Abstract:
A closure arrangement for use with a flexible package includes a first closure mechanism, a slider device, and a second closure mechanism. The first closure mechanism includes selectively engageable first and second profiles. The slider device has a housing operably mounted on the first closure mechanism. The slider housing is constructed and arranged to engage and disengage the first and second profiles. The slider housing defines a first cavity that slidably receives said first and second profiles. The second closure mechanism includes selectively engageable third and fourth profiles. The second closure mechanism is adjacent to the first closure mechanism but is completely outside of the first cavity. The second closure mechanism may be either a single pair of interlocking hooks, or may be multiple members. The slider device includes a plow with a non-rectangular cross-section, such as a polygon, a racetrack, or a circle. The plow may also include shoulders to help retain the slider device on the first closure mechanism.

Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119(E) 
     Priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) is claimed to provisional application serial No. 60/200,989, filed on May 1, 2000, and entitled “Resealable Closure Mechanism Having A Slider Device” and provisional application serial No. 60/226,507, filed on Aug. 21, 2000, and entitled “Resealable Closure Mechanism Having A Slider Device”. The complete disclosure of application Nos. 60/200,989 and 60/226,507 are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to closure arrangements for polymer packages, such as, plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to resealable closure mechanisms or zipper-type closures for resealable packages. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store and ship food products, non-food consumer goods, medical supplies, waste materials, and many other articles. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. The need to locate a storage container for the unused portion of the products in the package is thus avoided. As such, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products. 
     Some types of resealable packages are opened and closed using a slider device. The slider device typically includes a separator or plow-type structure at one end that opens a closure mechanism, having profiled elements or closure profiles, when the slider device travels in a first direction along the mechanism. The sidewalls of the slider device are inwardly tapered from one end to the opposite end so that the sidewalls engage the closure profiles and progressively move them into engagement to close the resealable package when the slider device is moved along the closure mechanism in a direction opposite the first direction. 
     Concerns are raised regarding resealable closure mechanisms with slider devices. One such concern pertains to the installation of slider devices. Another concern is the plow design and the ability of the plow to effectively open the resealable closure mechanism. Another concern is containing product within the package. Therefore, improvements are desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, one example embodiment involves a closure arrangement for use with a flexible package. The closure arrangement includes a first closure mechanism, a slider device, and a second closure mechanism. The first closure mechanism includes selectively engageable first and second profiles. The slider device includes a housing operably mounted on the first closure mechanism. The slider housing is constructed and arranged to engage and disengage the first and second profiles. The slider housing defines a first cavity that slidably receives the first and second profiles. The second closure mechanism includes selectively engageable third and fourth profiles. The second closure mechanism is adjacent to the first closure mechanism but is completely outside of the first cavity. 
     In another aspect, another embodiment of the present disclosure involves a resealable package. The resealable package includes first and second panel sections joined together to define an enclosed region and a mouth that provides access to the enclosed region. The package also includes a closure arrangement secured to the first and second panel sections to selectively open and seal the mouth. The closure arrangement has structure analogous to the that described above. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method of using a closure arrangement having first and second closure mechanisms and a slider device having a housing. The second closure mechanism is completely outside of the slider housing and the slider device is operably mounted on the first closure mechanism. The method includes sliding the slider device in a first direction to close the first and second closure mechanisms and sliding the slider device in a second direction opposite of the first direction to open at least the first closure mechanism. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable package having a slider device, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 2 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view of profiled elements secured to a flexible package, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view of a second closure mechanism, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 4 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view of a second closure mechanism, according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 5 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view of the profiled elements secured to a flexible package having a slider device attached, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of profiled elements secured to a flexible package, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of profiled elements secured to a flexible package, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of profiled elements secured to a flexible package, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a plow of the slider device of FIG. 5 taken along the line A—A of FIG. 5, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a plow of the slider device of FIG. 5, the cross-section being analogous to the cross-section taken along line A—A of FIG. 5, according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a plow of the slider device of FIG. 5, the cross-section being analogous to the cross-section taken along line A—A of FIG. 5, according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
     FIG. 12 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view of the profiled elements secured to a flexible package having a slider device attached, according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, in general, a package includes a slider device having a plow and first and second resealable closure mechanisms. The plow is designed to effectively open the first resealable closure mechanism. The second resealable closure mechanism is designed to help contain product within the package. FIG. 1 illustrates an example type of package  110  that benefits from the use of principles of this disclosure. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an example packaging arrangement in the form of a resealable, flexible package  110 , for example, a polymer package such as a plastic bag. The flexible package  110  has a first resealable closure mechanism  114 , for example, interlocking profiled elements, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure. The flexible package  110  includes first and second opposed panel sections  116 ,  118 , typically made from a flexible, polymer, plastic film. For some manufacturing applications, the first and second panel sections  116 ,  118  are heat-sealed together along two side edges  120 ,  122  and meet at a fold line  123  in order to form a three-edged containment section for a product within an interior  124  of the package  110 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the fold line  123  comprises the bottom edge  125  of the package  110 . Alternatively, two separate panel sections  116 ,  118  of plastic film may be used and heat-sealed together along the two side edges  120 ,  122  and at the bottom edge  125 . Access is provided to the interior  124  of the package  110  through a mouth  126  at the top edge  127  of the package. In the particular embodiment shown, the mouth  126  extends the width of the package  110 . 
     The first resealable closure mechanism  114  is illustrated in FIG. 1 at the mouth  126  of the flexible package  110 . In the embodiment shown, the first resealable closure mechanism  114  extends the width of the mouth  126 . Alternatively, the first closure mechanism  114  could be positioned on the package  110  at a location different from the mouth  126  of the package  110 , depending on the application needs for the package  110 . 
     The first resealable closure mechanism  114  can be one of a variety of closure mechanisms. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first resealable closure mechanism  114  is shown in the specific form of a zipper-type closure mechanism. By the term “zipper-type closure mechanism,” it is meant a structure having opposite interlocking or mating profiled elements that under the application of pressure will interlock and close the region between the profiles. 
     In particular, the zipper-type closure mechanism in FIG. 2 is an illustration of one example of a mono-track closure mechanism. By the term “mono-track,” it is meant that each profile has an interlocking hook or member for interlocking or interengaging. The first resealable closure mechanism  114  includes an elongated first closure profile  130  and an elongated second closure profile  131 . Typically, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are manufactured separately from each other. Alternatively, any simple or complex closure mechanism could be used, for example, a multi-track zipper-type closure mechanism. 
     Still in reference to FIG. 2, the first closure profile  130  includes a first bonding strip  132 , a first base strip  133 , a first closure member  134 , and a first guide post  135 . The first closure member  134  extends from the first base strip  133  toward the second closure profile  131  and is generally projecting from the first base strip  133 . The first closure member  134  includes a first post  134   a  and a first hook  134   b . In the embodiment illustrated, the first post  134   a  generally extends or projects from the first base strip  133 , and the first hook  134   b  generally extends or projects from the first post  134   a.    
     The first guide post  135  also extends from the first base strip  133  toward the second closure profile  131  and is generally projecting from the first base strip  133 . The first guide post  135  aids in aligning the first closure member  134  for interlocking as will be explained in more detail below. Preferably, the first bonding strip  132  depends or extends downward from the first guide post  135  and is typically attached to a first panel section, such as the first panel section  116  of the package  110  of FIG.  1 . 
     The second closure profile  131  likewise includes a second bonding strip  142 , a second base strip  143 , a second closure member  144 , a second guide post  145 , and a third guide post  146 . The second closure member  144  extends from the second base strip  143  toward the first closure profile  130  and is generally projecting from the second base strip  143 . The second closure member  144  includes a second post  144   a  and a second hook  144   b . In the embodiment illustrated, the second post  144   a  generally extends or projects from the second base strip  143 , and the second hook  144   b  generally extends or projects from the second post  144   a.    
     The second and third guide posts  145 ,  146  also extend from the second base strip  143  toward the first closure profile  130  and are generally projecting from the second base strip  143 . The second and third guide posts  145 ,  146  aid in aligning the second closure member  144  for interlocking as will be explained in more detail below. The second bonding strip  142  depends or extends downward from the third guide post  146  and is typically attached to a second panel section, such as the second panel section  118  of the package  110  of FIG.  1 . 
     The first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  are designed to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism  114 . The first closure member  134  of the first closure profile  130  extends from the base strip  133  a certain distance. The second closure member  144  of the second closure profile  131  also extends from the base strip  143 , a certain distance. These certain distances, that the closure members  134 ,  144  extend, are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first closure member  134  of the first closure profile  130  and the second closure member  144  of the second closure profile  131 . 
     In particular, the first hook  134   b  of the first closure member  134  interengages or interlocks with the second hook  144   b  of the second closure member  144 . The first guide post  135  of the first closure profile  130  and the second and third guide posts  145 ,  146  of the second closure profile  131  aid in aligning the closure profiles  130 ,  131  and in keeping the closure profiles  130 ,  131  interlocked. Furthermore, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are sealed together at their ends, such as side edges  120 ,  122  of FIG. 1, to further aid in aligning the closure profiles  130 ,  131  for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles  130 ,  131  as they engage to form the openable sealed closure mechanism  114 . Pulling the first closure profile  130  and the second closure profile  131  away from each other causes the two closure profiles  130 ,  131  to disengage, opening the package  110  of FIG.  1 . This provides access to the contents of the package  110  through the mouth  126 , FIG.  1 . 
     In some applications, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are formed by two separate extrusions or through two separate openings of the common extrusion. Typically, the resealable closure mechanism  114  is made of a polymer, plastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. In one example embodiment, the closure arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2 is manufactured using conventional extrusion and heat sealing techniques. 
     Preferably, the package  110  also includes a second closure mechanism  150 . The second closure mechanism  150  provides a supplemental, or back-up, seal for the first resealable closure mechanism  114  and is designed and constructed to aid in preventing undesirable amounts of product within the package  110  from passing through the mouth  126 , FIG. 1, of the package  110 . 
     Preferably, the second closure mechanism  150  is located below the first resealable closure mechanism  114 . By the term “below,” it is meant that the second closure mechanism  150  is located more toward the interior  124  of the package  110  than the first resealable closure mechanism  114 . In other words, the second closure mechanism  150  is located between the first closure mechanism  114  and the bottom edge  125 , FIG. 1, of the package  110 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the second closure mechanism  150  includes first and second closure profiles  151 ,  152 . The first closure profile  151  includes a first closure member  155 . The first closure member  155  extends from the first bonding strip  132  and is generally projecting from the first bonding strip  132 . The first closure member  155  includes a first post  155   a  and a first hook  155   b . In the embodiment illustrated, the first post  155   a  generally extends or projects from the first bonding strip  132 , and the first hook  155   b  generally extends or projects from the first post  155   a.    
     The second closure profile  152  includes a second closure member  156 . The second closure member  156  extends from the second bonding strip  142  in a direction opposite that of the first closure member  155 . The second closure member includes a second post  156   a  and a second hook  156   b . In the embodiment illustrated, the second post  156   a  generally extends or projects from the second boding strip  142 , and the second hook  156   b  generally extends or projects from the second post  156   a.    
     The first and second closure profiles  151 ,  152  are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form the second closure mechanism  150 . The first closure member  155  of the first closure profile  151  extends from the first bonding strip  132  a certain distance. The second closure member  156  of the second closure profile  152  also extends from the second bonding strip  142 , a certain distance. These certain distances, that the first and second closure members  155 ,  156  extend, are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first closure member  155  of the first closure profile  151  and the second closure member  156  of the second closure profile  152 . In particular, the first hook  155   b  of the first closure member  155  interengages or interlocks with the second hook  156   b  of the second closure member  156 . 
     The second closure mechanism  150  preferably includes a gripping arrangement  250 . The gripping arrangement  250  is designed and constructed to aid the user of the package in gripping the closure arrangement to open and close the second closure mechanism  150 . In particular, the gripping arrangement  250  includes first and second gripper handles  252 ,  253 . The first gripper handle  252  extends or projects from the first bonding strip  132 . Likewise, the second gripper handle  253  extends or projects from the second bonding strip  142 . 
     The first gripper handle  252  has a first angle A with respect to the first bonding strip  132 . Preferably, the first angle A is at least 10 degrees, most preferably between 20 degrees and 90 degrees, and typically about 60 degrees. Likewise, the second gripper handle  253  has a second angle B with respect to the second bonding strip  142 . Preferably, the second angle B is at least 10 degrees, most preferably between 20 degrees and 90 degrees, and typically about 60 degrees. 
     Typically, the first and second profiles  151 ,  152  of the second closure mechanism  150  are extruded with the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  of the first resealable closure mechanism  114 . Alternatively, the first and second profiles  151 ,  152  of the second closure mechanism  150  are coextended from a different material than the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  of the first resealable closure mechanism  114 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  3 . FIG. 3 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a second closure mechanism  160 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the second closure mechanism  160  includes first and second closure profiles  161 ,  162 . The first closure profile  161  includes a first closure member  165 . The first closure member  165  extends from a first bonding strip  166  and is generally projecting from the first bonding strip  166 . 
     The second closure profile  162  includes second and third closure members  167 ,  168 . The second and third closure members  167 ,  168  extend from a second bonding strip  169  in a direction opposite that of the first closure member  165 . 
     The first and second closure profiles  161 ,  162  are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form the second closure mechanism  160 . The first closure member  165  of the first closure profile  161  extends from the first bonding strip  166  a certain distance. The second and third closure members  167 ,  168  of the second closure profile  162  also extend from the second bonding strip  169  a certain distance. These certain distances, that the first, second, and third closure members  165 ,  167 ,  168  extend, are sufficient to allow frictional engagement between the first closure member  165  of the first closure profile  161  and the second and third closure members  167 ,  168  of the second closure profile  162 . In other words, the first closure member  165  fits tightly or snuggly between the second and third closure members  167 ,  168 . In particular, the first closure member  165  engages between the first and second closure members  167 ,  168 . 
     Preferably, the second closure mechanism  160  includes first and second gripper handles  262 ,  263  analogous to the first and second gripper handles  252 ,  253  of FIG.  2 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  4 . FIG. 4 is a fragmented, cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a second closure mechanism  170 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the second closure mechanism  170  includes first and second closure profiles  171 ,  172 . The first closure profile  171  includes a first closure member  175 . The first closure member  175  extends from a first bonding strip  176  and is generally projecting from the first bonding strip  176 . The first closure member  175  includes a first post  175   a  and a first engaging member  175   b . In the embodiment illustrated, the first post  175   a  generally extends or projects from the first bonding strip  176 , and the first engaging member  176   b  generally extends or projects from the first post  175   a . In general, the first engaging member  175   b  has an arrow type shape as illustrated in FIG.  4 . The first engaging mechanism  175   b  includes first and second wing members  175   c ,  175   d.    
     The second closure profile  172  includes second and third closure members  177 ,  178 . The second closure profile  172  has structure analogous to the second closure profile  162  of FIG.  3 . 
     The first and second closure profiles  171 ,  172  are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form the second closure mechanism  170 . The first closure member  175  of the first closure profile  171  extends from the first bonding strip  176  a certain distance. The second and third closure members  177 ,  178  of the second closure profile  172  also extend from a second bonding strip  179  a certain distance. These certain distances, that the first, second, and third closure members  175 ,  177 ,  178  extend, are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first closure member  175  of the first closure profile  171  and the second and third closure members  177 ,  178  of the second closure profile  172 . The first closure member  175  engages between the first and second closure members  177 ,  178 . The first engaging member  175   b  is designed and constructed to aid in keeping the first and second closure profiles  171 ,  172  interlocked. In particular, the first and second wing members  175   c ,  175   d  aid in preventing the first and second closure profiles  171 ,  172  from disengaging. 
     Preferably, the second closure mechanism  170  includes first and second gripper handles  272 ,  273  analogous to the first and second gripper handles  252 ,  253  of FIG.  2 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 1, a slider device  180  opens and closes the first resealable closure mechanism  114  and the second closure mechanism  150 . Attention is directed to FIG.  5 . The slider device  180  has a housing  199  defining a first cavity  186  that receives the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  of FIG.  2 . While the housing  199  can have a number of shapes in the embodiment illustrated, the housing  199  includes first and second sidewalls  181 ,  182 , a first end  183 , a second opposite end  184 , FIG. 1, and a rigid top wall  185  extending between the first and second sidewalls  181 ,  182 . By the term “rigid,” it is meant that the top wall  185  is stiff and relatively inflexible. Preferably, the second closure mechanism  150  is completely outside of the first cavity  186  of the slider device  180 . By the term “completely outside,” it is meant that the second closure mechanism  150  is below the first and second sidewalls  181 ,  182  of the slider device  180 , or in other words the second closure mechanism  150  does not overlap any portion of the slider device  180 . 
     The slider device  180  further includes a separator or plow  187 . In the embodiment shown, the plow  187  depends or extends down from the top wall  185  of the slider device  180  into the cavity  186 . In preferred embodiments, the plow  187  is located at the first end  183  of the slider device  180  and extends only partially along the length of the slider device  180 . That is, the plow  187  only extends approximately 30 to 50% of the length of the slider device  180  beginning at the first end  183 . Preferably, the plow  187  does not exist at the second end  184  of the slider device  180 . This is because the plow  187  separates the closure profiles  130 ,  131 , but the second end  184  of the slider device is designed and constructed to engage the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131 . 
     Confronting portions of the sidewalls  181 ,  182  are tapered towards each other from the first end  183  towards the second end  184 , as shown in FIG.  1 . Thus, referring back to FIG. 1, when the slider device  180  is moved in a first, sealing direction A along the top edge  127  of the package  110 , the tapered shapes of the sidewalls  181 ,  182 , FIG. 5, of the slider device  180  apply pressure to the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131 , FIG. 5, pinching them together behind the slider device  180  as the slider device  180  moves forward. Interlocking the closure profiles  130 ,  131  of the resealable closure mechanism  114  seals the mouth  126  of the package  110 , preventing the contents of the package  110  from spilling out. 
     Preferably, the slider device  180  also closes the second closure mechanism  150 . Thus, when the slider device  180  is moved in the first, sealing direction A along the top edge  127  of the package  110 , the bonding strips  132 ,  142  are rigid enough that the slider device  180  also applies pressure to the first and second closure profiles  151 ,  152  of the second closure mechanism  150  to cause the first and second closure profiles  151 ,  152  to interlock. 
     The plow  187 , FIG. 3, separates the closure profiles  130 ,  131 , FIG. 3, when the slider device  180  is moved in a second, opposite, opening direction B along the top edge  127  of the package  110 . The plow  187  forces the closure profiles  130 ,  131  apart, providing access to the contents of the package  110  through the mouth  126 . 
     Still in reference to FIG. 1, generally, to seal the package  110 , a package user slides the slider device  180  in the sealing direction A across the top of the package  110 . The tapered sidewalls  181 ,  182 , FIG. 5, apply pressure to the closure profiles  130 ,  131  interlocking them as the slider device  180  travels in the sealing direction A. When the slider device  180  is proximate to the side edge  122 , the mouth  126  of the package  110  is sealed closed. Generally to open the package  110 , the package user slides the slider device  180  in the opposite, opening direction B. The plow  187 , FIG. 5, separates the closure profiles  130 ,  131 , opening the resealable closure mechanism  114 . 
     Sometimes, in some embodiments, the plow  187  of the slider device  180  might keep the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  from completely engaging along the entire length of the first closure mechanism  114  when the slider device  180  is in the closed position. Referring to FIG. 1, by the term “closed position,” it is meant that the slider device  180  has traveled in the sealing direction A and has come to rest proximate to the side edge  122  of the package  110 . In this position, the plow  187 , FIG. 5, might keep the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  from engaging near the side edge  122  of the package  110 . The secondary closure mechanism  150  is designed to ensure that the mouth  126  of the package  110  of FIG. 1 is substantially leak-proof even though the first closure mechanism  114  may not be completely sealed in the closed position. 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  6 . FIG. 6 is another embodiment of a first resealable closure mechanism  614  and a second reseasable closure mechanism  650  usable in accordance with principles described herein. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 is usable with any slider device, such as those described herein. The first resealable closure mechanism  614  illustrated is a mono-track resealable closure mechanism that has structure analogous to the first resealable closure mechanism  114  of FIG.  2 . 
     The second closure mechanism  650  provides a supplemental, or back-up, seal for the first resealable closure mechanism  614  and is designed and constructed to aid in preventing undesirable amounts of product within the package  110  from passing through the mouth  126 , FIG. 1, of the package  110 . Preferably, the second closure mechanism  650  is located below the first resealable closure mechanism  614 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the second closure mechanism  650  includes first and second closure profiles  651 ,  652 . The first closure profile  651  includes a first closure member  655 . The first closure member  655  extends from a first base strip  632  and is generally projecting from the first base strip  632 . The first closure member  655  includes a first post  657 . 
     The second closure profile  652  includes a second closure member  656 . The second closure member  656  extends from a second base strip  642  in a direction opposite that of the first closure member  655 . The second closure member  656  includes a second post  658 . 
     The first and second closure profiles  651 ,  652  are designed and constructed to overlap one another to form the second closure mechanism  650 . The first closure member  655  of the first closure profile  651  extends from the first base strip  632  a certain distance. The second closure member  656  of the second closure profile  652  also extends from the second base strip  642 , a certain distance. These certain distances, that the first and second closure members  655 ,  656  extend, are sufficient to allow the first and second posts  657 ,  658  of the first and second closure profiles  651 ,  652 , respectively, to overlap each other to form the second closure mechanism  650 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  7 . FIG. 7 is another embodiment of a first resealable closure mechanism  714  and a second reseasable closure mechanism  750  usable in accordance with principles described herein. Although not depicted in FIG. 7, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 is usable with any slider device, such as those described herein. The first resealable closure mechanism  714  illustrated is a mono-track resealable closure mechanism that has structure analogous to the first resealable closure mechanism  114  of FIG.  2 . 
     The second closure mechanism  750  provides a supplemental, or back-up, seal for the first resealable closure mechanism  714 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the second closure mechanism  750  includes first and second closure profiles  751 ,  752 . The first closure profile  751  includes a first closure member  755  and a second closure member  756 . The first and second closure members  755 ,  756  extend from a first base strip  732  and are generally projecting from the first base strip  732 . The first closure member  755  includes a first post  759 . Likewise, the second closure member  756  includes a second post  760 . 
     The second closure profile  752  includes a third closure member  761  and a fourth closure member  762 . The third and fourth closure members  761 ,  762  extend from a second base strip  742  in a direction opposite that of the first and second closure members  755 ,  756 . The third closure member  761  includes a third post  763 . Likewise, the fourth closure member  762  includes a fourth post  764 . 
     The first and second closure profiles  751 ,  752  are designed and constructed to overlap one another to form the second closure mechanism  750 . The first and second closure members  755 ,  756  of the first closure profile  751  extend from the first base strip  732  a certain distance. The third and fourth closure members  761 ,  762  of the second closure profile  752  also extend from the second base strip  742 , a certain distance. These certain distances, that the closure members  755 ,  756 ,  761 ,  762  extend, are sufficient to allow the posts  759 ,  760 ,  763 ,  764  of the first and second closure profiles  751 ,  752 , respectively, to overlap each other to form the second closure mechanism  750 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  8 . FIG. 8 is another embodiment of a first resealable closure mechanism  814  and a second reseasable closure mechanism  850  usable in accordance with principles described herein. Although not depicted in FIG. 8, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 is usable with any slider device, such as those described herein. The first resealable closure mechanism  814  illustrated is a mono-track resealable closure mechanism that has structure analogous to the first resealable closure mechanism  114  of FIG.  2 . 
     The second closure mechanism  850  provides a supplemental, or back-up, seal for the first resealable closure mechanism  814 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the second closure mechanism  850  includes first and second closure profiles  851 ,  852 . The first closure profile  851  includes a first closure member  855 . The first closure member  855  extends from a first base strip  832  and is generally projecting from the first base strip  832 . The first closure member  855  includes a first post  856  and a first hook portion  857 . 
     The second closure profile  852  includes a second closure member  858 . The second closure members  858  extends from a second base strip  842  in a direction opposite that of the first closure member  855 . The second closure member  858  includes a second post  859  and a second hook portion  860 . 
     The first and second closure profiles  851 ,  852  are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form the second closure mechanism  850 . The first closure member  855  of the first closure profile  851  extends from the first base strip  832  a certain distance. The second closure member  858  of the second closure profile  852  also extends from the second base strip  842 , a certain distance. These certain distances, that the closure members  855 ,  858  extend, are sufficient to allow the first and second hook portions  857 ,  860  of the first and second closure profiles  851 ,  852 , respectively, to mechanically engage with each other to form the second closure mechanism  850 . 
     Alternatively, any suitable number of closure members or posts could be used for the second resealable closure mechanism. In addition, any suitable shape could be used for the closure members of the second resealable closure mechanism. Furthermore, the secondary closure mechanism may be any single or multi-track zipper-type closure mechanism. 
     Preferably, the plow  187 , FIG. 5, has a cross-sectional shape that aids in, or facilitates, the opening and closing of the first resealable closure mechanism. Attention is directed to FIG.  9 . FIG. 9 is a cross-section taken along line A—A of the plow  187  of FIG.  5 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the plow  187  has a non-rectangular, e.g., a polygonal cross-sectional first shape  200 , generally having a diamond-like shape. Preferably, the first shape  200  has a first edge  202  and a second, parallel edge  204 . The first and second edges  202 ,  204  are joined at a first end  206  by converging third and fourth edges  208 ,  210  that converge at a point  212 . Likewise, the first and second edges  202 ,  204  are joined at a second end  214  by converging fifth and sixth edges  216 ,  218  that converge at a point  220 . The third and fourth edges  208 ,  210  and fifth and sixth edges  216 ,  218  have a generally triangular shape. The converging edges  208 ,  210 ,  216 ,  218  aid in operation of the slider device  180 . The converging points  212 ,  220  help to separate the closure profiles  130 ,  131  as the slider device  180  is slid along the top edge  127  of the package  110 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  10 . FIG. 10 is a second example embodiment of a cross-sectional second shape  222  of the plow  187 , taken along lines A—A of FIG.  5 . 
     The second shape  222  is non-rectangular or generally race-track shaped. The second shape  222  has first and second parallel side edges  224 ,  226 . The first and second side edges  224 ,  226  are joined by a first half-circular edge  228  at a first end  230  and by a second half-circular edge  232  at a second end  234 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  11 . FIG. 11 is a third example embodiment of a cross-sectional third shape  236  of the plow  187 , taken along lines A—A of FIG.  5 . The third shape  236  is non-rectangular or generally circular, or in other words, in this embodiment the plow  187  is generally cylindrical. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the first sidewall  181  includes a first shoulder  190 . Likewise, the second sidewall  182  includes a second shoulder  191 . The first and second shoulders  190 ,  191  are designed and constructed to fit under the first and third guide posts  135 ,  146  respectively. During installation of the slider device  180 , the sidewalls typically  181 ,  182  deflect outward, or away, from each other as the slider device  180  is pushed over the first resealable closure mechanism  114 . As the slider device  180  is pushed downward onto the package  110 , the first and second shoulders  190 ,  191  fit under the first and third guide posts  135 ,  146 , respectively, retaining the slider device  180  on the package  110 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  12 . FIG. 12 is a fragmented, cross-section of a second embodiment of a slider device  280 . The slider device  280  includes first and second sidewalls  281 ,  282 . The slider device  280  also includes a plow  287 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the plow  287  includes first and second shoulders  289 ,  290 , analogous in function to the shoulders  190 ,  191  of the slider device  180  of FIG.  5 . The first and second shoulders  289 ,  290  are designed and constructed to fit under the first and third guide posts  135 ,  146 , respectively, retaining the slider device  280  on the package  110 . 
     In the particular embodiment illustrated, the plow  287  includes a column  288  extending from and being cantilevered from the top wall  285  of the slider device  280 . At the free end of the column  288  is the first and second shoulders  289 ,  290 . The first shoulder  289  generally extends or projects from the column  288  toward the first closure profile  230 . The first shoulder  289  includes a first edge  291 , generally perpendicular to the column  288 ; a second edge  292 , generally parallel to the column  288 ; and a third edge  293 , extending between the second edge  292  and the column  288  at an angle C with respect to the second edge  292 . Preferably, the angle C is at least 90 degrees, most preferably between 100 degrees and 170 degrees, and typically about 135 degrees. 
     Likewise, the second shoulder  290  generally extends or projects from the column  288  toward the second closure profile  231 . The second shoulder  290  includes a first edge, generally perpendicular to the column  288 ; a second edge  295 , generally parallel to the column  288 ; and a third edge  296 , extending between the second edge  295  and the column  288  at an angle D with respect to the second edge  295 . Preferably, the angle D is greater than 90 degrees, most preferably between 100 degrees and 170 degrees, and typically about 135 degrees. 
     The first and second shoulders  289 ,  290  might have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as the cross-sectional shapes illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. 
     The above specification and examples are believed to provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the invention. Many embodiments can be made.