KR20020071013A - Slider applying opening or closing forces to a reclosable fastener lying in a two dimensional plane - Google Patents

Abstract

The slider lies in the X-Y plane and opens or closes a long, reclosable fastener that is sealable in the Z direction orthogonal thereto. The slider is slidably attachable to the fastener and applies a force to the fastener in the Z direction to open or close the fastener as the slider moves along the travel path with the vector components in the X and Y directions. The slider biases the interlocking elements of the reclosable fasteners to engage each other when the slider moves in the first direction and separates the interlocking elements when the slider moves in the second direction.

Description

Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider {SLIDER APPLYING OPENING OR CLOSING FORCES TO A RECLOSABLE FASTENER LYING IN A TWO DIMENSIONAL PLANE}

Flexible storage bags for use in the storage and storage of perishable materials such as foodstuffs as well as the storage and protection of various articles are well known in the art. Such bags typically include long reclosable fasteners, such as interlocking ribbed seals formed integrally with the bag to seal an article disposed within the bag. The sliding closure mechanism, which utilizes a sliding plastic sleeve to bias the interlocking ribs to engage and disengage the interlocking ribs, is widely used due to its relatively easy operation and the visible and hand-held form of whether the seal formed by the reclosable fastener is successfully completed. It is.

Rigid and semi-rigid containers are also well known in the art. Such containers have been commercially successful to a great extent in providing a means for storing a wide range of contents. These containers typically have a lid that is typically sealed to the container by reclosable fasteners that include inlocking raised and recessed elements such as bulbs and grooves. Additionally, U.S. Patent No. 3,784,005 to Anderson, dated Jan. 8, 1974, and U.S. Patent No. 3,967,756, issued July 6, 1976 to Barish, disclose vessels using plug seals, Patents are incorporated herein by reference.

While such mechanical seals can be effective in preserving container contents, some consumers have found it difficult to fully perform a sealing operation and to match them to achieve a satisfactory seal. This is especially true when the physical change of the lid between the interlocked and non-interlocked positions is relatively small.

Conventional sliders used for reclosable fasteners on flexible storage bags have been identified by the user as being open or closed during use, but such sliders typically use sidewalls whose operation is limited to non-directional fasteners. One example of a slider of the prior art is disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,660,875, issued May 9, 1972 to Gutman, which is incorporated herein by reference. Since rigid and semi-rigid containers typically use lids that are sealed by fasteners extending in directions with vector components extending in directions perpendicular to each other, conventional sliders are not suitable for opening or closing such fasteners.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a slider for opening or closing the reclosable fasteners for sealing the lid to the storage container, wherein the reclosable fasteners lie in a two-dimensional plane that defines a direction orthogonal to each other. In particular, it is desirable to provide a slider that is slidably attachable to a reclosable fastener and that can be opened or closed efficiently while pivoting around a corner joining curved sections or mutually orthogonal sections of the fastener. . In particular, it is desirable to provide a slider having the above-described effect that can efficiently open and close reclosable fasteners that require minimal manipulation of the consumer, rather than moving the slider along the fasteners.

Summary of the Invention

The slider lies in the X-Y plane and opens or closes a long, reclosable fastener that is sealable in the Z direction orthogonal thereto. The slider is slidably attachable to the fastener and applies a force to the fastener in the Z direction to open or close the fastener as the slider moves along the travel path with the vector components in the X and Y directions. The sliders bias the interlocking elements of the reclosable fasteners that are operatively associated with each other as the sliders move in a first direction along the travel path, and engage the sliders in a second direction opposite the first direction along the travel path. Press the interlocking element separately when moving.

In one embodiment, the wedge disposed on the slider biases and engages the interlocking elements of the fasteners as the slider moves in the first direction and forces the elements to separate when the slider moves in the second direction. In a variant embodiment, the wedge presses the interlocking element separately when the slider moves in the second direction, while the individual parts of the slider have a space therebetween, which space allows the slider to move in the first direction. Small enough to bias the elements of the fastener together when moving.

The present invention relates to a reclosable fastener, in particular a slider for opening or closing rigid elongate reclosable fasteners lying in a plane defining the X and Y directions orthogonal to each other. .

Although the detailed description includes claims that specifically point out and distinctly claim the invention, the invention may be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same elements. Point to an element.

1 is a perspective view of a storage container having a slide for opening or closing a reclosable fastener attaching a lid to the container, FIG.

FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of an interlocking element of a long reclosable fastener sliding the lid onto the flange of the container shown in FIG. 1; FIG.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the elongate reclosable fastener shown in FIG. 2A showing that the interlocking elements are separated in an open state; FIG.

3 is a plan view of the storage container shown in FIG. 1 showing the movement path of the slider and the first direction of movement for closing the reclosable fastener;

4 is a plan view of the storage container shown in FIG. 1 showing the movement path of the slider and the second direction of movement for opening the reclosable fastener;

5A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a slider according to the present invention;

FIG. 5B shows the closed end of the slider and is a side view along the width of the slider shown in FIG. 5A;

5C is a side view along the length of the slider shown in FIG. 5A, FIG.

6A is a cross-sectional view of the closed end of the slider shown in FIGS. 5A-5C as slidably attached to a reclosable fastener in a closed state;

6B is a cross-sectional view of the open end of the slider shown in FIGS. 5A-5C as slidably attached to a reclosable fastener in an open state;

7a is a perspective view of a variant embodiment of the slider according to the invention,

FIG. 7B is a side view along the length of the slider shown in FIG. 7A;

8A is a perspective view of a variant configuration of the slider embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B;

FIG. 8B shows the open end of the slider and is a side view along the width of the slider shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C shows the open end of the slider and is a side view along the length of the slider shown in FIG. 8A;

9A is a cross-sectional view of the closed end of the slider shown in FIGS. 8A-8C as slidably attached to a reclosable fastener in a closed state;

9B is a cross-sectional view of the open end of the slider shown in FIGS. 8A-8C as slidably attached to a reclosable fastener in an open state.

In the present specification, the following terms have the following meanings.

X, Y and Z are coordinates that define the vertical direction that intersects at right angles to each other at the origin.

Rigid means insufficient or no flexibility; It is non-moving and non-compliant, and indicates that it is maintained without being deformed when a normal use force is applied.

Resealable fasteners are selectively openable, sealable, reopenable and resealable fasteners.

The present invention relates to a slide suitable for opening or closing a long reclosable fastener. Although the slider of the present invention is applied to open all types of reclosable fasteners used to seal flexible storage bags, tubes or other storage containers, the slider of the present invention follows a path with vector components in the X and Y directions. The slider needs to move and is particularly suitable for opening or closing rigid long reclosable fasteners lying in the XY plane. In particular, the slider according to the invention is suitable for opening or closing a rigid long reclosable fastener that is sealable in the Z direction orthogonal to the XY plane, whereby the slider exerts a force on the fastener in the Z direction. To open or close the fastener as the slider moves along the travel path. One example of such a reclosable fastener is to seal the lid 30 to the flange 20 of the storage container 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

The container 10 according to the present invention may be relatively small so that it can be stored in people pockets or handbags. Such a container 10 may be useful for storing pills, capsules, and the like. Optionally, the container 10 can be relatively large to be sized to fit into a flat semi-truck. Such a container 10 may be useful for carrying structural materials and the like. One exemplary use of the container 10 is to store perishable articles such as food.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the storage container 10 includes a container body 10, which may be integrally formed from a piece of sheet material, and a bottom side 14 of a plane or dome shape defining an XY plane. An opening 16 shown opposite the bottom side 14, a flange 20 surrounding the opening 16, and a lid 30 for covering the opening 16. Both the flange 20 and the lid 30 are shown in a plan view, but may be concave or convex relative to the bottom side 14.

Although the illustrated container body 12 has four side walls, the body may actually include three or more side walls. In addition, although the openings 16 in the container shown in FIG. 1 are disposed opposite the bottom side 14, the present invention may arrange the openings 16 on all sides of the container.

The flange 20 may be formed integrally with the container body 12 or may be provided as a separate material element coupled to the container body 12. When provided as a separate, preferably more rigid material element, the material of the container body 12 has at least one small peripheral flange 20 formed at its upper edge (which defines the opening 16), This flange 20 has a corrugated corner to form a suitable joining point for joining the container body 12 to the flange 20. The lid 30 may be integrally formed with the container body 12 or may be at least hingedly attached to the flange 20 at the hinge line 25. Hinge line 25 may include a unitary living hinge, or may be provided as a weak line by notches, perforations, etc. that may selectively separate lid 30 from container body 12. . While an embodiment with a hinge is shown, embodiments without a hinge are possible.

The reclosable fastener 40 may surround or partially close the container opening 16. The reclosable fastener 40 may include any type of reusable mechanical seal known in the art. Suitable dates are US Patent No. 5,662,758 issued to Hamilton et al. On October 2, 1997, US Patent No. 5,871,067 to Hamilton et al. On February 16, 1999, and McGuire et al. On November 8, 1996. US Pat. Appl. No. 08 / 745,339 filed with US Pat. No. 08 / 745,340 filed Nov. 8, 1996 by Hamilton et al. , Adhesive seals, adhesive seals and optionally activating adhesives, which patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. By reusable, it is meant that the lid 30 of the container 10 can be deformed at least twice in reverse between the open position and the closed position, respectively, still sealing the container 10 functionally.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, reusable fastener 40 includes at least one protruding element 42 interlocking with at least one recessed element 44 to form a seal. Elements 42 and 44. Two interlocking elements 42, 44 surround the container opening 16 which occupies the edge portion of the lid 30 and the edge portion of the flange 20. Preferably, the interlocking elements 42, 44 are spaced at substantially constant distances inward from the peripheral edges of the lid 30 and the flange 20 such that the slider 100 with a suitable inner range is gap or unsealed. It can be pulled along the peripheral edge without leaving any cutouts.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the protruding element 42 may be a bulbous shape, with the recessed element 44 having a groove 49 having a shape complementary to the protruding element 42. May be). Interlocking elements 42, 44 are disposed on the engaging portions of the flange 20 and the lid 30. The protruding element 42 may be integrally formed with the flange 20 extending upwardly from the upper side 22 of the flange 20, while the recessed element 44 is the top of the lid 30. It may be integrally formed with a lid 30 having a spherical non-interlocking surface 47 extending upwardly from the side or vice versa. The recessed element 44 is opened on the bottom side 34 of the lid 30 to receive the protruding element 42 therein, while the protruding element 42 is the bottom side of the flange 20. Open on (24).

The slider 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a generally C-shaped configuration in which the end of the slider 100 overlaps the flange 20 and the peripheral edges of the lid 30 so that the slider 100 is part of the slider 100. It can be in contact with the interlocking elements 42, 44 of this reclosable fastener 40. A portion of the slider 100 in contact with the interlocking elements 42, 44 is biased by the elements interlocking engagement when the slider 100 is pulled transversely in a first direction on the area around which the elements are separated. It has a space small enough to be in between. The other part of the slider 100 presses the interlocking elements 42 and 44 away from each other when the slider 100 exerts a force to move and separate in a second direction opposite the first direction.

The reclosable fastener 40 has a vector component in the X and Y directions and extends from the open end 50 to the closed end 52 to orient the movement of the slider 100 along the fastener 40. It is possible to define a continuous path of movement. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1, a track 46 may be disposed along the side of the fastener defining a continuous path of travel 48.

The movement path 48 may comprise a combination of straight sectors moving in directions perpendicular to one another, one sector moving substantially parallel to the X direction, and adjacent sectors moving substantially parallel to the Y direction. The sectors are joined via a transition region, which may contain an arc, which has a principal field with a radius of curvature and a contact point with a vector component in the X and Y directions. Movement path 48 may also be a series of arc-shaped sectors that may be entirely curved with an elliptic shape, or form a path with a wavy pattern, such as a sinusoidal shape.

3 and 4 are plan views of the storage container 10 shown in FIG. 1. The track 46 is mated with a reclosable fastener 40 along all edges of the lid 30 and the flange 20 except for the edge occupied by the hinge line 25. The track 46 moves from one side of the hinge line 25 including the open end 50 of the fastener to the other side of the hinge line 25 including the closed end 52.

In the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tracks 46 are curved concave towards the center of the vessel, which is coupled in a straight line, even though there are slightly curved sectors 58 opposite the hinge line 25. A movement path 48 is defined that includes two opposing arcs 54, 56. When the track 46 approaches the open end 50 of the fastener near the hinge line 25, the track 46 moves the slider 100 so that the lid 30 can be rotated about the hinge line 25. May be displaced away from the fastener to remove it to the anchoring position 60 or removed from the container without contacting the slider 100.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the track 46 may include a slot 70 in the upper side of the lid 30 that coincides with the recessed element 44 of the reclosable fastener 40. have. Slot 70 includes an inner edge 72 closest to recessed element 44 and an outer edge 74 opposite the inner edge 72. Slots 70 in the upper side 32 of the lid 30 form beads 76 on the bottom side 34 of the lid 30, the beads 76 of the reclosable fastener 40. Matching with the protruding element 42 is in contact with the complementary slot 80 in the upper side 22 of the flange 20. Slots 80 in the upper side 22 of the flange 20 protrude through the flange 20 to form beads 82 on the bottom side 24 of the flange 20. The beads 82 on the bottom side 24 of the flange 20 have an inner edge 84 closest to the open end 41 of the protruding element 42 and an outer edge opposite the inner edge 84. 86).

In general, the inner edge 84 of the bead 82 on the bottom side 24 of the flange 20 defines the first edge 90 of the track 46 in the slider embodiment described below. In one embodiment of the slider, the outer edge 81 of the slot 80 in the upper side 22 of the flange 20 is the second edge 94 of the track 46 when this slider is placed in the open mode. ), The outer edge 74 of the slot 70 in the upper side 32 of the lid 30 forms the second edge 92 of the track when this slider is placed in the closed mode. . In another embodiment, the outer edge 74 of the slot 70 in the upper side 32 of the lid 30 is the second edge 92 of the track 46 when the slider is placed in both open and closed modes. Prescribe.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slider 100 is slidably attachable to the track 46 and movable along the travel path 48. The slider 100 has a length 102 that moves parallel to the movement path 48 and a width 104 that moves perpendicular to the movement path 48. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the C-shaped body of the slider 100 includes a base 110 having a first surface 112, wherein the first and second elongated members 120, 130 are It extends in a side by side relationship from the base 110. The first and second elongated members 120, 130 respectively have proximal ends 122, 132 suspended on the first surface 112 of the base 110, and distal ends 124 extending away from the first surface 112. 134 and opposing inner surfaces 126 and 136. The first elongate member 120 includes a pivot 140 suspended from the inner surface 126 at the distal end 124 protruding toward the second elongated member 130. The second elongate member 130 includes a track member 160 suspended on the inner surface 136 at a distal end 134 that projects toward the first elongated member 120.

The track member 160 may be aligned with the pivot 140 along the length 102 of the slider 100 and along the width 104 of the slider 100. Optionally, the track member 160 may be offset from the pivot 140 along the length 102 of the slider and along the width 104 of the slider 100. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the track member 160 is offset from the pivot 140 along the width 104 of the slider 100 and along the length 102 of the slider 100. Aligned with pivot 140.

In configurations where the reclosable fasteners define the travel path 48, the first and second elongate members 120, 130 span the peripheral edges of the lid 30 and the flange 20, while the pivot ( 140 and track member 160 are in contact with interlocking elements 42, 44 of fastener 40. In particular, the pivot 140 may contact the open end 41 of the protruding element 42 on the bottom side 24 of the flange 20, and the track member 160 may be in contact with the top side of the lid 30. 32 may be in contact with the non-interlocking surface 47 of the recessed element 44.

In the assembled configuration shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first and second elongated members 120, 130 have pivots 140 and track members 160 with slots 70 on the upper side of the lid 30. ) And across the peripheral edges of the lid 30 and the flange 20 when in contact with the beads on the bottom side 24 of the flange 20. In particular, in the closed mode shown in FIG. 6A, the track member 160 is disposed toward the outer edge 74 of the slot 70 in the upper side of the lid 30, while the pivot 140 is flange 20. Contact toward the inner edge 84 of the bead 82 on the bottom side 24. In the open mode shown in FIG. 6B, the track member 160 is disposed toward the outer edge 81 of the slot 80 in the upper side 22 of the flange 20, while the pivot 140 is flanged. Positioned toward the inner edge 84 of the beads 82 on the bottom side 24 of 20.

The pivot 140 allows the slider 100 to rotate about the distal end 124 of the first elongated member 120, in particular along a curved sector and transition region with vector components extending in the X and Y directions. . For this reason, pivot 140 includes an oval, preferably cylindrical outer surface 142 in contact with track 46. In order to properly rotate the slider 100 about the pivot 140 in a curved sector or transition region along the movement path 48, the pivot 140 is assembled on the concave side of the curved sector or transition region, while The track member 160 is assembled along the convex side. This allows the base 110 of the slider 100 to rotate about the distal end of the elongated member as the slider 100 moves along the curved sector of the movement path 48.

In general, the track member 160 attaches and maintains the slider 100 to the track 46 and guides the slider 100 along the travel path 48. However, the track member 160 also needs to rotate both the base 110 and the distal end of the elongated member 48 relative to each other according to the position of the slider 100 along the movement path 48. It acts as a pivot especially when taking a wave shaped pattern, such as a curved shape. Preferably, the outer surface 162 of the track member 160 is convex in shape to minimize frictional contact with the track 46. However, the outer surface 162 is elliptical, preferably cylindrical if the track member 160 also needs to function as a pivot.

Although it is desirable for the rotation of the slider 100 to be effected in particular in the transition region along the travel path 48, interlocking is maintained by maintaining the proper orientation of the slider 100 relative to the reclosable fastener 40. It is necessary to ensure that the portion of the slider 100 in contact with the elements 42, 44 is properly oriented with respect to the fasteners. This may allow the slider 100 to operate more efficiently when opening and closing the fasteners. For example, in the proper orientation of the slider 100, the length 102 of the slider 100 is substantially parallel to the travel path 48 while the width 104 is substantially orthogonal to the travel path 48. do. This orientation is maintained by the rotation inhibiting portion 180 disposed on the slider 100 in contact with the reclosable fastener 40 or the track 46.

Although the rotation suppression unit 180 may include many different configurations to control the rotation of the slider 100, the rotation suppression unit 180 for the slider shown in FIGS. 5A-5C may include the second elongate member 130. At the distal end 124 of the first elongate member 120 projecting toward the inner surface 126. As shown, the pins 182 are spaced apart from the pivot 140 along the length 102 of the slider 100 and aligned with the pivot 140 along the width 104 of the slider 100. It is. Similar to the pivot 140, the pin 182 contacts the movement path 48 by being positioned toward the inner edge 84 of the beads 82 on the bottom side 24 of the flange 20.

The distance between the suppressor and the pivot 140 is limited according to the travel path 48, in particular according to the radius of curvature of the transition region along the travel path 48. The larger the radius of curvature, the greater the allowable distance that separates the pivot 140 and the rotation inhibiting portion 180. Similarly, the smaller the radius of curvature, the smaller the allowable distance separating the pivot 140 and the rotational suppression portion 180.

Similar to pivot 140 and track member 160, the outer surface of pin 182 is formed to minimize frictional contact with track 46. The outer surface may be convex in order to limit the contact point.

As mentioned above, the main function of the slider 100 is to bias the interlocking elements 42, 44 of the reclosable fastener 40 when the slider 100 moves in the first direction 36 closing the fastener. And applying force to the interlocking elements 42 and 44 when the slider 100 moves in the second direction 38 opposite to the first direction 36 that opens the fastener.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the slider 100 includes a wedge 200 disposed on the distal end 124 of the second elongated member 130, which wedge track member 160. Adjacent to but opposite. The wedge 200 is disposed away from the first surface 112 of the base 110 to contact the interlocking elements 42, 44 of the reclosable fastener 40. Wedge 200 includes an inner surface 202, an outer surface 204, an open end 206 and a closed end 208. The space 210 between the inner surface 202 of the wedge 200 and the first elongate member 120 is at the closed end 208 of the wedge 200 from the maximum distance at the open end 206 of the wedge 200. A channel 212 converges along the length 102 of the slider 100 to a minimum distance.

As shown, wedge 200 is frustoconical with concave inner surface 202 and convex outer surface 204. In order to minimize frictional contact with the contact parts of the fastener 40, both the inner surface and the outer surface of the wedge may include a wavy contour extending from the open end 206 to the closed end 208. For example, the contour of the outer surface 204 is convex with respect to the movement path 48 near the open end 206 and concave with respect to the movement path 48 near the closed end 208, while the inner surface ( The contour of 202 is concave near the open end 206 and convex near the closed end 208.

In the embodiment of the slider shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, the wedge 200 provides the ability to open and close the reclosable fastener 40. In the closed configuration shown in FIG. 6A, the concave inner surface 202 of the wedge 200 partially surrounds the spherical noninterlocking surface 47 of the recessed element formed in the lid 30, while The inner surface of one elongate member 120 contacts the bottom side 24 of the flange 20 at the beads 82 protruding through the track 46. When the slider 100 moves along the travel path 48 in the first direction 36 shown in FIG. 3, the concave inner surface 202 of the wedge 200 and the inner surface of the first elongate member 120 ( Converging channels formed between 126 bias the interlocking elements 42, 44 together in a sealing arrangement.

When the slider 100 moves in the first direction 36 closing the fasteners to the length of the travel path 48, the slider 100 reverses the direction and the wedge 200 between the interlocking elements 42, 44. Can be positioned in an open configuration. At the closed end 52 of the travel path 48, the flexible lip 43, which extends from the recessed element 44 of the fastener 40 on the upper side of the lid 30, has two wedges 200. It is possible to initiate separation of the elements 42, 44.

In the open sphere shown in FIG. 6B, the wedge 200 is disposed between the interlocking elements 42, 44 such that the concave inner surface 202 of the wedge 200 is positioned over the interlocking surface 45 of the protruding element. While partially enclosed, the groove 49 of the recessed element surrounds the frustoconical outer surface 204 of the wedge 200. As the slider 100 moves in the second direction 38 shown in FIG. 4, the frustoconical outer surface 204 of the wedge 200 is provided with a fastener 40 capable of reclosing the interlocking elements 42, 44. Press to open far.

In the embodiment described above, the wedge 200 performs both opening and closing operations that force the user to fully open or fully close the fastener 40 before changing to the opposite operation. By providing a slider having separate parts designed to open and close fasteners, the user can switch from open mode to closed mode at any point along the travel path.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the slider 300 has a proximal end 342, a distal end 344, and an inner surface 346 suspended from the first surface 312 of the base 310. The third elongate member 340 is included. The third elongate member 340 is spaced apart from the first and second elongate members 320 and 330, and the second elongate member 330 is interposed between the first and third elongate members 320 and 340.

The first and third elongate members 320 and 340 cooperate to perform the closing operation of the slider 300. The inner surface 346 of the third elongate member 340 contacts the spherical noninterlocking surface 47 of the recessed element 44, while the inner surface 326 of the first elongate member 320 It contacts the beads 82 which form a track on the bottom side 24 of the flange 20. The inner surface 326 of the first elongate member 320 is tapered such that the gap 313 between the inner surface 326 of the first elongate member 320 and the inner surface 346 of the third elongate member 340. ) Varies along the length 302 of the slider from the maximum distance at the open end 306 to the minimum proximal distance at the closed end 308 to form a channel therebetween. The size of the minimum proximal distance is designed to press the interlocking elements 42, 44 of the reclosable fastener 40 to engage each other.

In order to minimize frictional contact between the slider 300 and the reclosable fastener 400, the third elongate member 340 may be shorter as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. The third elongate member 340 may be shorter than the first elongate member 320 and includes a finger member 350 disposed at the distal end 344 of the third elongate member 340. Finger member 350 is positioned adjacent to closed end 308 of slider 300 and projects parallel to its width 304.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the finger member 350 is in contact with the upper side 32 of the lid 30, in particular the spherical non-interlocking surface 47 of the recessed element 44. It includes. At the same time, the inner surface 326 of the first elongate member 320 contacts the bottom side 24 of the flange 20, in particular the open end 41 of the protruding element 42 of the reclosable fastener 40. Contact the beads 82 forming the tracks 46 along the sides.

Since the closing operation is mainly done at the closed end 308 of the slider, shortening the third elongate member 340 can minimize contact with the fastener, while finger member 350 is provided with the first elongate member ( In cooperation with 320, the interlocking elements 42, 44 of the fastener 40 are biased to engage each other. In order to provide better mating with the spherical noninterlocking surface 47 of the recessed element 44, the inner surface 352 of the finger member 350 is curved concave toward the first elongate member 320. Can be.

In order to perform the opening operation in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-8C, the wedge 360 is interposed between the first and third elongate members 320, 340. As shown, the wedge 360 may be disposed at the distal end 334 of the second elongate member 330. The wedge 360 is tapered such that the outer surface 362 of the wedge 360 is adjacent to the open end 306 of the slider 300 opposite the inner surface 346 of the third elongated member 340. Inclined toward the first elongate member 320 from the first end 366 to the second end 368 approaching the closed end 308 of the slider 300. The cross section of the wedge 360 is reduced from the first end 366 to the second end 368.

In the assembled configuration shown in FIG. 9B, the wedge 360 is interposed between the interlocking elements 42, 44 of the reclosable fastener 40, and the inner surface 364 of the wedge 360 is protruding. While partially surrounding the spherical interlocking surface 41 of the element 42, the outer surface 362 of the wedge 360 is in contact with the groove 49 of the recessed element 44. In order to provide better matching of the two interlocking elements 42, 44, the inner surface 364 may be concave towards the first elongate member 320, while the outer surface 362 is frustoconical. Can be.

The second end 368 of the wedge 360 is spaced away from the closed end 308 of the slider so that the wedge 360 which performs the open function does not interfere with the above-described features that perform the closing and vice versa. have. Preferably, the second end of the wedge is an inner surface 326 of the first elongate member 320 and an inner surface 352 of the third elongate member or the inner surface 352 of the finger member 350 in accordance with an embodiment. It is defined by the minimum proximal distance therebetween and is spaced a predetermined distance from a plane disposed at the closed end 308 of the slider 300.

The slider according to the invention is preferably injection molded from high density polyethylene. However, those skilled in the art can understand that such sliders can be made of any moldable or machineable material using machining or molding operations known in the art.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims cover all modifications falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

A slider for opening or closing a rigid long reclosable fastener that is sealable in the Z direction orthogonal to the XY plane, the slider as it moves along a travel path with vector components in the X and Y directions; The slider forces the fastener in the Z direction to open or close the fastener. Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. Interlocking protrusions and recessed elements lying in two-dimensional planes defining the X and Y directions, each defining a travel path having a vector component extending in the X and Y directions and extending along the length of the travel path; A slider for opening or closing an elongate reclosable fastener having a track, the slider being slidably attached to the track, the reclosable fastener being movable along the travel path in opposite first and second directions. In the opening and closing slider, The slider comprising a wedge having an inner surface, an outer surface, a closed end and an open end, both the inner surface and the outer surface being inclined in a first direction from the closed end to the open end, the inner surface being closed by the slider. Presses the recessed element to engage the protruding element when moving in the first direction while the outer surface separates the recessed element from the protruding element when the slider moves in the second direction during opening. Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. The method of claim 2, The open inner surface of the wedge partially surrounds the recessed element during closure. Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. The method of claim 2 or 3, The open inner surface of the wedge partially surrounds the protruding element during opening. Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A base having a first surface, A first elongate member having a proximal end suspended from the first surface and a distal end; And a second elongated member spaced apart from the first elongated member and having a proximal end suspended from the base and a distal end, The wedge is disposed at the distal end of the second elongate member Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. Interlocking protrusions and recessed elements lying in two-dimensional planes defining the X and Y directions, each defining a travel path having a vector component extending in the X and Y directions and extending along the length of the travel path; A slider for opening or closing an elongate reclosable fastener having a track, the slider being slidably attached to the track, the reclosable fastener being movable along the travel path in opposite first and second directions. In the opening and closing slider, The length and width extending from the open end to the closed end, A base having a first surface, A first elongate member having an inner surface, a proximal end suspended from the first surface of the base, and a distal end; A second elongated member spaced apart from the first elongated member and provided with a proximal end suspended from the first surface of the base and a distal end; A third elongated member spaced from the first elongated member with a second member interposed therebetween, the third elongated member having an inner surface, a proximal end suspended from a first surface of the base and a distal end; Absence, A wedge suspended from said second elongate member, said wedge having an inner surface and an inclined outer surface inclined in a closing direction from a closed end to an open end, The wedge is interposed between the interlocking surfaces of the protruding and recessed elements of the reclosable fastener, while the inner surfaces of the first and third elongate members are respectively protruding elements and recesses of the reclosable fastener. In contact with the non-interlocking surface of the mold element Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. The method of claim 6, And further comprising a finger member disposed at the distal end of the third elongated member at its closed end projecting parallel to the width of the slider. Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. The method of claim 7, wherein The finger member includes a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface. Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. The method of claim 8, The concave inner surface of the finger member partially surrounds the non-interlocking surface of the recessed element of the reclosable fastener. Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider. The method of claim 6, The inner surface of the wedge partially surrounds the interlocking surface of the protruding element of the reclosable fastener, while the outer surface of the wedge is in contact with the groove of the recessed element. Reclosable fastener opening and closing slider.