.
Flexibly through the passages of the fastening stripes through the legs 434, 436 when attaching the to the fastening stripe with the vertical Z-axis 306 and when attempting to remove the slider 332 from the fastening stripe with the vertical Z-axis 306. Provides a wider contact surface area to block.

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment slider 532 in accordance with the present invention. Like the second embodiment, the third embodiment also has first and second sides 574, 576 with substantially parallel outer surfaces 442, 450. However, the lower outer surfaces 670, 672 of the sides 574, 576 taper inward prior to merging with the flexible shoulders 630, 632. The lower inner surfaces 598,608 of the sides 574,576 are substantially vertical and parallel. The shoulder thickness 680 of the third embodiment is less than that of the second embodiment. However, the shoulder radius 680 is much smaller than both the first and second embodiments. Legs 634, 636 bend inward and extend vertically before contacting each other, thereby forming slot 580. Compared to the first embodiment, the vertical portions of the legs 634 and 636 are the slider 5
Flexible mounting of the fastening stripe path through the legs 634, 636 as the 32 is attached to the fastening stripe with the vertical Z axis 506 and the slider 532 is attempted to be removed from the fastening stripe with the vertical Z axis 506. Gives a wider contact surface area to block.

FIG. 18 illustrates a fourth embodiment slider 732 according to the present invention. The fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the fourth embodiment has first and second outer surfaces 842, 850 with ends 860, 862 of legs 834, 836 extending vertically and forming slots 780. Side 774,
776. Further, although the leg portions 834 and 836 project inward, the angle of this projecting is small. Angle 8 of protrusion of legs 834 and 836
When 84 is small, the length 886 of legs 834, 836 is also small. Legs 834,
The short length 886 of 836 will provide greater leg stiffness. further,
Compared to the first embodiment, the end portions 860, 862 of the fourth embodiment are different when attaching the slider 732 to the fastening stripe with the vertical Z axis 706 and with the slider 532 with the vertical Z axis 706. It provides a larger contact surface area that flexibly blocks the passage of the fastening stripes through the legs 834, 836 when attempting to disengage from the stripe.

FIG. 19 shows a fifth embodiment slider 932 according to the present invention. The fifth embodiment has the same shape as the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the fifth embodiment shows a slider 932 extruded from two separate materials, a first material 1090 and a second material 1091. Shoulders 1030, 1 of slider 932
032 and legs 1034, 1036 are molded from a second material 1091. Sides 974, 976 and upper portion 970 of slider 932 are molded from a first material 1090. The two materials 1090, 1091 used have different flexible properties. For example, shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036 have side 97
4, 976 and can be molded from a second material 1091 that is stiffer than the first material 1090 used for top 970. Deformably, the shoulders 1030, 1032 and the leg 1
034, 1036 may be molded from a second material 1091 that is less rigid than the first material 1090 used for sides 974, 976 and top 970. Shoulder 1030
1032 and the leg portions 1034 and 1036 are changed in material composition when the slider 932 is attached to the fastening stripe by the vertical Z-axis 906 and when the slider 932 is removed from the fastening stripe by the vertical Z-axis 906. , The flexible resistance provided by shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036 may be varied. Extrusion of the slider 932 of separate materials 1050, 1052 may be accomplished, for example, by using the materials used to achieve the desired flexibility of the shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036 on the sides 974, 976 and top. Manufacturing costs may be reduced if they are more costly than those used for the 970. As a result, more expensive materials are limited to shoulders 1030, 1032 and legs 1034, 1036, and less expensive materials can be used for the remainder of slider housing 960. In other embodiments, the shoulders are made of a second material and the legs are made of a first material or a third material.

FIG. 20 shows a sixth embodiment slider 1132 according to the present invention. The sixth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the leg width 1288 is reduced. The small leg width 1240 increases the flexibility of the legs and allows the slider 1132 to be attached to the fastening stripe with the vertical Z-axis 1106 and the slider 1132 to be removed from the fastening stripe with the vertical Z-axis 1106. In doing so, the resistance provided by the legs 1234, 1236 is reduced.

FIG. 21 shows a seventh embodiment slider 1332 according to the present invention, as shown, the slider 1332 is attached to fastening stripes 1430, 1431. The seventh embodiment is similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the second leg portion 1436 of the slider 1332 is longer than the first leg portion 1434. The long second leg 1436 has a second fastening stripe 143.
1 to engage the web 1441 on the inside of the second fastening stripe 1431. In addition, the first leg portion 1434 has the first fastening stripe 143.
9 wing 1437 is engaged. Therefore, the fastening stripe 1430,
1431 is held in the slider 1332.

FIG. 22 illustrates an eighth embodiment slider 1532 according to the present invention. The slider 1532 is similar to the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, the legs 1634
, 1636, the angle of protrusion 1684 is small. Furthermore, the legs 153
When the protrusion angle 1684 of the projections 4 and 1536 is reduced, the legs 1634 and 163 are reduced.
The length 1686 of 6 is also reduced. The slider 1532 is designed to work in relation to the side wall 1522 having a protrusion 1528 such that the legs 1634, 1636 engage the protrusion 1528 rather than the actual fastening stripes 1530, 1531. The protrusion 1528 acts to retain the fastening stripes 1530, 1531 within the slider 1532. In addition, the small length 1686 of legs 1634, 1636 provides greater leg rigidity. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the protrusions 1528A are located on the fastening stripes and the legs engage the protrusions to retain the fastening stripes within the slider 1532A.

FIG. 24 shows a slider 1732 of a ninth embodiment according to the present invention. The ninth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. However, the second side 1776 ends at the bottom of the upper inner surface 1848. The second shoulder 1832 is relatively stiff and extends horizontally inwardly from the major side 1776. The first leg 1834 and the second shoulder form a slot 1780. The second shoulder 1832 assists in maintaining the unique orientation of the closure device within the slider 1732, while the first shoulder 1830 and the first customer 1834 move the slider 1732 vertically. Z axis 1
It provides flexibility as it is attached to the fastening stripe at 706 and as the slider 1732 is attempted to be removed from the fastening stripe at the vertical Z-axis 1706. In another embodiment, the second shoulder 1832 is removed and the first leg 18 is removed.
34 is elongated to extend near second side 1776 and slot 1780.
To form. Also, the second side 1776 may be lengthened.

The sliders of the present invention may incorporate various shapes. However, the slider should facilitate attachment of the slider to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis and prevent the slider from disengaging from the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. In addition, the slider facilitates the inherent orientation of the fastening stripes within the slider during operation. The unique orientation of the fastening stripes within the slider is usually accomplished by providing legs that support each fastening stripe. The slider design also follows the shape of the fastening stripes used.

25-27 show various shapes of interlocking fastening stripes and their corresponding slider designs. As shown in FIG. 25, the interlocking fastening stripes may form a shift action type or Z-axis closure stripe. The shift action closure stripe includes a first fastening stripe 1930 and a second fastening stripe 1931. The first and second fastening stripes 1930, 1931 engage when the slider 1932 moves in the closing direction.

In addition, the interlocking fastening stripe can be modified to form an arrow-shaped head type closure stripe, as shown in FIG. As described in detail in US Pat. Nos. 5,007,142 and 5,020,194, an arrow-shaped head type closure stripe typically includes a first fastening stripe 2130 having an arrow-shaped engagement portion 2136, A second fastening stripe 2131 having a cup-shaped engagement portion 2137. In use, the first fastening stripe 2130 and the second fastening stripe 2131 are selectively closed and opened by moving the slider 2132 in the appropriate direction.

The interlocking fastening stripes may optionally form rolling action closure stripes, for example, as shown in FIG. The rolling action closure stripe includes first and second elements 2330, 2331, as described in detail in US Pat. No. 5,007,143. The first and second elements 2330, 2331 can be opened by using a separator 2333. In use, the elements 2330, 2331 are selectively closed and opened by moving the slider 2332 in the appropriate direction.

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

The interlocking fastening stripe of the present invention can be manufactured by extrusion through a mold. Since the extruded fastening stripes shrink on cooling, the mold should be larger than the desired final dimension 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 may 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.

The slider can be tightened in a number of parts. Also, the slider may be made from multiple pieces or may be melted. The slider can be one solid. The slider may be transparent or opaque and may be colored.
The slider may be manufactured by injection molding or any other method. The slider is nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, acetal, reinforced acetal,
It may be molded from any suitable plastic material such as polyketone, polybutylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile-butylene-styrene).

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 that facilitates closing and opening of the fastening stripe, and a flexible resistive attachment means. The mounting means having a flexible resistance force facilitates the mounting of the slider on the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis, and after mounting the slider, prevents the slider from coming off the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. To prevent.

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 container according to the invention in the form of a plastic bag.

[Fig. 2]   2 is a plan view of the container of FIG.

[Figure 3]   3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.

[Figure 4]   FIG. 4 is a front view of the slider of FIG.

[Figure 5]   FIG. 5 is a rear view of the slider of FIG.

[Figure 6]   FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the slider of FIG.

[Figure 7]   FIG. 7 is a bottom view of another embodiment of the slider.

[Figure 8]   FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

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

FIG. 10 is a front view of the slider and a cross-sectional view of the fastening stripe, showing a mutual positional relationship when the slider is positioned on the fastening stripe.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the slider and a cross-sectional view of the fastening stripe, showing a mutual positional relationship when the slider is positioned on the fastening stripe.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the slider and a cross-sectional view of the fastening stripe, showing a mutual positional relationship when the slider is positioned on the fastening stripe.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the slider and a sectional view of the fastening stripe, showing a mutual positional relationship when the slider is positioned on the fastening stripe.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the slider and a cross-sectional view of the fastening stripe, showing a mutual positional relationship when the slider is positioned on the fastening stripe.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of a slider similar to that of FIG. 5, showing the design attributes of the slider.

FIG. 16   FIG. 16 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider.

FIG. 17   FIG. 17 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider.

FIG. 18   FIG. 18 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider.

FIG. 19   FIG. 19 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider.

FIG. 20   FIG. 20 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and a cross-sectional view of the fastening stripe.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and a cross-sectional view of the fastening stripe.

FIG. 23 is a front view of another embodiment of a slider and a sectional view of a fastening stripe.

FIG. 24   FIG. 24 is a front view of another embodiment of the slider.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and a sectional view of the fastening stripe.

FIG. 26 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and a cross-sectional view of the fastening stripe.

FIG. 27 is a rear view of another embodiment of the slider and a cross-sectional view of the fastening stripe.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), E A (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, G H, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP , KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, M W, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD , SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, Z W (72) Inventor Stiglick, Jeffrey S.             60477, Illinois, United States             Ray Park, Oxford Dry             Bou 16325 F term (reference) 3B098 AA08 AB07 BA04 BB02 CA12                       CB02                 3E064 AA01 BA27 BC18 EA01 HN13                       HN17 HN20

Claims (126)

[Claims] 1. A closure device comprising: a first fastening stripe, a second fastening stripe, and a slider adapted to be slidably arranged on the fastening stripe, wherein the slider is the fastening Moving toward the first end of the stripe promotes closure of the fastening stripe, and moving toward the second end of the fastening stripe promotes opening of the fastening stripe, and the fastening stripe and The slider has a longitudinal X-axis and a lateral Y-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal X-axis, and the fastening stripe and the slider are perpendicular to the longitudinal X-axis and The vertical Z-axis perpendicular to the vertical Y-axis, Includes a housing having an upper portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the first side portion has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the second The side portion has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the upper portion is the first end portion of the first side portion and the first side portion of the second side portion. Operatively coupled to an end, the slider having a flexible shoulder facilitating attachment of the slider to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis, and the slider to the fastening After attaching to the stripe, the slider is moved in the vertical Z direction.
A closure device for preventing axial disengagement from the fastening stripe, the flexible shoulder being operatively coupled to the second end of the first side. 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said second end of said second side is operatively connected to a rigid shoulder. 3. The invention of claim 2 wherein the flexible shoulder is operably connected to a slider leg. 4. The invention of claim 3 wherein the slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulder. 5. The slider leg and the rigid shoulder form a slot, the fastening stripe passing through the slot when attaching the slider to the fastening stripe at the vertical Z. However, the invention of claim 4 is provided. 6. The invention of claim 1 wherein the flexible shoulder includes an inner surface and an outer surface. 7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said inner surface comprises a first radius and said outer surface comprises a second radius. 8. The invention of claim 3 wherein the slider leg includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an end surface. 9. The invention of claim 8 wherein said inner surface and said outer surface are substantially parallel. 10. The invention of claim 2 wherein the rigid shoulder projects upwardly from the second side. 11. The invention of claim 9 wherein said rigid shoulder is substantially perpendicular to said second side. 12. The invention of claim 1 wherein the second end of the second side is operatively connected to a flexible shoulder. 13. The invention of claim 12 wherein each of said flexible shoulders is operatively connected to a slider leg. 14. The invention of claim 13 wherein the slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulders. 15. The invention of claim 14 wherein the legs define slots and the fastening stripes pass through the slots when the slider is attached to the fastening stripes in the vertical Z-axis. 16. The invention of claim 12 wherein each of the flexible shoulders includes an inner surface and an outer surface. 17. The invention of claim 16 wherein said inner surface comprises a first radius and said outer surface comprises a second radius. 18. The invention of claim 13 wherein each of said slider legs includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an end surface. 19. The invention of claim 18, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are substantially parallel. 20. The invention of claim 18, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface taper toward the end surface. 21. The invention of claim 18 wherein the end faces are substantially parallel and form the slot. 22. The invention of claim 18 wherein the end faces are substantially coplanar. 23. Each of the slider legs has a first inner surface, a second inner surface,
A first outer surface, a second outer surface, and an end surface, wherein the first inner surface is bent obliquely upward and inward from the flexible shoulder, and the second inner surface is substantially vertical Direction, the first outer surface bends upwardly and inwardly, is substantially parallel to the inner surface, the second outer surface is in a substantially vertical direction, and is substantially parallel to the second inner surface. 14. The invention of claim 13 wherein the second outer surfaces of the slider legs are substantially parallel and form a slot. 24. The invention of claim 3 wherein said slider legs operatively engage said first fastening stripe. 25. The invention of claim 1 wherein the housing is made of a first material and the flexible shoulder is made of a second material. 26. The invention of claim 25, wherein the first material is stiffer than the second material. 27. The invention of claim 25, wherein the second material is stiffer than the first material. 28. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the fastening stripes are fastening stripes of a shift deformation action type. 29. The invention of claim 1, wherein the fastening stripe is a U-shaped groove type fastening stripe. 30. The invention of claim 1 wherein said fastening stripes are arrow-shaped head type fastening stripes. 31. The invention of claim 1 wherein said fastening stripes are rolling action fastening stripes. 32. A fastener adapted to be slidably aligned with the fastener stripe and, when moved toward a first end of the fastener stripe, promotes closure of the fastener stripe and a second fastener stripe. A slider that facilitates opening of the fastener stripe when moved toward an end, the slider having a longitudinal X-axis and a lateral Y-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal Y-axis, The fastening stripe and the slider have a vertical Z-axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal X-axis and perpendicular to the lateral Y-axis, and the slider includes an upper portion, a first side portion, and A housing having a second side portion, wherein the first side portion has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the second side portion has a first end portion, Over A second end, wherein the upper portion is operatively connected to the first end of the first end and the first end of the second side, A slider having a flexible shoulder to facilitate attachment of the slider to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis and after attaching the slider to the fastening stripe Direction Z
A slider, wherein the flexible shoulder is operatively coupled to the second end of the first side to prevent axial disengagement from the fastening stripe. 33. The invention of claim 32, wherein the second end of the second side is operatively connected to a rigid shoulder. 34. The invention of claim 33, wherein the flexible shoulder is operably connected to a slider leg. 35. The invention of claim 34, wherein the slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulder. 36. The slider legs and the rigid shoulders form a slot through which the fastening stripe passes when the slider is attached to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. The invention of Claim 35. 37. The invention of claim 32, wherein the flexible shoulder includes an inner surface and an outer surface. 38. The invention of claim 37, wherein the inner surface comprises a first radius and the outer surface comprises a second radius. 39. The invention of claim 34, wherein the slider legs include an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface. 40. The invention of claim 39, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are substantially parallel. 41. The invention of claim 33, wherein the rigid shoulder projects inwardly from the second side. 42. The invention of claim 40, wherein said rigid shoulder is substantially perpendicular to said second side. 43. The invention of claim 32, wherein the second end of the second side is operatively connected to a flexible shoulder. 44. The invention of claim 43, wherein each of said flexible shoulders is operably coupled to a slider leg. 45. The invention of claim 44 wherein the slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulders. 46. The invention of claim 45, wherein the legs form a slot through which the fastening stripe passes when the slider is attached to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. . 47. The invention of claim 43, wherein each of the flexible shoulders includes an inner surface and an outer surface. 48. The invention of claim 47, wherein the inner surface comprises a first radius and the outer surface comprises a second radius. 49. The invention of claim 44, wherein each of the slider legs includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface. 50. The invention of claim 49, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are substantially parallel. 51. The inner surface and the outer surface are tapered toward the end surface.
However, the invention of claim 49. 52. The invention of claim 49, wherein the end surfaces are substantially parallel and form the slot. 53. The invention of claim 49 wherein the end faces are substantially coplanar. 54. Each of the slider legs has a first inner surface, a second inner surface,
A first outer surface, a second outer surface, and an end surface, wherein the first inner surface bends upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulder, and the second inner surface is substantially vertical , The first outer surface bends upward and inward, is substantially parallel to the first inner surface, the second outer surface is substantially vertical, and substantially the second inner surface 45. The invention of claim 44, wherein the second outer surfaces of the slider legs are parallel to and form a slot. 55. The invention of claim 34, wherein the slider leg operatively engages the first fastening stripe. 56. The invention of claim 32, wherein the housing comprises a first material and the flexible shoulder comprises a second material. 57. The invention of claim 56, wherein the first material is stiffer than the second material. 58. The invention of claim 56, wherein the second material is stiffer than the first material. 59. A container comprising: first and second side walls, said first and second side walls including facing first and second fastening stripes, respectively. A second fastening stripe includes a closure device arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length, wherein the first and second sidewalls are slidably arranged on the fastener stripe. Adapted and moving towards the first end of the fastener stripe facilitates closure of the fastener stripe, and moving toward the second end of the fastener stripe facilitates opening of the fastener stripe. A slider having a longitudinal X-axis and a lateral Y-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal Y-axis The fastening stripe and the slider have a vertical Z axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal X axis and perpendicular to the lateral Y axis, and the slider includes an upper portion, a first side portion, And a housing having a second side portion, wherein the first side portion has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the second side portion has a first end portion. , And a second end, the upper portion being operatively coupled to the first end of the first end and the first end of the second side. The slider has a flexible shoulder to facilitate attachment of the slider to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis, and after attaching the slider to the fastening stripe, the slider is Z in the vertical direction
A container for preventing axial disengagement from the fastening stripe and wherein the flexible shoulder is operatively connected to the second end of the first side. 60. The invention of claim 59, wherein the slider leg operatively engages the first fastening stripe. 61. The invention of claim 59 wherein said first sidewall is between said slider leg and said first fastening stripe. 62. The invention of claim 59, wherein the first sidewall has a protrusion and the slider leg engages the protrusion. 63. The invention of claim 59, wherein said second end of said second side is operatively connected to a rigid shoulder. 64. The invention of claim 63, wherein the flexible shoulder is operably connected to a slider leg. 65. The invention of claim 64, wherein the slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulder. 66. The slider leg and the rigid shoulder define a slot through which the fastening stripe passes when the slider is attached to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. The invention of claim 65. 67. The invention of claim 59, wherein the flexible shoulder comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. 68. The invention of claim 67, wherein the inner surface comprises a first radius and the outer surface comprises a second radius. 69. The invention of claim 64, wherein the slider leg includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface. 70. The invention of claim 69, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are substantially parallel. 71. The invention of claim 63, wherein the rigid shoulder projects inwardly from the second side. 72. The invention of claim 70, wherein the rigid shoulder is substantially perpendicular to the second side. 73. The invention of claim 59, wherein said second end of said second side is operatively connected to a flexible shoulder. 74. The invention of claim 73, wherein each of the flexible shoulders is operably coupled to a slider leg. 75. The invention of claim 74 wherein the slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulders. 76. The fastener stripe of claim 75, wherein the legs define a slot through which the fastening stripe passes when the slider is attached to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. invention. 77. The invention of claim 73, wherein each of the flexible shoulders includes an inner surface and an outer surface. 78. The invention of claim 77, wherein the inner surface comprises a first radius and the outer surface comprises a second radius. 79. The invention of claim 74, wherein each of said slider legs includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface. 80. The invention of claim 79, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are substantially parallel. 81. The inner surface and the outer surface are tapered toward the end surface,
However, the invention of claim 79. 82. The invention of claim 79 wherein the end faces are substantially parallel and form the slot. 83. The invention of claim 79 wherein the end faces are substantially coplanar. 84. Each of the slider legs has a first inner surface, a second inner surface,
A first outer surface, a second outer surface, and an end surface, wherein the first inner surface bends upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulder, and the second inner surface is substantially vertical , The first outer surface bends upward and inward, is substantially parallel to the first inner surface, the second outer surface is substantially vertical, and substantially the second inner surface 75. The invention of claim 74, wherein the second outer surfaces of the slider legs are parallel to and form a slot. 85. The invention of claim 64, wherein the slider legs operatively engage the first fastening stripes. 86. The invention of claim 59, wherein said housing comprises a first material and said flexible shoulder comprises a second material. 87. The invention of claim 86, wherein the first material is stiffer than the second material. 88. The invention of claim 86, wherein the second material is stiffer than the first material. 89. The invention according to claim 59, wherein the fastening stripes are fastening stripes of a shift deformation action type. 90. The invention of claim 59, wherein the fastening stripes are U-shaped groove type fastening stripes. 91. The invention of claim 59, wherein said fastening stripes are arrow-shaped head type fastening stripes. 92. The invention of claim 59, wherein the fastening stripes are rolling action fastening stripes. 93. A method of assembling a slider on a closure device, comprising the steps of providing a first fastening stripe, providing a second fastening stripe, adapted to be slidably arranged on said fastener stripe, Moving toward the first end of the fastener stripe promotes closure of the fastener stripe, and moving toward the second end of the fastener stripe provides a slider that facilitates opening of the fastener stripe. Wherein the slider has a longitudinal X-axis and a lateral Y-axis perpendicular to the longitudinal Y-axis, and the fastening stripe and the slider are perpendicular to the longitudinal X-axis. And having a vertical Z-axis perpendicular to the lateral Y-axis, A rider includes a housing having an upper portion, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the first side portion having a first end portion and a second end portion, and The second side portion has a first end portion and a second end portion, and the upper portion is the first end portion of the first end portion and the second end portion of the second side portion. Operatively coupled to one end, the slider having a flexible shoulder to facilitate attachment of the slider to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis, After the slider is attached to the fastening stripe, the slider is moved in the vertical Z direction.
Preventing disengagement from the fastening stripe at an axis, the flexible shoulder being operatively coupled to the second end of the first side; and the vertical direction. Moving the slider or the fastening stripe along the Z-axis of the flexure, whereby the flexible shoulder is deformed to allow passage of the fastening stripe into the housing, once the fastening stripe Leading to the housing, the flexible shoulder returns to its original position, preventing the slider from disengaging from the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. Method. 94. The invention of claim 93, wherein said second end of said second side is operatively coupled to a rigid shoulder. 95. The invention of claim 94, wherein the flexible shoulder is operably connected to a slider leg. 96. The invention of claim 95, wherein the slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulder. 97. The slider leg and the rigid shoulder define a slot through which the fastening stripe passes when the slider is attached to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. Claim 96. 98. The invention of claim 93, wherein the flexible shoulder includes an inner surface and an outer surface. 99. The invention of claim 98, wherein said inner surface comprises a first radius and said outer surface comprises a second radius. 100. The slider leg includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface.
The invention of claim 95. 101. The invention of claim 100, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are substantially parallel. 102. The invention of claim 94 wherein said rigid shoulder projects inwardly from said side. 103. The invention of claim 101 wherein said rigid shoulder is substantially perpendicular to said second side. 104. The invention of claim 93, wherein the second end of the second side is operatively connected to a flexible shoulder. 105. The invention of claim 104, wherein each of the flexible shoulders is operably coupled to a slider leg. 106. The invention of claim 105, wherein the slider legs project upwardly and inwardly from the flexible shoulders. 107. The method of claim 106, wherein the legs form a slot through which the fastening stripe passes when the slider is attached to the fastening stripe in the vertical Z-axis. invention. 108. The invention of claim 104, wherein each of the shoulders includes an inner surface and an outer surface. 109. The invention of claim 108, wherein said inner surface comprises a first radius and said outer surface comprises a second radius. 110. The invention of claim 105, wherein each of the slider legs includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an end surface. 111. The invention of claim 110, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are substantially parallel. 112. The invention of claim 110, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are tapered toward the end surface. 113. The invention of claim 110, wherein the end surfaces are substantially parallel and form the slot. 114. The invention of claim 110, wherein the end faces are substantially coplanar. 115. Each of said slider legs includes a first inner surface, a second inner surface, a first outer surface, a second outer surface, and an end surface, wherein said first inner surface is said flexible surface. Bends upward and inward from a shoulder, the second inner surface is substantially vertical, the first outer surface bends upward and inward, and is substantially parallel to the first inner surface. 105. The second outer surface is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to the second inner surface, the second outer surfaces of the slider legs forming slots. Invention. 116. The invention of claim 95, wherein the slider leg operatively engages the first fastening stripe. 117. The invention of claim 93, wherein said housing comprises a first material and said flexible shoulder comprises a second material. 118. The first material is stiffer than the second material.
However, the invention of claim 117. 119. The second material is stiffer than the first material.
However, the invention of claim 117. 120. The invention of claim 93, wherein said fastening stripes include offset deformation acting fastening stripes. 121. The invention of claim 93, wherein said fastening stripes include U-shaped groove type fastening stripes. 122. The invention of claim 93, wherein said fastening stripes include arrow-shaped head type fastening stripes. 123. The invention of claim 93, wherein said fastening stripes include rolling action fastening stripes. 124. The invention of claim 93, wherein said slider legs operatively engage said first fastening stripes. 125. The invention of claim 93, wherein the first sidewall is between the slider leg and the first fastening stripe. 126. The invention of claim 93, wherein said first sidewall has a protrusion and said slider leg engages said protrusion.