KR20070017519A - Closure device providing visual confirmation of occlusion - Google Patents

Abstract

Closure device providing visual confirmation of occlusion. The closure device comprises first and second engagement fixation strips, which are arranged to be joined to each other over a predetermined distance, at least a part of the fixation strip having surface modifications that provide visual confirmation of the occlusion of the closure device. The surface changer may be a slip that opens or closes upon occlusion of the closure device. In one embodiment, the surface changer may extend into the coextruded portion. The color of the coextruded portion is exposed when the surface modification is open and is hidden when the surface modification is substantially closed. In another embodiment, the surface changer extends into an edge glow material that produces an edge glow effect when the surface changer is opened. In a third embodiment, the surface changer can extend through the opaque sidewall to expose the color of the base. The surface changer may be located on both sides of the mating side, the mismatching side, or the bases, or both. In addition, the surface changer can be located on the closure element. The opening or closing of the surface changer can be achieved by deformation of the closure device in occlusal closure device. The deformation can be inward deformation or outward deformation on the fixing strip. This variant also allows the user to tactilely confirm that the closure device is engaged even after the closure device is engaged. The deformation may be present on one or both of the fixing strips. In addition, the fixing strip may comprise a number of variants.

Closure, occlusal, surface modification, base, sidewall

Description

Closed device providing visual confirmation of occlusion {CLOSURE DEVICE PROVIDING VISUAL CONFIRMATION OF OCCLUSION}

The present invention relates to a mating closure device, more particularly to a closure device that provides a visual confirmation of occlusion. In addition, the closure device also provides a tactile confirmation of occlusion. The closure device of the present invention can be used in conventional fixture areas and is particularly suitable for use as a fixture for storage containers such as plastic bags.

The use of fastening devices for the closure of containers containing plastic bag bodies is generally known. In addition, the manufacture of fixing devices made of plastic materials is generally known to those skilled in the art of closing devices, as exemplified by various patents in the art.

A particularly well known use of the fixing device is in connection with a flexible container such as a bag body. The closure device and associated container may be formed of thermoplastic material, and the sidewalls of the closure device and the container may be integrally formed by extrusion as a single member. Alternatively, the closure device and the side wall can be formed as separate members and then connected by heat sealing or any other suitable connection process. When incorporated as a fixture on the bag body, the closure device is particularly useful in the provision of closure means for retaining the contents in the bag body.

Conventional closure devices use mating, mating, male and female closure elements. When conventional closure devices are used, it is often difficult to determine when the male and female closure elements engage. This problem is particularly acute when the closing device is relatively narrow. Thus, when a conventional closure device is used, there is a significant possibility that the closure device is at least partially open.

The occlusion problem arises from the user's inability to recognize when the male and female closure elements are occluded to form a seal between the bag's contents and the bag's external environment. Many solutions to this problem have been attempted. By way of example, US Pat. Nos. 4,186,786, 4,285,105 and 4,829,641, and Japanese Patent Application No. 51-27719 disclose fixtures that provide a visual indication that male and female closure elements are properly engaged. Specifically, color changing means for confirming the occlusion of the male and female members of the closure are provided, wherein male and female members having different colors are used, and when occlusal, provide another color. By way of example, the female member of the closure can be opaque yellow and the male member of the closure can be translucent blue. In the occlusion of the male and female members, a synthetic color of a green tint is brought about. The use of this color change improves the user's ability of the engagement closure device to determine when the male and female members have been engaged.

The color change seen when dissimilar colored male and female members are combined is incorporated into a commercially available product sold under the trade name GLAD-LOCK (Glad-Lock is a registered trademark of The Glad Products Company, Oakland, California). Is illustrated. This color change effect can be enhanced by incorporating a color change improvement member into the closure device, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,829,641.

However, if the first fixing strip is opaque and the second fixing strip is translucent, the color change can only be observed from the translucent side of the closing device. Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a visual confirmation of occlusion from both sides of the closure device.

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a visual confirmation of occlusion when one of the fixation strips is transparent.

In addition, the color blind user may not be aware of the color change effect. Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to provide a visual confirmation of occlusion that does not depend on color change. Another object of the present invention is to provide a visual confirmation that appears or disappears upon occlusal closure device.

The prior art includes references that have notches or slits for the surface. Such references include, for example, US Pat. Nos. 5,070,584, 5,307,552, 5,363,540, and 5,403,094 and French Patent 2,022,865. However, these references do not use slits or notches to show visual confirmation of occlusion or comparison.

Another object of the present invention is to combine the tactile and / or audible indicator of occlusion with the visual confirmation of occlusion.

By way of example, the color change effect is unrecognizable in the dark, thus making the color change advantage of the closure device insignificant when they are used under such conditions. In addition, a blind or color blind person may not be able to perceive the color change effect. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a closure device that provides another indication of occlusion.

It has been attempted in the art to supply fixtures that provide tactile or auditory indicators of occlusion. By way of example, US Pat. Nos. 4,736,496, 5,138,750, 5,140,727, 5,403,094 and 5,405,478 and EP 510,797 provide tactile or auditory cognitive indicators of so-called proper coupling of closed elements. In the occlusion of the disclosed closure device, it is described that the user can feel or hear that a complete closure is achieved. As an example, US Pat. No. 4,736,946 discloses the use of additional ribs on each side of the closure element. These ribs are described as providing an improved “feel” of the closure and thus assisting the user in the alignment of the closure element.

The devices illustrated in these references provide only dynamic tactile indicators of occlusion. That is, the user can tactilely recognize that the closure device is functioning properly only when the user manually closes the device. Such a device does not provide a static tactile indicator of occlusion. That is, they cannot "feel" the closure after the occlusion has been performed. Thus, when the plastic bag containing such a closure device is sealed by someone, the second person cannot easily tactilely determine that the bag is sealed. We need a function for this decision.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a visual confirmation of occlusion for the closure device. Another general object of the present invention is to provide a container that is sealable by such a closure device and that is closeable.

The present invention satisfies these general purposes by providing a closure device in which the user can visually determine that the closure device has been engaged. In addition, the user can tactilely determine that the closure device has been engaged. The closure device includes first and second engagement fixation strips arranged to engage over a predetermined length, at least one of the fixation strips having a visual indicator upon occlusion of the closure device. Thus, the user can visually confirm that the closure device is properly engaged not only in the process of the user engaging the closure device but also after the occlusal device is engaged. In addition, one of the fixing strips may have a deformation in the bite. This variant may provide a tactile confirmation of the occlusion of the closure device.

1 is a perspective view of a container according to the invention in the form of a plastic bag;

2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating a female securing strip of the closure device of the present invention.

3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating the male securing strip of the closure device of the present invention.

3A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the securing strips of FIGS. 2 and 3 in a non-join position.

3B is a cross-sectional view of the securing strip of FIG. 3A in an occlusal position.

3C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the securing strips of FIGS. 2 and 3 in a non-combined position.

3D is a cross sectional view of the securing strip of FIG. 3C in an occlusal position.

3E illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the securing strips of FIGS. 2 and 3 in a non-combined position.

3F is a cross sectional view of the securing strip of FIG. 3E in an occlusal position.

4A-4C are cross-sectional views of the male and female securing strips illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 shown in various positions.

4D is a cross-sectional view of the securing strips of FIGS. 2-3 in an occlusal position illustrating inward deformation and visual alteration of the male securing strip in occlusion.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the female securing strip illustrated in FIG. 2 including a pair of wings and a female closure element. FIG.

6 is a perspective view of the male securing strip illustrated in FIG. 3, comprising a pair of wings and a male closure element.

7 is an enlarged perspective view of the closure device according to the invention in occlusion, illustrating an inward deformation and visual alteration formed during occlusion of the closure device;

7A is a top view of the closure device at the time of bite showing the visual alteration;

8 is a cross-sectional view of the male securing strip of another embodiment of a closure device according to the invention, comprising a pair of wings and a male closure element on each side of the male closure element.

9 is a cross-sectional view of the female securing strip according to the invention, complementary to the male securing strip shown in FIG. 8, comprising a pair of wings on each side of the female closure element and a female closure element and a visual modification.

10 shows a deformation formed by the curvature of the female closure element during occlusion of the closure device and a closure device formed by the male and female fixing strips illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 during occlusion, illustrating a visual change in cross section. Cross-section.

10A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the securing strips of FIGS. 8 and 9 in a non-join position.

10B is a sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 10A in an occlusal position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the male securing strip illustrated in FIG. 8 with a pair of wings and a male closure element on each side of the male closure element. FIG.

12 is a perspective view of the female securing strip illustrated in FIG. 9 with a pair of wings, female closure elements and visual alterations on each side of the female closure element.

13 shows the present invention wherein the female securing strip comprises a visual alteration, a female closure element, a pair of wings on each side of the female closure element, a plurality of protrusions between the female closure element and each wing, and a spacer member. Section of the closure device according to the invention.

14 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device illustrated in FIG. 13 when in the process of mating.

15 is a cross sectional view of the closure device illustrated in FIG. 13 when fully engaged;

15A is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device of FIG. 13 in a non-engaged position;

FIG. 15B is a sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 15A in an occlusal position. FIG.

16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment that includes a visual alteration member and a spacer member.

17 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment that includes a plurality of protrusions and a visual altering member.

18 illustrates a closure device according to the invention wherein the wings of the male securing strip are Y-shaped.

19 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device of the present invention with a notch disposed on the unmatched side of the securing strip.

19A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device of the present invention having a coextruded portion and an inward deformation.

19B is a sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device of FIG. 19A.

20 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention including a notch between webs.

21 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention including a notch between webs.

FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment with deformations in both fixing strips. FIG.

FIG. 22B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having a deformation in both fixing strips and having a coextruded portion. FIG.

FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment in a non-engaging position illustrating visual changes on the unmatched side of the fastening strip. FIG.

FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23A in an occlusal position. FIG.

FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device of FIG. 23A in a non-engaged position. FIG.

FIG. 23D is a sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 23C in an occlusal position. FIG.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having deformations on both fastening strips and including notches and visual modifications on the unmatched side of the fastening strips. FIG.

25 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having deformations on both fastening strips, including notches and visual modifications on the unmatched sides of the fastening strips.

25A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment that includes other types of closure elements and visual alterations.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment that includes different types of closure elements and visual alterations. FIG.

27 is a sectional view of another embodiment incorporating the closure element of FIG. 26.

28A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having deformation and visual alterations on both fastening strips.

28B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having modified and visual alterations on both fixing strips and having coextruded portions.

28C is a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in an occlusal position.

29 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having deformation and visual alterations in one of the securing strips.

30 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having deformation and visual alterations in one of the securing strips.

Figure 31 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment having deformation and visual alterations on both fixing strips.

32 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having an outward deformation and visual alteration in one of the securing strips.

33 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment with outward deformation and visual alteration in one of the securing strips.

34A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having both outward deformation and visual alterations in both fastening strips.

34B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment with both outward deformations and visual alterations in both fixing strips and with coextruded portions;

34C is a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in an occlusal position.

34D is a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in an occlusal position;

35 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having an outward deformation and visual alteration in one of the securing strips.

36 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having an outward deformation and visual alteration in one of the securing strips.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment with outward deformations and visual alterations in both fastening strips. FIG.

38A is a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in a non-engaged position;

FIG. 38B is a cross sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 38A in an occlusal position with an inward deformation on one of the securing strips.

39A is a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in a non-engaged position;

FIG. 39B is a cross sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 39A in an occlusal position with an inward deformation on one of the securing strips. FIG.

40A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in a non-engaged position with visual alterations;

FIG. 40B is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 40A in an occlusal position with outward deformation and visual alteration on one of the securing strips.

41A is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in a non-engaged position with a visual alteration portion;

FIG. 41B is a cross sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 41A in an occlusal position with outward deformation and visual alteration on one of the securing strips. FIG.

42 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device with multiple deformations and visual modifications in one of the fixing strips.

42A is a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in an occlusal position;

43 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device having a number of deformations and visual changes in one of the fixing strips.

43A is a sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in an occlusal position;

44A is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in a non-engaged position with a visual alteration on one of the closure elements;

FIG. 44B is a cross sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 44A in an occlusal position illustrating a visual alteration; FIG.

45A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device in a non-engaged position with a visual change on one of the closure elements.

45B is a cross sectional view of the closure device of FIG. 45A in an occlusal position illustrating a visual alteration;

46 illustrates a female securing strip of the closure device according to the invention.

Figure 47 illustrates a male securing strip of the closure device according to the invention.

48 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container according to the present invention in the form of a plastic bag.

49A is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 48 in a non-combined position.

FIG. 49B is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 48 in an occlusal position. FIG.

50A is a cross sectional view taken along line 50-50 of FIG. 49 illustrating a first embodiment in non-combination position;

50B is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 50A in an occlusal position.

50C is a sectional view of a second embodiment in a non-join position;

50D is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 50C in an occlusal position;

The present invention provides a mating closure device in which visual indicators occur upon proper occlusion. In addition, the device provides a deformation that is formed upon proper occlusion. Thus, the user can visually and possibly tactilely know whether the closure device has been properly engaged. In one embodiment, the closure device includes a mating male and female anchoring strip arranged to be joined over a predetermined length.

As used herein, and as generally understood in the art, the terms "male" and "female" closure elements are joined into other closure elements while elements having outwardly projecting hooks are referred to as "male closure elements" and The element is referred to as a "female closure element, and refers to a closure element with an inwardly projecting hook.

Also, as used herein, the term “edge glow effect” refers to the appearance of a surface change that is different from the surrounding material and is visually apparent when the first and second closed fixation strips are in non-joined position or in occlusal position.

According to this embodiment of the invention, the male fixing strip flexes when the male and female fixing strips join. This curvature causes deformation of the male fixing strip, which is locked in place by the male and female closure elements that engage. Deformation causes surface changes to open and / or closed that provide visual confirmation of occlusion. In addition, the deformation can provide tactile confirmation of the occlusion of the closure device.

1 illustrates a container according to the invention in the form of a plastic bag 20 with a sealable closing device 21. The bag 20 includes side walls 22 that are joined at the seal 25 to form a sealable compartment by the closure device 21. The side wall 22 extends above the closure device 21 to form an inlet 27. The inlet 27 allows the user to grip the plastic bag 20 in a form that allows the user to more easily disengage or open the closure device to open the bag 20.

2 and 3 together illustrate a closure device according to one embodiment of the invention. The closure device includes male and female securing strips 30, 31. As shown in FIG. 2, the female securing strip 31 has a female closure element 34 and a pair of female wings 35 spaced apart on the female securing strip on each side of the female closure element 34. It includes. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the male securing strip 30 includes a male closure element 36 that engages with a female closure element 34, and furthermore, on each side of the male closure element 36. It includes a pair of male wings 37 spaced apart on the top.

The female closure element includes a base portion 38 having a pair of parallel spaced webs 40, 41 extending from the base portion 38. The webs 40, 41 each include female hook portions 42, 44 extending from the webs 40, 41 and pointing towards each other. The female hook portions 42, 44 include guide surfaces 46, 47 which function to guide the hook portions 42, 44 to engage the male hook portions of the mating closure elements.

The male closure element 36 includes a base portion 47 comprising a pair of parallel spaced webs 50, 51 extending from the base portion 47. The webs 50, 51 each include male hook portions 52, 54 extending from the webs 50, 51 and pointing in a direction away from each other. The male hook portions 52, 54 comprise guide surfaces 45, 55 which generally function to guide the hook portions 52, 54 to mate with the female hook portions 42, 44 of the mating female closure element. Guide surface 45 may also have a round crown surface 45. In addition, the hook can be designed such that the hooks 44, 54 adjacent to the interior of the container provide greater resistance to the opening of the closure device. Notches 56 may be provided in the base portion 47 of the male closure element to facilitate deflection of the base.

Base 47 is formed of a material having a first color. In this embodiment, the first color is opaque. Base 47 includes a coextruded portion 65 having a second color. The second color can be surrounded by the first color in the base. For example, the first color may be yellow and the second color may be blue. In a second example, the first color may be white and the second color may be red. In a third example, the first color may be white and the second color may be black. In a fourth example, the first color may be red and the second color may be green. The base 47 includes a surface change 63 that extends into the coextruded portion 65. The surface change portion 65 can also promote the deflection of the base. In this embodiment, although having one surface change, the base 47 may include two, three, four, or more surface changes. Additionally, the coextruded portion may extend along each of the surface modifications, or the base may include a separate coextruded portion for each surface modification. Also, the separate coextruded portion may have a color different from the second color of the first coextruded portion. In addition, the surface modifications may be present on both sides of the fastening strip or on the mating side of the fastening strip or on the mating side of the fastening strip. In addition, the coextruded portion may be continuous along the length of the fixing strip, or the coextruded portion may be discontinuous along the length to provide an intermittent visual effect. In addition, the surface modifications may be continuous along the length of the fixing strip, or the surface modifications may be discontinuous along the length to provide an intermittent visual effect. Additionally, the depth of the surface changer may vary depending on the depth of any other surface changer and the position of the surface changer. In addition, the surface changer can be substantially closed to conceal color when the fastening strips are in non-matched state, and can be opened to expose the color when the fastening strips are occluded. In contrast, the surface changer can be opened to expose the color when the fastening strip is in non-combined state, and can be substantially closed to conceal the color when the fastening strip is occluded. The surface changer may be substantially perpendicular to the surface, such as surface changer 63 of FIG. 3, or the surface changer may be present at an angle to the surface. In addition, the surface changer may be linear, such as the surface changer 63 of FIG. 3, bent into an L-shape, a Y-shape or a sandstone, or may be any combination of shapes, curves or linear portions. Surface modifications and coextruded portions can be used with any of the embodiments described herein.

In addition, the position of the surface change portion and the coextruded portion is not limited to the base, and the surface change portion and the coextruded portion may be disposed at other positions on the closing device. More specifically, the surface modification and the coextruded portion may be placed at any position that flexes during occlusion and provides a viewpoint. For example, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the surface modifications and coextruded portions may be located in the hooks 42A, 44C, 52B, 54D or wings 35E 35G, 37F, 37H. Specifically, the surface change portion 63A and the coextruded portion 65A may be disposed in the hook 42A. The surface changer 63A is open and can expose the coextruded portion 65A when the closure device is in a non-combined state. When the closing device is engaged, the hook 42A is bent and held in a bent or biased position. Therefore, when the closing device is engaged, the surface change portion 63A is closed and conceals the coextruded portion 65A. Similar examples are the coextruded portion 65B and surface modification 63B in the hook 52B. In contrast, the surface changer and the coextruded portion may be disposed in the hook such that when the closure device is in an unoccupied state, the surface changer is closed and when the closure device is in an occlusion state, the surface changer is opened. Examples of this are the coextruded portion 65D and the surface change portion 63D in the hook 54D and the coextruded portion 65C and the surface change portion 63C in the hook 44C.

Similarly, surface modifications 63E, 63F, 63G, 63H and coextruded portions 65E 65F, 65G, 65H may be disposed within vanes 35E 35G, 37F, 37H. Specifically, the surface change portion 63E and the coextruded portion 65E may be disposed in the wing 35E. When the closing device is in the non-combining state, the surface changing portion 63E is open and exposes the coextruded portion 65E. When the closing device is engaged, the wing section 35E is bent and held in a bent or deflected position. Thus, the surface change portion 63E conceals the closed and coextruded portion 65E when the closure device is engaged. Similar examples are surface modification 63F and coextruded portion 65F of wing 37F. In contrast, the surface changer and the coextruded portion may be disposed in the wing such that the surface changer is closed when the closure device is in a non-engaged state, and when the closure device is engaged, the surface changer is opened. Examples of this are the coextruded portion 65G of the wing portion 35G and the surface change portion 63G or the coextruded portion 65H of the wing portion 37H and the surface change portion 63H.

The surface modification and the coextruded portion may be disposed at any position on the closure device for any of the embodiments described herein. By way of example, the surface modification and coextruded portion may be disposed in the spacer member 259 shown in FIGS. 13-15.

In another embodiment, base 47I is formed of edge glow material, as in FIGS. 3C and 3D. The material provides an edge glow effect when the surface changer 63I is open. The surface changer 63I is substantially closed to conceal the edge glow effect when the fastening strip is in the non-summed state, as shown in FIG. 3C, and when the fastening strip is occluded, as shown in FIG. 3D. It can be opened to expose the edge glow effect. Conversely, in another embodiment, the surface changer can be opened to expose the edge glow effect when the anchoring strip is in a non-mating state and substantially closed to conceal the edge glow effect when the anchoring strip is mated. In addition, the surface changer may be continuous along the length of the closure element, or the surface changer may be discontinuous along the length to provide an intermittent visual effect. Also, in another embodiment, the coextruded portion may comprise fluorescent material. Surface modifications and fluorescent materials can be used with any of the other embodiments described herein.

In yet another embodiment, the surface changer and edge glow material may be located at other locations on the closure device. More specifically, surface modifications and edge glow materials may be provided at any location that bends during occlusion to provide a viewing point. For example, referring to FIGS. 3E and 3F, the surface changer and edge glow material may be located in the hooks 42K, 44M, 52L, 54N or in the vanes 35P, 35R, 37Q, 37S. Specifically, the surface changer 63K may be located in the hook 42K. The surface changer 63K is opened when the closing device is in the non-combining state, and exposes the edge glow effect. When the closing device is engaged, the hook 42K is bent and held in a bent or biased position. Thus, the surface change portion 63K is closed and conceals the edge glow effect when the closing device is engaged. A similar example is surface change 63L in hook 52L. Conversely, the surface changer and the edge glow material may be disposed in the hook such that when the closure device is in the non-engaged state, the surface changer is closed and when the closure device is engaged, the surface changer is opened. Examples of this are the surface change portion 63M in the hook 44M and the surface change portion 63N in the hook 54N.

Similarly, surface modifications 63P, 63R, 63Q, 63S may be located within vanes 35P, 35R, 37Q, 37S. Specifically, the surface change portion 63P may be located in the wing portion 35P. The surface changer 63P is opened when the closing device is in the non-combining state, and exposes the edge glow effect. When the closing device is engaged, the wing section 35P is bent and held in a bent or deflected position. Therefore, the surface change portion 63P is closed when the closing device is engaged, and conceals the edge glow effect. A similar example is the surface changing portion 63Q in the wing 37Q. Conversely, the surface changer and the edge glow material may be positioned in the wing such that the surface changer is closed when the closure device is in a non-engaged state, and the surface changer is open when the closure device is engaged. Examples of this are the surface change portion 63R in the wing portion 35R and the surface change portion 63S in the wing portion 37S.

Surface modifications and edge glow materials may be located at any location on the closure device for any of the embodiments described herein. By way of example, surface modifications and edge glow materials may be located in the spacer 259 shown in FIGS. 13-15.

In addition, the entire fixing strip may be made of edge glow material, or only the portion having the surface change may be an edge glow material coextruded with another material. For example, only the base, the hook, or the wing, such as only the base is an edge glow material, only the hook is an edge glow material, only the wing is an edge glow material, or the coextruded portion of FIGS. 3A and 3B. Only selected areas of the negative can be edge glow material.

The securing strip further comprises a wing as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The male wing 37 shown in FIG. 3 is flexible and extends further from the base of the fixing strip than the male closure element 30. Each wing terminates at an end portion 43 protruding outward from the wing 37. Although two wings are shown, more or fewer wings may be used, such as one, three, four or more wings. A pair of female wings 35 is included in the female fixing strip for engaging the male wings 37. The female wing 35 extends from the female securing strip 31 and terminates at the end portion 39 protruding outward from the wing 35. The number of female wings can be the same, more or less than the number of male wings.

4A-4D illustrate the occlusion of the closure device. According to the invention, a compressive force is applied to the fixing strips 30, 31 facing in the direction indicated by arrows 60, 61 shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. These forces are typically applied when the user pinches or presses his or her fingers along the desired length of the securing strips 30, 31. When the user starts to engage the securing strips, the male wings 37 engage the base portions 62A, 62B, as shown in FIG. 4B. In this position, the fixing strips are separated by a distance 64A. When the user continues to apply the force 60, 61, the male wing 37 has the male wing 37 toward the female wing 35, as shown in FIG. 4C, with the male wing 37. Slip until it comes in contact with In this position, the fixing strip is separated by a distance 64B less than the distance 64 due to the movement of the wing 37. Also, the female hooks 42 and 44 contact the male hooks 52 and 54, as shown in FIG. 4C.

In order to keep the retaining strip in the bite position, the female hooks 42 and 44 must engage the male hooks 52 and 54. When the user continuously applies force 60, 61, the female webs 40, 41 deflect outwardly, and the male webs 50, 52 are female hooks 42, 44 and male hooks 52, 54. Are deflected outwards to allow them to pass through each other. In addition, the hook also deflects during this process. As the user continuously applies force 60, 61, female hooks 42, 44 engage male hooks 52, 54, as shown in FIG. 4D. During this process, the base of the male fixing strip deflects inwards and forms inward deformations 57. The deformable portion 57 is maintained because the male wing portion 37 is more rigid than the base and the male wing portion 37 is prevented from further moving outward by the wing portion 35. In addition, the force exerted by the deflected base is less than the force required to disengage the hook. To facilitate deflection of the base, the securing strips may include notches 56.

When the base is deflected inwardly, the surface modification 63 is opened and exposes the coextruded portion 65, as shown in FIG. 4D. The mating fixing strip 31 is translucent or transparent. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion is visible to the user through the mating securing strip 31, as shown in FIG. 7A. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the coextruded portion is not visible because the first color of the base surrounds the second color. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface changer 63 is open and the second color is visible.

The fixing strip is spaced apart by a distance 67 near the center of the fixing strip and a distance 66 near the male wing 37. The deviation between the distance 66 and the distance 67 is the depth 68 of the deformation 57.

With respect to the edge glow embodiment shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the bite is of a similar form. When the base deflects inwardly, the surface changer 63I is open and exposes the edge glow material, as shown in FIG. 3D. The mating fixing strips are transparent or translucent. Thus, the edge glow effect is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip, as shown in FIG. 7A. The edge glow effect before the bite is not visible because the surface changer 63I is closed. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 63I is open and the edge glow effect is visible.

The wing portion used in this embodiment of the present invention has the additional advantage of acting as a guide member. Occasionally, a guide member is included in a conventional closure device to provide such device with additional accuracy and further improved "feel". Such guide members have been provided in triangles, rectangles or other suitable shapes and are generally provided by extrusion integrally connected to one or both of the closure elements. In this embodiment of the invention, the wing provides a punctured action when the securing strips are joined and the female closure element is in contact with the male closure element.

7 illustrates an inward deformation 57 formed by the bending of the male fixing strip. This deformation 57 provides a tactile confirmation of the occlusion of the closure device. Thus, the user only needs to move his or her fingers along the male fixing strip to confirm that the container is properly sealed.

In addition to the visual and tactile confirmation of occlusion described above, other visual indicators of occlusion can be provided. As an example, the female and male fixation strips may include dyes to provide visual indications of occlusion of the closure device. Conventional use of such dyes is known in the art and described above. By way of example, the male element may be translucent and the female element may be opaque. When the male and female element portions are occluded, different colors are provided to visually confirm the occlusion. The closure device may also include a color change closure as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,829,641. US Patent No. 4,829,641 is incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the closure device may have two visual indicators of occlusion. The first visual indicator may be the color from the open surface changer as described above. The second visual indicator may be another color provided when the opaque female element is mated with the translucent male element as described above.

8 and 9 illustrate male and female fixing strips according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the male securing strip 130 includes a pair of female wings 153, while as shown in FIG. 9, the female securing strip 131 has a pair of male wings. 159. The function of the closure device formed by the fixing strips shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is that when the closure device is occluded, the female fixing strip 131, rather than the male fixing strip 130, forms the inward deformation 157. It is similar to that of the closure device illustrated in FIGS. Additionally, the female fixation strip 131 has three surface modifications 163 that open to expose the coextruded portion 165. FIG. 10 illustrates the closure device formed by the securing strips shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in the occlusal position. 11 and 12 illustrate the fixing strips shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 in more detail.

Specifically, the female securing strip 131 includes a female closure element 134 similar to the female closure element 34 of FIG. 2. The female securing strip 131 also includes a pair of male wings 159 similar to the male wings 37 of FIG. 3 described above. The male fixing strip 130 includes a male closure element 136 similar to the male closure element 36 of FIG. 3. The male securing strip 130 also includes a pair of female wings 153 similar to the female wings 35 of FIG. 2.

The female closure element 134 includes a base portion 138 similar to the base portion 38 of FIG. 2, and includes webs 140 and 141 similar to the webs 40 and 41 of FIG. 2. The webs 140, 141 include female hook portions 142, 144 similar to the female hook portions 42, 44 of FIG. 2.

The male closure element 136 includes a base portion 147 similar to the base portion 47 of FIG. 3 and includes webs 150 and 151 similar to the webs 50 and 51 of FIG. 3. The webs 150, 151 include male hook portions 152, 154 similar to the male hook portions 52, 54 of FIG. 3. Finally, the base portion 138 has a notch 156 similar to the notch 56 of FIG. 3.

The base portion 138 has a surface change portion 63 and a surface change portion 163 and a coextruded portion 165 similar to the surface extruded portion 65. However, the base can include any other surface modification embodiments described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, base portion 138A may include an edge glow material, and surface modification 163A may extend through the edge glow material. In this embodiment, the central surface changer 163A extends further to the base than the outer surface changer 163A. Thus, the central surface changer 163A has a depth deeper than the outer surface changer 163A.

When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 163 opens, exposing the coextruded portion 165, as shown in FIG. 10. The mating fixing strip 130 is transparent or translucent. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip 130. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the coextruded portion 165 is not visible because the first color of the base surrounds the second color. After occlusion, the user can determine that occlusion has been made because surface modification 163 is open and the second color is visible.

With respect to the edge glow embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 163A is open and exposes the edge glow effect as shown in FIG. 10B. The mating fixation strips are transparent or translucent. Thus, the edge glow effect is visible to the user through the mating securing strips. Prior to occlusion, the edge glow effect is not visible because the surface change 163A is closed. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 163A is open and the edge glow effect is visible.

Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of the closure device of the present invention. In this embodiment, the closure device includes, in addition to visual indicators, a plurality of protrusions that engage with the wing to provide a dynamic tactile indicator of proper occlusion.

Many of the components of FIGS. 13-15 are similar to those of FIGS. 2-6. Referring to FIG. 13, the closure device includes male and female fixing strips 230, 231 similar to the fixing strips 30, 31 of FIGS. 2 and 3. The female securing strip 231 includes a female closure element 234 and a pair of wings 235 similar to the female closure element 31 and the wing 35 of FIG. 2. The male securing strip 230 includes a male closure element 236 and a pair of wings 237 similar to the male closure element 36 and the wing 37 of FIG. 3. The female closure element 234 includes a base portion 238 and webs 240, 241 similar to the base portion 38 and the webs 40, 41 of FIG. 2. Webs 240 and 241 include hook portions 242 and 244 similar to the hook portions 42 and 44 of FIG. The male closure element 236 includes a base portion 247 and webs 250, 251 similar to the base portion 47 and the webs 50, 51 of FIG. 3. The webs 250, 251 include hook portions 252, 254 similar to the hook portions 52, 54 of FIG. 3. The base portion 247 has a surface change portion 63 and a surface change portion 263 similar to the coextruded portion 65 and a coextruded portion 265. However, the base can include any other surface modification embodiments described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the base 247A may include a fluorescent material, and the surface changer 263A may extend through the fluorescent material. As another example, one of the coextruded portions 265 may have a different color than the other coextruded portions 265. The base portion 247 may also have a notch 256 similar to the notch 56 of FIG. 3.

When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 263 opens, exposing the coextruded portion 265, as shown in FIG. 15. The mating fixation strip 231 is transparent or opaque. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion 265 is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip 231. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the coextruded portion 265 is invisible because the first color of the base 247 surrounds the second color. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface changer 263 is open and the second color is visible.

With respect to the edge glow embodiment shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the bite is of a similar form. When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 263A opens and exposes the edge glow effect, as shown in FIG. 15B. The mating fixation strips are transparent or translucent. Thus, the edge glow effect is visible to the user through the mating securing strips. Prior to occlusion, the edge glow effect is invisible because the surface change portion 263A is closed. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 263A is open and the edge glow effect is visible.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-15, the female securing strip 231 includes a plurality of protrusions 258 spaced apart along the securing strip on each side of the female closure element 234. These protrusions are spaced apart to engage the wing 237 of the male closure element. The wing 237 moves incrementally along the length of the female fixing strip 231 when the female and male fixing strips are combined. This discontinuous movement can be tactilely perceived by the user. Thus, in addition to providing visual indicators and deformations 257 when the closure device is occluded, the closure device provides a dynamic tactile indicator of proper occlusion. The user can thus "feel" that the closure device is properly closed. FIG. 14 illustrates the closure device of FIG. 13 when the wing of the male anchoring strip traverses one protrusion 258 of the female anchoring strip 231. FIG. 15 shows the closure device of FIG. 13 in a fully engaged position.

As shown, the female securing strip includes four protrusions 258, two on each side of the female closure element. However, the female closure element may comprise more or fewer protrusions, such as one, two, three, four or more protrusions. The protrusions can have the same size or different sizes. By way of example, the protrusion may be sized such that the outermost protrusion is larger than the innermost protrusion and therefore requires slightly more force to push the wing over the outer protrusion. Alternatively, or in addition, the protrusions may include colorants such as dyes. If the wing of the male fastening strip is opaque, the user can see the protrusion when the closure device is disengaged or partially occluded, but not when the closure device is fully occluded. Thus, additional visual indicators of occlusion of the closure device are provided. The innermost protrusion may be colored differently than the outermost protrusion, which allows the user to visually observe the progression of the occlusion of the closure device. The use of protrusions and wings to provide dynamic tactile indicators of proper occlusion can be used with any of the embodiments of the present application, if desired.

Another feature of the invention is a spacer 259 which provides a predetermined spacing between the fixing strips and also a predetermined tension along the closing element. 13 to 15, the base 238 includes a spacer 259, and the base 247 includes a mating surface 260 for the spacer. Spacer member 259 extends from the base at a predetermined distance and is disposed between webs 240 and 241. The engagement surface 260 is disposed between the webs 250 and 251 and includes a groove that engages with the spacer member 259.

Referring to FIG. 14, when the user applies a force to the securing strip, the spacer 259 contacts the engagement surface 260. In order to hold the retaining strip in the bite position, the female hooks 242 and 244 must engage the male hooks 252 and 254. As the user continuously applies force, the female webs 240, 241 deflect outwardly, and the male webs 250, 251 deflect inwardly such that the female hooks 242, 244 and the male hooks 252, 254 Let each other pass In addition, the hook can also be deflected during this process.

As the user continuously applies force, the female hooks 242 and 244 engage the male hooks 252 and 254, as shown in FIG. During this process, the base of the male fixing strip deflects inwardly and forms an inward deformation portion 257. During this process, the spacer 259 also deflects as shown in FIG. 15. The spacer member performs a number of functions. The spacer member 259 maintains a predetermined distance between the fixing strips. The spacer member 259 also maintains a predetermined depth for the deformation portion 257 by preventing the deformation portion 257 from moving too close to another fixing strip. The spacer member 259 also maintains tension between the male hooks 252 and 254 and the female hooks 242 and 244.

The deformable portion 257 is maintained because the male wing 237 is more rigid than the base and the male wing 237 is prevented from further outward movement by the wing 235. In addition, the force exerted by the deformed base and the deformed spacer 259 is less than the force required to release the hook. To facilitate deflection of the base, the securing strips may include notches 256.

The spacer member 259 may be located on the mating surface 260 on the female fixing strip 231 and the male fixing strip 230, as shown in FIGS. 13-15. In contrast, the spacer member may be located on the mating surface on the male fixing strip and on the female fixing strip. Spacer member 259 and engagement surface 260 may also include color to provide a user with a visual indicator that occlusion has occurred as described above. In addition, the spacer member may be used with any embodiment of the present application, where appropriate.

In addition, the spacer 259 and the protrusion 258 can be used independently. By way of example, FIG. 16 illustrates a closure device similar to FIGS. 13-15 but including a spacer 259A that does not include a protrusion. In contrast, FIG. 17 illustrates a closure device similar to FIGS. 13-15 but including a protrusion 258A that does not include a spacer member. In addition, FIG. 17 illustrates three separate coextrusions of the base portion.

Other embodiments of closure elements and wings may be provided. By way of example, FIG. 18 illustrates a closure device in which the wing 371 of the male securing strip is Y-shaped. The wing 372 of the female securing strip is spaced apart to engage the groove 370 in the wing 371. Referring to FIG. 18, the female securing strip 331 includes a female closure element 334 similar to the female closure element 34 shown in FIG. 2. The female closure element 334 includes a base portion 338 similar to the base 38 and the webs 40 and 41 of FIG. 2 and a pair of webs 340 and 341. Webs 340 and 341 include female hook portions 342 and 344 similar to the hooks 42 and 44 of FIG. The securing strip 331 also includes a wing 372 on each side of the female closure element 334.

The male fixing strip 330 includes a male closure element 336 similar to the male closure element 36 of FIG. 3. The male closure element 336 includes a base portion 347 similar to the base 47 and webs 50 and 51 of FIG. 3 and a pair of webs 350 and 351. The webs 350, 351 include male hook portions 352, 354 similar to the hooks 52 of FIG. 3. The fixing strip 330 also includes wings 371 on each side of the male closure element 336. The wing 371 includes a groove 370 for engaging with the wing 372.

The base portion 347 has a surface change portion 363 and a coextruded portion 365 similar to the surface change portion 63 and the coextruded portion 65 of FIG. 3. The base can also include any other surface modification embodiments described herein. By way of example, the base comprises a fluorescent material and the surface modification extends through the fluorescent material.

18 shows the closure device in the occlusal position. As described above, the user applies a compressive force to the securing strip to occlude the closure device. When the user engages the fastening strips, the male wing 371 engages with the female wing 372, as shown in FIG. 18. In order to hold the retaining strip in the bite position, the female hooks 342 and 344 must engage the male hooks 352 and 354 as described above for the hooks 42, 44, 52 and 54. During this process, the base of the male fixing strip deflects inwardly and forms inward deformations 357. The deformable portion 357 is retained because the male wing 371 is rigider than the base and the male wing 371 is held in place by the groove 370 that engages the wing 372. The groove 370 prevents the wing 371 from moving laterally with respect to the wing 372. To facilitate deflection of the base, the securing strips may include notches 356.

When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 363 is open and exposes the coextruded portion 365, as shown in FIG. 18. The mating fixation strip 331 is transparent or translucent. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion 365 is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip 331. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the coextruded portion 365 is invisible because the first color of the base 347 surrounds the second color. After occlusion, the surface changer 363 is open, and because the second color is visible, the user can determine that occlusion has been made.

In another embodiment of the invention, the notch is disposed on the other side of the male fixing strip. 19 illustrates such a male fastening strip 430 including a notch 456 disposed outside of the male fastening strip 430. Notches 456 may also be formed in the side walls 22 of the plastic bag.

Referring to FIG. 19, the female securing strip 431 includes a female closure element 434 similar to the female closure element 34 shown in FIG. 2. The female closure element 434 includes a base portion 438 and webs 440 and 441 similar to the base 38 and webs 40 and 41 of FIG. 2. Webs 440 and 441 include female hook portions 442 and 444 similar to hooks 42 and 44 of FIG. The fixing strip 431 also includes a wing 435 similar to the wing 35 of FIG. 2.

The male fixing strip 430 includes a male closure element 436 similar to the male closure element 36 of FIG. 3. The male closure element 436 includes a base portion 447 similar to the base 47 and the webs 50 and 51 of FIG. 3 and a pair of webs 450 and 451. The webs 450, 451 include male hook portions 452, 454 similar to the hooks 52, 54 of FIG. 3. The fastening strip 43 also includes wings 437 on each side of the male closure element 436, similar to the wings 37 of FIG. 3.

The base portion 447 has a surface change portion 63 and a coextruded portion 465 similar to the surface change portion 63 and the coextruded portion 65 of FIG. 3. In addition, the base may include any other surface modification embodiments described herein. By way of example, the base includes an edge glow material, and surface modifications extend through the edge glow material, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 10A, 10B, 15A, and 15B.

The securing strip 430 includes a notch 456 disposed on the unmatched side of the securing strip 430. Notches may also be formed into sidewalls 22 of the plastic bag.

During the bite, the user applies a compressive force to the securing strip, as described above. When the user engages the fastening strips, the male wings 437 engage with the female wings 435, as shown in FIG. In order to hold the retaining strip in the bite position, the female hooks 442, 444 must engage the male hooks 452, 454, as described above with respect to the hooks 42, 44, 52, 54. During this process, the base of the male fixing strip deflects inwardly and forms an inwardly deforming portion 457. The deformable portion 457 is retained because the male wing 437 is more rigid than the base and the male wing 437 is prevented from further outward movement by the wing 435. In addition, the force exerted by the deflected base is less than the force required to disengage the hook. Notches 456 promote deflection of the base.

When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 463 opens, exposing the coextruded portion 465, as shown in FIG. 19. The mating fixing strip 431 is transparent or translucent. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion 365 is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip 431. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the coextruded portion 365 is not visible because the first color of the base 347 surrounds the second color. After the occlusion, the surface changer 463 is open and because the second color is visible, the user can determine that the occlusion has been made.

In addition, the fixation strip 430 provides additional tactile sensation. Notches 456 on each side of the deformation portion 457 help the user to position and maintain contact with the deformation. In addition, depending on the configuration of the notch, the notch may also provide tactile confirmation of occlusion. As an example, the notch can be narrow when the closure device is not occluded. When the closure device is occluded, the notch may be wide enough to allow the user to tactilely determine the difference between the narrow notch (ie, non-match) and the wide notch (ie, bite).

The base can be bent to create a deformation since at least a portion of the base is less rigid than the other portions of the fastening strip. The stiffness of the base can be reduced by having a reduced cross sectional area of the base. This spiritual can bend more easily than the surrounding area. Areas of reduced cross-sectional area can be achieved using notches. In addition, the area of reduced cross-sectional area can be achieved by chemically etching at least a portion of the fixing strip. Chemical etching can be performed using chemical solvents. By way of example, the chemical solvent for polyethylene is Decolin, strong nitric acid or strong base.

The strength of the base can also be reduced by having an area in the base made of another second material, such as by coextrusion. Referring to FIG. 19A, male anchoring strip 430A includes a base 447A made of a first material and a coextruded portion 456A made of a second material. The second material is more likely to bend than the first material when the same force is applied. That is, the first material has a modulus of elasticity different from that of the second material. Thus, the base flexes more easily at the position of the second material.

Referring to FIG. 19A, the female securing strip 431A includes a female closure element 434A similar to the female closure element 434 shown in FIG. 19. The female closure element 434A includes a base portion 438A and webs 440A, 441A similar to the base 438 and the webs 440, 441 of FIG. 19. The webs 440A, 441A include female hook portions 442A, 444A similar to the hooks 442, 444 of FIG. 19. The securing strip 431A also includes a wing 435A similar to the wing 435 of FIG. 19.

The male fixing strip 430A includes a male closure element 436A similar to the male closure element 436 of FIG. 19. The male closure element 436A includes a base 447A similar to the base 447 and the webs 450 and 451 of FIG. 19 and a pair of webs 450A and 451A. Webs 450A and 451A include male hook portions 452A and 454A similar to hooks 452 and 454 in FIG. The securing strip 430A also includes wings 437A on each side of the male closure element 436A, similar to the wings 437 of FIG. 19. As described above, the fixing strip 430A includes an extruded portion 456A.

Base portion 447A has surface change portion 463A and coextruded portion 465A, similar to surface change portion 63 and coextruded portion 65 of FIG. 3. In addition, the base can include any other surface modification described herein. For example, as shown in FIG. 19B, base 447B includes an edge glow material and surface modification 463B may extend through the edge glow material.

During the bite, the user applies a compressive force to the securing strip, as described above. When the user engages the fastening strips, the male wing 437A engages with the female wing 435A, as shown in FIG. 19A. In order to hold the retaining strip in the bite position, the female hooks 442A, 444A must engage the male hooks 452A, 454A, as described above for the hooks 442, 444, 452, 454. During this process, the base of the male anchoring strip is deflected inwards and forms an inward deflection 457A. The deformable portion 457A is retained because the male blade opening 437A is more rigid than the base, and the male blade portion 437A is prevented from further outward movement by the wing 453A. In addition, the force exerted by the deflected base is less than the force required to disengage the hook. Coextruded portion 456A facilitates deflection of the base.

When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 463A is open and exposes the coextruded portion 465A, as shown in FIG. 19A. The mating fixation strip 431A is transparent or translucent. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion 365A is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip 431A prior to occlusion, and the second color of the coextruded portion 365A is the first color of the base 347A. It is not visible because it surrounds this second color. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface changing portion 463A is open and the second color is visible.

With respect to the edge glow embodiment shown in FIG. 19B, the bite is of a similar form. When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 463B opens, exposing the edge glow effect, as shown in FIG. 19B. The mating fixation strips are transparent or translucent. Thus, the edge glow effect is visible to the user through the mating securing strips. Prior to occlusion, the edge glow effect is not visible because surface modification 463B is closed. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 463B is open and the edge glow effect is visible.

Additionally, the coextruded portion 456A may be continuous along the length of the fixing strip, or the coextruded portion may be discontinuous along this length to provide an intermittent deformation effect. In addition, the second material may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fixing strip, as in FIG. 19A. In another embodiment, the second material may be disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fixing strip, such as US Pat. No. 5,138,750, which is incorporated by reference. Finally, FIGS. 22B, 28B and 34B illustrate another embodiment of a closure device having a coextruded portion.

As mentioned above, the notch may be provided to promote deformation or deflection. The notches or notches may be placed at various locations on the fixing strip. Referring to FIG. 20, the male securing strip 530 includes a notch 556A disposed between the webs 550, 551. Notch 556A may be used with one or more of other notches 556B and 556C, or notch 556A may be used with other notches 556B and 556C. Notch 556A promotes deflection of the base to form a deformation. Additionally, the fixing strip may include surface modification 563 and coextruded portion 565. In contrast, the notch may be included on the female fixing strip to form a deformation on the female fixing strip. Referring to FIG. 21, the female securing strip 531 includes a notch 556D disposed between the webs 540 and 541. Notches 556D may be used in conjunction with one or more of other notches 556E 556F, or notches 556D may be used without other notches. Additionally, the fixing strip may include surface modification 563 and coextruded portion 565.

In addition, where deformations or deformations are required on both sides of the closure device, notches and / or coextruded parts can be included in both the male and female fixing strips. As an example, referring to FIG. 22A, the closure device uses the male fixing strip 530 from FIG. 20 and the female fixing strip 531 from FIG. 21 to deform 557A, 558A on each side of the closure device. To form. As another example, referring to FIG. 22B, the closure device is coextruded with a female fixing strip having a coextruded portion 556H to facilitate the formation of deformations 557G, 557H on each side of the closure device. A male securing strip having a portion 556G.

Notches in various positions on the male and / or female fixing strips may be used with any of the embodiments described herein as desired. For example, referring to FIGS. 23, 24, and 25, the fixation strips 630, 631 include notches 656 on the unmatched side of the fixation strips.

Notches can have a variety of configurations. By way of example, the notch may be composed of arched or linear segments, such as notch 56 of FIG. 3. As another example, the notches may be formed into arcuate segments, such as notch 156 in FIG. 9 or notch 256 in FIG. As another example, the notches may be surface modifications, such as notches 956A, 956B, 1056A, 1056B in FIGS. 38A, 38B, 39A, and 39B. For polyethylene, a good notch depth should be at least 15% of the base thickness to maintain the integrity of the base. In addition, the notches may be continuous along the length of the fixing strip or discontinuous along the length to provide an intermittent deformation effect.

23A-25 illustrate a holding strip with surface modifications that are opened when the closure device is in a non-engaged state and substantially closed when the closure device is occluded. Referring to FIG. 23A, the base has a coextruded portion 665 and a surface changer 663 that open when the closure device is in a non-combined state. However, the base can include any other surface modification embodiments described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 23C, 23D, 25A, base 647A includes an edge glow material, and surface modification 663A extends through the edge glow material.

Prior to occlusion, the second color of the extruded portion 665 is visible. When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 663 is closed and substantially conceals the coextruded portion 665, as shown in FIGS. 23B, 24, and 25. The coextruded portion is not visible because the first color of the base 647 surrounds the second color. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 663 is closed and the second color is not visible. As shown in Fig. 25, the user can determine that the occlusion has been made from each side since the surface change portion 663 is closed on both fixing strips.

With respect to the edge glow embodiment shown in FIGS. 23C, 23D and 25A, the bite is of a similar form. Prior to occlusion, the edge glow effect is visible. When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 663A is closed and substantially conceals the edge glow effect, as shown in FIG. 23D. The edge glow effect is not visible because the surface changer 663A is closed. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 663A is closed and the edge glow effect is not visible. As shown in Fig. 25A, the user can determine that the occlusion has been made from each side because the surface change portion 663A is closed on both fixing strips.

In other embodiments, the closure device may include other types of closure elements. Referring to FIG. 26, the male securing strip 730 includes a male closure element 736 and the female securing strip 731 includes a female closure element 734. Closed elements 734, 376 are known and are described in US Pat. These closure elements 734, 736 are sometimes referred to as "arrowhead" closure elements. The remaining components of the securing strips 730, 731, such as the wings 735, 737, the bases 738, 747, and the notches 756, are similarly numbered components 35, 37, of FIGS. 2 and 3. 38, 47, 56). When the anchoring strips 730, 731 are mated, the deformable portion 757 is formed along the anchoring strip 730. Base 747 has portions 765 coextruded with surface modifications 763A-763C. The surface changers 763A, 763B on the mating side of the base are closed when the closure device is in an unjoined state, similar to the surface changer 63 and coextruded portion 65 of FIG. Is open when is occluded. Conversely, the surface changer 763C on the unmatched side of the base is open when the closure device is in a non-matching state and closes when the closure device is in an occlusal state, which is the surface changer 663 in FIGS. 23-25. And coextruded portion 665. However, the base can include any other surface modification embodiments described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28C and 28D, bases 747G and 747H include edge glow material, and surface modifications 763F and 763H extend through edge glow material.

During occlusion, the user applies a compressive force to the securing strip, as described above. When the user engages the fastening strips, the male wing 737 engages the female wing 735, as shown in FIG. 26. To keep the fastening strip in the bite position, the female closure element 734 engages with the male closure element 736. During this process, the base of the male fixing strip deflects inwardly and forms an inwardly deforming portion 757. Deformation is maintained because the male wing 737 is more rigid than the base and further outward movement of the male wing 737 is prevented by the female wing 735. In addition, the force exerted by the deflected base is less than the force required to separate the closing element. Notch 756 facilitates deflection of the base.

When the base deflects inwardly, surface modifications 763A, 763B open, exposing the coextruded portion 765, as shown in FIG. The mating fixation strip 731 is transparent or translucent. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip 731. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the coextruded portion 765 is not visible because the first color of the base 747 surrounds the second color. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portions 763A, 763B are open, and the second color is visible.

With respect to surface modification 763A, the second color of extruded portion 765 is visible prior to occlusion. When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 763C closes and substantially conceals the coextruded portion 765, as shown in FIG. 26. The coextruded portion 765 is invisible because the first color of the base 747 surrounds the second color. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 763C is closed and the second color is not visible. As shown in Fig. 28, the user can determine that an occlusion has been made from each side since the surface change on the unmatched side on both fixing strips is closed.

27-31 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention with arrowhead closure elements 734, 736, with different positions for deformations, surface modifications, and notches. By way of example, FIG. 27 shows deformations 757D and surface modifications 763D on the female fixing strip. 28A shows notch 765E surface modification 763E, coextruded portion 765E, and deformation 757E on the field fixation strip. 28B shows the coextruded portion 756F, the deformation portion 757F, the surface change portion 763F and the coextruded portion 765F on both fixing strips.

28C shows an edge glow embodiment in which the base 747G includes an edge glow material and the surface changer 763G extends through the edge glow material. Base 747G also includes notches 756G, and the base forms deformations 757G. When the closure device is in non-combining state, the surface changer 763G is open and the edge glow effect is visible on both sides of the closure device. FIG. 28D illustrates another edge glow embodiment with an edge glow base 747H, an extruded portion 756H, and a surface changer 763H. When the closure device is in a non-combining state, a deformation portion 757 is created, the surface changer 763H is open, and the edge glow effect is visible on both sides of the closure device. 29 and 30 only show deformations 757I and 757J on one of the fixing strips and surface modifications 763I and 763J and notches 756I and 756J on the unmatched side. 31 shows deformations 757K on both the fixing strips and surface modifications 763K and notches 756K on the unmatched side.

32 to 37, the closure device may also form an outward deformation upon occlusion. As shown in FIG. 32, the closure device 821 includes male and female anchoring strips 830, 831 similar to the anchoring strips 230, 231 of FIG. 13. The female securing strip 831 includes a female closure element 834 and a pair of wings 835 similar to the female closure element 231 and the wing 235 of FIG. 13. The male securing strip 830 includes a male closure element 836 and a pair of wings 837, similar to the male closure element 236 and the wing 237 of FIG. 13. The female closure element 834 includes a base portion 838 and webs 840, 841 similar to the base portion 238 and the webs 240, 241 of FIG. 13. The webs 840 and 841 include hook portions 842 and 844 similar to the hook portions 242 and 244 of FIG. 13. The male closure element 836 includes a base portion 847 and webs 850 and 851 similar to the base portion 247 and webs 250 and 251 of FIG. 13. The webs 850 and 851 include hook portions 852 and 854 similar to the hook portions 252 and 254 of FIG. 13. Base portion 847 may have a notch 856 similar to notch 256 of FIG. 13.

Base 847 has portions 865 coextruded with surface modifications 863A-863C. Surface modifications 863A, 863B on the mating side of the base are open when the closure device is in a non-matching state, similar to the surface modifications 663 and coextruded portion 665 of FIGS. 23A-25. It is closed when the closure device is engaged. Conversely, the surface changer 863C on the unmatched side of the base is closed when the closure device is in a non-engaged state, similar to the surface changer 63 and coextruded portion 65 of FIG. When in occlusion, it is open. However, the base can include any other surface modification embodiments described herein. For example, as shown in FIGS. 34C and 34D, bases 847G and 847H may include fluorescent material, and surface modifications 863G and 863H extend through the fluorescent material.

The spacer member 859 provides a predetermined spacing between the fixing strips and also provides a predetermined tension between the closing elements. Referring to FIG. 32, the base 838 includes a spacer 859, and the base 847 includes a mating surface 860 for the spacer. Spacer member 859 extends from the base at a predetermined distance and is disposed between webs 840 and 841. Engaging surface 860 is positioned between webs 850 and 851 and includes a groove that engages spacer member 859.

Referring to FIG. 32, when the user applies a force to the securing strip, the spacer 859 contacts the engagement surface 860. In order to keep the retaining strip in the bite position, the female hooks 842 and 844 must engage the male hooks 852 and 854. As the user continues to apply force, the female webs 840 and 841 deflect outwardly and the male webs 850 and 851 deflect inwardly such that the female hooks 842 and 844 and the male hooks 852 and 854 are mutually inclined. Allow it to pass In addition, the hook can also be deflected during this process.

As the user continues to apply force, the female hooks 842, 844 engage the male hooks 852, 854, as shown in FIG. 32. During this process, the base of the male fixing strip deflects outwards and forms outward deformations 857. During this process, the spacer 859 also deflects. The spacer member performs a number of functions. The spacer member 859 maintains a predetermined distance between the fixing strips. The spacer member 859 also maintains a predetermined height for the deformation portion 857. Spacer member 859 also maintains tension between female hooks 842 and 844 and male hooks 852 and 854.

The deformable portion 857 is retained because the male wing 837 is more rigid than the base and the male wing 837 is prevented from further outward movement by the wing 835. Additionally, the force exerted by the deflected base and the deflected spacer member 859 is less than the force required to disengage the hook. To facilitate deflection of the base, the securing strips may include a notch 856.

When the base deflects outwardly, the surface modifications 863A, 863B are closed and substantially conceal the coextruded portion 865, as shown in FIG. 32. The mating fixation strip 831 is transparent or opaque. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion 865 is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip 831. After occlusion, the second color of the coextruded portion is invisible because the first color of the base 847 surrounds the second color. The user can determine that the occlusion has been made because the surface change portions 863A, 863B are closed and the second color is invisible.

With respect to surface modification 863C, the second color of extruded portion 865 is invisible prior to occlusion. When the base is deflected outwardly, surface modification 863C opens, exposing the coextruded portion 865, as shown in FIG. 32. Prior to occlusion, the coextruded portion 865 is invisible because the first color of the base 847 surrounds the second color. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 863C is open and the second color is visible. As shown in Figs. 34A, 34B and 37, the user can determine that the occlusion has been made from each side since the surface change portion is open on both fixing strips.

Spacer member 859 and engagement surface 860 may also include colors to provide a user with a visual indication of occlusion as described above. In addition, the spacer member may be used with any embodiment of the present application as needed.

33-37 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention having different positions for deformation, surface modifications, and notches, while using the spacer member 859. As an example, FIG. 33 shows notches 856D, surface modifications 863D, and outward deformations 857D on the female securing strip. 34A shows notches 856E, surface modifications 863E, outward deformations 857E, and coextruded portion 865E on both fixing strips. 34B shows the coextruded portion 856F, the outwardly deformed portion 857F and the coextruded portion 865F on both fixing strips.

34C shows an edge glow embodiment in which base 847G includes an edge glow material and surface modification 863G extends through the edge glow material. Base 847G also includes notches 856G, and the base includes deformations 857G. When the closure device is occluded, the surface changer 863G is open and the edge glow effect is visible on both sides of the closure device. 34D shows another edge glow embodiment having an edge glow base 847H, a coextruded portion 856H, and a surface modification 863H. When the closure device is occluded, deformations 857H are created, surface modifications 863H are open, and the edge glow effect is visible on both sides of the closure device. 35 and 36 show notches 856I and 863J on the unmatched side and deformations 857I and 857J and surface modifications 863I and 863J on only one of the fixing strips. 37 shows notches 856K on the unmatched side, deformations 857K and surface modifications 863K on both fixing strips. In addition, the closure device may include other closure elements, such as arrowhead closure elements, and may form outward deformation upon occlusion.

38A and 38B illustrate another embodiment of a closure device having an inward deformation upon occlusion. The closure device 921 includes a male fixing strip 930 and a female fixing strip 931. The female securing strip 931 includes a female closure element 934. The female closure element 934 includes a base portion 938 and a pair of webs 940 and 941 extending from the base portion 938. Webs 940 and 941 include hook portions 942 and 944 extending from the web. The base 938 also includes a surface changer 963B on the unmatched side and a surface changer 963A on the mating side.

The male fixing strip 930 includes a male closure element 936. The male closure element 936 includes a base portion 947 and a pair of webs 950 and 951 extending from the base portion 947. Webs 950 and 951 include hook portions 952 and 954 extending from the web. The male securing strip 930 also includes a wing 937 for guiding the web of the female closure element.

In this embodiment, part of the sidewall for the bag is used to provide a visual alteration effect. Specifically, the portion 922 of the sidewall 22 in contact with the fixing strip 931 is of a first color. The first color is opaque in this embodiment. Base portion 938 has a second color, the first color substantially concealing the second color. Surface change 963B on the unmatched side extends into base portion 938 through sidewall portion 922. In this embodiment, the surface changer 963B is substantially closed to conceal the second color of the base portion 1047 when the fastening strips are occluded, exposing the second color when the fastening strips are in non-matching state. Is opened. The combination of the first color for the side wall portion and the second color for the base does not require a coextruded portion and achieves a visual change. In another embodiment, the base comprises an edge glow material and the first color of the sidewall portions need not be opaque and is transparent.

38B illustrates the closure device 921 in the mated position with an inward deformation. When the user applies force to the securing strips, the webs 940 and 941 deflect outwardly to allow the hooks to pass through each other. In addition, the hook also deflects during this process. As the user continues to apply force, the hook engages as shown in FIG. 28B. During this process, the base 938 deflects inwardly and forms an inwardly deformed portion 957.

Deformations 957 are retained because webs 940, 941, 950, 951 are more rigid than base 938. Specifically, the distance between the hooks 952 and 954 is greater than the distance between the webs 940 and 941 when the fixing strip 931 is in the non-combining position. The webs 940, 941 are urged in directions away from each other to fit over the hooks 952, 954. The web is rigid compared to the base 938, and therefore the webs 940 and 941 can be pressed in a direction away from each other. In this embodiment, the base is less rigid due to notches 956A and 956B. The notch allows the base to bend inward to form a deformation. Specifically, notch 956A is opened to allow the mating surface of the base to increase and is closed to allow the mismatching surface of the base to decrease. The force exerted by the deflected base is less than the force required to release the hook.

When the base deflects inwardly, surface modification 963B is closed and hides base 938, as shown in FIG. 38B. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the base portion 938 is visible. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 963B is closed and the second color is invisible.

In another embodiment, the base 938 comprises edge glow material. Prior to occlusion, surface modification 963B is open and the edge glow effect is visible as shown in FIG. 38A. When the base is deflected inwardly, surface modification 963B is closed and substantially conceals the edge glow effect, as shown in FIG. 38B. The edge glow effect is not visible because the surface change 963B is closed. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 963B is closed and the edge glow effect is invisible.

Additionally, when base 938 deflects inwardly, surface modification 963A opens and exposes the edge glow effect as shown in FIG. 38B. The mating fixation strips are transparent or translucent. Thus, the edge glow effect is visible to the user through the mating securing strips. Prior to occlusion, the edge glow effect is not visible because the surface change 963A is closed as shown in FIG. 38A. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 963A is open and the edge glow effect is visible.

39A and 39B illustrate another embodiment of a closure device similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 38A and 38B. However, the closure device of FIGS. 39A and 39B includes a coextruded portion 965C. Coextruded portion 965C may provide a third color. In another embodiment, the combination of the base 938C with the second color and the coextruded portion with the third color allows the first color to be removed from the sidewall 922C. In a third embodiment, the combination of the coextruded portion with the third color and the sidewall with the first color makes it possible to remove the second color from the base. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the first, second and / or third colors may be fluorescent materials.

40A and 40B illustrate another embodiment of a closure device having an outward deformation when occlusion. The closure device 1021 includes a male fixing strip 1030 and a female fixing strip 1031. The female securing strip 1031 includes a female closure element 1034. The female closure element 1034 includes a base portion 1038 and a pair of webs 1040 and 1041 extending from the base portion 1038. Webs 1040 and 1041 include hook portions 1042 and 1044 extending from the web.

The male fixing strip 1030 includes a male closure element 1036. The male closure element 1036 includes a base portion 1047 and a pair of webs 1050, 1051 extending from the base portion 1047. Webs 1050 and 1051 include hook portions 1052 and 1054 extending from the web. The male securing strip 1030 also includes a wing 1037 to guide the web of the female closure element. The base 1047 also includes a surface changer 1063B on the unmatched side and a surface changer 1063A on the mating side.

In this embodiment, part of the sidewall for the bag is used to provide a visual alteration effect. Specifically, the portion 1022 of the sidewall 22 in contact with the fixing strip 1030 is of a first color. In this embodiment, the first color is opaque. Base portion 1047 is a second color, the first color substantially concealing the second color. Surface modification 1063B on the unmatched side extends through the sidewall portion 1022 and into the base portion 1047. In this embodiment, the surface changer 1063B is substantially closed when the fastening strips are in a non-engaged state to conceal a second color of the base portion 1047 and to expose the second color when the fastening strips are occluded. Is opened. The combination of the first color for the side wall portion and the second color for the base achieves a visual change without the need for a coextruded portion. In another embodiment, the base comprises an edge glow material and the first color of the sidewall portions need not be opaque and can be transparent.

40B illustrates the closure device 1021 in an occlusal position with outward deformation. When the user applies force to the securing strips, the male webs 1050 and 1051 deflect inwardly to allow the hooks to pass through each other. In addition, the hooks also deflect during this process. When the user constantly applies force, the hook engages as shown in FIG. 40B. During this process, the base 1047 deflects outwards and forms outward deformations 1057.

Deformation portion 1057 is maintained because webs 1040, 1041, 1050, 1051 are more rigid than base 1047. Specifically, the distance between the hooks 1042 and 1044 is less than the distance between the webs 1050 and 1051 when the fixing strip 1030 is in the non-combining position. The webs 1050, 1051 are pressed closer to each other to fit between the hooks 1042, 1044. The web is rigid relative to the base 1047, so that the webs 1050, 1051 can be pressed closer to each other. In this embodiment, the base is less rigid due to notches 1056A and 1056B. The notch allows the base to bend outward to form a deformation. Specifically, notch 1056B is opened to allow the non- mating surface of the base to increase, and notch 1056A is closed to allow the mating surface of the base to decrease. The force exerted by the deflected base is less than the force required to release the hook.

When the base deflects outwardly, surface modification 1063B opens and exposes the base 1047, as shown in FIG. 40B. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the base portion 1047 is invisible because the first color of the sidewall portion 1022 conceals the second color. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 1063B is open and the second color is visible.

In another embodiment, base 1047 includes an edge glow material. Prior to occlusion, surface modification 1063B is closed and the edge glow effect is invisible as shown in FIG. 40A. When the base deflects outwardly, surface modification 1063B opens and exposes the edge glow effect, as shown in FIG. 40B. The edge glow effect is visible because the surface change portion 1063B is open. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 1063B is open and the edge glow effect is visible.

Additionally, when base 1047 deflects outwardly, surface modification 1063A closes and conceals the edge glow effect as shown in FIG. 40B. The mating fixing strip is translucent or transparent. Thus, the edge glow effect is visible to the user through the mating securing strips. Prior to occlusion, the edge glow effect is visible because the surface change 1063A is open, as shown in FIG. 40A. After the bite, the user can determine that the bite has been made because the surface change portion 1063A is closed and the edge glow effect is invisible.

41A and 41B illustrate another embodiment of a closure device similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 40A and 40B. However, the closure device of FIGS. 41A and 41B has a coextruded portion 1065C. Coextruded portion 1065C may provide a third color. In another embodiment, the combination of the coextruded portion with the third color and the base 1047C with the second color allows the first color to be removed from the sidewall 1022C. In a third embodiment, the combination of the coextruded portion with the third color and the sidewall with the first color allows the second color to be removed from the base. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the first, second and / or third colors may be fluorescent materials.

42 and 43, the closure device may include a number of variations in the occlusion of the closure device. In FIG. 42, the closure device 1121 includes two inwardly deformable portions 1157. The closure device 1121 is similar to the closure device of FIG. 16, except that the closure device 1121 includes two additional notches 1156 to achieve additional flexibility in the base 1147. Additionally, the closure device includes a surface changer 1163 and a coextruded portion 1165. In FIG. 43, the closure device is similar to the closure device of FIG. 42, except that the closure device uses two arrowhead closure elements 1234, 1236 for the hook closure element. The closure device includes a surface changer 1263 and a coextruded portion 1265.

42A and 43A illustrate one of the edge glow embodiments of FIGS. 42 and 43, where bases 1147A and 1247A include edge glow materials, and surface modifications 1163A and 1263A are edge glow materials. Extend through. When the closure device is engaged, surface modifications 1163A and 1263A are open and the edge glow effect is visible.

44A-45B, the closure element may include surface modifications to achieve a visual alteration effect. As shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, the closure device includes a male fixing strip 1330 and a female fixing strip 1331. The male fixing strip 1330 includes a male closure element 1336, and the female fixing strip 1331 includes a female closure element 1334. These closure elements are similar to the closure elements 734 and 736 of FIG. 26 except that the male closure element 1336 includes a surface changer 1363 and a coextruded portion 1365. Additionally, the female closure element 1334 can include a protrusion 1335 that facilitates opening of the surface changer 1363.

The male closure element is formed of a material having a first color. In this embodiment, the first color is opaque. The male closure element 1336 includes a coextruded portion 1365 having a second color. The second color can be surrounded by the first color in the closure element. The closure element includes a surface changer 1363 extending into the coextruded portion 1365. While this embodiment has two surface modifications, the closure element may include one, three, four or more surface modifications. In addition, the coextruded portion may include a separate coextruded portion for each surface modification. Also, the separate coextruded portion may have a color different from the second color of the first coextruded portion. Additionally, the coextruded portion may be continuous along the closure element, or the coextruded portion may be discontinuous along the length of the closure element. Similarly, the surface changer may be continuous along the length of the closure element, or the surface changer may be discontinuous along the length of the closure element. Surface changer 1363 is substantially closed to conceal color when the anchoring strips are in a mating state as shown in FIG. 44A, and when the anchoring strips are occluded, as shown in FIG. Open to expose. Closure elements with surface modifications can be used with any of the embodiments described herein.

During the bite, the user applies a compressive force to the securing strip, as described above. When the user engages the fastening strips, the female closure element 1334 engages with the male closure element 1336. Surface modification 1333 is opened and exposes the coextruded portion 1365, as shown in FIG. 44B. In this embodiment, the mating fixation strip 1331 is transparent or translucent. Thus, the second color of the coextruded portion 1365 is visible to the user through the mating fixation strip 1331. Prior to occlusion, the second color of the coextruded portion 1365 is invisible because the first color of the closure element 1336 surrounds the second color. After occlusion, the user can determine that occlusion has occurred because the surface changer 1363 is open and the second color is visible.

45A and 45B, the closure element includes a surface changer to achieve a visual change effect. 45A and 45B show one of the edge glow embodiments of FIGS. 44A and 44B, where the male closure element 1336A is made of edge glow material and the surface changer 1363A is through the edge glow material. Extend. The material provides an edge glow effect when surface changer 1363A is open. Prior to occlusion, surface modification 1363A is closed and the edge glow effect is not visible as shown in FIG. 45A. After occlusion, surface modification 1363A is opened and the edge glow effect is visible through the mating fixation strip, as shown in FIG. 45B. Thus, the user can visually determine that occlusion has occurred since the edge glow effect is visible.

46 and 47 illustrate each of the male and female securing strips of one embodiment of the closure device of the present invention. Representative dimensions of the various parameters are given as follows:

parameter Range (mils) Good (mils) 1471 0.283-0.363 0.323 1472 0.007-0.047 0.027 1473 0.012-0.032 0.022 1474 0.024-0.094 0.059 1475 0.187-0.267 0.227 1476 0.010-0.016 0.013 1477 0.018-0.088 0.053 1478 0.016-0.086 0.051 1481 0.203-0.283 0.243 1482 0.029-0.099 0.064 1483 0.013-0.033 0.023 1484 0.015-0.065 0.040 1485 0.115-0.195 0.155 1486 0.022-0.052 0.037 1487 0.010-0.016 0.013 1488 0.023-0.053 0.038 1489 0.004-0.010 0.007 1490 0.010-0.016 0.013

48-50D, the closure element may comprise a surface change perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the closure device. 48-50D illustrate another embodiment of a container according to the present invention in the form of a plastic bag 1520 having a sealable closure device 1521. The bag 1520 includes sidewalls 1522 joined at the seal 1525 to form a sealable compartment by the closure device 1521. Sidewall 1522 extends over closure device 1521 to form inlet 1527. The inlet 1527 can grip the plastic bag 1520 in a form that allows the user to unoccupy or open the closure device 1521 to open the bag 1520. To be. The closure device includes fixing strips 1530, 1531.

48 and 49, the fixing strips 1530, 1531, the side walls 1522 near the fixing strip and the inlet portion 1527 deform outwardly in a direction away from each other when the closing device is in a non-combining state. As shown in FIG. 49B, the fixation strips 1530, 1531, the sidewalls 1522 near the fixation strip, and the inlet portion 1527 are relatively parallel to each other when the bite device is engaged.

50A and 50B illustrate an embodiment of a closure device with outward deformation when in a non-combined state. The closing device 1521 includes a first fixing strip 1530 and a second fixing strip 1531. The first fixing strip 1530 includes a first closure element 1536. The first closure element 1536 includes a base portion 1547. The second fixing strip 1531 includes a second closing element. The second closure element 1534 includes a base portion 1538. The closure elements 1534, 1536 may be any one of the embodiments described herein. The base includes a surface changer 1563 on the unmatched side.

In this embodiment, part of the sidewall for the bag is used to provide a visual alteration effect. Specifically, the portion of the sidewall 1522 that contacts the fixing strip 1531 is a first color. In this embodiment, the first color is opaque. Base portion 1538 has a second color, the first color substantially concealing the second color. Surface modifications 1563 on the unmatched side extend into the base portion 1538 through the sidewall portion 1522. In this embodiment, the surface changer 1563 is substantially closed to conceal the second color of the base portion 1547 when the fastening strips are occluded, and when the fastening strips are in non-matching state, the second color is retained. Open to expose. The combination of the first color for the side wall portion and the second color for the base achieves a visual change. In another embodiment, the base may comprise an edge glow material and the first color of the sidewall portions need not be opaque and may be transparent.

50A illustrates the closure device 1521 in the non-join position with outward deformation. When the user applies a force to the stationary strip, the stationary strips 1530, 1531 move inward and are parallel to each other as in FIG. 50B. When the base moves inward, surface modification 1563 closes and conceals base portions 1538 and 1647, as shown in FIG. 50B. Prior to occlusion, the second color of base portions 1538 and 1547 are visible. After the occlusion, the user can determine that the occlusion has been made because the surface changer 1563 is closed and the second color is invisible.

In another embodiment, the bases 1538 and 1547 include edge glow materials. Prior to occlusion, surface modification 1563 is open and, as shown in FIG. 50A, the edge glow effect is visible. When the base moves inward, surface modification 1563 closes and substantially conceals the edge glow effect, as shown in FIG. 50B. The edge glow effect is invisible because the surface changer 1563 is closed. After the bite, the user can determine that bite has been made because the slit 1563 is closed and the edge glow effect is invisible.

50C and 50D illustrate another embodiment of a closure device similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 50A and 50B. However, the closure device of FIGS. 50C and 50D includes a coextruded portion 1565C. Coextruded portion 1565C may provide a third color. In another embodiment, the combination of the coextruded portion with the third color and the base 1538C, 1547C with the second color allows the first color to be removed from the sidewall 1522C. In a third embodiment, the combination of the coextruded portion with the third color and the sidewall with the first color allows the second color to be removed from the base. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the first, second and / or third colors may be fluorescent materials.

The fixing strip may be produced by extrusion through a die having the appropriate dimensions described above, but the die should be made somewhat larger than the desired final dimension of the fixing strip, as long as there is a possibility of shrinkage of the extruded fixing strip upon cooling. The fixing strip of the closure device should be made to have a substantially uniform cross section. This not only simplifies the manufacture of the device, but in any case is a desired property, but also contributes to the physical flexibility of the device, which is necessary for forming deformation of the fixing strip.

In general, the closure elements of the present invention may be formed from thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or the like, or combinations thereof. Thus, resins or resin mixtures such as high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene and low density polyethylene can be used to make the novel fasteners of the present invention. The closure element is preferably made of low density polyethylene. The choice of thermoplastic material relates to the closure design and its Young's modulus, and to the desired elasticity and flexibility associated with providing the functionality of the closure as claimed herein.

With regard to the fluorescent and luminescent materials used in the present invention, a wide variety of suitable materials can be used. In general, in terms of function, any fluorescent material may be used that provides a fluorescent appearance in the context of the particular closure device in which the fluorescent material is used. Of course, as can be appreciated, the choice for a particular application is greatly influenced by the intended use.

Fluorescent materials are generally described comprehensively in Coloring of Plastics (John Wiley & Sons, 1979, ISBN 0-471-92327-3). In the coloring of plastics, the fluorescent material is described as follows.

"Fluorescence is the function of a dye or pigment that absorbs radiant energy at a set of wavelengths and emits light at longer wavelengths. The process is substantially instantaneous. The measurement of fluorescence and its separation from its usual reflections is a need.

Certain types of fluorescent agents absorb ultraviolet light in the 300-400 nanometer region, emit blue at about 440 nanometers, and act as whitening agents. These are organic compounds and they can be considered as pigments (Id, pp. 207-208). "

In addition, the coloring of plastics can obtain daylight fluorescent pigments and dyes from them, in contrast to " fluorescent agents. These materials are colored in the usual concept. Additionally, they are ultraviolet or shortwave daylight The result is a very high level of reflection, and the colored material appears to shine.The two classes of principal pigments involved are rhodamine and green yellow aminonaphthalate, which enhance the red region. A mid derivative (Id. P. 210). "

In general, useful fluorescent materials are often referred to as fluorescent daylight materials. Such materials not only selectively reflect colored light, but also have the function of providing a surplus gloss of fluorescence when excited by daylight or equivalent white light. With a few exceptions, daylight fluorescent pigments consist of particles of colorless resin that not only have color but also include a dysuff capable of strong fluorescence in solution. Resin is a true solvent for pigments. As an example, in one resin system, thermoplastic resins containing pigments are formed. Upon cooling to room temperature, the resin mass becomes very brittle and then crushed to the appropriate fineness. In the present context, the term "pigment" applies to any organic material that exhibits strong absorption of light in the visible region of the spectrum, regardless of any affinity for the substrate. Of the pigments that have been used for many years, glossy red and salmon pigments of the rhodamine and rosamine classes can be used as fluorescent dyes. Additional illustrative examples of important dysuffs used as daylight fluorescent dyes include: Xylen Red B, Fluorescent Yellow Y, Maxilon 10GFF Alverta Yellow ), Potomac Yellow and Macrolex Fluorescent Yellow 10 GN.

When using fluorescent materials to achieve edge glow effects to identify occlusal and non-occluded locations, the edge glow effects are characterized by the specific optical properties of the closure elements and the physical properties of the constituent materials, such as selected plastics and any coloring additives. Influenced by various variables, including characteristics. The light scattering properties of the closure element are also important and are affected by the depth of the channel of the closure element, the presence or absence of a guide member, the width of the closure element and the like.

The fluorescent material may be included in some or suitable elements of the closure element in any desired manner. One suitable method is to simply incorporate the fluorescent material into the plastic material from which the closure element is made, in a form similar to the addition of other additives such as antioxidants.

The following examples are illustrative and do not limit the invention. One sample was made with C-62389A / PC Edge Glow Green supplied by Chroma Corporation, McHenry, Illinois, USA. Another sample was made with Lumogen F Red Dye from BASF Corporation of Renssela, NY, USA.

When the fastener of the present invention is used in a sealable bag, the film forming the body of the fastener and the bag may be made of a heat sealable material. Thus, the bag can be economically formed by heat sealing the aforementioned components to form the bag using thermoplastics of the type described above for the formation of the closure element. The bag preferably consists of a mixture of high pressure, low density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene.

The closure elements of the invention can be produced by extrusion or other known methods. The closure device can be made as an independent fastening strip and later attached to the film, or the fastening strip can be made integral with the film. In addition, the closure element may be manufactured with or without a flange on one or both of the closure elements, depending on the intended use or additional manufacturing operations expected.

In general, the closure device of the present invention can be manufactured in various forms suitable for the intended use. In the practice of the present invention, the closure device may be integrally formed with the sidewall of the container or may be connected to the container using any of a number of known methods. For example, the thermoelectric device may be applied to a film in contact with the flange portion of the closure element, or the thermoelectric device may be applied to a film in contact with the base portion of the closure element without any flange portion, such that the transfer of heat through the film The melt portion may be generated at the interface between the base portion or the flange portion and the film. The thermoelectric device may be a heated rotating disk, a moving heater band, a resistance heating slide wire, or the like. The connection between the film and the closing element can also be achieved using a hot melt adhesive, a hot jet of air to the interface, ultrasonic heating or other known methods. Bonding of the closure element to the film stock can be performed either before or after the film is folded in a U-shape to form a bag. In any case, this bonding is done prior to side sealing the bag at the edge by conventional thermal cutting. In addition, the male and female closure elements can be disposed on opposite sides of the film. Such an embodiment may be suitable for collecting or wrapping an object, such as a wire. The male and female closure elements on the film must be parallel to each other, but this depends on the intended use.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated, it will of course be understood that the invention is not so limited, as modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is contemplated that the appended claims cover any such modifications, as long as they include those features that constitute an essential feature of these improvements within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. All references and co-pending applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (86)

CLAIMS 1. A closure device comprising first and second engagement securing strips arranged to engage over a predetermined length, the closure device comprising: The first securing strip has a surface changer, the surface changer being opened or closed upon occlusion of the closure device to provide a visual confirmation of the occlusion of the closure device. The closure device according to claim 1, wherein the surface change portion is made of a fluorescent material, and becomes brighter in appearance or weaker in appearance when occluding the closure device. The closure device of claim 2, wherein the fluorescent material is an edge glow material and the visual confirmation is an edge glow effect. 4. A closure device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the weaker in appearance does not include not appearing apparent. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the closure device comprises a first material and a second material, and the surface changer extends through the first material into the second material. 6. The closure device of claim 5, wherein the second material is closed with the surface changer and substantially hidden when viewing the surface changer. 7. The closure device of claim 6, wherein the closure device comprises a portion of the container sidewall, the first material is a portion of the container sidewall, and the second material is another portion of the closure device. 7. The closure device of claim 6, wherein the first material substantially surrounds the second material. 7. The closure device of claim 6, wherein the first material and the second material are coextruded. 7. The closure device of claim 6, wherein the first material is opaque. The closing device of claim 10, wherein the second fixing strip is translucent. The closing device of claim 1, wherein the first fixing strip has a mating side and a non- mating side, and the surface changer is located at the mating side of the first fixing strip. The closing device of claim 1, wherein the first fixing strip has a mating side and a non- mating side, and the surface changer is located at the non- mating side of the first fixing strip. 2. The surface of claim 1, wherein the first fixing strip has a mating side and a non- mating side, the surface modification portion is located on the mating side of the first fixing strip, and a second surface modification portion is placed on the mismatching side. Closure device located. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the first fixing strip comprises a plurality of the surface modifications. The closing device of claim 15, wherein the first fixing strip has a mating side and a non- mating side, and the surface changer is located on the mating side. 16. The closure device of claim 15 wherein the first securing strip has a mating side and a mating side and the surface modification is located on the mating side. 16. The closure device of claim 15 wherein the first securing strip has mating sides and mismatching sides, and the surface modifications are located on the mating sides and the mismatching sides. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the second securing strip comprises a second surface modification. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the first securing strip has a deformation upon occlusion of the closure device, the deformation causing the surface changer to change from a first visual state to a second visual state. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the first securing strip has a deformation upon occlusion of the closure device, the deformation opening or closing the surface modification. The closing device of claim 1, wherein the first securing strip comprises a base and a closing element, and the surface changer is disposed on the base. The closing device of claim 1, wherein the first fixing strip comprises a base and a closing element, and the surface changer is disposed in the closing element. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fastening strip comprises a first closure element, and further comprises a first wing extending from the first fastening strip, The second fixing strip comprises a second closing element for mating with the first closing element, the second fixing strip further comprising a second wing for engaging with the first wing, The first fixing portion is adapted to deflect at least a portion of the first fixing strip when the first and second fixing strips engage to cause the surface changer to change from a first visual state to a second visual state. Closing device in engagement with the second wing to create in the strip. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fixing strip includes a pair of first wings integrally attached to and extending from the first fixing strip, wherein the second fixing strip is integrally attached to the second fixing strip. And a pair of second vanes extending therefrom, the second vanes being spaced apart on the second securing strip to engage the first vanes. 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the first closure element comprises a pair of spaced webs integrally attached to and extending from the first fastening strip, the web terminates in a male hook, the male hooks mutually A male hook portion directed away, the second closure element comprises a pair of spaced apart webs integrally attached to and extending from the second fastening strip, the web terminating in the female hook, The female hook includes a female hook portion facing toward each other to engage the male hook. 27. The closure device of claim 26, wherein one of the securing strips comprises a spacer member. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the first closure element comprises a first web integrally attached to and extending from the first fastening strip, the first web terminated by an arrowhead. The closure device of claim 20, wherein the deformation is an inward deformation. The closing device of claim 20, wherein the deformation is an outward deformation. The method of claim 1, wherein the first fastening strip comprises a first closing element, the first fastening element comprising a first web integrally attached to and extending from the first fastening strip, wherein the first web The closing device terminates with an arrowhead. 32. The closure device of claim 31 wherein the surface changer is located at the arrowhead. 33. The closure device of claim 32, wherein the surface changer is opened upon occlusal engagement of the closure device. 34. The closure device of claim 33, wherein the surface modification portion is made of a fluorescent material and becomes brighter in appearance or weaker in appearance when occluding the closure device. 35. The closure device of claim 34, wherein the fluorescent material is an edge glow material and the visual confirmation is an edge glow effect. 36. A closure device as claimed in claim 35, wherein the weaker appearance includes not appearing apparent. 33. The closure device of claim 32, wherein the first securing strip comprises a first material and a second material, and wherein the surface changer extends through the first material into the second material. 38. The closure device of claim 37, wherein the second material is closed with the surface changer and substantially hidden when viewing the surface changer. 39. The closure device of claim 38, wherein the closure device comprises a portion of the container sidewall, the first material is a portion of the container sidewall, and the second material is another portion of the closure device. 39. The closure device of claim 38, wherein the first material substantially surrounds the second material. 39. The closure device of claim 38, wherein the first material and the second material are coextruded. 39. The closure device of claim 38, wherein the first material is opaque. 43. The closure device of claim 42, wherein the second fixing strip is translucent. A container comprising first and second sidewalls, The first and second sidewalls each including a first and second fixing strip that mates, the first and second fixing strips comprising a closure device arranged to be joined over a predetermined length, the first fixing The strip having a surface changer, the surface changer providing a visual confirmation of the occlusion of the closure device. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the surface change portion is made of a fluorescent material and becomes brighter or weaker in appearance when occlusion of the closure device. 46. The container of claim 45, wherein the fluorescent material is an edge glow material and the visual confirmation is an edge glow effect. 47. The container of claim 46, wherein the weaker appearance does not include no appearance. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the closure device comprises a first material and a second material, and wherein the surface changer extends through the first material into the second material. 49. The container of claim 48, wherein the second material is closed with the surface changer and substantially hidden when viewing the surface changer. 50. The container of claim 49, wherein the closure device comprises a portion of the container sidewall, the first material is a portion of the container sidewall, and the second material is another portion of the closure device. 50. The container of claim 49, wherein the first material substantially surrounds the second material. 50. The container of claim 49, wherein the first material and the second material are coextruded. 50. The container of claim 49, wherein the first material is opaque. 54. The container of claim 53, wherein the second fixing strip is translucent. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the first fastening strip has a mating side and an unmate side, and the surface modification is located at the mating side of the first fastening strip. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the first fixation strip has a mating side and a mismatching side, and the surface changer is located at the mismatching side of the first fixing strip. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first fixation strip has a mating side and a mismatching side, wherein the surface modification is located on the mating side of the first fixing strip, and a second surface modification is on the mismatching side. Container being located. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the first fixing strip comprises a plurality of the surface modifications. 59. The container of claim 58, wherein the first fixation strip has a mating side and a mismatching side, and the surface changer is located on the mating side. 59. The container of claim 58, wherein the first fixation strip has a mating side and a mismatching side, and the surface modification is located on the mismatching side. 59. The container of claim 58, wherein the first fastening strip has mating sides and mismatching sides, and the surface modifications are located on the mating sides and the mismatching sides. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the second fastening strip comprises a second surface modification. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the first securing strip has a deformation upon occlusion of the closure device, the deformation causing the surface changer to change from a first visual state to a second visual state. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the first securing strip has a deformation upon occlusion of the closure device, the deformation opening or closing the surface change. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the first fixing strip comprises a base and a closing element, and the surface changer is disposed on the base. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the first fixing strip comprises a base and a closing element, and the surface changer is disposed in the closing element. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first fastening strip comprises a first closure element and further comprises a first wing extending from the first fastening strip, The second fixing strip comprises a second closing element for mating with the first closing element, the second fixing strip further comprising a second wing for engaging with the first wing, The first fixing portion is adapted to deflect at least a portion of the first fixing strip when the first and second fixing strips engage to cause the surface changer to change from a first visual state to a second visual state. A container engaged with the second wing to create within the strip. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first fixing strip includes a pair of first wings integrally attached to and extending from the first fixing strip, wherein the second fixing strip is integrally attached to the second fixing strip. A pair of second blade openings extending therefrom, the second wings being spaced apart on the second fixing strip to engage the first wings. 68. The device of claim 67, wherein the first closure element comprises a pair of spaced webs integrally attached to and extending from the first fastening strip, the web terminates in a male hook, the male hooks mutually A male hook portion directed away, the second closure element comprises a pair of spaced apart webs integrally attached to and extending from the second fastening strip, the web terminating in the female hook, The female hook comprises a female hook portion directed towards each other to engage the male hook. 70. The container of claim 69, wherein one of the securing strips comprises a spacer member. 45. The container of claim 44, wherein the first closure element comprises a first web integrally attached to and extending from the first securing strip, wherein the first web terminates with an arrowhead. 64. The container of claim 63, wherein the deformation is inward deformation. 64. The container of claim 63, wherein the deformation is outward deformation. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first securing strip comprises a first closure element, the first closure element comprising a first web integrally attached to and extending from the first securing strip, wherein the first web Courage to terminate with an arrowhead. 75. The container of claim 74, wherein the surface changer is located at the arrowhead. 76. The container of claim 75, wherein the surface changer is opened upon occlusal engagement of the closure device. 77. The container of claim 76, wherein the surface modification portion is made of a fluorescent material and becomes brighter in appearance or weaker in appearance when occlusion of the fraud closure device. 78. The container of claim 77, wherein said fluorescent material is an edge glow material and said visual confirmation is an edge glow effect. 80. The container of claim 78, wherein being weaker in appearance includes not appearing apparent. 76. The container of claim 75, wherein the first fixing strip comprises a first material and a second material, and wherein the surface changer extends through the first material into the second material. 81. The container of claim 80, wherein the second material is closed with the surface changer and substantially hidden when viewing the surface changer. 84. The container of claim 81, wherein the closure device comprises a portion of the container sidewall, the first material is a portion of the container sidewall, and the second material is another portion of the closure device. 82. The container of claim 81, wherein the first material substantially surrounds the second material. 84. The container of claim 81, wherein the first material and the second material are coextruded. 84. The container of claim 81, wherein the first material is opaque. 86. The container of claim 85, wherein said second fixing strip is translucent.

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