Patent ID: 8549713

Claim:
A security zipper comprising: a first profile including a first consumer side interlocking element and a first product side interlocking element spaced therefrom by a first intermediate flange; a second profile including a second consumer side interlocking element and a second product side interlocking element spaced therefrom by a second intermediate flange; the first and second consumer side interlocking elements define a pair of consumer side interlocking elements and the first and second product side interlocking elements define a pair of product side interlocking elements, both pairs of interlocking elements being capable of secure mating; and the first and second intermediate flanges define a pair of intermediate flanges which are capable of secure connecting; whereby the zipper profiles are substantially permanently secured to each other to a degree that subsequent separation of the first profile from the second profile would cause noticeable damage to the security zipper; wherein one or both of the first consumer side interlocking element and the first product side interlocking element is a male zipper element, and a corresponding one or both of the second consumer side interlocking element and the second product side interlocking element is a female zipper element; and wherein, for each male and female zipper element pair: the male zipper element includes a base, a consumer side exterior rib, a central rib, and a product side exterior rib, the central rib including a distal end wedge that has a consumer side hook and a product side hook; the female zipper element includes a base, a consumer side leg having a distal end foot and a product side leg having a distal end foot; the male zipper element and the female zipper element are substantially symmetric about respective centerlines extending parallel to a bag thickness direction; when the zipper elements are mated and not pivoted relative to each other: the legs fit between respective exterior ribs and are spaced from each other by the central rib, and the exterior ribs are spaced from respective legs; the consumer side foot contacts the consumer side of the central rib and the product side foot contacts the product side of the central rib; and the consumer side hook contacts the consumer side leg and the product side hook contacts the product side leg.