Patent Publication Number: US-6217215-B1

Title: Closure mechanism having a perceptible feedback system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to closure arrangements for polymer packages, such as plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to closure mechanisms having tactile feedback. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many packaging applications use resealable containers to store or enclose various types of articles and materials. These packages may be used to store 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. In some instances, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products. 
     Some resealable packages enable a user to know when the closure profiles have interlocked. Typically, in order to accomplish this, at least one of the closure profiles is discontinuous in its cross-section in the longitudinal direction. Providing a discontinuous closure profile involves additional manufacturing steps, resulting in increased costs, slower manufacturing rates, and increased scrap rates. 
     Improvements in the design and manufacture of resealable packages are desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect of the present invention, one example embodiment involves a closure arrangement for a flexible package. The closure arrangement includes first and second opposing profiles having a continuous cross-section. The first profile includes a first plurality of feedback devices. The second profile includes a second plurality of feedback devices. The first and second plurality of feedback devices interact to allow a user of the package to sense when the first and second profiles are interlocking. 
     In another aspect, the first plurality of feedback devices of the first profile includes feedback ridges. 
     In another aspect, the first plurality of feedback devices of the first profile includes feedback depressions. 
     In another aspect, the first plurality of feedback devices of the first profile includes catches. 
     In another aspect, a flexible package has first and second opposing film walls having first and second side seals and a mouth extending between the first and second side seals. The mouth provides access to an interior of the package. The package also includes first and second opposing profiles along the mouth for sealing the mouth. The first and second profiles have structure analogous to that previously described. 
     In another aspect, a method of closing a flexible package having a closure arrangement is provided. The closure arrangement includes opposing first and second closure profiles. The method includes applying pressure to the first and second closure profiles to cause the first and second closure profiles to interlock; feeling the first and second closure profiles interlocking; and continuing to apply or reapplying pressure to the first and second profiles until the first and second profiles are interlocked. 
     The above summary of principles of the disclosure is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify certain preferred embodiments utilizing the principles disclosed herein. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Principles of the invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the detailed description of various embodiments of the invention that follows in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible, resealable package having a resealable zipper, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of a single-track zipper having a tactile feedback system, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of a tactile feedback system, being a dual-track zipper having tactile feedback ribs, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmented, cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of tactile feedback ribs, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of tactile feedback ribs, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of tactile feedback ribs, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of a tactile feedback system, being a multi-track zipper having tactile feedback snaps and depressions, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of a tactile feedback system, being a single-track zipper having tactile feedback snaps, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of a tactile feedback system, being a dual-track zipper having tactile feedback snaps, according to an example embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmented, cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of a tactile feedback system, being a single-track zipper having a plurality of tactile feedback snaps, according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
     While principles of the invention are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The principles described herein are believed to be applicable to a variety of packaging arrangements. The principles of the disclosure have been found to be particularly advantageous for manufacturing resealable packages. An appreciation of various aspects is best gained through a discussion of an application example for such a packaging arrangement. 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  1 . FIG. 1 illustrates an example packaging arrangement in the form of a resealable, flexible package  110 , for example, a polymeric package such as a plastic bag, having a resealable closure mechanism  114 , for example, interlocking profiled elements, constructed in accordance with the present invention. The flexible package  110  includes first and second opposed panel sections  116 ,  118 , typically made from a flexible, polymeric, plastic film, such as a low density polyethylene. 
     With 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 a top edge  127  of the package. Preferably, the top edge  127  is continuous along its length. By the term “continuous” it is meant that the top edge  127  is uninterrupted by notches or cuts. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the mouth  126  extends the width of the package  110 . The resealable closure mechanism  114  is illustrated at the mouth  126  of the flexible package  110 . Preferably, the cross-section of the closure mechanism  114  is continuous along its length across the mouth  126  of the package  110 . Alternatively, the 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 resealable closure mechanism  114  can be one of a variety of closure mechanisms. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the 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 resealable closure mechanism  114 . The closure mechanism  114  includes an elongated first closure profile  130  and an elongated second closure profile  131 . Preferably, the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  have a continuous cross-section across the length of the closure mechanism  114 . By the term “continuous,” it is meant that the cross-section is constant and non-varying at any location across the length of the closure mechanism  114 . The closure profiles  130 ,  131  may be extruded or manufactured separately from each other or together. 
     Still in reference to FIG. 2, the preferred first closure profile  130  depicted includes a base strip  133 , a first closure member or profile element  134 , and a first guide post  136 . The first profile element  134  extends from the base strip  133  and is generally projecting from the base strip  133 . At a free end or tip of the profile element  134  are first and second hooks or catches  140 ,  141 . The guide post  136  also extends from the base strip  133  and is generally projecting from the base strip  133 . The guide post  136  aids in holding the closure mechanism  114  closed and in aligning the first closure profile  130  with the second closure profile  131  for interlocking. 
     The preferred second closure profile  131  depicted includes a base strip  143  and first and second closure members or profile elements  144 ,  146 . The profile elements  144 ,  146  extend from the base strip  143  and are generally projecting from the base strip  143 . At a free end or tip of the first profile element  144  is a first hook or catch  148 . Likewise, at a free end or tip of the second profile element  146  is a second hook or catch  149 . 
     The first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  are designed and constructed to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism  114 . The first profile element  134  of the first closure profile  130  extends from the base strip  133  an engagement distance. The first and second profile elements  144 ,  146  of the second closure profile  131  also extend from the base strip  143  an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the profile elements  134 ,  144 ,  146  extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the profile element  134  of the first closure profile  130  and the first and second profile elements  144 ,  146  of the second closure profile  131 . 
     In particular, the first catch  140  of the profile element  134  of the first closure profile  130  hooks or engages with the first catch  148  of the first profile element  144  of the second closure profile  131 . Likewise, the second catch  141  of the first profile element  134  of the first closure profile  130  hooks or engages with the second catch  149  of the second profile element  146  of the second closure profile  131 . Furthermore, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are sealed together at their ends, such as first and second regions  153 ,  154  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 . 
     In some applications, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are formed by two separate extrusions or through two separate openings of a 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. 
     The first closure profile  130  is typically secured to a first panel section, such as the first panel section  116  of the package  110  of FIG. 1, by conventional heat-sealing techniques. The second closure profile  131  is typically secured to a second panel section, such as the second panel section  118  of the package  110  of FIG.  1 . 
     Still in reference to FIG. 2, the resealable closure mechanism  114  further includes a tactile feedback system  160  that enables a user to sense when the resealable closure mechanism  114  has been sealed. The tactile feedback system  160  allows the user to feel when the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are interlocking. By the term “feel,” it is meant that when the user applies pressure to the closure profiles  130 , 131 , usually by sliding her or his fingers across a backside of the closure profiles  130 ,  131 , the user senses a rough or bumpy feeling. As the closure mechanism  114  is sealed, the bumps are smoothed out, such that upon applying pressure a second time, the user feels less bumps. When the user does not feel any bumps, the closure mechanism  114  is sealed. The tactile feedback system  160  may also allow the user to hear when the closure profiles  130 ,  131  are interlocking. By the term “hear,” it is meant that the bumps, that the user feels, create noise that is perceptible to the user with average hearing. Preferably, the noise is a snapping or crackling sound. As the bumps are smoothed out, the noise disappears, providing an indication to the user that the profiles  130 ,  131  are interlocked. 
     In particular, in the preferred embodiment, the profile element  134  of the first closure profile  130  has a plurality of integral feedback devices. In FIG. 2, the feedback devices are represented generally as feedback ridges or ribs  161 . The feedback ribs  161  shown are generally triangular in shape and project from the profile element  134 . Preferably, the feedback ribs  161  project from the profile element  134  at least 0.003 inches (0.076 mm). Of course, the feedback ribs  161  can be other desired sizes or shapes. 
     Preferably, the guide post  136  of the first closure profile  130  also has a plurality of integral feedback ridges or ribs  163 . In the embodiment shown, the ribs  163  are generally triangular in shape and project from the guide post  136 . The first and second profile elements  144 ,  146  of the second closure profile  131  also have a plurality of integral feedback ridges or ribs  165 ,  167 , respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the feedback ribs  161 ,  163  of the first closure profile  130  are designed and constructed to rub against and interact with the feedback ribs  165 ,  167  of the second closure profile  131 . By the term “interact,” it is meant that the feedback ribs  161  of the closure member  134  of the first closure profile  130  move between and over the feedback ribs  165 ,  167  of the first and second closure members  144 ,  146  of the second closure profile  131  during engagement. Likewise, the feedback ridges or ribs  163  of the guide post  136  of the first closure profile  130  rub against and interact with the feedback ribs  167  of the second profile element  146  of the second closure profile  131  during engagement. The feedback ribs  161 ,  163 ,  165 ,  167  are designed to somewhat impede the interlocking of the closure profiles  130 ,  131 , providing tactile feedback to the user of the mechanism  114 . 
     The feedback ribs  161 ,  163 ,  165 ,  167  are generally extruded with the closure profiles  130 ,  131 . The feedback ribs  161 ,  163 ,  165 ,  167  can be extruded from a dissimilar material than the closure profiles  130 ,  131 , such as a polypropylene copolymer or a medium density polyethylene. 
     Preferably during engagement, the catches  140 ,  141  of the closure member  134  of the first closure profile  130  slide past the catches  148 ,  149  of the first and second closure members  144 ,  146  of the second closure profile  131  to interlock. As the catches  140 ,  141  of the first closure profile  130  slide past the catches  148 ,  149  of the second closure profile  131 , the feedback ribs  161 ,  163  of the first closure profile  130  rub against and interact with the feedback ribs  165 ,  167  of the second closure profile  131 . As the feedback ribs  161 ,  163 ,  165 ,  167  interact and move between and over each other, they exert a force on the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131 , causing the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  to move or vibrate. This movement provides an indication to the user that the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  are interlocking. In addition, as the feedback ribs  161 ,  163 ,  165 ,  167  interact with each other, they create an audible sound that indicates to the user that the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131  are interlocking. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the closure profiles  130 ,  131  could have any number of feedback ridges or ribs. In another alternative embodiment, only the profile element  134  of the first closure profile  130  and the first profile element  144  of the second closure profile  131  have feedback ribs. In yet another alternative embodiment, any number of feedback ribs may exist on any number of projecting members of the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  3 . FIG.  3 . illustrates a multi-track zipper  214 , or closure mechanism, having a tactile feedback system  260  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. By the term “multi-track,” it is meant two or more pairs of interchanging hooks or catches. The multi-track zipper  214  has a first closure profile  230  and a second closure profile  231 . Preferably, the first and second closure profiles  230 ,  231  have a continuous cross-section across the length of the closure mechanism  214 . 
     The preferred first closure profile  230  depicted includes a base strip  233 , a first closure member or profile element  234 , a second closure member or profile element  235 , and a first guide post  236 . The first profile element  234  extends from the base strip  233  and is generally projecting from the base strip  233 . At a free end or tip of the profile element  234  is a first hook or catch  240 . Likewise, the second profile element  235  extends from the base strip  233  and is generally projecting from the base strip  233 . At a free end or tip of the profile element  235  is a second hook or catch  241 . The guide post  236  also extends from the base strip  233  and is generally projecting from the base strip  233 . The guide post  236  aids in holding the closure mechanism  214  closed and in aligning the first closure profile  230  with the second closure profile  231  for interlocking. 
     The preferred second closure profile  231  depicted includes a base strip  243 , first and second profile elements or profile elements  244 ,  246 , and first and second guide posts  247 ,  248 . The profile elements  244 ,  246  extend from the base strip  243  and are generally projecting from the base strip  243 . At a free end or tip of the first profile element  244  is a first hook or catch  249 . Likewise, at a free end or tip of the second profile element  246  is a second hook or catch  250 . The guide posts  247 ,  248  also extend from the base strip  243  and are generally projecting from the base strip  243 . The guide posts  247 ,  248  aid in holding the closure mechanism  214  closed and in aligning the second closure profile  231  with the first closure profile  230  for interlocking. 
     The first and second closure profiles  230 ,  231  are designed to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism  214 . The first and second profile elements  234 ,  235  of the first closure profile  230  extend from the base strip  233  an engagement distance. The first and second profile elements  244 ,  246  of the second closure profile  231  also extend from the base strip  243  an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the profile elements  234 ,  235 ,  244 ,  246  extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first and second profile elements  234 ,  235  of the first closure profile  230  and the first and second profile elements  244 ,  246  of the second closure profile  231 . 
     In particular, the first catch  240  of the first profile element  234  of the first closure profile  230  hooks or engages with the first catch  249  of the first profile element  244  of the second closure profile  231 . Likewise, the second catch  241  of the second profile element  235  of the first closure profile  230  hooks or engages with the second catch  250  of the second profile element  246  of the second closure profile  231 . Furthermore, the closure profiles  230 ,  231  are sealed together at their ends, such as the first and second regions  153 ,  154  of FIG. 1, through processes such as ultrasonic crushing, to further aid in aligning the closure profiles  230 ,  231  for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles  230 ,  231  as they engage to form the openable sealed closure mechanism  214 . Pulling the first closure profile  230  and the second closure profile  231  away from each other causes the two closure profiles  230 ,  231  to disengage, opening the package  110  of FIG.  1 . 
     Still in reference to FIG. 3, the resealable closure mechanism  214  includes a tactile feedback system  260  that enables a user to sense when the resealable closure mechanism  214  has been sealed. In particular, the first and second profile elements  234 ,  235  of the first closure profile  230  have a plurality of feedback devices. In FIG. 3, the feedback devices are represented generally as integral feedback ridges or ribs  261 ,  263 , respectively. Likewise, the first and second profile elements  244 ,  246  of the second closure profile  231  have a plurality of integral feedback ridges or ribs  265 ,  267 , respectively. The guide posts  236 ,  247 ,  248  also have feedback ridges or ribs  268 ,  269 ,  270 , respectively. The feedback ribs  261 ,  263 ,  265 ,  267 ,  268 ,  269 ,  270  have structure analogous to the feedback ribs  161 ,  163 ,  165 ,  167  of FIG.  2 . 
     The feedback ribs  261  of the first profile element  234  of the first closure profile  230  are designed and constructed to rub against or interact with the feedback ribs  265 ,  269  of the first profile element  244  and the first guide post  247 , respectively, of the second closure profile  231 . Likewise, the feedback ribs  263  of the second profile element  235  of the first closure profile  230  are designed and constructed to rub against or interact with the feedback ribs  267 ,  270  of the second profile element  246  and the second guide post  248 , respectively, of the second closure profile  231 . The feedback ribs  268  of the guide post  236  of the first closure profile  230  are designed and constructed to rub against and interact with the feedback ribs  265 ,  267  of the first and second profile elements  244 ,  246 , respectively, of the second closure profile  231 . 
     During engagement, the catches  240 ,  241  of the first closure profile  230  slide past the catches  249 ,  250  of the second closure profile  231  to interlock. As the catches  240 ,  241  of the first closure profile  230  slide past the catches  249 ,  250  of the second closure profile  231 , the feedback ribs  261 ,  263 ,  268  of the first closure profile  230  rub against and interact with the feedback ribs  265 ,  267 ,  269 ,  270  of the second closure profile  231 . As the feedback ribs  261 ,  263 ,  265 ,  267 ,  268 ,  269 ,  270  interact and move between and over each other, they exert a force on the first and second closure profiles  230 ,  231 , causing the first and second closure profiles  230 ,  231  to move or vibrate. This movement provides an indication to the user that the first and second closure profiles  230 ,  231  are interlocking. In addition, as the feedback ribs  261 ,  263 ,  265 ,  267 ,  268 ,  269 ,  270  interact with each other, they create an audible sound that indicates to the user that the first and second closure profiles  230 , 231  are interlocking. 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  4 . FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of feedback ridges or ribs  361 . In this embodiment, the feedback ribs  361  have a rectangular shape. With this exception, the feedback ribs  361  have structure analogous to the feedback ribs  161  of FIG.  2 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  5 . FIG. 5 illustrates another alternative embodiment of feedback ridges or ribs  461 . In this embodiment, the feedback ribs  461  have a round shape. With this exception, the feedback ribs  461  have structure analogous to the feedback ribs  161  of FIG.  2 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  6 . FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of feedback ridges or ribs  561 ,  562 ,  563 . In this embodiment, the first feedback rib  561  has a triangular shape, the second feedback rib  562  has a rectangular shape, and the third feedback rib  563  has a round shape. Alternatively, any size or shape could be utilized as well as any combination of sizes or shapes for a plurality of feedback ribs. 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  7 . FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment. A resealable closure mechanism  570  includes first and second closure profiles  571 ,  572 . The first and second closure profiles  571 ,  572  have a continuous cross-section across the length of the closure mechanism  570 . The first closure profile  571  includes a guide post  573 , a first profile element  574 , a second profile element  575 , and a third profile element  576 . The second closure profile  572  includes a first profile element  577 , a second profile element  578 , a third profile element  579 , and a fourth profile element  580 . The first and second closure profile  571 ,  572  are designed and constructed to engage with each other. Alternatively, the first and second closure profiles  571 ,  572  may include any number of profiled elements. 
     The resealable closure mechanism  570  includes a tactile feedback system  581 . The first closure profile  571  includes a plurality of feedback devices. In FIG. 7, the feedback devices of the first closure profile  571  are represented generally as feedback ridges or ribs  582 . The feedback ridges or ribs  582  have structure analogous to the feedback ribs  161  of FIG.  2 . The second closure profile  572  also includes a plurality of feedback devices. The feedback devices of the second closure profile  572  are represented generally as feedback depressions  583 . Generally the feedback depressions  583  are triangular in shape. Preferably, the feedback depressions  583  extend into the profile elements  577 ,  578 ,  579 ,  580  at least 0.003 inches (0.076 mm). Of course, the feedback depressions  583  can be other sizes or shapes desired. The feedback ribs  582  rub against and interact with the feedback depressions  583  to provide a tactile feedback to a user when the closure profiles  571 ,  572  are interlocked. Alternatively, any combination of feedback ribs or depressions, having any size or shape, may be used on the first and second closure profiles  571 ,  572 . 
     With the exception of the feedback depressions  583  and the multiple profile elements  574 ,  575 ,  576 ,  577 ,  578 ,  579 ,  580 , the first and second closure profiles  571 ,  572  have structure analogous to the first and second closure profiles  130 ,  131 , respectively, of FIG.  2 . 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  8 . FIG. 8 illustrates a resealable closure mechanism  614  according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The closure mechanism  614  includes a first closure profile  630  and a second closure profile  631 . The first and second closure profiles  630 ,  631  have a continuous cross-section across the length of the closure mechanism  614 . 
     The preferred first closure profile  630  depicted includes a base strip  633 , a first closure member or profile element  634 , and a first guide post  636 . The first profile element  634  extends from the base strip  633  and is generally projecting from the base strip  633 . At a free end or tip of the profile element  634  are first and second hooks or catches  639 ,  640 . Between the first and second catches  639 , 640  and the base strip  633  are third and fourth catches  641 ,  642 . The guide post  636  also extends from the base strip  633  and is generally projecting from the base strip  633 . The guide post  636  aids in holding the closure mechanism  614  closed and in aligning the first closure profile  630  with the second closure profile  631  for interlocking. 
     The preferred second closure profile  631  depicted includes a base strip  643  and first and second closure members or profile elements  644 ,  646 . The profile elements  644 ,  646  extend from the base strip  643  and are generally projecting from the base strip  643 . At a free end or tip of the first profile element  644  is a first hook or catch  648 . Between the first catch  648  and the base strip  643  is a second hook or catch  649 . Likewise, at a free end or tip of the second profile element  646  is a third hook or catch  650 . Between the third catch  650  and the base strip  643  is a fourth hook or catch  651 . 
     The first and second closure profiles  630 ,  631  are designed to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism  614 . The first profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  extends from the base strip  633  an engagement distance. The first and second profile elements  644 ,  646  of the second closure profile  631  also extend from the base strip  643  an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the profile elements  634 ,  644 ,  646  extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  and the first and second profile elements  644 ,  646  of the second closure profile  631 . 
     In particular, the first and third catches  639 ,  641  of the first profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  hook or engage with the first and second catches  648 ,  649  of the first profile element  644  of the second closure profile  631 . Likewise, the second and fourth catches  640 ,  642  of the first profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  hook or engage with the first and second catches  650 ,  651  of the second profile element  646  of the second closure profile  631 . Furthermore, the closure profiles  630 ,  631  are sealed together at their ends, such as first and second regions  153 ,  154  of FIG. 1 to further aid in aligning the closure profiles  630 ,  631  for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles  630 ,  631  as they engage to form the openable sealed closure mechanism  614 . Pulling the first closure profile  630  and the second closure profile  631  away from each other causes the two closure profiles  630 ,  631  to disengage, opening the package  110  of FIG.  1 . 
     Still in reference to FIG. 8, the third and fourth catches  641 ,  642  of the first closure profile  630  and the second catch  649  of the first profile element  644  and the second catch  651  of the second profile element  646  of the second closure profile  631  comprise a tactile feedback system  660  that enables a user to sense when the resealable closure mechanism  614  has been sealed. The tactile feedback system  660  allows the user to feel when the closure profiles  630 ,  631  are interlocking. In addition, the tactile feedback system  660  may allow the user to hear when the closure profiles  630 ,  631  are interlocking. 
     In particular, during engagement, pressure is applied to the first and second closure profiles  630 ,  631 , causing the first catch  639  of the profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  to engage with the first catch  648  of the first profile element  644  of the second closure profile  631 . As the pressure continues, the first catch  639  of the profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  engages with the second catch  649  of the first profile element  644  of the second closure profile  631 , and the third catch  641  of the profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  engages with the first catch  648  of the first profile element  644  of the second closure profile  631 . Likewise, the second catch  640  of the profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  engages with the first catch  650  of the second profile element  646  of the second closure profile  631 . As the pressure continues, the second catch  640  of the profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  engages with the second catch  651  of the second profile element  646  of the second closure profile  631 , and the fourth catch  642  of the profile element  634  of the first closure profile  630  engages with the first catch  650  of the second profile element  646  of the second closure profile  631 . As the catches  639 ,  640 ,  641 ,  642 ,  648 ,  649 ,  650 ,  651  engage each other, they exert a force on the first and second closure profiles  630 ,  631 , causing the first and second closure profiles  630 ,  631  to move or vibrate. This movement provides an indication to the user that the first and second closure profiles  630 ,  631  are interlocking. In addition, as the catches  641 ,  639 ,  642 ,  640  of the first closure profile  630  engage with the catches  648 ,  649 ,  650 ,  651 , respectively, of the second closure profile  630 , they create an audible sound that indicates to the user that the first and second closure profiles  630 ,  631  are interlocking. 
     Attention is directed FIG.  9 . FIG. 9 illustrates a multi-track zipper  714 , or closure mechanism, having a tactile feedback system  760  according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The closure mechanism  714  includes a first closure profile  730  and a second closure profile  731 . The first and second closure profiles  730 ,  731  have a continuous cross-section across the length of the closure mechanism  714 . 
     The preferred first closure profile  730  depicted includes a base strip  733 , a first closure member or profile element  734 , a second closure member or profile element  735 , and a first guide post  736 . The first profile element  734  extends from the base strip  733  and is generally projecting from the base strip  733 . At a free end or tip of the first profile element  734  is a first hook or catch  739 . Between the first catch  739  and the base strip  733  is a second catch  740 . Likewise, the second profile element  735  extends from the base strip  733  and is generally projecting from the base strip  733 . At a free end or tip of the second profile element  735  is a third hook or catch  741 . Between the third catch  741  and the base strip  733  is a fourth catch  742 . The guide post  736  also extends from the base strip  733  and is generally projecting from the base strip  733 . The guide post  736  aids in holding the closure mechanism  714  closed and in aligning the first closure profile  730  with the second closure profile  731  for interlocking. 
     The preferred second closure profile  731  depicted includes a base strip  743 , first and second closure members or profile elements  744 ,  746 , and first and second guide posts  747 ,  748 . The profile elements  744 ,  746  extend from the base strip  743  and are generally projecting from the base strip  743 . At a free end or tip of the first profile element  744  is a first hook or catch  749 . Between the first catch  749  and the base strip  743  is a second hook or catch  750 . Likewise, at a free end or tip of the second profile element  746  is a third hook or catch  751 , and between the third catch  751  and the base strip  743  is a fourth hook or catch  752 . The guide posts  747 ,  748  also extend from the base strip  743  and are generally projecting from the base strip  743 . The guide posts  747 ,  748  aid in holding the closure mechanism  714  closed and in aligning the second closure profile  731  with the first closure profile  730  for interlocking. 
     The first and second closure profiles  730 ,  731  are designed to engage with one another to form the resealable closure mechanism  714 . The first and second profile elements  734 ,  735  of the first closure profile  730  extend from the base strip  733  an engagement distance. The first and second profile elements  744 ,  746  of the second closure profile  731  also extend from the base strip  743  an engagement distance. These engagement distances that the profile elements  734 ,  735 ,  744 ,  746  extend are sufficient to allow mechanical engagement, or interlocking, between the first and second profile elements  734 ,  735  of the first closure profile  730  and the first and second profile elements  744 ,  746  of the second closure profile  731 . 
     In particular, the first and second catches  739 ,  740  of the first profile element  734  of the first closure profile  730  hook or engage with the first and second catches  749 ,  750  of the first profile element  744  of the second closure profile  731 . Likewise, the third and fourth catches  741 ,  742  of the second profile element  735  of the first closure profile  730  hook or engage with the first and second catches  751 ,  752  of the second profile element  746  of the second closure profile  731 . Furthermore, the closure profiles  730 ,  731  are sealed together at their ends, such as first and second regions  153 ,  154  of FIG. 1 to further aid in aligning the closure profiles  730 ,  731  for interlocking. Pressure is applied to the closure profiles  730 ,  731  as they engage to form the openable sealed closure mechanism  714 . Pulling the first closure profile  730  and the second closure profile  731  away from each other causes the two closure profiles  730 ,  731  to disengage, opening the package  110  of FIG.  1 . 
     Still in reference to FIG. 9, the catches  739 ,  740 ,  741 ,  742  of the first closure profile  730  and the catches  749 ,  750 ,  751 ,  752  of the second closure profile  731  comprise a tactile feedback system  760  that enables a user to sense when the resealable closure mechanism  714  has been sealed. The tactile feedback system  760  allows the user to feel when the closure profiles  730 ,  731  are interlocking. In addition, the tactile feedback system  760  may allow the user to hear when the closure profiles  730 ,  731  are interlocking. 
     In particular, during engagement, pressure is applied to the first and second closure profiles  730 ,  731 , causing the first catch  739  of the first profile element  734  of the first closure profile  730  to engage with the first catch  749  of the first profile element  744  of the second closure profile  731 . As the pressure continues, the first catch  739  of the first profile element  734  of the first closure profile  730  engages with the second catch  750  of the first profile element  744  of the second closure profile  731  and the second catch  740  of the first profile element  734  of the first closure profile  730  engages with the first catch  749  of the first profile element  744  of the second closure profile  731 . Likewise, the third catch  741  of the second profile element  735  of the first closure profile  730  engages with the third catch  751  of the second profile element  746  of the second closure profile  731 . As the pressure continues, the third catch  741  of the second profile element  735  of the first closure profile  730  engages with the fourth catch  752  of the second profile element  746  of the second closure profile  731 , and the fourth catch  742  of the second profile element  735  of the first closure profile  730  engages with the third catch  751  of the second profile element  746  of the second closure profile  731 . As the catches  739 ,  740 ,  741 ,  742 ,  749 ,  750 ,  751 ,  752  engage each other, they exert a force on the first and second closure profiles  730 ,  731 , causing the first and second closure profiles  730 ,  731  to move or vibrate. This movement provides an indication to the user that the first and second closure profiles  730 ,  731  are interlocking. In addition, as the catches  739 ,  740 ,  741 ,  742  of the first closure profile  730  engage with the catches  749 ,  750 ,  751 ,  752 , respectively, of the second closure profile  731 , they create an audible sound that indicates to the user that the first and second closure profiles  730 ,  731  are interlocking. 
     Attention is directed to FIG.  10 . FIG. 10 illustrates a single-track zipper  814 , or closure mechanism, having a tactile feedback system  860  according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The closure mechanism  814  includes a first closure profile  830  and a second closure profile  831 . The first and second closure profiles  830 ,  831  have a continuous cross-section across the length of the closure mechanism  814 . 
     The preferred first closure profile  830  depicted includes a base strip  833 , a first closure member or profile element  834 , and a first guide post  836 . The first profile element  834  extends from the base strip  833  and is generally projecting from the base strip  833 . At a free end or tip of the profile element  834  are first and second hooks or catches  837 ,  838 . Between the first and second catches  837 ,  838  and the base strip  833  are third, fourth, fifth, and sixth catches  839 ,  840 ,  841 ,  842 . The guide post  836  also extends from the base strip  833  and is generally projecting from the base strip  833 . 
     The preferred second closure profile  831  depicted includes a base strip  843  and first and second closure members or profile elements  844 ,  846 . The profile elements  844 ,  846  extend from the base strip  843  and are generally projecting from the base strip  843 . At a free end or tip of the first profile element  844  is a first hook or catch  848 . Between the first catch  848  and the base strip  843  are second and third hooks or catches  849 ,  850 . Likewise, at a free end or tip of the second profile element  846  is a fourth hook or catch  851 . Between the fourth catch  850  and the base strip  843  are fifth and sixth hooks or catches  852 ,  853 . 
     With the exception of a third set of hooks or catches, the resealable closure mechanism  814  has structure that operates or functions analogous to the resealable closure mechanism  614  of FIG.  8 . 
     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 of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.