US20130287322A1

US20130287322A1 - Leak-proof slider assembly

Info

Publication number: US20130287322A1
Application number: US13/458,082
Authority: US
Inventors: Lifeng Gong
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-27
Filing date: 2012-04-27
Publication date: 2013-10-31
Also published as: CN103373523A; CN103373523B; CA2812330A1

Abstract

A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure that includes a first closure profile and a second closure profile that interlock to form a leak-proof barrier. The slider assembly may be opened and closed manually without a slider or may be opened and closed with a slider. The leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may include a parking area that the slider may be positioned in when the first and second closure profiles are interlocked forming a leak-proof barrier. In some embodiments, the parking area is only on either the first closure profile or the second closure profile. In other embodiments, the parking area is on both the first and second closure profiles.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description generally relates to a re-sealable leak-proof slider assembly that may be attached to or otherwise integral to an enclosure having an entrance with a slider that opens and closes the entrance.

BACKGROUND

Many current enclosures utilize a slider to open and close an entrance corresponding thereto to provide leak-resistance, i.e. not leak-proof performance. In this regard, there continues to be a need for improvements in the area of leak-proof enclosures. More particularly, there continues to be a need for improvements in how the slider engages the entrance of the enclosure and the configuration of the entrance itself.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to a leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure.
In some embodiments, a leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may include a first closure profile having a length positioned between a first end stop and a second end stop and also a second closure profile having a length positioned between the first and second end stops. The first closure profile may include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guide member below the second closure member, and a channel between the second closure member and the guide member. The second closure profile may include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, a guide member above the first closure member of the second closure profile, a channel between the first closure member and the guide member of the second closure profile, and a shoulder member above the guide member of the second closure profile. The leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may also include a parking area positioned between the first and second end stops. In some embodiments, the parking area is only on either the first closure profile or the second closure profile. In one embodiment, the parking area may be a notch that either includes a reduction in width of one of the shoulder members. In another embodiment, the parking area may be a void space in the first closure profile or the second closure profile that does not interfere with any closure members. In a closed state, the first and second profiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal. In an open state, a portion of the first and second profiles is not interlocked.
In some embodiments, a leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may include a first closure profile having a length positioned between a first end stop and a second end stop and also a second closure profile having a length positioned between the first and second end stops. The first closure profile may include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guide member below the second closure member, and a channel between the second closure member and the guide member. The second closure profile may include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, and a shoulder member above the first closure member of the second closure profile. In a closed state the first and second closure profiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal. In one embodiment, in the closed state, the first and second closure members of the first closure profile may be positioned in the channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, and the second closure member may be positioned in the channel between the second closure member and the guide member of the first closure profile. In an open state, a portion of the first and second closure profiles is not interlocked.
In some embodiments, a leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may include a first closure profile having a length positioned between a first end stop and a second end stop and also a second closure profile having a length positioned between the first and second end stops. The first closure profile may include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guide member below the second closure member, and a channel between the second closure member and the guide member. The second closure profile may include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, and a shoulder member above the first closure member of the second closure profile. In a closed state the first and second closure profiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal. The leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may also include a parking area positioned between the first and second end stops. In some embodiments, the parking area is only on either the first closure profile or the second closure profile. In one embodiment, the parking area may be a notch that either includes a reduction in width of one of the shoulder members. In another embodiment, the parking area includes a void space in the first closure profile or the second closure profile that does not interfere with any closure members. In one embodiment, in the closed state, the first and second closure members of the first closure profile may be positioned in the channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, and the second closure member may be positioned in the channel between the second closure member and the guide member of the first closure profile. In an open state, a portion of the first and second closure profiles is not interlocked.
The foregoing summary does not encompass the claimed invention in its entirety, nor are the embodiments intended to be limiting. Rather, the embodiments are provided as mere examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a leak-proof enclosure.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged side view of one embodiment of the parking area shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top view of one embodiment of a slider shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the slider shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the slider shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of closure profiles corresponding to the leak-proof enclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of closure profiles corresponding to the leak-proof enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown various embodiments of a leak-proof enclosure.
More specifically, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an enclosure 100 with an entrance 102 to an internal void space that may have a fixed or variable volume. The entrance 102 may be opened and closed by moving the slider 103. In the embodiment shown, the enclosure 100 is a flexible bag that has a first flexible sidewall 104 and a second flexible sidewall 106. In the embodiment shown, the first side wall 104 is sealed to the second sidewall 106 at flexible bottom edge 108 and flexible side edges 110 and 112. First sidewall 104 has a top portion 114 that includes a first closure profile 116 between end stops 118 and 120. First closure profile 116 has an inner surface that faces a second closure profile 124 and an outside surface. Second sidewall 106 has a top portion 122 that includes the second closure profile 124 between end stops 118 and 120. Second closure profile 124 has an inner surface that faces the first closure profile 116 and an outside surface. In some embodiments, the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 are attached or otherwise integral to their respective top portions 114 and 122. In other embodiments, the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 are not separate components from the first and second sidewalls 104 and 106. The outside surface of closure profile 116 and the outside surface of closure profile 124 may each include a rail 126 that at least extends between end stops 118 and 120. In some embodiments, rails 126 may extend to the flexible side edges 110 and 112 under the end stops 118 and 120.
In some embodiments, end stops 118 and 120 may be top portions 114 and 122 of the side walls sealed together, such that the top portions 114 and 122 come together at the end stops 118 and 120. For example, top portions 114 and 122 may be pressed together with a temperature applied thereto resulting in the top portions 114 and 122 melting together to form the end stops 118 and 120. In the embodiment shown, both end stops 118 and 120 extend the same distance from their respective side edges 110 and 112. However, in other embodiments, end stops 118 and 120 may extend different distances from their respective side edges 110 and 112. The length of the entrance 102 is directly associated with the length of each end stop 118 and 120. As one or more end stops 118 and 120 become larger in length, the length of the entrance 102 becomes smaller.
Further yet, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 may be pressed together with a temperature applied thereto resulting in the end stops 118 and 120. In one embodiment, the integrity of two or more closure members may be left intact and may traverse laterally under the end stops 118 and 120.
In some embodiments, a notch or “parking area” 123 may be positioned a first distance away from end stop 120 and a second distance away from end stop 118. In the embodiment shown, the first distance is shorter than the second distance. In other embodiments, the first and second distances may be the same or the second distance may be shorter than the first distance. Also in the embodiment shown, the notch includes both the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124. In other embodiments, the notch may only include one of the first or second closure profiles 116 and 124 (i.e., one of the closure profiles may be without a notch).
The parking area 123 serves as a rest region for the slider 103 to disengage or otherwise stop spreading the closure profiles 116 and 124 apart when the enclosure 100 is closed. While the slider 103 operatively engages the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 to open and close the enclosure 100, the user must open and close the section of the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 corresponding to the first distance between end stop 120 and the parking area 123 without the slider 103. However, the slider 103 may be used to open and close the section of the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 corresponding to the second distance between end stop 118 and the parking area 123. In some embodiments, the parking area 123 also enables the end stop 120 to be less than, equal to, or greater than the height (i.e., top edge) of the first and/or second closure profiles 116 and 124. For example, the parking area 123 may prevent the slider 103 from reaching the end stop 120, and therefore, the end stop 120 may not require a design to prevent the slider from being slid off the first and second closure profiles.
Referring now to FIG. 1B, one embodiment of a simplified parking area 123 is shown. The vertical end 125 is closest to end stop 120 whereas the angled end 127 is closest to end stop 118. In some embodiments, end 125 may be angled similarly to or different from the angled end 127 instead of being vertical. In other embodiments, the notch may include one or more definable edges. For example, the notch may be a semi-circle such that there is a single, contiguous edge that serves as ends 125 and 127 (i.e., one side of the semi-circle serves as end 125 and the other serves as end 127). Also in some embodiments, end 127 may be vertical or be of a different angle. In some embodiments, the end stop 120 may serve as the vertical end 125. For example, the parking area 123 may be positioned in some embodiments so that it is immediately next to the end stop 120. The first distance may be zero or so small that there is no operative portion of closure profiles 116 and 124 between the parking area 123 and the end stop 120 that the slider 103 cannot close. In such embodiments, there would be no need to open or close any portions of the entrance 102 of the enclosure 100 without the slider 103. Otherwise stated, the user need not open and close the section of the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 corresponding to the first distance between end stop 120 and the parking area 123 without the slider 103 because there is no operative portion of closure profiles 116 and 124 for the user to open and close.
Referring now to FIGS. 2A-C, one embodiment of a slider that may be movably secured to the enclosure 100 or different embodiments thereof is depicted. The slider 200 may be the slider 103 depicted in FIG. 1A. Slider 200 includes a top 202 with two sidewalls 204 and 206. In one embodiment, sidewalls 204 and 206 may vertically extend from the top 202, such that a 90 degree angle is formed at the juncture of the top 202 and each sidewall 204 and 206. In other embodiments, sidewalls 204 and 206 may vertically extend from the top 202, such that an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees is formed at the juncture of the top 202 and each sidewall 204 and 206. For example, in embodiments where the angle is less than 90 degrees, sidewalls 204 and 206 taper. An angle of less than 90 degrees would therefore allow the slider 200 to more securely engage the enclosure 100 due to the taper.
At the base of sidewall 204, two feet 208 a and 208 b protrude inwardly toward sidewall 206. At the base of sidewall 206, two feet 210 a and 210 b protrude therefrom inwardly toward sidewall 204. Together, feet 208 a and 210 a form a first pair of jaws 212 a whereas feet 208 b and 210 b form a second pair of jaws 212 b. Positioned on the underside of top 202 is a spreader 214 that may be in the shape of an arrow or a triangle. In some embodiments, as shown, the wide end of the spreader 214 may include a concave section 216. Also positioned on the underside of top 202 are two pinching members 218 a and 218 b. Pinching member 218 a protrudes from the top 202 extending downward therefrom and also protrudes from sidewall 204 extending toward sidewall 206. Pinching member 218 b protrudes from the top 202 extending downward therefrom and also protrudes from sidewall 206 extending toward sidewall 204. Together, pinching members 218 a and 218 b form a pincher 218. The narrow end of the spreader 214 faces the pincher 218.
Similar to the slider 103 shown in FIG. 1A, the slider 200 may be movably secured to the enclosure 100 such that it operatively engages the first closure profile 116 and the second closure profile 124. More specifically, jaws 212 a and 212 b engage the rail 126 on each closure profile to movably secure the slider 200 to the enclosure 100. For example, the interaction between the rails 126 and the jaws 212 a and 212 b ensure that the slider 200 may not be inadvertently removed from the enclosure 100 in the upward direction. The inside of top 202 of slider 200, which abuts the tops of the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124, likewise ensures that the slider 200 may not be removed from the enclosure 100 in the downward direction. End stops 118 and 120 ensure that the slider 200 may not be removed from the enclosure 100 in either lateral direction. In embodiments employing the parking area 123, the vertical end 125 may serve as a redundant end stop in view of end stop 120. In such embodiments, one end of the enclosure 100 has one end stop (end stop 118) and the other end has to end stops (vertical edge 125 of parking area 123 and end stop 120). This provides redundant protection to ensure that the slider 200 is not inadvertently forcibly removed when a user closes the entrance 102 of enclosure 100.
With reference to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a first closure profile 300 and a second closure profile 310 is shown. First and second closure profiles 300 and 310 may be the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 depicted in FIG. 1A. The first closure profile 300 includes at least two closure members 302 a and 302 b that protrude from the inner surface toward the second closure profile 310. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 302 a and 302 b protrude perpendicularly from the inner surface. The angle of protrusion may vary in other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 302 a and 302 b may have a cross-sectional shape of a hook. In other embodiments, one or more closure members 302 a and 302 b may have a cross-sectional shape different than a hook. Between the at least two closure members 302 a and 302 b is a channel 304 a. Below closure member 302 b is a guide member 306 a that perpendicularly protrudes from the inner surface and has a top edge that angles downward thereby forming an obtuse angle between its top edge and the inner surface.
The angle of protrusion of the guide member 306 a as well as its cross-sectional shape may vary in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the guide member 306 a may protrude at an angle away from the closure member 302 b. Between the closure member 302 b and the guide member 306 a is a channel 304 b. From closure member 302 a, the closure profile 300 extends upward to form a shoulder member 308 a. In the embodiment shown, the shoulder member 308 a protrudes toward the closure profile 310, which may vary depending on the width of the spreader 214 and the amount of force required to pull the closure profiles 300 and 310 apart from an interlocked state.
The second closure profile 310 includes at least two closure members 302 c and 302 d that protrude from the inner surface toward the first closure profile 300. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 302 c and 302 d protrude perpendicularly from the second closure profile 310. The angle of protrusion may vary in other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 302 c and 302 d may have a cross-sectional shape of a hook. In other embodiments, one or more closure members 302 c and 302 d may have a cross-sectional shape different than a hook. Between the at least two closure members 302 c and 302 d is a channel 304 c. Above closure member 302 c is a guide member 306 b that perpendicularly protrudes from the inner surface and has a bottom edge that angles upward thereby forming an obtuse angle between its bottom edge and the inner surface. The angle of protrusion of the guide member 306 b as well as its cross-sectional shape may vary in other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the guide member 306 b may protrude at an angle away from the closure member 302 c. Between the closure member 302 c and the guide member 306 b is a channel 304 d. From the closure member 302 c, the closure profile 310 extends upward to form a shoulder member 308 b. In the embodiment shown, the shoulder member 308 b protrudes toward the closure profile 300, the distance of which may vary depending on the width of the spreader 214 and the amount of force required to pull the closure profiles 300 and 310 apart from an interlocked state.
The outside surface of each closure profile 300 and 310 may also have a rail 312 a and 312 b that at least extends between end stops 118 and 120 (see FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, rails 312 a and 312 b may extend to the flexible side edges 110 and 112 under the end stops 118 and 120 (see FIG. 1A). Also in some embodiments, the rails 312 a and 312 b may be the rail 126 depicted in FIG. 1A.
Together, the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 depicted in FIG. 3 have an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 do not engage or otherwise interlock each other. In the closed position, the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 engage or otherwise interlock each other to form a leak-proof seal. More specifically, closure members 302 a and 302 b are respectively positioned in channels 304 d and 304 c when the first closure profile 300 is engaged with the second closure profile 310. Likewise, closure members 302 c and 302 d are respectively positioned in channels 302 a and 302 b when the first closure profile 300 is engaged with the second closure profile 310. The first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 may move with respect to one another while maintaining a leak-proof seal. For example, the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 may be pushed together such that the ends of one or more closure members 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and 302 d abut the channel wall (i.e., inner surface of the respective closure profile) respectively associated with one or more channels 304 a, 304 b, 304 c, and 304 d. As another example, the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 may have a force applied to them such that they are pulled away from each other. When the applied force is less than the amount of force required to disengage the first and second closure profiles from each other, the closure members 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and 302 d remain engaged thereby affording a leak proof seal.
In embodiments where the closure members 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and 302 d have cross-sectional shapes like hooks, the hooks may face the illustrated direction. For example, closure members 302 a and 302 c as well as closure members 302 b and 302 d may face each other. In such an embodiment, the hooked ends on closure members 302 a and 302 c may engage each other forming an interlock. In addition, the hooked ends on closure members 302 b and 302 d may engage each other also forming an interlock. These interlocks increase the amount of force required to pull the first and second profiles 300 and 310 apart when in the closed position thereby maintaining a leak-proof enclosure during applied-force events. In some embodiments, the hooked end angles back, toward the closure profile from which its respective closure member protrudes. As an example, while closure member 302 a is shown with a hooked cross-sectional shape with the hook pointing downward, the hook may, in other embodiments, point downward at an angle toward the first closure profile 300. In such embodiments, when the closure members engage each other, more force would be required because of the angle of the hooks.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the description of the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 is based on a cross-sectional view. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the closure members, channels, shoulders, rails, and guides extend the length of the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 (e.g., between the two end stops 118 and 120). Of course, one exception to this may be embodiments employing the parking area 123, which may disrupt the continuous nature of the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310. In some embodiments, the length of one or more of the closure members, channels, shoulders, rails, and guides may extend under the end stops 118 and 120.
In embodiments employing the parking area 123, which is depicted in FIGS. 1A-B, the parking area 123 may extend to the closure member 302 a. For example, the guide member 306 b may be removed in the parking area 123 of such an embodiment. In other embodiments, the parking area 123 only excludes the shoulders 308 a and 308 b (i.e., only the other shoulders 308 a and 308 b are removed). In yet other embodiments, the parking area 123 only excludes one of the shoulders 308 a or 308 b. In such embodiments, the parking area or notch 123, in effect, is only present on one of the closure profiles (i.e., the closure profile that excludes the shoulder member). In yet further embodiments, the parking area 123 only excludes the protruding part of the shoulders 308 a and 308 b.
The length of the parking area 123 may be shorter than the spreader 214 of the slider 200. Such an embodiment ensures easy re-entry of the spreader between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b by keeping a portion of the spreader between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b. For example, when in the closed position of such an embodiment, the spreader 214 of slider 200 may be partially released into the parking area 123 to ensure leak-proof performance by releasing the widest part of the spreader 214 from between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b. By virtue of the length of the parking area 123 being shorter than the spreader 214, the narrow end of the spreader 214 remains between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b. This ensures that that spreader 214 may more readily fully enter between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b when the slider 200 is moved in the opening direction. When the slider 200 is moved against the vertical end 125 of the parking area 123, the vertical end 125 (which includes the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310) abuts the concave section 216 of the spreader 214. The concave nature of section 216 ensures that the force applied to the spreader 214 is near its centerline thereby preventing unwanted rotation along a vertical axis from the slider 200. In addition, the concave section 216 prevents the vertical end 125 from slipping to one side of the spreader 214.
In some embodiments, the length of the parking area 123 may be longer than the spreader 214 of the slider 200. In such an embodiment, the angle end 127 ensures easy re-entry by providing less surface contact between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b and the narrow end of the spreader 214.
With respect to operation, the slider 200 may be movably secured to the enclosure 100 such that it operatively engages the first closure profile 300 and the second closure profile 310 shown in FIG. 3. The spreader 214 only engages the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b. Otherwise stated, the spreader 214 is only positioned between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b, but does not pass between any of the closure members 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and 302 d. Nor does the spreader 214 pass between guide member 306 a and the inner surface of the second closure profile 310 or between guide member 306 b and the inner surface of the first closure profile 300. When the slider 200 abuts the end stop 118 (e.g., via the edge of the top 202 facing end stop 118), the enclosure 100 is fully open. When the slider 200 abuts the end stop 120 (e.g., via the wide end of the spreader 214 or the edge of the top 202 facing end stop 120), the enclosure 100 is fully closed providing leak-proof performance. In embodiments employing the parking area 123, the enclosure 100 is fully closed providing leak-proof performance when the slider 200 is positioned in the parking area because the spreader 214 does not force the shoulder members 308 a and 308 b outward because these elements may be excluded in the parking area. In embodiments employing the parking area 123 that is only present on one of the closure profiles, the same is true. More specifically, when the slider is fully parked or otherwise adequately positioned in the parking area, the spreader does not force the shoulder members 308 a and 308 b apart because one of the shoulder members is excluded in the parking area. In embodiments where the parking area 123 only excludes the protruding part of the shoulders 308 a and 308 b, leak-proof performance occurs when the slider 200 is parked or otherwise adequately positioned in the parking area. In such embodiments, the spreader 214 may engage the shoulder members 308 a and 308 b, but because the protruding parts of both shoulders (one shoulder in some embodiments) have been removed (i.e. reduction in width) in the parking area 123, the spreader 214 does not force the first and second closure profiles outward enough to break the leak-proof seal (i.e., disengage the interlock between the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310). For example, the shoulders in the parking area may simply be walls that extend upward without any extension toward the shoulder opposite to it.
In some embodiments, the slider 200 may be positioned in the parking area 123 when the wide end of the spreader 214 abuts the vertical wall 125 or the end stop 120 when it serves as the vertical wall 125. In other embodiments, the slider 200 may be positioned in the parking area 123 when the edge of the top 202 facing end stop 120 abuts the vertical wall 125 or the end stop 120 when it serves as the vertical wall 125.
To open the entrance 102 of the enclosure 100, the slider 200 is moved away from end stop 120 and toward end stop 118. The first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 pass through the slider 200 between the two sidewalls 204 and 206 and between the pinching members 218 a and 218 b. The spreader 214 travels between shoulders 308 a and 308 b. When moved in the opening direction, the pincher 218 leads with the wide end of the spreader 214 trailing. The wide end of the spreader 214 effectively pulls the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 simultaneously apart by applying an outward force to both shoulders 308 a and 308 b. The force applied to the shoulders 308 a and 308 b removes closure members 302 a and 302 b from their respective channels 304 d and 304 c. Likewise, the force applied to the shoulders 308 a and 308 b removes closure members 302 c and 302 d from their respective channels 304 a and 304 b.
Conversely, to close the entrance 102, the slider 200 is moved away from end stop 118 and toward end stop 120. When moved in the closing direction, the wide end of the spreader 214 leads with the pincher 218 trailing. The pincher 218 effectively simultaneously pushes or pinches the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 together to form a leak-proof seal. For example, closure members 302 a and 302 b are respectively pushed into their respective channels 304 d and 304 c. In addition, closure members 302 c and 302 d are respectively pushed into their respect channels 304 a and 304 b. In some embodiments, the enclosure 100 produces a sound, such as a snap sound, when the slider 200 is parked or has otherwise fully entered the parking area 123. This snap noise is caused because the spreader 214, whether it is completely or partially in the parking area, enables both closure profiles 300 and 310 to fully close. More specifically, this sound is generated when both of the closure profiles 300 and 310 come together at end 127 of the parking area 123. In this way, the enclosure 100 includes a sound producing element to audibly inform the user that the enclosure is fully closed or that the slider 200 is at the parking area 123.
With reference to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a first closure profile 400 and a second closure profile 410 is shown. First and second closure profiles 400 and 410 may be the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 depicted in FIG. 1A. The first closure profile 400 includes at least two closure members 402 a and 402 b that protrude from the inner surface toward the second closure profile 410. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 402 a and 402 b protrude perpendicularly from the inner surface. The angle of protrusion may vary in other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 402 a and 402 b may have a cross-sectional shape of a hook. In other embodiments, one or more closure members 402 a and 402 b may have a cross-sectional shape different from a hook. Between the at least two closure members 402 a and 402 b is a channel 404 a. Channel 404 a enables the closure members 402 a and 402 b to deflect or otherwise move inwardly toward each other. Thus, embodiments where channel 404 a is larger or smaller would respectively enable more or less deflection or movement between the two closure members 402 a and 402 b. Below closure member 402 b is a guide member 406 a that perpendicularly protrudes from the inner surface and has a top edge that angles downward thereby forming an obtuse angle between its top edge and the inner surface. The angle of protrusion of the guide member 406 a as well as its cross-sectional shape may vary in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the guide member 406 a may protrude at an angle away from the closure member 402 b. Between the closure member 402 b and the guide member 406 a is a channel 404 b. From the closure member 402 a, the closure profile 400 extends upward to form a shoulder member 408 a. In the embodiment shown, the shoulder member 408 a protrudes toward the closure profile 410, the distance of which may vary depending on the width of the spreader 214 and the amount of force required to pull the closure profiles 400 and 410 apart from an interlocked state.
The second closure profile 410 includes at least two closure members 402 c and 402 d that protrude from the inner surface toward the first closure profile 400. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 402 c and 402 d protrude perpendicularly from the inner second closure profile 410. The angle of protrusion may vary in other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 402 c and 402 d may have a cross-sectional shape of a hook. In other embodiments, one or more closure members 402 c and 402 d may have a cross-sectional shape different than a hook. Between the at least two closure members 402 c and 402 d is a channel 404 c. Channel 404 c may be larger than channel 404 b. In some embodiments channel 404 c is twice the size of channel 404 b, from a height perspective. As shown, channel 404 a opens into channel 404 c. In the embodiment shown, the second closure profile 410 does not have a guide member protruding therefrom. However, in other embodiments, the second closure profile 410 may have one or more guide members protruding therefrom. From the closure member 402 c, the closure profile 410 extends upward to form a shoulder member 408 b. In the embodiment shown, the shoulder member 408 b protrudes a toward the closure profile 400, the distance of which may vary depending on the width of the spreader 214 and the amount of force required to pull the closure profiles 400 and 410 apart from an interlocked state.
The outside surface of each closure profile 400 and 410 may also have a rail 412 a and 412 b that at least extends between end stops 118 and 120 (see FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, rails 412 a and 412 b may extend to the flexible side edges 110 and 112 under the end stops 118 and 120 (see FIG. 1A). Also in some embodiments, the rails 312 a and 312 b may be the rail 126 depicted in FIG. 1A.
Together, the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 depicted in FIG. 4 have an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 do not engage or otherwise interlock each other. In the closed position, the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 engage or otherwise interlock each other to form a leak-proof seal. More specifically, closure members 402 a and 402 b are positioned in channel 404 c when the first closure profile 400 is engaged with the second closure profile 410. Likewise, closure member 402 d is positioned in channel 404 b when the first closure profile 400 is engaged with the second closure profile 410. The first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 may move with respect to one another while maintaining a leak-proof seal. For example, the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 may be pushed together such that the ends of one or more closure members 402 a, 402 b, and 402 d abut the channel wall (i.e., inner surface of the respective closure profile) respectively associated with one or more channels 404 b or 404 c. In other words, closure members 402 a and 402 b may abut inner surface of the second closure profile 410 in channel 404 c whereas closure member 402 d may abut inner surface of the first closure profile 400 in channel 404 b. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, a groove 414 may be formed on the inner surface inner surface of the first closure profile 400 as the inner surface extends from closure member 402 a to the shoulder 408 a. Closure member 402 c may abut the inner surface of the first closure profile 400 below the groove 414 and may may also abut the groove 414. Groove 414 prevents unwanted upward deflection of closure member 402 c away from closure member 402 a. As another example, the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 may have a force applied to them such that they are pulled away from each other. When the applied force is less than the amount of force required to disengage the first and second closure profiles from each other, the closure members 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 402 d remain engaged thereby affording a leak proof seal.
In embodiments where the closure members 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 402 d have cross-sectional shapes like hooks, the hooks may face the illustrated direction. For example, closure members 402 a and 402 b may face away from each other whereas closure members 402 c and 402 d may force toward each other. In such an embodiment, the hooked ends on closure members 402 c and 402 a may engage each other forming an interlock. In addition, the hooked ends on closure members 402 b and 402 d may also engage each other forming an interlock. These interlocks increase the amount of force required to pull the first and second profiles 400 and 410 apart when in the closed position thereby maintaining a leak-proof enclosure during applied-force events. In some embodiments, the hooked end angles back, toward the closure profile from which its respective closure member protrudes. As an example, while closure member 402 c is shown with a hooked cross-sectional shape with the hook pointing downward, the hook may, in other embodiments, point downward at an angle toward the second closure profile 410. In such embodiments, when the closure members engage each other, more force would be required because of the angle of the hooks.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the second closure profile 410 may include a rib member 416 that protrudes from inner surface of the second closure profile 410. In the embodiment shown, rib member 416 is positioned in the channel 404 c across from the channel 404 a. The rib member 416 increases the rigidity of the second closure profile 410 along the wall region from which it protrudes. In addition, the rib member 416 may increase the leak-proof performance by enabling the closure members 402 a and 402 b to abut the inner surface of the second closure profile 410 above and below the rib member 416 as well as the rib member 416. The location and size of the rib member 416 may vary in other embodiments as well as the number of rib members itself. For example, one embodiment may include two or more ribs that protrude from inner surface of the second closure profile 410 that are smaller or larger in size. In such an embodiment, the closure members 402 a and 402 b may abut a plurality of rib members.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the description of the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 is based on a cross-sectional view. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the closure members, channels, shoulders, rails, and guides extend the length of the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 (e.g., between the two end stops 118 and 120). Of course, one exception to this may be embodiments employing the parking area 123, which may disrupt the continuous nature of the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410. In some embodiments, the length of one or more of the closure members, channels, shoulders, rails, and guides may extend under the end stops 118 and 120.
In embodiments employing the parking area 123, which is depicted in FIGS. 1A-B, the parking area 123 may extend to the closure member 402 c. For example, such an embodiment may exclude shoulders 408 a and 408 b in the parking area 123 (i.e., only the other shoulders 408 a and 408 b are removed). In yet other embodiments, the parking area 123 only excludes one of the shoulders 408 a or 408 b. In such embodiments, the parking area or notch 123, in effect, is only present on one of the closure profiles (i.e., the closure profile that excludes the shoulder member). In yet further embodiments, the parking area 123 only excludes the protruding part of the shoulders 408 a and 408 b.
The length of the parking area 123 may be shorter than the spreader 214 of the slider 200. Such an embodiment ensures easy re-entry of the spreader between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b by keeping a portion of the spreader between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b. For example, when in the closed position of such an embodiment, the spreader 214 of slider 200 may be partially released into the parking area 123 to ensure leak-proof performance by releasing the widest part of the spreader 214 from between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b. By virtue of the length of the parking area 123 being shorter than the spreader 214, the narrow end of the spreader 214 remains between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b. This ensures that that spreader 214 may more readily fully enter between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b when the slider 200 is moved in the opening direction. When the slider 200 is moved against the vertical end 125 of the parking area 123, the vertical end 125 (which includes the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410) abuts the concave section 216 of the spreader 214. The concave nature of section 216 ensures that the force applied to the spreader 214 is near its centerline thereby preventing unwanted rotation along a vertical axis from the slider 200. In addition, the concave section 216 prevents the vertical end 125 from slipping to one side of the spreader 214.
In some embodiments, the length of the parking area 123 may be longer than the spreader 214 of the slider 200. In such an embodiment, the angle end 127 ensures easy re-entry by providing less surface contact between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b and the narrow end of the spreader 214.
With respect to operation, the slider 200 may be movably secured to the enclosure 100 such that it operatively engages the first closure profile 400 and the second closure profile 410 shown in FIG. 4. The spreader 214 only engages the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b. Otherwise stated, the spreader 214 is only positioned between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b, but does not pass between any of the closure members 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 402 d or between guide member 406 a and the inner surface of the second closure profile 410. When the slider 200 abuts the end stop 118 (e.g., via the edge of the top 202 facing end stop 118), the enclosure 100 is fully open. When the slider 200 abuts the end stop 120 (e.g., via the wide end of the spreader 214 or the edge of the top 202 facing end stop 120), the enclosure 100 is fully closed providing leak-proof performance. In embodiments employing the parking area 123, the enclosure 100 is fully closed providing leak-proof performance when the slider 200 is positioned in the parking area because the spreader 214 does not force the shoulder members 408 a and 408 b outward because these elements may be excluded in the parking area. In embodiments employing the parking area 123 that is only present on one of the closure profiles, the same is true. More specifically, when the slider is fully parked or otherwise adequately positioned in the parking area, the spreader does not force the shoulder members 408 a and 408 b apart because one of the shoulder members is excluded in the parking area. In embodiments where the parking area 123 only excludes the protruding part of the shoulders 408 a and 408 b, leak-proof performance occurs when the slider 200 is parked or otherwise adequately positioned in the parking area. In such embodiments, the spreader 214 may engage the shoulder members 408 a and 408 b, but because the protruding parts of both shoulders (one shoulder in some embodiments) have been removed (i.e. reduction in width) in the parking area 123, the spreader 214 does not force the first and second closure profiles outward enough to break the leak-proof seal (i.e., disengage the interlock between the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310). For example, the shoulders in the parking area may simply be walls that extend upward without any extension toward the shoulder opposite to it.
In some embodiments, the slider 200 may be positioned in the parking area when the wide end of the spreader 214 abuts the vertical wall 125 or the end stop 120 when it serves as the vertical wall 125. In other embodiments, the slider 200 may be positioned in the parking area when the edge of the top 202 facing end stop 120 abuts the vertical wall 125 or the end stop 120 when it serves as the vertical wall 125.
To open the entrance 102 of the enclosure 100, the slider 200 is moved away from end stop 120 and toward end stop 118. The first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 pass through the slider 200 between the two sidewalls 204 and 206 and between the pinching members 218 a and 218 b. The spreader 214 travels between shoulders 408 a and 408 b. When moved in the opening direction, the pincher 218 leads with the wide end of the spreader 214 trailing. The wide end of the spreader 214 effectively pulls the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 simultaneously apart by applying an outward force to both shoulders 408 a and 408 b. The force applied to the shoulders 408 a and 408 b removes closure members 402 a and 402 b from the channel 404 c. Likewise, the force applied to the shoulders 408 a and 408 b removes closure members 402 d from channel 404 b. The force applied to the shoulders 408 a and 408 b also removes closure member 402 c from being positioned above closure member 402 a.
Conversely, to close the entrance 102, the slider 200 is moved away from end stop 118 and toward end stop 120. When moved in the closing direction, the wide end of the spreader 214 leads with the pincher 218 trailing. The pincher 218 effectively simultaneously pushes or pinches the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 together to form a leak-proof seal. For example, closure members 402 a and 402 b are respectively pushed into channel 404 c. Closure member 402 d is pushed into channel 404 b. In addition, closure members 402 c is pushed into position above closure member 402 a.
In some embodiments, the enclosure 100 produces a sound, such as a snap sound, when the slider 200 is parked or has otherwise fully entered the parking area 123. This snap noise is caused because the spreader 214, whether it is completely or partially in the parking area, enables both closure profiles 400 and 410 to fully close. More specifically, this sound is generated when both of the closure profiles 400 and 410 come together at end 127 of the parking area 123. In this way, the enclosure 100 includes a sound producing element to audibly inform the user that the enclosure is fully closed or that the slider 200 is at the parking area 123.
In some embodiments, the material qualities of the first and second profiles 400 and 410 enable the closure members 402 a and 402 b to deflect inwardly upon insertion into the channel 404 c. In addition, while closure members 402 a and 402 b are able to deflect inwardly, closure members 402 c and 402 d are able to deflect outwardly, away from the closure members 402 a and 402 b to further ease the insertion of closure members 402 a and 402 b into the channel 404 c.
The various embodiments and examples described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention, nor the scope of the various embodiments and examples. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure, comprising:

a first closure profile having a length positioned between a first end stop and a second end stop, wherein the first closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guide member below the second closure member, and a channel between the second closure member and the guide member;

a second closure profile having a length positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein the second closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, a guide member above the first closure member of the second closure profile, a channel between the first closure member and the guide member of the second closure profile, and a shoulder member above the guide member of the second closure profile; and

a parking area positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein the parking area is on either the first closure profile or the second closure profile, wherein the parking area includes a notch that either includes a reduction in width of one of the shoulder members, or the parking area includes a void space in the first closure profile or the second closure profile that does not interfere with any closure members;

wherein, in a closed state, the first and second closure profiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal, and wherein, in an open state, a portion of the first and second closure profiles is not interlocked.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, in the closed state, the first closure member of the first closure profile is positioned in the channel between the guide member and first closure member of the second closure profile;

the second closure member of the first closure profile is positioned in the channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile;

the first closure member of the second closure profile is positioned in the channel between the first and second closure profiles of the first closure profile; and

the second closure member of the second closure profile is positioned in the channel between the guide member and the second closure member of the first closure profile.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the closure members, shoulder members, guide members, or channels continue to extend beyond the length of the first or second closure profile above or below the first or second end stop.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the parking area is on both the first and second closure profiles.

5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a slider being movably secured to the first and second closure profiles, wherein when moved in a first direction, the slider interlocks the first and second closure profiles, and when moved in a second direction, the slider forces the first and second closure profiles apart.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the slider includes a spreader that forces the first and second closure profiles apart except when positioned in the parking area.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second closure profiles are attached to a bag.

8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second closure profiles produce an audible sound when the slider is moved into the parking area.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second end stops include at least a portion of the shoulder members of the first and second closure profiles being permanently sealed together.

10. A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure, comprising:

wherein, in an open state, a portion of the first and second closure profiles is not interlocked; wherein, in a closed state, the first and second closure profiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal; and wherein, in the closed state, the first closure member of the first closure profile is positioned in the channel between the guide member and first closure member of the second closure profile; the second closure member of the first closure profile is positioned in the channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile; the first closure member of the second closure profile is positioned in the channel between the first and second closure profiles of the first closure profile; and the second closure member of the second closure profile is positioned in the channel between the guide member and the second closure member of the first closure profile.

11. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising a slider being movably secured to the first and second closure profiles, wherein when moved in a first direction, the slider interlocks the first and second closure profiles, and when moved in a second direction, the slider forces the first and second closure profiles apart.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the slider includes a spreader that forces the first and second closure profiles apart except when positioned in the parking area.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and second closure profiles are attached to a bag.

14. A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure, comprising:

a first closure profile having a length positioned between a first end stop and a second end stop, wherein the first closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guide member below the second closure member, and a channel between the second closure member and the guide member; and

a second closure profile having a length positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein the second closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, and a shoulder member above the first closure member of the second closure profile;

wherein, in a closed state, the first and second closure profiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal, wherein, in the closed state, the first and second closure members of the first closure profile are positioned in the channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, and the second closure member is positioned in the channel between the second closure member and the guide member of the first closure profile, and

wherein, in an open state, a portion of the first and second closure profiles is not interlocked.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the channel between the first and second closure members of the first closure profile is smaller than the channel between the second closure member and the guide member of the first closure profile.

16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile is larger than the channel between the second closure member and the guide member of the first closure profile.

17. The assembly of claim 14, wherein one or more of the closure members, shoulder members, guide members, or channels continue to extend beyond the length of the first or second closure profile above or below the first or second end stop.

18. The assembly of claim 14, further comprising a parking area positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein the parking area is only on either the first closure profile or the second closure profile, wherein the parking area includes a notch that either includes a reduction in width of one of the shoulder members, or the parking area includes a void space in the first closure profile or the second closure profile that does not interfere with any closure members.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the parking area is on both the first and second closure profiles.

20. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising a slider being movably secured to the first and second closure profiles, wherein when moved in a first direction, the slider interlocks the first and second closure profiles, and when moved in a second direction, the slider forces the first and second closure profiles apart.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the slider includes a spreader that forces the first and second closure profiles apart except when positioned in the parking area.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the first and second closure profiles produce an audible sound when the slider is moved into the parking area.

23. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the first and second closure profiles are attached to a bag.

24. A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure, comprising:

a second closure profile having a length positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein the second closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closure members of the second closure profile, and a shoulder member above the first closure member of the second closure profile; and

a parking area positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein the parking area is only on either the first closure profile or the second closure profile, wherein the parking area includes a notch that either includes a reduction in width of one of the shoulder members, or the parking area includes a void space in the first closure profile or the second closure profile that does not interfere with any closure members;

25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the parking area is on both the first and second closure profiles.

26. The assembly of claim 25, further comprising a slider being movably secured to the first and second closure profiles, wherein when moved in a first direction, the slider interlocks the first and second closure profiles, and when moved in a second direction, the slider forces the first and second closure profiles apart.

27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the slider includes a spreader that forces the first and second closure profiles apart except when positioned in the parking area.