WO2002080725A1

WO2002080725A1 - Bag closure

Info

Publication number: WO2002080725A1
Application number: PCT/GB2002/001047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Cooke; Marc Mccarthy
Original assignee: Aquapac International Limited
Priority date: 2001-04-02
Filing date: 2002-03-08
Publication date: 2002-10-17
Also published as: GB0108197D0

Abstract

A bag closure for closing the opening of a bag defined by a pair of edges (5, 6) comprising two elongate members (1, 2) releasably connectable to each other with the edges of the bag clamped between the elongate members. A slider (4) is mounted on one of the elongate members. A cam surface (3) is provided on one of the elongate members. The movement of the slider (4) relative to the cam surface (3) causes the elongate members (1, 2) to be forced together, thereby clamping together the open edges of the bag. A bag including a closure, and a method of closing a bag using a closure is disclosed.

Description

BAG CLOSURE

This invention relates to a closure for a sealable bag, in particular, but not exclusively, to a waterproof bag, to a sealable bag including a closure, and to a method of closing a bag.

A bag with a releasable closure is disclosed in CH-A-171901. The closure comprises two rails. One rail is attached to the bag along its open end and carries part of a press-stud. The other rail carries the complementary part of the stud. Engagement of the press stud parts holds the rails together with the open end of the bag clamped therebetween.

US-A-1899696 describes a waterproof bag having an open end which can be temporarily closed between two clip members. One clip member is secured to one side of the open top of the bag. The clip members are connected by a spring hinge at one end and can be fastened together by a depressible spring clasp at the other to close the bag.

One use of sealable bags of the type to which the invention relates is by yachtsmen for carrying water sensitive materials or equipment. One known bag for this purpose comprises a pouch which is closed by pressing the portions of the bag around the open end together and then folding them over. The pouch is provided with two pairs of holes each passing through both sheets of the pouch, one pair being positioned further from the opening than the other, such that on folding they may be aligned. A pair of plastic strips is then clamped together on either side of the folded end by passing bolts protruding from one of the strips through the pouch holes and apertures in the other strip and then securing the ends of the bolts with nuts. The strips are contoured, each having a central section out of the plane of the remainder which causes clamping of the folded edge of the bag on either side of the central section when the strips are connected.

This known sealable bag suffers from a number of disadvantages. The main drawback is that the closure is neither quick nor simple to use. The operation of assembling the different parts of the closure and bag, and tightening the nuts is awkward, requires both hands and may take 30 seconds or longer. Additionally, when disassembled, the two strips are detached from the bag and may get lost, particularly if the bag is opened by a person engaged in an activity such as sailing or canoeing.

A further disadvantage is that the nuts may be inadequately tightened which means that proper sealing may not be effected. Furthermore, because of the common usage of such bags in a marine environment the nuts and bolts must be made from marine grade steel which is resistant to rusting, which adds to the expense of production of the bag. The folded top requires additional material which adds to the cost of the bag.

In our European Patent EP-B-0763377, we disclose and claim a bag including a closure comprising two bars, one or both of which are secured to edges of the bag. The two bars are releasably connectable together to clamp the edge of the bag therebetween to close the bag. The releasable connection is formed by at least one bayonet connector. Accordingly, the bars are connected to each other by the twisting of a bayonet closure. In a preferred example, the pins that are rotated to close the bag include arms that are arranged to run along an inclined cam surface, such that the rotation of the pin causes a camming action that further increases the clamping force between the bars.

Whilst the bag according to our earlier patent has proved very successful, in some cases, the small size of the bayonet connector may make it difficult for a user to quickly open or close the bag. According to the present invention, a closure for a bag with an access opening defined by a pair of edges comprises two elongate members releasably connectable to each other with the edges of the bag clamped between the elongate members to close the access opening, a slider mounted on one of the elongate members, and a cam surface provided on one of the elongate members such that the movement of the slider relative to the cam surface causes the elongate members to be forced together.

In one example, a closure for a bag with an access opening defined by a pair of edges comprises a first elongate member secured to at least part of one edge of the bag, a second elongate member releasably connectable to the first with the edges of the bag clamped between the first and second elongate members to close the opening, and a slider mounted on one of the first and second elongate members, the other of the first and second elongate members including a cam surface such that the movement of the slider relative to the cam surface causes the first and second elongate members to be forced together.

The present invention has many possible advantages over the prior art including our earlier bayonet closure. In particular, the closure mechanism of the present invention may be smaller, both in terms of the height and thickness of the closure than in the prior art. Further, there is no requirement for the closure to include any projecting components. This is advantageous both aesthetically, since this gives a large uninterrupted surface on which decoration or advertising may be provided, and also means that there are no projecting parts that could be knocked or may snag on other items, and which may result in damage to the closure or to the other items with which the projections come into contact. The closure is also easy to operate. This is of particular importance when the bag may be used in cold or wet conditions where a user may be wearing gloves, and therefore has difficulty in operating a small and complex closure system. Preferably the slider is arranged to slide generally linearly along the first and/or second elongate member.

Especially compared to our earlier system in which the cam surface was acted upon by an arm on a rotating pin, and therefore the length and area of the cam surface was small, the cam surface of the present invention can be longer (giving greater mechanical advantage and more compression of the elongate members), and of greater area (leading to reduced wear).

In one example of the present invention, the first and second elongate members are provided separately. In this case, it is preferred that the closure includes a plurality of sliders and associated cam surfaces. For example, there may be provided two cam surfaces and associated sliders, each arranged to act towards opposite ends of the elongate members. In this case, the two cam surfaces may both be provided on one of the elongate members and the sliders mounted on the other elongate member, or a slider and a cam surface may be provided on each of the elongate members.

Where two separate elongate members are provided, these may both be connected to an edge of the bag, or one of these may be free. It is advantageous for both elongate members to be secured to the bag, since this helps prevent loss of an unsecured member. However, the advantage of having one of the members free from the bag is that this may give less restricted access to the bag.

In an alternative example, the two elongate members may be connected to each other, for example by a hinge connection at one end of the members. In this case, there need only be provided a single slider and a single cam surface. This is preferably provided at the end of the members remote from the hinge. Additional cam surfaces and sliders may be provided. Preferably, at least one of the elongate members is connected to the bag. Where one or both members is connected to the bag, this connection can be achieved by any suitable means. In a preferred example, the member includes at least one projection that passes through the bag, and which is received in or connected to an enlarged portion to hold the elongate member on the bag. The member may be adhered or welded to the bag.

It is preferred that the slider is secured to the elongate member in such a way that this cannot be accidentally removed from the elongate member. This is advantageous both as it prevents accidental removal and loss of the slider, and also as this means that the slider does not need to be installed on the elongate member when the bag is to be closed, but can merely be slid along the slider.

It is preferred that an indication is given when the slider is in the closed position, for example by a snapping of a projection on one of the slider and an elongate member in a recess in the other of the slider and the elongate member. In this way, a user can be sure that the slider is in the closed position. It is also preferred that the slider is held in the closed position, such that this does not accidentally slide away from the closed position and open the bag.

The present invention also covers a sealable bag including a closure, and a method of sealing a bag, comprising providing two elongate members, one of which includes a cam surface, positioning the opening of the bag between the elongate members, and sliding a slider along the elongate members and over the cam surface to clamp the elongate members together and thereby seal the bag.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an end view of a bag according to a first example of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an end view of a bag according to a second example of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the closure of Figures 1 or 2;

Figures 4a and 4b show a first elongate element of a closure for use in the present invention;

Figures 5a and 5b show a second elongate element of a closure for use in the present invention;

Figures 6a to 6c show a slider of a closure for use in the present invention;

Figures 7 to 9 show the assembly of the closure of the bag; and

Figures 10 to 12 show an alternative means of attaching an elongate member to the bag.

Figure 1 shows a general example of the principle of the present invention, according to one embodiment. This shows an end view of a bag in an opened condition.

The bag has two opposed edges 5, 6 defining the opening to the bag. On one of the edges 6, a bar or rail 1 is provided. This is attached to the edge 6 of the bag as described below. The rail 1 extends beyond the sides of the bag.

A slider 4 is provided on each end of the rail 1. The sliders 4 include an opening extending through the slider 4, and are therefore able to slide along the rail 1.

Another bar or rail 2 is mounted to the other edge 5 of the bag. The rail 2 is shorter than the rail 1 , such that, when the sliders 4 are moved to the end of the rail 1 , these are not in contact with the rail 2, and therefore the rail 2 is free to move with respect to the rail 1. This permits separation of the edges 5,6 of the bag, allowing access to the interior of the bag.

Each end of the rail 2 includes a camming surface 3. The camming surface may be convexly curved, or may merely incline. In use, to close the bag, the rails 1 ,2 are held together, and the sliders 4 are slid along the rail 1 towards the rail 2. As the sliders 4 come into contact with the respective camming surfaces 3, and the camming surfaces 3 enter into the hollow portion of the sliders 4, the continued movement of the sliders 4 over the camming surface will force the rail 2 towards the rail 1, and thereby clamp together the edges 5,6 of the bag.

It will be appreciated that the inclined cam surface may be provided on the rail 1 on which the slider 4 is mounted, in which case the second rail 2 may have a flat surface.

As shown in the cross-section of Figure 3, one of the elongate members 1 includes a longitudinal groove 7 and the other elongate member 2 includes a corresponding longitudinal projection 8. When the elongate members 1,2 are clamped together, the projection 8 extends into the groove 7, thereby applying more pressure to clamp the edges of the bag.

Figures 4 to 9 show a specific embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4a and 4b show an example of a first elongate member 1 for use with the present invention. Figure 4a shows the inner side of the elongate member 1 , which is, in use, in contact with the edge of the bag, and Figure 4b shows the outer side of the elongate member 1.

The elongate member 1 includes a pair of holes 10 that receive pins or rivets for connecting the elongate member 1 to one of the edges of the bag. In a preferred example, an anchor is provided comprising a body portion with two pins extending from one side thereof. The anchor is provided on the inside of the edge of the bag, and the pins extend through two spaced holes on the edge of the bag and into the two holes 10 of the elongate member 1, where they are held, for example by an interference fit. Other mechanisms for connecting the elongate member 1 to the edge of the bag are possible, including welding or the use of an adhesive.

The elongate member 1 includes openings 15, 16 for receiving projections of the sliders 4, to be described below, stops 11, 12 which are provided to prevent the slider 4 from sliding off the end of the elongate member 1 , as described below, and a pair of recesses 14 on the outer surface for receiving a projection of the sliders 4 to hold the sliders 4 in a closed position, again as described below. It will be appreciated that the nature and location of the various projections and recesses on the elongate member 1 for interaction with the sliders 4 may be varied, depending upon the nature of the corresponding features of the sliders 4, and the required functions.

Figures 5a and 5b show an example of a second elongate member 2 for use with the present invention. Figure 5b shows the inner side of the elongate member 2, which is, in use, in contact with the edge of the bag, and Figure 5a shows the outer side of the elongate member 2.

The second elongate member 2 includes a pair of holes 21 for connection to the opposite edge of the bag to the first elongate member 1 in a similar manner to that in which the first elongate member 1 is connected to the bag edge. As with the first elongate member 1 , the second elongate member 2 can be secured to the edge 5 of the bag by any suitable means.

It will be appreciated that the first and/or second elongate member can be free from the bag. The second elongate member 2 includes a cam surface 3 at each end, each cam surface 3 being in the form of a curved ramp. Other shapes or profiles of cam surface are possible. The second elongate member 2 is shorter than the first elongate member 1 , preferably having a length corresponding generally to the length of the opening of the bag.

Stops 22 are provided to interact with the slider 4, as will be described below, to hold the slider 4 in a closed position.

Figures 6a to 6c show a preferred slider 4 for use in the present invention. The slider 4 comprises a body portion having an opening 30 through which the end of the first elongate member 1 may pass. The slider 4 includes a back portion 38 arranged to run along the outer side of the first elongate member 1. Top and bottom runners 41 , 40 are provided to run respectively along the top and bottom surfaces of the first elongate member 1. Projections 35, 34 are provided on the top and bottom runners 41 , 40 respectively. In use, as described in greater detail below, these projections 35, 34 will abut against the stops 12, 11 on the inner side of the first elongate member 1 to prevent the slider 4 sliding off the end of the first elongate member 1. The slider 4 also includes a front portion 37, the inner surface of which is arranged, in use, to contact and run along the cam surface 3 of the second elongate member 2 to close the bag as the slider 4 is slid along the first elongate member 1, as described in greater detail below.

The slider 4 also includes two cantilever arms 32, 36, each of which include a projection 33, 31 at their end. These projections are arranged to hold the slider 4 in a desired position, as described in greater detail below.

Features of the slider 4 (of which there are usually two, one at each end of the first elongate member 1) and of the elongate members 1 , 2 will be best understood from a description of the assembly and subsequent operation of the bag closure. The assembly of the closure requires that the sliders 4 are first mounted on the first elongate member 1. As shown in Figure 7, one end of the first elongate member 1 is passed through the opening 30 of a slider 4, such that the slider 4 can be slid along the first elongate member 1. In this position, the projections 35, 34 of the top and bottom runners 41, 40 of the slider 1 pass behind the first elongate member 1. The slider 4 is slid along the first elongate member until the projections 35, 34 are in alignment with the openings 15, 16 of the first elongate member 1. The projections 35, 34 are then passed through the respective openings 15, 16, bringing these in front of the inner side of the first elongate member 1. The slider 4 is then slid back along the first elongate member 1 , the back of the slider 30, the top and bottom runners 41 , 40 and the inner side of the projections 35, 34 running along the top and bottom surfaces of the first elongate member 1. The slider 4 can be slid along the first elongate member 1 until the projections 35, 34 contact the stops 12, 11 of the first elongate member 1 , and prevent further movement, as shown in Figure 8. The second slider 4 is mounted onto the other end of the first elongate member 1.

When the sliders 4 are mounted on the first elongate member 1 , the first elongate member 1 is anchored to the edge 6 of the bag using an anchor 50 as described above. This is shown in Figure 9. As can be seen in this Figure, the body of the anchor covers the openings 15 of the first elongate member 1. Accordingly, this prevents the sliders 4 from being slid to a position in which the projections 35 can pass through the opening 15, and therefore prevents the removal of the sliders 4. If the sliders 4 are to be removed, it is therefore first necessary to remove the anchor 50. This therefore ensures that the sliders 4 are not accidentally removed from the first elongate member 1.

The second elongate member 2 is secured to the opposite edge 5 of the bag through the use of a similar anchor to that used for attaching the first elongate member 1 to the edge 6 of the bag. To close the bag, the sliders 4 are slid to the extreme ends of the first elongate member 1. The two elongate members 1 , 2 are then manually held together, clamping the edges 5, 6 of the bag between them. The sliders 4 are then slid along the first elongate member 1 towards a central position. In this way, the surface 37 of each of the sliders 4 contacts the cam surface 3 at the end of the second elongate member 2. Due to the ramp cam surface 3 of the second elongate member 2, continued movement of the sliders 4 towards the centre of the elongate members 1 , 2 exerts a progressively increasing clamping force between the two elongate members 1 , 2. This clamping force clamps together the two edges 5, 6 of the bag, thereby sealing this.

As the sliders 4 are slid along the first elongate member 1, the projection 31 on the end of the cantilever arm 36 will slide along the back surface of the first elongate member 1. When the sliders 4 have moved to their closed position, the projection 31 will snap into the recess 14 provided on the back surface of the first elongate member 1. This snapping action can be felt by the user, and will indicate to the user that the slider 4 is in the final position.

Further, as the slider 4 approaches its final position, the projection 33 on the upper cantilever arm 32 will contact the edge of the projection 22 on the second elongate member 22. Due to the curved edge of the projection 22, the continued movement of the slider 4 will force the end of the cantilever arm 32 downwardly, such that the projection 33 on the end of the cantilever arm 32 passes under the projection 22 on the second elongate member 2. After the projection 33 has passed beyond the projection 22, the action of the cantilever arm 32 will cause the projection 33 to lift. After this, movement of the slider 4 towards the respective end of the first elongate member 1 is prevented, since the projection 33 abuts against the projection 22. To open the bag after this condition is reached, it is necessary to manually depress the cantilever 32 so that the projection 33 is below the level of the projection 22, and in this condition the slider 4 may be slid towards the end of the first elongate member 1, thereby releasing the clamping force.

It will be appreciated that the various stops may be omitted without effecting the general operation of the closure, however in this case there is a risk that the sliders 4 may not be held in the required position, or that these may become separated from the elongate members 1 , 2 and lost.

It will also be appreciated that not both of the elongate members 1 , 2 need be secured to the edges of the bag. This may have the advantage that this gives less restricted access to the bag when opened, but again leads to the risk that the unsecured member may be lost.

An alternative example of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. In this case, the second elongate member 2 is hinged to one end of the first elongate member 1. The second elongate member 2 is not secured to the edge of the bag. Further, the second elongate member 2 includes only one cam surface 3, at the end remote from the hinge 17, and only a single slider 4 is provided. In use, when open, the slider 4 is slid to the end of the first elongate member 1 , such that the elongate members 1, 2 are free to hinge with respect to each other. In this way, the second elongate member 2 may be moved away from the edge 5 of the bag, allowing unrestricted access to the interior of the bag. When the bag is to be closed, the second elongate member 2 is hinged with respect to the first elongate member 1 to clamp the edges 5, 6 of the bag between the first and second elongate members 1 , 2. The slider 4 is then slid towards the centre of the first elongate member 1 , and in doing so runs over the cam surface 3 of the second elongate member 2, clamping the elongate members 1 , 2 together.

Figures 10 to 12 show an alternative example of a connection between a rail 1 and a bag. The rail 1 includes a pair of projections 55. These extend through holes provided in the edge of the bag, as best shown in Figure 10. A plastic washer 50' is provided with two holes corresponding to the pins 55. As shown in Figure 11 , the plastic washer 50' can be slid onto the pins 55. In this position, a sonotrode is placed on the end of the pins 55. The high frequency vibration produced by the sonotrode causes localised frictional heat to be produced, causing the end of the pins to reform into an enlarged head 55' as shown in Figure 12. This prevents removal of the washer 50', and accordingly holds the rail 1 to the bag.

Other methods may be provided for connecting the rail to the bag, for example using rivets, bolts, adhesive or by welding.

Claims

1. A closure for a bag with an access opening defined by a pair of edges comprising two elongate members releasably connectable to each other with the edges of the bag clamped between the elongate members to close the access opening, a slider mounted on one of the elongate members, and a cam surface provided on one of the elongate members such that the movement of the slider relative to the cam surface causes the elongate members to be forced together.

2. A closure according to Claim 1, in which the closure includes a plurality of sliders and associated cam surfaces.

3. A closure according to Claim 2, including two sliders and associated cam surfaces, each arranged to act towards opposite ends of the two elongate members.

4. A closure according to Claim 3, in which the two cam surfaces are provided on one of the elongate members and the sliders mounted on the other elongate member.

5. A closure according to Claim 3, in which a slider and a cam surface are provided on each of the elongate members.

6. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each slider is arranged to slide generally linearly along the one or both of the elongate members.

7. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which one of the elongate members is connectable to an edge of the bag.

8. A closure according to Claim 7, in which both of the elongate members are connectable to a respective edge of the bag.

9. A closure according to Claim 7, in which only one of the elongate members is connectable to an edge of the bag.

10. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongate members are provided separately from each other.

11. A closure according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the elongate members are connected to each other.

12. A closure according to Claim 11 , in which the elongate members are connected to each other by a hinge connection at one end of the members.

13. A closure according to Claim 11 , including a single slider and associated cam surface, provided at the end of the members remote from the hinge.

14. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one elongate member connectable to the bag includes at least one projection that passes through the bag, and which is received in or connected to an enlarged portion to hold the elongate member on the bag.

15. A closure according to Claim 14, in which the projection comprises a pin or rivet connectable to the elongate member.

16. A closure according to Claim 15, in which the at least one projection is provided on an anchor, the projection passing through the elongate member, through the bag and being receivable in or connected to the enlarged portion.

17. A closure according to Claim 16, in which the anchor includes at least two projections, each passing through the elongate member, through the bag and being receivable in or connected to the enlarged portion.

18. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one elongate member is connectable to the bag by adhering or welding the elongate member to the bag.

19. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each slider is secured to the elongate member in such a way that this cannot be accidentally removed from the elongate member.

20. A closure according to Claim 19, in which the elongate member on which the slider is provided includes a projection or stop to prevent the slider sliding off the end of the elongate member.

21. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, further including an indicator to indicate when the slider is in the closed position.

22. A closure according to Claim 21 , in which the indicator comprises a projection on one of the slider and an elongate member in a recess in the other of the slider and the elongate member, such that the projection is received within the recess to provide the indication.

23. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, including a lock to retain the slider in the closed position.

24. A closure according to Claim 23 when dependent upon Claim 21 or Claim 22, in which the indicator additionally acts as the lock.

25. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, in which one of the elongate members includes a longitudinal groove, and the other of the elongate members includes a longitudinal projection or rib, such that, when the closure is closed, the longitudinal projection or rib extends into the longitudinal groove.

26. A bag including an opening defined by two edges, and a closure according to any one of the preceding claims for closing the bag by squeezing the edges of the bag between the two elongate members of the closure.

27. A bag according to Claim 26, in which at least one of the elongate members is attached to an edge of the bag.

28. A bag according to Claim 27, in which both the elongate members are attached to respective edges of the bag.

29. A method of sealing a bag, comprising providing two elongate members, one of which includes a cam surface, positioning the opening of the bag between the elongate members, and sliding a slider along the elongate members and over the cam surface to clamp the elongate members together and thereby seal the bag.