Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to reclosable containers, and more specifically to fastener strips and sliders for flexible, reclosable containers and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/330,140 filed Oct. 17, 2001. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   One type of flexible reclosable container includes profiles which are locked and unlocked by a slider which is moved along the profiles. Such reclosable containers are used in form, fill and seal applications where a product is prepacked and sold in the container as well as in applications where the container is sold to the consumer for use by the consumer in packaging the items desired to be packaged by the consumer. Whatever the application or use of the container, it is desirable that the slider and profiles be constructed in such a manner as to prevent the slider from easily being removed from the profiles. It is also desirable that the slider be inexpensive and easy to manufacture. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One embodiment of the slider of the present invention for locking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container might include a body including a top and a pair of sidewalls, the body having an interior bounded by the top and sidewalls. The body further includes a first pair of feet, a second pair of feet and a third pair of feet, all of said pairs of feet being for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the profiles. The second pair of feet is positioned between and spaced from the first and third pair of feet. 
   Another embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of fastener strips each having a side wall with an upper portion. The fastener strips include a pair of opposing interlockable profile elements which project from the sidewalls of the fastener strips and are configured for repeated locking and unlocking of the fastener strips. Each fastener strip has a flange extending from a location proximate the upper portion of the respective fastener strip. There is also included a slider having a top and pair of opposing sidewalls and a separator for unlocking the profile elements. The top has opposing sides and a central portion therebetween. The sidewalls depend downwardly from the two opposing sides of the top. A separator depends downwardly from the central portion of the top and has a first portion with a first width configured for unlocking the profile elements. The separator also has a second portion attaching the first portion to the top, said second portion having a second width which is less than the first width. The flanges are adjacent one another when the profile elements are interlocked but the flanges are also slidable between the top and the first portion and past the attachment portion when the separator unlocks the profile elements. 
   Still another embodiment of the invention is a slider for locking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container which includes a body having a top and a pair of sidewalls. The body has an interior bounded by the top and the sidewalls and has a first dimension in the same direction as the profiles. The body further includes a pair of feet retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastener profiles. The body further includes a separator for unlocking the profile elements with the separator being mounted on the top, extending into the interior and extending the entire first dimension of said body. 
   Still another embodiment of the invention is a slider for locking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container. The slider includes a body having a top and a pair of sidewalls, the body having an interior bounded by the top and sidewalls and also having an opening end and a closing end. The body further includes a pair of feet retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastener profiles. The pair of feet extend from the opening end of the body to the closing end. The body further includes a separator depending downwardly from the top and a pair of closing bars projecting inwardly from the sidewalls with the closing bars being spaced downwardly from the separator. 
   Still a further embodiment of the invention is a slider for locking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container. The slider has an opening end and a closing end. The body includes a top transverse section and a pair of sidewalls connected by the transverse section at the closing end. The transverse section has an inner vertical wall. The sidewalls each have a channel extending from the vertical wall of said transverse section to said opening end. There is also provided closing bars mounted on the sidewalls at the closing end and extending inwardly of the slider. The slider further includes a top portion slidingly received within the channels said top portion having a separator mounted thereon and extending between the sidewalls for unlocking the fastener profiles. 
   Still a further embodiment of the invention involves a slider for locking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container. The slider includes a body including a top and a pair of sidewalls. The body has an interior bounded by the top and the sidewalls and also has an opening end and a closing end. The body further includes a pair of feet retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastener profiles. The body further includes a separator depending downwardly from the top and a pair of closing bars projecting inwardly from the sidewalls. The closing bars are spaced downwardly from the separator and upwardly from the feet. 
   Still another embodiment of the invention is a slider for locking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible reclosable container. The slider includes a body including a top and a pair of sidewalls with the body having an interior bounded by the top and sidewalls and also having an opening end and a closing end. The body further includes a pair of feet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastener profiles. The pair of feet extend from the opening end of the body to the closing end. The body further includes a separator depending downwardly from the top and a pair of closing bars projecting inwardly from the sidewalls with the closing bars being spaced downwardly from the separator and upwardly from the feet. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description upon reference to the drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1A  is a side plan view of a flexible, reclosable container according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1A  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  1 B- 1 B of  FIG. 1A . 
       FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a slider of according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an end elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 2  as taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG.2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a slider according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is an end elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 6  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a slider of according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is an end elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view of a slider body of according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is an end elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 16  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 14  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 18  is a top plan view of a removable slider top usable with the body of  FIG. 14  according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  is an end elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 18  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 18  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  20 - 20  of  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 21  is a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 18  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  21 - 21  of  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 22A  is a top plan view of an assembled two piece slider according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 22B  is an end elevational view of the slider assembly of  FIG. 22A  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  22 B- 22 B of  FIG. 22A . 
       FIG. 23  is a top plan view of a removable slider top according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 24  is an end elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
       FIG. 25   a  is a side elevational view of the apparatus of  FIG. 23 . 
       FIG. 25   b  is an end elevational view of a slider assembly. 
       FIG. 26  is a top plan view of a slider body according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 27  is a top plan view of a removable slider top according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 28  is an end elevational view of a slider according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 29  is an end and bottom perspective view of a slider according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 30  is a bottom and end perspective view of the slider of  FIG. 29 . 
       FIG. 31  is an end and top perspective view of the slider of  FIG. 29 . 
       FIG. 32  is an end and bottom perspective view of the slider of  FIG. 29 . 
       FIG. 33  is an end elevational view of the slider of  FIG. 29 , including certain exemplary dimensions. 
       FIG. 34  is a bottom plan view of the slider of  FIG. 33  as taken in the direction of the arrows along line  34 - 34  of  FIG. 33 , and including certain exemplary dimensions. 
       FIG. 35  is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of fastener profiles for a reclosable container with the profiles unlocked. 
       FIG. 36  is a cross sectional view similar to  FIG. 1B  of the fastener profiles of  FIG. 36  showing the profiles in combination with the slider of  FIGS. 37-42 . 
       FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a slider forming another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 38  is a further perspective view of the slider of  FIG. 37 . 
       FIG. 39  is a section taken in the direction of the arrows along the line  39 - 39  of  FIG. 40  of the slider of  FIGS. 37 and 38 . 
       FIG. 40  is an elevation of the closing end of the slider. 
       FIG. 41  is a section taken in the direction of the arrows along the line  41 - 41  of  FIG. 40 . 
       FIG. 42  is a top plan view of the slider of  FIGS. 37-41 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
     FIG. 1A  shows a flexible recloseable container  20  for containing a product, container  20  being useful for being formed, filled, and sealed with goods, and also being useful when sold as an empty container. Container  20  comprises first and second sidewalls  22  and  24 , respectively, which may be made from any suitable thermoplastic film such as, for example, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, or similar materials. Sidewalls  22  and  24  include first left transverse side seal  28  and second right transverse side seal  30 . Container  20  also includes a bottom edge  26  generally opposite a pair of interlocking fastener strips  32  and  34 . Bottom edge  26  may include a fold between sidewalls  22  and  24 , such as for a container formed using vertical form, fill and seal apparatus, or alternatively edge  26  may include a seal between sidewalls  22  and  24 , such as for a container  20  formed using a horizontal form, fill, and seal apparatus. 
   Interlocking strips  32  and  34  of fastener profiles run along the top edge of container  20 . Strips  32  and  34  are sealed together at endstops  36  and  38 . A formed docking station  39  is located near endstop  36 . As an alternative to a formed docking station, strips  32  and  34  can also incorporate one or more vertical slits  37   a  and/or  37   b , as will be described later. Strips  32  and  34  are sealed to each other and also to sidewalls  22  and  24  at corner seals  40  and  42 . Comer seals  40  and  42  are located along their respective edges of container  20 . Seals  40  and  42  are generally located below shoulders  45  and  47  of fastener strips  32  and  34 , respectively. 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, container  20  includes a tamper-evident seal  43  between sidewalls  22  and  24 . Seal  43  may be an extension of the interlocking strips that extend internally across the opening of container  20 . Seal  43  may be integrally molded with the strips, or may be attached separately. The broken or unbroken state of seal  43  provides evidence to the user of whether or not container  20  has been previously opened. A tamper evident seal is especially useful with a form, fill, and seal machine that inserts an edible product into container  20 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , slider  148  is slidable upon fastener strips  32  and  34 . Fastener strips  32  and  34  include a pair of vertical walls  80   b  and  80   a , respectively. A male profile element  82   b  projects outwardly from wall  80   b . A female profile element  82   a  projects outwardly from wall  80   a . Slider  148  is shown enclosing non-interlocked portions of fastener strips  34  and  32 . Movement of slider  148  along the fastener strips results in either an interlocking of profiles  82   a  and  82   b , or an unlocking of profiles  82   a  and  82   b . Female profile  82 A includes an upper member  81   a  which projects outwardly from strip wall  82   a  to a greater extent than lower member  81   b . Because of the greater length of upper member  81   a  over  81   b , during interlocking of strips  32  and  34  male profile element  82   b  comes into contact first with upper member  81   a , and second with lower member  81   b . In one embodiment of the present invention slider  148  includes a separator  162  having a vertical depth from central portion  151   b  sufficient to separate elements  82   a  and  82   b  as slider  148  is moved along the fastener strips in an opening direction. Feet  160   b  and  160   a  of slider  148  retain the slider on the interlocking strips by shoulders  45  and  47 , respectively. 
   In another embodiment of the present invention, container  20  contains one or more vertical slits  37   a  and  37   b  that extend downward through fastener strips  32  and  34  through the top portion of the fastener strips, but preferably not through the interlocking profile elements of the fastener strips. These slits  37   a  and  37   b  reduce the stresses imposed upon the fastener strips due to the presence of the slider separator when the slider is proximate to one of the endstops. For example, slit  37   b  of bag  20  increases the flexibility of the top portion of the fastener strips such that there is reduced separation force on the interlocked profile elements near endstop  38  when the slider and separator are docked adjacent to endstop  38 . It should be understood; however, that not all embodiments of the invention include vertical slits  37   a  and  37   b . For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a docking station  39  is formed by pressing the slider against a heated still-formable endstop  36 . In such an embodiment the slits  37   a  and  37   b  are not necessary and not present. 
     FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5  present top, end, bottom, and side elevational views of a slider  48  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Slider  48  includes a body  49  which is preferably injection molded from a plastic material. In one embodiment, slider  48  slidingly engages a pair of interlockable fastener strips of a flexible, reclosable container, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . As best seen in  FIG. 2 , body  49  includes a closing end  49   a , through which passes a pair of interlocked fastener strips as slider  48  is moved in a closing direction along the fastener strips. Body  49  further includes an opening end  49   b , through which passes the unlocked pair of fastener profile strips as slider  48  is moved in a closing direction along the strips. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 2-5 , body  49  also includes a top  50  having a pair of central portions  51   a  and  51   b  which transversely span from one top edge  51   c  to an opposing top edge  51   d . A pair of opposing sidewalls  52   a  and  52   b  depend downward from edges  51   c  and  51   d , respectively, of top  50 . Sidewalls  52   a  and  52   b  each include a bottom edge  54   a  and  54   b , respectively, which are generally vertically opposite of top edges  51   c  and  51   d , respectively. 
   Top  50  and sidewalls  52   a  and  52   b  bound an interior  55  of slider  48 . Projecting from each sidewall toward interior  55  are one or more feet. As best seen in  FIG. 4 , projecting inwardly from sidewall  52   a  are feet  56   a ,  58   a , and  60   a . Projecting inwardly from sidewall  52   b  are feet  56   b ,  58   b , and  60   b . Preferably, feet  56   a  and  56   b  are aligned facing each other along the length of slider  48 . Further, feet  58   a  and  58   b  are aligned facing each other, and feet  60   a  and  60   b  are aligned facing each other. Preferably, slider  48  includes three pair of feet, with adjacent pairs of feet being spaced apart by a gap. Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , feet  56   a  and  58   a  are spaced apart by a gap  57   a , and feet  58   a  and  60   a  are spaced apart by a gap  59   a . Further, feet  56   b  and  58   b  are spaced apart by gap  57   b , and feet  58   b  and  60   b  are spaced apart by gap  59   b . Feet  56   a  and  56   b  are located proximate opening end  49   b ; feet  60   a  and  60   b  are located proximate closing end  49   a.    
   The pairs of feet of the slider co-act with shoulders of the fastener strips to maintain the slider engaged with the fastener strips, and further to assist in guiding the sliding motion of the slider along fastener strips. As best seen in  FIG. 1B , shoulders  45  and  47  are located within the corners formed by the union of foot  160   b  and sidewall  152   b  and foot  160   a  and sidewall  152   a , respectively. Any attempt to vertically lift slider  148  from strips  32  and  34  is resisted by interference of shoulders  45  and  47  with feet  160   b  and  160   a , respectively. 
   However, the integrity of shoulders  45  and  47  is sometimes compromised by other features of container  20 . Referring to  FIG. 1   a , the placement of fused endstops  36  and  38  at opposite ends of fastener strips  32  and  34  can distort or eliminate the edgemost portions of shoulders  45  and  47 . This distortion can reduce the co-action of the shoulders and feet that keeps the slider engaged to the bag. For example, moving the slider as far as possible toward endstop  38  can result in disengagement of the endmost feet from the shoulders. On a slider having only two pairs of opposing feet, the disengagement of one pair of feet from the shoulder permits the user to inadvertently rotate the slider about the remaining pair of engaged feet, and subsequently lift the slider from the fastener strips. However, a slider according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a central pair of feet such as feet  58   a  and  58   b . Even if feet  60   a  and  60   b  become disengaged from shoulders of the fastener strips, the central feet  58   a  and  58   b  and opening end feet  56   a  and  56   b  remain engaged with the shoulders, discouraging or preventing rotation of the slider and its subsequent pull-off from the fastener strips. 
   The placement of gaps between adjacent pairs of feet permits some embodiments of the present invention to reduce the material cost and weight of the slider, in comparison to those sliders which include a continuous foot along the length of the sidewalls from the opening end to the closing end. In addition, as best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the placement of the gaps can also facilitate design and fabrication of the injection molding dies and also facilitate the injection molding process. For example, gap  59   b  is located below central portion  51   a  and closing bars  64   a  and  64   b . Gap  57   b  is located below central portion  51   b  and separator  62 . In some embodiments, slider  48  is injection molded in a two-part die, with the two die parts coming together in the vertical direction (vertical with reference to  FIG. 5 ). In addition, central portions  51   a  and  51   b  of top  50  are spaced apart by a gap  61   b . Central portion  51   a  is spaced apart from edge  49   a  of body  49  by a gap  61   a . Central portion  51   b  is spaced apart from edge  49   b  of body  49  by gap  61   c . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , gaps  61   a ,  61   b , and  61   c  are arranged in alternating sequence with gaps  59   b  and  57   b . Thus, a die half for injection molding of slider  48  extending downward (as viewed on  FIG. 5 ) includes solid portions which correspond to gaps  61   a ,  61   b , and  61   c . The die half for injection molding of slider  48  which extends vertically upward (to join with the top die half) includes solid portions generally within gaps  57   b  and  59   b.    
   Referring again to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 , and  5 , slider  48  includes a triangular- or wedge-shaped separator  62  which extends from central portion  51   b  downward into interior  55 . Separator  62  includes a narrow portion  62   b  which begins spreading apart interlocked profiles when the slider is moved along the fastener strips toward the separator. A pair of closing bars  64   a  and  64   b  project downward from central portion  51   a . Closing bars  64   a  and  64   b  are adapted and configured to interlock fastener strips sliding between the closing bars. 
     FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9  depict top, end, bottom, and side elevational views of a slider according to another embodiment of the present invention. The use of an “N” 100 series prefix (NXX) with an element number (XX) refers to an element that is the same as the non-prefixed element (XX) previously described or depicted, except for the differences which are described or depicted hereafter. 
   Slider  148  is substantially the same as slider  48 , with one difference being the manner of coupling the separator to a central portion of the top. Referring to  FIG. 9 , a triangular- or wedge-shaped separator  162  is attached to central portion  151   b  of top  150  by an intermediate attachment portion  163 . This attachment portion has a width  163   a  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of slider  148  that is less than a separating width  162   a  of separator  162 . Attachment portion  163  is depicted with a square cross section, but can have a cross section of any shape. Preferably, attachment portion  163  is integrally molded with separator  162  and central portion  151   b.    
   This incorporation of a reduced width attachment portion above the separator assists in maintaining slider  148  in engagement with a pair of fastener strips. Referring to  FIG. 1B , slider  148  is shown engaged with a pair of fastener strips  32  and  34 . Each fastener strip includes a top flange  84   a  and  84   b  which projects inwardly from sidewalls  80   a  and  80   b , respectively, of fastener strips  34  and  32 , respectively. Flanges  84   a  and  84   b  provide a top closure of the fastener strips when the fastener strips are interlocked. Further, top flanges  84   a  and  84   b  are captured within interior  155  between the top surface of separator  162  and the bottom surface of central portion  151   b . Flanges  84   a  and  84   b  extend inwardly from their respective sidewalls toward the interior such that a flange and sidewall wrap around separator  162 . The use of a reduced width section  163  accommodates the flanges by providing sufficient lateral space for their sliding movement through the slider. Further, any attempt to pull slider  148  off of bag  120  results in interference between the top corners of separator  163  and the inside surfaces of the flanges, thus increasing the strength of the attachment of the slider  148  to strips  32  and  34 . 
     FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  12 , and  13  present top, end, bottom, and side elevational views of a slider  248  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Slider  248  includes a body  249  which is preferably injection molded from a plastic material. In one embodiment, slider  248  slidingly engages a pair of interlockable fastener strips of a flexible, reclosable container, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Body  249  includes a closing end  249   a , through which passes a pair of interlocked fastener strips as slider  248  is moved in a closing direction along the fastener strips. Body  249  further includes an opening end  249   b , through which passes the unlocked pair of fastener profile strips as slider  248  is moved in a opening direction along the strips. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 10-13 , body  249  also includes a top  250  having a central portion which transversely spans from one top edge  251   c  to an opposing top edge  251   d . A pair of opposing sidewalls  252   a  and  252   b  depend downward from edges  251   c  and  251   d , respectively, of top  250 . Sidewalls  252   a  and  252   b  each include a bottom edge  254   a  and  254   b , respectively, which are generally vertically opposite of top edges  251   c  and  251   d , respectively. 
   Top  250  and sidewalls  252   a  and  252   b  bound an interior  255  of slider  248 . Projecting from each sidewall toward interior  255  are a pair of opposing feet. As best seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , projecting inwardly from sidewall  252   a  is foot  256   a , and projecting inwardly from sidewall  252   b  is foot  256   b . Preferably, feet  256   a  and  256   b  are aligned facing each other along the length of slider  248 . 
   The pair of feet of the slider co-act with shoulders of the fastener strips to maintain the slider engaged with the fastener strips, and further to assist in guiding the sliding motion of the slider along fastener strips. Referring to  FIG. 1B , shoulders  45  and  47  are located within the corners formed by the union of foot  256   b  and sidewall  252   b  and foot  256   a  and sidewall  252   a , respectively. Any attempt to vertically lift slider  248  from strips  232  and  234  is resisted by interference of shoulders  45  and  47  with feet  256   b  and  256   a , respectively. 
   Slider  248  incorporates various improvements which reduce the possibility a user will inadvertently pull slider  248  off of a pair of fastener strips. As best seen in  FIG. 11 , each foot  256   a  and  256   b  is inclined upward toward top  250 , forming an angle  256   c  between the upper surface of the foot and the inner surface of the corresponding sidewall that is less than 90 degrees. In a more preferred embodiment, angle  256   c  is less than about 75 degrees and more than about 20 degrees. Further, although  FIG. 11  depicts an angled foot with substantially linear surfaces, the present invention also contemplates the use of a hook-shaped cross section, including radiused or rounded portions. 
   Separator  262  of slider  248  includes a nose section  262   b  which extends from the triangular- or wedge-shaped portion of separator  262  having a width  262   a  to the face of the closing end  249   a . A nose  262   b  that extends flush to the face of closing end  249   a  limits the maximum travel of slider  248 . For example, as best considered in reference to  FIG. 1A , movement of a slider  248  toward endstop  36  results in contact of nose  262   b  with the innermost fused area of endstop  36 . This contact limits the sliding travel of slider  248 , making it more difficult for a user to slide slider  248  such that a portion of the feet are no longer in contact with the fastener strip shoulder, and thus more difficult to pull slider  248  out of engagement with fastener strips  32  and  34 . 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , closing bars  264   a  and  264   b  project inwardly from sidewalls  252   a  and  252   b  toward interior  255 . Preferably, closing bars  264   a  and  264   b  are located vertically between the bottom surface of separator  262  and the top surface of feet  256   a  and  256   b . This manner of vertical location facilitates the use of a dieset for injection molding that couples together along the longitudinal axis of the slider, with reference to  FIG. 13  (i.e., a dieset that couples together in a direction parallel to the length of the fastener strips). 
   As can be best seen in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , slider  248  includes features with different vertical orientations to facilitate injection molding by a pair of dies that couple together in a longitudinal direction (i.e. the dies come together such that one die approaches from opening side  249   b  toward another die that approaches from closing side  249   a ). In this manner, it is possible to mold certain features, such as the angled interior corner represented by angle  256   c , that are difficult to fabricate with dies that approach each other vertically. This difficulty arises because of the vertical alignment of closing bars  264   a  and  264   b  directly above the angled interior surfaces of feet  256   a  and  256   b , respectively. In contrast, in one embodiment of the present invention the dies approach each other longitudinally, and the open, interior volume beneath the bottom of the closing bars and the top of the angled feet is easily reproduced by a complementary-shaped solid portion of a longitudinally-approaching die member. 
     FIGS. 14-21 ,  22 A, and  22 B depict a slider according to another embodiment of the present invention. These figures depict the two pieces of a two-part slider  348  for a reclosable container.  FIGS. 14-17  show a body  349  with a pair of sidewalls  352   a  and  352   b .  FIGS. 18-21  show a separately molded top  350  which is slidingly received within a track  366  of body  349 .  FIGS. 22A and 22B  show top and end views, respectively, of the assembled slider  348 . 
     FIGS. 14-17  depict a body  349  which is similar to body  249  previously discussed. However, body  349  includes a top transverse section  368  which connects sidewalls  352   a  and  352   b . Sidewalls  352   a  and  352   b  each include a channel section  366   a  and  366   b , respectively, which extend from the face from opening end  349   b  toward an inner vertical wall of top transverse section  368 . Extending inwardly from sidewalls  352   a  and  352   b  are closing bars  364   a  and  364   b  which function to interlock fastener strips sliding between the closing bars. Sidewalls  352   a  and  352   b  bound an interior  355  of slider  348 . Projecting inwardly from sidewall  352   a  are feet  356   a , and projecting inwardly from sidewall  352   b  are feet  356   b . 
     FIGS. 18-21  depict a top portion  350 , which includes a separator  362  having a nose portion  362   b  similar to nose portion  262   b  previously described. However, top portion  350  is adapted and configured to be slidingly received within channels  366   a  and  366   b , resulting in a slider  348  which is substantially similar to one piece slider  248 . Preferably, separable top portion  350  is received within channels  366   a  and  366   b  in light interference fit, such that friction maintains top  350  coupled to body  349 . Body  349  also includes a top  350  having a central portion  351   a  which transversely extends from one top edge  351   c  to an opposing top edge  351   d . Separator  362  has a width  362   a.    
     FIGS. 22A and 22B  show top and end views, respectively, of an assembled two piece slider  348 . Top  350  is shown inserted in channels  366   a  and  366   b.    
     FIGS. 23 ,  24 , and  25   a  depict top, end, and side elevational views, respectively, of a separable top  350 ′ for a slider  348 ′.  FIG. 25   b  is an end view of an assembled slider  348 ′. Slider  348 ′ includes top  350 ′, slidingly received within channels  366   a  and  366   b  of body  349 . Top  350 ′ is the same as top  350 , except that separator  362 ′ is spaced apart from and underneath the bottom surface of slider  348 ′ or top  350 ′ by an attachment portion  362   a ′ of wedge-shaped separator  362 ′. 
     FIGS. 26 and 27  depict a body  349 ″ and separable top  350 : which can be assembled to form a slider. Body  349 ″ includes a top transverse section  368 ″ which connects sidewalls  352   a ″ and  352   b ″. Body  349 ″ is the same as body  349 , except that channels  366   a ″ and  366   b ″ include angled interior surfaces, as best seen in  FIG. 26 . Channels  366   a ″ and  366   b ″ are closest together at a location near  349   b ″, with the distance between opposing walls of the channels increasing as the channels extend toward closing and  349   a ″.  FIG. 27  depicts a top  350 ″ which is the same as top  350 , except that top  350 ″ includes angled side surfaces  351   c ″ and  351   d ″ that are complementary in shape to the inner walls of channels  366   a ″ and  366   b ″, respectively. As best seen in  FIG. 27 , the width of top  350 ″ is narrowest toward the opening end (i.e., proximate the widest portion of separator  362 ″), and widest near the closing end (i.e., near the distal end of separator nose  362   b ″). 
   Top  350 ″ is slidingly received within the channels of body  349 ″. As the widest (or closing) end of top  350 ″ is pressed into the narrowest (or opening) end of body  349 ″, sidewalls  352   a ″ and  352   b ″ are spread apart. Lead-in chambers or tapers may be provided on both of the channel inlets of body  349 ″. Alternatively the insertion edge of top  350 ″ may have tapered corners, as shown, to assist in the insertion and spreading apart of the sidewalls. After insertion, the sidewalls  352   a ″ and  352   b ″ resiliently spring back to their original position, thus locking top  350 ″ in place. 
   Although  FIGS. 14-27  depict a separable top which is inserted into a body proximate the opening end  349   b , the present invention further includes separable tops and receiving channels adapted and configured for insertion from opening end  349   a . Further, although what has been shown and described is a separable top that is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, the present invention also contemplates those separable tops in which only one side includes an angled surface or some other feature which co-acts with the respective channel to lock the positioned top in place in the body. 
     FIG. 28  shows an end elevational view of a slider  248 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention. Slider  248 ′ is the same as slider  248 , except that the sidewalls  252   a ′ and  252   b ′ are angled inward toward interior  255 ′, such that the bottom end of the sidewalls near feet  256   a ′ and  256   b ′ is narrower than the distance between the sidewalls toward top  250 ′. Slider  248 ′ includes a separator  262 ′. Top  250 ′ and sidewalls  252   a ′ and  252   b ′ bound an interior  255 ′ of slider  248 ′. The included angle  252   c ′ between top surface  250 ′ and the exterior surface of sidewall  252   a ′ is less than 90 degrees, and in a preferred embodiment is less than about 85 degrees and more than about 60 degrees. The included angle  252   d ′ between top surface  250 ′ and the exterior surface of sidewall  252   b ′ is less than 90 degrees, and in a preferred embodiment is less than about 85 degrees and more than about 60 degrees. Although what has been shown and described are inwardly angled walls with substantially flat surface, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which the walls include rounded, non-planar surfaces. 
     FIGS. 29-34  present various views of a slider  448  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Slider  448  includes a body  449  which is preferably injection molded from a plastic material. In one embodiment, slider  448  slidingly engages a pair of interlockable fastener strips of a flexible, reclosable container, similar to that shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . Body  449  includes a closing end  449   a , through which passes a pair of interlocked fastener strips as slider  448  is moved in a closing direction along the fastener strips. Body  449  further includes an opening end  449   b , through which passes the unlocked pair of fastener profile strips as slider  448  is moved in a opening direction along the strips. 
   Referring again to  FIGS. 29-34 , body  449  also includes a top  450  having a central portion which transversely spans from one top edge  451   c  to an opposing top edge  451   d . A pair of opposing sidewalls  452   a  and  452   b  depend downwardly from edges  451   c  and  451   d , respectively, of top  450 . Sidewalls  452   a  and  452   b  each include a bottom edge  454   a  and  454   b , respectively, which are generally vertically opposite top edges  451   c  and  451   d , respectively. 
   Top  450  and sidewalls  452   a  and  452   b  bound an interior  455  of slider  448 . Projecting from each sidewall toward interior  455  are a pair of opposing feet. Projecting inwardly from sidewall  452   a  is foot  456   a , and projecting inwardly from sidewall  452   b  is foot  456   b . Preferably, feet  456   a  and  456   b  are aligned facing each other along the length of slider  448 . 
   The pair of feet of the slider co-act with shoulders of the fastener strips to maintain the slider engaged with the fastener strips, and further to assist in guiding the sliding motion of the slider along fastener strips. Referring to  FIG. 1B , shoulders  45  and  47  are located within the corners formed by the union of foot  456   b  and sidewall  452   b  and foot  456   a  and sidewall  452   a , respectively. Any attempt to vertically lift slider  448  from strips  32  and  34  is resisted by interference of shoulders  45  and  47  with feet  456   b  and  456   a , respectively. 
   Slider  448  incorporates various improvements which reduce the possibility a user will inadvertently pull slider  448  off of a pair of fastener strips. As best seen in  FIG. 33 , each foot  456   a  and  456   b  includes an upstanding projection or lip  457   a  and  457   b , respectively. These projections  457   a  and  457   b  extend generally toward interior  455  of slider  448  from a generally horizontal central portion of feet  456   a  and  456   b , respectively. Further, although  FIG. 33  depicts an upwardly angled projection with substantially linear surfaces, the present invention also contemplates the use of a hook-shaped cross section, including radiused or rounded portions. 
   Separator  462  of slider  448  includes a nose section  462   b  which extends from the triangular- or wedge-shaped portion of separator  462  to the face of the closing end  449   a . A nose  462   b  that extends flush to the face of closing end  449   a  limits the maximum travel of slider  448 . For example, as best considered in reference to  FIG. 1A , movement of a slider  448  toward endstop  36  results in contact of nose  462   b  with the innermost fused area of endstop  36 . This contact limits the sliding travel of slider  448 , making it more difficult for a user to slide slider  448  such that a portion of the feet are no longer in contact with the fastener strip shoulder, and thus more difficult to pull slider  448  out of engagement with fastener strips  32  and  34 . 
   As best seen in  FIG. 34 , closing bars  464   a  and  464   b  project inwardly from longitudinal midpoints of sidewalls  452   a  and  452   b  toward interior  455 . Preferably, closing bars  464   a  and  464   b  are located vertically between the bottom surface of separator  462  and the top surface of feet  456   a  and  456   b , as best seen in  FIG. 33 . This manner of vertical location facilitates the use of a dieset for injection molding that couples together along the longitudinal axis of the slider (i.e., a dieset that couples together in a direction parallel to the length of the fastener strips). 
   Slider  448  includes features with different vertical orientations to facilitate injection molding by a pair of dies that couple together in a longitudinal direction (i.e. the dies come together such that one die approaches from opening side  449   b  toward another die that approaches from closing side  449   a ). In this manner, it is possible to mold certain features, such as the lowered elevational portion of the feet between the innermost projections ( 457   a  and  457   b ) and the inner surface of the walls of the slider body ( 452   a  and  452   b , respectively), that are difficult to fabricate with dies that approach each other vertically. This difficulty arises because of the vertical alignment of closing bars  464   a  and  464   b  directly above the interior surfaces of feet  456   a  and  456   b , respectively. In contrast, in one embodiment of the present invention the dies approach each other longitudinally, and the open, interior volume beneath the bottom of the closing bars and the top of the angled feet is easily reproduced by a complementary-shaped solid portion of a longitudinally-approaching die member. 
   Slider  448  also includes exterior features which provide a more positive feel and improved gripping surface for the user, regardless of whether the slider is moved in the opening or closing direction. Slider  448  includes angled or contoured exterior surfaces  472   a  and  472   b  which extend outwardly away from interior  455  as the exterior surfaces traverse longitudinally from closing end  449   a  toward the middle of slider body  449 . Likewise, the other half of the slider body includes walls  452   a  and  452   b  which include exterior surfaces  470   a  and  470   b  that extend away from interior  455  in a direction from opening end  449   b  toward a midpoint of the slider body. The juncture of outer surfaces  470   a  and  472   a  meet along a generally vertical ridge  474   a  which is preferably near a midpoint along the length of body  449 . The juncture of outer surfaces  470   b  and  472   b  meet along a generally vertical ridge  474   b  which is preferably near a midpoint along the length of body  449 . 
   As best seen in  FIG. 34 , ridges  474   a  and  474   b  are located a greater distance from the centerline of body  449   b  than other points along vertical walls  452   a  and  452   b , respectively. These central ridges and angled or curving exterior walls provide for easier gripping and control of slider  448  by the user. For example, when moving the slider in a direction to interlock the profiles, the user places his fingers on the outwardly flaring wall surfaces  472   a  and  472   b  and pushes gently against ridges  474   a  and  474   b , which is gripped more easily and with less need for surface friction than otherwise flat, planar exterior wall surfaces. As another example, when moving the slider in a direction to unlock the profiles, the user places his fingers on the outwardly flaring wall surfaces  470   a  and  470   b  and pushes gently against ridges  474   a  and  474   b , which is gripped more easily and with less need for surface friction than otherwise flat, planar exterior wall surfaces. 
   In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for a reclosable container, comprising a pair of fastener strips each having a sidewall with a top, the fastener strips including a pair of opposing interlockable profile elements projecting from the sidewalls of the fastener strips and adapted and configured for repeated locking and unlocking of the fastener strips. Each fastener strip has a flange extending from a location proximate the top of the respective fastener strip. The apparatus further includes a slider comprising a body including a top with a pair of opposing sides and a central portion therebetween, a pair of opposing sidewalls, and a separator for unlocking the profile elements. Each sidewall depends downward from opposing edges of the top. The separator depends downward from the central portion of the top, and has a first portion with a first width adapted and configured for unlocking the profile elements. The separator is attached to the top by an attachment portion having a second width that is less than the first width. When the slider is coupled to the fastener strips, at least one of the flanges is able to slide between the top of the body and the first portion, and also past the attachment portion. Preferably, the flanges overlap one another when the profile strips are interlocked. 
   In another embodiment, the present invention includes a slider for locking and unlocking the fastener profiles of a flexible, reclosable container, comprising a body including a top and a pair of opposing sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls depend downward from the top and have a bottom edge spaced away from the top. The body has an interior bounded by the top and the sidewalls. The apparatus includes a first pair of feet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastener profiles, each of the first pair of feet projecting from a different one of the sidewalls toward the interior along the bottom edge. The apparatus includes a second pair of feet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastener profiles, each of the second pair of feet projecting from a different one of the sidewalls toward the interior along the bottom edge. The apparatus includes a third pair of feet for retaining the slider on the fastener profiles and guiding the slider along the fastener profiles, each of the third pair of feet projecting from a different one of the sidewalls toward the interior along the bottom edge. The second pair of feet are placed between and spaced apart from the first pair of feet and the third pair of feet along the bottom edge. The apparatus preferably includes a pair of closing bars, each of the bars projecting from a different one of the sidewalls toward the interior and located intermediate of the top and the respective bottom edge. The closing bars are located along the respective sidewall in between the first pair of feet and the second pair of feet. Preferably, each of the first pair of feet opposes each other, each of the second pair of feet opposes each other, and each of the third pair of feet opposes each other. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 35-42 , there is illustrated a further embodiment of the present invention. Referring particularly to  FIG. 36  there is shown a cross sectional view similar to  FIG. 1   b  of a slider  548  which is slidable upon fastener strips  532  and  534 . The description and showing above with reference to  FIG. 1A  is also pertinent as regards the construction application and operation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 35-42 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 36 , slider  548  is slidable upon fastener strips  532  and  534 . Fastener strips  532  and  534  include a pair of vertical walls  580   a  and  580   b , respectively. A male profile  582   b  projects outwardly from wall  580   a . A female profile element  582   a  projects outwardly from wall  580   b . Slider  548  is shown enclosing non-interlocked portions of fastener strips  534  and  532 . Movement of slider  548  along the fastener strips results in either an interlocking of profiles  582   a  and  582   b , or an unlocking of profiles  582   a  and  582   b . Female profile  582   a  includes an upper member  581   a  and also a lower member  581   b . Slider  548  includes a separator  562  having a vertical depth from central portion  551   b  sufficient to separate elements  582   a  and  582   b  as slider  548  is moved along the fastener strips in an opening direction. Feet  560   b  and  560   a  of slider  548  retain slider  548  on the interlocking strips by shoulders  545  and  547 , respectively. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 37-42 , slider  548  includes a body  549  which is preferably injection molded from a plastic material. Body  549  includes a closing end  549   a  through which passes interlocked fastener strips of a flexible, reclosable container such as that shown in  FIG. 1   a . When the slider  548  is moved in a closing direction along the fastener strips, the interlocked profiles pass out of the closing end  549   a . Body  549  further includes an opening end  549   b  through which passes the unlocked pair of fastener profile strips as slider  548  is moved in a opening direction along the strips. 
   Body  549  also includes a top  550  and a pair of opposing side walls  552   a  and  552   b  which depend from the top  550 . Projecting inwardly from sidewall  552   a  is foot  556   a . Projecting inwardly from sidewall  552   b  is foot  556   b . The feet  556   a  and  556   b  are relatively stout or thick and also extend the entire length of the slider from the closing end  549   a  to the opening end  549   b . The single pair of feet of the slider coact with the shoulders  545  and  457  to firmly retain the slider on the fastener strips. Because the feet and  556   a  and  556   b  extend the entire length of the slider there is little tendency for the feet to become disengaged with the shoulders thus preventing or reducing pull off of the slider from the fastener strips. 
   The slider  548  further includes the separator  562  which as shown in  FIGS. 38 ,  39 ,  40  and  41  has, at least in part, a wedge-shaped or diamond-shaped portion  562   a  and straight or elongated portion  562   b . The separator  562  is adapted and configured to unlock and separate the profiles as shown in  FIG. 36  when the slider is moved in the opening direction on the fastener strips. Mounted on the sidewalls  552   a  and  552   b  are closing bars  564   a  and  564   b  which are adapted and configured to interlock fastener strips sliding between the closing bars. 
   The slider  548  includes features with different vertical orientations to facilitate injection molding by a pair of dies that couple together in a longitudinal direction (i.e. the dies come together such that one die approaches from closing end  549   a  toward another die that approaches from opening end  549   b ). A pair of slots  570  are provided to facilitate orienting the sliders when it is fed in a parts feeder for assembly on the fastener strips. 
   While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. In the following claims the terms vertical, horizontal, above and the like are used not in an absolute sense but instead in a relative sense so as to orient the various elements of the claim relative to one another.

Technology Category: b