Patent Publication Number: US-7904996-B2

Title: Reclosable fasteners or zippers for use with polymeric bags

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/079,019 entitled “Reclosable Fasteners or Zippers For Use With Polymeric Bags,” which was filed on Mar. 24, 2008 and which has been allowed; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/079,019 filed on Mar. 24, 2008, is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/644,508, entitled “Reclosable Fasteners or Zippers For Use With Polymeric Bags,” which was filed on Dec. 22, 2006 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,015; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/644,508, filed on Dec. 22, 2006, is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/374,018, entitled “Reclosable Fasteners Or Zippers For Use With Polymeric Bags,” which was filed on Feb. 25, 2003 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,282, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/361,171 filed on Mar. 1, 2002 and is entitled “Reclosable Fasteners Or Zippers For Use With Polymeric Bags” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to reclosable polymeric bags. More particularly, the present invention relates to improved fasteners or zippers for use with the polymeric bags. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Polymeric bags are popular household items that are used in a variety of applications including storage of food. The addition of reclosable fasteners or zippers to these bags has further enhanced their utility and the addition of a slider has made the fasteners easier to open and close. The fasteners include complementary first and second profiles that engage each other to close the polymeric bag. 
     There are a variety of food items that are desirable to store in these polymeric bags. Some desired items for storage include packaged material, such as particles or powders. This packaged material may include such items as sugar, salt, baby formula, coffee, pancake mix and dog food. Existing reclosable fastener or zipper bags, such as press to close bags and slider bags, often do not reclose after the packaged material is poured from the bag because the material gets trapped in an interior area of one or more of the profiles. The trapped material can prevent or inhibit the first and second profiles from rolling or snapping together, resulting in the fastener not being able to reclose. 
     A need therefore exists for an improved reclosable fastener that reduces or eliminates the above-described problem of reclosing the first and second profiles after packaged material has been trapped therein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment, a slider is adapted for use with a reclosable fastener for bags containing material. The reclosable fastener includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, while the second track includes a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. At least one of the first and second profiles has an interior portion. The slider comprises a body that includes a top, a first side, a second side and a separation member on an underside of the top. The separation member is adapted to open and close the fastener and includes a first slider finger and a second slider finger. The first slider finger extends generally downwardly from the top. The first slider finger extends into an interior portion of the first profile so as to assist in removing material trapped in the interior portion of the first profile when closing the reclosable fastener. The second slider finger extends generally downwardly from the top. The second slider finger extends into an interior portion of the second profile so as to assist in removing material trapped in the interior portion of the second profile when closing the reclosable fastener. 
     According to one embodiment, a reclosable fastener is adapted for use with bags having an interior space adapted to receive material. The reclosable fastener comprises a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, first fin portion and a first fin flap. The second track includes a second profile, a second fin portion and a second fin flap. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from the first profile toward the interior space of the bag. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from the second profile toward the interior space of the bag. The first fin flap is attached to the first fin and extends upwardly and outwardly to the second profile so as to prevent or inhibit material from entering one of more interior areas of the first and second profiles. The second fin flap is attached to the second fin portion and extends upwardly and outwardly to the first profile so as to prevent or inhibit material from entering one of more interior areas of the first and second profiles. 
     According to another embodiment, a reclosable fastener is adapted for use with bags having an interior space adapted to receive material. The reclosable fastener comprises a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, and a first fin portion. The second track includes a second profile, a second fin portion and a first fin flap. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from the first profile toward the interior space of the bag. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from the second profile toward the interior space of the bag. The first fin flap is attached to the second fin portion and extends upwardly and outwardly to the first profile so as to prevent or inhibit material from entering one of more interior areas of the first and second profiles. 
     According to a further embodiment, a reclosable fastener is adapted for use with bags having an interior space adapted to receive material. The reclosable fastener comprises a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile that has an interior area, while the second track includes a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first profile has a thin walled deflection shield that prevents or inhibits material from entering the interior area of the first profile. A portion of the thin walled deflection shield is adapted to break, rupture or slit in response to a portion of the second profile entering the interior area of the first profile. The thin walled deflection shield may be formed by a seam portion. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a reclosable fastener is adapted for use with bags having an interior space adapted to receive material. The reclosable fastener comprises a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, while the second track includes a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first profile is a general c-shape and further includes two thin walled deflection shields. The general c-shape is formed from two extensions spaced apart and attached to a first portion. The two extensions has two outer ends spaced from the first portion. Each of the two thin walled deflection shields is attached near a respective one of the two outer ends of the two extensions so as to prevent or inhibit material from entering the interior area of the first profile. The thin walled deflection shields are spaced slightly apart so as to allow a portion of the second profile to enter into the interior area formed by the general c-shape section. 
     According to yet a further embodiment, a reclosable fastener is adapted for use with bags having an interior space adapted to receive material. The reclosable fastener comprises a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, while the second track includes a second profile. The first profile includes a gasket formed in an interior area thereof. The gasket is adapted to prevent or inhibit material from entering the interior area of the first profile and/or expel material from the interior area of the first profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other and the gasket is compressed upon engagement of the first and second profiles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a thermoplastic bag having a fastener and slider. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of a slider on a bag constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of  FIGS. 1 and 2  taken generally along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of a slider with a generally straight finger according to is one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of a the slider of  FIG. 4  with first and second profiles according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an end view of the slider with an angled finger according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an end view of the slider of  FIG. 6  with first and second profiles according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is an end view of a slider with an enlarged radiused finger according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an end view of the slider of  FIG. 8  with first and second profiles according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of a slider with a longer finger, and first and second profiles according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is end view of a slider with a wider finger, and first and second profiles according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an end view of a slider according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 13   a, b  are perspective views of the slider of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is an end view of a portion of the slider of  FIG. 12  with first and second profiles. 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a portion of the slider of  FIG. 12  with first and second profiles and  FIG. 14   a  is another end view of a portion of the slider of  FIG. 12  with first and second profiles having a first angled slider abutting the lower surface. 
         FIG. 16  is an elastomeric female track and a male track according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is the elastomeric female track of  FIG. 16  with an elastomeric profile portion in a first position. 
         FIG. 18  is the elastomeric track and the male track of  FIG. 16  in an interlocking position with the elastomeric profile portion in a second position. 
         FIG. 19  is an elastomeric female track and a male track according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is the elastomeric female track of  FIG. 19  with an elastomeric profile portion in a first position. 
         FIG. 21  is the elastomeric female track and the male track of  FIG. 19  in an interlocking position with the elastomeric profile portion in a second position. 
         FIG. 22   a  is a female track and a male track with respective fin flaps according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22   b  is a female track and a male track with respective fin flaps according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22   c  is a female track and a male track with a fin flap according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is a female profile with a generally thin-walled section according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 24  is the female profile of  FIG. 23  shown in an interlocking position with a male profile. 
         FIG. 25  is the female profile of  FIG. 23  after the male profile has been in an interlocking position thereto. 
         FIG. 26  is a female profile with a gasket portion according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is the female profile of  FIG. 26  shown in an interlocking position with a male profile. 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of a polymeric bag and a fastener or zipper with two male profiles and two female profiles according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a cross sectional view of the respective male and female profiles of  FIG. 28  in an interlocked position. 
         FIG. 30  is a side view of a polymeric bag and a fastener or zipper with two male profiles and two female profiles according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a polymeric slider  10  and a profiled is polymeric fastener or zipper  12 . The slider  10  and fastener  12  are particularly suited for thermoplastic bags and the like. It is contemplated that the slider and fastener may be used with other bags such as multi-walled paper bags. Slider  10  has been illustrated in  FIG. 2  assembled on the fastener  12  at the top edge or mouth of a thermoplastic bag B. The slider  10  and the fastener  12  cooperate to close the bag B. To assist in opening the bag, the slider  10  is slidably mounted to the fastener  12  for movement between a closed position and an open position. 
     Bag B (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is formed from a single flexible polymeric sheet folded upon itself and comprises first and second opposing body panels  24 ,  26 . Body panels  24 ,  26  are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides  28 ,  30  and a bottom  32  which extends between the pair of sides  28 ,  30 . The fastener  12  extends along the top edge or mouth formed opposite the bottom  32  of bag B, in which the fastener  12  has a male track  14  and a female track  16 . 
     Alternatively, bag B may be formed from separate polymeric sheets where the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being initially separated so as to form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on three sides). Alternatively, bag B may be formed from a single flexible plastic sheet having a side fold, a seal on the side opposite the side fold, and an end seal (not shown). 
     Alternatively, bag B (not shown) may be a stand-up polymeric bag that comprises first and second opposing body panels, a bottom wall and a reclosable feature or fastener, such as a reclosable zipper which can be opened and closed either by the use of an auxiliary slider mechanism, by finger pressure, or by an auxiliary squeezing device other than an auxiliary slider mechanism. The first and second opposing body panels are coupled to opposing portions of the bottom wall. The bottom wall may be a gusseted bottom wall comprising gusseted portions or may be comprised of configurations other than a gusseted bottom wall. One example of a stand-up polymeric bag is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,588 to Thomas et al. It is contemplated that the bag may be a side-gusseted bag. 
     The body panels  24 ,  26  typically comprise one or more polymeric resins. The body panels  24 ,  26  may be comprised of polyolefins including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene or combinations thereof. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the fastener  12  comprises the male track  14  and the female track  16 . The male and female tracks  14 ,  16  include respective male and female profiles  18 ,  20 . The male and female profiles  18 ,  20  are interlocking and extend the length thereof in the form of rib and groove elements on the respective tracks. The tracks  14 ,  16  may be extruded separately with a fin and attached to the respective sides of the bag mouth or the tracks  14 ,  16  may be extruded integral with the sides of the bag mouth. If the tracks  14 ,  16  are extruded separately, they are most effectively attached by means of a respective male and female fins, incorporated within the tracks, that is heat sealed to a bag mouth. 
     The fastener  12  typically comprises one or more polymeric resins. The fastener may be comprised of polyolefins including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene or combinations thereof. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , the male track  14  includes the male profile  18  and a first depending fin or flange  19 , extending downward from the male profile  18 . Likewise, the female track  16  includes the female profile  20  and a second depending fin or flange  21  extending downward from the female profile  20 . The fins  19 ,  21  are shown attached to the opposing body panels  24 ,  26  in  FIG. 3 . The opposing body panels  24 ,  26  may be attached to the inner surfaces of respective fins  19 ,  21  as shown in  FIG. 3  or may be attached to outer surfaces of respective fins  19 ,  21  (not shown). The male and female profiles  18 ,  20  have complementary cross-sectional shapes. The cross-sectional shapes of the interlocking male and female profiles  18 ,  20  shown in  FIG. 3  are also shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143 to Herrington, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In the open position of the slider  10 , the male and female profiles  18 ,  20  are disengaged from each other so that a user can gain access to the interior of the bag B. Movement of the slider  10  from the open position to the closed position interlocks the male and female profiles  18 ,  20  so as to restrict access to the interior of the bag B. For example, the male and female profiles  18 ,  20  may be rolled or pressed into their interlocking arrangement so as to securely close the bag B by one of two means. First, the tracks may be rolled or pressed together at one end by a user and then sequentially fitted together along the length of the fastener by a user running a finger along the length of the fastener on each side of the tracks. Alternatively, some bags employ a polymeric slider that rides along the tracks of the fastener. If the slider is pulled in one direction, the bag is sealed shut; if the slider is pulled in the opposite direction, the bag is reopened. As may be seen in  FIG. 2 , the slider  10  straddles the fastener  12  at the top of the bag B and is adapted for opening or closing the interlocking tracks  14 ,  16  of the fastener  12 . 
     The opposite ends of the fastener  12  are typically provided with opposing end terminations. One example of an end termination is end termination clip  40  depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 . Each end clip  40  comprises a strap member which wraps over the top of the fastener  12 . One end of the strap is provided with a rivet like member  40   a  which is adapted to penetrate through the bag material and into a cooperating opening  40   b  at the other end of the clip  40 . The rivet  40   a  is then deformed so as to create a head locked into the opening  40   b.    
     End terminations may have various purposes such as (a) preventing or inhibiting the slider  10  from going past the ends of the fastener  12 , (b) interacting with the slider  10  to give a tactile indication of being closed, (c) assisting in inhibiting or preventing leakage from the bag B and (d) holding the male and female profiles  18 ,  20  together and providing additional strength in resisting stresses applied to the profiles  18 ,  20  during normal use of the bag B. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the slider  10  and the end clips  40  may be obtained from U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,208 to Herrington, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     It is contemplated that other end terminations may be used instead of the above-described end terminations clip  40 . For example, an end weld may be formed by heated bars pressed against the end of the fastener, ultrasonic welding or other ways known in the art. 
     Improved Sliders 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a slider is adapted to remove packaged material, such as particles or powder, that has been trapped in an interior area of one or more of the tracks. The slider includes a slider finger that removes the packaged material that has been trapped in an interior area out of one or more of the profiles. The removal of the trapped material increases the likelihood of reclosing the pouch or bag (e.g., a stand-up bag). 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 4 , there is illustrated the slider  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The slider  10  may be a unitary or integral structure (i.e., a one-piece slider). The slider  10  is an inverted generally U-shaped member. The sliders of the present invention may be combined with the fastener or zipper  12  in forming the thermoplastic bag B (see  FIGS. 1-2 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the slider  10  comprises an inverted generally U-shaped member including a transverse support member or body  50  from which a torpedo  52   a  and generally straight slider finger  52   b  extend generally downward. The body  50  is itself U-shaped and includes two integral legs  54  extending generally downward. The generally straight finger  52   b  and torpedo  52   a  are positioned between the legs  54 . It is contemplated the generally straight finger and torpedo may be located in front of the legs (i.e., at an end of the slider closer to end termination  40 ). The body  50  is adapted to move along the top edges of the tracks  14 ,  16  with the legs  54  straddling these elements and the torpedo  52   a  positioned between the tracks  14 ,  16 . The slider  10  also includes a pair of hinged “wings”  56 ,  58  that can be folded down into their final position. The wings  56 ,  58  are hinged to the main slider body  50  by means of hinge structures  60 ,  62  located at opposite ends of the legs  54 . It is contemplated that the slider does not necessarily have to be a hinged structure. 
     The foldable depending wings or side walls  56 ,  58  extend from an opening end  10   a  of the slider  10  to a closing end  10   b . It is noted that the body  50  and the torpedo  52   a  are wider at the opening end  10   a  than at the closing end  10   b . Similarly, the side walls  56 ,  58  and the legs  54  are spaced wider apart at the opening end  10   a  of the slider  10  to permit separation of the male and female profiles  18 ,  20  by the torpedo  52   a  engaging the tracks  14 ,  16 . The wings  56 ,  58  and legs  54  are spaced sufficiently close together at the closing end  10   b  of the slider to press the male and female profiles  18 ,  20  into an interlocking relationship as the slider  10  is moved in a fastener closing direction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the wings  56 ,  58  at their lower ends are each provided with an inwardly extending shoulder structure  64 . The shoulder structures  64  engage a bottom of the fastener  12  to prevent or inhibit the slider  10  from being lifted off the edges of the tracks  14 ,  16  while the slider  10  straddles the fastener  12 . Specifically, the shoulder structures  64  engage with lower surfaces of the profiles to inhibit or prevent the slider from being (a) pulled off in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion and (b) removed from the force required to open the profiles. 
     The torpedo  52   a  has a wide portion  53  ( FIG. 5 ) and a narrow portion (not shown). The torpedo  52   a  with the wide and narrow portions interact with first and second portions  22 ,  23  ( FIG. 5 ) of the fastener  12  to lock and unlock the male and female profiles  18 ,  20  of the fastener  12 . This interaction opens and closes the fastener  12  in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. More specifically, the wide portion  53  of the torpedo  52   a  in cooperation with the shoulder structures  64  spread the first and second portions  22 ,  23 . The spread first and second portions  22 ,  23  separate the male and female profiles  18 ,  20 , thereby opening the fastener  12  ( FIG. 2 ) as the slider  10  is moved. 
     To close the fastener  12 , the slider  10  is moved in the reverse direction and the narrow portion of the torpedo  52   a  cooperates with the shoulder structures  64  and the sides of the slider  10  to bring the first and second portions  22 ,  23  together. The first and second portions  22 ,  23  when brought together lock the male and female profiles  18 ,  20  ( FIG. 3 ). To close the fastener  12  completely, at least the wide portion  53  of the torpedo  52   a  is removed from between the first and second portions  22 ,  23  of the fastener  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , it is desirable that the generally straight finger  52   b  is integrally connected to the torpedo  52   a . For example, the slider  10  including the torpedo  52   a  and slider finger  52   b  may be formed by an injection molding process. The generally straight slider finger  52   b , however, may be formed separately from the torpedo  52   a.    
     The slider  10  with generally straight slider finger  52   b  is depicted in relation to the male profile  18  and the female profile  20  in  FIG. 5 . The generally straight slider finger  52   b  extends into and seats in an interior area  66  of the female profile  20 . Specifically, the generally straight slider finger  52   b  extends through a female gap  68  formed between outer end extensions  70 ,  72  of the female profile  20 . The generally straight slider finger  52   b  is shown in  FIG. 5  as abutting a lower surface  74  of a groove  76  formed in the interior area  66 . It is contemplated, however, that the generally straight slider finger  52   b  may not necessarily extend and abut the lower surface  74  of the groove  76  as long as the slider finger  52   b  assists in removing the material trapped in the interior area  66 . For example, the generally straight slider finger  52   b  may extend to a location adjacent to or at an upper edge of the outer end extension  72  of  FIG. 5  (see also  FIG. 9 ). Preferably, the generally straight slider finger  52   b  assists in removing most, if not all, of the material, such as particles or powder, trapped in the female gap  68 . 
     According to another embodiment that is depicted in  FIG. 6 , a slider  110  has an angled slider finger  152   b . The slider  110  includes the angled slider finger  152   b  and a torpedo  152   a.    
     The slider  110  with the angled slider finger  152   b  is shown with respect to a male profile  118  and a female profile  120  in  FIG. 7 . The angled slider finger  152   b  extends into and seats in an interior area  166  of the female profile  120 . Specifically, the angled slider finger  152   b  extends through a female gap  168  formed between outer end extensions  170 ,  172 . The angled slider finger  152   b  is shown in  FIG. 7  as abutting a lower surface  174  of a groove  176  formed in the interior area  166  at an angle. It is contemplated, however, that the angled slider finger  152   b  may not necessarily extend and abut the lower surface  174  of the groove  176  as long as the angled slider finger  152   b  assists in removing the material trapped in the interior area  166 . For example, the angled slider finger  152   b  may extend to a location adjacent to or at an upper edge of the outer end extension  172  of  FIG. 7  (see also  FIG. 9 ). Preferably, the angled slider finger  152   b  assists in removing most, if not all, of the material, such as particles or powder, trapped in the female gap  168 . 
     It is also contemplated that the generally straight slider finger  52   b  and the angled slider finger  152   b  may be sized and shaped differently than depicted in  FIGS. 4-7 . For example, in  FIGS. 8-9 , a slider  210  includes a torpedo  252   a  and a slider finger  252   b  that has been widened at one end to improve its strength while still assisting in removing material, such as particles or powder, from a female gap of the female profile  220 . The slider finger  252   b  extends into an interior area  260  of the female profile  220 . To reduce stress concentrations, edges  280  of the slider finger  252   b  of the slider  210  may be generally radiused as depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9 .  FIG. 9  depicts the relationship of the torpedo  252   a  and the slider finger  252   b  to the female profile  220  and male profile  218  in an open position. 
     Further examples of angled fingers are depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , a slider  300  is shown with a longer slider finger  302 , as well as a male profile  304  and a female profile  306 . The longer slider finger  302  extends and abuts a lower surface  308  of an interior area  310  of the female profile  306 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , a slider  320  is shown with a wider slider finger  322 , as well as a male profile  324  and a female profile  326 . The wider slider finger  322  extends into an interior area  330  further than the angled slider  210  extends into the interior area  260  ( FIG. 9 ). 
     According to one embodiment, a slider is adapted for use with a reclosable fastener for thermoplastic bags containing material. The reclosable fastener includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, while the second track includes a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. At least one of the first and second profiles has an interior portion. The slider comprises a body that includes a top, a first side, a second side and a separation member on an underside of the top. The separation member is adapted to open and close the fastener and includes a slider finger that extends generally downwardly from the top. The slider finger extends into an interior portion of the first profile so as to assist in removing material trapped in the interior portion of the first profile when closing the reclosable fastener. The slider may be a unitary structure and may be an inverted generally U-shaped member. The slider finger may be generally straight or angled, and the slider finger may abut a lower surface formed in the interior area of the profile. 
     Another embodiment is depicted in  FIGS. 12-15  with slider  350 . Referring first to  FIGS. 12-13   b , the slider  350  includes a torpedo  352   a  with a first angled slider finger  352   b  and a second angled slider finger  352   c . It is desirable for the first angled slider finger  352   b  and the second angled slider finger  352   c  to be integrally connected to the torpedo  352   a.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the first angled slider finger  352   b  extends into an interior area  358  of a first profile  360 , while the second angled slider finger  352   c  extends into an interior area  378  of a second profile  380 . The first angled slider finger  352   b  extends through a female gap  362  formed between two extensions  364 ,  366  of the first profile  360 . The first angled slider finger  352   b  assists in removing the material trapped in the interior area  358 . The first angled slider finger  352   b  preferably assists in removing most, if not all, of the material, such as particles or powder trapped in the female gap  362 . The first angled slider finger  352   b  is not shown in  FIG. 14  as abutting a lower surface  368  of the first profile  360 . It is contemplated that the first angled slider finger  352   b  could extend to and abut the lower surface  368 . 
     The second angled slider finger  352   c  assists in removing the material trapped in the interior area  378  of the second profile  380 . The second angled slider finger  352   c  is shown as abutting portions of surfaces  382 ,  384  of the second profile  380 . It is contemplated that the second angled slider finger  352   c  may abut one or none of the surfaces  382 ,  384 . 
     It is contemplated that one slider finger with two distinct extensions may be able to extend into an interior area of the first and second profiles so as to assist in removing the trapped material. 
     The sliders  10 ,  110  and  210  may be formed from suitable polymeric materials such as, for example, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyacetals, acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymers or combinations thereof. The sliders  10 ,  110  and  210  of the present invention may be formed by injection molding. 
     Elastomeric Profiles 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the profiles is designed to (a) expel material, such as particles or powder, that has been trapped, and/or (b) prevent or inhibit material from entering an interior area of the profile(s). One or more of the profiles uses a generally thin piece of elastic material to expel the material and/or prevent or inhibit material from entering an interior area of the profile(s). 
     According to this embodiment, a reclosable fastener is adapted for use with thermoplastic bags containing material. The reclosable fastener comprises a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, while the second track includes a second profile. At least the first profile has an elastomeric portion attached thereto. The elastomeric portion is adapted to cover at least a portion of the first profile to prevent or inhibit the material from entering an interior area of the first profile and/or expel the material from the interior area of the first profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other wherein the elastomeric portion is located between the first and second profiles during engagement thereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-18 , one embodiment of an elastomeric track of the present invention is depicted. Referring to  FIG. 16 , a fastener  400  includes a female track  402  and a male track  404 . The female track  402  includes a female profile  406  and a female fin  408  and the male track  404  includes a male profile  416  and a male fin  418 . The female profile  406  includes an elastomeric portion  410  and an interlocking profile  412 . The elastomeric portion  410  is adapted to cover an opening to an interior cavity  422  as shown in  FIGS. 16-17 . The elastomeric portion  410  is attached or formed to an end  406   a  of the female profile  406  as depicted in, for example,  FIG. 16 . The elastomeric portion  410  may be attached or formed to the female profile  406  using a coextrusion process. It is contemplated that the elastomeric portion  410  may be attached to the female profile  406  using other methods known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the elastomeric portion  410  is shown covering the opening to the interior cavity  422  and is sealed to the female fin  408 . The seal between the elastomeric portion  410  and the female fin  408  may also include a seal to an opposing body panel  414  as shown in  FIG. 17 . It is contemplated that the elastomeric portion  410  may be directed attached to an opposing body panel  414 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the elastomeric portion  410  is able to move or retract into the interior cavity  422  formed by the interlocking portion  412  when the female profile  406  is interlocked with the male profile  416 . Thus, the elastomeric portion  410  must be of a sufficient elasticity to allow the male profile  416  to enter into the interior cavity  422  and interlock with the female profile  406 . When the female profile  406  and the male profile  416  are not engaged, the elastomeric portion  410  pops open or snaps back so as to remove any unwanted material such as depicted in  FIG. 17 . This movement of the elastomeric portion  410  is depicted by comparing a first position of the elastomeric portion  410  (see  FIG. 17 ) and a second position of the elastomeric portion  410  (see  FIG. 18 ). The elastomeric portion  410  in the first position ( FIG. 17 ) prevents or inhibits the material from entering the interior cavity  422  (including the female gap  413 ) of the female profile  406 . 
     The elastomeric portion  410  may be placed in a first position (see  FIG. 17 ) during the conversion of the bag (i.e., when the track and bag are connected). The conversion of the bag may also include the addition of an optional slider and opposing end terminations. The elastomeric portion  410  fits into the interior cavity  422  of the female profile  406  under tension by the male profile  416 . To better remove the trapped material, it is desirable that the elastomeric portion  410  extend through at least a female gap of the female profile  406 . 
     The elastomeric portion  410  may be made of any suitable material that (a) moves during the process of interlocking the female and male profile  406 ,  416  and (b) retracts upon the disengaging of the female and male profiles  406 ,  416  to remove unwanted material from at least the female gap  413  of the interior cavity  422  of the female profile  406 . Examples of materials that may be used in forming the elastomeric portion  410  include wrapping polymeric materials such as polyvinylidene chloride (e.g., SARAN™ Wrap), rubber, rubberlike materials and alkenyl aromatic polymers (e.g., polystyrene foam). 
     The thickness of the elastomeric portion  410  is typically thinner than the remainder of the female profile  406 . The elastomeric portion  410  generally has a thickness of from about 0.2 to about 10 mils and, more specifically, from about 0.5 to about 6 mils. 
     The interlocking portion  412  of the first profile  406 , the second profile  416  and the fin portions  408 ,  418  may be independently made of polymeric resins such as polyolefinic resins. Nonlimiting examples of polyolefinic resins which may be used include low density polyethylenes, linear low density polyethylenes, high density polyethylenes (HDPE), medium density polyethylenes (MDPE), polypropylenes, plastomers, elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetates (EVA), ethyl methacrylates, polymethylpentene copolymers, polyisobutylenes, polyolefin ionomers, or combinations thereof. It is contemplated that other polyolefinic resins may be used. The preferred polyolefinic resins are low density polyethylenes and linear low density polyethylenes. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , another embodiment using an elastomeric portion of the present invention is depicted. Referring to  FIG. 19 , a fastener  500  includes a female track  502  and a male track  504 . The female track  502  includes a female profile  506  and a female fin  508  and the male track  504  includes a male profile  516  and a male fin  518 . The female profile  506  includes an elastomeric portion  510  and an interlocking portion  512 . The elastomeric portion  510  is adapted to cover an opening to an interior cavity  522  as shown in  FIGS. 19-20 . The elastomeric portion  510  is attached or formed in a different location of the female profile  506  than previously depicted in  FIGS. 16-18  with respect to the elastomeric portion  410  and the female profile  406 . Specifically, the elastomeric portion  510  is attached or formed to an end  506   a  of the female profile  506  where the end  506   a  forms a portion of female gap  513 . 
     It is contemplated that the elastomeric portion may be attached to the interlocking portion at different locations than depicted in  FIGS. 16-21 . For example, the elastomeric portion may be attached to a portion of the interlocking portion  412  forming the interior cavity  422 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 20 , the elastomeric portion  510  is shown covering the opening to the interior cavity  522  and is sealed to the female fin  508 . The seal between the elastomeric portion  510  and the female fin  508  may also include a seal to an opposing body panel  514  as shown in  FIG. 20 . It is contemplated that the elastomeric portion  510  may be directed attached to an opposing body panel  514 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the elastomeric portion  510  is able to move or retract into the interior cavity  522  formed by the interlocking portion  512  when the female profile  506  is interlocked with the male profile  516 . Thus, the elastomeric portion  510  must be of a sufficient elasticity to allow the male profile  516  to enter into the interior cavity  522  and interlock with the female profile  506 . When the female profile  506  and the male profile  516  are not engaged, the elastomeric portion  510  pops open or snaps back so as to remove any unwanted material such as depicted in  FIG. 20 . This movement of the elastomeric portion  510  is depicted by comparing a first position of the elastomeric portion  510  (see  FIG. 20 ) and a second position of the elastomeric portion  510  (see  FIG. 21 ). The elastomeric portion  510  in the first position ( FIG. 20 ) prevents or inhibits the material from entering the interior cavity  522  (including the female gap  513 ) of the female profile  506 . 
     The elastomeric portion  510  may be placed in a first position (see  FIG. 20 ) during the conversion of the bag (i.e., when the track and bag are connected). The conversion of the bag may also include the addition of an optional slider and opposing end terminations. The elastomeric portion  510  fits into the interior cavity  522  of the female profile  506  under tension by the male profile  516 . To better remove the trapped material, it is desirable that the elastomeric portion  510  extend through at least a female gap  513  of the female profile  506 . 
     It is also contemplated that the elastomeric portion of the female profile may be used with different shaped female and/or male profiles, than those depicted in  FIGS. 16-21 . 
     The materials used to form the elastomeric portion  510  are the same as described above with respect to the elastomeric portion  410 . Similarly, the materials used to form the interlocking portion  512  of the female profile  506 , the male profile  516 , and the fins  508 ,  518  are the same as described above to the interlocking portion  412 , the male profile  416  and the fins  408 ,  418 , respectively. 
     Fin Flap Fasteners 
     Referring to  FIG. 22   a , a fastener  600  includes a female track  602  and a male track  604 . The female track  602  includes a female profile  606  and a female fin  608 , and the male track  604  includes a male profile  616  and a male fin  618 . The female fin  608  and the male fin  618  include a female fin flap  610  and a male fin flap  620 , respectively. The female fin  606  and the male fin  616  are attached to respective opposing body panels  612  and  622 . 
     The female and male fin flaps  610 ,  620  are designed to prevent or inhibit material, such as particles or powder, from entering an interior area of the female profile  606  and/or male profile  616  during the pouring of the material from a pouch or bag. By reducing or eliminating material from entering the interior area of the female profile  606  and/or male profile  616 , the likelihood of the entirely reclosing the profiles  606 ,  616  is increased. 
     The female fin flap  610  and the male fin flap  620  of  FIG. 22   a  extend away from their respective fins  608 ,  618  in a generally upwardly and outwardly direction. Specifically, the female and male fin flaps  610 ,  620  extend generally toward the male and female profiles  606 ,  616 . The female fin flap  610  and the male fin flap  620  extend away from the opposing body panels  612 ,  622 . As shown in  FIG. 22   a , upper edges  610   a ,  620   a  of the male and female fin flaps  610 ,  620 , respectively, are located near the respective profiles  606 ,  616  and also to each other so as to prevent or inhibit unwanted material from entering the interior areas of the profiles  606 ,  616 . 
     The female fin flap  610  and the male fin flap  620  may be made of materials such as described above with respect to fins  408 ,  418 . The female and male profiles  606 ,  616  may be made of materials such as discussed above with respect to male profile  416 . Similarly, the female and male fins  608 ,  618  may be made of materials such as discussed above with respect to male and female fins  408 ,  418 . 
     The female fin flap  610  and the male fin flap  620  may be integrally formed with the fins  608 ,  618 , respectively. For example, the female fin  608  and the female fin flap  610  may be formed by profile extrusion. Similarly, the male fin  610  and the male fin flap  620  may be formed by profile extrusion or injection molding. Alternatively, the female fin  608  and the female fin flap  610  may be formed by coextrusion or other methods know in the art. Alternatively, the male fin  610  and the male fin flap  620  may be formed by coextrusion or other methods know in the art. For example, the female fin flap  610  and the male fin flap  620  may be attached to respective fins  608 ,  618  via an adhesive. 
     It is contemplated that the female and male fin flaps may be shaped differently and/or extend at different angles than depicted in  FIG. 22   a . The female and male fin flaps may extend from a different location on the respective fins than depicted in  FIG. 22   a . The fin flaps are not limited to the specific female and male profiles  606 ,  616  depicted in  FIG. 22   a.    
     For example, in  FIG. 22   b , a fastener  650  includes the female track  602  and the male track  604  and is shown in a non-interlocked position. The female track  602  includes the female profile  606  and the female fin  608 , and the male track  604  includes the male profile  616  and the male fin  618 . The female fin  608  and the male fin  618  include a female fin flap  660  and a male fin flap  670 , respectively. The female fin  606  and the male fin  616  are attached to the respective opposing body panels  612  and  622 . The female fin flap  660  has an end  660   a  that extends near to or above an interior cavity of the female profile  606 . Similarly, the male fin flap  670  has an end  670   a  that extends near to or above an interlocking portion of the male profile  616 . 
     It is also contemplated that the fin flap may be located on only one of the profiles. For example, in  FIG. 22   c , fastener  600   a  includes a female track  602   a  that includes the female profile  606  and the female fin  608 , but does not include a female fin flap. The male track  604  of  FIG. 22   c  includes the male fin flap  620  that prevents or inhibits material from entering the interior area of the male track  604  such as area  626 . Alternatively, the fastener may include a female track that includes a female fin flap such as female track  602  of  FIG. 22   a  and a male track that does not include a male fin flap. 
     Deflection Shield on Profile(s) 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , a female profile  700  is depicted that includes an extension portion or ear  702 , a generally c-shaped section  704  and a generally thin-walled deflection shield  706 . The thin-walled deflection shield  706  extends generally perpendicularly between outer ends  708 ,  710  of the generally c-shaped section  704 . The ear  702  extends generally upwardly and outwardly from the generally c-shaped section  704  as depicted in  FIG. 23 . 
     The c-shaped section  704  includes a first portion  712  and two extensions  714 ,  716 . The two extensions  714 ,  716  are generally perpendicular to and extend from the first portion  712 . The two extensions  714 ,  716  are spaced apart from each other so as to form an interior area or cavity  718 . 
     The thin-walled deflection shield  706  is designed to have at least a portion thereof (e.g., a seam portion) that enables a male profile to enter the interior area  718 . The interior area  718  is adapted to receive a male profile (e.g., male profile  730  in  FIG. 24 ) that interlocks with the female profile  700 . The seam portion  706   a  of the deflection shield  706  is thinner than the remainder of the deflection shield  706  and is adapted to be broken, ruptured or slit by the male profile. The seam portion  706   a  is a stress point on the deflection shield  706  that is designed to break, rupture or slit before the remainder of the deflection shield  706 . The seam portion  706   a  of the deflection shield  706  is preferably broken, ruptured or slit by the male profile during the closing of the track. 
     The interlocking relationship between the female profile  700  and the male profile  730  is depicted in  FIG. 24 . The male profile  730  enters the interior area  718  through the deflection shield  706  and, more specifically, the seam portion  706   a.    
     Upon the disengagement of the female profile  700  and the male profile  730  (see  FIG. 25 ), the deflection shield  706  is split into a first deflection shield  706   b  and a second deflection shield  706   c . The first and second deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c  assist in preventing or inhibiting material, such as particles or powder, from entering the interior area  718  of the female profile  700 . For example, the deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c  assist in preventing or inhibiting material, such as particles or powder, from entering a female gap  722 . The female gap  722  of the female profile  700  is formed by the breaking, rupturing or slitting of the seam portion  706   a.    
     The deflection shield  706  may be made from polymeric materials such as polyolefins, including polyethylenes, polypropylenes and combinations thereof. More specifically, the deflection shield  706  may be made of the materials discussed above in the fins  408 ,  418 . The remainder of the female profile  700  (the ear  702  and the generally c-shaped section  704 ) may be formed by the same material as the deflection shield  706 . It is contemplated, however, that the remainder of the female profile  700  may be formed from different materials than the deflection shield  706 . 
     It is desirable that the deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c  have some flexibility to allow the male profile  730  to enter the female profile  700 . The deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c  may have flexibility due to the thickness of the shields  706   b ,  706   c  and/or the materials used in forming the deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c . This allows the first and second deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c  to be lengthened which assists in preventing or inhibiting more material from entering into or through the female gap  722 . If the deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c  are not flexible, then the seam portion  706   a  must be sized to correspond with an interlocking portion of the male profile  730  that enters the interior area  718 . 
     The first and second deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c  generally have a thickness of from about 0.5 to about 10 mils and more specifically, from about 2 to about 5 mils. The seam portion  706   a  is preferably thinner than the deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c . The seam portion  706   a  generally has a thickness of from about 0.2 to about 8 mils and, more specifically, from about 1 to about 4 mils. 
     The female profile  700  with the deflection shield  706  may be formed by an extrusion process. The female profile  700  may be integrally formed. An air injection process is contemplated that will enhance the cooling time of the materials, especially the surfaces forming the interior area  718 . 
     Alternatively, a female profile may comprise the first and second deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c  without the seam portion  706   a . In other words, the female profile may initially have a small slit opening or gap (e.g., the female gap  722  of  FIG. 25 ) formed between first and second deflection shields  706   b ,  706   c . This of course would eliminate the need of a male profile from breaking, rupturing or slitting a portion of the thin-walled deflection shield  706 . 
     According to another embodiment depicted to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , a female profile  750  includes an extension portion or ear  752 , a generally c-shaped section  754  and a gasket portion  756 . The gasket portion  756  is located in an interior area or cavity  758  that is defined by an interior surface of the generally c-shaped section  754 . 
     The gasket portion  756  assists in preventing or inhibiting materials, such as particles or powders, from entering the interior area  758  by deflecting such materials. The gasket portion  756  prevents or inhibits such material from entering the interior area  758  when the female profile  750  and male profile  770  (see  FIG. 27 ) are not interlocked. The gasket portion also may expel material from the interior area  758  upon the disengagement of the female profile  750  and the male profile  770 . The gasket portion  756  is shown as extending to or near a female gap  760 . The female gap  760  is formed between ends  754   a ,  756   b  of the generally c-shaped section  754 . When the female profile  750  and the male profile  770  are in an interlocking position (see  FIG. 27 ), the gasket portion  756  is pushed back away from the female gap  760 . After the female profile  750  and the male profile  770  are disengaged, the gasket portion  756  returns to or near its initial position depicted in  FIG. 26 . 
     The gasket portion  756  should be made of a generally resilient material so as to allow the gasket portion  756  to (a) compress in response to the process of interlocking the female profile  750  and the male profile  770  and (b) return to its initial position of  FIG. 26  when the female profile  750  and the male profile  770  are not interlocked. The gasket portion  756  may be made of materials such as described above with respect to the male profile  416 . The gasket portion  756  may have resiliency due to the thickness thereof. The remainder of the female profile  750  (ear  752  and generally c-shaped section  754 ) may be made of the same materials such as described above with male profile  416 . It is contemplated that the remainder of the female profile  750  may be made of different materials than the gasket portion  756 . 
     The female profile  750 , including the gasket portion  756 , may be formed from an extrusion process. It is contemplated that the female profile  750  with the gasket portion  756  may be formed by other methods known in the art, such as an injection molding process. 
     Track-in Track 
     According to yet another embodiment, a track-in-track feature is designed to prevent or inhibit materials, such as particles or powders, from entering an interior area of the female and male profiles. The track-in-track embodiment includes first male and female profiles being fit or engaged with second female and male profiles, respectively. 
     According to this embodiment, a reclosable fastener is adapted for use with thermoplastic bags having an interior space adapted to receive material. The reclosable fastener comprises a first male track, a second male track, a first female track, a second female track and a slider. The first and second male track includes a respective first and second male profile. The first and second female track includes a respective first and second female profile. The second male and female profiles are attached to the slider and when the slider is moved to an open position, the second male and female profiles engage with a respective first female and first male profiles so as to prevent or inhibit material from entering the interior first female and male profiles. When the slider is moved to a closed position, the second male and female profiles disengage with a respective first female and first male profiles. 
     Referring to  FIG. 28 , a polymeric bag  800  is depicted with a fastener  812 . The fastener  812  comprises a slider  814 , a first female profile  816 , a first male profile  818 , a second female profile  820  and a second male profile  822 . The second female profile  820  and the second male profile  822  are attached to the slider  814 . The profiles  820 ,  822  may be molded, for example, to the slider  814 . 
     As the slider  814  is moved to an open position, the second female and male profiles  820 ,  822  slide forward and engage with respective first male profile  818  and first female profile  816 . For example, a cross sectional of the profiles  816 ,  818 ,  820  and  822  is depicted in  FIG. 29  where the cross sectional is taken across the profiles where the profiles  816 ,  818  are not engaged to each other (i.e., an open position). The profiles  816 ,  822  and  818 ,  820  in  FIG. 29 , however, are respectively interlocked to each other. The interlocked profiles  816 ,  822  and  818 ,  820  prevent or inhibit materials, such as particles or powders, from entering the tracks or profiles. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 29 , the profile  816  has a fin portion  824  extending generally downwardly therefrom. The fin portion  824  is attached to body panel  825 . Similarly, the profile  818  has a fin portion  826  extending generally downwardly therefrom. The fin portion  826  is attached to body panel  827 . When the profiles  816 ,  822  and  818 ,  820  are respectively engaged, material may still be poured from an area  828  between the profiles  820  and  822  as shown in  FIG. 29 . The area  828  may be increased by moving the engaged profiles  816 ,  822  and  818 ,  820  further apart from each other. 
     When the bag  800  is in a closed position, the first profiles  816 ,  818  are interlocked with each other and the second profiles  820 ,  822  extend into the bag region. The second profiles  820 ,  822  may extend in a generally downwardly direction into an interior of the bag  800  such as depicted in  FIG. 28 . The second profiles  820 ,  822  may extend into the interior of the bag  800  in a coiled manner such as depicted in  FIG. 30 . The second profiles  820 ,  822  may be formed with slip or antiblock additives so as to prevent or inhibit friction with a side  830  of the bag (see  FIGS. 28 and 30 ) by improving the slip characteristics of the second profiles  820 ,  822 . Contemplated slip additives include silicas, talcs, diatomaceous earth, silicates, lubricants, etc. 
     The first profiles  816 ,  818  and the second profiles  820 ,  822  may be independently formed from materials such as made of polymeric resins such as polyolefinic resins. Nonlimiting examples of polyolefinic resins which may be used include low density polyethylenes (LDPE), linear low density polyethylenes (LLDPE), high density polyethylenes (HDPE), medium density polyethylenes (MDPE), polypropylenes (PP), plastomers, elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetates (EVA), ethyl methacrylates, polymethylpentene copolymers, polyisobutylenes, polyolefin ionomers, or combinations thereof. It is contemplated that other polyolefinic resins may be used. The preferred polyolefinic resins are low density polyethylenes and linear low density polyethylenes. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.