Patent Abstract:
A foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, first and second separating fingers, and first and second wings. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The first and second separating fingers extend from an interior surface of the support member. The first separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the support member, and latches on each wing engage a respective one of the legs.

Full Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/526,304 filed on Dec. 2, 2003, the contents of which application are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to sliders for reclosable fasteners, and, more particularly, sliders that assist in opening and closing 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 bag. 
     One problem encountered in installing the slider to the fastener is distortion of the first and second profiles of the fastener. The profiles may be distorted when the slider is placed onto the fastener. More specifically, the profiles may be distorted from internal shoulders of the slider that partially form a cavity of the slider. To assist in preventing or inhibiting distortion to the profiles when inserting the slider onto the fastener, the slider may be constructed to have improved flexibility. These flexible sliders, however, do not generally have a desirable stiffness to remain on the fastener during normal use by a consumer. 
     A need therefore exists for an improved slider that can be inserted over the profiles of the fastener with little or no distortion, while providing a desirable stiffness to remain on the fastener during normal use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment, a foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, first and second separating fingers, and first and second wings. 
     The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The first separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The second separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. 
     According to one aspect, at least one of the first and second separating fingers includes a rounded surface. 
     According to another aspect, at least one of the first and second separating fingers can include at least one of a generally half-moon shape, a circular shape, an elongated oval shape, and an elliptical shape. 
     According to another aspect, each of the first and second legs has gripper ribs formed by tactilely enhanced surfaces to assist in grasping the slider. 
     According to another aspect, the outer surface of the transverse support member is substantially free of coring. 
     According to another aspect, each of the latches is generally centered on the respective main body member. 
     According to another aspect, each of said legs has an edge with a shoulder for engaging the respective latch. 
     According to another embodiment, a foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. 
     The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. Each of the latches substantially extends across the full length of the respective legs. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. 
     According to a further embodiment, a foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. 
     The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a cored-out main body member and a latch. Each of the cored-out main body members has a plurality of cored-out regions on an interior of the respective cross piece such that the plurality of cored-out regions are at least partially hidden when the slider is installed on a fastener. The plurality of cored-out regions can form a plurality of triangular regions or a truss. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. 
     The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. The first and second legs form respective wing closing stops so as to prevent or inhibit the first and second wings from moving past a latched hinge rotational point formed after each of the latches engages one of the respective legs. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a foldable plastic slider for straddling relation with a plastic fastener includes first and second profiles. The straddling slider is adapted to close or open the fastener by movement therealong. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. 
     The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. The support member further includes a molded rear window with an outer surface that is located adjacent to the first and second legs. The outer surface of the molded rear window is adapted to contact the first and second legs after the slider is installed on the fastener. 
     According to one embodiment, a reclosable plastic bag comprises opposing body panels attached to each other along a pair of opposing sides, a bottom bridging the sides, a mouth formed opposite the bottom, a reclosable fastener extending along the mouth, and a plastic slider. The fastener includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. 
     The plastic slider is slidably mounted to the fastener. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, first and second separating fingers, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The first separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The second separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. 
     According to another embodiment, a reclosable plastic bag comprises opposing body panels attached to each other along a pair of opposing sides, a bottom bridging the sides, a mouth formed opposite the bottom, a reclosable fastener extending along the mouth, and a plastic slider. The fastener includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. 
     The plastic slider is slidably mounted to the fastener. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. Each of the latches substantially extends across the full length of the respective legs. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. 
     According to a further embodiment, a reclosable plastic bag comprises opposing body panels attached to each other along a pair of opposing sides, a bottom bridging the sides, a mouth formed opposite the bottom, a reclosable fastener extending along the mouth, and a plastic slider. The fastener includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. 
     The plastic slider is slidably mounted to the fastener. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a cored-out main body member and a latch. Each of the cored-out main body members is in the form of a truss. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a reclosable plastic bag comprises opposing body panels attached to each other along a pair of opposing sides, a bottom bridging the sides, a mouth formed opposite the bottom, a reclosable fastener extending along the mouth, and a plastic slider. The fastener includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. 
     The plastic slider is slidably mounted to the fastener. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. The first and second legs form respective wing closing stops so as to prevent or inhibit the first and second wings from moving past a latched hinge rotational point formed after each of the latches engages one of the respective legs. 
     According to yet a further embodiment, a reclosable plastic bag comprises opposing body panels attached to each other along a pair of opposing sides, a bottom bridging the sides, a mouth formed opposite the bottom, a reclosable fastener extending along the mouth, and a plastic slider. The fastener includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. 
     The plastic slider is slidably mounted to the fastener. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member. The separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. The first and second wings are folded relative to the support member and each of the latches engages one of the respective legs to install the slider on the fastener. The support member further includes a molded rear window with an outer surface that is located adjacent to the first and second legs. The outer surface of the molded rear window is adapted to contact the first and second legs after the slider is installed on the fastener. 
     According to one method, a foldable plastic slider is installed onto a reclosable plastic bag including opposing body panels attached to each other along a pair of opposing sides, a bottom bridging the sides, a mouth formed opposite the bottom, and reclosable fastener extending along the mouth. The fastener includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The plastic slider is slidably mounted to the fastener. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, first and second separating fingers, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member and having respective first and second shoulders. The first separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The second separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. 
     The transverse support member is placed on the plastic fastener with the first and second separating fingers between the first and second tracks and the first and second depending legs outside the respective first and second tracks such that the respective first and second tracks separate the first and second separating fingers from the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings are rotated downward toward a bottom of the reclosable bag until each of the latches engages one of the respective legs. The first and second wings are pressed until each of the latches snaps into engagement with one of the respective shoulders of the respective leg. 
     According to another method, a foldable plastic slider is installed onto a reclosable plastic bag including opposing body panels attached to each other along a pair of opposing sides, a bottom bridging the sides, a mouth formed opposite the bottom, and reclosable fastener extending along the mouth. The fastener includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The plastic slider are slidably mounted to the fastener. The slider comprises a transverse support member, first and second legs, a separating finger, and first and second wings. The transverse support member includes first and second opposing sides, an interior surface, and an outer surface. The first and second legs depend from the respective first and second opposing sides of the support member and having respective first and second shoulders. The first separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first separating finger is adapted to open the first and second profiles. The second separating finger extends from the interior surface of the support member. The first and second wings are hingedly attached to the respective first and second opposing sides. The first and second wings have respective first and second openings for receiving the respective first and second legs, and respective wing closing stops. The first and second wings have respective first and second cross pieces. Each of the cross pieces includes a main body member and a latch. 
     The transverse support member is placed on the plastic fastener with the separating finger between the first and second tracks and the first and second depending legs outside the respective first and second tracks such that the respective first and second tracks separate the separating finger from the respective first and second legs. The first and second wings are rotated downward toward a bottom of the reclosable bag until each of the latches engages one of the respective legs. The first and second wings are pressed until each of the latches snaps into engagement with one of the respective shoulders of the respective leg. The first and second legs form respective wing closing stops so as to prevent or inhibit the first and second wings from moving past a latched hinge rotational point formed after each of the latches engages one of the respective legs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an enlarged perspective view of a slider in the closed position according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the slider of  FIG. 1  in the open position; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the slider of  FIG. 1  in the open position; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the slider of  FIG. 1  in the open position; 
         FIG. 5   a  is a first end view of the slider of  FIG. 1  in the closed position; 
         FIG. 5   b  is a second end view of the slider of  FIG. 1  in the closed position; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an end termination according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 7-9  are a sequence of steps of inserting the slider of  FIG. 1  on a fastener; 
         FIG. 10  is a polymeric bag with the slider of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the slider of  FIG. 1  taken generally along the line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the slider of  FIG. 11  just before being in the closed position; and 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the slider of  FIG. 11  in the closed position. 
     
    
    
     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 PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-5 , there is illustrated a foldable slider  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The slider  10  is an inverted generally U-shaped member. The sliders of the present invention may be combined with a fastener or zipper  12  in forming a reclosable polymeric bag  14  (see  FIGS. 6-10 ). The foldable slider  10  in such an embodiment assists in opening the reclosable polymeric bag  14  between a closed position and an open position. 
       FIGS. 7-9  depict a mouth portion of the reclosable polymeric bag  14 . The polymeric bag  14  comprises first and second opposing body panels  16  and  18  fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides (not shown) and a bottom (not shown) bridging the pair of sides. The entire bag  14 , however, is shown in  FIG. 10 . The bag may be formed from a single flexible polymeric sheet folded upon itself. Alternatively, the bag may be formed from separate polymeric sheets. In this embodiment, the polymeric bag  14  is provided with the fastener  12  extending along a mouth formed opposite the bottom of the polymeric bag. 
     The body panels  16  and  18  typically comprise one or more polymeric resins. The body panels  16  and  18  may be comprised of polyolefins including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations thereof. 
     The fastener  12  includes a first track  20  and a second track  22 . The first track  20  includes a first profile  24  and a first depending fin or flange  26  extending downward from the first profile  24 . Similarly, the second track  22  includes a second profile  28  and a second depending fin or flange  30  extending downward from the second profile  28 . It is not necessary for the tracks  20 ,  22  to have fins depending therefrom. The first profile  24  includes a top portion  32  and the second profile  28  includes a top portion  34 . If the fastener  12  is formed separately from the body panels  16 ,  18  of the polymeric bag  14 , the first and second fins  26 ,  30  may be thermally fused to inner surfaces of the respective first and second body panels  16 ,  18 . Alternatively, the fastener  12  may be integrally formed with the body panels  16 ,  18  such that the first track  20  is integrally formed with the first body panel  16  and the second track  22  is integrally formed with the second body panel  18 . 
     The opposite ends of the fastener  12  are typically provided with opposing end termination clips, such as end termination clip  36  of  FIG. 10 . End termination clips may have various purposes such as (a) preventing or inhibiting the slider for going past the ends of the fastener, (b) interacting with the slider to give a tactile indication of being closed, (c) assisting in inhibiting or preventing leakage from the bag, and (d) holding the fastener together and providing additional strength in resisting stresses to the bag. 
     Each end clip  36  of  FIG. 10  comprises a strap member that wraps over the top of the fastener  12 . One end of the strap is provided with a rivet like member that is adapted to penetrate through the bag material and into a cooperating opening at the other end of the end clip  36 . The rivet is then deformed so as to create a head locked into the opening. 
     It is contemplated that other end terminations may be used instead of the above-described end terminations clip  36 . 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. 
     One such example is shown in  FIG. 6  where a top view of an end termination  38  is depicted. The end termination  38  can be initially formed from end portions  38   a ,  38   b  of the profiles  24 ,  28  of the fastener  12  being pressed together by a process involving heat, such as ultrasonic welding. Before and/or during heating, the slider  10  can be disposed on the tracks  20 ,  22 . During and/or after heating of the end portions  38   a ,  38   b  of the profiles  24 ,  28  (e.g., during cooling of the end portions), separating finger  52  of the slider  10  can be pushed and/or otherwise disposed between the end portions  38   a ,  38   b , so that the end portions  38   a ,  38   b  cool around the separating finger  52  and cooperatively form an end termination  38  having a shape similar to that of the separating finger  52 . After formation of the end termination  38 , the separating finger  52  can be positioned substantially within or entirely within the end termination  38  in the closed position of slider  10 . The end termination  38  desirably contracts behind the shape of the separating finger  52 , thus inhibiting and/or preventing leakage (e.g., of fluids or solid items) from bag  14  in the closed position of the slider  10 . The end termination  38  provides a tactile indication, or an audible indication, or both to the user that the slider  10  is in a closed position. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the slider  10  is illustrated in an open position prior to being installed on the fastener  12 .  FIG. 8  illustrates the slider  10  in the process of being installed on the fastener  12 , while  FIG. 9  illustrates the slider  10  after being installed on the fastener  12 . The slider  10  in its assembled or closed position shown in  FIG. 9  forces the first and second profiles  24 ,  28  into engagement.  FIGS. 7-9  illustrate one process of installing the slider on the fastener  12 . Although the tracks  22 ,  24  behind the slider  10  in  FIGS. 7 and 8  (e.g., to the right of reference numeral  50 ) are shown as being open, the spacing between the tracks  22 ,  24  can be adjusted to facilitate installation of the slider  10 . For example, the tracks  22 ,  24  behind the slider  10  can be adjusted to be partially closed. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1-5 , the slider  10  has an opening end (located near separating finger  52 ) and a closing end (located near separating finger  54 ), the slider  10  is wider at the opening end to allow separation of the first and second profiles  24 ,  28 . The slider  10  is sufficiently narrow at the closing end to press the first and second profiles  24 ,  28  into an interlocking relationship as the slider  10  is moved in the closing direction. 
     To indicate the direction to move the slider  10  to close the bag, an optional arrow  40  may be formed in the slider  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The arrow  40  may be formed on the top of the slider  10  by a molding process. If the arrow  40  is used, then it is desirable for the depth of the arrow  40  to be minimized. By minimizing the depth of the arrow  40  and any other potential coring of the slider top, the rigidity of the slider is increased, which results in improved slider-top retention. The term “slider-top retention” refers to the ability of the slider to prevent or inhibit being removed in a direction generally perpendicular with the movement of the slider between an open and closed position. The term “end retention” refers to the ability of the slider to prevent or inhibit being removed in a direction generally parallel with the movement of the slider between an open and closed position. 
     It is desirable to have the top of the slider that is substantially free of coring. As used herein, the term coring includes coring during molding as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, as well as removal of material after molding. For example, it is desirable to have the top of the slider be formed with coring having a depth less than about 0.035 inches, more desirable for the coring to have a depth less than about 0.030 inches, and still more desirable for the coring to have a depth less than about 0.020 inches. 
     The slider  10  may be formed from suitable polymeric material such as, for example, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Delrin, or ABS. The slider may be formed by injection molding, thermoforming, compression molding, extrusion, or machining or patterned material deposition. The slider  10  is particularly suited for use with profiled polymeric reclosable fasteners or zippers and thermoplastic bags such as shown in  FIGS. 7-10 . 
     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 back to  FIGS. 1-5 , the foldable slider  10  comprises an inverted generally U-shaped member that includes a transverse support member or body  50  from which a plurality of separating fingers  52 ,  54  depends therefrom. A top, outer surface of the support member  50  may include the optional arrow  40  shown in  FIG. 1 . The body  50  also includes two integral depending legs  56 ,  58  and two hinged “wings”  60 ,  62 . The wings  60 ,  62  also have respective wing shoulders  68 ,  70  (see  FIG. 5   a,b ). 
     The separating finger  52  is wider than the separating finger  54  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The separating finger  52  is shown as a generally half-moon shape, while the separating finger  54  is shown as an elongated oval shape. The separating finger  52  may be circular shaped, an elongated oval shape, or elliptically shaped. The separating finger  54  may also be circular shaped, elliptically shaped, tadpole, or a generally half-moon shape. The separating fingers  52 ,  54  generally have a surface or edge that is blunt (i.e., rounded). 
     The separating finger  54  as shown in  FIG. 4  has a width W 1  that is generally greater than about 0.02 inch and, more specifically, the width W 1  is typically greater than about 0.045 inch. The width W 1  is generally from about 0.02 to about 0.05 inch. Similarly, the separating finger  52  as shown in  FIG. 4  has a width W 2  that is generally greater than about 0.08 inch and, more specifically, the width W 2  is typically greater than about 0.09 inch. The width W 2  is generally from about 0.085 to about 0.11 inch. The distance between the first and second separating fingers  52 ,  54  is desirably optimized to equal the tracks&#39; “natural open-to-close shape,” as that term is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The shape and width of the separating finger  52  assists in opening the top of the fastener and improving the end strength retention of the slider. The shape and width of the separating finger  54  assists in improving the end strength retention of the slider and also assists in placing the slider onto the track. 
     It is desirable to have at least two separating fingers, which reduces the cycle time by allowing additional ejector pin(s) to be used between the separating fingers. The cycle time is especially reduced by creating a larger generally flat surface between the separating fingers that allows the use of larger, flatter ejector pins. It is also desirable to have distinct separating fingers to reduce the cost of material and the mold cycle time by reducing the cooling time. 
     The separating fingers  52 ,  54  interact with the first and second portions  32 ,  34  ( FIGS. 7-9 ) of the fastener  12  to lock and unlock the first and second profiles  24 ,  28  of the fastener  12 . The separating finger  52  in cooperation with the shoulders  68 ,  70  spread the first and second portions  32 ,  34 . The spread first and second portions  32 ,  34  separate the first and second profiles  24 ,  28 , thereby opening the fastener  12  as the slider  10  is moved. 
     To close the fastener  12 , the slider  10  is moved in the reverse direction and the second separating finger  54  cooperates with the shoulders  68 ,  70  and the legs  56 ,  58  and wings  60 ,  62  of the slider  10  to bring the first and second portions  32 ,  34  together. The first and second portions  32 ,  34  when brought together lock the first and second profiles  24 ,  28 . To close the fastener  12  completely, at least the separating finger  52  is removed from between the first and second portions  32 ,  34  of the fastener  12 . 
     To assist in grasping the slider, the legs  56 ,  58  and portions of the wings  60 ,  62  form gripper ribs using hills and valleys. This is shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, with a plurality of hills  58   c ,  62   c , and a plurality of valleys  58   d ,  62   d . The shape of the slider  10  assists in fitting the natural shape created between a user&#39;s index finger and thumb. The gripper ribs formed by the hills and valleys or other suitable protrusions or tactilely enhanced surfaces interact with the user&#39;s finger and thumb to increase friction. By improving the friction between the gripper ribs and the user&#39;s finger and thumb, the slider is more easily grasped in less than ideal circumstances such as wet and oily conditions. 
     The lower ends of legs  56 ,  58  are provided with respective engaging shoulders  56   a ,  58   a  (see  FIG. 11 ) and respective surfaces  56   b ,  58   b  adjacent to the respective engaging shoulders  56   a ,  58   a.    
     The body  50  also includes a molded rear window  80  (see  FIG. 3 ) that assists in closing the track. The molded rear window  80  increases the rigidity of the slider and assists in improving the slider-top and end retention strength. Thus, by having the molded rear window  80 , the slider is further inhibited or prevented from being removed from the track. 
     The wings  60 ,  62  have a respective cross piece  64 ,  66  that form respective latches  64   a ,  66   a . The latches  64   a ,  66   a  are desirably sloped and solid ramps. To increase the latch strength, each of the latches  64   a ,  66   a  substantially extends across the full length of the respective legs  56 ,  58 . The latches  64   a ,  66   a  may extend the full length of the respective legs  56 ,  58 . By having the latches  64   a ,  64   b  substantially extend across the full length of the respective legs  56 ,  58 , wing deflection is reduced, which increases end retention of the slider. It is also believed that the latches  64   a ,  66   a  substantially extending across the full length of the respective legs  56 ,  58  also increase the top retention of the slider. Thus, it is more difficult for the slider to be removed by having a latch extending substantially across the full length of the respective legs  56 ,  58 . 
     Portions of the inner surface of the cross pieces  64 ,  66  form respective plurality of cored-out regions  64   b - 64   d  and  66   b - 66   d . The cored-out regions reduce the weight of the slider, which reduces the cost in forming the slider. To assist in maintaining the strength of the slider, the cored-out regions  64   b - 64   d  and  66   b - 66   d  desirably form a plurality of triangles in the form of a truss. If desired, the cored-out regions  64   b - 64   d  and  66   b - 66   d  can form other shapes that maintain the strength of the slider and enhance the latching ability of latches  64   a ,  64   b . For example, in some embodiments, the cored-out regions  64   b - 64   d  and  66   b - 66   d  can form one or more ribbed shapes. 
     By having cored-out regions, the cycle time of forming the slider is also reduced because cooling occurs faster. By coring the cross pieces  64 ,  66 , the potential for shrinkage is reduced. 
     The cross pieces  64 ,  66  also form respective cored-out wing eject pads  64   f ,  66   f . The cored-out wing eject pads  64   f ,  66   f  are shown as being generally cylindrical in shape. It is contemplated that the wing eject pads may be of other shapes. The wing eject pads  64   f ,  66   f  may be formed by having wing eject pads mold the slider when the eject pins move, but the sleeves remain in place. 
     As discussed above, the shoulders  68 ,  70  cooperate with the first separating finger  52  to assist in opening and closing the fastener. The shoulders  68 ,  70  also engage the fastener  12  to inhibit or prevent the slider  10  from being lifted off the profile edges while the slider  10  straddles the fastener  12 . Specifically, the shoulders  68 ,  70  engage with lower surfaces of the profiles to inhibit or prevent (a) the slider from being pulled off in a direction perpendicular to the sliding motion, and (b) the slider from being removed from the force required to open the profiles. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the wings  60 ,  62  are connected to the body  50  via respective hinge structures  72 ,  74  located on opposite sides of the body  50 . The hinge structures  72 ,  74  are relatively thin sections of polymeric material as compared to the wall thicknesses of the wings  60 ,  62  and the flexibility of the polymeric material makes possible the use of the integral hinge structures  72 ,  74 , which are sometimes referred to as “living” hinges. The wings  60 ,  62  form central openings to receive the respective legs  56 ,  58  when the wings  60 ,  62  are folded down to the closed sidewall position, as will be described below. 
       FIGS. 7-9  depict the slider  10  undergoing assembly on a bag according to one process. The slider  10  is mounted on the first and second tracks  20 ,  22  of the fastener  12  in such a way that the separating fingers  52 ,  54  are between the first and second profiles  24 ,  28  of the respective tracks  20 ,  22 . The depending legs  56 ,  58  are positioned on the outside of the tracks  20 ,  22  in such a way that the tracks  20 ,  22  of the fastener  12  separate the plurality of separating fingers  52 ,  54  from the respective depending legs  56 ,  58 . The wings  60 ,  62  are then rotated downward toward the bottom of the bag with the “living” hinges acting as the axis of rotation.  FIG. 9  shows the slider  10  in an assembled condition with the wings  60 ,  62  being folded down to their closed sidewall state. 
     To prevent or inhibit the wings  60 ,  62  from continuing past the latched hinge rotational point, the body  50  includes wing closing stops  76 ,  78 . The wing closing stops  76 ,  78  may be molded in the legs  56 ,  58 . The wing closing stops  76 ,  78  limit or stop the wings  60 ,  62  from continuing past the latched hinge rotational point. This limits potential pinching of the track when the user squeezes the slider  10  with too much force. By reducing the pinching on the track, the slider  10  moves along the track more easily. 
     When the wings  60 ,  62  are folded down from their open position to their closed sidewall position, the wings  60 ,  62  are held in place by a compression-type latch.  FIG. 11  depicts a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  11 - 11  shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 11  shows the slider  10  in an open position.  FIG. 12  shows the slider  10  just before being in the closed position, while  FIG. 13  shows the slider  10  in the closed position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , when the wing  60  is rotated to the closed sidewall position, the latch  64   a  comes into contact with the surface  56   b  adjacent to the engaging shoulder  56   a . When the wing  60  is moved toward the closed sidewall position, the surface  56   b  exerts a downward force on the latch  64   a  as shown in  FIG. 12 . This causes the sloped latch  64   a  to flex or depress. In this embodiment, an upper edge  64   e  of the wing  60  does not flex or depress. The latch  64   a  remains depressed until the leg  56  has completely passed thereover. Then, the latch  64   a  returns to its original shape that forces engagement with the engaging shoulder  56   a  shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , thereby locking the wing  60  and leg  56  into the closed sidewall position. 
     This compression-type latch offers many advantages. It allows for easier installation of the slider  10  and increases the difficulty in removing the slider from the bag. The latch  64   a , when depressed, acts similar to a spring in compression and, once released, is forced upward into a locked condition with the engaging shoulder  56   a  of leg  56 . As the wing  60  is being latched, the surface  56   b  depresses the latch  64   a . When attempting to disengage the wing  60  from the leg  56 , however, the direction in which the force acts is unable to depress the latch  64   a ; rather, it forces the leg  56  more strongly into engagement with the wing  60 . This increases the difficulty in disassembling the slider. 
     Similarly, the wing  62  has the latch  66   a , cross piece  66 , shown in  FIG. 12 , which allow the latch  66   a  to engage the shoulder  58   a  of the leg  58 . This provides a compression-type latch to lock wing  62  in place with leg  58 . All of which functions in the same manner as for the wing  60  described above. 
     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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8