Patent ID: 6851248

Claim:
An apparatus for closing a reclosable package having a slider-operated zipper, comprising: a first spring that deforms elastically when a force greater than a predetermined level is applied; a channel comprising a straight section shaped to allow a slider of the slider-operated zipper to pass through; a first element movably arranged for obstructing passage of said slider through said straight section of said channel when said first element is in an obstructing position, said first element being coupled to said spring, said first element being linearly displaced from said obstructing position to a non-obstructing position when a predetermined level of force is exerted on said first spring; and means for translating one said package and said channel relative to the other while said slider is in said straight section of said channel, wherein said first element and said first spring are arranged so that said first element obstructs movement of said slider relative to said channel during relative movement of said package and said channel provided that said slider does not exert a displacement force on said first element greater than said predetermined level, said first spring deforming and said first element moving to said non-obstructing position when said slider exerts a displacement force on said first element greater than said predetermined level.