WO2019148454A1

WO2019148454A1 - Child-proof re-sealable container

Info

Publication number: WO2019148454A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/075141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Haowei SHEN; Zhengqiang XIE
Original assignee: Shanghai Yuanding International Ltd.
Priority date: 2018-02-02
Filing date: 2018-02-02
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Also published as: CN110446665A

Abstract

Re-sealable container, such as a re-sealable bag(10), is provided for child-proof or child-resistant access to the contents of the re-sealable container. Two closure strips(20,26) are used to effectuate closure of the re-sealable container. A first of the two closure strips(20) is connected only along a single longitudinal edge(20C) so that a user attempting to open the re-sealable container using the respective edges(14,18) of the walls(12,16) forming the re-sealable container encounters increased releasing forces. A release tab(28) is incorporated on a second wall(16) of the re-sealable container. Grasping the release tab allows the user attempting to open the re-sealable container to encounter decreased releasing forces.

Description

CHILD-PROOF RE-SEALABLE CONTAINER

Technical Field

The disclosed technology relates generally to containers, and more particularly, to re-sealable containers having a child-proof or child-resistant seal or closure mechanism.

Description of the Related Art

Containers may be used to hold certain products, such as medicinal pills, capsules, tablets, or other products to which restricted access is desired. Such containers are often configured as a bottle having a particular lid or cap configuration that prevents or makes it difficult for children to access the contents of the bottle. For example, bottles that hold prescription medicines are often sealed with a “push-down-and-turn” lid assembly. The lid assembly of such bottles generally include two caps. The outer cap spins freely until pushed downward, thereby engaging an inner cap. The entire lid assembly may then be twisted off the bottle. Still other child-proof or child-resistant containers may be containers that hold gasoline or other harmful liquids, such as caustic liquids or fluids, e.g., drain cleaner. Such containers often employ a lid closure that includes a first tab or other protruding section that engages a second tab near the container opening preventing the lid closure from being twisted off the container. The first tab is pushed inward to clear the second tab, allowing the lid closure to be twisted off the container.

Brief Summary of Embodiments

In accordance with one embodiment, a re-sealable container comprises a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls being sealed together such that interior sides of the first and second walls form a storage space therebetween, and wherein a first wall edge and a second wall edge define an opening for the storage space. The re-sealable container may further comprise a first closure strip connected to the first wall, the first closure strip comprising a first female interlocking channel proximate to a first male interlocking bead. Further still, the re-sealable container may comprise a second closure strip connected to the second wall, the second closure strip comprising a second male interlocking bead operatively connectable to the first female interlocking channel of the first closure strip, and a second female interlocking channel operatively connectable to the first male interlocking bead of the first closure strip. Additionally still, the re-sealable container may comprise a release tab formed by at least a portion of the second wall. The release tab may be positioned proximate to the second closure strip along an outer side of the second wall, wherein a decreased releasing force is encountered at the release tab and an increased releasing force is encountered at the second wall edge, the decreased and increased releasing forces being associated with releasing the second male interlocking bead from the first female interlocking channel and releasing the first male interlocking bead from the second female interlocking channel.

In some embodiments, the first closure strip connects to the first wall along a single longitudinal portion of the first closure strip, wherein the a portion of the first closure strip distal from the single longitudinal portion of the first closure strip and comprising at least the first closure strip is movable. In some embodiments, the first closure strip moves and remains connected to the second closure strip upon application of a pulling force resulting from pulling the first and second wall edges apart from each other. In some embodiments, the increased releasing force is encountered at the second wall edge upon being pulled away from the first wall edge. In some embodiments, the first female interlocking channel and the first male interlocking bead upon connection to the second male interlocking bead and the second female interlocking channel, respectively, experience a shearing force upon separation of the first and second wall edges from each other.

The shearing force may be less than the increased releasing force needed to release the first female interlocking channel and the first male interlocking bead from the second male interlocking bead and the second female interlocking channel, respectively.

In some embodiments, the shearing force is applied along a plane defined by backing sections of the first and second closure strips.

In some embodiments, a pulling force applied by the release tab that is substantially perpendicular to the first closure strip is greater than the decreased releasing force releases the first female interlocking channel and the first male interlocking bead from the second male interlocking bead and the second female interlocking channel.

In some embodiments, one edge of the release tab is anchored proximate to the second closure strip. In some embodiments, the single longitudinal portion of the first closure strip is connected to an interior side of the first wall substantially across from the one edge of the release tab anchored to the second wall.

In some embodiments, the release tab formed from the second wall or formed separately from the second wall.

In some embodiments, the first male interlocking bead comprises a post extending into the storage space. In some embodiments, the first male interlocking bead further comprises at least two extensions forming a first arrow-shaped retaining element, each of the at least two extensions protruding away from the post in opposite directions.

In some embodiments, a first of the at least two extensions extends further in its respective direction that a second of the at least two extensions.

In some embodiments, the second female interlocking channel comprises at least two hooks extending into the storage space, and formed to engagingly accept the first arrow-shaped retaining element and at least a portion of the post of the first male interlocking bead.

In some embodiments, the second male interlocking bead comprises a post extending into the storage space. In some embodiments, the second male interlocking bead further comprises at least two extensions forming a second arrow-shaped retaining element, each of the at least two extensions protruding away from the post in opposite directions. In some embodiments, a first of the at least two extensions extends further in its respective direction that a second of the at least two extensions.

In some embodiments, the first female interlocking channel comprises at least two hooks extending into the storage space, and formed to engagingly accept the second arrow-shaped retaining element and at least a portion of the post of the second male interlocking bead.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of opening a re-sealable container comprises applying a separating force to each of a first closure strip connected to a first wall of the re-sealable container and a second closure strip connected to a second wall of the re-sealable container. Interior sides of the first and second walls form a storage space therebetween, and a first wall edge and a second wall edge define an opening for the storage space. Moreover, the first closure strip comprises a first female interlocking channel proximate to a first male interlocking bead. The second closure strip may comprise a second male interlocking bead operatively connectable to the first female interlocking channel of the first closure strip, and a second female interlocking channel operatively connectable to the first male interlocking bead of the first closure strip. The separating force applied to the second closure strip may be applied by way of a release tab positioned proximate to the second closure strip along an outer side of the second wall. A decreased releasing force is encountered at the release tab and an increased releasing force is encountered at the second wall edge, the decreased and increased releasing forces being associated with releasing the second male interlocking bead from the first female interlocking channel and releasing the first male interlocking bead from the second female interlocking channel.

In some embodiments, applying the separating force to the second closure strip by way of second wall edge results in encountering the increased releasing force.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosed technology. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader’s understanding of the disclosed technology and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an example re-sealable container in accordance with one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of the example re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate front and side views of the re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method of grasping a first wall end to open the re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method of grasping a release tab to open the re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an example method of releasing the closure mechanism of the re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an example mechanism and method of revealing a release tab to open the re-sealable container of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a first closure strip of the re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a second closure strip of the re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the first closure strip mated to the second closure strip of the re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second closure strips and the release tab positioned relative to the walls of the re-sealable container of FIG. 1.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the technology disclosed herein can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are directed to re-sealable containers that are child-proof or child-resistant. In some embodiments, the re-sealable containers have a closure mechanism that results in a releasing force (the force needed to open the closure mechanism) that can differ depending on the manner in which a user attempts to open the re-sealable container. In some embodiments, a re-sealable container may comprise a re-sealable bag formed by joining two walls to create a storage space therebetween.

Conventional re-sealable containers, e.g., pinch and seal bags, may also be formed by joining two walls to form a storage space therebetween. However, the pinch and seal mechanism of these conventional re-sealable containers are not designed to be child-proof or child-resistant. Rather, any user may simply pull apart the ends or edges of the two walls to release the pinch and seal mechanism.

Unlike conventional re-sealable containers, such as the aforementioned pinch and seal bags, the closure mechanism disclosed herein may include a first closure strip attached or connected to a first wall and a second closure strip attached to a second wall. The first and second closure strips can be adapted to matingly engage, connect, or interlock with one another. Either the first or second closure strip can be attached or connected to its respective wall along a single longitudinal portion or edge so that conventional attempts to release the closure mechanism results in that closure strip remaining mated or interlocked with the other closure strip. A gripping portion or release tab formed on the other wall proximate to the other closure strip allows a user to generate the proper leverage or releasing force to unlock or un-mate the first and second closure strips from each other.

Bags generally weigh less than bottles. Moreover, bags can be deformed to a certain extent, potentially making shipment and/or storage easier and more efficient. Further still, the closure mechanism disclosed herein can be used to make such re-sealable bags water and/or gas (e.g., air) tight, allowing its contents to remain unaltered by the effects of exposure to water and/or gas. Accordingly, various embodiments provide child-proof or child-resistant functionality in a protective, re-sealable bag format.

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an example re-sealable container in accordance with one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a re-sealable container may be a re-sealable bag 10. Re-sealable bag 10 may be formed by joining two pieces of a material, such as a plastic polymer, e.g., a low-density or linear low-density polyethylene (LDPE or LLDPE) depending on the desired strength of re-sealable bag 10. In some embodiments, the two pieces of material may differ. For example, in some embodiments, one piece may be the above-noted LDPE/LLDPE material, while another piece may be a metallic foil or Mylar material. It should be understood that other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art and/or appropriate for containing products or items for storage may be used. Still other examples of materials (e.g., films) that can be used in manufacturing re-sealable container 10 include, but are not limited to one of, or a combination of polyethylene terephthalate/polyester (PET) , polyvinylidene chloride coated/laminated PET (KPET) , vacuum metallized PET (VMPET) , polyamide (PA) , KRAFT, aluminum (ALU) , biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) , metallized BOPP (MBOPP) , cast polypropylene (CPP) , retort cast polypropylene (RCPP) , vaccum metallized polypropylene (VMCPP) , ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer polyethylene (EVOHPE) .

Returning to the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the two pieces of material may be fused, bonded, or otherwise joined using some other method of adhering the two pieces of material together, e.g., by heat sealing or gluing. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the two pieces of material, i.e.,

walls

12 and 16, may be joined along respective lengthwise sections thereof, i.e.,

lengthwise sections

22a and 22b. It should be understood that more than two pieces of material may be used to construct a re-sealable container in accordance with various embodiments. For example, multiple layers of materials may be used for each side (front/back) of a re-sealable container in accordance with other embodiments. For example, multiple layers can be used to better contain products or items to be stored in a re-sealable bag. For example, multiple layers may be used to prevent the odor of a particular product from emanating out of the re-sealable container. When multiple layers of materials are used for one or more sides/walls of re-sealable container 10, such layers may be heat sealed, glued, or otherwise joined together in an appropriate fashion. In some embodiments, such layers may be completely or fully joined together, whereas in some embodiments, it may be only the outer edges of the layers that are joined together. Some example combinations of materials include, but are not limited to the following: PET and LLDPE; PET, ALU, and LLDPE; MBOPP, VMPET, and LLDPE; PET and LLDPE; and PET, ALU, and LLDPE.

In some embodiments, a gusset may be formed at section 24 of re-sealable bag 10. That is, one or both of

walls

12 and 16 may comprise additional material that is folded onto itself prior to joining

walls

12 and 16. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the gusset at a bottom section 24 of re-sealable bag 10 may be formed using a third (or more) piece of material that may be the same or different from the material (s) used to form

walls

12 and 16. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that walls 12 and 16 (or

walls

12, 16, and the above-noted third material) may also be joined to seal a bottom portion of re-sealable bag 10 at section 24.

At an end substantially opposite from bottom section 24 of re-sealable bag 10 (e.g., a top end or open end) , the respective edges of

walls

12 and 16, i.e., edges 14 and 18, may be left un-joined. In some embodiments, re-sealable bag 10 may be initially sealed at or proximate to

edges

14 and 18. In such embodiments,

notches

15a and 15b may be used to guide a user in tearing this initial seal off of re-sealable bag 10. For example, upon packaging the desired product (s) or item (s) in re-sealable bag 10, edges 14 and 18 may be initially sealed for transport, display, etc. At such time that a user wishes to access the contents (e.g., product (s) or item (s) ) contained within re- sealable bag 10, the user may tear off this initial sealed portion to create to un-joined ends or edges of

walls

12 and 16 at the location of the tear.

It should be noted that the resulting height, width, volume, and/or shape of re-sealable bag 10 can be varied according to a manufacturer’s needs/desires. Although some embodiments described herein and illustrated in the corresponding figures is generally rectangularly shaped, re-sealable containers having generally a square shape, triangular shape, ovoid shape, or other shape are contemplated. Moreover, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, a re-sealable container may be formed using other processes, such as an extrusion process, where the re-sealable container may be formed by extruding plastic polymer tubing or similar material. Sections of the extruded tubing may then be pinched, cut, and sealed to form a storage area sealed at one end forming a bottom section, such as bottom section 24 of re-sealable bag 10. Accordingly, a re-sealable container need not necessarily be formed by sealing together two walls.

A first closure strip 20 may comprise a first male interlocking bead (shown as dashed line 20a) and a first female interlocking channel (shown as dashed line 20b) . The first closure strip 20 may be attached along the interior, i.e., inner-facing or storage area-facing side of wall 12 along a longitudinal edge 20c. The attachment of the longitudinal edge 20c of the first closure strip 20 may be effectuated via heat sealing, gluing, or via some other secure attachment method. It should be understood that the first male interlocking bead 20a and the first female interlocking channel 20b are not attached to the interior side of wall 12.

FIG. 3A is a front view of re-sealable bag 10, more clearly illustrating the width of a seal 21 used to attach the first closure strip 20 to the interior side of wall 12. As can be appreciated, the portion of the first closure strip 20 including first male interlocking bead 20a and first female interlocking channel 20b is not attached to the interior side of wall 12. The size of the first closure strip 20 can vary. In some embodiments, the width of the first closure strip 20 can be approximately 13mm (e.g., from about the first male interlocking bead 20a to about the longitudinal edge 20c) . The width of the seal 21 from longitudinal edge 20c extending towards first closure strip 20 may be about 5mm. In some embodiments, a portion of the material (s) may remain unsealed. For example, a “tail” (from longitudinal edge 20c towards section 24 of re-sealable container 10) may remain below seal 21, and can be about 2mm. In some embodiments, the first closure strip 20 may span the entire width of re-sealable bag 10. However, in other embodiments (not shown) , portions of

walls

12 and 16 may be sealed such that the first closure strip 20 need not span the entire width of re-sealable bag 10, albeit the resulting opening may be smaller or narrower. In some embodiments, a portion of re-sealable bag 10 extending from notch 15a towards edge 14 may be about 19mm, while a portion of re-sealable bag 10 extending from notch 15a towards first closure strip 20 may be about 21mm. In some embodiments, the total height of re-sealable bag 10 may be about 70mm to about 1000mm, while the total width of re-sealable bag 10 may be about 50mm to about 3000mm.

The first closure strip 20 may be formed of a plastic polymer, e.g., polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) . In some embodiments, strengthening agents or materials may be added. For example, metal particles may be added to the PP or PE material to increase the strength of first closure strip 20 (as well as second closure strip 26) . It should be understood that other materials may be used to form the first closure strip 20. Generally, the material used to form the first closure strip may exhibit a relatively strong shearing strength to withstand repeated engagement/interlocking and disengagement/unlocking of the first closure strip 20 from a second closure strip 26 (described below) .

Referring now to FIG. 2, a rear perspective view of re-sealable bag 10 is illustrated. Again, at an end substantially opposite from section 24 of re-sealable bag 10, the respective ends or edges of

walls

12 and 16, i.e., edges 14 and 18, may be left un-joined. A second closure strip 26 may comprise a second male interlocking bead (shown as dashed line 26a) and a second female interlocking channel (shown as dashed line 26b) . The second closure strip 26 may be attached along the interior, i.e., inner-facing or storage area-facing, side of wall 16 along the entire width of closure strip 26. That is, unlike the first closure strip 20, the entirety of the second closure strip 26 (i.e., from longitudinal edge 26c up to and including the second male interlocking bead 26b or beyond) is attached to the interior side of wall 16.

FIG. 3B is a rear view of re-sealable bag 10 more clearly illustrating the manner in which the second closure strip 26 may be attached to the interior side of wall 16. In one embodiment two edges of the second closure strip 26 may be attached to the interior side of wall 16 vis-à-vis

seals

27a and 27b. In another embodiment, the entire flat backing of second closure strip 26 (described below) may be attached to the interior side of wall 16 by way of seal 29. As is the case with the first closure strip 20, the size of the second closure strip 26 can also vary. In some embodiments, the width of the second closure strip 26 can be about 29mm, with the width of the seal 27b beginning at longitudinal edge 26c and extending towards second male interlocking bead 26a being about 5mm and the seal 27a beginning at longitudinal edge 26d and extending towards the second female interlocking channel 26b having a width of about 5mm or in some embodiments, about 9mm. In some embodiments, a remaining portion of the second closure strip 26 (or backing) can remain unsealed. Accordingly, a remaining portion of second closure strip 26 (or its backing) above seal 27a may be about 6mm, while a remaining portion of second closure strip 26 (or its backing) below seal 27b may be about 2mm. In some embodiments, the second closure strip 26 may span the entire width of re-sealable bag 10. However, in other embodiments (not shown) , portions of

walls

12 and 16 may be sealed such that the second closure strip 26 need not span the entire width of re-sealable bag 10, albeit the resulting opening may be smaller or narrower. The edge 28a of the release tab 28 is also shown.

It should noted that the first male interlocking bead 20a and the first female interlocking channel 20b may be formed atop a relatively flat backing. The second male interlocking bead 26a and the second female interlocking channel 26b may also be formed atop a relatively flat backing. Accordingly, a portion of the flat backing commensurate with longitudinal edge 20c is attached to the interior side of wall 12. Moreover, the entirety or substantially the entire flat backing of the second closure strip 26 may be attached to the interior side of wall 16 in some embodiments, while in other embodiments, the outer edges of the flat backing of the second closure strip 26 may be attached to the interior side of wall 16. That is, the flat backing of second closure strip 26 may be attached at opposite edges along the length of the second closure strip 26, effectively attaching the entirety of the second closure strip 26 to the interior wall 16. Attachment of the longitudinal edge 20c of the first closure strip 20 as well the flat backing of the second closure strip 26 may be effectuated via heat sealing, gluing, or via some other secure attachment method. It should be understood that although a relatively flat backing is described in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein, the respective backings of first closure strip 20 and second closure strip 26 need not necessarily be flat, so long as the aforementioned attachment to the interior sides of

walls

12 and 16 can be effectuated.

It should be further understood that by virtue of attaching only the longitudinal edge 20 of the first closure strip to the interior side of wall 12, the first male interlocking bead 20a and the first female interlocking channel 20b are left unattached. When re-sealable bag 10 is in a closed state, the first male interlocking bead 20a is engaged with the second female interlocking channel 26b, and the first female interlocking channel 20b is engaged with the second male interlocking bead 26a.

A user, such as a child, would generally attempt to open re-sealable bag 10 by grasping

edges

14 and 18 to disengage the first closure strip 20 and the second closure strip 26 from each other commensurate with the conventional manner of opening a pinch and seal bag (as explained above) . However, attempts to open re-sealable bag 10 in this manner results in the user exerting a releasing force only on the longitudinal edge 20c of the first closure strip 20. That is, the first male interlocking bead 20a and the first female interlocking channel 20b are free to move and stay engaged with the second female interlocking channel 26b and the second male interlocking bead 26a, respectively. In other words, the releasing force a user attempts to impart to the first closure strip 20 and the second closure strip 26 to disengage them from each other is actually focused on the longitudinal edge 20c that is attached (e.g., heat sealed or glued) to the interior side of wall 12. This attachment is a relatively permanent attachment resulting in a sealed arrangement that cannot or would be very difficult to break with a user’s hand strength alone. Attempting to open re-sealable bag 10 in the conventional manner, again, would result in a user encountering four sealing points (i.e., first and second female and make interlocking channels and beads) , where the releasing force is asymmetrically applied, e.g., where the amount of releasing force needed would be about 6.2 kg of force.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method of opening re-sealable bag 10, whereby a user may grasp a portion of wall 12 substantially at or around edge 14. It should be understood that in view of the manner in which conventional pinch and seal bags are opened, using this portion of wall 12 would be intuitively grasped by the user in an attempt to open re-sealable bag 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method of opening re-sealable bag 10 from the perspective of the rear wall 16. To open a conventional pinch and seal bag, a user would intuitively grasp a portion of wall 16 substantially at or around edge 18. However, unlike conventional pinch and seal bags, a user in this instance would instead grasp a portion of release tab 28. Release tab 28 may span the entire width of re-sealable bag 10 (as illustrated in FIG. 5) . However, in other embodiments, release tab 28 may be less than the entire width of re-sealable bag 10.

In some embodiments, release tab 28 may be formed as part of wall 16. That is, when manufacturing re-sealable bag 10, wall 16 may be a continuous sheet or section of material extending from one end of re-sealable bag 10 at or about bottom section 24 to edge 18. Taking advantage of the dual seals or attachment areas used to attach the second closure strip 26 to the interior side of wall 16 (

seals

27a and 27b of FIG. 3B) , release tab 28 may be formed by cutting or slicing just below or proximate to the seal 27a. Due to the cutting or slicing of wall 16, a flap is created that results in the formation of release tab 28. In some embodiments, release tab 28 may be separately formed and attached to the exterior side of wall 16 via some joining method, e.g., heat sealing, gluing etc.

In some embodiments, release tab 28 is configured such that a user viewing the rear or back side of re-sealable bag 10 would not necessarily notice the presence or existence of release tab 28 unless that user was instructed or informed before the user attempts to open re-sealable bag 10. That is, unless grasped (see FIG. 5) , release tab 28 can remain flush with/along the exterior side of wall 16. Accordingly, a child without previous knowledge of the manner in which re-sealable bag 10 is opened, would intuitively grasp wall 16 at or about edge 18. As described above, attempting to open re-sealable bag 10 in this manner would allow the first closure strip 20 to remain engaged with the second closure strip 26, preventing re-sealable bag 10 from being opened. From one perspective, the releasing force generated from a conventional opening attempt is along a plane aligned with the flat backing of the first closure strip 20. Hence, this releasing force is not applied in a direction that would pull apart, i.e., disengage the first closure strip and the second closure strip 26 from each other.

However, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, upon grasping release tab 28 in conjunction with grasping wall 12 at or about edge 14 and pulling in opposite directions (e.g., towards the exterior sides of

walls

12 and 16, shown by

arrows

29a and 29b) , a user would apply a releasing force that would initially disengage the second male interlocking bead 26a from the first female interlocking channel 20b. Subsequently, the first male interlocking bead 20a can be disengaged from the second female interlocking channel 26b. As described in greater detail below, the release force (s) generated by utilizing the release tab 28 is sufficient to overcome the holding force (s) of the first closure strip 20 and the second closure strip 26 when mated due to the particular configuration of the second male interlocking bead 26a and the first female interlocking channel 20b. From one perspective, the releasing force needed to disengage first closure strip 20 and second closure strip 26 from each other when grasping edges 14 and 18 of

walls

12 and 16, respectively, is higher than that needed when grasping release tab 28 and edge 14 of wall 12.

In accordance with another embodiment, release tab 28 may be sealed and/or effectively hidden from plain view, until usage. For example, referring to FIG. 8A, another example of re-sealable container 10 may include release tab 28, wherein release tab 28 is not revealed (its unreleased state) until it is separated from wall 16. Release of release tab 28 from wall 16 can be achieved by grasping a connecting thread 28a or other releasable connection mechanism as illustrated in FIG. 8A. A user may then pull the connecting thread 28 across the length of a seam delineating the separation joint between first and second portions of wall 16, the second (or first) portion of wall 16 becoming release tab 28 as illustrated in FIG. 8B. In some embodiments, a visual and/or physical marker (not shown) can be included on re-sealable container 10 to indicate to a user, where the user should grasp connecting thread 28a and/or a direction in which the user should pull connecting thread 28a to release the release tab 28 from wall 16. This may be provided added security guarding against an unwanted user, e.g., child, from accidently discovering release tab 28. In some embodiments, connecting thread 28a may a removable portion of wall 16, or it may be a separate component initially sealed or attached to wall 16.

FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second closure strip 26 and a flat backing or support 35 on which second closure strip 26 can be formed. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the second male interlocking bead 26a comprises a post 30 and extensions 31 that extend from one end of post 30 distal from the flat backing 35 to form a substantially arrow-shaped retaining element that can be engaged or interlocked with the first female interlocking channel 20b (described in greater detail below) . The second female interlocking channel 26b comprises two retaining

hooks

40 and 41 that engage or interlock with first male interlocking bead 20a (described in greater detail below) .

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first closure strip 20 and flat backing or support 55 on which first closure strip 20 is formed. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the first female interlocking channel 20b comprises two retaining

hooks

50 and 51 that engage or interlock with second male interlocking bead 26a (described in greater detail below) . The first male interlocking bead 20a comprises a post 60 and extensions 61 that extend from one end of post 60 distal from wall 12 to form a substantially arrow-shaped retaining element that can be engaged or interlocked with the second female interlocking channel 26b (described in greater detail below) .

FIG. 9C illustrates cross-sectional views of first closure strip 20 engaged or interlocked with second closure strip 26. In operation, a user may press first closure strip 20 and second closure strip 26 together. In doing so, the retaining element making up second male interlocking bead 26a pushes past retaining hooks 50 and 51 that make up first female interlocking channel 20b, thereby engaging first female interlocking channel 20b. The arrow-like shape of the retaining element allows for ease of engagement by providing reduced resistance as extensions 31 slip through the opening created by retaining

hooks

50 and 51. Once extensions 31 have cleared retaining hooks 50 and 51, retaining hooks 50 and 51 can complete engagement by surrounding extensions 31 and resting on post 30. It should be noted that in some embodiments, including those illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, one of the extensions of each retaining element may be configured to be larger than the other, so that in some embodiments, the releasing force needed to disengage that retaining hook from the corresponding retaining hook (e.g., 40 and 50) is greater.

As can be appreciated, the corresponding elements of first male interlocking bead 20a engage or interlock with the elements of second female interlocking channel 26b in the same manner. That is, upon a user pressing on first closure strip 20 and second closure strip 26, the retaining element making up first male interlocking bead 20a pushes past retaining hooks 40 and 41 that make up second female interlocking channel 26b, thereby engaging second female interlocking channel 26b. The arrow-like shape of the retaining element allows for ease of engagement by providing reduced resistance as extensions 61 slip through the opening created by retaining

hooks

40 and 41. Once extensions 61 have cleared retaining hooks 40 and 41, retaining hooks 40 and 41 can complete engagement by surrounding extensions 61 and resting on post 60.

FIG. 10 illustrates cross-sectional views of first closure strip 20 engaged or interlocked with second closure strip 26 and their positioning relative to

walls

12 and 16 of re-sealable bag 10. As alluded to above, only a longitudinal edge 20c of the first closure strip 20 (or more particularly the flat backing 55 of the first closure strip 20) may be attached to the interior side of wall 12. Again, attaching only the longitudinal edge 20c to wall 12 prevents the disengagement or unlocking of the first closure strip 20 and the second closure strip 26 due to the direction and/or amount of releasing force that can be applied when grasping edges 14 and 18 of

walls

12 and 16, respectively.

Also illustrated in FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of release tab 28. When attempting to disengage or unlock first closure strip 20 and second closure strip 26 by grasping release tab 28 and edge 14 of wall 12, the releasing force applied by pulling release tab 28 and edge 18 away from each other (see

arrows

29a and 29b of FIG. 7) is directed along an axis parallel to and substantially along the axes of posts 30 and 60 (see also FIGS. 8A and 8B) . This is in contrast to the releasing force (parallel to and aligned with flat backing 35 and flat backing 55) that would be applied if

edges

14 and 18 were grasped and pulled.

As alluded to above, in some embodiments, one of the protrusions of each retaining element may be larger. In FIG. 10 it can be appreciated that because of this, attempting to open re-sealable bag 10 in a conventional manner, with the asymmetrically applied force being directed to longitudinal edge 20c, it is the larger of the two protrusions of the retaining element making up second make interlocking bead 26a, thereby, better resisting opening. On the other hand, opening re-sealable bag 10 using release tab 28 and wall edge 14, the releasing force would tend to be applied, at least initially to the smaller of the

protrusions

31 and 61, which provide less resistance to disengagement. In some embodiments, the releasing force applied by grasping and pulling apart release tab 28 and edge 14 can result in second male interlocking bead 20a and first female interlocking channel 20b disengaging from each other prior to second female interlocking channel 26b and first male interlocking bead 20a disengaging from each other.

It should be noted that although some embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are described as re-sealable bags, e.g., re-sealable bag 10, it is contemplated that other shapes/formats such as a container being substantially bottle-shaped but having a portion or one end thereof that can be configured with the same/similar closure mechanism as described above. In still other embodiments, a re-sealable container may be configured to have multiple closure mechanisms, e.g., along two ends or sides, to provide multiple openings to the re-sealable container.

While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations.

Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one, ” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional, ” “traditional, ” “normal, ” “standard, ” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more, ” “at least, ” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

Claims

A re-sealable container, comprising:

a first wall and a second wall, the first and second walls being sealed together such that interior sides of the first and second walls form a storage space therebetween, and wherein a first wall edge and a second wall edge define an opening for the storage space;

a first closure strip connected to the first wall, the first closure strip comprising a first female interlocking channel proximate to a first male interlocking bead;

a second closure strip connected to the second wall, the second closure strip comprising a second male interlocking bead operatively connectable to the first female interlocking channel of the first closure strip, and a second female interlocking channel operatively connectable to the first male interlocking bead of the first closure strip; and

a release tab formed by at least a portion of the second wall, the release tab being positioned proximate to the second closure strip along an outer side of the second wall, wherein a decreased releasing force is encountered at the release tab and an increased releasing force is encountered at the second wall edge, the decreased and increased releasing forces being associated with releasing the second male interlocking bead from the first female interlocking channel and releasing the first male interlocking bead from the second female interlocking channel.
The re-sealable container of claim 1, wherein the first closure strip connects to the first wall along a single longitudinal portion of the first closure strip, and wherein the a portion of the first closure strip distal from the single longitudinal portion of the first closure strip and comprising at least the first closure strip is movable.
The re-sealable container of claim 2, wherein the first closure strip moves and remains connected to the second closure strip upon application of a pulling force resulting from pulling the first and second wall edges apart from each other.
The re-sealable container of claim 2, wherein the increased releasing force is encountered at the second wall edge upon being pulled away from the first wall edge.
The re-sealable container of claim 2, wherein the first female interlocking channel and the first male interlocking bead upon connection to the second male interlocking bead and the second female interlocking channel, respectively, experience a shearing force upon separation of the first and second wall edges from each other, wherein the shearing force is less than the increased releasing force needed to release the first female interlocking channel and the first male interlocking bead from the second male interlocking bead and the second female interlocking channel, respectively.
The re-sealable container of claim 5, wherein the shearing force is applied along a plane defined by backing sections of the first and second closure strips.
The re-sealable container of claim 2, wherein a pulling force applied by the release tab that is substantially perpendicular to the first closure strip is greater than the decreased releasing force releases the first female interlocking channel and the first male interlocking bead from the second male interlocking bead and the second female interlocking channel.
The re-sealable container of claim 2, wherein one edge of the release tab is anchored proximate to the second closure strip.
The re-sealable container of claim 8, the single longitudinal portion of the first closure strip is connected to an interior side of the first wall substantially across from the one edge of the release tab anchored to the second wall.
The re-sealable container of claim 1, wherein the release tab is formed from the second wall or formed separately from the second wall.
The re-sealable container of claim 10, wherein in an unreleased state, the release tab is releasably attached to the second wall, and wherein in a released state, the release tab is separated from the second wall.
The re-sealable container of claim 11, wherein the release tab is releasably attached to the second wall via a seam, and wherein a pulling force applied to a connecting thread releasably attaching the release tab to the second wall releases the release tab from the second wall.
The re-sealable container of claim 1, wherein the first male interlocking bead comprises a post extending into the storage space.
The re-sealable container of claim 13, wherein the first male interlocking bead further comprises at least two extensions forming a first arrow-shaped retaining element, each of the at least two extensions protruding away from the post in opposite directions.
The re-sealable container of claim 14, wherein a first of the at least two extensions extends further in its respective direction that a second of the at least two extensions.
The re-sealable container of claim 14, wherein the second female interlocking channel comprises at least two hooks extending into the storage space, and formed to engagingly accept the first arrow-shaped retaining element and at least a portion of the post of the first male interlocking bead.
The re-sealable container of claim 1, wherein the second male interlocking bead comprises a post extending into the storage space.
The re-sealable container of claim 17, wherein the second male interlocking bead further comprises at least two extensions forming a second arrow-shaped retaining element, each of the at least two extensions protruding away from the post in opposite directions.
The re-sealable container of claim 18, wherein a first of the at least two extensions extends further in its respective direction that a second of the at least two extensions.
The re-sealable container of claim 17, wherein the first female interlocking channel comprises at least two hooks extending into the storage space, and formed to engagingly accept the second arrow-shaped retaining element and at least a portion of the post of the second male interlocking bead.
A method of opening a re-sealable container, comprising:

applying a separating force to each of a first closure strip connected to a first wall of the re-sealable container and a second closure strip connected to a second wall of the re-sealable container, wherein interior sides of the first and second walls form a storage space therebetween, and a first wall edge and a second wall edge define an opening for the storage space;

wherein the first closure strip comprises a first female interlocking channel proximate to a first male interlocking bead;

wherein the second closure strip comprises a second male interlocking bead operatively connectable to the first female interlocking channel of the first closure strip, and a second female interlocking channel operatively connectable to the first male interlocking bead of the first closure strip; and

wherein the separating force applied to the second closure strip is applied by way of a release tab positioned proximate to the second closure strip along an outer side of the second wall, wherein a decreased releasing force is encountered at the release tab and an increased releasing force is encountered at the second wall edge, the decreased and increased releasing forces being associated with releasing the second male interlocking bead from the first female interlocking channel and releasing the first male interlocking bead from the second female interlocking channel.
The method of claim 21, wherein applying the separating force to the second closure strip by way of second wall edge results in encountering the increased releasing force.