US 6,306,071 B1 · Resealable closure mechanism having a slider device with flexible sidewalls

Abstract

A single-piece slider device for use with resealable closure mechanisms having a first closure profile and a second closure profile is provided. The slider device includes a rigid top wall, at least a first plow for separating the first and second closure profiles, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The first and second sidewalls each have an inner surface, an outer surface, a bottom edge, and a length. The first sidewall has a first flex point arranged and configured to allow the first sidewall to flex at the first flex point. The second sidewall has a second flex point arranged and configured to allow the second sidewall to flex at the second flex point. The flexpoints can be notches on the outer portions or inner portions of the sidewalls, between the top wall and the sidewalls, or between the sidewalls and the bottom portions. The top wall can have depending tabs to help align the slider device with the profiles. Further embodiments include guide rails and tracks on the profiles and sidewalls, sloped surfaces on the profiles and sidewalls, surface ridges, an opening in the top wall of the slider device, and a secondary closure mechanism. Methods of construction are described.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A single-piece slider device for use with a resealable closure mechanism having a first closure profile and a second closure profile, the slider device comprising:

(a) a rigid top wall;
(b) at least a first plow depending from the top wall for separating the first and second closure profiles;
(c) a first sidewall having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, a first bottom edge, and a first length;
the first sidewall having a first flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the first sidewall to flex at the first flex point;
and
(d) a second sidewall having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a second bottom edge, and a second length;
the second sidewall having a second flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the second sidewall to flex at the second flex point;
wherein the first bottom edge of the first sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a first angle relative to a line parallel with the top wall of the slider device, and the second bottom edge of the second sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a second angle relative to the line parallel with the top wall of the slider device.

5 more elements

A single-piece slider device for use with a resealable closure mechanism having a first closure profile and a second closure profile, the slider device comprising:

(a) a rigid top wall;
(b) at least a first plow depending from the top wall for separating the first and second closure profiles;
(c) a first sidewall having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, a first bottom edge, and a first length;
the first sidewall having a first flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the first sidewall to flex outwardly from a first sidewall initial position normal to the top wall at the first flex point responsive to a first force;
(i) the first flex point being rigid and configured to snap back to the first sidewall initial position upon release of the first force;
and
(d) a second sidewall having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, a second bottom edge, and a second length;
the second sidewall having a second flex point arranged and configured to allow a first portion of the second sidewall to flex outwardly from a second sidewall initial position normal to the top wall at the second flex point responsive to a second force;
(i) the second flex point being rigid and configured to snap back to the second sidewall initial position upon release of the second force;
wherein the first bottom edge of the first sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a first angle relative to a line parallel with the top wall of the slider device, and the second bottom edge of the second sidewall is angled upward toward the top wall of the slider device at a second angle relative to the line parallel with the top wall of the slider device.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Resealable closure mechanism having a slider device with flexible sidewalls

Life of this patent

Resealable closure mechanism having a slider device with flexible sidewalls

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32