WO2005047131A1

WO2005047131A1 - Zippered closure for flexible containers

Info

Publication number: WO2005047131A1
Application number: PCT/CA2004/001975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luc Marcel Lafond
Original assignee: Ll Lafond Intellectual Properties Inc.
Priority date: 2003-11-17
Filing date: 2004-11-16
Publication date: 2005-05-26
Also published as: CA2449650A1

Abstract

A re-closeable zipper is used to seal an opening in a flexible container such as a bag. The zipper includes two opposing zipper elements. The first zipper element defines a rib. The second zipper element defines a groove. The two zipper elements are positioned on the outside surfaces of two opposing walls of the container, adjacent the opening. To close the opening of the container, the rib of the first zipper element is pushed against the two opposing walls so that the rib and two opposing walls are locked within the groove, to form a tight seal. The zipper may be one or two pieces that are separable from the container, or the zipper may be fastened to, or manufactured as part of, the container. The invention also includes a container with a re-closeable zipper and a method of providing a re-closeable zipper for a container.

Description

ZIPPE ED CLOSURE FOR FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to bags and other flexible containers provided with a zipper to open and re-close the containers.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are many examples of zipper type containers in the prior art. Those containers are typically made of flexible, yet resilient materials such as thermoplastics having a memory so that those materials will return to their original state shortly after release from a deformed state. The zippers may take many shapes and designs. Often, the zippers comprise one or more ribs which engage one or more corresponding grooves to form a re-closeable seal. Those earlier zippers are typically fastened or otherwise securely incorporated on opposing inner surfaces of the flexible containers.

By way of example, US patent No. 4,691 ,373 discloses a zipper strip with a pair of opposing re-sealable strip members. The two opposing strip members each have an adhesive backing covered by a removable sheet. The removable sheets are removed to expose the underlying adhesive, and thereafter attach the opposing strip members to opposing inner surfaces of a pre-existing flexible container.

US patent No. 6,575,625 discloses a removable, tamper proof member. For example, a tamper proof feature may be provided by an encapsulating shrink wrap member as further described in that earlier patent. The noted patent discloses a number of earlier zipper designs, all of which show conventional zipper closure elements (such as corresponding rib and groove elements) secured to the inner surfaces of flexible containers.

US patent No. 6,609,827 discloses a barrier provided on the interior surfaces of the container walls to inhibit leaks. This patent discloses various configurations of means for leakproofing a re-closeable seal in a flexible container. Many of these earlier zipper closures are susceptible to leakage at one or more locations along the zipper. Typically, the liquid contents of a container seep through a poorly sealed section of the zipper, even when the opposing members (such as rib and groove elements) are in the fully closed position. In many instances, liquid from the interior of the container escapes at or near the ends of the zipper elements. The ends of the zipper elements may not properly engage or reseat themselves when a user attempts to fully re- close the container.

Many conventional zipper closures are welded or crimped at or near their terminal ends. Such crimping or welding steps often distort the closure elements so that they will not completely engage to form a leakproof seal when the zipper closure is in the closed position.

In addition, as previously noted, conventional zipper elements are secured or otherwise incorporated on the inner surfaces of flexible containers. Whether those zipper elements are secured to the bag before or after the container is filled with the desired contents, the opposing zipper elements will become soiled or partially filled with the contents when a portion of the contents are emptied through the opened, zipper closure. When the user is ready to reseal the zipper, the zipper elements (such as the rib and groove elements) may be filled with liquid or fine particles originating from the contents of the container. Entrapped liquid may lead to a messy re-closing step especially if some of the entrapped liquid is expressed from the interior of the groove during re-closure. Trapped particles may make it difficult to reseal the zipper provided on the container. Similar problems may arise if pastes or other materials become trapped in the zipper elements, or in portions of the container adjacent to the zipper.

In addition, conventional zippers are provided in a fixed location, so that once the zipper is fixed to the container, the zipper cannot be relocated or repositioned along the container. For practical reasons, the zipper is secured adjacent the opening in the container, typically about 2 cm away from the edge of the opening. In some manufacturing processes for conventional containers, the excess band width of flexible material (measuring about 2 cm width) between the conventional zipper and opening is required so that the manufacturing equipment may grip and move the flexible material during manufacture. In some instances it may be desirable to reduce the amount of that excess material and thereby reduce manufacturing costs.

Conventional containers with zippers are typically provided with a secondary leakproof seal to prevent seepage of liquids, pastes and other flowable materials from within the filled container. That secondary seal is typically provided after the container has been filled with its intended contents, and the zipper has been fixed to the interior surfaces of the container. As noted above, in conventional zippered containers, the zippers may be added before or after the contents have been filled into the container. However, since the zipper elements are fixed to the interior surfaces of the container, the conventional zipper is typically put in place before the final, leakproof seal is formed, and before any tamperproof features are affixed to the container.

In some instances, conventional containers with internally mounted zippers may also suffer from other disadvantages. For example, seniors and small children may find it difficult to manipulate internally mounted zippers with small track features. It may be difficult for some persons to sense by touch whether the corresponding elements of the zipper tracks are fully engaged in the closed position, particularly where the track elements are small relative to the thickness of the flexible film used to manufacture the container. In other instances, the thickness, or opacity of the flexible film may limit the user's ability to see whether the track elements of the zipper are fully engaged in the closed position.

In some instances, certain other disadvantages arise. For example some conventional containers must be manufactured from materials that will not impart undesirable tastes, colors, smells, or contaminants to the intended contents of the packaging, such as foods, beverages or other dispensable materials. If there is a possibility of the interior mounted zipper elements coming into contact with those contents, it may be necessary to select higher cost materials, or choose materials with other limitations, or apply special protective coatings to the zipper elements when making a suitable conventional container. These concerns may arise at various times, including during the manufacturing and filling processes, and during consumer usage, such as cooking steps involving the use of sealed pouches filled with precooked or uncooked foods. Some conventional containers with internally mounted zippers may also suffer from other disadvantages apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. In some instances, it may be possible to overcome one or more of these disadvantages, or other disadvantages inherent in conventional container designs, by providing a zipper with elements to be positioned on the exterior of a flexible container, to close an opening in that flexible container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a zipper closure for a container, a container with a zipper closure, and a method of providing a re-closeable zipper closure for a container.

In one aspect the invention comprises a zipper that may be positioned on the exterior surfaces of two opposing walls of a container. The zipper comprises a rib which projects from a first zipper element. The first zipper element may be secured or otherwise positioned along an outside surface of a first wall of the container, preferably adjacent the intended opening of the container. A groove is formed on a second zipper element. The second zipper element may be secured or positioned along an outside surface of a second wall of the container. The first wall is opposite the second wall of the container. To seal the opening in the container, the rib pushes the two opposing walls of the container, which are positioned between the rib and the groove, so that the rib and the two walls of the container are pushed into the groove, locking the rib and two walls in a closed position. The two opposing walls are tightly pinched within the groove to form a seal. The user may release the rib from the groove so that the two walls of the container will also be released from the interior of the groove, to unlock the opening of the container. In other embodiments, the rib and groove may be adapted to receive more than two opposing walls, where a flexible container is configured to define more than two opposing walls when filled, such that the walls of the container may be folded and aligned, for engagement between the rib and groove features.

Where the zipper is fastened to one or more of the outside surfaces of the container, the zipper may be fastened to the container by thermal welding, adhesives, or other fastening means. It is preferred that the means of fastening the zipper to the container will permit a substantial portion of the underlying, opposing walls of the container to move relative to the rib and groove features defined by the first and second zipper elements. In some embodiments, one or other of the first and second zipper elements may be fixed to an outside wall of the container. The other zipper element may be separable from the fixed zipper element, and that separable zipper element may also be removable from the container.

Although the zipper may be secured to the outside walls of the container, in some aspects of the invention, the zipper may be a separate, removable piece which is movable relative to the outside walls of the container. For example, a zipper may be provided as a separate, removable closure feature that may be moved along the length of a container, or separated altogether from the container. A movable zipper will allow a user to selectively position the zipper along the length of the container, to adjust the sealable volume of the container, and for example, reduce the air space within the sealed container. Removable zippers may be particularly useful for closing or re-closing various containers, such as snack packaging, milk and beverage bags, and various other containers.

In some embodiments, the first and second zipper elements will be fixed relative to each other. In other embodiments, the first and second zipper elements will be separable. The separable first and second zipper elements may be reconnected to close or re-close the container.

Where the zipper is secured to the container, one or both zipper elements_, may be secured to the outside walls of the container. The zipper may be provided with an optional slider to engage and disengage the first and second zipper elements.

In another aspect of the invention, a container is provided with a zipper. In one embodiment, the zipper comprises first and second zipper elements which interlock to seal an opening in the container. The first and second zipper elements are positioned along opposing outside walls of the container, when the zipper is in place. The zipper may be fixed to the container, or the zipper may be fully or partially removable from the container. The first zipper element is a first strip comprising a rib projecting from one side of the first strip. The second zipper element is a second strip comprising a groove along one side of the second strip. The rib and groove are allowed to move relative to their corresponding adjacent outside walls of the container. That is, when the zipper is in the open position, the rib and groove allow the outside walls to adopt a relatively smooth profile, to inhibit retention of liquid or solid particles poured from, or into, the container.

In another aspect, the invention includes a method of providing a container with a re- closeable zipper, the zipper having a first zipper element defining a rib and a second zipper element defining a groove to receive the rib. The method includes the steps of: positioning the first zipper element adjacent an outside surface of a first wall of the container; and positioning the second zipper element adjacent an outside surface of a second wall of the container, the second wall opposing the first wall, and the rib being aligned to secure portions of the first and second walls within the groove.

The method may include one or more of the following optional steps: Securing one or both of the first and second zipper elements to the first and second walls of the container; Providing a slider for moving the first and second zipper elements between an open position and a closed position:

Moving the first and second zipper elements to the closed position after the container is filled with a vendable product;

Removably securing the first and second zipper elements to a neck defined by the first and second walls of the container;

Positioning the zipper elements over welded portions of the container walls, adjacent opposing edges of the container walls;

Positioning the zipper along the outside surfaces of the container for movement between first and second positions along a longitudinal axis defined by the container;

Securing the first zipper element to the second zipper element so that the opposing walls of the container are clamped between the first and second zipper elements;

Biasing the first and second zipper elements for movement between the open position and the closed position; and

Providing a tear away seal adjacent an opening defined by the first and second walls.

Many other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification herein, including the following detailed description and drawings of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1A is an end view of one embodiment of the invention comprising a recloseable zipper;

Figure 1 B is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 A; Figure 2A is an end view of the zipper of Figure 1A in partial engagement with two film layers of a recloseable container;

Figure 2B is a perspective view of the zipper and film layers depicted in Figure 2A;

Figure 3A is an end view of the zipper of Figure 2A in full engagement with the film layers;

Figure 3B is a perspective view of the fully engaged zipper and film layers depicted in Figure 3A;

Figure 4 is an end view of another embodiment of the invention, namely a double rib and double groove zipper construction;

Figure 5 is an end view of the embodiment of Figure 4 in which the zipper is engaged;

Figure 6 is a front view of another embodiment of the invention, comprising a zippered container with a slider;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention of Figure 6, showing the slider fully retracted, and the zipper in the disengaged position;

Figure 8 is an end view of yet another embodiment of the invention, comprising a hooded closure for a recloseable container;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an exploded view, in perspective, of a further embodiment of the invention, comprising a recloseable mouthpiece for a container; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a container suitable for use in combination with the mouthpiece depicted in Figure 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B show a preferred embodiment of the invention in which a track 10 is shown in various stages of engagement with a channel 20. In Figures 1A, 1 B, the channel 20 is configured with an elongated groove 22 extending along the length of flexible, yet resilient, channel 20. Channel 20 is preferably made of a flexibly resilient material, such as a thermoplastic material, having a memory so that the channel may be opened to receive rib 16 which projects upwardly from flange 12 of track 10. The rib 16 is contoured to snugly fit within groove 22, when film layers 1 ,2 are engaged between the channel 20 and track 10, when fully engaged as shown in Figures 3A, 3B.

Rib 16 of track 10 includes projections 11 , 13 extending outwardly from rib 16, adjacent to inwardly extending recesses 14, 15. Projections 11 , 13 of rib 16 are configured to lockably engage recesses 23, 24 on channel 20. Channel 20 includes inwardly projecting arms 27, 28 which are configured to engage recesses 14, 15 on rib 16.

As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, flexibly resilient channel 20 is positioned against the outside surface of film layer 2 of a container (not shown in full) so that the opening of groove 22 faces toward the film layer 2. Rib 16 of track 10 is positioned against film layer 1 of the container such that the rib 16 is aligned to enter groove 22. When track 10 and channel 20 are pushed together, channel 20 opens so that arms 27, 28 slide along the rounded top surface of rib 16, flexing outwardly, to allow rib 16 to enter groove 22, so as to securely clamp and close the opening between the two opposing film layers 1 ,2 of the resealable container.

With reference to Figures 4, 5, another embodiment of the present embodiment is shown in which the zipper comprises a track 30 which engages a channel 40.

Although film layers 1 , 2 are not shown herein, the two opposing film layers of a container (not shown) will be sandwiched between the track and the channel, when the zipper is engaged to close the opening in a container. The zipper of this embodiment, is configured to provide a double rib and double groove construction, to firmly secure the channel and track together, and thereby seal the container and its contents. More specifically, track 30 is an elongated flange member 39 having rib 35 extend from an inner surface, intended to be positioned so as to sandwich the film layers of a container between an adjacent corresponding inner surface of elongated channel 40. Elongated member 39 defines an inner surface 38 that may be secured to a portion of a first outer wall, namely, a film layer of the container. Cap 46 of channel 40 extends away from inner surface 48 and away from the outer surface of the corresponding film layer of the container (not shown).

In those embodiments where the track 30 is secured to the container, it is preferable that the corresponding film layer is not secured to the track 30 within the region of the rib 35. Rather, it is preferable that the film layer is left unsecured within that region, to allow the film layer to slide along and conform to the surface of rib 35 when the zipper is being closed on the container. Of course, in certain embodiments, it may not be desirable or necessary to secure the track or the channel components of the zipper to outer walls of the container.

Track 30 supports an arm 31 at one end. Arm 31 has a rounded projection 32 opposite a corresponding curved projection 34, both projections 32 and 34 being directed inwardly toward an interior groove 33. Rib 35 is contoured to provide a second, rounded projection 36 on an opposite side of rib 35, adjacent a recess 37. Rib 35 is shaped to engage a complimentary groove 45 within channel 40. Groove 45 is contoured to form opposing recesses 47, 43 to receive corresponding projections 36, 34 of rib 35. The opening to groove 45 is defined by ridge 42 and an opposing rounded, second rib 44. Rib 44 is configured to engage groove 33 of track 30. The rib 44 defines a gently curved depression 41 to receive projection 32 of track 30. Track 30 defines an inner surface 48 along elongated flange 49. A portion of the inner surface 48 may be secured to a second outer wall of the container. However, where the channel 40 is secured to an outer wall of the container, it is preferable that the film layer will not be secured across the region of the groove 45. Rather, it is preferable that the film layer will be left unsecured within that region of the groove 45 so that the film layer may slide along the interior surface of the groove 45 when the zipper is being opened and closed. Where one or both of the track and channel components are secured to the container, conventional techniques may be employed to do so, such as for example, by applying adhesive, or welding the zipper components to the outer walls of the container. Skilled persons in the art will appreciate that other techniques may also be used to secure the zipper components to the container, if that is desired.

As shown in Figure 5, when the zipper is engaged, a clearance is provided between the adjacent surfaces of the track 30 and channel 40 to accommodate the film layers of the outer walls of the container within that clearance space. The ribs 35, 44 and grooves 33, 45 are preferably contoured so that the zipper components will snap into a locked position when the zipper is closed.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an open container 50 having a slider 52 which travels along the length of the zipper components, track 10 and channel 20, to selectively close and reopen the container, as desired by the user. The slider 52 is shown in the retracted, open position, over a weld 4 which defines a permanently sealed region of the container, adjacent the resealable opening 5 of the container 50. The opening 5 in the container extends between weld 4 and a second weld 3 provided at the opposite end of the zipper. The welds 3, 4 may be provided to ensure that the outer walls of the container do not bulge or extend outwardly beyond the terminal ends of the zipper, when the zipper is fully engaged, in the closed position. In this embodiment, the zipper extends over the welds 3, 4 and is designed to secure the welded zones of the container walls within the space provided between the track and the channel components of the zipper. Where it is appropriate to do so, the components of the zipper may be designed to overlap portions of the welded zones of the container walls. In either case, such embodiments may be manufactured such that welding of the container walls will not interfere with the proper sealing of the zipper components, since the zipper may be placed over the welds, or portions of the welded areas, to seal the container opening, without leaving gaps near the welded edges. In comparison, conventional zippers are secured to the inside surfaces of conventional bags in a manner that often creates gaps between the terminal ends of the conventional zipper and welds on the conventional bag located adjacent those terminal ends. Those gaps in conventional bags often lead to leakage and spoilage problems due to infiltration of air or contaminants. The welds may be used to provide an effective resealable zone between the terminal ends of the zipper. It will be appreciated that such welds may be provided in some instances where a tight, leak proof seal is required. However, in other instances, a leak proof seal may not be necessary and so, such welds may be omitted.

Furthermore, the welds 3, 4 may be dimensioned so that the total thickness of the welded layers of container walls will be the same as the total thickness of the opposing container walls that are received within the clearance between the track and channel components of the zipper. This may be particularly important where the side edges of the container are intended to be folded inwardly along the sides of the container.

In some instances, the welds may be formed by thermal welding equipment. In other instances, the walls of the container may be laminated together by applying adhesive in localized areas between the walls of the container. The walls may be laminated together in other ways known in the art. For convenience, all of these joints between overlapping container walls shall be referred to as welds.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a hooded zipper 60 which may be positioned over the opening 5' of a container 51. The hooded zipper 60 comprises a web 65 which extends between track 10 and channel 20. The track

10 and channel 20 are secured to the inner surface of the web 65, between terminal edges 61 , 63 of the hooded zipper 60. When the zipper is closed, the track and channel firmly grip walls 1 , 2 of the container within the groove of the hooded zipper. Terminal edges 61 , 63 may also include finger grips to allow a user to firmly grip the edges of the hooded zipper, especially when the user wishes to open the zipper by separating the track and channel components.

Figures 10 and 11 show a preferred embodiment with a resealable spout which includes opposing collar pieces 71 , 81. Collar piece 71 includes an inwardly curved mouth piece 73, to be positioned opposite a matching, inwardly curved mouth piece 83 provided on collar piece 81. Track 80 is an integral part of collar piece 81. Rib 86 is positioned opposite groove 72 defined by channel 70 on collar piece 71. An optional grip 74 may be provided to enhance the user's ability to grasp the collar piece when engaging and disengaging the opposing collar pieces 71 , 81. A second grip (not shown) may also be provided for enhanced user convenience and ease of operation. The opposing inner surfaces 85, 75 of collar pieces 81 , 71 are secured to opposing side walls of a hollow neck 56 of a container 55. Neck 56 extends away from shoulders 53, 54 of container 55, toward a removable seal 59 provided with the filled container. Removable seal 59 extends along a reinforced, terminal zone of the neck, between notches 57, 58. Notches 57, 58 are provided to define a tear zone, to make it easier to tear away the removable seal 59 from the neck and thereby allow access to the contents of the container, through the hollow neck when the collar pieces 71 , 81 are disengaged and the hollow neck is in the open position. It will be appreciated that in certain preferred embodiments, the zipper of this embodiment will be relatively rigid, to provide a firm spout for the container. The opposing collar pieces 71 , 81 may be flexible and yet resilient enough to allow the gently curved rib 86 to snap into place, within curved groove 72. Although the rib 86 and groove 72 may be curved away from each other when the spout is in the open position, the collar pieces 71 , 81 will snap together, in a fully engaged position, when the spout is closed. The collar pieces may be biased for movement between corresponding open and closed positions of the spout. For example, the collar pieces may be impressed with a memory so that the collar pieces will be biased for movement between the open and closed positions. The spout may also be designed to emit audible signals when the spout moves between the. open and closed positions. The walls of the neck will be firmly sandwiched between the track and channel components of the zipper to form a tight seal when the zipper is closed. When the spout is opened, the collar pieces 71 , 81 will bulge apart to separate the wails of the hollow neck 56 of the container 55.

In some instances, the spout may be provided to allow a user to drink directly from the container. However, other variations and uses are possible and the spout may be configured in other ways to dispense some or all of the contents of a suitable container and thereafter reseal the neck of the container.

The present invention has been described with reference to several embodiments. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes, variations, and modifications may be adopted to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those other embodiments, including those changes, variations or modifications, are intended to come within the scope of the claimed invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A zipper for a container comprising a first flexible wall opposing a second flexible wall, the walls defining an opening opposite a closed end of the container, the zipper comprising: a first zipper element defining a rib to be positioned intermediate the opening and the closed end to engage portions of the first and second walls in a groove defined by a second zipper element opposite the first zipper element.

2. The zipper claimed in claim 1 wherein the first zipper element defines an inner surface that is securable to the first wall.

3. The zipper claimed in claim 2 wherein the second zipper element defines an inner surface that is securable to the second wall.

4. The zipper claimed in claim 3, the first zipper element comprising: a first collar securable to a first wall of a hollow neck defined by the container; and a second collar securable to an opposing second wall of the hollow neck, the first and second collars defining a resealable spout.

5. The zipper claimed in claim 4, the first and second collars are biased for operative movement between a closed position and an open position.

6. The zipper claimed in claim 3, comprising a second rib on the second zipper element, and the first zipper element defining a second groove, the second rib engaging the second groove when the zipper is in a closed position.

7. The zipper claimed in claim 1 , comprising a web between the first and second zipper elements, the web extending over the opening of the container when the rib engages said portions of the first and second walls in the groove.

8. A container comprising: a first flexible wall opposing a second flexible wall, the walls defining an opening opposite a closed end of the container; and a zipper comprising a first zipper element defining a rib to be positioned intermediate the opening and the closed end to engage portions of the first and second walls in a groove defined by a second zipper element opposite the first zipper element.

9. The container claimed in claim 8, wherein the first zipper element is secured to an outside surface of the first wall, and the second zipper element is secured to an outside surface of the second wall.

10. The container claimed in claim 9, the container comprising first and second welds adjacent opposite sides of the container, and the zipper engaging the first and second welds when the zipper is in a closed position.

11. The container claimed in claim 9, wherein the opening is defined at a distal end of an elongated neck extending from convergent shoulders defined by the first and second walls.

12. The container claimed in claim 11 , wherein the rib extends from an inner surface of a first collar toward the groove, the groove being defined by an opposing inner surface of a second collar, the first and second collars being secured to opposing outer surfaces of the neck and forming a resealable spout when the zipper is in an open position.

13. The container claimed in claim 12, the neck comprising a tear away seal at the distal end.

14. The container claimed in claim 12 wherein the spout is biased for movement between the open position and a closed position.

15. The container claimed in claim 14, wherein the spout emits an audible signal during movement between the open position and the closed position.

16. A method of providing a container with a re-closeable zipper, the zipper comprising a first zipper element defining a rib and a second zipper element defining a groove to receive the rib, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the first zipper element adjacent an outside surface of a first wall of the container; and positioning the second zipper element adjacent an outside surface of a second wall of the container, the second wall opposing the first wall, and the rib being aligned to releasably seal portions of the first and second walls in the groove.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first and second zipper elements operate between open and closed positions, further comprising one or more of the following steps:

Securing one or both of the first and second zipper elements to the first and second walls of the container;

Providing a slider for moving the first and second zipper elements between an open position and a closed position:

Removably securing the first and second zipper elements to a neck defined by the first and second walls of the container; Positioning the zipper elements over welded portions of the container walls, adjacent opposing edges of the container walls;

Positioning the zipper along the outside surfaces of the container for movement between first and second positions along a longitudinal axis defined by the container; Securing the first zipper element to the second zipper element so that the opposing walls of the container are clamped between the first and second zipper elements;

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the container emits an audible signal when the first and second zipper element move between an open position and a closed position.

19. The method of claim 16 comprising the step of providing a web between the first and second zipper elements.