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  Infestation resistant reclosable sealRelated Patent Categories: Flexible Bags, With Closure, Rib And GrooveInfestation resistant reclosable seal description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070065051, Infestation resistant reclosable seal. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] Reclosable seals are used in a variety of applications, one example being for sealing the opening of a bag. A variety of reclosable seals currently exist, but no one prior to the inventors has created or used the invention described in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0002] While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same elements. The drawings and detailed description which follow are intended to be merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [0003] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a bag having a reclosable seal. [0004] FIG. 2 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of a tamper evident reclosable seal. [0005] FIG. 3 depicts perspective view of a bag having an alternative tamper evident reclosable seal. [0006] FIG. 4 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternative tamper evident reclosable seal. [0007] FIG. 5 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternative tamper evident reclosable seal. [0008] FIG. 6 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the tamper evident reclosable seal of FIG. 5 after subsequent processing. [0009] FIG. 7 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternative tamper evident reclosable seal. [0010] FIG. 8 depicts a partial view of a slider and zipper interlocking sections having a tamper evidence device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0011] The following description should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which includes by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. It should therefore be understood that the inventors contemplate a variety of embodiments that are not explicitly disclosed herein. [0012] FIG. 1 depicts a bag (30) having a reclosable seal in the form of a zipper (10). Bag (30) has a right side (32) and a left side (34). Similarly, zipper (10) has a right interlocking section (12) and a left interlocking section (14). Right interlocking section (12) of zipper (10) is secured to right side (32) of bag (30), while left interlocking section (14) of zipper (10) is secured to left side (34) of bag (30). In one embodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) comprise a pair of profiles. Other suitable interlocking sections (12, 14) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited to zippers with metal teeth. [0013] As used herein, terms such as "right," "left," "above," "below," and the like are used simply to refer to the relative positioning of elements in the drawings, and are not intended to be limiting in any way. While the present example includes a bag (30), it will be appreciated that zipper (10) or any other reclosable seal may be used on any other type of container or receptacle, including but not limited to envelopes, pouches, sacks, and the like. As used herein, the terms "container" and "receptacle" shall be read to include anything configured to hold and contain an object or materials. To the extent that the container is a bag, it will be appreciated that any type of bag may be used, including but not limited to gusseted, non-gusseted, paper, plastic, multi-laminate, woven polypropylene bags, and the like. In one embodiment, the container comprises a bag (30) having a plurality of layers, with at least one of the layers being a paper material, and at least one other layer (e.g., the outer layer) being a heat-sealable material. Other suitable containers, materials, and configurations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. [0014] It will be appreciated that interlocking sections (12, 14) of zipper (10) may be secured to bag (30) in any suitable fashion. In one embodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) are secured to bag (30) by a pre-applied, heat-activated adhesive. Such adhesive may be activated by hot air, by hot rolling, or by any other suitable method. In another embodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) are secured to bag (30) by an epoxy bond. In this embodiment, a first compound is applied to each interlocking section (12, 14) and a second compound is applied to the portions of bag (30) that will ultimately come into contact with interlocking sections (12, 14). The first and second compounds are configured such that, when joined together, the compounds form a physical bond. Accordingly, a bond is formed when interlocking sections (12, 14) are placed in contact with the aforementioned portions of bag (30), thereby securing interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30). Alternatively, any other technique may be used to secure interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30), including but not limited to heat-sealing, stitching, adhesives, press-sealing, cold welding, pressure bonding, double-sided tape. Where interlocking sections (12, 14) are stitched to bag (30), it will be appreciated that such stitching may include, by way of example only, sewing or ultrasonic stitching. Still other suitable techniques for securing interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. [0015] It will be appreciated that the potential for infestation of bag (30) by insects, larvae, or other undesirable organisms or materials is an issue that may need to be addressed. In addition to the prospect of the mere presence of organisms and other contaminants in bag (30) being undesirable, such organisms or other contaminants may adversely affect the other contents of bag (30) (e.g., by eating the contents of bag (30)) or the bag (30) itself (e.g., by boring through bag (30)). Infestation may arise within bag (30) by organisms or contaminants that are introduced into bag (30), such as during filling ("endogenous infestation"). In addition, or alternatively, infestation may arise when organisms or contaminants penetrate bag (30), the interface between bag (30) and interlocking sections (12, 14), or elsewhere ("exogenous infestation"). For instance, with some bags (30) where interlocking sections (12, 14) are secured to bag (30) by mere sewing, it may be possible for organisms such as larvae to infest bag (30) by entering through the interface between interlocking sections (12, 14) and bag (30). That is, the sewing of interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30) may provide an insufficient seal at the interface of interlocking sections (12, 14) and bag (30), such that the interface provides undesirable permeability for exogenous infestation. Other features and components of bag (30), including features relating to interlocking sections (12, 14), which may provide permeability for exogenous infestation will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. [0016] In one embodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) are secured to bag (30) with an adhesive to significantly reduce the likelihood of, if not prohibit, exogenous infestation at the interface between interlocking sections (12, 14) and bag (30). In addition, an adhesive is used to seal the portions of gussets of bag (30) that are proximate to interlocking sections (12, 14). In this embodiment, no sewing is used to secure interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30). For this embodiment, any type of adhesive may be used, including but not limited to an epoxy, a heat activated adhesive (e.g., as a heat sealable ply on bag (30)), a pressure sensitive adhesive, a liquid adhesive, or any other type of adhesive. It will be appreciated that the use of such adhesive, particularly where no sewing is used to secure interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30), may greatly reduce, if not eliminate altogether, the likelihood of exogenous infestation via the interface between interlocking sections (12, 14) and bag (30). [0017] In another embodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) comprise a plastic material, and are secured to bag (30) through sewing. For instance, each interlocking section (12, 14) may be sewn individually to bag (30). Alternatively, interlocking sections (12, 14) may both be sewn to bag simultaneously (e.g., with the same thread). Other ways of sewing interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, the resilience of the plastic material surrounding the sewn stitching thread may provide appreciable exogenous infestation resistance, such as by creating a relatively snug fit of interlocking sections (12, 14) about the sewn thread. In other words, the plastic material of interlocking sections (12, 14) may provide better exogenous infestation resistance than a bag (30) where interlocking sections are made of a cloth or paper material. Of course, were interlocking sections (12, 14) are sewn or otherwise stitched or secured to bag, an additional adhesive may be applied between each interlocking section (12, 14) and the respective adjacent portions of bag (30). It will also be appreciated that, as in any other embodiment described herein, an adhesive may be used to seal the portions of the gussets of bag (30) that are proximate to interlocking sections (12, 14). For instance, and without limitation, an adhesive may be applied to the outside of the gussets to provide this seal. Alternatively, where bag (30) comprises a plurality of layers, with the outer layer being heat-sealable, heat may be applied to gussets to provide the seal. It will be appreciated that gusset portions may be sealed in a variety of alternative ways. It will also be appreciated that resistance to exogenous infestation may be provided in a variety of alternative ways, and to a variety of degrees. [0018] In the present example, interlocking sections (12, 14) comprise an extruded plastic material. Of course, interlocking sections (12, 14) may be formed of any other suitable material, and by any other suitable process. Respective ends (18, 20) of interlocking sections (12, 14) may be secured together by any suitable technique, including but not limited to a hot knife, hot glue, other adhesives, heat sealing, stitching, cold welding, pressure bonding, hooks, tape, clamps, rivets, or any other suitable technique or device. [0019] It will be appreciated that zipper (10) is operable to seal bag (30). In the present example, such sealing occurs upon closure of zipper (10) by engagement of right interlocking section (12) with left interlocking section (14). As used herein, the term "seal" and its variants shall be read to generally imply the prevention of at least a substantial portion material (e.g., solids, gases, and/or liquids) from escaping or entering the container. However, such a "seal" need not per se be perfectly "air tight" or "water tight" as those phrases are commonly used and understood. [0020] As shown in FIG. 2, right interlocking section (12) and left interlocking section (14) each have a pair of complimentary teeth (22) extending the length of the respective interlocking sections (12, 14). Of course, each interlocking section (12, 14) could have a single tooth (12), rather than a plurality of teeth (22). In the present example, closure of zipper (10) results from engagement of teeth (22), thereby effecting a seal of bag (30). In left interlocking section (14), a hinge (24) is located adjacent teeth (22). It will be appreciated that hinge (24) may prevent inadvertent disengagement of teeth (22), such as by outward separation of sides (32, 34) of bag (30) and/or interlocking sections (12, 14). Of course, right interlocking section (12) may include a hinge (24) in addition to or as an alternative to left interlocking section (14) having hinge. Alternatively, any suitable alternative to hinge (24) may be used, including but not limited to no hinge (24) at all. Each interlocking section (12, 14) of the present example further comprises a flange region (11), which is adjacent teeth (22). [0021] Engagement or disengagement of interlocking sections (12, 14) at teeth (22) may be effected or otherwise facilitated by a slider (16), which is shown in FIG. 1. Slider (16) is configured to slide longitudinally along zipper (10) to bring interlocking sections (12, 14) together into engagement or force interlocking sections (12, 14) apart for disengagement, depending upon which direction slider (16) is slid. Sliders (16) are well known in the art, and any type of slider (16) may be used. In one embodiment, slider (16) comprises a glider. In the present example, each interlocking section (12, 14) has a guide (13), with which slider (16) is engaged. Of course, slider (16) is optional, and any suitable alternative to slider (16) may be used, including but not limited to no slider (16) at all. Continue reading about Infestation resistant reclosable seal... Full patent description for Infestation resistant reclosable seal Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Infestation resistant reclosable seal patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Infestation resistant reclosable seal or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Pit stop bag Next Patent Application: Reclosable flexible package for absorbent articles Industry Class: Flexible bags ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Infestation resistant reclosable seal patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 3.22658 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m |
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