CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to
US Provisional application Serial Number 62/128,719, filed March 5, 2015,
US Non-provisional application Serial Number 14/732,019, filed June 5, 2015 and
US Non-provisional application Serial Number 14/732,190, filed June 5, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention pertains to zippers, and especially to plastic zippers which are used
to control access, to open and close, e.g. plastic bags or other packaging structures,
thus temporarily closing off access, and also allowing access, as appropriate, to
the contents of the package. Access to contents of the bag is prevented when the zipper
is closed, and access to contents of the bag is enabled when the zipper is open.
[0003] In a broad sense, the invention can pertain to any use of slider-based plastic zippers
which control access to contents of a package or other container, or other controlled-access
space.
[0004] In some instances, the zipper elements may be disposed inside a closed compartment
of the container/bag/package, and a second closure/seal, intended to be a single-use
closure/seal, is used in addition to the re-closable, re-openable closure/seal affected
by the zipper, thus closing in the entirety of the zipper within the space enclosed
inside the bag. In such structure, once the single-use seal/closure has been breached,
opened, e.g. by the consumer of the bag contents, thus exposing the zipper, the re-closable
zipper is subsequently used to provide temporary and re-closable access, namely intermittent
access, to the contents of the container/package/bag while otherwise sealing the container/package/bag,
for example to preserve freshness and/or quality of the product contained within the
container/package/bag.
[0005] In early commercial versions of plastic bags which have zippers, which early versions
are still commercially available, the zipper is defined by first and second facing
interlocking rails on facing or overlapping panels of the plastic bag e.g. while the
bag is being fabricated. Such interlocking rails are in facing relationship with each
other, typically at the top of the bag. Typically, such interlocking rails extend
the full respective dimension, for example the width or the length, of the bag. The
user presses and holds the interlocking rails against each other, and advances that
held pressure along the length of the interlocking rails, namely across the width,
or the length, of the bag, whereby the interlocking rails are pressed into a locking
engagement with each other along the length of the zipper, thus to seal closed the
facing interlocking rails of the zipper at the facing panels.
[0006] Such plastic zippers have now come into commercial use in combination with a variety
of products which are packaged in flexible plastic packaging, for example various
types of food, whether sold through grocery stores or convenience stores or as ready-to-eat
products/food sold through e.g. a restaurant, a café, or the like.
[0007] One of the challenges accompanying such early versions of plastic zippers on plastic
bags is/was the need to apply the necessary amount of pressure to the pair of interlocking
rails, progressively along the entirety of the full length of the zipper in order
to affect closure of the zipper along the full length of the zipper. If the user does
not apply the necessary level of pressure at all points along the length of the interlocking
rails, some portion of the length of the zipper can be left open, unsealed, whereby
the contents of the bag are not protected from leakage out of the bag, or from infiltration
of unwanted materials into the bag, or from infiltration of ambient conditions into
the bag, which may adversely affect the contents of the bag. Similarly, if the interlocking
rails are not properly laterally aligned with each other, no amount of pressure will
provide the desired closure/seal which is the purpose of having a plastic zipper.
[0008] So there are some challenges associated with using, attempting to use, zippers where
achieving a sealed closure of the zipper relies on the user being able to properly
align the interlocking rails, and to apply a sufficient amount of pressure along the
full lengths of such properly aligned interlocking rails of the zipper.
[0009] In a later, and known, commercially-available version of such plastic bags which
can be "zipped" closed, a "slider", as a second and distinct element, not part of
the container/bag, itself, is mounted to, and straddles, the two sides of the bag
at facing interlocking rails. As the user pulls the slider along the interlocking
rails in a first direction, the slider engages both of the interlocking rails, performing
the tasks of keeping the interlocking rails properly aligned with each other, and
applying the appropriate interface and/or pressure between the facing interlocking
rails, progressively along the length of the zipper as the slider is moved along the
length of the zipper, whereby the facing interlocking rails are progressively sealed
closed against each other, thus progressively sealing the bag closed at the zipper
as the slider progresses along the length of the zipper. Such closure/seal prevents
access to the contents of the bag so long as the zipper remains closed/sealed, as
well as preventing spillage or leakage of the contents from the bag.
[0010] So a plastic zipper which uses a slider is both easier to operate, and more reliable
in actually closing the full length of the zipper, than a zipper which relies on the
user for interlocking rail alignment and for applying the proper amount of pressure
along the full length of the zipper.
[0011] But the ease of closing the bag applies equally well to ease of opening the bag at
the zipper, thus unsealing and opening the bag, by pulling the slider in the opposing
direction, whereby the slider releases, re-opens the closure/seal and the bag is opened
at the zipper, allowing access to the contents of the bag. Thus, just as with the
non-slider version of plastic zippers, slider-based plastic zippers provide the ability
to seal the bag closed, then reopen/unseal the bag. Such bag can be sealed, and re-opened,
a plurality of times using a single slider on such plastic zipper.
[0012] Whether the zipper consists only of the facing interlocking rails, or includes a
slider as a separate element, either way, the process of opening the zipper and accessing
the contents of the bag is easy enough that a child, or other unauthorized individual,
has the ability and/or strength to open the bag and access the contents of the bag.
[0013] While the original such type of locking bags, without separate slider element, is
still available, and less expensive than bags which use the separate slider, bags
with a separate slider seem to be easier to use. And slider bags provide greater assurance
of in fact achieving a full seal along the full length of the zipper. Depending at
least in part on strength and dexterity of the user, and diligence of the user of
a bag where a slider is not used, slider bags may provide greater assurance that the
zipper is in fact fully closed and sealed along a continuous and full length of the
zipper. Especially where the cost of the bag is trivial relative to the cost of the
contemplated/expected contents of the bag, bags having the slider may be more commonly
used in the commercial market than zipper bags which do not employ a plastic zipper.
[0014] As more and more types of products are being packaged in bags having closures which
use a slider on a plastic zipper, there arises the challenge of how to keep the bag
sealed closed, while also enabling opening of the bag for access to the bag contents
by an authorized user. For example, where a hazardous or toxic product, such as, for
example and without limitation, dish soap or laundry soap, or a marijuana product,
or a pesticide product, or a fungicidal product, or a fertilizer product, is packaged
and/or sold in such a bag, there is a need to prevent unauthorized individuals, such
as a child, from accessing the hazardous or toxic product, or controlled substance.
[0015] In bags which do not use a slider, the e.g. child simply tugs, pulls on the walls
of the closed/sealed bag enough that, if the child is strong enough, the child eventually
gets the bag open and thus has access to such hazardous contents.
[0016] Where a slider is used, gaining access to bag contents is even easier because the
slider is easier to use. All the e.g. child has to do is to apply a pull force to
the slider, and continue pulling until the child gets the pull force going in the
right direction to move the slider, thus to open the bag.
[0017] Thus, while a bag which does not use a slider poses a less-than-desirable barrier
to a child, the typical slider poses even less of a barrier to a child's ability to
access the product inside the bag. And yet it is the slider-type re-openable closure
mechanism which provides the easiest access to the bag contents for an authorized
user, as well as the greatest assurance that the bag has, in fact, been fully closed/sealed
at the zipper.
[0018] In some embodiments, a slider-based zipper can be used on facing flexible plastic
panels where the flexible plastic panels are mounted to one or more other elements
of the package/container structure which are generally considered to be inflexible.
For example such facing flexible plastic panels may be mounted to hard plastic, plastic
or other flexible laminate, or cardboard, or corrugated board, or natural or manufactured
wood products, or metal portions of a container/package, optionally functioning as
flexible extensions of such elements. Such embodiments encounter the same challenges
as mentioned above, relating to interlocking rail alignment, closing pressure, and
preventing unauthorized access to the product contained in such package/container.
[0019] Thus it would be desirable to provide a way to limit access to the product-holding
compartment of a package or other structure which is opened and closed by a plastic
zipper.
[0020] It would further be desirable to provide an access-controlling mechanism, for example
and without limitation, a locking mechanism, for use at the zipper on a plastic bag.
[0021] It would also be desirable to provide such access-controlling mechanism as a locking
mechanism for use on a container/receptacle/package/bag which uses a plastic zipper
with a slider to close, and to then re-open, such container, at will, in order to
deny unauthorized access to the contents of the container such as to a child or other
physically or mentally or otherwise developmentally-challenged/disabled individual,
while also allowing, enabling access to authorized individuals.
[0022] Such mechanism should desirably make it difficult, preferably impossible, for a child
or other physically or mentally-challenged user to open the bag or other container,
thus to gain access to the contents of the bag, through the zipper, while allowing
access to an authorized user.
SUMMARY
[0023] This invention provides an access-controlling, access-limiting, mechanism, namely
an access-limiting structure, for limiting access to a container, a package, a bag,
or other receptacle or space through an opening which is closed, and re-opened, optionally
controlling access, multiple times each direction, by a plastic zipper where the zipper
is opened and closed by use of a slider. Access is controlled by moving a slider back
and forth along a plastic zipper, opening and closing the container. The access-limiting
mechanism includes, in addition to the slider, a coupler. The coupler can stay fixed,
immovable, at a given location, relative to the zipper; or can be moved along the
length of the zipper. As the slider moves close to the coupler, the slider and coupler
are coupled to each other, reversibly limiting the ability of the slider to open the
zipper. Access can be further limited by adding a second control mechanism such as
a cover, optionally a latching cover, which reversibly overlies one or both of the
slider and the coupler. To open the container, the slider and coupler and, as applies,
the cover, are released from respective coupling arrangements, whereupon the slider
and coupler can be moved away from each other thereby opening some or all of the length
of the zipper, and correspondingly opening the container to the extent the zipper
has been opened.
[0024] Sliding the slider in a first direction closes the zipper opening. Sliding the slider
in the opposite direction opens the zipper opening. The invention provides, for example,
an obstructing device, such as a lock, which impedes, optionally prevents, unauthorized
individuals from sliding the slider away from the coupler to thus open the container
and access the contents of the container.
[0025] For example and without limitation, the invention provides, as an access-controlling,
access-limiting mechanism, a lock structure which locks the slider to the coupler,
the coupler being mounted on a substrate, such as a plastic bag, on which the slider
is operative.
[0026] The first piece of the access-limiting structure is the slider, itself, which has
several of the same features as a conventional slider on a slider-based plastic zipper.
The user moves the slider back and forth along the length of the zipper, thereby opening
and closing the zipper as the slider is moved, and thereby opening and closing the
e.g. plastic bag in accord with a given position of the slider along the length of
the zipper.
[0027] The second piece of the access-limiting structure is the coupler which, in some embodiments,
stays fixed, immovable, at a given location, relative to the zipper e.g. at one side
of the bag and, in some embodiments, straddles the elongate interlocking rails which
extend along the length of the zipper. The slider is slid back and forth on the interlocking
rails along the length of the zipper, opening or closing the zipper as the slider
moves each direction and correspondingly opening or closing access to the contents
which may be inside such container/package/bag, depending on which direction the slider
is being moved.
[0028] While the slider provides access, or not, to the bag through the zipper, the invention
limits, and in some embodiments, completely controls, a potential user's ability to
slide the slider. Namely, the slider and/or coupler collectively have cooperating
access-controlling, at least access-limiting, elements, e.g. male and female locking
elements, which provide a locking function, or other access-limiting function, for
example some obstruction, which functions to limit/control a potential user's ability
to move/slide the slider and coupler away from each other.
[0029] For example, access may be controlled/limited by cooperating elements on the slider
and coupler, which can be locked to each other. Or access may be controlled by an
obstructing element which obstructs access to a user's ability to slide the slider
away from the coupler. Access may be controlled by a combination of locking elements
and obstructing elements. Access may be controlled by multiple locks such that more
than one access-limiting lock must be released in order to move/slide the slider and
coupler away from each other. The number of access-limiting barriers, and the level
of sophistication of the access-limiting barriers are designed and configured to deny,
or at least limit, access to the types of unauthorized individuals who are most capable
of circumventing access-limiting barriers. Typically, less capable unauthorized individuals
will inherently be unable to circumvent such access-limiting barriers/elements.
[0030] In some embodiments, the engagement of the locking elements occurs automatically
as part of the male and female locking elements being aligned with each other as the
respective locking elements come into close proximity or engagement with each other
as the slider and the coupler approach each other. When the slider is locked to the
coupler, the slider cannot be freely slid away from the coupler to thereby open the
zipper, whereby primary access to opening of the bag, and corresponding accessing
of the contents of the bag, is prevented. Rather, first the lock must be released/unlocked/de-coupled;
and subsequently the slider and coupler can be slid away from each other, along the
length of the zipper to open the bag.
[0031] In some embodiments, the male locking element is on the coupler and the female locking
receptacle is on the slider.
[0032] In some embodiments, a cover is mounted on one of the slider and the coupler, or
optionally on another one of the package elements, such as a wall of the package.
The cover can be used to cover the slider, thus obstructing access to the slider;
or may be used to cover the release elements, thus to limit access to the release
elements which are used to release the slider and the coupler from each other. In
order to slide the slider along the length of the zipper and away from the coupler,
thus to gain access to the contents of the bag, the cover must first be unlatched
as applies, and moved from its covering position; and then the slider can be slid
along the length of the zipper thereby to open the zipper, thus to open the container.
[0033] In some embodiments, a second locking mechanism, for example associated with the
cover, provides a second locking/latching function whereby the slider and the coupler
are locked to each other by both first and second locks/latches. In order to slide
the slider, both the first and second locking mechanisms must first be released, whereupon
the slider can be slid along the zipper and away from the coupler, thereby to open
the zipper.
[0034] In some embodiments, the second locking mechanism also covers and/or obstructs access
to one or more lock release elements of the first locking mechanism whereby the second
locking mechanism acts both as a lock and as an obstructing element or cover; which
forces a specific sequence of events wherein the second locking mechanism must be
released first in order for an individual to have access to the first locking mechanism.
In such instance, a thwarted attempt to open the second locking mechanism automatically
acts to prevent the opening of the first locking mechanism, even if the individual
has the knowhow and physical ability to open the first locking mechanism.
[0035] In a first family of embodiments, the invention comprehends apparatus for mounting
on a package having a product-receiving compartment, the package further having zipper-type
structure for accessing the product-receiving compartment, the package including a
first wall having a first edge, a second plastic wall having a second edge, and a
zipper, the zipper having a length, and including first and second interlocking rails
at respective ones of the first and second edges of the first and second plastic walls,
the first and second interlocking rails having lengths. The apparatus comprises a
slider having a slider body, the slider body having a slider top, and comprising a
slider channel adapted to interface with the interlocking rails, the slider body being
adapted to being moved back and forth along the lengths of the interlocking rails
whereby interaction between the slider channel and the interlocking rails opens and
closes the portions of the interlocking rails over which the slider is moved, thereby
opening and closing the respective portions of the zipper; and a coupler, having a
coupler body, adapted to be mounted on the package, the coupler having a coupler top,
and being adapted to be releasably coupled to the slider body, so as to limit the
ability of the slider to open the zipper, thus to limit access to the internal compartment
through the zipper while the coupler is coupled to the slider.
[0036] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a cover adapted to being mounted
on the package.
[0037] In some embodiments, the slider and the coupler are coupled to each other at a coupling
location, and the cover is further adapted to overlie the coupled slider and coupler
at the coupling location.
[0038] In some embodiments, the cover is adapted to overlie a full length of one of the
coupled slider body and coupler body.
[0039] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a release structure on one of
the slider and the coupler, the release structure being operable by a user to release
the slider body and the coupler body from being coupled to each other, further comprising
a cover adapted to be mounted on the package, optionally on one of the slider body
and the coupler body, the cover obstructing access to enough of the release structure
to prevent activation of the release structure, to release the slider body and the
coupler body from each other while the cover is so obstructing such access, the cover
being movable so as to enable access to the release structure, after which the release
structure can be actuated to affect release of the slider body and the coupler body
from being coupled to each other.
[0040] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an engaging structure which
interacts with one of the slider body and the coupler body and thereby releasably
latches the cover to the one of the slider body and the coupler body at the engaging
structure, such that the latching must be unlatched before the slider body and the
coupler body can be released from being coupled to each other.
[0041] In some embodiments, the engaging structure comprises a snap latch, and the releasable
latching comprises a snap-latching of the engaging structure to an element on the
respective slider or coupler whereby the snap-latching includes building a force which
is quickly released as the latching is engaged.
[0042] In some embodiments, the cover is mounted to one of the slider body and the coupler
body.
[0043] In some embodiments, the cover is adapted to being mounted on the package by a plastic
hinge, wherein the cover articulates about the hinge in moving into and out of an
overlying relationship with at least one of the slider body and the coupler body when
the slider body and said coupler body are coupled to each other.
[0044] In some embodiments, the coupler, when mounted on the package, is adapted to being
held immovable in a fixed location on the package.
[0045] In some embodiments, the coupler body, when mounted on a such package, is adapted
to being movable back and forth along the interlocking rails whereby interaction between
the coupler and the interlocking rails opens and closes the portion of the zipper
over which the coupler is moved.
[0046] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a coupler lock structure on
the coupler, adapted and configured to interact with at least one other element of
the package, thereby to immobilize the coupler at a location along the lengths of
the interlocking rails.
[0047] In some embodiments, the coupler lock structure is adapted to releasably immobilize
the coupler at such location along the lengths of the interlocking rails.
[0048] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a restraining mechanism comprising a
male element on one of the slider and the coupler, and a female receptacle on the
other of the slider and the coupler.
[0049] In some embodiments, the female receptacle is embodied in the top of one of the slider
body and the coupler body, and the male element extends from the other of the slider
body and the coupler body.
[0050] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises first and second release fingers
on the one of the slider and the coupler which is associated with the female receptacle,
and wherein the release fingers engage and deflect the male element in affecting the
slider and the coupler being released from each other.
[0051] In some embodiments, the coupling of the slider body and the coupler body to each
other limits movement of the slider along the lengths of the interlocking rails.
[0052] In a second family of embodiments, the invention comprehends apparatus limiting access
to a compartment of a package through a plastic zipper when the apparatus is mounted
on such package, the apparatus comprising a slider, having a slider body, the slider
body comprising a slider channel adapted to interface with first and second interlocking
rails on the package, the slider body being adapted to being moved back and forth
along lengths of the interlocking rails whereby interaction between the slider channel
and the interlocking rails opens and closes the portion of the zipper over which the
slider is moved; a coupler, having a coupler body, the coupler body comprising a coupler
channel adapted to interface with the interlocking rails of the zipper, the coupler
body being adapted to being moved back and forth along the length of the interlocking
rails whereby interaction between the coupler channel and the interlocking rails opens
and closes the portion of the zipper over which the coupler is moved; and a restraining
mechanism on one of the slider body and the coupler body, the restraining mechanism
being designed and configured to engage structure on the other of the slider body
and the coupler body, to thereby couple the slider and the coupler to each other.
[0053] In some embodiments, the invention comprehends a package having an internal compartment
for receiving product thereinto, the package comprising a first wall having a first
plastic edge and a second plastic wall having a second plastic edge proximate the
first plastic edge, and a zipper, the zipper having a length, and comprising first
and second interlocking rails at respective ones of the first and second edges of
the first and second plastic walls, wherein interlocking of the rails is actuated
by a channel in an actuator which is moved along respective adjacent portions of the
lengths of the rails, the zipper comprising access-limiting apparatus wherein the
slider operates as a first actuator and the coupler acts as a second actuator, and
wherein the slider channel and the coupler channel both, individually and simultaneously,
and cooperatively, engage the interlocking rails such that the slider channel opens
a length of the interlocking rails as the slider is moved in a left-to-right direction
along the length of the zipper and closes a length of the interlocking rails as the
slider is moved in a right-to-left direction along the length of the zipper, and the
coupler channel opens a length of the interlocking rails as the coupler is moved in
an opposing right-to-left direction along the length of the zipper and closes a length
of the interlocking rails as the coupler is moved in a left-to-right direction along
the length of the zipper, wherein any portions of the interlocking rails which are
to the left of the coupler or to the right of the slider are locked together such
that the respective portions of the zipper are closed, and any portions of the interlocking
rails which are between the coupler and the slider are not locked together such that
the respective portion of the zipper is open.
[0054] In some embodiments, the slider and the coupler can be coupled to each other by structure
on at least one of the slider body or the coupler body, and wherein the so-coupled
structure can be moved along the length of the zipper such that the interlocking rails
remain interlocked to each other and the zipper is closed, along the respective lengths
of the zipper to the left and right of the coupled slider and coupler.
[0055] In some embodiments, as the coupled slider and coupler are moved along the length
of the zipper in a given direction, the one of the slider channel or the coupler channel
which leads in the direction of movement progressively opens respective portions of
the lengths of the interlocking rails as the respective channel engages the rails,
and the one of the slider channel or the coupler channel which follows in the direction
of such movement, progressively closes the respective portions of the lengths of the
interlocking rails as the respective following channel engages the rails.
[0056] In a third family of embodiments, the invention comprehends apparatus limiting access
to a compartment of a package through a plastic zipper when mounted on such package,
the apparatus comprising a slider, having a slider body, the slider body comprising
a slider channel adapted to interface with first and second interlocking rails on
the package, the slider body being adapted to being moved back and forth along lengths
of the interlocking rails whereby interaction between the slider channel and the interlocking
rails opens and closes the portion of the zipper over which the slider is moved; a
coupler, having a coupler body adapted to being attached to the package; and a restraining
mechanism on one of the slider body and the coupler body, the restraining mechanism
being designed and configured to automatically engage structure on the other of the
slider body and the coupler body, to thereby couple the slider and the coupler to
each other, as at least one of the slider and the coupler is slid along the length
of the zipper such that the slider and the coupler come close enough to each other
to sufficiently close the zipper as to prevent unauthorized access to solid-state
contents of the package through the zipper.
[0057] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a cover operative to be mounted
on at least one of the slider, the coupler, or the package, thereby to be operative
to cover a selected portion of at least one of the slider or the coupler when the
slider and the coupler are coupled to each other, thereby to obstruct release of the
restraining mechanism and to correspondingly obstruct release of the slider and the
coupler from each other.
[0058] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises the restraining mechanism also
being designed and configured such that, when the slider and the coupler are coupled
to each other, the zipper is necessarily sufficiently closed to prevent spillage of
solid-state package contents from the package.
[0059] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a male element on one of the
slider and the coupler, and a female receptacle on the other of the slider and the
coupler, further comprising first and second release fingers on the one of the slider
and the coupler which is associated with the female receptacle, and wherein the release
fingers engage and deflect the male element in affecting the slider and the coupler
being released from each other.
[0060] In a fourth family of embodiments, the invention comprehends apparatus limiting access
to a compartment of a package through a plastic zipper when mounted on the package,
the apparatus comprising a slider, having a slider body, the slider body comprising
a slider channel adapted to interface with first and second interlocking rails on
the package, the slider body being adapted to being moved back and forth along lengths
of the interlocking rails whereby interaction between the slider channel and the interlocking
rails opens and closes the zipper; a coupler, having a coupler body, the coupler being
adapted to being attached to the package; and a restraining mechanism on one of the
slider body and the coupler body, the restraining mechanism being designed and configured
to engage structure on the other of the slider body and the coupler body, thereby
to couple the slider and the coupler to each other such that, in the process of the
slider body and the coupler body interacting with each other to so couple the slider
and the coupler to each other, an element on at least one of the slider body and the
coupler body is resiliently deflected, enough that the deflection can be readily seen
with a naked eye.
[0061] In some embodiments, the restraining mechanism comprises a male engagement element
on one of the slider body and the coupler body and a female receptacle in the other
of the slider body and the coupler body, and wherein the deflection imposes a maximum
deflection stress on the deflected element, and wherein, when the male engagement
element and the female receptacle have become full engaged with each other, such maximum
deflection stress has been at least partially alleviated.
[0062] In some embodiments, the restraining mechanism comprises a male engagement element
extending from one of the slider body and the coupler body toward the other of the
slider body and the coupler body, and a female receptacle in the other of the slider
body and the coupler body, the male engagement element and the female receptacle being
so cooperatively configured that, in the process of the male engagement element and
the female receptacle interacting to couple the slider to the coupler, structure of
at least one of the male engagement element and the female receptacle is so resiliently
deflected.
[0063] In a fifth family of embodiments, the invention comprehends apparatus limiting access
to a compartment of a package through a plastic zipper when mounted on the package,
the apparatus comprising a slider comprising a slider channel adapted to interface
with first and second interlocking rails on the package, the slider being adapted
to being moved back and forth along lengths of the interlocking rails whereby interaction
between the slider channel and the interlocking rails opens and closes the zipper;
a coupler attached to the package; a first restraining mechanism on one of the slider
and the coupler, the first restraining mechanism being designed and configured to
engage structure on the other of the slider and the coupler, thereby to couple the
slider and the coupler to each other; and a second restraining mechanism, separate
and distinct from the first restraining mechanism, on one of the slider and the coupler,
the second restraining mechanism being designed and configured to engage structure
of the other of the slider and the coupler, thereby to couple the slider and the coupler
to each other.
[0064] In some embodiments, the second restraining mechanism couples the slider and the
coupler to each other independent of the coupling affected by the first restraining
mechanism.
[0065] In some embodiments, the second restraining mechanism couples the slider and the
coupler to each other in cooperation with the coupling affected by the first restraining
mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0066]
FIGURE 1 is a pictorial side view showing a portion of the length of a slider-based
zipper having a male locking element on the slider, and a coupler having a female
receptacle which cooperates with the male locking element to lock/couple the slider
and the coupler to each other.
FIGURE 2 is a pictorial top view of the slider and coupler of FIGURE 1, locked to
each other.
FIGURE 3 is a pictorial side view of the slider and coupler of FIGURES 1 and 2 locked
to each other, and wherein a cover is mounted to the slider.
FIGURE 4 is a pictorial side view as in FIGURE 3, showing a cross-section of the cover
raised to an orientation generally perpendicular to the top surfaces of the slider
and coupler.
FIGURE 5 is a pictorial side view as in FIGURE 4, showing the slider and the coupler
mounted on a plastic bag, at the zipper, with the cover covering enough of the top
surface of the coupler to obstruct ready access to the release mechanism which is
related to releasing the slider from the coupler.
FIGURE 6 is a pictorial side view showing a second embodiment of the slider and coupler,
including locking elements, the slider including both a first locking element and
a second locking element.
FIGURE 7 shows the slider and coupler as in FIGURE 6, with both the first locking
element and the second locking element engaged on the coupler.
FIGURE 7a is an enlarged side view of a portion of the coupled slider and coupler
of FIGURE 7.
FIGURE 8 is a pictorial side view showing a portion of the length of a slider-based
zipper having a male locking element on the slider, and a coupler having a female
locking element which cooperates with the male locking element to lock the slider
and the coupler to each other, and wherein both the slider and the coupler can slide
along the length of the zipper.
FIGURE 9 is a pictorial bottom view, with part cut away, of a coupler of the invention,
illustrating a coupler lock structure for locking the coupler immovable, optionally
releasably immovable, along the length of the zipper.
[0067] The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction, or
in the arrangement of the components, or in the specific methods set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of
other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. Also,
it is to be understood that the terminology and phraseology employed herein is for
purpose of description and illustration and should not be regarded as limiting. Like
reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0068] FIGURES 1 and 2 show a mechanism 10 for controlling access to a plastic bag 12. Bag
12 has a plastic zipper 14 extending across substantially the full width of the bag
at the top of the bag, although only a portion of the bag is shown in FIGURE 1. Zipper
14 is defined by facing interlocking rails 14a, 14b which extend across the width
of the bag. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, access-controlling mechanism
10 is defined by a two-piece locking mechanism 16.
[0069] The first piece of locking mechanism 16 is a plastic slider 18, having a length "L"
extending along the length of the zipper, and a width "W" transverse to the length
of the slider. Slider 18 looks much like a conventional slider on a conventional plastic
bag which has a conventional plastic zipper. A user opens and closes the zipper by
moving/sliding slider 18 back and forth across the width of the bag.
[0070] The second piece of the locking mechanism is a plastic coupler 20 which, in the embodiments
represented by FIGURES 1 and 2, stays fixed at a given location relative to bag 12
at one side of the bag, astraddle elongate interlocking rails 14a, 14b.
[0071] Both slider 18 and coupler 20 are made of relatively resilient plastic such as polyethylene,
polypropylene, nylon, or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) whereby certain elements of
the slider and the coupler can be designed in cross-section thickness such that parts
of the respective such elements are resiliently deflectable, whereby such elements
can be moved by moderate force from an unstressed/rest position to a deflected/stressed
position and, upon release of such force, the respective element moves generally back
toward, optionally substantially to, a previous unstressed position.
[0072] By sliding the slider in a first direction, the zipper is opened, providing access
to contents of the bag. By sliding the slider in the opposite direction, the zipper
is closed, thus at least temporarily closing off access to the contents of the bag.
Moving the zipper to the full extent possible in either direction either completely
closes off access to the bag or opens the bag to the full extent possible, depending
on which direction the slider is being moved.
[0073] A first end 22 of coupler 20 faces a second end 24 of slider 18. Ends 22 and 24 have
a restraining mechanism, namely cooperating lock elements 26, e.g. male 26a and female
26b lock elements, which provide a locking function to control, thus to allow or prevent,
movement of slider 18 along the length of zipper 14 and away from coupler 20.
[0074] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, slider 18 is moved toward, and
brought into proximity with, coupler 20. Because both the slider and the coupler are
mounted on the interlocking rails, and the respective slider and coupler are cooperatively
configured, male lock element 26a on slider 18 is automatically in general alignment
with female lock receptacle 26b on coupler 20 and is so designed as to automatically
come into engagement with the female lock receptacle 26b on coupler 20 as at least
a portion of end 24 of the slider comes into an abutting, or nearly abutting, relationship
with end 22 of the coupler, thus locking the slider to the coupler as end 24 of the
slider gets close to, optionally abuts, coupler 20.
[0075] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, when the slider is locked to the
coupler, the slider cannot be slid across the width of the bag to thereby open the
bag because of the coupler being fixed, immovable at a given location relative to
the bag, whereby primary access to opening of the bag by an unauthorized user is prevented,
controlled. Thus, the addition of coupler 20, as part of locking mechanism 16, with
male lock element 26a on slider 18 and female 26b lock receptacle on coupler 20, and
with coupler 20 fixed in position relative to the length of the zipper, is a first
embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2.
[0076] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1-2, male lock element 26a has first and
second lock fingers 28a, 28b, spaced from each other, with facing surfaces of the
lock fingers extending parallel to each other, and extending toward coupler 20. Each
of lock fingers 28a, 28b has a laterally extending protrusion 30 which extends in
the direction of the width "W" of the slider.
[0077] Female lock receptacle 26b on end 22 of coupler 20 is sized and configured to receive
male lock element 26a as slider 18 is moved toward coupler 20, with fingers 28a, 28b
experiencing a frictional, resistive engagement with the sides of female lock receptacle
26b as fingers 28a, 28b are received into the female receptacle. Thus, as the spaced
male lock fingers enter receptacle 26b, leading edges 34a, 34b of lock fingers 28a,
28b engage corresponding left and right side walls of female locking receptacle 26b,
imposing a resistive transverse stress on fingers 28a, 28b forcing male lock fingers
28a, 28b to resiliently deflect laterally, transversely toward each other. Typically,
but not necessarily, the magnitude of the deflection of the male lock fingers is enough
that such deflection can be readily seen with a naked eye having 20/20 vision, until
the lock fingers reach a maximum deflection stress.
[0078] As the lock fingers move further inward into receptacle 26b, protrusions 30 on the
lock fingers move past inwardly-disposed ends of the sidewalls at the opening into
receptacle 26b whereby the previously-imposed frictional engagement is released and
the male lock fingers resiliently move back toward their unstressed, rest orientation,
again extending generally parallel to each other as illustrated in FIGURE 1.
[0079] With the lock fingers so released from the previously-imposed frictional engagement,
the combination of the inward movement of the lock fingers into coupler 20 and the
lateral/transverse movement of the lock fingers as protrusions 30 move past the ends
of the side walls at the opening into the receptacle, brings leading edges 34a, 34b
of the respective lock fingers into close proximity to, optionally into abutting relationship
with, release fingers 36a, 36b, which act as release structure, on coupler 20. Such
abutting relationship is shown in FIGURE 2 where leading edges 34a, 34b of male lock
fingers 28a, 28b are in abutting relationship with release fingers 36a, 36b.
[0080] As the leading edges of the lock fingers approach release fingers 36a, 36b of the
coupler, end 24 of slider 18 approaches end 22 of coupler 20. In the relationship
shown in FIGURE 2, slider 18 is locked to coupler 20 by the locking of lock fingers
28a, 28b to the coupler at locking receptacle 26b, and a first portion of end 24 of
the slider is in abutting relationship with a second portion of end 22 of the coupler.
With the slider 18 so locked/coupled to coupler 20, and immovable with respect to
coupler 20, and with coupler 20 immovable, fixed in position, relative to bag 12,
zipper 14 is closed, and access to the contents of bag 12 is denied.
[0081] The lower portion of slider 18 has the usual channel structure 40, open at the bottom
of the slider, to receive, to engage, and to disengage the respective interlocking
rails 14a, 14b of zipper 14 so as to facilitate/enable opening and closing of the
zipper as slider 18 is moved back and forth along the length of the zipper. Such channel
structures 40 are known in the art.
[0082] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the bottom of coupler 20 also
has channel structure 40 for receiving the interlocking rails such that any portion
of the interlocking rails which are inside/under the coupler, and which are not permanently
sealed to each other, are being held closed, or almost closed, by the coupler. However,
in embodiments where the coupler is in a fixed, immovable relationship to the zipper
as in FIGURES 1 and 2, such that the coupler never moves, the channel structure 40
of the coupler need not be configured to separate/open the zipper. Nonetheless, the
channel structure of the coupler may, if desired, be configured to separate/open the
zipper.
[0083] Still referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, with the slider locked to the coupler, those
portions of the zipper which are under both the slider and the coupler are effectively
being held closed, or almost closed, by the respective channel structure 40 of the
slider and the coupler, while the portions of the zipper which are to the right of
the slider were closed by leftward movement of the slider as the slider was moved
toward the coupler, and remain closed by the relationships of the interlocked rails
with each other.
[0084] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, zipper 14 is opened by moving the
slider from left to right, namely away from the coupler, and is closed by moving the
slider right to left, toward the coupler. Restated, any portion of the zipper which
is to the left of the slider and to the right of the coupler is open while any portion
of the zipper which is to the right of the slider is closed. So, to fully close the
zipper, the slider is moved the full length of the zipper to the left, up against
the coupler as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Alternatively, to fully open the zipper, the
slider is moved as far as possible to the right, away from the coupler.
[0085] At the top of coupler 20, a body 33 of release element 35 is integral with, or mounted
to, or otherwise attached to, coupler 20 at or near the end 22 of coupler 20 which
faces slider 18. Release fingers 36a, 36b extend away from end 22 of coupler 20, across
the top of coupler 20 and are movable relative to the top of coupler 20. Terminal
ends 38 of the release fingers overlie a left portion of the top of coupler 20. Ends
38 of release fingers 36a, 36b can be manually squeezed toward each other. Release
fingers 36a, 36b, as extending from body 33, are sufficiently rigid that e.g. squeezing
movement of the release fingers toward each other at the ends 38 results in corresponding
movement along the entire lengths of the release fingers, especially to the lesser
cross-section portions of the release fingers at finger roots 39. Because the cross-sections
of the fingers are less at roots 39 than at opposing sides of the roots, taken along
the lengths of the release fingers, the lesser cross-section portions of the release
fingers at roots 39 operate as pivot points about which the release fingers, to the
left of the roots, move/deflect when the ends of the release fingers are squeezed
toward each other. When such squeezing force is released, the release fingers resiliently
return to, or approximately to, the unstressed positions which are shown in FIGURES
1 and 2.
[0086] With male lock fingers 28a, 28b fully engaged in the female lock receptacle as shown
in FIGURE 2, leading edges 34a, 34b of the lock fingers engage facing surfaces of
the release fingers such that, as the release fingers are squeezed toward each other,
potentially against latent resilient stresses in the lock fingers, the movement of
the release fingers toward each other pushes the lock fingers toward each other such
that the distance between lateral protrusions 30 is reduced enough that the lateral
protrusions can be retracted through the opening at female lock receptacle 26b, thereby
to release the male lock fingers from the female lock receptacle.
[0087] Starting with the zipper fully closed, with the slider locked to the coupler as in
FIGURE 2, when the user desires to release the slider from coupler 20, namely to open
the zipper, or partially open the zipper, the user squeezes e.g. the terminal ends
38 of release fingers 36a, 36b toward each other. The squeezing of the ends 38 of
the release fingers toward each other translates as a corresponding squeezing movement
along the lengths of the release fingers to roots 39, and operates to squeeze male
lock fingers 28a, 28b toward each other. As a result of the pivotation of the release
fingers about roots 39, the angle of the force received at a leading edge 34a, 34b
of the respective lock finger has both a longitudinal vector "V1" urging the lock
finger, and thus the slider, away from the coupler, and a transverse vector "V2",
which urges the lock fingers toward each other. Both vectors "V1" and "V2" operate
at the same time in response to the forces being exerted on the lock fingers by release
fingers 36a, 36b.
[0088] The transverse vector moves the lock fingers toward each other, thus enabling protrusions
30 to move outwardly past the sidewalls at the lock receptacle opening. The longitudinal
vector provides the force which causes the protrusions to, in fact, move longitudinally
without further urging or, in the alternative, which enables the user to easily move
the slider out of engagement with the coupler along the direction, and with the assistance
of, the longitudinal force vector. In either case, male lock element 26a can be retracted
from female lock receptacle 26b as the ends of the release fingers are squeezed toward
each other.
[0089] Once the male lock element is retracted from the female lock receptacle, the user
releases release fingers 36a, 36b, whereupon the release fingers resiliently return
toward their unstressed positions/orientations as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. Similarly,
once lock fingers 28a, 28b are retracted from receptacle 26b, the lock fingers resiliently
return toward their unstressed orientations/positions where the facing surfaces of
the lock fingers are again generally parallel with each other.
[0090] With the slider released from coupler 20, the slider can be slid along the length
of zipper 14 as easily as in a zipper which does not use a coupler, thus to open the
zipper and allow respective access to the contents of the bag.
[0091] Accordingly, use of coupler 20 in a fixed, unmoving position, coupled to the body
of the bag, and/or to the zipper, in combination with the respective male and female
lock elements, provides secure locking of the slider at one side of the bag, ensuring
that the zipper remains closed, while providing for release of the lock elements using
only manual effort, but effort which does require at least modest finger dexterity,
optionally more dexterity than can be exercised by a young child, optionally more
dexterity than can be exercised by a typical physically handicapped adult.
[0092] Thus, in its simplest embodiment, the invention contemplates a slider and a coupler,
where the slider and the coupler collectively embody a two-piece locking mechanism
which allows the slider and the coupler to be releasably coupled to each other, thereby
to prevent unauthorized access to the contents of the bag. While a male/female lock
mechanism of a particular structure is illustrated, the lock mechanism can have any
design so long as the lock mechanism releasably couples the slider and the coupler
to each other.
[0093] Factors considered in designing mechanism 10 for controlling, limiting, access to
the contents of the package include, without limitation, value of the product to be
contained in the package and corresponding potential loss to the owner, the level
of danger/risk which the contents of the package pose to an unauthorized user, any
legal implications, capacity of contemplated unauthorized users to circumvent and
open access-controlling, access-limiting security features, the period of time and
the length of time during which unauthorized users may have access to the package,
the robustness of the body of the package/bag itself, the use environment, and supervisory
and security measures contemplated to be used to secure the environment, to which
the package will be exposed, from unauthorized users so that such unauthorized users
will not have even short-term access to the bag.
[0094] In some contemplated usages, a two-piece, male-female lock mechanism, such as that
illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, may provide enough control to deter substantially
all unauthorized users. However, in other contemplated usages, an enhanced level of
locking/security/deterrence is desirable in order to provide reasonable certainty
that access to the contents of the package is in fact limited, controlled, to the
extent contemplated as being necessary to achieve the objectives defined for the package.
Such usage might be where the contemplated unauthorized user may have greater capabilities,
such as, relative to some base line capabilities, relatively greater dexterity, greater
intellect, and/or more persistence. Another reason for enhanced lock/security is where
the product contained in the bag presents an enhanced level of risk to an unauthorized
user, or where the product has enhanced value to the owner or to an authorized user.
[0095] For example, children learn about their environment, about their world, by playing
with items they can touch, feel, and manipulate, by exploring the world, by testing
what they can do with whatever items are available to them - for extended periods
of such play time. Where such environment, namely including the contents of the respective
package, may be dangerous to the child, it is desirable to put in place enough barriers
that the child will not be able to access the dangerous portion of the environment,
namely the contents of the package, even though the child may have extended periods
of time to test and manipulate his/her discoveries. In such instances, a simple primary
male/female lock system such as that illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 may not provide
the level of security necessary to protect the child, whereby a more sophisticated,
two-stage locking mechanism, or other enhanced security system, may be desirable/justified.
[0096] A limit on reasonableness in designing the security system is that the security system
typically need not provide more deterrence, to a particular group of unauthorized
users, than is provided by the walls/sheets which make up the body of the package/bag,
for example the product-holding receptacle, the inner chamber of the package. Thus,
a lock, closure, or other deterrence which is much more difficult to circumvent than
penetrating the walls of the package/bag is not an obvious lock or closure for controlling
access through the zipper.
[0097] In the second embodiment, illustrated in FIGURES 3-5, a cover 42, also preferably
plastic, is shown incorporated into, or mounted on, or otherwise part of, slider 18.
Cover 42 is configured to be rotated about hinge 44, over the slider body and over
the coupler, thereby to overlie, and cover the primary locking mechanism, namely over
the male and female lock element, namely over the coupling location, specifically
over abutting ends 22, 24 where the slider and coupler are coupled to each other,
and over the release fingers.
[0098] In the rest position of the cover, illustrated in FIGURE 3, cover 42 extends away
from slider 18, and correspondingly extends away from coupler 20.
[0099] With the cover in the covering position, shown in FIGURE 5, the cover physically
interferes with a user accessing release fingers 28a, 28b. When the cover is fully
seated over/on coupler 20, the cover is releasably engaged with, releasably latched/locked
to, the coupler as engaging lip 46 on the cover engages with the ends of release fingers
28a, 28b. As such, cover 42 acts as a second element, namely in addition to the lock
fingers, holding the slider immovably locked to the coupler. Desirably, but not necessarily,
more force is required to release, unlock, unlatch the cover from the coupler than
can be exerted by the contemplated unauthorized user, e.g. child, of interest.
[0100] The cover can, in the alternative, be attached by hinge 44 to the coupler rather
than to the slider, and is typically molded as a unitary plastic member of the coupler
or slider to which the cover is permanently attached. A plastic hinge such as that
illustrated in FIGURES 3-5 is sometimes referred to, known as, a living hinge.
[0101] In other embodiments, first and second portions of the cover can be mounted to each
of the slider and the coupler whereby the first and second portions collectively cover
the release fingers, and collectively lock or latch to the access-limiting mechanism
while overlying the release fingers or other coupling location.
[0102] In the alternative, the cover can be separately mounted to the material of the body/receptacle
of the bag/package, itself, separate from any mounting of the coupler or the slider
to the bag/package. Or the cover can be used as a separate element, not attached to
the slider, not attached to the coupler, not attached to the package sheet material
or any other part of the package. In any such event, and as with all cover configurations,
in the covering orientation, the cover overlies/covers and/or obscures enough of whatever
other structure a user needs to access, namely the coupling location or release elements/fingers,
in order to release at least one operative locking/latching mechanism; or otherwise
limits/controls access to, physically interferes with, such unauthorized access by
way of an operative locking/limiting mechanism. In typical uses, the cover will overlie
at least half of the length of the e.g. coupler, taken along the direction of the
length of the zipper and may overlie the full length of the coupler or slider.
[0103] The embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 3, 4, and 5 also show a coupler 20 and a slider
18, including the same male/female locking mechanism as in FIGURES 1 and 2, and wherein
cover 42 is coupled, mounted, or otherwise attached, at a first location on the cover,
namely hinge 44, to the right end of the slider. Hinge 44 provides a flexible plastic
connection to the slider, where the entire width of the hinge flexes, whereby the
cover can be rotated, from its fully open position shown in FIGURE 3, counterclockwise
to the vertical position shown in FIGURE 4, and thence, or continuously, to the closed
position shown in FIGURE 5. Referring to FIGURES 4 and 5, in the closed position shown
in FIGURE 5, engaging lip 46 at a second location on the cover, namely at the remote
edge of the cover, snap-engages, snap latches, with release fingers 36a, 36b, requiring
enough force to release the cover that the child or other individual of interest does
not easily release the cover from the release fingers.
[0104] With the cover so engaged over the release fingers, the release fingers are at least
partially obstructed from view such that the availability, usefulness of the release
fingers may not be recognized. Such recognition can be further suppressed, avoided
by omitting window 48 in the cover.
[0105] In any event, the access-controlling/limiting mechanism 10 illustrated in FIGURES
3-5 requires two specific action steps in order to open the zipper. The first step
is to release, open cover 42, which does include a preliminary sub-step of releasing
snap-locked engagement lip 46 from the release fingers. After the cover has been released
and articulated away from release fingers 36a, 36b, the second step is squeezing the
release fingers toward each other to thereby release lock fingers 28a, 28b from coupler
20. Finally, if the lock fingers are not automatically released from the coupler by
force vector "V1", the user pulls the slider away from the coupler while squeezing
the release fingers, in an action which requires simultaneous use of both hands -
namely a two-handed action. Such requirement for simultaneous use of two hands, in
and of itself, irrespective of the structure of the access-controlling mechanism,
provides an enhanced level of access control to the process of opening the zipper.
[0106] Thus, cover 42 requires a preliminary action step, namely that of releasing the cover,
before release fingers 28a, 28b can be accessed and actuated. Thus, in this embodiment,
cover 42 and release fingers 28a, 28b act as cooperating restraining mechanisms, with
the common objective of restraining access to the zipper.
[0107] In the alternative, the cover can be foreshortened and narrower at its remote end
such that the end of the cover engages either the inner surfaces 50 of male lock fingers
28a, 28b or the inner surfaces 52 of release fingers 36a, 36b so as to directly engage
the lock fingers or the release fingers to prevent/impede either the release fingers
from being squeezed toward each other or the lock fingers from being squeezed toward
each other.
[0108] Still further, the end of cover 42 can engage the rear end of the opening adjacent
root 39, thereby independently coupling the slider and the coupler to each other.
[0109] Those skilled in the art will now see that a wider variety of structures can be employed
to impede, prevent, limit, control a potential user, who has a less-than-full use
of nominally-normal adult physical or mental capabilities, from gaining access to,
squeezing release fingers 36a, 36b or lock fingers 28a, 28b. Again, the objective
is that the engagement of the cover, which is mounted on the slider, with either the
lock fingers or the release fingers, or other structure on the coupler, is such that
the child or other individual of interest is unable to expose and release the primary
lock.
[0110] In any embodiment contemplating the cover, the cover can as well be mounted to the
slider or to the coupler, or to one of the side walls of the bag or other substrate
to which the slider controls access, so long as the cover is effective, whether by
locking or otherwise, to limit, optionally to prevent, access to whatever structure
is responsible for releasing the primary locking elements; or the cover can serve
as a second independent restraining mechanism, whereby the primary restraining mechanism
26 and the secondary restraining mechanism, e.g. cover 42, can be released independent
of each other.
[0111] Still further, the cover can be a two-part cover where both parts can be attached
to the slider, both to the coupler, or one each to the coupler and the slider. A two-part
such cover can employ its own secondary restraining mechanism which releasably locks
the two parts to each other and/or to the slider or to the coupler, or to walls of
the package/bag, when the cover overlies the release fingers or other primary release
mechanism, or otherwise obstructs use of the release mechanism.
[0112] FIGURES 6 and 7 illustrate a third embodiment of access-limiting, access-controlling
mechanisms 10 of the invention. Male lock element 26a on slider 18 embodies a central,
longitudinally-extending shaft 54 extending from main body 62 of the slider. Lock
fingers 28a, 28b extend rearwardly, back toward the main body, from the remote end
of shaft 54.
[0113] As in the earlier embodiments, lock fingers 28a, 28b are compressed, moved toward
each other as the male lock element 26a is advanced into the female receptacle on
the coupler, and such maximum deflection/compressive stress is released once the ends
of lock fingers 28a, 28b move past the side walls of female receptacle 26b on the
coupler. As in the embodiments of FIGURES 3-5, cover 42 is attached to the main body
62 of slider 18 by a plastic hinge 44, sometimes referred to as a "living" hinge.
As illustrated in FIGURE 7, after the male-female lock mechanism 26 has been engaged
as in FIGURE 6, cover 42 is rotated/pivoted about hinge 44, and window 48 on the cover
is frictionally snap-engaged over riser 56 on the coupler, reinforcing the force used
in holding the slider in abutting engagement with the coupler.
[0114] While the primary male-female lock mechanism 26, illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7,
locks the slider to the coupler, such lock may, depending on the lengths of lock fingers
28a, 28b, enable limited longitudinal movement of the slider and coupler toward and
away from each other. The engagement of the cover over riser 56, by contrast, requires
tight/firm abutment of the end of the slider against the coupler, with the closing/locking
of window 48 over riser 56 locking the slider and coupler tightly against each other.
[0115] The engagement of cover 42 on riser 56 can include snap-latching of window 48 into
a suitably-positioned detent in the corresponding surface of riser 56.
[0116] Such snap latching is affected by engagement of remote side wall 64 of window 48
with protruding engaging lip 46 on riser 56. Length "L2" of cover 42 is dimensioned
such that remote cover side wall 64 successfully moves past engaging lip 46 by the
force being applied at riser 56 causing the slider to pivot, rotate, flex the hinge
end of the cover, and thus slider body, up a few degrees about the locus of abutment
66 of the slider and coupler, so as to create a first small-angle wedge-shaped space
68a between slider 18 and coupler 20, and a second small-angle wedge-shaped space
68b between the top of the slider body and the bottom of the cover. Corresponding
flexing in the side walls of the bag adjacent the slider and coupler accommodates
such angular movement at the interface where the coupler and slider meet. The rounded
shape of engaging lip 46 accommodates respective movement of remote edge 64 of window
48 about and downwardly past the lip as the user applies downward force on the window
remote edge at riser 56. When enough force has been applied, the remote edge of the
window moves past lip 46 whereupon the built-up force/stress is quickly, suddenly
released as the cover window snap-engages/latches to riser 56.
[0117] With the cover so snap-latched to the riser, wedge-shaped spaces 68a, 68b remain
intact, maintaining a continuing stress/force holding the slider firmly in abutting
relationship with the coupler at abutment locus 66.
[0118] Starting with the closed zipper, with the slider and coupler coupled to each other,
and with cover 42 locked onto coupler 20 at riser 56, as illustrated in FIGURE 7,
to disengage the slider from the coupler, as a first step, cover 42 is released from
riser 56. To release cover 42 from riser 56, the user engages end lip 70 of the cover
with a finger or finger nail, and raises the end of the cover past lip 46 on the riser,
thus releasing the cover from the coupler.
[0119] As a second step, once cover 42 has been released, and deployed away from the riser,
lock fingers 28a, 28b are squeezed together and the slider is manipulated away from
the coupler. Again, substantial manual strength and dexterity, and again typically
required use of both hands - one squeezing the lock fingers toward each other, and
the second hand manipulating the slider away from the coupler is required to affect
this second step. Such requirement for simultaneous use of 2 hands is effective to
defeat any potential user having less than normal adult strength and/or adult dexterity
in both hands, from accessing the contents of the package.
[0120] As seen in FIGURES 6, 7, and 7a, release fingers 28a, 28b are angled down from female
receptacle 26b and the ends of the fingers are shown substantially touching the top
surface of coupler 20. In accord with the following more-detailed description, it
is highly acceptable for the ends of the fingers to actually touch the top surface
of the coupler. Such downward angle of the release fingers relative to the top surface
of the coupler defines third wedge-shaped spaces 68c between the bottom surfaces of
the release fingers and the top surface of the coupler. Such wedge-shaped spaces collectively
express a tension being imposed on the abutment coupling of the coupler and the slider
by the latching of cover 42 on riser 56.
[0121] In addition, the outer edges 72 of release fingers 26a, 26b are disposed inwardly
of side surfaces 74 of the coupler body. Yet further, release fingers 26a, 26b, as
illustrated, have a height "H" of about 1 mm to about 3 mm, optionally about 1 mm
to about 2 mm, optionally about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. Thus, the release fingers are
limited in height, are touching, or substantially touching, the top surface of the
coupler, are displaced inward of side surfaces 74 of the coupler body, and the effective
height of the fingers above the top surface of the coupler body is no more than 3
mm, optionally no more than 2 mm, optionally about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. The outer
edges of the release fingers are displaced inwardly, toward each other, from the side
surfaces of the coupler body by at least 0.5 mm, optionally at least 1 mm.
[0122] Given the above dimensions and positioning as illustrated in FIGURES 6, 7, and 7a,
a user attempting to use the soft flesh of e.g. the thumb and forefinger to squeeze
release fingers 28a, 28b toward each other far enough to get protrusions 30 past the
side walls of female receptacle 26b, will fail. Rather, the limited height and the
inward deployment of the release fingers, against the top surface of the coupler does
not provide enough surface contactable with enough force by the soft tissue of a human
finger, whereby use of soft finger flesh alone, to squeeze the release fingers enough
to affect release of the slider from the coupler, fails to move the release fingers
by the required amount to release the slider from the coupler.
[0123] Rather, some hard object, hard tool, such as a small pliers, or fingernails, are
required to apply sufficient force to the release fingers to get the fingers sufficiently
squeezed for the release fingers to get through female receptacle 26b.
[0124] In other embodiments, where less restriction on opening of the package is acceptable,
the engagement surfaces of the release fingers which are engaged by a user's human
fingers can have a greater height "H", or can be located further outwardly away from
each other and outwardly relative to the outer surfaces of the sidewalls of the coupler,
or both. Such modifications provide release fingers which are readily engaged by the
soft flesh of an adult human user's fingers, and squeezed toward each other, enough
to enable movement of the release fingers through the female receptacle, thus to release
the slider from the coupler.
[0125] Once the release fingers 28a, 28b are sufficiently squeezed to clear receptacle 26b,
a force is still required to move the slider longitudinally away from the coupler.
But both the slider body and the coupler body are tapered, narrowing in width from
abutted ends 22, 24 to the opposing remote ends. Such taper, narrowing frustrates
facile gripping of the coupler and slider, particularly where substantial effort is
being simultaneously exerted in squeezing release of fingers 28a, 28b.
[0126] Accordingly, the configurations and dimensioning of the various piece parts of the
coupler and the slider play major roles in frustrating attempts of the unauthorized
user to open the zipper.
[0127] FIGURE 8 shows an embodiment of access-controlling mechanism 10 wherein coupler 20
is not immovably fixed in position relative to the bag/zipper. Rather, the coupler
can be moved left or right along the length of the zipper as suggested by the double-headed
arrow 58. Correspondingly, the slider can be moved left or right along the length
of the zipper as suggested by double-headed arrow 60. Such movement of the slider
and coupler can take place when the slider and zipper are locked to each other, and
also while the slider and coupler are not locked to each other.
[0128] In the embodiments represented by FIGURE 8, the structure of zipper channel 40 in
the coupler is configured similar to the structure of the zipper channel in the slider.
Namely, the structure of the coupler zipper channel is a mirror image of the channel
structure in the slider whereby the coupler closes the zipper when moved from left
to right while the slider closes the zipper when moved from right to left. As a result,
the zipper is closed by bringing the slider and coupler together and is opened by
separating the slider and coupler from each other. Those portions of the length of
the zipper which are under coupler 20, and those portions of the length of the zipper
which are to the left of coupler 20, are always closed. Those portions of the length
of the zipper which are under slider 18, and those portions of the zipper which are
to the right of slider 18, are always closed. Accordingly, when the slider and coupler
are locked to each other, the full length of the zipper is always closed, irrespective
of where, along the length of the zipper, the locked slider/coupler combination is.
And with the slider and coupler locked together in abutting relationship, the locked
combination of slider and coupler can be moved along the length of the zipper with
the full lengths of the interlocking rails of the zipper remaining effectively closed,
locked to each other irrespective of where that locked combination is along the length
of the zipper.
[0129] As the slider and coupler are unlocked from each other and moved away from each other,
the portion of the length of the zipper which is between the slider and the coupler
is opened as illustrated in FIGURE 8, by the movement of either the slider or the
coupler, or both.
[0130] Restated, if/as the slider is moved to the right, that portion of the zipper which
is traversed by the slider, and which is then to the left of the slider and to the
right of the coupler, is opened by the movement of the slider, by virtue of the zipper-opening/closing
structure in the zipper channel 40 of the slider.
[0131] Similarly, if/as the coupler is moved to the left, that portion of the zipper which
is traversed by the coupler, and which is then to the right of the coupler and to
the left of the slider, is opened by the movement of the coupler, by virtue of the
zipper-opening/closing structure in the zipper channel 40 of the coupler.
[0132] In this embodiment, for releasing the locking elements 26, 28 from each other, typically
the user needs to use two hands simultaneously on access-controlling mechanism 10.
As the locking elements of the access-controlling, access limiting mechanism are released
from each other, even such minimal movement of the coupler or slider as is required
for such lock release, opens a short length of the zipper. Once the lock elements
are released from each other, any further movement of either the slider or the coupler
away from the other of the slider or the coupler opens a corresponding portion of
the length of the zipper. The maximum available length of opening of the zipper occurs
when both the slider and the coupler are moved as far as possible along the length
of the zipper, away from each other, typically to opposing edges of the bag on which
the slider and coupler are mounted.
[0133] The zipper can be subsequently re-closed by moving either the slider or the coupler,
or both, toward the other of the slider or the coupler, and again securing the lock
elements to each other. Such securement of the lock elements to each other is suggested
in FIGURE 2.
[0134] While the coupler is shown on the left and the slider on the right in FIGURES 1-5
and 8, such positions can be reversed with no loss of functionality as suggested in
FIGURES 6-7. Indeed, accomplishing such reversal of the perceived respective left/right
positioning of the coupler and slider, can be effected by simply rotating the respective
plastic bag 180 degrees about a vertical axis.
[0135] In yet another embodiment, the zipper can extend less than the full length, full
corresponding dimension, of the package.
[0136] In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGURE 9, coupler 20 is slidable along the
length of the zipper. A separate and distinct lock structure 76 is provided on the
coupler for locking, optionally releasably locking, the coupler to the bag at a desired
location along the length of the zipper.
[0137] Referring to lock structure 76, a slot 78 extends from the outer surface of side
wall 80 of the coupler to the interior wall of zipper channel 40. A lock bolt 82 is
mounted in slot 78 by a pivot pin 84 which extends through a bore 86 in the coupler.
Bore 86 extends in a straight line from the bottom of coupler 20 to slot 78, and further
into the coupler body above slot 78.
[0138] As an alternative to bore 86 and pivot pin 84, protuberances on the top and bottom
of the lock bolt can be snap-connected into corresponding recesses/detents in the
top and bottom walls of slot 78.
[0139] A control lever 88 extends from the body of lock bolt 82 and lies along, but spaced
from, side wall 80 of the coupler.
[0140] In use of lock structure 76, coupler 20 is moved to the desired position along the
length of the zipper. Having reached the desired position along the length of the
zipper, the user lifts control lever 88 away from its rest position shown in solid
lines in FIGURE 9, thus rotating the remote end 90 of the lock bolt inwardly about
pivot pin 84 into channel 40 and against the side wall of the bag to which the coupler
is mounted. The lifted control lever and respective rotated lock bolt, are shown in
dashed outline in FIGURE 9. Such rotation of the lock bolt traps the side wall of
the bag against the opposing side wall of channel 40 of the coupler. FIGURE 9 shows
an optional detent 92 which can receive both the bag side walls and the remote end
90 of the lock bolt, thus locking the side walls of the bag in the detent.
[0141] If/When the user desires to move the so-locked coupler along the length of the zipper,
the user returns the control lever back against the side wall of the coupler as shown
in solid line in FIGURE 9. A snap latch such as protuberance 94 can be employed e.g.
on the remote end of lock bolt 82, to cooperate with a respective female detent on
the wall of slot 78 which faces remote end 90 when the lock bolt is in the retracted
position shown in solid lines. Protuberance 94 can also engage detent 92 as lock structure
76 is holding the coupler locked against the side walls of the bag in immovable position
along the length of the zipper.
[0142] This, or other, releasable coupler lock structure is effective to releasably lock
the coupler in an immovable, fixed location along the length of the zipper. Namely,
the coupler can be selectively locked in a desired position on the zipper, thus to
limit the length of the zipper which can be traversed by the slider. Such locking
typically engages the lock structure of the coupler with elements of the zipper, or
to other element(s) of the packaging structure.
[0143] The coupler lock structure can be configured such that the locking can be either
permanent, whereby the coupler cannot be later released and moved, or can be releasable.
[0144] Where the locking of the coupler to the zipper is releasable, the coupler is releasably
locked in position at a desired location along the length of the zipper, which limits
the portion of the length of the zipper which can be traversed by the slider, thus
limiting the portion of the zipper which can be opened. If, when the user desires
to move the slider along a greater portion of the length of the zipper, thus to open
a greater portion of the length of the zipper, the coupler is unlocked and is moved
to the desired location which provides greater length traverse by the slider, and
the coupler is then again releasably locked in position at that location along the
length of the zipper. The slider is then able to traverse a greater portion of the
length of the zipper.
[0145] If, when the user desires the slider to be able to traverse a lesser portion of the
length of the zipper, the coupler is unlocked from its position along the length of
the zipper and is moved to the new desired position location which provides a lesser
length of the zipper which can be traversed/opened by the slider.
[0146] By selecting the location along the length of the zipper at which the coupler is
positioned, and fixed in location, the user can tailor the size of the opening created
by the slider in dispensing the package contents from the package. By providing for
the coupler to be releasably fixed, the package enables the user to determine the
size of the dispensing opening according to the contents of the package, or according
to the amount of product desired to be dispensed, or the rate at which product is
to be dispensed. Further, where less than all of the product is dispensed from the
package at a given time, thus where a first portion of the product is dispensed, and
the dispensing is stopped, and a second portion of the product is to be dispensed
at a later time, the provision for the coupler to be releasably fixed enables the
package user to dispense the first portion of the product through a first size opening
and to dispense the second portion of the product through a second different size
opening.
[0147] In yet another embodiment, the female lock receptacle 26b can be designed, configured,
embodied in the top, e.g. the top surface of e.g. the coupler. The male lock fingers,
or other male lock structure which is locked into the female lock receptacle, extends
from a hinge such as hinge 44 and can be articulated, from a rest position displaced
from the interface of slider 18 and coupler 20, similar to the rest position shown
for cover 42 in FIGURE 3, to an overlying position as shown in FIGURE 5 where the
e.g. male lock structure on the slider interfaces with, engages with, the female lock
receptacle on the coupler. Of course, receptacle 26b can be in the top surface of
slider 18 and the male lock fingers articulate from coupler 20 into such recess.
[0148] In some embodiments, coupler 20 embodies a cover 42, having a hinge 44, which is
articulated, pivoted as in FIGURES 4 and 5, over the release elements of the lock
structure after the operative locking elements are locked together, whereby such cover
operates as an obstructing element, obstructing access to the respective release elements
of the locked-together, access-limiting restraining mechanism, illustrated by lock
structure 26.
[0149] As in the other embodiments, each of the male and female lock elements can be used
on either the slider or the coupler, so long as one of the slider and the coupler
bears the male lock element and the other of the slider and the coupler bears the
female lock receptacle.
[0150] While male and female lock structures have been illustrated, other types of lock
structures, which need not fit the "male" or "female" designations, can be substituted
on the slider and coupler, so long as the respective lock elements can be releasably
secured to each other for controlling, limiting access to the contents of the package.
[0151] Where the coupler is permanently, immovably fixed in position relative to the zipper,
coupler 20 need not be mounted on the interlocking rails of the zipper. Rather, the
coupler can be mounted to the zipper, or on essentially any other element of the package/bag,
such as to one or more of the package walls. What remains important is that respective
lock element 26a or 26b which is embodied in the coupler be appropriately aligned
with the corresponding lock elements 26a or 26b which is/are embodied in the slider,
enough to enable the slider and the coupler to be coupled to each other.
[0152] In some embodiments, male element 26a and female receptacle 26b are omitted, and
cover 42 provides the only lock structure locking the slider and coupler to each other.
In such instance, engaging lip 46, or other engaging structure on the cover engages
a selected structure on the one of the slider and coupler to which the cover is not
hingedly mounted. Or an engaging lip, or other engaging structure, on the one of the
slider and coupler to which the cover is not hingedly mounted engages a window or
other cooperating structure of the cover, as illustrated in FIGURES 6, 7, and 7a.
Accordingly, the coupler can be releasably coupled to the slider by only cover 42.
[0153] The subject matter of the following paragraphs that are numbered for allowing reference
is part of the disclosure of the present application and may inter alia be claimed
in the present application or in a divisional application derived there from.
- 1. Apparatus for limiting access to a compartment of a package through a plastic zipper
when mounted on such package, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) a slider, having a slider body, said slider body comprising a slider channel adapted
to interface with first and second interlocking rails on such package, said slider
body being adapted to being moved back and forth along lengths of such interlocking
rails whereby interaction between said slider channel and such interlocking rails
opens and closes such zipper;
- (b) a coupler, having a coupler body, said coupler being adapted to being attached
to such package;
- (c) a restraining mechanism as part of one of said slider body and said coupler body,
said restraining mechanism being designed and configured to engage structure on the
other of said slider body and said coupler body, thereby to couple said slider and
said coupler to each other;
- (d) release structure adapted and configured to be activated by a user so as to disengage
said slider body and said coupler body from each other; and
- (e) a cover attached, at a first location on said cover, to one of said slider and
said coupler, said cover being adapted to being in a covering relationship over said
release structure when said slider and said coupler are coupled to each other.
- 2. Apparatus as in paragraph 1 wherein said cover is adapted to being in an overlying
relationship over at least one of said slider body and said coupler body when said
slider and said coupler are coupled to each other.
- 3. Apparatus as in paragraph 1 or 2, said cover comprising an interference structure
which is adapted and configured to engage said release structure so as to interfere
with activation of said release structure when said interference structure is so engaged
with said release structure.
- 4. Apparatus as in paragraph 3, said interference structure further comprising a second
restraining mechanism by which said cover is releasably coupled to said one of said
slider and said coupler to which said cover is not attached, at a second location
on said cover.
- 5. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 4, said cover being adapted to overlie at
least a portion of said release structure so as to interfere with a user activating
said release structure and thereby releasing said slider and said coupler from each
other.
- 6. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 5, said cover being adapted to being moved
into an overlying relationship with at least a portion of said release structure so
as to interfere with a user activating said release structure and thereby releasing
said slider and said coupler from each other.
- 7. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 6 wherein said cover is attached to said
one of said slider and said coupler by a hinge wherein a width of said hinge is resiliently
flexed when said cover is moved from a rest position, which rest position is accompanied
by either no flexural stress or a relatively lower flexural stress condition in said
hinge, to a position overlying said release structure, which overlying position is
accompanied by a relatively greater flexural stress condition in said hinge.
- 8. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 7 wherein said cover is attached to said
one of said slider and said coupler by a living hinge and wherein, when said slider
and said coupler are engaged with each other, and when said living hinge is in a rest
condition, said cover extends, from said hinge, away from the other of said slider
and said coupler.
- 9. Apparatus as in paragraph 8 wherein said cover is brought into such covering relationship
over said release structure by rotating said cover about said hinge.
- 10. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 9 wherein said restraining mechanism comprises
a male element on one of said slider and said coupler, and a female receptacle on
the other of said slider and said coupler.
- 11. Apparatus as in paragraph 10 wherein said release structure comprises first and
second release fingers on said one of said slider and said coupler which release fingers
are deflected by a user in affecting said slider and said coupler being released from
each other.
- 12. Apparatus as in paragraph 11, further comprising said release fingers engaging
and deflecting said male element in affecting said slider and said coupler being released
from each other.
- 13. Apparatus as in paragraph 11 or 12 wherein said release fingers are embodied in
said male element.
- 14. Apparatus as in paragraph 11, 12 or 13 wherein said release fingers have heights
"H" of no more than 3 mm.
- 15. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 11 to 14 wherein said release fingers, in a
rest condition, are displaced inwardly from said edges of said one or said coupler
and said slider.
- 16. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 15 wherein said coupler, when mounted on
such package, is adapted to being held immovable in a fixed location on such package.
- 17. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 16 wherein said coupler body, when mounted
on such package, is adapted to being movable back and forth along such interlocking
rails whereby interaction between said coupler and such interlocking rails opens and
closes the portion of such zipper over which said coupler is moved.
- 18. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 17, further comprising an engaging structure
which interacts with one of said slider body and said coupler body and thereby releasably
latches said cover to said one of said slider body or said coupler body at said engaging
structure, such that such latching must be unlatched before said slider body and said
coupler body can be released from being coupled to each other.
- 19. Apparatus as in paragraph 18 wherein said engaging structure comprises a snap
latch, and wherein such releasable latching comprises a snap-latching of said engaging
structure to an element of the respective said slider or coupler.
- 20. A package comprising apparatus as in one of paragraphs 1 to 19.
- 21. Apparatus for limiting access to a compartment of a package through a plastic
zipper when mounted on such package said zipper having a length, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) a slider, having a slider body, said slider body comprising a slider channel adapted
to interface with first and second interlocking rails on such package, said slider
body being adapted to being moved back and forth along lengths of such interlocking
rails whereby interaction between said slider channel and such interlocking rails
opens and closes such zipper;
- (b) a coupler, having a coupler body, said coupler being adapted to being attached
to such package, said slider and said coupler being configured to be releasably coupled
to each other so as to limit access to such compartment of such package through said
zipper; and
- (c) a cover attached to one of said slider and said coupler, and overlying at least
half of a length, aligned with the length of said zipper, of a respective one of said
slider or said coupler.
- 22. Apparatus as in paragraph 21 wherein said cover overlies at least a portion of
said one of said slider and said coupler to which said cover is attached.
- 23. Apparatus as in paragraph 21 or 22, further comprising a first restraining mechanism
as part of at least one of said slider body and said coupler body, said first restraining
mechanism being designed and configured to engage structure on the other of said slider
body and said coupler body, thereby to couple said slider and said coupler to each
other.
- 24. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 21 to 23, said cover being attached to said
one of said slider and said coupler at a first location on said cover, said cover
further comprising a restraining mechanism by which said cover is releasably coupled,
at a second location on said cover, to said one of said slider and said coupler to
which said cover is not attached at the first location on said cover.
- 25. Apparatus as in paragraph 24, further comprising a second restraining mechanism,
said second restraining mechanism being designed and configured to engage structure
of at least one of said slider and said coupler thereby to couple said slider and
said coupler to each other.
- 26. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 21 to 25 wherein said cover is attached to said
one of said slider and said coupler by a hinge wherein an entirety of a width of said
hinge is resiliently flexed when said cover is moved from a rest position, which rest
position is accompanied by either no flexural stress or a relatively lower flexural
stress condition in said hinge, to a position overlying portions of both said slider
and said coupler, which overlying position is accompanied by a relatively greater
flexural stress condition in said hinge.
- 27. Apparatus as in paragraph 26 wherein, when said slider and said coupler are engaged
to each other and said living hinge is in a rest position, said cover extends, from
said hinge, away from the other of said slider and said coupler.
- 28. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 21 to 27 wherein said cover is attached to said
one of said slider and said coupler by a living hinge.
- 29. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 21 to 28 wherein said cover is attached to said
one of said slider and said coupler by a hinge, and wherein said cover is brought
into such overlying relationship by rotating said cover about said hinge.
- 30. Apparatus as in paragraph 22, said slider body and said coupler body having lengths
extending in a same direction with said interlocking rails, said cover overlying the
full length of the respective slider body or coupler body.
- 31. Apparatus as in paragraph 25 wherein said second restraining mechanism comprises
a male element on one of said slider and said coupler, and a female receptacle on
the other of said slider and said coupler, said male element and said female receptacle
being adapted and configured to cooperate with each other in coupling said slider
and said coupler to each other.
- 32. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 21 to 31 wherein said coupler, when mounted
on such package is adapted to being held immovable in a fixed location on such package.
- 33. Apparatus as in one of paragraphs 21 to 32 wherein said coupler body, as mounted
to such package, is movable back and forth along such interlocking rails whereby interaction
between said coupler and such interlocking rails opens and closes the portion of such
zipper over which said coupler is moved.
- 34. A package comprising apparatus as in one of paragraphs 21 to 33.
- 35. Apparatus for mounting on a package having a product-receiving compartment, such
package further having a zipper for accessing such product-receiving compartment,
such package including a first plastic wall having a first edge, a second plastic
wall having a second edge, such zipper having a length, and including first and second
interlocking rails at respective ones of the first and second edges of such first
and second plastic walls, a slider, and a coupler, such first and second interlocking
rails having lengths, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) said slider, having a slider body, said slider body comprising a slider channel
adapted to interface with such interlocking rails, said slider body being adapted
to being moved back and forth along the lengths of such interlocking rails whereby
interaction between said slider channel and such interlocking rails opens and closes
the portions of such interlocking rails over which said slider is moved, thereby opening
and closing the respective portions of the length of such zipper;
- (b) said coupler, having a coupler body, and being adapted to being mounted on such
package, and to be releasably coupled to said slider body, thus to limit access to
such product-receiving compartment through such zipper; and
- (c) a cover mounted on such package, optionally on one of said slider body or said
coupler body, said cover comprising a snap-engaging latch structure which interacts
with at least one of said slider body and said coupler body and thereby releasably
latches said cover to said at least one of said slider body and said coupler body
at said snap-engaging latch structure, such that such cover must be unlatched before
said slider body and said coupler body can be released from being coupled to each
other.
- 36. A package comprising apparatus as in paragraph 35.
[0154] Those skilled in the art will now see that certain modifications can be made to the
apparatus and methods herein disclosed with respect to the illustrated embodiments,
without departing from the spirit of the instant invention. And while the invention
has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that the invention is adapted to numerous rearrangements, modifications, and alterations,
and all such arrangements, modifications, and alterations are intended to be within
the scope of the appended claims.
[0155] To the extent the following claims use means plus function language, it is not meant
to include there, or in the instant specification, anything not structurally equivalent
to what is shown in the embodiments disclosed in the specification.
List of reference signs
[0156]
- 10
- access-controlling mechanism
- 12
- plastic bag
- 14, 14a, 14b
- zipper
- 16
- lock mechanism
- 18
- slider
- 20
- coupler
- 22
- end of coupler
- 24
- end of slider
- 26, 26a, 26b
- male lock element, female lock receptacle
- 28a, 28b
- male lock fingers
- 30
- lateral protrusions on lock fingers
- 32a, 32b
- sidewalls of female lock receptacle 26b
- 33
- body of release element 35
- 34a, 34b
- leading edges of lock fingers 28
- 35
- release element
- 36a, 36b
- release fingers on coupler
- 38
- ends of release fingers 36a, 36b
- 39
- root of release finger
- 40
- zipper channels in slider and coupler
- 42
- cover
- 44
- cover hinge
- 46
- engaging lip on cover
- 48
- window in cover
- 50
- inner surfaces of lock fingers
- 52
- inner surfaces of release fingers
- 54
- shaft on male lock (FIG 6)
- 56
- riser
- 58
- double-headed arrow, coupler
- 60
- double-headed arrow, slider
- 62
- slider main body
- 64
- remote edge of cover window 48
- 66
- locus of abutment
- 68a, 68b, 68c
- wedge-shaped spaces
- 70
- cover end lip
- 72
- outer edges of release fingers
- 74
- side surfaces of the coupler body
- 76
- coupler lock structure
- 78
- slot in side wall of coupler
- 80
- side wall of coupler
- 82
- lock bolt
- 84
- pivot pin
- 86
- bore for pivot pin
- 88
- control lever
- 90
- remote end of lock bolt
- 92
- detent
- 94
- protuberance
- H
- height of release fingers
- L
- slider length
- L2
- length of cover
- V1
- longitudinal vector
- V2
- transverse vector
- W
- slider width