Abstract:
A reclosable zipper pouch includes a zipper-operable section and a zipper-non-operable section to provide difficulty to a child to open the pouch, and remain easy for an adult or senior citizen to open the pouch.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/790,935, filed Mar. 15, 2013, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates to reclosable zipper pouch. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a reclosable zipper pouch that is child resistant. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A reclosable pouch having a press to close zipper closure is easy to open for children and adults. If the pouch is intended to have contents that are potentially harmful, there is a need to provide a closure and method to increase the difficulty for children to open the pouch and yet still be easy to open for adults and senior citizens. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a reclosable zipper pouch including a surrounding wall having a closed bottom, first and second opposite sides, an open mouth, and first and second opposing wall panels between the first and second opposite sides. The pouch includes a first zipper profile and a second zipper profile. The first zipper profile includes a first seal flange and a first profile member extending from the first seal flange. The first seal flange is secured to the first wall panel adjacent to the mouth and between the first and second sides to provide the first profile member extending from the first seal flange toward the second wall panel. The second zipper profile includes a second seal flange and a second profile member extending from the second seal flange. The second seal flange is secured to the second wall panel adjacent to the mouth and between the first and second sides to provide the second profile member extending from the second seal flange toward the first panel and in a location to engage the first profile member. The first and second profile members are constructed and arranged to selectively interlock when pressed together and unlocked when forced apart. The second seal flange is secured to the second wall panel at a zipper-operable section and a zipper-non-operable section. The zipper-operable section is constructed and arranged so that when a pulling force is applied at the zipper-operable section to the first and second zipper profiles, the first and second profile members will unlock. The zipper-non-operable section is constructed and arranged so that when a pulling force is applied at the zipper-non-operable section to the first and second zipper profiles, the first and second profile members will not unlock. 
         [0005]    In example embodiments, the zipper-operable section includes a lower attachment region between the second seal flange and the second wall panel, and between the second profile member and the closed bottom. The zipper-operable section can include an upper attachment region between the second seal flange and the second wall panel and between the second profile member and the mouth. 
         [0006]    In example aspects, the zipper-non-operable section includes at least a lower attachment region between the second seal flange and the second wall panel and between the second profile member and the closed bottom. 
         [0007]    In example aspects, the second seal flange includes a die line substantially along a length of the second zipper profile between the first and second sides and between the second profile member and the mouth. The upper attachment region of the zipper-operable section extends at least on the die line. The zipper-non-operable section includes an upper attachment region between the second seal flange and the second wall panel and between the die line and the mouth. A region between the die line and the second profile member is free of attachment. 
         [0008]    In an example embodiment, the zipper-non-operable section is free of attachment between the second seal flange and the second wall panel, and between the second profile member and the mouth. 
         [0009]    In another aspect, a method of making a reclosable zipper pouch is provided. The method includes providing a surrounding wall having a closed bottom, first and second opposite sides, an open mouth, and first and second opposing wall panels between the first and second opposite sides. The method includes providing a first zipper profile and providing a second zipper profile. The first zipper profile includes a first seal flange and a first profile member extending from the first seal flange. The method includes securing the first seal flange to the first wall panel adjacent to the mouth and between the first and second sides to provide the first profile member extending from the first seal flange toward the second wall panel. The second zipper profile includes a second seal flange and a second profile member extending from the second seal flange. The method includes securing the second seal flange to the second wall panel adjacent to the mouth and between the first and second sides to provide the second profile member extending from the second seal flange toward the first panel and in a location to engage the first profile member. The first and second profile members are constructed and arranged to selectively interlock when pressed together and unlocked when forced apart. The step of securing the second seal flange to the second wall panel includes securing the second seal flange at a zipper-operable section and a zipper-non-operable section. The zipper-operable section is constructed and arranged so that when a pulling force is applied at the zipper-operable section to the first and second zipper profiles, the first and second profile members will unlock. The zipper-non-operable section is constructed and arranged so that when a pulling force is applied at the zipper-non-operable section to the first and second zipper profiles, the first and second profile members will not unlock. 
         [0010]    A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing various aspects of this disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate to individual features as well as combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the claimed invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic, perspective view of a reclosable pouch incorporating the zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of a portion of the reclosable pouch of  FIG. 1  and showing a first embodiment of a zipper closure constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the portion of the reclosable pouch depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a schematic, cross sectional view of the zipper closure of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cross section being taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a schematic, cross sectional view of the zipper closure used in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cross section being taken along the line B-B of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is the zipper closure cross section of  FIG. 5 , and showing one of the pouch panels moved in a direction away from the zipper closure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of a front portion of a reclosable pouch and zipper closure according to a second embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the zipper closure used in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the cross section being taken along the line C-C; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the zipper closure of  FIG. 7 , the cross section being taken along the line D-D of  FIG. 7 ; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is the cross section of  FIG. 9 , but showing a broken die line in the zipper closure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates a reclosable zipper pouch generally at  20 . The pouch  20  will generally be flexible and can be made from a polymeric film, although other materials are usable. The pouch  20  includes a surrounding wall  22 . The surrounding wall  22  encloses an interior volume  23 . A reclosable zipper closure  24  is part of the pouch  20  to allow for selective closing and opening of the pouch  20  to either allow access to the interior volume  23  or block access to the interior volume  23 . 
         [0022]    The surrounding wall  22  includes first and second wall panels  26 ,  28  in opposition to each other. First and second sides  30 ,  32  join the first and second wall panels  26 ,  28 . In some embodiments, the first and second sides  30 ,  32  can be seals connecting together the first and second wall panels  26 ,  28 , while in other embodiments, the first and second sides  30 ,  32  are not seals, but merely form the sides  30 ,  32 . 
         [0023]    The pouch  20  includes a closed bottom  34 . The closed bottom  34 , in this embodiment, is between the first side  30  and second side  32  and at an opposite end of the pouch as the reclosable zipper closure  24 . The closed bottom  34  can be part of the same single piece of material that forms the first wall panel  26  and second wall panel  28 ; alternatively, the closed bottom  34  can be a seal connecting together the first wall panel  26  and second wall panel  28 . 
         [0024]    The pouch  24  has an open mouth  36  at the end of the pouch  20  that is opposite from the closed bottom  34 . The mouth  36  provides access to the interior volume  23 , when the reclosable zipper closure  24  is in an unlocked position. When the reclosable zipper closure  24  is in a locked position, access to the interior volume  23  is blocked. 
         [0025]    Side seal crushes  38 ,  39  can be seen along the sides  30 ,  32  securely attaching and sealing the zipper closure  24  along the sides  30 ,  32  of the pouch  20 . 
         [0026]    The reclosable zipper closure  24  in the pouch  20  is constructed to increase the difficulty for children to open the pouch  20  and gain access to the contents of the interior volume  23 , while still allowing easy opening for adults or senior citizens. One example embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , and a second example embodiment is shown at  24 ′ in  FIGS. 7-10 . The same reference numerals will be used for analogous parts in these embodiments. 
         [0027]    The reclosable zipper pouch  20  includes a first zipper profile  40 . The first zipper profile  40  has a first seal flange  42  and a first profile member  44  extending from the first seal flange  42 . In general, the first zipper profile  40  will be a molded extrusion of a polymeric material. 
         [0028]    In the example embodiments depicted, the first profile member  44  is spaced from each end  45 ,  46  of the first seal flange  42 . In general, it can be desirable to have the first profile member  44  spaced sufficiently from each end  45 ,  46  to allow for a seal to be placed both above and below the first profile member  44 . 
         [0029]    Many embodiments are possible. In the example shown, the first profile member  44  is a female profile member having a pair of legs  48 ,  49  extending from the first seal flange  42  and ending at hooked free ends  50 ,  51 . The legs  48 ,  49  are spaced sufficiently apart to receive and interlock or engage with a male profile member, to be discussed further below. 
         [0030]    The first seal flange  42  is secured to the first wall panel  26  adjacent to the mouth  36  and between the first and second sides  30 ,  32 . In this manner, the first profile member  44  extends from the first seal flange  42  in a direction toward the second wall panel  28 . 
         [0031]    The pouch  20  includes a second zipper profile  54  including a second seal flange  56  and a second profile member  58  extending from the second seal flange  56 . In general, the second zipper profile  54  will be a molded extrusion of a polymeric material. 
         [0032]    The second seal flange  56  has opposite flange ends  60 ,  61 . In general, the second profile member  58  will be spaced from both of the flange ends  60 ,  61 . In the example shown, the second profile member  58  can be generally centered between the flange ends  60 ,  61 , although there can be many variations. 
         [0033]    The second profile member  58  extends from the second seal flange  56  toward the first wall panel  26  and in a location to engage the first profile member  44 . 
         [0034]    Many embodiments are possible. In the particular embodiment shown, the second profile member  58  is a male member having a stem  62  extending from the second seal flange  56  and ending at an arrowhead  64 . The arrowhead  64  includes a pair of arms  66 ,  67  extending therefrom. The arrowhead  64  is shaped to be received between the legs  48 ,  49  of the first profile member  44 , and have the arms  66 ,  67  engage the hooked free ends  50 ,  51  of the legs  48 ,  49 . In this manner, it should be appreciated that the first and second profile members  44 ,  58  are constructed and arranged to selectively interlock when pressed together and unlock when forced apart. 
         [0035]    The second seal flange  56  is secured to the second wall panel  28  adjacent to the mouth  36  and between the first and second sides  30 ,  32 , such that the first and second profile members  44 ,  58  can be selectively pressed together to interlock and block access to the interior volume, and be forced apart to unlock and provide access to the interior volume  23  through the mouth  36 . 
         [0036]    The second seal flange  56  is secured to the second wall panel  28  at a zipper-operable section  70  and a zipper-non-operable section  72 . The zipper-operable section  70  is constructed and arranged so that when a pulling force is applied at the zipper-operable section  70  from the consumer side (along the mouth  36 ) to the first and second zipper profiles  40 ,  54 , the first and second profile members  44 ,  58  will disengage and unlock to provide access to the interior volume  23 . The zipper-non-operable section  72  is constructed and arranged so that when a pulling force is applied at the zipper-non-operable section  72  from the consumer side along the mouth  36  to the first and second zipper profiles  40 ,  54 , the first and second profile members  44 ,  58  will not unlock, but stay engaged and block access to the interior volume  23 . 
         [0037]    The zipper-operable section  70  includes a lower attachment region  74  between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28 . The attachment region  74  also extends between the second profile member  58  and the closed bottom  34  of the pouch  20 . The zipper-operable section  70  further includes an upper attachment region  76  between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28  and extending between the second profile member  58  and the mouth  36 . 
         [0038]    The zipper-non-operable section  72  includes at least a lower attachment region  78  between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28 . The lower attachment region  78  also is between the second profile member  58  and the closed bottom  34 . The lower attachment region  78  can include adhesive, sealant, a heat seal, and many other techniques for attaching the second profile member  58  to the wall panel  28 . From a review of  FIG. 2 , in the embodiment shown, it should be appreciate that the lower attachment region  78  of the second seal flange  56  is continuous with the lower attachment region  74  of the second seal flange. 
         [0039]    In reference now to the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-6 , the zipper-non-operable section  72  is free of attachment between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28 , and between the second profile member  58  and the mouth  36 . As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , in the zipper-non-operable section  72 , there is only the single attachment region at lower attachment region  78 . This lower attachment region  78  is below the second profile member  58 , and the region  79  above the second profile member  58  is free of any type of attachment between the second zipper profile  54  and the wall panel  28 . 
         [0040]    In both embodiments, the first seal flange  42  is secured to the first wall panel  26  adjacent along at least an upper attachment region  86  between the first profile member  44  and the mouth  36 . The first seal flange  42  is also secured to the first wall panel  26  at a lower attachment region  88  between the first profile member  44  and the bottom  34 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  illustrates what happens when a force is applied to pull first zipper profile  40  and second zipper profile  54  apart in the zipper-non-operable section  72 . The second wall panel  28  is moved away from the second zipper profile  54 . Because there is no pulling force applied to the second seal flange  56  in the region above the second profile member  58  adjacent to the mouth  36 , the first and second profile members  44 ,  58  will be more difficult to disengage and unlock than, for example, in the zipper-operable section  70 . In the zipper-operable section  70 , because there is the upper attached region  76  between the mouth  36  and second profile member  58 , when a pulling force is applied to the second wall panel  58  in the region of the mouth  36 , the pulling force will transfer to the second seal flange  56  and to the second profile member  58  and more easily pull apart the profile members  54 ,  58  into an unlocked state. 
         [0042]    Attention is now directed to the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-10 . In this embodiment, the second seal flange  56  includes a die line  80  substantially along a length of the second zipper profile  54  between the first and second sides  30 ,  32  and between the second zipper profile member  58  and the mouth  36 . In  FIGS. 7-10 , in the zipper-operable section  70 , the upper attachment region  76  extends at least on or covering the die line  80 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the upper attachment region  76  in the zipper-operable section  70  is not only on the die line  80 , but also above the die line  80  and below the die line  80 , but still above the second profile member  58 . 
         [0043]    In reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the zipper-non-operable section  72  includes an upper attachment region  82  that is between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28 . The upper attachment region  82  is also between the die line  80  and the mouth  36 . A region  84  between the die line  80  and the second profile member  58  in the zipper-non-operable section  72  is free of any attachment between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the upper attachment region  82  (above the die line  80 ) is continuous with a portion of the upper attachment region  76  (the portion of  76  above the die line  80 ) in the zipper-operable section  70 . 
         [0044]    For the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-10 , when a person applies a pulling force at the zipper-non-operable section  72 , the pulling force at the mouth  36  on the second wall panel  28  will cause the second seal flange  56  to break along the die line  80 . This will prevent a further pulling force on the second profile member  58  from a direction above the second profile member  58 , and make unlocking or disengagement of the profile members  44 ,  58  difficult. Broken second seal flange piece  90  can be seen in  FIG. 10 . When a pulling force is applied at the mouth  36  in the zipper-operable section  70 , because there is upper attachment region  76  in covering relation and on the die line  80 , the force applied to the second wall panel  28  will transfer to the second seal flange  56  above the second profile member  58 , and the die line  80  will not tear. Rather, the pull force will transfer to the second profile member  58  and allow the first profile member  44  and second profile member  58  to be disengaged and separated to permit access to the interior volume  23 . 
         [0045]    As used throughout, the terms “lower” and “upper” are merely used in order to describe the particular orientation shown in  FIGS. 4-6  and  8 - 10 . It should be understood that instead of lower and upper, phrases such as first and second could be used. In use, the pouch  20  can be in any orientation in space, and “an upper attachment region” may appear as a lower region, while a “lower attachment region” may appear as an upper region. 
         [0046]    Each of the attachment regions  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  82 ,  86 ,  88  can be with a sealant, adhesive, heat seal, and other techniques for securing the zipper profiles  40 ,  54  to the wall panel  28 . 
         [0047]    A method of making a reclosable zipper pouch can be implemented following principles of this disclosure. In the method, there is a step of providing surrounding wall  22  having closed bottom  34 , first and second opposite sides  30 ,  32 , open mouth  36 , and first and second opposing wall panels  26 ,  28  between the first and second opposite sides  30 ,  32 . 
         [0048]    There is a step of securing the first seal flange  42  of first zipper profile  40  to the first wall panel  26  adjacent to the mouth  36  and between the first and second sides  30 ,  32  to provide the first profile member  44  to be extending from the first seal flange  42  toward the second wall panel  28 . 
         [0049]    There is a step of securing the second seal flange  56  of the second zipper profile  54  to the second wall panel  28  adjacent to the mouth  36  and between the first and second sides  30 ,  32  to provide the second profile member  58  to be extending from the second seal flange  56  toward the first wall panel  26  and in a location to engage the first profile member  44 . 
         [0050]    The step of securing the second seal flange  56  includes securing the second seal flange  56  at zipper-operable section  70  and at zipper-non-operable section  72 . 
         [0051]    The step of securing the second flange seal  56  at zipper-operable section  70  includes securing lower attachment region  74  between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28  and between the second profile member  58  and the closed bottom  34 . It also includes securing upper attachment region  76  between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28  and between the second profile member  58  and the mouth  36 . The step of securing the second flange seal  56  at zipper-non-operable section  72  includes securing at least lower attachment region  78  between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28  and between the second profile member  58  and the closed bottom  34 . 
         [0052]    The step of providing the second seal flange  56  can include providing second seal flange  56  to have die line  80  substantially along a length of the second zipper profile  54  between the first and second sides  30 ,  32  and between the second profile member  58  and the mouth  36 . In this embodiment, the step of securing the second seal flange  56  at zipper-operable section  70  includes securing the upper attachment region  76  of the zipper-operable section at least on and covering the die line  80 . In this embodiment, the step of securing the second seal flange  56  at zipper-non-operable section  72  includes securing upper attachment region  82  between the second flange seal  56  and the second wall panel  28  and between the die line  80  and the mouth  36 . Region  84  between the die line  80  and the second profile member  58  is free of attachment. 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, the step of securing the second seal flange  56  at zipper-non-operable section  72  includes limiting the attachment of the second seal flange  56  in the zipper-non-operable section  70  to the lower attachment region  78  and ensuring region  79  between the second profile member  58  and the mouth  36  in the zipper-non-operable section  72  is free of attachment between the second seal flange  56  and the second wall panel  28 . 
         [0054]    The step of securing the first seal flange  42  to the first wall panel  26  includes securing the first seal flange  42  to the first wall panel  26  along at least upper attachment region  86  and lower attachment region  88 . The upper attachment region  86  is between the first profile member  44  and the mouth  36 . The lower attachment region  88  is between the first profile member  44  and the closed bottom  34 . 
         [0055]    The above description represents example principles of this disclosure. Many embodiments can be made applying these principles.