Abstract:
A fastener product for sealing an opening or frangible section of a container. The fastener product can be attached with an adhesive layer and includes a first base having an inner face and an outer face opposite the inner face, the first base comprising a first array of fastening elements on a first portion of the inner face and an adhesive coating on a second portion of the inner face and a second base having an inner face and an outer face opposite the inner face, the second base comprising a second array of fastening elements releasably engageable with the fastening elements of the first base on the outer face and an adhesive coating on the inner face of the second base. The first portion of the first base partially overlaps the second base. The first and second arrays of fastening elements may include engagable hook and loop elements.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     This invention relates to releasable packaging closures.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Product packaging is used for transporting, storing and displaying a multitude of materials including foodstuffs and bulk materials, for example. It is often a requirement of these packages that they be opened and reclosably secured repeatedly without the use of a multiple fastening devices.  
         [0003]     Closing and securing product packaging often entails the application of adhesive tape. With cardboard containers, the upper flaps are folded into overlapping or adjacent contact and adhesive tape is applied to secure the flaps together. When the container is to be opened, the adhesive tape is generally either cut or stripped off, which necessarily limits the practical reuse of the container. Reclosure of the container may not be possible if the flaps were damaged from stripping off the adhesive tape. Alternatively, if the flaps remain undamaged, the adhesive tape must be reapplied to effect closure of the package.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]     According to one aspect of the invention, a fastener product is provided including a first base having an inner face and an outer face opposite the inner face, the first base comprising a first array of fastening elements on a first portion of the inner face and an adhesive coating on a second portion of the inner face, a second base having an inner face and an outer face opposite the inner face, the second base comprising a second array of fastening elements releasably engageable with the array of first fastening elements of the first base on the outer face and an adhesive coating on the inner face of the second base, the first portion of the first base at least partially overlaps the second base, such that the fastening elements of the first base engage the fastening elements of the second base, and wherein the first base is positioned adjacent to the second base to enable the first array of fastening elements to engage the second array of fastening elements.  
         [0005]     In one embodiment, one of the first or second arrays of fastening elements are loop-engageable fastening elements and the other are hook-engageable fastening elements. In some cases, the loop-engageable fastening elements are integrally molded with the first base. In some presently preferred embodiments, the adhesive coating of the first base and the adhesive coating of the second base lie in substantially the same plane.  
         [0006]     According to another aspect of the invention, an elongated closure label is provided for reclosably securing an opening defined between adjacent surfaces of a substrate, the closure label including a first array of fastening elements extending from a first portion of an inner surface of a first base, the first base comprising a backing layer permanently affixed to a second portion of the inner surface of the first base for permanent attachment of the first base to a substrate surface on one surface of the opening, with first portion of the first base extending across the opening, a second array of fastening elements extending from a first portion of an outer surface of the second base, the second base comprising a backing layer permanently affixed to a second portion of the inner surface of the second base for permanent attachment of the second base to a substrate surface on the other surface of the opening, and wherein the first base is positioned adjacent to the second base to enable the first and second arrays of fastening elements to reclosably secure the opening of the substrate.  
         [0007]     According to another aspect of the invention, a package having a reclosable frangible section is provided including a closure strip having a first portion, a second portion, a foldable region therebetween and a back face carrying an adhesive layer along the first portion, the closure strip being permanently affixed to a first side of the frangible section along the second portion, the closure strip comprising an array of first fastening elements carried on the first portion of the back face of the closure strip, a closure base permanently affixed to a second side of the frangible section and arranged to be substantially overlapped by the first portion of the closure strip, the closure base having a back face carrying an adhesive layer and a front face, the closure base comprising a second array of fastening elements carried on a portion of the front face of the closure base, and wherein the fastening components are arranged upon the outer surface of the package to enable the first and second fastening elements to come into contact to reclosably secure the frangible section of the package.  
         [0008]     In one embodiment, the package is applied to a box having folding flaps for application of the back faces of the closure strip and closure base. In some cases, the package is a bag suitable to be filled from the top. The bag can include gusseted portions for application of the back faces of the closure strip and closure base. In another embodiment, the first fastening portion is configured and adapted to form a spout for pouring the contents of the package contained therein. The spout can be adapted for receiving a fitment. The fitment can comprise an array of third fastening elements for engaging the first fastening elements of the closure strip. In other embodiments, the package includes a breakable film or frangible burst membrane over the fastener to provide a tamper-evident container. Alternatively, the breakable film or perforated frangible burst membrane may be provided under the fastener. In one embodiment, the burst membrane may also include preferential tear lines to facilitate easier opening of the membrane.  
         [0009]     According to another aspect of the invention, a method of releasably securing an opening of a package is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a closure label according to the first aspect of the invention, removing a release liner from the adhesive layer, applying the closure label to an outer surface of the package over the opening generally along a single plane and separating the first array of fastening elements from the second array of fastening elements thereby providing access to the contents of the package.  
         [0010]     According to still another aspect of the invention, a package having a reclosable opening is provided including a closure strip having a first portion, a second portion, a foldable region therebetween and a back face, the closure strip is permanently affixed to a first side of the opening along the second portion and includes an array of first fastening elements carried on the first portion of the back face. The package also includes a closure base permanently affixed to a second side of the opening that is arranged to be substantially overlapped by the first portion of the closure strip, the closure base having a back face and a front face and including an array of second fastening elements carried on a portion of the front face. The opening of the package is adapted for receiving a fitment which includes a third array of fastening elements positioned to engage the first fastening elements of the closure strip to secure the fitment to the package.  
         [0011]     In various embodiments, the invention relates to closures for containers that can form reclosable store or shelf seals, and which, after original opening, form a pantry seal, permitting convenient, repeated opening and closing of the container.  
         [0012]     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a fastener according to the invention attached along separate flaps of a reclosable package.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of the fastener of  FIG. 1A .  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view on a fastener being applied along separate flaps of a reclosable package.  
         [0016]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  schematically depict the fastener attached to a bag in closed and open positions.  
         [0017]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  schematically depict the fastener attached to the gusset portion of a gusseted bag illustrating closed and open positions.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  schematically depict the fastener attached to an open or frangible section of a bag, illustrating closed and open positions.  
         [0019]      FIGS. 6A  to  6 H schematically depict various applications of a fastener attached to a container. 
     
    
       [0020]     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0021]     Referring first to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a fastener  100  includes a closure strip  105  and a closure base  110  for releasably engaging first and second portions of a substrate  115 ,  120 . In one embodiment, the closure strip and base  105 ,  110  include a thin, sheet-form resin base of polyethylene, for example. In some applications, first and second portions of the substrate  115 ,  120  are flaps of a cardboard box having a gap  123  extending along the edges of the flaps  115 ,  120 . Other types of containers could be secured with the fastener  100 .  
         [0022]     The closure strip  105  is affixed to the first substrate portion  115  along a first portion  125  of the closure strip  110  with a first adhesive layer  130  applied to a back face  135  of the closure strip  105 . An first array of fastening elements  140  is attached to the back face  135  of the closure strip  105  along the second portion  145 . A foldable section  150  flexibly connects the first and second portion  125 ,  145  of the closure strip  105 . The foldable section  150  is a bendable region in the closure strip  105 , which may include for example, a living hinge, a fold or crease along the closure strip  105 . The closure base  110  is affixed to the second portion of substrate  120  with a second adhesive layer  155  applied to a back face  157 , of the closure base  110 . An second array of fastening elements  160  is attached to the back face  157  of the closure base  110  along a first portion  170 . In some presently preferred embodiments, one of the first or second arrays of fastening elements  140 ,  160  are loop-engageable fastening elements and the other are hook-engageable fastening elements. In some embodiments, the loop-engageable fastening elements are integrally molded with the closure strip  105  or closure base  110 .  
         [0023]     In one example, a single release liner (not shown) covers the first and second adhesive layers  130 ,  155  until the fastener  100  is applied to the substrate  115 ,  120 . In other examples, the fastener  100  is wound or coiled and a front face  175  of closure strip  105  and the nonoverlapping portion of a front face  180  of the closure base  110  serves as the release liner for the adhesive layers  130 ,  155 .  
         [0024]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the fastener  100  is applied along the edges of the first and second portions of the substrate  115 ,  120  like standard packaging tape to form a reclosable seal. Advantageously, the first and second adhesive layers  130 ,  155  lie generally along a single plane defined by the first and second portions of the substrate  115 ,  120  when in a closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In one example, a release liner (not shown) is removed from first and second adhesive layers  130 ,  155 , and the fastener  100  is rolled or paid out over the flaps of the cardboard box  115 ,  120  to overlay the gap  123 . In an alternative example, the fastener  100  includes no separate release liner; the front faces  175 ,  180  of the first and closure bases  105 ,  110  provide a release lining to the adhesive layer  130 ,  155  when the fastener  100  is in a wound configuration. After the fastener  100  is applied, the first and second portions of the substrate  115 ,  120  are releasably sealed. In some applications, the fastener  100  is supplied as a separate item and would not be applied to the flaps  115 ,  120  until necessary to releasably close the cardboard box.  
         [0025]     To separate the portions of the substrate  115 ,  120 , the first array of fastening elements  140  is disengaged from the second array of fastening elements  160  without disturbing the first and second adhesive layers  130 ,  155  between first and closure bases  105 ,  110  and the first and second portions of the substrate  115 ,  120 . To reclose the first and second portions of the substrate  115 ,  120 , the second portion  145  of the closure strip  105  is folded generally along the foldable section  150  toward the closure base  110 , such that the first and second arrays of fastening elements  140 ,  160  ( FIGS. 1A and 1B ) facially contact one another and are engageably connected.  
         [0026]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a fastener  200  is applied to a bag  205  as shown. The fastener  200  includes a closure strip  210  and a closure base  215  for releasable closure of an opening  220  in the bag  205 . The fastener  200  is affixed to the bag  205  to overlap the opening  220 . The closure strip  210  is affixed adjacent to the opening  220  along a fixed end  223 . A first array of fastening elements  225  is attached to a back face  230  along a free end  235  of the closure strip  210 . The closure base  215  is affixed adjacent to an opposite side of the opening  220  and includes a second array of fastening elements  240  attached to a front face  245 . The closure strip  210  and closure base  215  are positioned such that the first fastening components  225  releasably engage the second array of fastening elements  240  for releasable closure of the opening  220 . Preferably, the fastener  200  is of unitary construction and is applied to the bag  205  as a single label with the strip and closure bases  210 ,  215  connected together with a perimeter gasket  247 . The gasket  247  is sized and shaped for attachment around the opening  220  of the bag  205 .  
         [0027]     A frangible burst membrane (not shown) may be provided over the fastener  200  to preserve the freshness of the contents before the initial opening of the bag  205  for transport, retail display, and to provide a temper-evident indicator. Alternatively, the burst membrane may be provided under the perimeter gasket  247  of the fastener  200  to cover the opening  220  of the bag  205 .  
         [0028]     In operation, the fastener  205  is opened by separating the free end  235  of the closure strip  210  from the closure back  215  thereby disengaging the first array of fastening elements  225  from the second array of fastening elements  240  to substantially reveal the opening  220  of the bag  205 . To reclose the fastener  205  and the opening  220  of the bag  205 , the free end  235  of the closure strip  210  is lifted upward across the opening  220  to re-engage the first and second arrays of fastening elements  225 ,  240 .  
         [0029]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , another bag  250  has two opposing side expansion gussets  255  (one hidden from view). A closure label  260  is applied over an opening  265  disposed within the gusset  255  with an adhesive layer (not shown) or other attachment means. The closure label  260  includes a closure flap  270  and a closure base  275 . A first array of fastening elements  280  is attached to a back face  285  of the closure flap  270 . A second array of fastening elements  290  is attached to a front face  295  of the closure base  275 . The closure base  275  includes an aperture which overlays the opening  265  of the bag  250 . When the closure label  260  is in the closed position, the closure flap  270  facially contacts the closure base  275  such that first fastening components  280  releasably engage second fastening components  290 . In operation, the fastener  300  is opened by separating the back face  285  of the closure flap  270  from the front face  295  of the closure base  275  thereby disengaging the first array of fastening elements  280  from the second array of fastening elements  290 . To reclose the fastener  300  and the opening  265  of the bag  250 . To reclose the fastener  300 , the closure flap  270  is lifted upward to extend across the opening  265  to re-engage the first and second arrays of fastening elements  280 ,  290 .  
         [0030]     A frangible burst membrane (not shown) may be provided over the closure label  260  to preserve the freshness of the contents before the initial opening of the bag  250  for transport, retail display, and to provide a tamper-evident indicator. Alternatively, the burst membrane may be provided under the closure label  260  across the opening  265  of the bag  250 . Advantageously, the closure flap and closure base  270 ,  275  can include perforation or folds along a vertical axis corresponding to the position of a gusset fold  298  to improve contact of the closure label  260  with the gusset  255 .  
         [0031]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a fastener  300  includes a first closure flap  305  and a second closure flap  310 . The flaps  305 ,  310  are positioned adjacent to opposing sides of an opening  315  such that when unfurled, the flaps  305 ,  310  uncover at least a portion of the opening  315  disposed through a surface of a package. The opening  315  can include a frangible burst membrane  320  to preserve freshness of the contents of the bag for transport, retail display and to provide a tamper-evident indicator. The burst membrane  320  may also include preferential tear lines  323  to facilitate easier opening of the membrane  320 .  
         [0032]     An first array of fastening elements  325  is attached along a front face  330  of the free end  335  of the first closure flap  305 . A second array of fastening elements  340  ( FIG. 5B ) is attached along a back face  345  of the free end  335  of the first closure flap  305  generally opposite the first array of fastening elements  325  on the front face  330 . A third array of fastening elements  350  is attached along the front face  330  of the fixed end  355  of the first closure flap  305 , positioned for engagement of the first fastening components  325  when the closure flap  305  is lifted away from the opening  315  and folded back onto itself.  
         [0033]     A fourth array of fastening elements  360  is positioned along a front face  365  of a free end  370  of the second closure flap  310  for engagement with the second array of fastening elements  340  ( FIG. 5B ) when the free end  335  of the first closure flap  305  is extended across the opening  315 . A fifth array of fastening elements  375  is positioned along the front face  365  of a fixed end  380  of the second closure flap  310  for engagement with the fourth array of fastening elements  360  when the free end  370  is folded downward to substantially uncover the opening  315 .  
         [0034]     In operation, the fastener  300  is opened by separating the free end  335  of the first closure flap  305  from the free end  370  of the second closure flap  310  thereby disengaging the second array of fastening elements  340  from the fourth array of fastening elements  360 . The first closure flap  305  may be releasably secured away from the opening  320  so as not to inhibit access or passage of the contents of the package by engaging the first array of fastening elements  325  along the free end  335  with the third array of fastening elements  350  along the fixed end of the first closure flap  305 . Similarly, the second closure flap  310  may be releasably secured away from the opening  320  by engaging the fourth array of fastening elements  360  with the fifth array of fastening elements  375  by folding the closure flap  310  to join its free and fixed ends  370 ,  380 .  
         [0035]     To reclose the fastener  300  the sequence is generally reversed, the free end  370  of the second closure flap  310  is separated from the fixed end  380  of the second closure flap  310  and extending upward to substantially cover the opening  320 . The first closure flap  305  is extended across the second closure flap  310  (and temporarily held in position) until the second array of fastening elements  340  re-engages the fourth array of fastening elements  360  to reclose the opening  320 .  
         [0036]     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A  to  6 H, a fastener  400  includes a closure flap  405  and a closure base  410  positioned adjacent to an opening  415  disposed through a surface of a package. In one embodiment, the closure base  410  may include an arcuate inner edge  412  for a contoured fit around the generally circular opening  415 . The closure flap  405  includes a first array of fastening elements  420  attached to a back face  423  of a free end  425 . A second array of fastening elements  430  ( FIG. 6A ) is attached to a front face  435  of the free edge  425  generally opposite at least a portion of the first array of fastening elements  420  on the back face  423  of the closure flap  405 . A third array of fastening elements  440  is attached to the front face  435  of a fixed end  445  of the closure flap  405  positioned for engagement with the second array of fastening elements  430  when the free end  425  is folded downward toward the fixed end  445  to substantially uncover the opening  415 .  
         [0037]     A frangible burst membrane  460  may be provided across the opening  415  to preserve the freshness of the contents before the initial opening of the bag, for transport, retail display and to provide a tamper-evident indicator. Alternatively, the burst membrane  460  may be provided over the fastener  400  with the closure flap  405  in an upward position (not shown). The burst membrane  460  may include a preferential tear line  465  to facilitate easier opening of the membrane  460 .  
         [0038]     In operation, the fastener  400  is opened by separating the free end  425  of the closure flap  405  from the closure base  410  disengaging the first and fourth fastening elements  420 ,  450 . The free end  425  may be folded downward to engage the second array of fastening elements  430  with the third array of fastening elements  440  to releasably secure the closure flap substantially away from the opening  415  for uninhibited delivery or access of the contents of the package.  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIG. 6C , the free end  425  may be folded upward toward the closure base  410  and positioned to form a generally conical pour spout  427  for controlled delivery of the contents of the package. The closure base  410  includes a fourth array of fastening elements  450  for engagement with the first array of fastening elements  420  of the closure flap  405  ( FIG. 6B ).  
         [0040]     In another example, shown in  FIG. 6D , the conical pour spout  426  is configured for receiving a fitment  470 . The inserted end of the fitment  470  is tapered for engaging an inner surface of the conical pour spout  427 . The fitment  470  can facilitate the ingress or egress of the contents of the package, as will be described below. In one example, the pour spout  427  includes fastening elements (not shown) for engagement with the first array of fastening elements  420  attached to the back face of the closure flap  405 . In another example, the conical pour spout  427  can be formed to establish a pressure-fit with the fitment  470 .  
         [0041]     Applications of the example of  FIG. 6D  include the controlled delivery of the powdered contents of a package, such as a container for copier or printer toner. As shown in  FIGS. 6E and 6F , a toner container  500  includes an opening  415  for the delivery of toner contents to the copier. The closure flap  405  is separated from the closure base  410  and the fitment  470  is inserted into the now revealed opening  415 . The fitment  470  can be the toner intake path for the copier. In one example, the closure flap  405  can be rolled back to engage fastening elements (not shown) on the fitment  470  to secure the fitment and/or reduce spillage of the toner. After the toner is substantially exhausted from the container  500 , the closure flap  405  can be folded over the opening  415  to engage the first array of fastening elements  420  with the fourth array of fastening elements  450  to reduce spillage of any residual toner.  
         [0042]     Another example includes the delivery of debris into vacuum bags. As shown in  FIGS. 6G and 6H , a vacuum bag  510  includes an opening  415  for the delivery of debris into the bag. The closure flap  405  is separated from the closure base  410 , the fitment  470  is inserted into the now revealed opening  415 . The fitment  470  can be the vacuum connector which expels the vacuum debris. In one example, when the vacuum bag  510  is full, the closure flap can be folded over the opening to engage the first array of fastening elements  420  with the fourth array of fastening elements  450  for disposal of the bag  510  with spillage of the bag contents.  
         [0043]     A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Various embodiments are useful in many packaging applications, for example, the packaging closures described herein are useful for packaged food items, such as grain, meal, animal food, sugar, flour, produce, cookies and candy bars. It will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.