WO2000067605A1 - Tamper-evident slider bag - Google Patents

Tamper-evident slider bag Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000067605A1
WO2000067605A1 PCT/US1999/014980 US9914980W WO0067605A1 WO 2000067605 A1 WO2000067605 A1 WO 2000067605A1 US 9914980 W US9914980 W US 9914980W WO 0067605 A1 WO0067605 A1 WO 0067605A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
slider
bag
zipper
closed position
tamper
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/014980
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Craig E. Cappel
Venon C. Catchman
David V. Dobreski
David J. Thomas
Toby R. Thomas
Michael W. Mcmanus
Original Assignee
Pactiv Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pactiv Corporation filed Critical Pactiv Corporation
Priority to JP2000616645A priority Critical patent/JP5114761B2/en
Priority to CA002337127A priority patent/CA2337127C/en
Priority to EP99932168A priority patent/EP1096868B1/en
Priority to AU48531/99A priority patent/AU4853199A/en
Priority to DE69929205T priority patent/DE69929205T2/en
Priority to AT99932168T priority patent/ATE313979T1/en
Priority to KR1020017000394A priority patent/KR20010053472A/en
Publication of WO2000067605A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000067605A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44BBUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/24Details
    • A44B19/26Sliders
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/06Handles
    • B65D33/065Integral handles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/16End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
    • B65D33/25Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
    • B65D33/2508Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
    • B65D33/2516Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor comprising tamper-indicating means, e.g. located within the fastener
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44BBUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
    • A44B19/00Slide fasteners
    • A44B19/24Details
    • A44B19/26Sliders
    • A44B19/267Sliders for slide fasteners with edges of stringers having uniform section throughout the length thereof
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/25Zipper or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/2511Zipper or required component thereof with distinct, stationary means for anchoring slider
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/25Zipper or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/2516Zipper or required component thereof with distinct separable-fastener
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/25Zipper or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/2518Zipper or required component thereof having coiled or bent continuous wire interlocking surface
    • Y10T24/2527Attached by stitching
    • Y10T24/2529String or stringer tape having distinctive property [e.g., heat sensitive]
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/25Zipper or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/2532Zipper or required component thereof having interlocking surface with continuous cross section
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/25Zipper or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/2532Zipper or required component thereof having interlocking surface with continuous cross section
    • Y10T24/2534Opposed interlocking surface having dissimilar cross section
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/25Zipper or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/2561Slider having specific configuration, construction, adaptation, or material
    • Y10T24/2586Slider having specific configuration, construction, adaptation, or material including pull tab attaching means
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/25Zipper or required component thereof
    • Y10T24/2593Zipper or required component thereof including complementary, aligning means attached to ends of interlocking surfaces
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45152Each mating member having similarly shaped, sized, and operated interlocking or intermeshable face
    • Y10T24/45183Clasp [e.g., spring type]

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to reclosable plastic bags and, more particularly, relates to a reclosable plastic bag having a tamper-evident feature.
  • the plastic bag has a zipper opened and closed using a slider mounted to the zipper, and the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider at a closed position on the zipper and allows the slider to move away from the closed position to an open position on the zipper in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.
  • the tamper-evident feature initially maintains a mouth portion of the plastic bag in a folded position and allows the mouth portion to be unfolded in response to removing or breaking the tamper- evident feature.
  • Reclosable slider bags of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,067,208 include a zipper that is opened and closed by movement of a slider mounted to the zipper. Due to the ease of operating the slider, such slider bags have increased in popularity over the last few years.
  • the primary market for slider bags has been consumers who purchase a package of empty slider bags and then fill the slider bags with products at home.
  • product manufacturers have become interested in packaging their food and nonfood products in slider bags for sale to consumers.
  • the slider bags are a great convenience to the consumer who purchases these product-filled bags especially for products of the type where only a portion of the product is used at any given time.
  • the product applications for which slider bags may be useful are virtually unlimited.
  • the consumer may initially open the slider bag, use a portion of the product, and then easily reclose the slider bag. Due to the ease of using the slider bag, the slider bag is typically preferred over one-time openable bags, which are significantly more difficult to open and reclose.
  • the consumer may need to tear the bag open and may require a scissors or other tool to facilitate the opening process; to reclose the bag, the consumer typically must roll the top of the bag closed and may require an extra fastening mechanism such as a clip, tie, or tape to maintain the bag in the closed position.
  • a problem with plastic slider bags is that if such bags are to be prepackaged with a food or non-food product and then sold in a store, the contents of the plastic bags can easily be tampered with prior to purchase by the consumer.
  • slider bags have been provided with tamper-evident features of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,669,715; 5,713,669; and 5,775,812. While such tamper-evident features are capable of providing tamper evidence upon opening the bag, bag manufacturers such as the assignee of the foregoing patents are continually striving to develop new bag features for improving the functionality of their bags.
  • the present invention provides a plastic bag comprising first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides.
  • the bag is provided with a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag.
  • the zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider.
  • the slider is slidably mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position.
  • the bag optionally includes end terminations at opposite ends of the zipper to prevent the slider from going past the ends of the zipper.
  • the bag includes a tamper-evident feature.
  • the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper- evident feature.
  • the tamper-evident feature may take a variety of forms including for example: a removable cardboard, paper, or plastic member covering or adjacent to the slider in the closed position and adhered, stapled, friction fit, or connected in some other way to the bag to hold the member in place; a removable flexible member extending through a hole in the slider or through a hole in the zipper adjacent to the slider in the closed position; a removable stepped retaining element removably attached to one of the bag body panels near the closed position of the slider such that a shoulder of the slider is initially engaged to the stepped element and is disengaged therefrom upon removal of the stepped element; a latch connected to the end termination and releasably engaged to the slider in the closed position; a latch connected to the slider and releasably engaged to the end termination when the slider is in the closed position; and a removable U-shaped element extending through slots in the slider in the closed position and dug into the zipper.
  • the tamper-evident features noted above initially maintain the slider in the closed position. Therefore, prior to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature, it is difficult to gain access to the interior of the bag because, in the absence of graspable upper flanges, the zipper is difficult to grasp and open by hand without the use of the slider. After the tamper-evident feature is removed or broken, the slider may be used to open the zipper and access the contents of the bag. In another set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the mouth portion of the plastic bag in a folded position and allows the mouth portion to be unfolded in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.
  • the tamper-evident feature can be employed with both slider and sliderless bags and may take a variety of forms including for example: spot seals detachably sealing the sides of the folded mouth portion to the sides of the bag; spot seals detachably sealing the inner panel of the folded mouth portion to the adjacent bag panel; a removable flexible member passing through both the folded mouth portion and the adjacent unfolded portion of the bag; one or more stickers (adhesive strips) attaching the folded mouth portion to the adjacent unfolded portion of the bag; and combinations of the foregoing.
  • the flexible member or sticker may be strategically positioned to perform the dual function of maintaining the mouth portion in the folded position and preventing the slider from being moved away from the closed position until the flexible member or sticker is removed from the bag.
  • the tamper evident features of the present invention effectively inhibit tampering with contents of the bag to a degree that is especially useful for non-food and some food applications, where tamper-proof packaging is not required but tamper-resistant packaging is nonetheless desirable.
  • FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a reclosable plastic slider bag having a slider mounted to a zipper in a closed position
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a mouth portion of the slider bag showing the slider moved away from the closed position so that the zipper is partially opened
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 in FIG. 1
  • FIG. 4a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a removable adhesive label
  • FIG. 4b is an enlarged isometric view of the slider bag showing the adhesive label in the process of being removed from the bag;
  • FIG. 4c is a sectional view taken generally along line 4c-4c in FIG. 4a
  • FIG. 4d is a sectional view taken generally along line 4d-4d in FIG. 4b
  • FIG. 5 a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a flexible member, such as a price tag pin, extending through a hole in the slider;
  • FIG. 5b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the flexible member in the process of being cut away from the slider;
  • FIG. 5c is a sectional view taken generally along line 5c-5c in FIG. 5a;
  • FIG. 5d is a sectional view taken generally along line 5d-5d in FIG. 5b;
  • FIG. 6a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of flexible member, such as a price tag pin, extending through a hole in the zipper adjacent to the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 6b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the flexible member in the process of being cut away from the zipper;
  • FIG. 6c is a sectional view taken generally along line 6c-6c in FIG. 6a
  • FIG. 6d is a sectional view taken generally along line 6d-6d in FIG. 6b
  • FIG. 7a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a stepped retaining element attached to one of the bag body panels and engaging a shoulder of the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 7b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the stepped retaining element in the process of being detached from the bag body panel and disengaged from the slider;
  • FIG. 7c is a sectional view taken generally along line 7c-7c in FIG. 7a;
  • FIG. 7d is a sectional view taken generally along line 7d-7d in FIG. 7b;
  • FIG. 7e is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a stepped retaining element integrally formed with a slider end stop and engaging a shoulder of the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 7f is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the stepped retaining element in the process of being detached from the slider end stop and disengaged from the slider;
  • FIG. 7g is a sectional view taken generally along line 7g-7g in FIG. 7e;
  • FIG. 7h is a sectional view taken generally along line 7h-7h in FIG. 7f;
  • FIG. 8a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of shrink wrap encapsulating the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 8b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the shrink wrap in the process of being removed from the bag;
  • FIG. 8c is a sectional view taken generally along line 8c-8c in FIG. 8a;
  • FIG. 8d is a sectional view taken generally along line 8d-8d in FIG. 8b;
  • FIG. 9a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a plastic sleeve covering at least a portion of the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 9b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the plastic sleeve in the process of being removed from the bag;
  • FIG. 9c is a sectional view taken generally along line 9c-9c in FIG. 9a;
  • FIG. 9d is a sectional view taken generally along line 9d-9d in FIG. 9b;
  • FIG. 10a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of an extruded friction fit plastic sleeve located adjacent to the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 10b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the plastic sleeve in the process of being removed from the bag;
  • FIG. 10c is a sectional view taken generally along line 10c- 10c in FIG. 10a;
  • FIG. lOd is a sectional view taken generally along line lOd-lOd in FIG. 10b;
  • FIG. 11a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a cardboard, paper, plastic, or foil strip stapled to the bag adjacent to the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 1 lb is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the stapled strip in the process of being removed from the bag;
  • FIG. 1 lc is a sectional view taken generally along line 1 lc-1 lc in FIG. 11a;
  • FIG. 1 Id is a sectional view taken generally along line 1 ld-1 Id in FIG. l ib;
  • FIG. 12a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a plastic tab located adjacent to the slider in the closed position, and including a pair of tab panels detachably connected to and extending upward from respective bag body panels and attached to each other above the zipper;
  • FIG. 12b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the plastic tab in the process of being removed from the bag;
  • FIG. 12c is a sectional view taken generally along line 12c- 12c in FIG. 12a;
  • FIG. 12d is a sectional view taken generally along line 12d-12d in FIG. 12b;
  • FIG. 13a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a latch extending from a slider end stop and releasably engaged to the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 13b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the latch in the process of being disengaged from the slider;
  • FIG. 13c is a sectional view taken generally along line 13c-13c in FIG. 13a;
  • FIG. 13d is a sectional view taken generally along line 13d-13d in FIG. 13b;
  • FIG. 14a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a latch extending from a slider end stop and engaged to the slider in the closed position;
  • FIG. 14b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the latch in the process of being broken to release the slider from the end stop;
  • FIG. 14c is a sectional view taken generally along line 14c- 14c in FIG. 14a;
  • FIG. 14d is a sectional view taken generally along line 14d-14d in FIG. 14b;
  • FIG. 15a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a latch extending from the slider in the closed position and engaged to the slider end stop;
  • FIG. 15b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the latch in the process of being broken to release the slider from the end stop;
  • FIG. 15c is a sectional view taken generally along line 15c- 15c in FIG. 15a;
  • FIG. 15d is a sectional view taken generally along line 15d-15d in FIG. 15b;
  • FIG. 16a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a U-shaped element extending through slots in the slider in the closed position and dug into the zipper;
  • FIG. 16b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the U-shaped element in the process of being disengaged from the zipper and removed from the slider;
  • FIG. 16c is a sectional view taken generally along line 16c- 16c in FIG. 16a;
  • FIG. 16d is a sectional view taken generally along line 16d-16d in FIG. 16b;
  • FIG. 17a is an isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion of the bag and detachably connecting the folded-over mouth portion to the sides of the bag;
  • FIG. 17b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing one of the side seals attaching the folded-over mouth portion to the sides of the bag;
  • FIG. 17c is a partial isometric view of the slider bag after the side seals have been broken to allow the mouth portion to be unfolded;
  • FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion of the bag and securing the folded-over mouth portion with a price tag pin and a side seal;
  • FIG. 19a is an isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion of the bag and detachably sealing the inner panel of the folded-over mouth portion to the adjacent bag panel;
  • FIG. 19b is a section view taken generally along line 19b- 19b in FIG. 19a;
  • FIG. 20a is an isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion of the bag and securing the folded-over mouth portion with partially removable stickers;
  • FIG. 20b is an isometric view of the slider bag in FIG. 20a after the stickers have been partially removed to allow the mouth portion to be unfolded.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a reclosable plastic slider bag 10 comprising first and second opposing body panels 12 and 14 fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides 16 and 18 and a bottom 20 bridging the pair of sides 16 and 18.
  • the bag is provided with a reclosable zipper 22 extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the closed bottom 20 of the plastic bag.
  • the zipper 22 includes a male track and a female track.
  • the male track includes a male profile 24 and a first depending fin or flange 26 extending downward from the male profile 24.
  • the female track includes a female profile 28 and a second depending fin or flange 30 extending downward from the female profile 28.
  • the first and second fins 26 and 30 are thermally fused to inner surfaces of the respective first and second body panels 12 and 14.
  • the zipper 22 may be extruded with the body panels 12 and 14 such that the first fin 26 is integrally formed with the first body panel 12 and the second fin 30 is integrally formed with the second body panel 14.
  • the first and second fins 26 and 30 may be joined to each other at their lowermost ends along a line of weakness to effectively create a single tamper-evident continuous fin. If the fins are joined to each other, they must be separated from each other along the line of weakness in order to gain access to the contents of the bag. Further information concerning the joined fins may be obtained from U.S. application Serial No. 08/950,535 filed October 15, 1997 and entitled "Reclosable Fastener Strip With Tamper Evident Feature,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • a slider 32 is slidably mounted to the zipper 22 for movement between a closed position and an open position.
  • the male and female profiles 24 and 28 are interlocked with each other. Movement of the slider 32 from the closed position in FIG. 1 toward the open position (see FIG. 2) disengages the male and female profiles 24 and 28 from each other and allows a user to gain access to the interior of the plastic bag.
  • the zipper 22 is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges extending upward from the profiles 24 and 28 in order to facilitate mounting and movement of the slider 32 along the zipper 22. Also, the absence of such upper pull flanges inhibits a user from opening and closing the zipper 22 without the use of the slider 32.
  • Each end clamp 34 includes a strap member that wraps over the top of the zipper 22.
  • one end of the strap is provided with a rivet-like member that is adapted to penetrate through the bag material and into a cooperating opening at the other end of the strap.
  • the end clamps 34 perform the dual function of stops for the ends of the zipper 22 to prevent the slider 32 from going past the end of the zipper 22 and, in addition, they hold the male and female profiles 24 and 28 together to resist stresses applied to the profiles during normal use of the plastic bag. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the slider 32 and the end clamps 34 may be obtained from U.S. Patent No. 5,067,208 to Herrington, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • the end terminations 34 are merely illustrative and may take other forms known in the art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,482,375; 5,448,807; 5,442,837; 5,405,478; 5,161,286; 5,131,121; and 5,088,971 and in U.S. application Serial No. 08/698,923 filed August 16, 1996 and entitled "End Posts for Plastic Zipper," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • the bag includes a tamper- evident feature. In one set of embodiments depicted in FIGS.
  • the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider 32 in the closed position (FIG. 1) and allows the slider 32 to move away from the closed position toward the open position (see FIG. 2) in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.
  • the tamper- evident feature Prior to removing or breaking the tamper evident feature, it is difficult to gain access to the interior of the bag because, in the absence of graspable upper flanges, the zipper 22 is difficult to grasp and open by hand without the use of the slider 32.
  • the tamper- evident feature may take a variety forms which are discussed below in connection with FIGS. 4a-d through 16a-d.
  • FIGS. 4a-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a partially removable adhesive label 40 adjacent to the narrow closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position on the zipper 22.
  • Opposing end sections 40a and 40b of the label 40 are permanently adhered to outer surfaces of the opposing bag body panels 12 and 14, while a middle portion 40c of the label 40 is detachably connected to these end sections 40a and 40b along respective perforation lines.
  • One or both ends of each perforation line may be provided with a notch to help initiate tearing along the perforation line.
  • the middle portion 40c is either not adhered to the bag or is peelably adhered to the bag.
  • the label 40 Prior to removal, the label 40 extends over the zipper 22 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4c so as to obstruct movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position. To allow movement of the slider 32 and thereby gain access to the interior of the bag, a user grasps the portion 40c of the label 40 extending over the zipper 22 and detaches this portion 40c from the end sections
  • FIGS. 5a-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a flexible member, such as a conventional plastic price tag pin 50, extending through a hole 52 in the slider 32 and through the zipper 22 when the slider 32 is in the closed position on the zipper 22.
  • the price tag pin 50 includes a pair of stops 54 and 56 at its opposing ends to keep the pin 50 in place.
  • the price tag pin 50 may alternatively be anchored to the zipper 22 adjacent to the closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position on the zipper 22.
  • the zipper 22 includes the profiles 24 and 28 and the fins 26 and 30 extending downward from the respective profiles 24 and 28.
  • the price tag pin 50 may extend through a hole in either the profiles 24 and 28 (not shown) or the fins 26 and 30 as shown in FIG. 6c.
  • the pin 50 may extend through both the fins and the opposing body panels (as shown) or just the fins. Prior to removal of the pin 50, the pin 50 blocks movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position.
  • a tamper-evident feature in the form of a removable stepped retaining element 70 removably attached to the bag body panel 12 just below the zipper 22 at the closed position of the slider.
  • the stepped element 70 may be attached to the bag body panel 12 by a peel seal or other weak adhesive that allows the stepped element 70 to be peeled or pried away as shown in FIGS. 7b and 7d.
  • the stepped element 70 forms one or more steps 72 having respective sloped surfaces.
  • the sloped surfaces of the respective steps 72 may be inclined such that each step 72 gradually increases in thickness in a direction approaching the end stop
  • the slider 32 To engage one of the steps 72, the slider 32 includes at least one inwardly extending shoulder 73 that is contoured to form a protrusion or bump 74.
  • the protrusion 74 may be located anywhere along the shoulder 73. Further details concerning the contoured shoulder 73 may be obtained from U.S. application Serial No. 08/938,047 filed April 26, 1997, entitled "High-Strength Slider for a Reclosable
  • the stepped element 70 is preferably first adhered to the bag body panel 12. Subsequently, the slider 32 may be engaged to the stepped element 70 using a couple techniques. In one technique, if the slider 32 is of the wing-lock type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,067,208, the slider 32 may be installed on the zipper 22 at a location immediately above the stepped element 70.
  • the wing-lock slider 32 includes a pair of hinged wings 78 and 79 that, prior to installing the slider 32 on the zipper 22, are spread away from each other in an open position (not shown). The wing 78 forms the shoulder 73 having the protrusion 74.
  • the slider 32 is initially mounted to the zipper 22 above the stopped element with the wings 78 and 79 in the open or spread position, and then the wings 78 and 79 are rotated downward and latched in a closed position depicted in FIGS. 7a-d. As the wings 78 and 79 are latched in the closed position, the protrusion 74 engages the edge 76 of one of the steps 72.
  • the slider 32 is installed on the zipper 22 at a location away from the stepped element 70. The slider 32 is then moved along the zipper 22 to the closed position. When approaching the closed position, the slider shoulder 73 is forced over the stepped element 70 until the protrusion 74 engages the edge 76 of one of the steps 72.
  • a user grasps a tab 71 of the stepped element 70 and peels or pries the stepped element 70 away from the bag body panel 12 as shown in FIGS. 7b and 7d.
  • a breakaway stepped element 70' is integrally formed with the end stop 34 and is detachably connected to the end stop 34 along a weakened area of connection 75 (FIG. 7e).
  • the slider 32 is forced away from the closed position as shown in FIG. 7f to break the weakened connection 75.
  • the detached stepped element 70' is then removed from beneath the slider 32.
  • a pull tab akin to the tab 71 in FIGS. 7a-d may be provided.
  • the stepped element 70' may alternatively be provided with a pull tab that is grasped and pulled by a user to first rupture the weakened connection 75 and then remove the detached stepped element 70' from beneath the slider 32.
  • FIGS. 8a-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of removable plastic shrink wrap 80 encapsulating the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position.
  • the shrink wrap 80 is adhered or thermally fused to the bag body panels 12 and 14.
  • the shrink wrap 80 may additionally encapsulate the end stop 34, in which case the shrink wrap 80 may only need to be attached to itself and not to the body panels in order to be held in place.
  • the shrink wrap may be shrunk over the zipper 22 in front of the slider 32.
  • the shrink wrap 80 is torn or peeled away from the bag as shown in FIGS. 8b and 8d.
  • the shrink wrap 80 may be notched or perforated to facilitate its removal. Such perforations could be located along the top or sides of the shrink wrap 80 depending upon the manner in which it is desired that the shrink wrap 80 be torn away. It is contemplated that a portion of the shrink wrap 80 could remain attached to the bag body panels 12 and 14 for tamper evidence after most of the shrink wrap 80 is torn away, so long as the remaining portion does not interfere with the movement of the slider 32.
  • FIGS. 9a-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a rigid or flexible plastic sleeve 90 partially covering the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position.
  • the sleeve 90 may be increased in length to cover the entire slider 32.
  • the sleeve 90 is either adhered or thermally fused to one or both of the bag body panels 12 and 14 as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9c or attached to the end stop 34 (not shown).
  • the plastic sleeve 90 is torn or peeled away from the bag as shown in FIGS. 9b and 9d. Referring to FIGS.
  • a plastic sleeve 100 is mounted over the zipper 22 adjacent to the closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider is in the closed position.
  • the sleeve 100 may be adhered or thermally fused to the bag body panels 12 and 14 and, additionally or alternatively, may be releasably connected to the zipper 22 by a friction fit.
  • the sleeve 100 may extend along only a short portion of the length of the zipper 22 as shown, or may extend along substantially the entire length of the zipper 22 less the region of the zipper 22 occupied by the slider 32.
  • the sleeve 100 is preferably extruded to have an inner profile conforming to an outer profile of the zipper 22 as shown in FIG. 10c.
  • the sleeve 100 obstructs movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position.
  • the sleeve 100 is pried off the zipper 22 either by pulling the entire sleeve 100 upward off the zipper 22 (not shown) or, if the sleeve 100 is sufficiently flexible, by releasing and lifting one side of the sleeve 100 as shown in FIGS. 10b and lOd.
  • FIGS. 1 la-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a cardboard, paper, plastic, or foil strip 110 wrapped over the zipper 22 at a location adjacent to the closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position.
  • the strip 110 is stapled to the bag body panels 12 and 14. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from its closed position, the staple is removed from the strip 110 which is, in turn, removed from the bag.
  • FIGS. 12a-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a plastic tab 120 located adjacent to the closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider is in the closed position.
  • the plastic tab 120 includes a pair of tab panels 120a and 120b (FIG. 12c) integrally formed with the respective bag body panels 12 and 14 and detachable therefrom along lines of weakness 122 (FIG. 12a).
  • the lines of weakness may be perforations, scores, thinned areas, or the like.
  • the tab panels 120a and 120b extend upwardly above the zipper 22 and are adhered or thermally fused to each other above the zipper 22. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from its closed position, the tab panels 120a and 120b are grasped and pulled in a generally upward direction until they are broken away from the bag body panels 12 and 14 along the lines of weakness 122 as shown in FIGS. 12b and 12d. It is contemplated that a single tab panel maybe used in place of the pair of tab panels 120a and 120b.
  • FIGS. 13a-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a latch 130 extending from the end stop 34 and releasably engaged to the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position.
  • the illustrated latch 130 is connected to the end stop 34 along a one-time breakable hinge that biases the latch 130 toward the position depicted in FIG. 13a.
  • the latch 130 may extend along the side of the slider 32 as shown or, alternatively, may extend along the top wall of the slider 32.
  • the latch 130 is shaped to extend about the exterior of the slider 32 and forms a distal hook 132 that engages the closing end 32a of the slider 32.
  • the slider 32 may be modified to include a protruding tab, and the latch
  • FIGS. 14a-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of an arrow-shaped latch 140 extending from the slider end stop 34 and engaged to the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position.
  • the latch 140 is integrally formed with the end stop 34, and the slider 32 is initially injection molded with an elongated cavity 142 having a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the latch 140.
  • the transverse dimension of the cavity is slightly greater than the transverse dimension of the latch 140.
  • the slider 32 is moved to the closed position such that the latch 140 is inserted into the cavity 142 and the barb-like head 144 of the latch 140 snappingly engages a shoulder 146 deep within the cavity 142.
  • the latch head 144 is sufficiently flexible to allow the latch 140 to be inserted in the cavity 142 and, yet, its barb-like shape prevents the latch 140 from subsequently being extracted from the cavity 142.
  • the installed latch 140 is depicted in FIGS. 14a and 14c.
  • the slider 32 is simply grasped and moved away from the closed position with sufficient force to break the latch 140 away from the end stop 34 as shown in FIGS. 14b and 14d.
  • the latch 140 remains captured within the cavity 142 of the slider 32.
  • an arrow-shaped latch 150 may alternatively extend from the slider 32 and be engaged to the end stop 34.
  • the latch 150 is inserted into a cavity 152 within the end stop 34 and snappingly engaged to a shoulder 154 within the cavity 152.
  • the latch 150 is broken away from the slider 32 and remains captured within the cavity 152 as shown in FIGS. 15b and 15d.
  • FIGS. 16a-d there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a U-shaped rigid or semi-rigid retaining element 160 extending through slots 162 in the slider 32 and dug into the zipper 22 (see FIG. 16c) when the slider 32 is in the closed position.
  • the U-shaped element 160 may be composed of metal or plastic.
  • the slider 32 includes a transverse member 163 and a pair of side walls 164 and 165 extending downward from opposing longitudinal sides of the transverse member 163.
  • the transverse member 163 rides along the upper portion of the zipper 22.
  • the side wall 164 includes a leg 166 and a hinged wing 167.
  • the wing 167 encompasses and is latched to the leg 166.
  • the side wall 165 includes a leg and a hinged wing akin to the respective leg 166 and wing 167 of the side wall 164.
  • the slots 162 are formed by a small gap separating the wing 167 20 from the leg 166. Further details concerning the construction of the slider 32 may be obtained from U.S. application Serial No. 08/938,047 filed April 26, 1997, entitled "High- Strength Slider for a Reclosable Bag,” and already incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
  • FIGS. 16a-d An advantage of the tamper-evident feature in FIGS. 16a-d is that a slider bag utilizing the slider 32 constructed as described above is already suitable for receiving the U-shaped element 160. No special features need to be added to the slider 32. Therefore, such a slider bag may be retrofitted with the U-shaped element 160 to provide the bag with a degree of tamper evidence. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from the closed position, the U-shaped element 160 is disengaged from the zipper 22 and removed from the slider 32. To facilitate such removal of the U-shaped element, a prying tool such as a screwdriver may be inserted between the slider leg 166 and the U-shaped element 160.
  • a prying tool such as a screwdriver may be inserted between the slider leg 166 and the U-shaped element 160.
  • the U-shaped element 160 is replaced with a rigid element that passes through only a single slot or hole in the slider 32 and digs into the zipper 22.
  • This rigid element is preferably provided with some sort of handle that can be manipulated by hand or with a tool to facilitate removal of the rigid element from the slider 32.
  • the tamper-evident feature initially maintains a mouth portion of the plastic bag in a folded position and allows the mouth portion to be unfolded in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.
  • the tamper-evident feature can be employed with both slider and sliderless bags.
  • FIGS. 17a-c there is shown a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion 170 of the bag and detachably sealing the folded-over mouth portion 170 to the sides 16 and 18 of the bag along side spot seals 172 and 174.
  • the folded-over mouth portion 170 provides a convenient handle for carrying the bag especially when the seals for attaching the folded-over mouth portion 170 are located along the sides 16 and 18.
  • the side seals 172 and 174 are ruptured to allow the mouth portion 170 to be unfolded as shown in FIG. 17c.
  • the folded-over mouth portion 170 may alternatively be secured in the folded position by other means.
  • the folded-over mouth portion 170 is held in the folded position by the combination of a spot seal 174 along the side 18 and a flexible member, such as a price tag pin 180, passing through both the zipper 22 and the adjacent unfolded bag portion near the side 16.
  • the price tag pin 180 performs the dual function of maintaining the mouth portion 170 in the folded position and preventing the slider 32 from being moved away from the closed position until the pin 180 is removed from the bag.
  • the embodiment in FIG. 18 may be modified to eliminate the spot seal 174 and provide either a single price tag pin approximately midway between the sides 16 and 18 or a pair of price tag pins near the respective sides 16 and 18. Any price tag pin near the side 16 is preferably disposed adjacent to or through the slider 32 along the zipper 22 to prevent the slider 32 from being moved away from the closed position until the pin is removed from the bag.
  • the folded-over mouth portion 170 is secured in the folded position by one or more spot seals 190 and 192 detachably sealing the bag panel 12 to itself.
  • the spot seals may, for example, be peelable seals or "dirty" seals.
  • the portion of the bag panel 12 on the mouth portion 170 is adhered to the adjacent unfolded portion of the bag panel 12.
  • the spot seals 190 and 192 may, if desired, be strategically positioned to create a handle for carrying the bag.
  • the folded-over mouth portion 170 is secured in the folded position by one or more partially removable stickers (adhesive strip) or pressure- sensitive labels 200 that attach the mouth portion 170 to the adjacent unfolded portion of the bag panel 12.
  • One of the stickers 200 may be positioned adjacent to or over the slider 32 along the zipper 22 to prevent the slider 32 from being moved away from the closed position until the sticker is removed from the bag.
  • a middle portion of each sticker 200 is torn away to allow the mouth portion 170 to be unfolded, while end portions of each sticker 200 remain permanently attached to the bag to provide evidence of tampering.
  • each tamper-evident feature described above makes it difficult to gain access to the interior of the bag prior to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.
  • the zipper 22 is difficult to grasp and open by hand without the use of the slider 32. Therefore, with respect to those tamper-evident features that prevent movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position, such tamper-evident features effectively inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag to a degree that is especially useful for non-food and some food applications, where tamper-proof packaging is not required but tamper-resistant packaging is nonetheless desirable.
  • the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 4a-d, 8a-d are the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 4a-d, 8a-d.
  • the plastic may be a polymer or copolymer comprised of polyethylene-based polymers, polystyrene, polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, or other similar materials.
  • the polyethylene-based polymers may include low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, metallocene, ethylene vinyl acetate, or other similar materials.
  • the plastic tab 120 in FIGS. 12a-d is formed from the same material as the bag body panels 12 and 14 because the detachable tab panels 120a and 120b are integrally formed with the respective bag body panels 12 and 14.
  • FIGS. 5a-d and 6a-d are advantageous in that tamper resistance is accomplished by using a conventional price tag pin anchored to at least the zipper 22 (FIGS. 5a-d and 6a-d) and optionally anchored to the slider 32 as well (FIGS. 5a-d) so as to obstruct movement of the slider 32 away from its closed position.
  • the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 13a-d, 14a-d, and 15a- d are advantageous in that tamper resistance is accomplished by using a movable (FIGS.
  • FIGS. 7a-h The stepped element in FIGS. 7a-h is likewise effective at providing resistance to tampering with the contents of the slider bag.
  • the tamper- evident features in FIGS. 17a-c, 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b do not rely upon preventing movement of the slider 32 away from its closed position. Rather, the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 17a-c, 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b rely upon securing the bag mouth in a folded position and would still be effective in the absence of the slider 32 and the zipper 22. Therefore, unlike the other tamper-evident features, the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 17a-c, 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b may be applied to virtually any type of bag.
  • FIGS. 4a-d through 16a-d can be combined with the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 17a-c, 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b so as to both secure the bag mouth in a folded position and prevent movement of the slider away from its closed position until the appropriate tamper-evident feature is broken or removed.
  • Examples of bags combining multiple tamper-evident features is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20a-b.

Abstract

A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels (12, 14) fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper (32) extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider (32) and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider (32). The slider (32) is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature (40). In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature (40) initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature. In another set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains a mouth portion of the plastic bag in a folded position and allows the mouth portion to be unfolded in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.

Description

TAMPER-EVIDENT SLIDER BAG FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to reclosable plastic bags and, more particularly, relates to a reclosable plastic bag having a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the plastic bag has a zipper opened and closed using a slider mounted to the zipper, and the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider at a closed position on the zipper and allows the slider to move away from the closed position to an open position on the zipper in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature. In another set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains a mouth portion of the plastic bag in a folded position and allows the mouth portion to be unfolded in response to removing or breaking the tamper- evident feature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Reclosable slider bags of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,067,208 include a zipper that is opened and closed by movement of a slider mounted to the zipper. Due to the ease of operating the slider, such slider bags have increased in popularity over the last few years. Heretofore, the primary market for slider bags has been consumers who purchase a package of empty slider bags and then fill the slider bags with products at home. However, with the increasing popularity of the slider bags, product manufacturers have become interested in packaging their food and nonfood products in slider bags for sale to consumers. The slider bags are a great convenience to the consumer who purchases these product-filled bags especially for products of the type where only a portion of the product is used at any given time. The product applications for which slider bags may be useful are virtually unlimited.
The consumer may initially open the slider bag, use a portion of the product, and then easily reclose the slider bag. Due to the ease of using the slider bag, the slider bag is typically preferred over one-time openable bags, which are significantly more difficult to open and reclose. To open a one-time openable bag, the consumer may need to tear the bag open and may require a scissors or other tool to facilitate the opening process; to reclose the bag, the consumer typically must roll the top of the bag closed and may require an extra fastening mechanism such as a clip, tie, or tape to maintain the bag in the closed position.
A problem with plastic slider bags is that if such bags are to be prepackaged with a food or non-food product and then sold in a store, the contents of the plastic bags can easily be tampered with prior to purchase by the consumer. To inhibit such tampering, slider bags have been provided with tamper-evident features of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,669,715; 5,713,669; and 5,775,812. While such tamper-evident features are capable of providing tamper evidence upon opening the bag, bag manufacturers such as the assignee of the foregoing patents are continually striving to develop new bag features for improving the functionality of their bags.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To that end, the present invention provides a plastic bag comprising first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The bag is provided with a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is slidably mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. The bag optionally includes end terminations at opposite ends of the zipper to prevent the slider from going past the ends of the zipper. To provide the plastic bag with tamper evidence, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper- evident feature. The tamper-evident feature may take a variety of forms including for example: a removable cardboard, paper, or plastic member covering or adjacent to the slider in the closed position and adhered, stapled, friction fit, or connected in some other way to the bag to hold the member in place; a removable flexible member extending through a hole in the slider or through a hole in the zipper adjacent to the slider in the closed position; a removable stepped retaining element removably attached to one of the bag body panels near the closed position of the slider such that a shoulder of the slider is initially engaged to the stepped element and is disengaged therefrom upon removal of the stepped element; a latch connected to the end termination and releasably engaged to the slider in the closed position; a latch connected to the slider and releasably engaged to the end termination when the slider is in the closed position; and a removable U-shaped element extending through slots in the slider in the closed position and dug into the zipper.
The tamper-evident features noted above initially maintain the slider in the closed position. Therefore, prior to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature, it is difficult to gain access to the interior of the bag because, in the absence of graspable upper flanges, the zipper is difficult to grasp and open by hand without the use of the slider. After the tamper-evident feature is removed or broken, the slider may be used to open the zipper and access the contents of the bag. In another set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the mouth portion of the plastic bag in a folded position and allows the mouth portion to be unfolded in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature. The tamper-evident feature can be employed with both slider and sliderless bags and may take a variety of forms including for example: spot seals detachably sealing the sides of the folded mouth portion to the sides of the bag; spot seals detachably sealing the inner panel of the folded mouth portion to the adjacent bag panel; a removable flexible member passing through both the folded mouth portion and the adjacent unfolded portion of the bag; one or more stickers (adhesive strips) attaching the folded mouth portion to the adjacent unfolded portion of the bag; and combinations of the foregoing. If the flexible member or sticker is employed and the plastic bag includes a slider for operating the zipper, the flexible member or sticker may be strategically positioned to perform the dual function of maintaining the mouth portion in the folded position and preventing the slider from being moved away from the closed position until the flexible member or sticker is removed from the bag. The tamper evident features of the present invention effectively inhibit tampering with contents of the bag to a degree that is especially useful for non-food and some food applications, where tamper-proof packaging is not required but tamper-resistant packaging is nonetheless desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a reclosable plastic slider bag having a slider mounted to a zipper in a closed position; FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a mouth portion of the slider bag showing the slider moved away from the closed position so that the zipper is partially opened; FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 4a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a removable adhesive label; FIG. 4b is an enlarged isometric view of the slider bag showing the adhesive label in the process of being removed from the bag;
FIG. 4c is a sectional view taken generally along line 4c-4c in FIG. 4a; FIG. 4d is a sectional view taken generally along line 4d-4d in FIG. 4b; FIG. 5 a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a flexible member, such as a price tag pin, extending through a hole in the slider;
FIG. 5b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the flexible member in the process of being cut away from the slider;
FIG. 5c is a sectional view taken generally along line 5c-5c in FIG. 5a; FIG. 5d is a sectional view taken generally along line 5d-5d in FIG. 5b;
FIG. 6a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of flexible member, such as a price tag pin, extending through a hole in the zipper adjacent to the slider in the closed position;
FIG. 6b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the flexible member in the process of being cut away from the zipper;
FIG. 6c is a sectional view taken generally along line 6c-6c in FIG. 6a; FIG. 6d is a sectional view taken generally along line 6d-6d in FIG. 6b; FIG. 7a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a stepped retaining element attached to one of the bag body panels and engaging a shoulder of the slider in the closed position;
FIG. 7b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the stepped retaining element in the process of being detached from the bag body panel and disengaged from the slider;
FIG. 7c is a sectional view taken generally along line 7c-7c in FIG. 7a;
FIG. 7d is a sectional view taken generally along line 7d-7d in FIG. 7b;
FIG. 7e is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a stepped retaining element integrally formed with a slider end stop and engaging a shoulder of the slider in the closed position;
FIG. 7f is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the stepped retaining element in the process of being detached from the slider end stop and disengaged from the slider; FIG. 7g is a sectional view taken generally along line 7g-7g in FIG. 7e;
FIG. 7h is a sectional view taken generally along line 7h-7h in FIG. 7f;
FIG. 8a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of shrink wrap encapsulating the slider in the closed position;
FIG. 8b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the shrink wrap in the process of being removed from the bag;
FIG. 8c is a sectional view taken generally along line 8c-8c in FIG. 8a;
FIG. 8d is a sectional view taken generally along line 8d-8d in FIG. 8b;
FIG. 9a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a plastic sleeve covering at least a portion of the slider in the closed position;
FIG. 9b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the plastic sleeve in the process of being removed from the bag;
FIG. 9c is a sectional view taken generally along line 9c-9c in FIG. 9a;
FIG. 9d is a sectional view taken generally along line 9d-9d in FIG. 9b; FIG. 10a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of an extruded friction fit plastic sleeve located adjacent to the slider in the closed position; FIG. 10b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the plastic sleeve in the process of being removed from the bag;
FIG. 10c is a sectional view taken generally along line 10c- 10c in FIG. 10a;
FIG. lOd is a sectional view taken generally along line lOd-lOd in FIG. 10b; FIG. 11a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a cardboard, paper, plastic, or foil strip stapled to the bag adjacent to the slider in the closed position;
FIG. 1 lb is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the stapled strip in the process of being removed from the bag; FIG. 1 lc is a sectional view taken generally along line 1 lc-1 lc in FIG. 11a;
FIG. 1 Id is a sectional view taken generally along line 1 ld-1 Id in FIG. l ib;
FIG. 12a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a plastic tab located adjacent to the slider in the closed position, and including a pair of tab panels detachably connected to and extending upward from respective bag body panels and attached to each other above the zipper;
FIG. 12b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the plastic tab in the process of being removed from the bag;
FIG. 12c is a sectional view taken generally along line 12c- 12c in FIG. 12a;
FIG. 12d is a sectional view taken generally along line 12d-12d in FIG. 12b; FIG. 13a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a latch extending from a slider end stop and releasably engaged to the slider in the closed position;
FIG. 13b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the latch in the process of being disengaged from the slider; FIG. 13c is a sectional view taken generally along line 13c-13c in FIG. 13a;
FIG. 13d is a sectional view taken generally along line 13d-13d in FIG. 13b;
FIG. 14a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a latch extending from a slider end stop and engaged to the slider in the closed position; FIG. 14b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the latch in the process of being broken to release the slider from the end stop;
FIG. 14c is a sectional view taken generally along line 14c- 14c in FIG. 14a; FIG. 14d is a sectional view taken generally along line 14d-14d in FIG. 14b;
FIG. 15a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a latch extending from the slider in the closed position and engaged to the slider end stop; FIG. 15b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the latch in the process of being broken to release the slider from the end stop;
FIG. 15c is a sectional view taken generally along line 15c- 15c in FIG. 15a;
FIG. 15d is a sectional view taken generally along line 15d-15d in FIG. 15b;
FIG. 16a is a partial isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature in the form of a U-shaped element extending through slots in the slider in the closed position and dug into the zipper;
FIG. 16b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing the U-shaped element in the process of being disengaged from the zipper and removed from the slider; FIG. 16c is a sectional view taken generally along line 16c- 16c in FIG. 16a;
FIG. 16d is a sectional view taken generally along line 16d-16d in FIG. 16b;
FIG. 17a is an isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion of the bag and detachably connecting the folded-over mouth portion to the sides of the bag; FIG. 17b is a partial isometric view of the slider bag showing one of the side seals attaching the folded-over mouth portion to the sides of the bag;
FIG. 17c is a partial isometric view of the slider bag after the side seals have been broken to allow the mouth portion to be unfolded;
FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion of the bag and securing the folded-over mouth portion with a price tag pin and a side seal;
FIG. 19a is an isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion of the bag and detachably sealing the inner panel of the folded-over mouth portion to the adjacent bag panel; FIG. 19b is a section view taken generally along line 19b- 19b in FIG. 19a; FIG. 20a is an isometric view of a slider bag having a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion of the bag and securing the folded-over mouth portion with partially removable stickers; and
FIG. 20b is an isometric view of the slider bag in FIG. 20a after the stickers have been partially removed to allow the mouth portion to be unfolded.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a reclosable plastic slider bag 10 comprising first and second opposing body panels 12 and 14 fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides 16 and 18 and a bottom 20 bridging the pair of sides 16 and 18. The bag is provided with a reclosable zipper 22 extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the closed bottom 20 of the plastic bag.
Referring to FIG. 3, the zipper 22 includes a male track and a female track. The male track includes a male profile 24 and a first depending fin or flange 26 extending downward from the male profile 24. Likewise, the female track includes a female profile 28 and a second depending fin or flange 30 extending downward from the female profile 28. The first and second fins 26 and 30 are thermally fused to inner surfaces of the respective first and second body panels 12 and 14. Alternatively, the zipper 22 may be extruded with the body panels 12 and 14 such that the first fin 26 is integrally formed with the first body panel 12 and the second fin 30 is integrally formed with the second body panel 14. To provide a hermetic seal for the contents of the bag, the first and second fins 26 and 30 may be joined to each other at their lowermost ends along a line of weakness to effectively create a single tamper-evident continuous fin. If the fins are joined to each other, they must be separated from each other along the line of weakness in order to gain access to the contents of the bag. Further information concerning the joined fins may be obtained from U.S. application Serial No. 08/950,535 filed October 15, 1997 and entitled "Reclosable Fastener Strip With Tamper Evident Feature," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
To assist in opening the plastic bag, a slider 32 is slidably mounted to the zipper 22 for movement between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position of the slider 32 shown in FIG. 1, the male and female profiles 24 and 28 are interlocked with each other. Movement of the slider 32 from the closed position in FIG. 1 toward the open position (see FIG. 2) disengages the male and female profiles 24 and 28 from each other and allows a user to gain access to the interior of the plastic bag. The zipper 22 is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges extending upward from the profiles 24 and 28 in order to facilitate mounting and movement of the slider 32 along the zipper 22. Also, the absence of such upper pull flanges inhibits a user from opening and closing the zipper 22 without the use of the slider 32.
Opposite ends of the zipper 22 are provided with end termination clamps 34. Each end clamp 34 includes a strap member that wraps over the top of the zipper 22.
To mount the strap to the zipper 22, one end of the strap is provided with a rivet-like member that is adapted to penetrate through the bag material and into a cooperating opening at the other end of the strap. The end clamps 34 perform the dual function of stops for the ends of the zipper 22 to prevent the slider 32 from going past the end of the zipper 22 and, in addition, they hold the male and female profiles 24 and 28 together to resist stresses applied to the profiles during normal use of the plastic bag. Further details concerning the construction and operation of the slider 32 and the end clamps 34 may be obtained from U.S. Patent No. 5,067,208 to Herrington, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The end terminations 34 are merely illustrative and may take other forms known in the art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,482,375; 5,448,807; 5,442,837; 5,405,478; 5,161,286; 5,131,121; and 5,088,971 and in U.S. application Serial No. 08/698,923 filed August 16, 1996 and entitled "End Posts for Plastic Zipper," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To provide the plastic bag with tamper evidence, the bag includes a tamper- evident feature. In one set of embodiments depicted in FIGS. 4a-d through 16a-d, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider 32 in the closed position (FIG. 1) and allows the slider 32 to move away from the closed position toward the open position (see FIG. 2) in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature. Prior to removing or breaking the tamper evident feature, it is difficult to gain access to the interior of the bag because, in the absence of graspable upper flanges, the zipper 22 is difficult to grasp and open by hand without the use of the slider 32. The tamper- evident feature may take a variety forms which are discussed below in connection with FIGS. 4a-d through 16a-d.
Referring to FIGS. 4a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a partially removable adhesive label 40 adjacent to the narrow closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position on the zipper 22. Opposing end sections 40a and 40b of the label 40 are permanently adhered to outer surfaces of the opposing bag body panels 12 and 14, while a middle portion 40c of the label 40 is detachably connected to these end sections 40a and 40b along respective perforation lines. One or both ends of each perforation line may be provided with a notch to help initiate tearing along the perforation line. The middle portion 40c is either not adhered to the bag or is peelably adhered to the bag. Prior to removal, the label 40 extends over the zipper 22 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4c so as to obstruct movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position. To allow movement of the slider 32 and thereby gain access to the interior of the bag, a user grasps the portion 40c of the label 40 extending over the zipper 22 and detaches this portion 40c from the end sections
40a and 40b as shown in FIGS. 4b and 4d. The end sections 40a and 40b remaining on the bag provide evidence of tampering. In an alternative embodiment, the label 40 does not include the perforation lines, but rather is removed using a cutting tool such as a scissors or knife. Referring to FIGS. 5a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a flexible member, such as a conventional plastic price tag pin 50, extending through a hole 52 in the slider 32 and through the zipper 22 when the slider 32 is in the closed position on the zipper 22. The price tag pin 50 includes a pair of stops 54 and 56 at its opposing ends to keep the pin 50 in place. Since the price tag pin 50 is anchored to the zipper 22, the slider 32 cannot be moved away from the closed position until the price tag pin 50 is clipped off the bag as shown in FIGS. 5b and 5d. As shown in FIGS. 6a-d, the price tag pin 50 may alternatively be anchored to the zipper 22 adjacent to the closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position on the zipper 22. The zipper 22 includes the profiles 24 and 28 and the fins 26 and 30 extending downward from the respective profiles 24 and 28. The price tag pin 50 may extend through a hole in either the profiles 24 and 28 (not shown) or the fins 26 and 30 as shown in FIG. 6c. The pin 50 may extend through both the fins and the opposing body panels (as shown) or just the fins. Prior to removal of the pin 50, the pin 50 blocks movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position.
Referring to FIGS. 7a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a removable stepped retaining element 70 removably attached to the bag body panel 12 just below the zipper 22 at the closed position of the slider. The stepped element
70 may be attached to the bag body panel 12 by a peel seal or other weak adhesive that allows the stepped element 70 to be peeled or pried away as shown in FIGS. 7b and 7d. The stepped element 70 forms one or more steps 72 having respective sloped surfaces. The sloped surfaces of the respective steps 72 may be inclined such that each step 72 gradually increases in thickness in a direction approaching the end stop
34. To engage one of the steps 72, the slider 32 includes at least one inwardly extending shoulder 73 that is contoured to form a protrusion or bump 74. The protrusion 74 may be located anywhere along the shoulder 73. Further details concerning the contoured shoulder 73 may be obtained from U.S. application Serial No. 08/938,047 filed April 26, 1997, entitled "High-Strength Slider for a Reclosable
Bag," and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. When the slider 32 is in the closed position, the protrusion 74 on the slider shoulder 73 engages a raised edge 76 (FIG. 7a) on one of the steps 72.
To create the tamper-evident feature in FIGS. 7a-d, the stepped element 70 is preferably first adhered to the bag body panel 12. Subsequently, the slider 32 may be engaged to the stepped element 70 using a couple techniques. In one technique, if the slider 32 is of the wing-lock type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,067,208, the slider 32 may be installed on the zipper 22 at a location immediately above the stepped element 70. The wing-lock slider 32 includes a pair of hinged wings 78 and 79 that, prior to installing the slider 32 on the zipper 22, are spread away from each other in an open position (not shown). The wing 78 forms the shoulder 73 having the protrusion 74. The slider 32 is initially mounted to the zipper 22 above the stopped element with the wings 78 and 79 in the open or spread position, and then the wings 78 and 79 are rotated downward and latched in a closed position depicted in FIGS. 7a-d. As the wings 78 and 79 are latched in the closed position, the protrusion 74 engages the edge 76 of one of the steps 72. In another technique, the slider 32 is installed on the zipper 22 at a location away from the stepped element 70. The slider 32 is then moved along the zipper 22 to the closed position. When approaching the closed position, the slider shoulder 73 is forced over the stepped element 70 until the protrusion 74 engages the edge 76 of one of the steps 72.
To remove the stepped element 70 and thereby allow movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position, a user grasps a tab 71 of the stepped element 70 and peels or pries the stepped element 70 away from the bag body panel 12 as shown in FIGS. 7b and 7d.
Referring to FIGS. 7e-h, in an alternative embodiment a breakaway stepped element 70' is integrally formed with the end stop 34 and is detachably connected to the end stop 34 along a weakened area of connection 75 (FIG. 7e). To remove the stepped element 70', the slider 32 is forced away from the closed position as shown in FIG. 7f to break the weakened connection 75. The detached stepped element 70' is then removed from beneath the slider 32. To facilitate removal of the stepped element 70', a pull tab akin to the tab 71 in FIGS. 7a-d may be provided. Instead of detaching the stepped element 70' from the end stop 34 by forcibly moving the slider 32 away from the end stop 34, the stepped element 70' may alternatively be provided with a pull tab that is grasped and pulled by a user to first rupture the weakened connection 75 and then remove the detached stepped element 70' from beneath the slider 32.
Referring to FIGS. 8a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of removable plastic shrink wrap 80 encapsulating the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position. The shrink wrap 80 is adhered or thermally fused to the bag body panels 12 and 14. The shrink wrap 80 may additionally encapsulate the end stop 34, in which case the shrink wrap 80 may only need to be attached to itself and not to the body panels in order to be held in place. Alternatively, the shrink wrap may be shrunk over the zipper 22 in front of the slider 32. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from the closed position, the shrink wrap 80 is torn or peeled away from the bag as shown in FIGS. 8b and 8d. The shrink wrap 80 may be notched or perforated to facilitate its removal. Such perforations could be located along the top or sides of the shrink wrap 80 depending upon the manner in which it is desired that the shrink wrap 80 be torn away. It is contemplated that a portion of the shrink wrap 80 could remain attached to the bag body panels 12 and 14 for tamper evidence after most of the shrink wrap 80 is torn away, so long as the remaining portion does not interfere with the movement of the slider 32.
Referring to FIGS. 9a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a rigid or flexible plastic sleeve 90 partially covering the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position. Alternatively, the sleeve 90 may be increased in length to cover the entire slider 32. The sleeve 90 is either adhered or thermally fused to one or both of the bag body panels 12 and 14 as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9c or attached to the end stop 34 (not shown). To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from the closed position, the plastic sleeve 90 is torn or peeled away from the bag as shown in FIGS. 9b and 9d. Referring to FIGS. lOa-d, in an alternative embodiment a plastic sleeve 100 is mounted over the zipper 22 adjacent to the closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider is in the closed position. The sleeve 100 may be adhered or thermally fused to the bag body panels 12 and 14 and, additionally or alternatively, may be releasably connected to the zipper 22 by a friction fit. Also, the sleeve 100 may extend along only a short portion of the length of the zipper 22 as shown, or may extend along substantially the entire length of the zipper 22 less the region of the zipper 22 occupied by the slider 32. To achieve a strong friction fit between the sleeve 100 and the zipper 22, the sleeve 100 is preferably extruded to have an inner profile conforming to an outer profile of the zipper 22 as shown in FIG. 10c. When the sleeve 100 is mounted to the zipper 22, the sleeve 100 obstructs movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from the closed position, the sleeve 100 is pried off the zipper 22 either by pulling the entire sleeve 100 upward off the zipper 22 (not shown) or, if the sleeve 100 is sufficiently flexible, by releasing and lifting one side of the sleeve 100 as shown in FIGS. 10b and lOd.
Referring to FIGS. 1 la-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a cardboard, paper, plastic, or foil strip 110 wrapped over the zipper 22 at a location adjacent to the closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position. The strip 110 is stapled to the bag body panels 12 and 14. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from its closed position, the staple is removed from the strip 110 which is, in turn, removed from the bag. Referring to FIGS. 12a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a plastic tab 120 located adjacent to the closing end 32a of the slider 32 when the slider is in the closed position. The plastic tab 120 includes a pair of tab panels 120a and 120b (FIG. 12c) integrally formed with the respective bag body panels 12 and 14 and detachable therefrom along lines of weakness 122 (FIG. 12a). The lines of weakness may be perforations, scores, thinned areas, or the like. The tab panels 120a and 120b extend upwardly above the zipper 22 and are adhered or thermally fused to each other above the zipper 22. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from its closed position, the tab panels 120a and 120b are grasped and pulled in a generally upward direction until they are broken away from the bag body panels 12 and 14 along the lines of weakness 122 as shown in FIGS. 12b and 12d. It is contemplated that a single tab panel maybe used in place of the pair of tab panels 120a and 120b.
Referring to FIGS. 13a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a latch 130 extending from the end stop 34 and releasably engaged to the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position. The illustrated latch 130 is connected to the end stop 34 along a one-time breakable hinge that biases the latch 130 toward the position depicted in FIG. 13a. The latch 130 may extend along the side of the slider 32 as shown or, alternatively, may extend along the top wall of the slider 32. As shown in FIG. 13a, the latch 130 is shaped to extend about the exterior of the slider 32 and forms a distal hook 132 that engages the closing end 32a of the slider 32. Alternatively, the slider 32 may be modified to include a protruding tab, and the latch
130 may be adapted to engage the protruding tab. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from its closed position, the latch 130 is pivoted outward away from the slider 32 until the hook 132 disengages from the slider 32 as shown in FIGS. 13b and 13d. The latch 130 is then torn away from the end stop 34 and discarded. Referring to FIGS. 14a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of an arrow-shaped latch 140 extending from the slider end stop 34 and engaged to the slider 32 when the slider 32 is in the closed position. The latch 140 is integrally formed with the end stop 34, and the slider 32 is initially injection molded with an elongated cavity 142 having a shape generally corresponding to the shape of the latch 140. The transverse dimension of the cavity is slightly greater than the transverse dimension of the latch 140. To "activate" the tamper-evident feature, the slider 32 is moved to the closed position such that the latch 140 is inserted into the cavity 142 and the barb-like head 144 of the latch 140 snappingly engages a shoulder 146 deep within the cavity 142. The latch head 144 is sufficiently flexible to allow the latch 140 to be inserted in the cavity 142 and, yet, its barb-like shape prevents the latch 140 from subsequently being extracted from the cavity 142. The installed latch 140 is depicted in FIGS. 14a and 14c. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from its closed position, the slider 32 is simply grasped and moved away from the closed position with sufficient force to break the latch 140 away from the end stop 34 as shown in FIGS. 14b and 14d. The latch 140 remains captured within the cavity 142 of the slider 32. As shown in FIGS. 15a-d, an arrow-shaped latch 150 may alternatively extend from the slider 32 and be engaged to the end stop 34. The latch 150 is inserted into a cavity 152 within the end stop 34 and snappingly engaged to a shoulder 154 within the cavity 152. In response to forcing the slider 32 away from its closed position, the latch 150 is broken away from the slider 32 and remains captured within the cavity 152 as shown in FIGS. 15b and 15d.
Referring to FIGS. 16a-d, there is shown a tamper-evident feature in the form of a U-shaped rigid or semi-rigid retaining element 160 extending through slots 162 in the slider 32 and dug into the zipper 22 (see FIG. 16c) when the slider 32 is in the closed position. The U-shaped element 160 may be composed of metal or plastic. The slider 32 includes a transverse member 163 and a pair of side walls 164 and 165 extending downward from opposing longitudinal sides of the transverse member 163. The transverse member 163 rides along the upper portion of the zipper 22. The side wall 164 includes a leg 166 and a hinged wing 167. After the slider 32 is installed on the zipper 22, the wing 167 encompasses and is latched to the leg 166. The side wall 165 includes a leg and a hinged wing akin to the respective leg 166 and wing 167 of the side wall 164. The slots 162 are formed by a small gap separating the wing 167 20 from the leg 166. Further details concerning the construction of the slider 32 may be obtained from U.S. application Serial No. 08/938,047 filed April 26, 1997, entitled "High- Strength Slider for a Reclosable Bag," and already incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
An advantage of the tamper-evident feature in FIGS. 16a-d is that a slider bag utilizing the slider 32 constructed as described above is already suitable for receiving the U-shaped element 160. No special features need to be added to the slider 32. Therefore, such a slider bag may be retrofitted with the U-shaped element 160 to provide the bag with a degree of tamper evidence. To allow the slider 32 to be moved away from the closed position, the U-shaped element 160 is disengaged from the zipper 22 and removed from the slider 32. To facilitate such removal of the U-shaped element, a prying tool such as a screwdriver may be inserted between the slider leg 166 and the U-shaped element 160. In an alternative embodiment, the U-shaped element 160 is replaced with a rigid element that passes through only a single slot or hole in the slider 32 and digs into the zipper 22. This rigid element is preferably provided with some sort of handle that can be manipulated by hand or with a tool to facilitate removal of the rigid element from the slider 32.
In another set of embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 17a-c through FIGS. 20a-b, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains a mouth portion of the plastic bag in a folded position and allows the mouth portion to be unfolded in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature. The tamper-evident feature can be employed with both slider and sliderless bags.
Referring to FIGS. 17a-c. there is shown a tamper-evident feature created by folding over the mouth portion 170 of the bag and detachably sealing the folded-over mouth portion 170 to the sides 16 and 18 of the bag along side spot seals 172 and 174. With the bag in the folded position, as shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, access to the interior of the bag is restricted because even if the slider 32 is moved from the closed position to the open position, one would have difficulty getting past the fold 176 after entering the bag. In addition to providing tamper evidence, the folded-over mouth portion 170 provides a convenient handle for carrying the bag especially when the seals for attaching the folded-over mouth portion 170 are located along the sides 16 and 18. To gain access to the contents of the bag, the side seals 172 and 174 are ruptured to allow the mouth portion 170 to be unfolded as shown in FIG. 17c. As shown in FIGS. 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b, the folded-over mouth portion 170 may alternatively be secured in the folded position by other means. For example, in FIG. 18, the folded-over mouth portion 170 is held in the folded position by the combination of a spot seal 174 along the side 18 and a flexible member, such as a price tag pin 180, passing through both the zipper 22 and the adjacent unfolded bag portion near the side 16. The price tag pin 180 performs the dual function of maintaining the mouth portion 170 in the folded position and preventing the slider 32 from being moved away from the closed position until the pin 180 is removed from the bag. The embodiment in FIG. 18 may be modified to eliminate the spot seal 174 and provide either a single price tag pin approximately midway between the sides 16 and 18 or a pair of price tag pins near the respective sides 16 and 18. Any price tag pin near the side 16 is preferably disposed adjacent to or through the slider 32 along the zipper 22 to prevent the slider 32 from being moved away from the closed position until the pin is removed from the bag. In FIGS. 19a-b, the folded-over mouth portion 170 is secured in the folded position by one or more spot seals 190 and 192 detachably sealing the bag panel 12 to itself. The spot seals may, for example, be peelable seals or "dirty" seals. The portion of the bag panel 12 on the mouth portion 170 is adhered to the adjacent unfolded portion of the bag panel 12. The spot seals 190 and 192 may, if desired, be strategically positioned to create a handle for carrying the bag.
In FIGS. 20a-b, the folded-over mouth portion 170 is secured in the folded position by one or more partially removable stickers (adhesive strip) or pressure- sensitive labels 200 that attach the mouth portion 170 to the adjacent unfolded portion of the bag panel 12. One of the stickers 200 may be positioned adjacent to or over the slider 32 along the zipper 22 to prevent the slider 32 from being moved away from the closed position until the sticker is removed from the bag. A middle portion of each sticker 200 is torn away to allow the mouth portion 170 to be unfolded, while end portions of each sticker 200 remain permanently attached to the bag to provide evidence of tampering. Each tamper-evident feature described above makes it difficult to gain access to the interior of the bag prior to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature. In the absence of graspable upper flanges, the zipper 22 is difficult to grasp and open by hand without the use of the slider 32. Therefore, with respect to those tamper-evident features that prevent movement of the slider 32 away from the closed position, such tamper-evident features effectively inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag to a degree that is especially useful for non-food and some food applications, where tamper-proof packaging is not required but tamper-resistant packaging is nonetheless desirable. For example, the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 4a-d, 8a-d. 9a-d, lOa-d, 1 la-d, and 12a-d are advantageous in that tamper resistance is accomplished by using a removable cardboard, paper, plastic, or foil member covering or adjacent to the slider in the closed position and adhered, stapled, friction fit, or connected in some other way to the bag to hold the member in place. If the member is composed of plastic, the plastic may be a polymer or copolymer comprised of polyethylene-based polymers, polystyrene, polypropylene, nylon, polycarbonate, or other similar materials. The polyethylene-based polymers may include low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, metallocene, ethylene vinyl acetate, or other similar materials. The shrink wrap 80 in FIGS. 8a-d is preferably composed of conventional low density polyethylene. The plastic tab 120 in FIGS. 12a-d is formed from the same material as the bag body panels 12 and 14 because the detachable tab panels 120a and 120b are integrally formed with the respective bag body panels 12 and 14.
Further, the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 5a-d and 6a-d are advantageous in that tamper resistance is accomplished by using a conventional price tag pin anchored to at least the zipper 22 (FIGS. 5a-d and 6a-d) and optionally anchored to the slider 32 as well (FIGS. 5a-d) so as to obstruct movement of the slider 32 away from its closed position. The tamper-evident features in FIGS. 13a-d, 14a-d, and 15a- d are advantageous in that tamper resistance is accomplished by using a movable (FIGS. 13a-d) or breakable (FIGS- 14a-d and 15a-d) latch releasably coupling the slider 32 to the end stop 34. The stepped element in FIGS. 7a-h is likewise effective at providing resistance to tampering with the contents of the slider bag.
Unlike the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 4a-d through 16a-d, the tamper- evident features in FIGS. 17a-c, 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b do not rely upon preventing movement of the slider 32 away from its closed position. Rather, the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 17a-c, 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b rely upon securing the bag mouth in a folded position and would still be effective in the absence of the slider 32 and the zipper 22. Therefore, unlike the other tamper-evident features, the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 17a-c, 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b may be applied to virtually any type of bag. If, however, a slider bag is employed, it is contemplated that the tamper-evident features of FIGS. 4a-d through 16a-d can be combined with the tamper-evident features in FIGS. 17a-c, 18, 19a-b, and 20a-b so as to both secure the bag mouth in a folded position and prevent movement of the slider away from its closed position until the appropriate tamper-evident feature is broken or removed. Examples of bags combining multiple tamper-evident features is illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20a-b.
While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite said bottom; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper being opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position; and a stationary tamper-evident member initially extending over said zipper and coupled to said opposing body panels, said tamper-evident member being initially positioned relative to said slider so as to initially obstruct the movement of said slider away from said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said tamper-evident member from the bag.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident member includes an adhesive label adhered to outer surfaces of said opposing body panels.
3. The bag of claim 2, wherein said adhesive label is adjacent to said slider along said zipper.
4. The bag of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident member includes a flexible strip stapled to said opposing body panels.
5. The bag of claim 4, wherein said flexible strip is comprised of a material selected from a group consisting of cardboard, paper, plastic, and foil.
6. The bag of claim 4, wherein said tamper-evident member is adjacent to said slider along said zipper.
7. The bag of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident member includes a plastic sleeve adhered to outer surfaces of said opposing body panels.
8. The bag of claim 7, wherein said plastic sleeve covers at least a portion of said slider.
9. The bag of claim 1 , wherein said tamper-evident member includes a profiled plastic sleeve connected by friction fit to said zipper.
10. The bag of claim 9, wherein said profiled plastic sleeve has an inner profile substantially complementary to an outer profile of said zipper.
11. The bag of claim 9, wherein said profiled plastic sleeve is adjacent to said slider along said zipper.
12. The bag of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident member includes shrink wrap encapsulating said slider when said slider is in said closed position.
13. The bag of claim 12, wherein said shrink wrap is adhered to said opposing body panels.
14. The bag of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident member includes a plastic tab including first and second tab panels integrally formed with said respective first and second body panels, said first and second tab panels extending upward from said respective first and second body panels and being connected to each other above said zipper.
15. The bag of claim 14, wherein said plastic tab is initially disposed adjacent to said slider when said slider is in said closed position.
16. The bag of claim 14, wherein said first and second tabs are detachably connected to said respective first and second body panels along respective lines of weakness.
17. The bag of claim 1, wherein said zipper includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile, said first and second profiles being releasably engageable to each other, and wherein said first and second tracks are free of graspable upper pull flanges extending upwardly from said respective first and second profiles.
18. A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite said bottom, said zipper including a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile, said first and second profiles being releasably engageable to each other; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper being opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position; and a stationary tamper-evident member including a pin initially passing through said zipper at a location proximate to said slider when said slider is in said closed position so as to initially obstruct the movement of said slider away from said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said pin from the bag.
19. The bag of claim 18, wherein said pin is a price tag pin.
20. The bag of claim 18, wherein said pin is flexible and includes an elongated central portion and a pair of stops at opposing ends to keep said pin on said zipper.
21. The bag of claim 18, wherein said first and second tracks are free of graspable upper pull flanges extending upwardly from said respective first and second profiles.
22. The bag of claim 18, wherein said pin passes through said slider to anchor said slider to said zipper.
23. The bag of claim 18, wherein said pin passes through said zipper adjacent to said slider.
24. The bag of claim 18, wherein said first track includes a first fin extending downward from said first profile and wherein said second track includes a second fin extending downward from said second profile, said pin passing through said first and second fins.
25. The bag of claim 18, wherein said pin passes through said first and second profiles.
26. A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite said bottom; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper being opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position, said slider including a shoulder riding along said first body panel as said slider is moved between said closed and open positions; and a stationary tamper-evident stepped member disposed adjacent to said first body panel and including at least one step, said shoulder being engaged to said step when said slider is initially in said closed position so as to initially prevent movement of said slider away from said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said stepped member from the bag.
27. The bag of claim 26, wherein said stepped member is detachably adhered to said first body panel.
28. The bag of claim 26, further including an end termination mounted to said zipper and disposed adjacent to said closed position of said slider, said end termination stopping said slider at said closed position when said slider is moved from said open position to said closed position, and wherein said stepped member is detachably connected to said end termination.
29. The bag of claim 28, wherein said stepped member is integrally formed with said end termination.
30. The bag of claim 26, wherein said stepped member includes a plurality of steps having respective sloped surfaces, said sloped surfaces being inclined such that each of said plurality of steps gradually increases in thickness in a direction extending away from said open position of said slider.
31. The bag of claim 26, wherein said shoulder includes a protrusion, said protrusion from said shoulder being engaged to said step when said slider is initially in said closed position so as initially prevent movement of said slider away from said closed position.
32. A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom ridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite said bottom; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper being opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position; an end termination mounted to said zipper and disposed adjacent to said closed position of said slider, said end termination stopping said slider at said closed position when said slider is moved from said open position to said closed position; and a latch initially integrally connected to one of said end termination and said slider and latched to the other of said end termination and said slider so as to initially retain said slider in said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to breaking said latch away from said one of said end termination and said slider.
33. The bag of claim 32, wherein said latch is retained with said other of said end termination and said slider after said latch is broken away from said one of said end termination and said slider.
34. The bag of claim 32, wherein said latch is initially integrally connected to said end termination and latched to said slider.
35. The bag of claim 32, wherein said latch is initially integrally connected to said slider and latched to said end termination.
36. The bag of claim 32, wherein said latch includes a shaft and an enlarged head at one end of said shaft, and wherein said one of said end termination and said slider includes a cavity for receiving said latch.
37. The bag of claim 36, wherein said cavity includes first and second sections, said second section being larger in size than said first section, said shaft being located in said first section, said enlarged head being located in said second section.
38. A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite said bottom; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper being opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position, said slider from being at least one slot; and a retaining member extending through said slot and digging into said zipper when said slider is initially in said closed position so as to initially maintain said slider in said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said retaining member from said slot.
39. The bag of claim 38, wherein said at least one slot includes a pair of slots spaced away from each other and wherein said retaining member is U-shaped, said U-shaped retaining member including a pair of spaced legs extending through said respective slots and digging into said zipper when said slider is initially in said closed position.
40. The bag of claim 39, wherein said slider includes a transverse member and a pair of side walls extending downward from opposite sides of said transverse member, said transverse member riding along an upper portion of said zipper as said slider is moved between said open and closed positions, each of said side walls including a leg and a wing encompassing said leg, portions of said wing being separated from said leg to form said pair of slots.
41. A tamper-evident plastic bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; and a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite said bottom; said mouth portion being initially folded relative to a remainder of the bag and detachably connected to said bag remainder by a breakable connection so as to temporarily secure said mouth portion in a folded position alongside said bag remainder and thereby inhibit access to an interior of said bag remainder via said reclosable zipper, access to said interior of said bag remainder via said reclosable zipper being allowed in response to breaking said breakable connection.
42. The bag of claim 41 , wherein said breakable connection includes a pair of seal areas located along said respective sides.
43. The bag of claim 42, wherein said pair of seal areas are located in close proximity to said zipper.
44. The bag of claim 42, wherein sections of said mouth portion approximately midway between said sides are free of said breakable connection such that said sections provide a carrying handle when said mouth portion is secured in said folded position.
45. The bag of claim 41, further including a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper being opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position.
46. The bag of claim 41, wherein said breakable connection includes a seal area attaching said mouth portion to an adjacent one of said body panels.
47. The bag of claim 41 , wherein said breakable connection includes one or more stickers extending between said folded mouth portion and said remainder of said bag.
48. The bag of claim 41, wherein said breakable connection includes a pin passing passing through said folded mouth portion and said bag remainder, access to said interior of said bag remainder via said reclosable zipper being allowed in response to removing said pin.
49. The bag of claim 48, further including a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper being opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position, and wherein said pin initially passes through said zipper at a location proximate to said slider when said slider is in said closed position so as to initially obstruct the movement of said slider away from said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said pin from the bag.
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 14 Apri l 2000 ( 14.04.00) ; original r i aim 45 has been cancel led and cl aims 1 32 38. Λ I and 49 have been amended (4 pages ) ]
1. A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite said bottom and including a rib profile and a groove profile, said rib profile and said groove profile adapted to interlock with each other; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said πb and groove profiles being mterlocked while said slider is in said closed position, said said πb and groove profiles being progressively disengaged in response to movement of said slider to said open position; and a stationary tamper-evident member initially extending over said zipper and sealed to said opposing body panels below said zipper, said tamper- evident member having a length substantially less than a length of said zipper, said tamper-evident member being initially positioned proximate to said slider when said slider is in said closed position so as to initially obstruct the movement of said slider away from said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position u response to removal of said tamper-evident member from the bag.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident member includes an adhesive label adhered to outer surfaces of said opposing body panels.
3. The bag of claim 2, wherein said adhesive label is adjacent to said slider along said zipper.
4. The bag of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident member includes a flexible strip stapled to said opposing body panels. 5. The bag of claim 4, wherein said flexible stop is compnsed of a material selected from a group consisting of cardboard, paper, plastic, and foil
6. The bag of claim 4, wherein said tamper-evident member is adjacent to said slider along said zipper.
7. The bag of claim 1 , wherein said tamper-evident member includes a plastic sleeve adhered to outer surfaces of said opposing body panels. a latch initially integrally connected to one of said end termination and said slider and latched to but not integral with the other of said end termination and said shder so as to initially retain said slider in said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to breaking said latch away from said one of said end termination and said slider.
33. The bag of claim 32, wherein said latch is retained with said other of said end termination and said slider after said latch is broken away from said one of said end termination and said slider.
34. The bag of claim 32, wherein said latch is initially integrally connected to said end termination and latched to said slider.
35. The bag of claim 32, wherein said latch is initially integrally connected to said slider and latched to said end termination.
36. The bag of claim 32, wherein said latch includes a shaft and an enlarged head at one end of said shaft, and wherein said one of said end termination and said slider includes a cavity for receiving said latch.
37. The bag of claim 36, wherein said cavity includes first and second sections, said second section bemg larger in size than said first section, said shaft being located in said first section, said enlarged head being located m said second section.
38. A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite said bottom^ said zipper including a pair of interlocking flexible plastic tracks; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is m said closed position, said zipper bemg opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position, said slider forming at least one slot; and a retaining member extending through said slot and digging into the plastic material of at least one of said flexible tracks when said slider is initially m said closed position so as to initially mamtain said slider m said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said retaining member from said slot.
39. The bag of claim 38, wherein said at least one slot includes a pair of slots spaced away from each other and wherein said retaining member is U-shaped, said U- shaped retaining member including a pair of spaced legs extending through said respective slots and digging mto said zipper when said slider is mitially in said closed position.
40 The bag of claim 39. wherein said slider includes a transverse member and a pair of side walls extending downward from opposite sides of said transverse member, said transverse member nding along an upper portion of said zipper as said slider is moved between said open and closed positions, each of said side walls including a leg and a wing encompassing said leg, portions of said wing being separated from said leg to form said pair of slots.
41 A tamper-evident plastic bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extendmg along a mouth portion formed opposite said bottom; and a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper bemg opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position; said mouth portion being initially folded relative to a remainder of the bag and detachably connected to said bag remainder by a breakable connection so as to temporarily secure said mouth portion in a folded position alongside said bag remainder and thereby inhibit access to an interior of said bag remainder via said reclosable zipper, at least a portion of said breakable connection being initially positioned proximate to said slider when said slider is in said closed position so as to initially obstruct the movement of said slider away from said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position and access to said interior of said bag remainder via said reclosable zipper being allowed in response to breaking said breakable connection.
42. The bag of claim 41, wherein said breakable connection mcludes a pair of seal areas located along said respective sides. 43. The bag of claim 42, wherein said pair of seal areas are located in close proximity to said zipper.
44. The bag of claim 42, wherein sections of said mouth portion approximately midway between said sides are free of said breakable connection such that said sections provide a carrying handle when said mouth portion is secured in said folded position. 45. The bag of claim 41 , further including a shder slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper bemg closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper being opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position.
46 The bag of claim 41 , wherein said breakable connection includes a seal area attaching said mouth portion to an adjacent one of said body panels
47. The bag of claim 41, wherein said breakable connection includes one or more stickers extending between said folded mouth portion and said remainder of said bag.
48 The bag of claim 41 , wherein said breakable connection includes a pin passmg passing through said folded mouth portion and said bag remainder, access to said interior of said bag remainder via said reclosable zipper being allowed m response to removing said pin.
49 The bag of claim 48, wherein said pin initially passes through said zipper at a location proximate to said slider when said slider is m said closed position so as to mitially obstruct the movement of said s der away from said closed position, said slider bemg allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said pin
Figure imgf000034_0001
Statement Under Article 19
Dear Sir:
In response to the International Search Report dated February 8. 2000, please amend the claims according to Article 19(1) and Rule 46.1
1. Applicant herewith submits replacement sheet(s) number(ed) 20,25-27 to replace sheet(s) number(ed) 20, 25-28 originally filed for this application.
2. In respect of each claim appearing in the international application based on the replacement sheets submitted herewith, and in accordance with PCT Section 205, the following claim(s) are:
(0 unchanged: claim s) 2-31. 33-37. 39-40. 42-48
(11) cancelled: claim(s 45
(iii) new: claim(s)
(iv) amended: claim(s 32, 38.4 49 as follows:
Underlined text adds material, brackets delete material
1. (Once Amended) A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite said bottom and including a rib profile and a groove profile, said rib profile and said groove profile adapted to interlock with each other:
a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, [said zipper being closed] said rib and groove profiles being interlocked while said slider is in said closed position, said [zipper being opened] said rib and groove profiles being progressively disengaged in response to movement of said slider to said open position; and a stationary tamper-evident member initially extending over said zipper and [coupled] sealed to said opposing body panels below said zipper, said tamper-evident member having a length substantially less than a length of said zipper, said tamper- evident member bemg initially positioned [relative] proximate to said slider when said slider is in said closed position so as to initially obstruct the movement of said slider away from said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said tamper-evident member from the bag.
32. (Once Amended) A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth formed opposite said bottom; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper bemg opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position; an end termination mounted to said zipper and disposed adjacent to said closed position of said slider, said end termination stopping said shder at said closed position when said slider is moved from said open position to said closed position; and a latch initially integrally connected to one of said end termination and said slider and latched to but not integral with the other of said end termination and said slider so as to initially retain said slider in said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to breaking said latch away from said one of said end termination and said slider.
38. (Once Amended) A tamper-evident slider bag, comprising: first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said pair of sides; a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite said bottom, said zipper including a pair of interlocking flexible plastic tracks; a slider slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is in said closed position, said zipper bemg opened m response to movement of said slider to said open position, said shder [from being] forming at least one slot; and a retaining member extending through said slot and digging into [said zipper] the plastic mateπal of at least one of said flexible tracks when said slider is initially m said closed position so as to mitially mamtain said slider said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said retaining member from said slot
41 (Once Amended) A tamper-evident slider bag, compnsmg. first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bπdging said pair of sides; [and] a reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite said bottom; and a s der slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper bemg closed while said slider is in said closed position. said zipper bemg opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position: said mouth portion being initially folded relative to a remainder of the bag and detachably connected to said bag remainder by a breakable connection so as to temporarily secure said mouth portion in a folded position alongside said bag remainder and thereby inhibit access to an interior of said bag remainder via said reclosable zipper, at least a portion of said breakable connection being initially positioned proximate to said slider when said slider is in said closed position so as to initially obstruct the movement of said shder awav from said closed position, said shder bemg allowed to move away from said closed position and access to said interior of said bag remainder via said reclosable zipper being allowed in response to breaking said breakable connection.
49. (Once Amended) The bag of claim 48, [further including a shder slidably mounted to said zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position, said zipper being closed while said slider is m said closed position, said zipper bemg opened in response to movement of said slider to said open position, and] wherein said pin initially passes through said zipper at a location proximate to said slider when said slider is in said closed position so as to initially obstruct the movement of said slider away from said closed position, said slider being allowed to move away from said closed position in response to removal of said pin from the bag.
PCT/US1999/014980 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 Tamper-evident slider bag WO2000067605A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000616645A JP5114761B2 (en) 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 Tamper evident bag with slider
CA002337127A CA2337127C (en) 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 Tamper-evident slider bag
EP99932168A EP1096868B1 (en) 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 Tamper-evident slider bag
AU48531/99A AU4853199A (en) 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 Tamper-evident slider bag
DE69929205T DE69929205T2 (en) 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 ORIGINALITY ASSURANCE FOR A BAG WITH SLIDER
AT99932168T ATE313979T1 (en) 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 ORIGINALITY SECURITY FOR A BAG WITH A SLIDE
KR1020017000394A KR20010053472A (en) 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 Tamper-evident slider bag

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/309,465 1999-05-11
US09/309,465 US6286999B1 (en) 1999-05-11 1999-05-11 Tamper-evident reclosable bag

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000067605A1 true WO2000067605A1 (en) 2000-11-16

Family

ID=23198355

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/014980 WO2000067605A1 (en) 1999-05-11 1999-07-01 Tamper-evident slider bag

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (9) US6286999B1 (en)
EP (4) EP1514491A3 (en)
JP (1) JP5114761B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20010053472A (en)
AT (2) ATE313979T1 (en)
AU (1) AU4853199A (en)
CA (1) CA2337127C (en)
DE (2) DE69942550D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2257060T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2000067605A1 (en)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001053158A2 (en) * 2000-01-18 2001-07-26 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having slider device and tamper-evident structure
EP1129955A3 (en) * 2000-01-18 2001-09-12 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having slider device and tamper-evident structure
US6474866B2 (en) * 2000-01-18 2002-11-05 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having a zipper closure, slider device and tamper-evident structure
GB2382065A (en) * 2001-11-20 2003-05-21 Roy Andersen Mailers and/or files for documents and/or other items
EP1291286A3 (en) * 2001-09-06 2003-12-10 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Tamper evident slider package
JP2004123236A (en) * 2002-10-02 2004-04-22 Illinois Tool Works Inc <Itw> Gussetted bag with slide fastener
EP1418133A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-05-12 S2F Flexico Tamper evident adhesive band, machine and process for making a bag provided with such a band
EP1572548A1 (en) * 2002-11-13 2005-09-14 Sehyang Industrial Co.,Ltd. Pack sealing method and device
WO2007038465A1 (en) * 2005-09-27 2007-04-05 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package and method
WO2008057650A1 (en) * 2006-11-09 2008-05-15 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Zipper bag with a device for preventing slider clip release
EP2028119A1 (en) * 2007-08-23 2009-02-25 Alcan Technology &amp; Management Ltd. Bag packaging with opening aid
FR2923467A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-15 S2F Flexico Sarl Bag for packaging food product, has rod connecting slider to body and separable from slider and/or body, such that slider is displaced in opening direction of closing profiles, only when rod is separated
EP1295803B2 (en) 2000-12-07 2011-07-27 Flexico France Packaging bag with closure profiles actuated by a slider
GB2500782A (en) * 2012-02-24 2013-10-02 Ron Care Bag or pouch with label closure
GB2531727A (en) * 2014-10-27 2016-05-04 Coveries Flexibles (Hartlepool) Uk Ltd Child-resistant bag
EP3064445A1 (en) * 2015-03-05 2016-09-07 Robert C. Reinders Limiting access to a structure which is opened and closed using a plastic zipper
US9902529B2 (en) 2015-03-05 2018-02-27 Robert C. Reinders Controlling access to a structure which is opened and closed using a plastic zipper

Families Citing this family (149)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5956924A (en) 1997-11-07 1999-09-28 Rcl Corporation Method and apparatus for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container
US6216423B1 (en) * 1997-11-07 2001-04-17 Huntsman Kcl Corporation Method and apparatus for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container
US7254873B2 (en) * 1998-06-04 2007-08-14 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Scored tamper evident fastener tape
US6286999B1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2001-09-11 Pactiv Corporation Tamper-evident reclosable bag
US6895641B1 (en) * 1999-06-10 2005-05-24 The Glad Products Company Closure device
US6071011A (en) 1999-08-12 2000-06-06 Tenneco Packaging, Inc. Fill-through-the-top package
US6439771B1 (en) 2000-03-15 2002-08-27 Webster Industries Division Chelsea Industries, Inc. Zippered resealable closure
EP1164087A3 (en) * 2000-06-12 2002-11-27 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Tamper-evident slider packages with multiple tear points
US6526632B1 (en) * 2000-11-16 2003-03-04 Pactiv Corporation Reclosable fastener with slider
US20020094137A1 (en) * 2001-01-16 2002-07-18 Schneider John H. Tamper evident resealable packaging
US7095324B2 (en) * 2001-03-06 2006-08-22 Intermec Ip Corp Tamper evident smart label with RF transponder
US6611996B2 (en) * 2001-07-02 2003-09-02 Pactiv Corporation Slider for reclosable fastener
US6948653B2 (en) * 2001-10-29 2005-09-27 Lockheed Martin Corporation Hazardous material detection system for use with mail and other objects
FR2834970B1 (en) * 2002-01-22 2004-11-19 Roland Emballages DOUBLE-FOLD PAPER BAG, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A BAG, AND USE OF SUCH A BAG FOR PACKAGING FOOD PRODUCTS FOR ANIMALS
US7159282B2 (en) 2002-03-01 2007-01-09 Pactiv Corporation Reclosable fasteners or zippers for use with polymeric bags
US7040808B2 (en) * 2002-03-20 2006-05-09 Pactiv Corporation Reclosable bags with tamper evident features and methods of making the same
US7097358B2 (en) * 2002-03-27 2006-08-29 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Extended lip wicket slider deli bag
US6840675B2 (en) * 2002-05-22 2005-01-11 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Reclosable packaging having zipper with sculpted slider end stops
US7213305B2 (en) * 2002-06-17 2007-05-08 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Peel seal tamper evident slider bag
US20030236158A1 (en) * 2002-06-24 2003-12-25 Pawloski James C. Method of and apparatus for producing a reclosable pouch
FR2841876B1 (en) * 2002-07-05 2005-01-07 S2F Flexico IMPROVEMENTS IN PACKAGING BAGS COMPRISING CURRENT-CONTROLLED CLOSURE PROFILES
US6846107B2 (en) 2002-07-19 2005-01-25 Cti Industries Corporation Glue drop end stops for zippered bag
US6981936B2 (en) * 2002-08-05 2006-01-03 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method for making slider end stops on zippers for reclosable packaging
US7341160B2 (en) 2002-08-08 2008-03-11 Pactiv Corporation Reclosable package having an accessible zipper and a method for making the same
US6854887B2 (en) * 2002-08-20 2005-02-15 Cti Industries Corporation Slider with arm
US6780146B2 (en) 2002-09-17 2004-08-24 Pactiv Corporation Methods for applying sliders to reclosable plastic bags
US20120243805A9 (en) * 2002-09-19 2012-09-27 Stolmeier Robert C Pouch with spout
US7204641B2 (en) * 2002-09-19 2007-04-17 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Pouch with spout
US7510328B2 (en) * 2002-10-02 2009-03-31 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Reclosable package having slider with pull tab
US7029178B2 (en) * 2002-10-04 2006-04-18 Ght Ventures, Llc Zip-lock closure
US7267856B2 (en) * 2002-10-07 2007-09-11 Pactiv Corporation Ultrasonic end stops on zipper closure bags and methods for making same
US6979482B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2005-12-27 Exopack-Technology, Llc Multiwall bag with zipper and fin
US7090904B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2006-08-15 Exopack, L.L.C. Enhanced slider zipper multiwall bag and associated methods
US7141013B2 (en) * 2002-11-08 2006-11-28 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method for making slider end stops on zippers for reclosable packaging
US7305742B2 (en) * 2002-11-13 2007-12-11 Cti Industries Corporation Seal for zippered bag
US7147374B2 (en) * 2002-12-26 2006-12-12 Ajootian Janice K Combination cosmetic purse and display package
US6969196B2 (en) * 2003-03-07 2005-11-29 Exopack-Technology, Llc Bag having reclosable seal and associated methods
US6948848B2 (en) * 2003-03-27 2005-09-27 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Reclosable packaging having slider-operated string zipper
US6863645B2 (en) * 2003-05-12 2005-03-08 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method and apparatus for inserting sliders during automated manufacture of reclosable bags
US20040234171A1 (en) * 2003-05-19 2004-11-25 Dais Brian C. Reclosable pouch with closure device that allows venting and/or an air-tight seal
US7137736B2 (en) * 2003-05-19 2006-11-21 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Closure device for a reclosable pouch
WO2005000685A2 (en) 2003-06-03 2005-01-06 Pliant Corporation Single use container
US7134788B2 (en) * 2003-06-11 2006-11-14 Chang Chia H Resealable bag with top tear-away header and zipper and method of manufacturing the same
US7052181B2 (en) * 2003-06-11 2006-05-30 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Zippered bag having a pair of fastener strips
US7611283B2 (en) * 2003-09-11 2009-11-03 Cti Industries, Inc. Airtight zipper
US6941726B2 (en) * 2003-12-29 2005-09-13 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method and apparatus for making reclosable packages having slider-actuated string zippers
US20050144027A1 (en) * 2003-12-29 2005-06-30 Brunner Michael S. Individual protective containers
US20050194282A1 (en) * 2004-03-08 2005-09-08 Curwood, Inc. Reclosable thermoformed flexible packages and method of making same
US8741402B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2014-06-03 Curwood, Inc. Webs with synergists that promote or preserve the desirable color of meat
US8029893B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2011-10-04 Curwood, Inc. Myoglobin blooming agent, films, packages and methods for packaging
US7867531B2 (en) 2005-04-04 2011-01-11 Curwood, Inc. Myoglobin blooming agent containing shrink films, packages and methods for packaging
US8470417B2 (en) * 2004-04-02 2013-06-25 Curwood, Inc. Packaging inserts with myoglobin blooming agents, packages and methods for packaging
US8545950B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2013-10-01 Curwood, Inc. Method for distributing a myoglobin-containing food product
US8110259B2 (en) 2004-04-02 2012-02-07 Curwood, Inc. Packaging articles, films and methods that promote or preserve the desirable color of meat
US7603753B2 (en) * 2004-05-11 2009-10-20 Nike, Inc. Locking zipper pull
US7850368B2 (en) 2004-06-04 2010-12-14 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Closure device for a reclosable pouch
US20050271308A1 (en) * 2004-06-04 2005-12-08 Pawloski James C Closure device for a reclosable pouch
FR2872135B1 (en) * 2004-06-28 2007-10-05 S2F Flexico Sarl BAG WITH COMPARTMENT
US7290660B2 (en) 2004-07-23 2007-11-06 Tilman Paul A Storage system having a disposable vacuum bag
US20060065357A1 (en) * 2004-09-24 2006-03-30 Curwood, Inc. Process for manufacturing packaging laminates and articles made therefrom
JP5039556B2 (en) * 2004-10-25 2012-10-03 ゴア エンタープライズ ホールディングス,インコーポレイティド A device that forms a seal between fabrics or other materials
US7398953B2 (en) 2004-12-22 2008-07-15 Cti Industries, Inc. One way valve for fluid evacuation from a container
US7972064B2 (en) 2004-12-22 2011-07-05 Cti Industries Corporation One way valve and container
US8245365B2 (en) 2004-12-23 2012-08-21 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Sleeve cover for slider
DE202005001458U1 (en) * 2005-01-28 2005-06-16 Rösler, Peter Cassette with locking slide
US7188394B2 (en) * 2005-01-31 2007-03-13 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Hollow ribbed slider for a reclosable pouch
US7524110B2 (en) * 2005-04-12 2009-04-28 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Reclosable package with slider zipper shielded for high pressure pasteurization
US20080019619A9 (en) * 2005-04-12 2008-01-24 Eads Claude A Tamper evident reclosable seals
US20100292306A1 (en) * 2005-05-24 2010-11-18 Carlson C George Compositions And Methods For The Treatment Of Muscular Dystrophy
US20060277737A1 (en) * 2005-06-08 2006-12-14 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method for applying soft cap to slider or zipper with mounted slider
US7537386B2 (en) * 2005-06-23 2009-05-26 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Tamper-evident feature for slider-operated reclosable packaging
US20070065048A1 (en) * 2005-09-21 2007-03-22 Eads Claude A Reclosable seal with handle
US20070065051A1 (en) * 2005-09-21 2007-03-22 Eads Claude A Infestation resistant reclosable seal
US7506487B2 (en) * 2005-09-21 2009-03-24 Zip Pack Ip Ag Method for applying a reclosable seal to a container
US7927679B2 (en) 2005-10-11 2011-04-19 Curwood, Inc. Easy-open reclosable films having an interior frangible interface and articles made therefrom
US8714819B2 (en) * 2005-10-31 2014-05-06 Global Packaging Solutions Limited Reclosable fastener
US8096022B2 (en) * 2005-10-31 2012-01-17 Global Packaging Solutions Limited Reclosable container and method of manufacture
US7819583B2 (en) * 2005-11-04 2010-10-26 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Bag structures and methods of assembling the same
JP2007261668A (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-10-11 Ss Sangyo Kk Bag with fastener
EP1857270B1 (en) 2006-05-17 2013-04-17 Curwood, Inc. Myoglobin blooming agent, films, packages and methods for packaging
WO2008058418A1 (en) * 2006-11-16 2008-05-22 Zip Pack Ip Ag Reclosable bag having a security closing device
US7857514B2 (en) 2006-12-12 2010-12-28 Reynolds Foil Inc. Resealable closures, polymeric packages and systems and methods relating thereto
US8100285B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2012-01-24 Danielle Aseff Food cooking, serving and storage device
US7886412B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US7784160B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2010-08-31 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US8266868B2 (en) 2007-06-01 2012-09-18 Phillip Morris Usa Inc. Opening device for outer wrapping and method for forming
US7874731B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-01-25 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Valve for a recloseable container
US7946766B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-05-24 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Offset closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US7967509B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-06-28 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch with a valve
US7887238B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Flow channels for a pouch
US7857515B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2010-12-28 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US8359688B2 (en) * 2007-10-16 2013-01-29 Kickball Concepts, Llc Tamper evident mattresses, mattress foundations, and upholstered furniture articles
US20090263048A1 (en) * 2008-04-16 2009-10-22 Iannelli Ii Michael Louis Bag Structures And Methods Of Assembling The Same
US8142077B2 (en) 2008-04-16 2012-03-27 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Bag structures and methods of assembling the same
WO2010045703A1 (en) * 2008-10-22 2010-04-29 Bruce Campbell Container with combined locking and indicating fastener
JP2010124894A (en) * 2008-11-25 2010-06-10 Japan Post Service Co Ltd Sealer, and method of closing using the sealer
FR2940751B1 (en) * 2009-01-05 2011-03-11 S2F Flexico CURRENT FOR ACTUATING RIGIDIFIER BAR PROFILES
FR2940752B1 (en) * 2009-01-05 2011-03-04 S2F Flexico CURRENT FOR ACTUATING CLOSURE PROFILES WITH PRIVILEGED FOLDING LINES
US20100255162A1 (en) 2009-04-06 2010-10-07 Cryovac, Inc. Packaging with on-demand oxygen generation
US20110002558A1 (en) * 2009-07-02 2011-01-06 Sargin Gary F Hooded bag with reclosable top
US20110031246A1 (en) * 2009-08-07 2011-02-10 Massey Jr Raymond C Tamper-Resistant Storage Container
US8697160B2 (en) 2009-10-06 2014-04-15 Cryovac, Inc. Suspension packaging with on-demand oxygen exposure
US20110185680A1 (en) * 2009-10-08 2011-08-04 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Adding mass to slider end stomps with ultrasonics in a reclosable package
JP5363453B2 (en) * 2009-12-24 2013-12-11 壽一 葛西 Bag body having chuck with slider to which unauthorized opening prevention function is added, and manufacturing method thereof
US8549713B2 (en) * 2010-01-20 2013-10-08 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Zippered security bag
US20110311688A1 (en) 2010-06-22 2011-12-22 Cryovac, Inc. Package comprising on-demand collapsible support member
US8550716B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2013-10-08 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Tactile enhancement mechanism for a closure mechanism
NZ587481A (en) * 2010-10-28 2011-08-26 Technopak Ltd Heat sealing of bag passing through a product security means such as OVD
US8357414B2 (en) * 2010-08-25 2013-01-22 Cryovac, Inc. Package with on-demand product elevation
US8974118B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2015-03-10 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a sound producing zipper
US11180286B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2021-11-23 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing
US9327875B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2016-05-03 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing
JP2012140144A (en) * 2010-12-28 2012-07-26 Myuupakku Ozaki:Kk Slider holding cover and bag body with fastener attached with the same
US8568031B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2013-10-29 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Clicking closure device for a reclosable pouch
US8469593B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2013-06-25 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a press-to-vent zipper
JP2012217519A (en) * 2011-04-05 2012-11-12 Myuupakku Ozaki:Kk Slider for fixed fastener and bag body using the slider
US20130092591A1 (en) * 2011-05-31 2013-04-18 Hearthware, Inc. Vacuum container and pump
US9637298B2 (en) 2011-05-31 2017-05-02 Nuwave, Llc Vacuum contain, twist and lock cap, and pump
US9708114B2 (en) 2011-05-31 2017-07-18 Nuwave, Llc Vacuum container, twist and lock cap, bottle locker, fluid collector and auto pump
WO2013089702A1 (en) * 2011-12-14 2013-06-20 Tegrant Alloyd Brands, Inc. Dispensing packaging device
US9009930B2 (en) * 2012-09-06 2015-04-21 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Strap formed slider end stops
US20140115836A1 (en) * 2012-10-26 2014-05-01 Hsun Chang Slide On Zipper Assembly
US9126724B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2015-09-08 Exopack Llc Child-resistant zipper assemblies and packages utilizing the same
PL2969812T3 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-05-30 Reynolds Presto Products Inc. Child resistant closure system including hood arrangement for recloseable bag and methods
DK2983997T3 (en) 2013-04-09 2017-09-04 Reynolds Presto Products Inc CHILD SAFETY PROTECT WITH INJURY PUSHERS AND PROCEDURES
US9370227B2 (en) 2013-09-25 2016-06-21 Eliana Ghantous Customizable clutch with interchangeable shells and drop-in clasps
NZ721872A (en) * 2013-12-04 2020-06-26 Juno Group Pty Ltd Zipper lock
US9456663B1 (en) * 2014-03-18 2016-10-04 Rodawg Holdings Llc Child-proof locking system
USD742635S1 (en) 2014-04-22 2015-11-10 Skits, Llc Water resistant pouch
US10464728B2 (en) 2015-04-20 2019-11-05 Bemis Company, Inc. Peelable/resealable package with absorbent strip
USD815957S1 (en) 2015-06-19 2018-04-24 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Slider bag
USD837831S1 (en) 2015-06-19 2019-01-08 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Slider
JP6677978B2 (en) * 2015-06-29 2020-04-08 株式会社Uacj Packaging bag with slide fastener
US9821943B2 (en) * 2015-12-14 2017-11-21 Colgate-Palmolive Company Detachable fitment
GB2546740A (en) 2016-01-26 2017-08-02 Worldpay Ltd Electronic payment system and method
US9717310B1 (en) * 2016-01-27 2017-08-01 Roger C. Y. Chung Waterproof open-end zipper
US10276070B2 (en) 2016-02-22 2019-04-30 Travel Tags, Inc. Stored value card and carrier system with tamper evident label
US10275698B2 (en) 2016-05-03 2019-04-30 Travel Tags, Inc. Stored value card and carrier assembly with tamper evident label
US11214091B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2022-01-04 Travel Tags, Inc. Secure packs for transaction cards
USD878037S1 (en) * 2017-05-30 2020-03-17 Wholesale Boutique, LLC Purse
US10373040B2 (en) 2017-07-05 2019-08-06 Travel Tags, Inc. Stored value card systems with tamper evident activation indicia
US10442578B2 (en) 2017-11-29 2019-10-15 Reynolds Presto Products Inc. Child resistant slider, zipper closure system using slider, and methods of use
RU183073U1 (en) * 2018-06-15 2018-09-07 Сергей Харкиевич Куанажбаев Polypropylene bag with a high degree of protection for postal, courier and transport companies
US11462132B2 (en) 2019-01-03 2022-10-04 Altria Client Services Llc Label for pack
US11077989B2 (en) * 2019-06-21 2021-08-03 Reynolds Presto Products Inc. Slider device, zipper closure system, and methods of use
US10882665B1 (en) * 2019-08-28 2021-01-05 Peigen Jiang Child resistant slider zipper
WO2022067443A1 (en) * 2020-10-02 2022-04-07 Ruddell Gregory Roy Bag cutting and clamping assembly
USD1016493S1 (en) * 2021-12-06 2024-03-05 Xiying Li Removable inner bag for a handbag
WO2023220409A1 (en) * 2022-05-12 2023-11-16 Pan Pacific Plastics Mfg., Inc. Tamper evident sealable bag assembly with note tab and method

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0109793A2 (en) * 1982-11-10 1984-05-30 Bond (R.S.C.) Associates Ltd. Containers provided with sealable sliding clasp fasteners
EP0405995A2 (en) * 1989-06-30 1991-01-02 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Tamper-evident, flexible, reclosable packages
US5669715A (en) * 1996-08-16 1997-09-23 Tenneco Packaging Tamper-evident reclosable plastic bag with slider
WO1998021993A1 (en) * 1996-11-20 1998-05-28 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Tamper-evident reclosable plastic bag with breakaway slider
FR2771387A1 (en) * 1997-11-26 1999-05-28 Gilles Valmont Tamper proof seal for container with sliding closure

Family Cites Families (297)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA844416A (en) * 1970-06-16 E. Wright Charles Reclosable bags with tamper proof device
CA698325A (en) 1964-11-24 H. Arthur Frank Fastener seal
US3104798A (en) 1963-09-24 stone
US764653A (en) * 1903-10-26 1904-07-12 Herman J Witte Protective sealing-label.
US880909A (en) * 1907-02-14 1908-03-03 William R Oneal Envelop-seal.
FR672430A (en) 1928-11-16 1929-12-27 Method of closure for paper tubes intended for the manufacture of paper bags
GB386177A (en) 1932-01-29 1933-01-12 Kurt Robert Jordan Improvements in or relating to sliding clasp fastenings
US1992152A (en) 1932-09-30 1935-02-19 Seal O Sac Canada Ltd Tobacco pouch
FR771710A (en) * 1933-12-21 1934-10-15 Dunlop Sa Mailbag
US2107216A (en) * 1936-04-22 1938-02-01 Harry L Rogers Receptacle and closure therefor
US2064432A (en) 1936-04-25 1936-12-15 Internat Seal And Knot Protect Sealable container
US2111079A (en) 1936-06-03 1938-03-15 Skluth Purse or the like
US2161561A (en) * 1937-03-02 1939-06-06 Sylvania Ind Corp Container closure and process for producing the same
GB551074A (en) 1942-02-13 1943-02-05 Elias Kayat Improvements in sealing clips for paper containers
US2394335A (en) * 1944-02-24 1946-02-05 Joseph M Shapiro Bag for garbage and the like
US2560535A (en) 1946-03-05 1951-07-17 American Mach & Foundry Tobacco pouch
US2506311A (en) 1946-09-11 1950-05-02 Reynolds Metals Co Bag pouch
US2514750A (en) * 1949-02-11 1950-07-11 Frank G Dobbs Closure
US2724543A (en) 1952-02-27 1955-11-22 Charles A Bauer Bag seal
US2848031A (en) 1953-11-20 1958-08-19 Flexigrip Inc Sliderless fastener for pouch
CH335602A (en) 1955-11-05 1959-01-15 Reutimann Fritz Liquid-tight bag with closure body for opening and closing the same
US2898027A (en) 1956-12-04 1959-08-04 Scholle Chemical Corp Container for fluent materials
US2978769A (en) 1958-07-07 1961-04-11 Talon Inc Plastic bag or container
US2994469A (en) 1959-10-09 1961-08-01 Woodrow W Troup Container opening and resealing device
US3054434A (en) 1960-05-02 1962-09-18 Ausnit Bag closure
DE1211834B (en) 1960-06-16 1966-03-03 Frank Henry Arthur Locking device for the actuating member, in particular a zipper
US3122807A (en) * 1960-07-22 1964-03-03 Edgar M Ausnit Slider for a pouch and the like
US3078897A (en) * 1961-06-20 1963-02-26 Arnold S Rifkin Transit bag
GB994307A (en) 1961-11-27 1965-06-02 Seisan Nipponsha Kk Material for forming plastics bags and bags made therefrom
US3172443A (en) 1962-02-19 1965-03-09 Ausnit Steven Plastic fastener
US3226787A (en) 1962-05-17 1966-01-04 Ausnit Steven Double extruded fastener strips
US3181583A (en) 1962-09-24 1965-05-04 Daniel J Lingenfelter Reclosable plastic container
US3256981A (en) 1962-11-01 1966-06-21 Leonard D Kurtz Strippable package for sutures
FR1350126A (en) 1962-12-14 1964-01-24 Bag for shuttle shipping of documents or other objects between two different locations
DE1435791A1 (en) 1963-11-23 1969-02-20 Jaster Geb Krupska Margarete J Packaging or sheathing made of plastic
US3313471A (en) 1964-08-25 1967-04-11 Avery Products Corp Reclosable or wall hanging container
US3262634A (en) 1964-09-22 1966-07-26 Bemis Co Inc Bag
US3326399A (en) 1965-03-10 1967-06-20 Ausnit Steven Magnetic plastic fastener and method of making same
US3417675A (en) 1965-03-10 1968-12-24 Ausnit Steven Method of making a plastic bag and a magnetic sliderless fastener therefor
US3416986A (en) 1965-06-28 1968-12-17 Nat Distillers Chem Corp Method of laminating an extruded plastic sheet
US3387640A (en) 1965-08-02 1968-06-11 Dow Chemical Co Tobacco pouch
US3282493A (en) 1965-08-05 1966-11-01 Thru Products Inc C Synthetic resinous bag construction having frangible sealing means
US3325084A (en) 1965-10-18 1967-06-13 Ausnit Steven Pressure closable fastener
US3371696A (en) 1965-10-22 1968-03-05 Ausnit Steven Reclosable bags with rib and groove elements formed of different materials
GB1125189A (en) 1965-12-11 1968-08-28 Minigrip Europ Aktieselskab Plastics bag material and bags formed therefrom
US3425469A (en) 1966-04-06 1969-02-04 Steven Ausnit Container with force differential flexible fastener
US3339606A (en) 1966-06-14 1967-09-05 Kugler Emanuel Slide closure
FI46245C (en) 1967-01-04 1973-02-12 Suominen Mouthpiece of a bag or bag made of weldable plastic film.
US3368740A (en) 1967-01-17 1968-02-13 Tower Packaging Company Sheet material with film tear line
US3535409A (en) 1967-01-17 1970-10-20 Tower Products Method of making sheet material with film tear line
BE759943Q (en) 1967-05-03 1971-05-17 Flexico France Sarl METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A PLASTIC TUBE WITH AN INCORPORATED TEAR CORD AND PACKAGING OR BAGS MANUFACTURED WITH SUCH TUBES
US3532571A (en) 1967-06-28 1970-10-06 Steven Ausnit Method and apparatus for forming continuous plastic tubing with separable pressure reclosable fastener strips attached to the surface thereof
US3456867A (en) 1967-11-03 1969-07-22 Dow Chemical Co Bag assemblage
US3425618A (en) * 1967-12-04 1969-02-04 Comet Packaging Corp Litter bag
US3460337A (en) 1967-12-18 1969-08-12 Hercules Inc Synthetic yarn and method of making the same
US3471005A (en) 1968-03-18 1969-10-07 Brown & Williamson Tobacco Pipe tobacco pouch
DE6806118U (en) 1968-11-08 1969-04-17 Asf Gleitverschluss Gmbh BAG MADE FROM A PLASTIC FILM
US3565147A (en) 1968-11-27 1971-02-23 Steven Ausnit Plastic bag having reinforced closure
US3655503A (en) 1969-01-13 1972-04-11 Crown Zellerbach Corp Package of composite film with peelable, heatsealable surfaces
US3619395A (en) 1969-04-17 1971-11-09 Minigrip Inc Method of making a pilfer proof package
US3839128A (en) 1969-09-09 1974-10-01 Modern Package Co Ltd Apparatus for manufacturing thermoplastic containers having thermoplastic closures
US3827472A (en) 1969-12-05 1974-08-06 Seisan Nipponsha Kk Reclosable bag
USRE33674E (en) 1969-12-05 1991-08-27 Minigrip, Inc. Openable bag
US3608439A (en) 1970-02-18 1971-09-28 Steven Ausnit Method of making a flexible pilfer proof closure construction for bags
US3625270A (en) 1970-04-17 1971-12-07 Milorad Skendzic Pilferproof package
US3903571A (en) 1970-04-22 1975-09-09 Robert B Howell Slider stop for seam type zippers
US3711011A (en) 1970-05-04 1973-01-16 Action Packaging Corp Resealable packaging device
GB1364843A (en) * 1970-10-19 1974-08-29 Viscose Development Co Ltd Tamper proof secondary closure
US3746215A (en) 1971-01-29 1973-07-17 A Ausnit Reclosable sealed pouring bag
JPS514820Y2 (en) 1971-05-20 1976-02-10
BE785713A (en) * 1971-06-30 1973-01-02 Flexico France Sarl IMPROVEMENTS TO BAGS EQUIPPED WITH CLOSING ELEMENTS COMPLEMENTARY PROFILES COOPERATING WITH A SLIDER AND THEIR MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
US3759073A (en) 1971-07-09 1973-09-18 Rifkin Co A Flexible walled security container
US3780781A (en) 1971-09-07 1973-12-25 Seisan Nipponsha Kk Openable bag
US4003972A (en) 1972-04-14 1977-01-18 Minigrip, Inc. Method of extruding tubing for fastener bags
US3818963A (en) 1972-06-12 1974-06-25 Envelope Co Mailing bag
US3948705A (en) 1972-07-25 1976-04-06 Steven Ausnit Method for making multiple plastic bags with reclosable fasteners thereon
JPS5068647A (en) 1973-10-09 1975-06-09
US3938658A (en) * 1973-12-17 1976-02-17 Tower Products, Inc. Sterile pouch
US3953661A (en) 1974-01-03 1976-04-27 Vinylex Corporation Extrusion apparatus, process and article
US4189050A (en) 1974-04-23 1980-02-19 Brdr. Schur International A/S Packing of the folding bag type
US3991801A (en) 1975-06-23 1976-11-16 Steven Ausnit Plastic fasteners with connecting web
IE44043B1 (en) 1975-11-03 1981-07-29 Roeder Ind Holdings Improvements in or relating to the manufacture of containers of sheet material
GB1543380A (en) 1976-02-18 1979-04-04 Versapak Ltd Reusable envelope
ES453167A1 (en) 1976-11-10 1977-11-16 Velero Espanola S A Fastener device and method of manufacturing
US4196030A (en) 1976-12-27 1980-04-01 Minigrip, Inc. Method of making extruded construction for bags
US4285376A (en) 1977-07-07 1981-08-25 Minigrip, Inc. Reclosable plastic bag construction made from a one piece extrusion
US4235653A (en) 1978-06-28 1980-11-25 Minigrip, Inc. Method for making reclosable bags
US4118166A (en) 1977-07-22 1978-10-03 The Bf Goodrich Company Extrusion apparatus
US4191230A (en) 1978-02-16 1980-03-04 Minigrip, Inc. Integral extruded construction for bags
SE423080B (en) 1978-03-14 1982-04-13 Salve Sa RELEASABLE PACKAGING FOR A STACK OF WASHING OR OTHER MOISTURE MATERIAL
US4212337A (en) 1978-03-31 1980-07-15 Union Carbide Corporation Closure fastening device
US4153090A (en) 1978-07-24 1979-05-08 Rifkin Arnold S Reusable transit container
JPS5519112A (en) 1978-07-26 1980-02-09 Yoshida Kogyo Kk Preparation of slide fastener with opening parting fitting inserting tool
US4295919A (en) 1978-12-15 1981-10-20 The Dow Chemical Co. Forming an integral closure for a thermoplastic container
US4540537A (en) 1979-03-30 1985-09-10 Union Carbide Corporation Method and extruding die apparatus for producing a plastic closure strip
US4379806A (en) 1979-07-05 1983-04-12 Johnson & Johnson Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and process
US4241865A (en) 1979-08-06 1980-12-30 Kcl Corporation Reclosable shipping sack and method
US4240241A (en) 1979-08-09 1980-12-23 W. R. Grace & Co. Method and apparatus for making a reclosable package
US4246288A (en) 1979-08-09 1981-01-20 W. R. Grace & Co. Reclosable package
US4279677A (en) 1979-11-16 1981-07-21 Seissan Nippon-Sha K. K. Method of means for joining plastic fastener strip to film
US4249982A (en) 1979-12-10 1981-02-10 Minigrip, Inc. Apparatus for making reclosable bags
US4337889A (en) 1980-02-06 1982-07-06 Talon, Inc. Reclosable bag with slide fastener
US4363345A (en) 1980-06-02 1982-12-14 Union Carbide Corporation Reclosable container
FR2485895A1 (en) 1980-07-03 1982-01-08 Flexico France Sarl DEVICE FOR COUPLING SYNTHETIC MATERIAL, OF THE TYPE OF BANDS WITH PROFILES OF COMPLEMENTARY SHAPES, ENGAGED IN THE OTHER, AND PRODUCTS CARRYING SUCH A DEVICE
US4497678A (en) 1981-04-03 1985-02-05 The Standard Products Company Method of making a laminate construction
JPS57195613A (en) 1981-05-28 1982-12-01 Seisan Nipponsha Kk Method of bonding synthetic resin fastener, having fusion-heat, to flat plate film
US4430070A (en) 1981-08-11 1984-02-07 Minigrip, Inc. Method of and apparatus for uninterruptedly assembling components for making bags
US4638913A (en) 1981-08-21 1987-01-27 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Multiply package having delaminating easy open seal
SE428290B (en) 1981-08-28 1983-06-20 Rigello Pak Ab PACKING CONTAINER FOR PACKAGING CONTAINERS WITH PRESSURE FILLED GOODS
US4428477A (en) 1982-01-08 1984-01-31 Johnson & Johnson Baby Products Company Resealable package for premoistened towellettes
US4419159A (en) 1982-04-05 1983-12-06 Mobil Oil Corporation Manufacture of plastic bags with interlocking profile extrusions
US4601694A (en) 1982-04-16 1986-07-22 Minigrip, Inc. Thin wall reclosable bag material and method of making same
US4428788A (en) 1982-05-14 1984-01-31 Union Carbide Corporation Film-tape-closure device slot cast integrated interlocking structure and extrusion method
US5033868A (en) 1982-06-14 1991-07-23 Paramount Packaging Corporation Flexible plastic bag with perforated handle
US4713839A (en) 1982-06-14 1987-12-15 Paramount Packaging Corp. Resealable reusable flexible plastic bag with loop handle
US4573203A (en) 1982-06-14 1986-02-25 Paramount Packaging Corp. Reusable plastic bag with loop handle
US4877336A (en) 1982-06-14 1989-10-31 Paramount Packaging Corporation Bottom loaded duplex bag having a handle and method of making same
US5112138A (en) 1982-06-14 1992-05-12 Paramount Packaging Corporation Resealable reusable flexible plastic bag with loop handle
US4528224A (en) 1982-09-10 1985-07-09 Minigrip, Inc. Method of making multiple reclosable bag material
US4561109A (en) 1982-10-12 1985-12-24 Mobil Oil Corporation Plastic bags with releasable closure which resists opening from inside
GB2130173B (en) 1982-11-12 1987-05-28 Formost Packaging Machines Inc Bag mouth closure and method and apparatus for making the same
US4498939A (en) 1983-01-03 1985-02-12 Johnson James R Method and apparatus for making zipper bags
US4515647A (en) 1983-02-08 1985-05-07 The Dow Chemical Company Method and apparatus for forming an integral closure for a thermoplastic container
US4494592A (en) * 1983-05-03 1985-01-22 Strayer Coin Bag Co. Inc. Mailing bag with address mounting pocket and tamper proof tie securing means attachable to card and slide zipper preventing surreptitious access thereinto
US4518087A (en) 1983-05-20 1985-05-21 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Sealed flexible container with non-destructive peelable opening
US4589145A (en) 1983-10-31 1986-05-13 Signode Corporation Packaging material and package
US4617683A (en) 1984-01-30 1986-10-14 Minigrip, Inc. Reclosable bag, material, and method of and means for making same
US4584201A (en) 1984-02-17 1986-04-22 Borden, Inc. Resealable package, method of making and use
US4656075A (en) 1984-03-27 1987-04-07 Leucadia, Inc. Plastic net composed of co-extruded composite strands
US4755247A (en) 1984-03-27 1988-07-05 Mudge Richard C Plastic net composed of co-extruded composite strands
EP0167693B1 (en) 1984-06-29 1988-03-30 Speedomatic AG Slider for a slide fastener and method of manufacturing the same
US4698118A (en) 1984-07-20 1987-10-06 Minigrip, Inc. Apparatus for forming plastic fastener and plastic accessory strips and uniting the same with a film
US4875587A (en) 1985-02-21 1989-10-24 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Easy open shrinkable laminate
US4582549A (en) 1985-03-15 1986-04-15 Minigrip, Inc. Method and apparatus for producing bag making material having reclosable fasteners
US4682366A (en) 1985-08-27 1987-07-21 Minigrip, Incorporated Attachment of plastic zipper to incompatible bag wall web
US4673383A (en) 1985-11-12 1987-06-16 Minigrip, Incorporated Fusible rib bonding of fasteners to substrate
US4666536A (en) 1985-11-14 1987-05-19 Signode Corporation Method of and means for making reclosable bag material, and material produced thereby
FR2590236B1 (en) * 1985-11-19 1988-01-15 Sepal INVIOLABLE CLOSING DEVICE FOR BAGS, PARTICULARLY FOR BAGS FOR TRANSPORTING FUNDS
US4736450A (en) 1985-11-20 1988-04-05 Minigrip, Inc. Gusseted bags with reclosure features
JPS6290332U (en) * 1985-11-25 1987-06-09
US4661990A (en) * 1986-01-29 1987-04-28 Rifkin Arnold S Hooded type bag seal
US4664649A (en) 1986-02-14 1987-05-12 Ami, Inc. Method and apparatus for producing drawstring bags
US4782951A (en) 1986-03-20 1988-11-08 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Reclosable package and method of making reclosable package
US5005707A (en) 1986-03-20 1991-04-09 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Reclosable package
AU599361B2 (en) 1986-03-21 1990-07-19 Dow Chemical Company, The Reclosable package with peelable seal
US4835835A (en) 1986-08-08 1989-06-06 Minigrip, Inc. Method and apparatus for making extruded separable fastener with reactivatable adhesive
US4786190A (en) 1986-08-11 1988-11-22 Minigrip, Inc. Reclosable package having outer reclosable closure and inner non-reclosable closure
US4925316A (en) 1986-08-11 1990-05-15 Minigrip, Inc. Reclosable bag having an outer reclosable zipper type closure and inner non-reclosable closure
GB8629629D0 (en) 1986-12-11 1987-01-21 Samuelson S W Money pouches
US4736451A (en) 1986-12-22 1988-04-05 Minigrip, Inc. Extruded zipper having combination stabilizing and differential opening means
US4709533A (en) 1986-12-22 1987-12-01 Minigrip, Inc. Method and apparatus for making reclosable bags in a form, fill and seal machine
US4755248A (en) 1986-12-30 1988-07-05 The Dow Chemical Company Slot-cast intergrated interlocking film closure structure
US4744674A (en) 1987-01-07 1988-05-17 Minigrip, Inc. Non-reclosable mechanically fillable and closable link bag structure and method
AU585174B2 (en) 1987-01-27 1989-06-08 Fujitokushu Shigyo Company Limited Bag with zipper and its production method
US4791710A (en) 1987-03-23 1988-12-20 Minigrip, Inc. Self-aligning closable extruded profile plastic fastener and method
FR2613326B1 (en) 1987-04-03 1989-07-13 Flexico France Sarl SEPARABLE CLOSURE STRIP; METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIXING IT TO A SUBSTRATE
US4855168A (en) 1987-04-07 1989-08-08 Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd. Synthetic resin sheet having notching strip and container
US4846585A (en) 1988-01-29 1989-07-11 Minigrip, Inc. Easy open bag structure
US5023122A (en) 1988-01-29 1991-06-11 Minigrip, Inc. Easy open bag structure
US4944409A (en) 1988-02-10 1990-07-31 Curwood, Inc. Easy open package
US4889731A (en) 1988-02-12 1989-12-26 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Package having peelable film
US4817188A (en) 1988-03-07 1989-03-28 Minigrip, Inc. Bag with separate attached zipper and method of making
US4894975A (en) 1988-03-09 1990-01-23 Minigrip, Inc. Method and apparatus for making reclosable bags with fastener strips in a form fill and seal machine
US4832505A (en) 1988-03-11 1989-05-23 Minigrip, Inc. Tamper evident link bags
US4892414A (en) 1988-07-05 1990-01-09 Minigrip, Inc. Bags with reclosable plastic fastener having automatic sealing gasket means
US4890935A (en) 1988-08-16 1990-01-02 Minigrip, Inc. Leak resistant zipper
DK576888D0 (en) 1988-10-17 1988-10-17 Schur Int As Brdr PROCEDURE FOR MANUFACTURING PACKAGING PACKAGES WITH PREVIOUS WELDING CLOSE, SUCH PACKAGING WITH CLOSING PROFILE PARTS, AND SUPPLY MATERIALS FOR USING THIS PREPARATION
US5244779A (en) * 1988-11-01 1993-09-14 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Silver halide color photographic material
US5077001A (en) 1988-11-21 1991-12-31 Makowka Kenneth R Tamper-evident sealing system for envelope having special characteristics and method of making same
CA1334955C (en) 1988-11-21 1995-03-28 Kenneth R. Makowka Tamper-evident sealing system for envelope and method of making same
CA2003937C (en) 1988-12-02 1994-06-21 Ykk Corporation Security sealing mechanism
US4927271A (en) 1988-12-12 1990-05-22 Kcl Corporation Recloseable tamper evident bag with hooded closure
US4969967A (en) 1989-01-18 1990-11-13 Schurpack, Inc. Method of manufacturing packing and strip material therefor
US5224779A (en) 1989-02-24 1993-07-06 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Tamper-evident, reclosable flexible packages
US4966470A (en) 1989-02-24 1990-10-30 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Tamper-evident, reclosable, flexible packages
US4923309A (en) 1989-02-27 1990-05-08 Illinois Tool Works Tamper-evident package
US5063069A (en) 1989-03-23 1991-11-05 Zip-Pak Incorporated Zippered closure for thermoformed package
US4947525A (en) 1989-03-23 1990-08-14 Zip-Pak Incorporated Zipper closure with internal peel seal
US4902140A (en) 1989-04-06 1990-02-20 Kcl Corporation Detachable handle for shipping sacks
US4944603A (en) 1989-04-14 1990-07-31 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Reclosable package with encompassing tamper-evident band
US5067822A (en) 1989-04-24 1991-11-26 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Method of forming recloseable packages, profiles used therein, and packages produced thereby
US5017021A (en) 1989-05-19 1991-05-21 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable profile having improved closure members
JPH0721127Y2 (en) * 1989-06-22 1995-05-17 ワイケイケイ株式会社 Slide fastener blocker
US5022530A (en) 1989-10-13 1991-06-11 The Dow Chemical Company Modified zipper elements for easy open containers
US5065899A (en) 1989-10-17 1991-11-19 Zip-Pak Incorporated Sectional or pre-cut zipper strips, magazine storage and feed means, and method
US4971454A (en) 1989-11-16 1990-11-20 Kcl Corporation Reclosable bag having a top closure attached to a bag body composed of multiple thermoplastic layers
US5116301A (en) 1989-11-30 1992-05-26 Lps Industries, Inc. Method of making a double zipper pouch
US5024537A (en) 1990-01-08 1991-06-18 Zip-Pak Incorporated Tape carried pre-cut zipper
US5094357A (en) * 1990-02-07 1992-03-10 Colgate-Palmolive Co. Tamper evident seal
US5035518A (en) 1990-02-16 1991-07-30 Morgan Adhesives Company Hinge pressure sensitive adhesive tab closure for package
US5070583A (en) 1990-03-07 1991-12-10 Mobil Oil Corporation Gull wing zipper slider
US5007143A (en) 1990-03-07 1991-04-16 Mobil Oil Corp. Rolling action zipper profile and slipper therefor
US5010627A (en) 1990-03-07 1991-04-30 Mobil Oil Corporation Foldable plastic slider and method of assembly with a plastic reclosable fastener
US5007142A (en) 1990-03-07 1991-04-16 Mobil Oil Corp. Method of assembling a snapped-together multipart plastic slider with a plastic reclosable fastener
US5020194A (en) 1990-03-07 1991-06-04 Mobil Oil Corporation Leakproof zipper with slider
US5405629A (en) 1990-04-05 1995-04-11 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Multi-seal reclosable flexible package for displaying thinly sliced food products
US5215381A (en) 1990-04-17 1993-06-01 Wade Steven E Opening device for flexible packaging
US5066444A (en) 1990-07-05 1991-11-19 Dowbrands Inc. Process and apparatus for reducing color contamination in the process recycle of zippered thermoplastic bags
US5100246A (en) 1990-10-09 1992-03-31 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Pull bead and guide rails for easy open flexible containers
US5092831A (en) 1990-10-16 1992-03-03 Hayssen Manufacturing Co. Method of and apparatus for opening a folded web of heat-sealable packaging material prior to formation of the web into sealed reclosable packages
US5127208A (en) 1990-10-19 1992-07-07 Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. Method and apparatus for forming a reclosable package
US5516581A (en) 1990-12-20 1996-05-14 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Removable adhesive tape
US5924795A (en) 1991-02-22 1999-07-20 Kraft Foods, Inc. Tamper-evident, reclosable, flexible packages
US5092684A (en) 1991-03-04 1992-03-03 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Post-applied zipper base with grip strip
US5186543A (en) 1991-03-04 1993-02-16 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Tear-open bag having guide strips
US5088971A (en) 1991-03-22 1992-02-18 Mobil Oil Corporation Method of making protruding end stops for plastic reclosable fastener
US5189764A (en) 1991-03-22 1993-03-02 Mobil Oil Corporation Plastic reclosable fastener with structure for retaining slider in closed position
US5152613A (en) 1991-03-22 1992-10-06 Mobil Oil Corporation Plastic film zipper bag having straightened heat seals
US5161286A (en) 1991-03-22 1992-11-10 Mobil Oil Corporation End clamp stops for plastic reclosable fastener
US5067208A (en) 1991-03-22 1991-11-26 Mobil Oil Corporation Plastic reclosable fastener with self-locking slider
US5063644A (en) 1991-03-22 1991-11-12 Mobil Oil Corporation Foldable zipper slider with compression-type latch
US5131121A (en) 1991-03-22 1992-07-21 Mobil Oil Corporation Protruding end stops for plastic reclosable fastener
US5129734A (en) 1991-04-11 1992-07-14 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Seal system for block cheese
CA2070937C (en) 1991-08-09 1998-09-15 Paul Tilman Reclosable plastic bags and method of making same utilizing discontinuous zipper profile disposed along a continuous carrier strip
US5211482A (en) 1991-08-19 1993-05-18 Minigrip, Inc. Closure for post filling application to packaging
US5347785A (en) 1992-06-15 1994-09-20 Certainteed Corporation Two element shingle
US5253395A (en) * 1992-06-26 1993-10-19 Yoshida Kogyo K. K. Watertight slide fastener
US5226526A (en) 1992-07-16 1993-07-13 O'brien Systems Detachable flights for bulk material conveyors
GB2268731A (en) 1992-07-18 1994-01-19 Michael Charles Linnell Postal pouch
US5782733A (en) 1992-10-26 1998-07-21 Innoflex Incorporated Zippered film and bag
US5352041A (en) * 1993-01-26 1994-10-04 Trigon Packaging Corporation Security bag for valuable articles
US5435864A (en) 1993-04-22 1995-07-25 Minigrip, Inc. Reclosable zipper with tamper evident feature
US5425825A (en) 1993-04-22 1995-06-20 Rasko; George Reclosable zipper with tamper evident feature
US5448807A (en) 1993-06-10 1995-09-12 Mobil Oil Corporation Plastic end clips fused to plastic zipper
US5283932A (en) 1993-06-10 1994-02-08 Mobil Oil Corporation Flexible plastic zipper slider with rigidizing structure for assembly with profiled plastic zipper
US5426830A (en) 1993-06-10 1995-06-27 Mobil Oil Corporation Axial assembly of multi-part slider on zipper
US5301395A (en) 1993-07-29 1994-04-12 Mobil Oil Corporation Plastic reclosable fastener with structure for restraining slider in closed position and for facilitating reopening fastener
US5301394A (en) 1993-07-29 1994-04-12 Mobil Oil Corporation Plastic reclosable fastener with slider detent lock for locking slider in closed position
US5405478A (en) 1993-11-22 1995-04-11 Mobil Oil Corporation Tubular plastic end stops bonded to plastic zipper
US5525762A (en) 1994-01-19 1996-06-11 Sartorius Ag Balance with force support
US5647671A (en) 1994-04-11 1997-07-15 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Closure arrangement having a peelable seal
US5470156A (en) 1994-04-11 1995-11-28 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Closure arrangement having a peelable seal
US5513915A (en) 1994-04-11 1996-05-07 Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. Closure arrangement having a breakaway seal
US5725312A (en) 1994-04-11 1998-03-10 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Closure arrangement having a peelable seal
US5486051A (en) 1994-04-11 1996-01-23 Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. Closure arrangement having a breakaway seal
US5431760A (en) 1994-05-02 1995-07-11 Mobil Oil Corporation Zipper slider insertion through split track
US5442838A (en) 1994-06-17 1995-08-22 Mobil Oil Corporation Rolling action zipper profile and slider
US5442837A (en) 1994-06-20 1995-08-22 Mobil Oil Corporation Integrated end stops for zipper slider
US5448808A (en) 1994-06-20 1995-09-12 Mobil Oil Corporation Foldable zipper slider with improved compression-type latch
US5606846A (en) * 1994-09-12 1997-03-04 Moore Business Forms, Inc. Bag sealing
US5524762A (en) * 1994-12-29 1996-06-11 Shafran; Barry W. Disposable litter bag system
US5492411A (en) 1995-01-18 1996-02-20 Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. Tamper evident peelable seal
US5604000A (en) 1995-01-18 1997-02-18 Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. Heat-sealable peelable composition
US5552202A (en) 1995-07-11 1996-09-03 Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. Tear guide arrangement
US5709915A (en) * 1995-08-04 1998-01-20 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Adhesive structure for heat sealing
EP1798156A1 (en) 1995-08-09 2007-06-20 James Worth Yeager A film combination with reclosable fastener assemblies for making reclosable bags
US5620256A (en) * 1995-08-22 1997-04-15 Makrauer; George A. Tamper evident security bag
US5625927A (en) 1995-10-19 1997-05-06 Chu; Tino Slider of a zipper
US5681115A (en) 1996-01-02 1997-10-28 Diederich; R. David Child-resistant locking device for reclosable bag
US5711609A (en) * 1996-01-11 1998-01-27 Reynolds Consumer Product, Inc. Child resistant packaage
US5882116A (en) * 1996-04-25 1999-03-16 Backus; Alan Tamper indication device
AU3972297A (en) 1996-08-07 1998-02-25 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Reclosable package with tamper evident feature
US5924173A (en) 1996-08-16 1999-07-20 Tenneco Packaging End posts for plastic zipper
US5836056A (en) 1996-09-10 1998-11-17 S. C. Johnson Home Storage Inc. Reclosable fastener assembly
US5664299A (en) 1996-09-10 1997-09-09 Dowbrands L.P. Reclosable fastener assembly
US5682730A (en) 1996-09-12 1997-11-04 Tenneco Packaging Plastic bag with bottom header
US5722128A (en) 1996-11-04 1998-03-03 Dow Brands Inc. Fastener assembly with slider providing tactile and/or audible feedback
US5918983A (en) 1996-11-08 1999-07-06 Control Paper Co., Inc. Security envelope
US5851070A (en) 1996-12-05 1998-12-22 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Seals for plastic bags
US5919535A (en) * 1996-12-05 1999-07-06 Tenneco Packaging Fins for plastic bags
US5713669A (en) * 1996-12-05 1998-02-03 Tenneco Packaging Plastic bag with zipper slider captured in pocket
US5855434A (en) * 1997-01-06 1999-01-05 Menasha Corp. Package reclosure label and package
TW312105U (en) * 1997-01-30 1997-08-01 Yuan Sung Entpr Co Ltd Belt buckle sling protector
US5875611A (en) 1997-02-25 1999-03-02 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Offset sealing method for plastic films
WO1998045180A1 (en) 1997-04-08 1998-10-15 Kcl Corporation Tamper evident slider zipper
US6257763B1 (en) 1997-04-08 2001-07-10 Huntsman Kcl Corporation Tamper evident zipper slider
FR2761956B1 (en) 1997-04-10 1999-06-25 Flexico France Sarl PACKET COMPRISING ADDITIONAL CLOSING CLOSURE PROFILES
US5896627A (en) 1997-09-26 1999-04-27 Tenneco Packaging Inc. High-strength slider for a reclosable bag
US5956924A (en) 1997-11-07 1999-09-28 Rcl Corporation Method and apparatus for placing a product in a flexible recloseable container
US5911508A (en) 1997-11-10 1999-06-15 Dobreski; David V. Vented reclosable bag
US6036364A (en) * 1998-01-16 2000-03-14 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Two-piece sliding fastener arrangement for attachment to container
US6273886B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2001-08-14 Curon Medical, Inc. Integrated tissue heating and cooling apparatus
FR2775953B1 (en) 1998-03-10 2000-06-02 Flexico France Sarl METHOD AND MACHINE FOR FORMING BAGS WITH CLOSURE WITH TRANSVERSE PROFILES
TW516946B (en) 1998-03-13 2003-01-11 Ishizaki Shizai Kk Zipper bag and a slider for opening/closing the bag
US5867875A (en) 1998-04-16 1999-02-09 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Foldable zipper slider with improved compression-type latch
US5938337A (en) * 1998-10-13 1999-08-17 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Bottom filled, bottom-gusseted bag and method of making the same
US6131369A (en) 1998-10-22 2000-10-17 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method of applying slider to package having reclosable zipper
US6293701B1 (en) 1998-11-18 2001-09-25 Mladomir Tomic Resealable closure mechanism having slider device and methods
US6609828B2 (en) 1999-04-15 2003-08-26 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Method of making reclosable packaging
US6287001B1 (en) 1999-05-07 2001-09-11 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Closure arrangement having interlocking closure profiles, slider device, and systems and methods for retaining slider device
US6286999B1 (en) * 1999-05-11 2001-09-11 Pactiv Corporation Tamper-evident reclosable bag
US6360513B1 (en) 1999-05-11 2002-03-26 Sargento Foods Inc. Resealable bag for filling with food product(s) and method
US6247843B1 (en) * 1999-05-14 2001-06-19 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Resealable closure arrangement with side tamper evident strip for use with a slider device
US6287000B1 (en) 1999-05-14 2001-09-11 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Resealable package having zipper closure with tamper evident seal, including a slider device having a seal cutting mechanism
US6264366B1 (en) 1999-05-14 2001-07-24 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable closure arrangement having encapsulated zipper closure, reclosable profiles, and slider device; and methods
US6212857B1 (en) 1999-07-26 2001-04-10 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Slide-zipper assembly, method of attaching slide-zipper assembly to thermoplastic film, and method of making slide-zippered packages
US6293896B1 (en) 1999-11-10 2001-09-25 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Methods of manufacturing reclosable package having a slider device
US6290391B1 (en) 2000-01-18 2001-09-18 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having slider device and tamper-evident structure
US6290390B1 (en) 2000-01-18 2001-09-18 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having a slider device and a tamper-evident structure
US6347885B1 (en) 2000-01-18 2002-02-19 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having a zipper closure, slider device and tamper-evident structure
US6273607B1 (en) 2000-01-18 2001-08-14 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having a slider device and tamper-evident structure
US6467956B1 (en) 2000-04-05 2002-10-22 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Tamper evident package having slider device, and methods
US6364530B1 (en) 2000-06-12 2002-04-02 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Resealable package having a slider device and void arrangement
US6409384B1 (en) 2000-08-10 2002-06-25 Pactiv Corporation Zipper slider with grab tab
US6357914B1 (en) 2000-09-22 2002-03-19 Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Fastener closure arrangement for flexible packages
US6616333B2 (en) 2000-09-22 2003-09-09 Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Fastener closure arrangement for flexible packages
FR2817843B1 (en) 2000-12-07 2003-06-13 Flexico France Sarl PACKAGING BAG COMPRISING CURSOR-CONTROLLED CLOSURE PROFILES

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0109793A2 (en) * 1982-11-10 1984-05-30 Bond (R.S.C.) Associates Ltd. Containers provided with sealable sliding clasp fasteners
EP0405995A2 (en) * 1989-06-30 1991-01-02 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Tamper-evident, flexible, reclosable packages
US5669715A (en) * 1996-08-16 1997-09-23 Tenneco Packaging Tamper-evident reclosable plastic bag with slider
WO1998021993A1 (en) * 1996-11-20 1998-05-28 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Tamper-evident reclosable plastic bag with breakaway slider
FR2771387A1 (en) * 1997-11-26 1999-05-28 Gilles Valmont Tamper proof seal for container with sliding closure

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1129955A3 (en) * 2000-01-18 2001-09-12 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having slider device and tamper-evident structure
WO2001053158A3 (en) * 2000-01-18 2002-02-07 Reynolds Consumer Prod Reclosable package having slider device and tamper-evident structure
US6474866B2 (en) * 2000-01-18 2002-11-05 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having a zipper closure, slider device and tamper-evident structure
US6572266B2 (en) 2000-01-18 2003-06-03 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having a zipper closure, slider device and tamper-evident structure
WO2001053158A2 (en) * 2000-01-18 2001-07-26 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having slider device and tamper-evident structure
US6866420B2 (en) 2000-01-18 2005-03-15 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package having a zipper closure, slider device and tamper-evident structure
EP1295803B2 (en) 2000-12-07 2011-07-27 Flexico France Packaging bag with closure profiles actuated by a slider
EP1291286A3 (en) * 2001-09-06 2003-12-10 Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Tamper evident slider package
GB2382065B (en) * 2001-11-20 2003-11-05 Roy Andersen Mailers and/or files for documents and/or other items
WO2003045703A3 (en) * 2001-11-20 2003-10-16 Roy Andersen Mailers and/or files for documents and/or other items
WO2003045703A2 (en) * 2001-11-20 2003-06-05 Roy Andersen Mailers and/or files for documents and/or other items
GB2382065A (en) * 2001-11-20 2003-05-21 Roy Andersen Mailers and/or files for documents and/or other items
JP4546061B2 (en) * 2002-10-02 2010-09-15 イリノイ トゥール ワークス インコーポレイティド Bag with slide fastener
JP2004123236A (en) * 2002-10-02 2004-04-22 Illinois Tool Works Inc <Itw> Gussetted bag with slide fastener
EP1418133A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-05-12 S2F Flexico Tamper evident adhesive band, machine and process for making a bag provided with such a band
FR2846944A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-05-14 S2F Flexico OPENING TAPE ADHESIVE
EP1572548A1 (en) * 2002-11-13 2005-09-14 Sehyang Industrial Co.,Ltd. Pack sealing method and device
EP1572548A4 (en) * 2002-11-13 2009-08-05 Sehyang Ind Co Ltd Pack sealing method and device
WO2007038465A1 (en) * 2005-09-27 2007-04-05 Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. Reclosable package and method
US7543362B2 (en) 2006-11-09 2009-06-09 Illinois Tools Works Inc. Method for preventing slider clip release
WO2008057650A1 (en) * 2006-11-09 2008-05-15 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Zipper bag with a device for preventing slider clip release
EP2028119A1 (en) * 2007-08-23 2009-02-25 Alcan Technology &amp; Management Ltd. Bag packaging with opening aid
WO2009024237A1 (en) * 2007-08-23 2009-02-26 Alcan Technology & Management Ltd. Bag packaging with opening aid
FR2923467A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-15 S2F Flexico Sarl Bag for packaging food product, has rod connecting slider to body and separable from slider and/or body, such that slider is displaced in opening direction of closing profiles, only when rod is separated
GB2500782A (en) * 2012-02-24 2013-10-02 Ron Care Bag or pouch with label closure
GB2531727A (en) * 2014-10-27 2016-05-04 Coveries Flexibles (Hartlepool) Uk Ltd Child-resistant bag
GB2531727B (en) * 2014-10-27 2017-06-07 Coveris Flexibles Uk Ltd Child-resistant bag
EP3064445A1 (en) * 2015-03-05 2016-09-07 Robert C. Reinders Limiting access to a structure which is opened and closed using a plastic zipper
US9902529B2 (en) 2015-03-05 2018-02-27 Robert C. Reinders Controlling access to a structure which is opened and closed using a plastic zipper

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP5114761B2 (en) 2013-01-09
US6439770B2 (en) 2002-08-27
US20030063819A1 (en) 2003-04-03
EP1661479B1 (en) 2010-06-30
US20010021280A1 (en) 2001-09-13
ES2257060T3 (en) 2006-07-16
US6575625B2 (en) 2003-06-10
DE69929205D1 (en) 2006-02-02
ATE313979T1 (en) 2006-01-15
DE69942550D1 (en) 2010-08-12
US6419391B2 (en) 2002-07-16
US7008106B2 (en) 2006-03-07
EP2243389B1 (en) 2012-09-05
EP1514491A2 (en) 2005-03-16
EP1096868A1 (en) 2001-05-09
DE69929205T2 (en) 2006-07-13
EP1661479A3 (en) 2006-06-07
US6663283B1 (en) 2003-12-16
US6712509B2 (en) 2004-03-30
EP1096868B1 (en) 2005-12-28
EP1514491A3 (en) 2005-04-20
AU4853199A (en) 2000-11-21
JP2002543862A (en) 2002-12-24
US20010026649A1 (en) 2001-10-04
EP1661479A2 (en) 2006-05-31
US20020009239A1 (en) 2002-01-24
US20020097924A1 (en) 2002-07-25
US20060133700A1 (en) 2006-06-22
ATE472265T1 (en) 2010-07-15
CA2337127A1 (en) 2000-11-16
CA2337127C (en) 2003-10-28
US20010043762A1 (en) 2001-11-22
US6286999B1 (en) 2001-09-11
EP2243389A1 (en) 2010-10-27
KR20010053472A (en) 2001-06-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2243389B1 (en) Tamper-evident slider bag
AU715013B2 (en) Tamper-evident reclosable plastic bag with breakaway slider
US5713669A (en) Plastic bag with zipper slider captured in pocket
AU719880B2 (en) Tamper-evident reclosable plastic bag with slider-type zipper
US6799890B2 (en) Tamper evident resealable packaging
US6843600B2 (en) Resealable closure arrangement with pull string activated, tamper evident seal for use with a slider device
WO2001019695A1 (en) Plastic bag with zipper slider and end terminations captured in pocket

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AU CA JP KR

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 48531/99

Country of ref document: AU

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1999932168

Country of ref document: EP

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 2000 616645

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1020017000394

Country of ref document: KR

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2337127

Country of ref document: CA

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1999932168

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1020017000394

Country of ref document: KR

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1020017000394

Country of ref document: KR

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 1999932168

Country of ref document: EP