ZIPPER CLOSURE WITH SLIDER DEVICE; RECLOSEABLE POUCH; & METHODS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a zipper closure, a recloseable zipper pouch using the zipper closure; and methods of use. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a zipper closure with a slider device, a recloseable zipper pouch using the zipper closure; and methods of use.

BACKGROUND

Manufacturers of household products have increasingly replaced rigid packages with recloseable flexible pouches or bags due to the advantages offered by these flexible pouches that include: less packaging material, lower package cost, reduced storage space, and lower shipping costs. The pouches are recloseable by using zipper closures, having mating profiles, which interlock for closure, and unlock for opening.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical prior art zipper closure 30 with a slider device 54. The zipper closure 30 includes a female profile 32 having first and second spaced profile legs 33, 34 joined by a base 36 and defining a recess 38 between the legs 32, 34. A female fin 40 is connected to a bottom of the first leg 33 and attaches to a remain part of the pouch. The closure 30 has a male profile 42 opposing the female profile 32. The male profile 42 includes a male profile member 44 extending from a male base 46. The male profile member 44 is sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the recess 38 and engaged with the first and second profile legs 33, 34. A male fin 48 extends from the male base 46. A lock 50 between the first leg 33 and the male profile member 44, on the product side, is larger than a lock 52 between the second leg 34 and the male profile member 44, on the consumer (user) side to create higher strength on the product side, while allowing the lock 52 on the consumer side to be more easily pried apart by a slider device 54.

The slider device 54 separates the locks 50, 52 by a plow acting on the ears 55, 56 above the profile members 34, 44. The slider device 54 is retained on the closure 30 at slider retention points 57, 58. The slider retention points 57, 58 are pivot points for the female profile 32 and male profile 42, respectively, during opening. Due to the locations of the pivot points (slider retention points 57, 58), the profiles 32, 42 interfere with each other during opening. The female profile 32 rotates in a direction of arrow 59 across the path of the male profile 42 during opening. The male profile 42 rotates in a direction of arrow 61 into the path of the female profile 32 during opening. Accordingly, the locks 50, 52 must be relatively small and blunt to prevent damage.

In other prior art slider devices, the plow protrudes through the full length of the profile. The locks are simply pushed apart to open. The locks must fight through their natural interference. Locks must be relatively small, and/or, material must be strong and durable enough to resist excessive deformation and friction of opening.

Improvements are desirable.

SUMMARY

In general, a zipper closure and recloseable zipper pouch are provided which improve the prior art.

In one aspect, a recloseable zipper closure for use with a pouch is provided. The zipper closure comprises a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and be engaged with the first and second profile legs; a female fin attached to the female profile; a male fin attached to the male profile member; the male fin having a continuous, outwardly projecting male fin retention member; a first ear extending from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin; a second car, opposing the first car, extending from the male base in a direction away from the male fin; the first car and second car defining a plow-receiving volume therebetween; a slider device having a closing end, an opposite opening end, a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall extending from the top wall; a plow extending from the top wall at the opening end and into the plow-receiving volume; the plow being positioned to wedge between the opposing first car and second car to drive them apart and disengage the male profile and female profile as the slider device is moved in an opening direction along the zipper closure; and wherein the slider device further includes, a first shoulder extending from the first side wall toward the second side wall; a second shoulder extending from the second side wall toward the first side wall and engaging the male fin retention member; a first bumpout projecting from the first side wall toward the second side wall; the first bumpout being spaced between the first shoulder and the top wall; and a second bumpout projecting from the second side wall toward the first side wall; the second bumpout being spaced between the second shoulder and the top wall.

In one or more arrangements, the first bumpout is defined by a recession of an inner surface of the the first side wall as the inner surface extends from the closing end to the opening end of the slider; and the second bumpout extends from the opening end only partially along a length of the second side wall toward the closing end.

In example embodiments, the second bumpout extends from the opening end toward the closing end no more than 70% of the length of the second side wall.

In some implementations, the second bumpout extends from the opening end toward the closing end no more than 80% of the length of the second side wall.

In one or more arrangements, the second bumpout extends from the opening end toward the closing end no more than 90% of the length of the second side wall.

In example embodiments, the first shoulder engages the female base.

In some implementations, the female fin extends from the first profile leg, and is out of alignment with the female base.

In one or more arrangements, the female fin has a continuous, outwardly projecting female fin retention member; and the first shoulder engages the female fin retention member.

In example embodiments, the second bumpout extends from the opening end toward the closing end 100% of a length of the second side wall.

In some implementations, the female base includes a thin region; the thin region having a thickness which is less than a remaining part of the female profile.

In one or more arrangements, the first bumpout on the slider device is positioned laterally adjacent to at least a portion of the female base.

In example embodiments, engagement between the second shoulder and male fin retention member is: under the male and female profiles, when oriented with the slider device on top of the male and female profiles; and in-line, or adjacent to being in-line, with the male base.

In some implementations, the male profile further includes a male protrusion projecting from the male base in a direction opposite of the male profile member; and the second bump on the slider device is positioned to contact the male protrusion, as the plow drives the first car and second car apart when moving the slider device in the opening direction.

In some embodiments, the male profile member includes a continuous male rib projection with a head remote from the male base and first and second, opposite continuous side arms on opposite sides of the rib projection; the side arms providing for engagement recesses thereunder for locking engagement with portions of the first and second profile legs.

In example embodiments, the first profile leg has a first hook member; the second profile leg has a second hook member; wherein when the male profile member is inserted in the receiver recess, the first and second hook member are received in respective ones of the engagement recesses to interlock.

In one or more arrangements, the female base includes a thin region; the thin region having a thickness which is less than a remaining part of the female profile; and the first bumpout on the slider device is positioned laterally adjacent to at least a portion of the female base.

In another aspect, a flexible, recloseable pouch is provided. The pouch comprising: a recloseable zipper closure including, a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and be engaged with the first and second profile legs; a female fin attached to the female profile; a male fin attached to the male profile member; the male fin having a continuous, outwardly projecting male fin retention member; a first ear extending from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin; a second car, opposing the first car, extending from the male base in a direction away from the male fin; the first car and second car defining a plow-receiving volume therebetween; a slider device having a closing end, an opposite opening end, a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall extending from the top wall; a plow extending from the top wall at the opening end and into the plow-receiving volume; the plow being positioned to wedge between the opposing first car and second ear to drive them apart and disengage the male profile and female profile as the slider device is moved in an opening direction along the zipper closure; and wherein the slider device further includes, a first shoulder extending from the first side wall toward the second side wall; a second shoulder extending from the second side wall toward the first side wall and engaging the male fin retention member; a first bumpout projecting from the first side wall toward the second side wall; the first bumpout being spaced between the first shoulder and the top wall; and a second bumpout projecting from the second side wall toward the first side wall; the second bumpout being spaced between the second shoulder and the top wall; a first panel having a top edge; the female fin secured to the first panel along the top edge; and a second panel, opposing the first panel, having a top edge; the male fin secured to the second panel along the second panel top edge; wherein the first panel and second panel form a surrounding pouch wall having an interior volume.

In one or more embodiments, the first and second panels are secured together along opposite side edges.

In some arrangements, the first bumpout is defined by a recession of an inner surface of the the first side wall as the inner surface extends from the closing end to the opening end of the slider; and the second bumpout extends from the opening end only partially along a length of the second side wall toward the closing end.

In some implementations, the female fin has a continuous, outwardly projecting female fin retention member; and the first shoulder engages the female fin retention member.

In another aspect, a method of operating a zippered bag having an openable and recloseable mouth is provided. The method comprises: providing a zippered bag having first and second panels forming a wall surrounding an interior, an open mouth, and a closed bottom; and a recloseable zipper closure secured to the panels along the mouth; a slider device being operably mounted on the recloseable zipper closure; the recloseable zipper closure including a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; and a female fin attached to the female profile; the female fin being secured to the first panel; the recloseable zipper closure including a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs; and a male fin attached to the male profile member; the male fin being secured to the second panel; a first ear extending from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin; a second ear, opposing the first ear, extending from the male base in a direction away from the male fin; moving the slider device along the zipper closure to move a plow on the slider device between the first ear and second ear, causing the male profile and female profile to move outward from each other, causing the female profile to contact a first bumpout on the slider device and causing the first and second female legs to rotate up providing clearance for the male profile member to rotate out; allowing the male profile to pivot outwardly, such that a protrusion on the male profile contacts a second bumpout on the slider device; and lifting the male profile member so it clears the first and second female legs, allowing the male profile and female profile to separate.

In example methods, as the male profile moves outward, the method includes pivoting the male profile on a male retention barb secured to a male fin, attached to the male profile member.

Example methods include causing the first and second female legs to rotate up includes pivoting the female profile about a retention member.

In example methods, the retention member includes a shoulder on the slider device.

Example methods include pivoting the female base about the shoulder on the slider device.

Example methods include pivoting a female retention barb secured to a female fin about the shoulder on the slider device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art recloseable zipper closure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a bag with a recloseable zipper closure and slider, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a female profile used in a recloseable zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a male profile used in a recloseable zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a first embodiment of a slider device, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 5, as viewed from the closing end of the slider device;

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional, perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 5, as viewed from the closing end of the slider device;

FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional, perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 5, as viewed from the opening end of the slider device;

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional, perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 5, as viewed from the opening end of the slider device;

FIG. 10 is the slider device of FIG. 5 mounted on a zipper closure, according to the principles of this disclosure, shown along the plane section FIG. 10 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is the slider device of FIG. 5 mounted on the zipper closure, shown along the plate section FIG. 11 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is the slider device of FIG. 5 mounted on a zipper closure, according to the principles of this disclosure, shown along the plane section FIG. 12 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a second embodiment of a slider device, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 13, as viewed from the closing end of the slider device;

FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional, perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 13 as viewed from the closing end of the slider device;

FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional, perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 13 as viewed from the opening end of the slider device;

FIG. 17 is another cross-sectional, perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 13 as viewed from the opening end of the slider device;

FIG. 18 is the slider device of FIG. 13 mounted on a zipper closure, according to the principles of this disclosure, shown along the plane section FIG. 18 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is the slider device of FIG. 13 mounted on the zipper closure, shown along the plane section FIG. 19 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is the slider device of FIG. 13 mounted on a zipper closure, according to the principles of this disclosure, shown along the plane section FIG. 20 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper closure used in the embodiments of FIGS. 18-20, in an unmated state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The solutions provided herein reduce interference between profile members during opening, reducing wear, and prolonging product life span during repeated usage. The solutions enable use of more aggressive lock geometry, allowing increased performance at a given profile size and material, and/or enable reduction of profile size or use of lower strength materials to achieve equivalent performance.

In reference now to FIG. 2, a flexible pouch 60 or bag with a recloseable zipper closure 62, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure, is illustrated. The pouch 60 includes a first panel 64 having a top edge 66. A second panel 68 opposes the first panel 64 and has a top edge 70. The first panel 64 and second panel 68 form a surrounding wall 72 surrounding an interior 74. The top edges 66, 70 form an open mouth 76, which allows access to the interior 74.

There are a variety of pouches 60 possible, and in the example shown, the pouch 60 has a closed bottom 78. The closed bottom 78 may be formed by a fold between the first panel 64 and second panel 68; alternatively, the bottom 78 may be formed by securing together the panels 64, 68 along bottom edges of the panels 64, 68. The panels 64, 68 are typically secured together along side edges 80, 81, extending between the top edges 66, 70 and the bottom 78. Typically, the panels 64, 68 are made from a polymeric (plastic) material, that is often transparent—but need not be. The panels 64, 68 are often secured together by heat sealing. Many other types of pouches 60 could be used, including stand up, side gusset, bottom gusset, etc. The zipper closure 62 could also be used in any type of packaging that uses a recloseable closure, including, for example, a non-pouch package such as described in U.S. Provisional patent application 63/568,657, commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference. It should be appreciated that the zipper closure 62 described herein can be used with any of these various types of pouches 60 or packaging.

The zipper closure 62 is attached or otherwise arranged on the mouth 76, and is used to selectively open and close the mouth 76. The zipper closure 62 has mating, interlocking members. When the members are mated or interlocked or engaged, the mouth 76 is closed, preventing access to the interior 74. When the members are unmated or unlocked or disengaged, the mouth 76 is open, providing access to the interior 74.

In the pouch 60 of FIG. 2, there is a slider device 84 used to selectively mate or interlock the members, and selectively unmate or unlock or disengage the members. The slider device 84 is slidably mounted on the zipper closure 62. When the slider device 84 is moved in the closing direction (arrow 86), the members are interlocked, and the mouth 76 is closed. When the slider device 84 is moved in the opening direction (arrow 88), the members are unlocked, and the mouth 76 is opened. FIG. 2 also shows an optional notch 90, which, in some implementations, can be provided as a parking place for a splitter or plow 220 (FIGS. 10-12 and 18-20) in the slider device 84.

In reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example embodiment of female and male profiles used in the recloseable zipper closures 62, according to principles of this disclosure, are illustrated. In FIG. 3, a female profile 100 is shown. The female profile 100 includes a first profile leg 102 and a second profile leg 104. The first and second legs 102, 104 are spaced apart and joined by a female base 106. The legs 102, 104 and base 106 define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess 108.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, a female fin 110 is attached to the female profile 100 in at an attachment area 112. As embodied herein, the attachment area 112 of the female fin 110 is along the first profile leg 102 and spaced laterally from the female base 106. In the embodiment of FIG. 3 and FIGS. 10-12, the female fin 110 extends from the first profile leg 102, and is out of alignment with the female base 106.

The female fin 110 is positioned to be secured to a portion of the pouch 60. Typically the fin 110 is secured to one of the first or second panels 64, 68 by heat sealing or other suitable means.

Still in reference to FIG. 3, the female base 106 includes a thin region; the thin region 113 having a thickness which is less than a remaining part of the female profile 100. The thin region 113 is adjacent to the second profile leg 104. The thin region 113 is thin enough to create a weak region and define a pivot area (230, FIG. 11, described below). For example, the thickness of the thin region 113 can be less than 80%, or less than 70%, or less than 60%, or less than 50% of the thickness of the remaining part of the female profile 100.

The zipper closure 62 includes a male profile 114, shown in FIG. 5. The male profile 114 opposes the female profile 100. The male profile 114 includes a male profile member 116 extending from a male base 118. The male profile member 116 is sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess 108 and engaged with the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

The zipper closure 62 includes a male fin 120. The male fin 120 is attached to the male profile member 116, and is positioned to be secured to another portion of the pouch 60. Typically the fin 120 is secured to one of the first or second panels 64, 68 by heat scaling or other suitable means.

In the example embodiment shown, the male fin 120 is attached to the male profile member 116 at the male base 118.

Many embodiments are possible. In the example shown, the male profile member 116 includes a continuous male rib projection 122 with a head 124 remote from the male base 118. The male profile member 116, in the example embodiment shown, includes first and second, opposite continuous side arms 126, 128 on opposite sides of the rib projection 122. The side arms 126, 128 provide for engagement recesses 130, 132 thereunder for locking engagement with portions of the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

A protrusion 160 extends from the male base 118. In FIG. 4, it can be seen how the protrusion 160 projects from the male base 118 in a direction opposite of the male profile member 116. The protrusion 160 is shaped as a rounded stub projecting from the base 118.

In this embodiment, the male fin 120 has a continuous, outwardly projecting male fin retention member 150, having a barb shape, spaced from (below) the male profile member 116, and extending in a direction away from the female profile 100.

In some example embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 3, the first profile leg 102 has a first hook member 134. The second profile leg 104 has a second hook member 136. When the male profile member 116 is inserted in the receiver recess 108, the first hook member 134 and second hook member 136 are received in respective ones of the engagement recesses 130, 132. Herein, the first hook member 134 and second hook member 136 are also referred to as first female lock 134 and second female lock 136.

In some preferred implements, the zipper closure 62 is designed so that engagement at a product-side lock 146 (FIG. 10) is stronger than engagement at a consumer-side lock 148 (FIG. 10). By “product-side lock”, it is meant the lock 146 (in the examples shown in the FIGS., it is the lower lock) which is closer to the interior 74 of the pouch 60 than the other lock (in the example shown, it is the upper lock). By “consumer-side lock”, it is meant the lock 148 (shown in the examples as the upper lock), which is more remote from the interior 74 and closer to the free end (terminal end) of the closure 62.

In the example shown, and in reference to FIG. 3, the first profile leg 102 is positioned as a product-side leg 138 and having the first hook member 134 positioned closer to the interior 74 of a pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60. The second profile leg 104 is positioned as a consumer-side leg 140 and having the second hook member 136, positioned away from the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60. In FIG. 4, the first side arm 126 on the male profile member 116 is positioned as a product-side side arm 142, positioned closer to the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60, and positioned to engage with the product-side leg 138. The second side arm 128 on the male profile member 116 is positioned as a consumer-side side arm 144, positioned away from the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60, and positioned to engage with the consumer-side leg 140. Engagement between the product-side leg 138 and product-side side arm 142 (creating a product side lock 146, FIG. 10) is stronger than engagement between the consumer-side leg 140 and consumer-side side arm 144 (creating a consumer side lock 148, FIG. 10).

A first car 152 extends from the second profile leg 104 in a direction away from the female fin 110. A second car 154, opposing the first car 152, extends from the male base 118 in a direction away from the male fin 120. The first car 152 and second car 154 define a plow-receiving volume 156 (FIG. 10) therebetween, which receives the plow 220, when the slider device 84 is moved along the zipper closure 62.

As mentioned above, the zipper closure 62 can be used with slider device 84 to selectively open and close the zipper closure 62. FIGS. 5-9 depict an example embodiment of slider device 84, usable with zipper closure 62. The slider device 84 has an opening end 200 and an opposite closing end 202. The opening end 200 is the end of the slider device 84 that opens the closure 62, while the closing end 202 is the end that closes (interlocks) the zipper closure 62. As the slider device 84 is moved along the top of the zipper closure 62 in the direction of the opening arrow 88 (FIG. 2), the closing end 202 leads, followed by the opening end 200. When moved in the direction of the closing arrow 86, the opening end 200 leads, followed by the closing end 202.

The slider device 84 includes a top wall 204 with an internal surface 206. First and second side walls 208, 210 extend from the top wall 204 and enclose the internal surface 206 of the top wall 204. In this example embodiment, the first sidewall 208 has a first shoulder 212 at a terminal end 213, extending in a direction toward the second sidewall 210. The second sidewall 210 has a second shoulder 214 at a terminal end 215, extending in a direction toward the first sidewall 208.

The second shoulder 214 engages the male fin retention member (or barb) 150 to help hold the slider device 84 on the zipper closure 62. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the engagement between the second shoulder 214 and the male fin retention member 150 is under the male profile 114 and female profile 100, when oriented with the slider device 84 on top of the male profile 114 and female profile 100; and, in-line, or adjacent to being in-line, with the male base 118.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the first shoulder 212 engages the female base 106. In the particular example shown, the first shoulder 212 engages the female base 106 at an intersection 222 between the female base 106 and the first profile leg 102.

Plow 220 extends from the internal surface 206 of the top wall 204. In this embodiment, the plow 220 is wedge-shaped, narrowing as it extends in a direction from the opening end 200 toward the closing end 202. The plow 220 engages between the female profile 100 and male profile 114, to separate (disengage/unmate) the male profile member 116 from the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

In reference now to FIGS. 6-9, the slider device 84 has a first bumpout 224 projecting internally from the first sidewall 208 and toward the second sidewall 210. The first bumpout 224 is axially spaced between the first shoulder 212 and the top wall 204. FIG. 6 shows the first bumpout 224 at the closing end 202, while FIG. 9 shows the first bumpout 224 at the opening end 200. In FIG. 6, the first bumpout 224 is flush with inner surface 209 of the wall 208 at the closing end 202. The opening end 200 (FIG. 9), the first bumpout 224 is more pronounced (projecting) from the inner surface 209 of the wall 208. Relative to the shoulder 212, the first bumpout 224 recedes as it extends from the closing end 202 to the opening end 200. In other words, the first bumpout 224 is formed by a recession of a portion of the inner surface 209 of the wall 208. The inner surface 209 recedes as it extends from closing end 202 to opening end 200, leaving first bumpout 224.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, it can be seen how the first bumpout 224 is positioned laterally adjacent to at least a portion of the female base 106. In some examples, the first bumpout 224 is positioned laterally adjacent to the female base 106 which is not part of the thin region 113. That is, the first bumpout 224 is along side the female base 106 from the first leg 102 toward the second leg 104, stopping at the thin region 113.

The slider device 84 further includes a second bumpout 226. The second bumpout 226 projects inwardly from the second sidewall 210 toward the first sidewall 208. The second bumpout 226 is axially spaced between the second shoulder 214 and the top wall 204. In FIGS. 7 and 8, it can be seen how the second bumpout 226 is axially spaced from the second shoulder 214 to define an open volume 228 therebetween.

In reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second bumpout 226 extends from the opening end 200 only partially along a length of the second side wall 210 toward the closing end 202, but not completely to the closing end 202. In example embodiments, the second bumpout 226 extends from the opening end 200 toward the closing end 202 no more than 90%; for example no more than 80%; for example at least 30% and no more than 70% of the length of the second sidewall 210.

In reference now to FIGS. 10-12, operation of the zipper closure 62 and slider device 84 are illustrated. FIG. 10 shows the closed, or starting position. The closing end 202 is shown.

The first stage of opening is shown in FIG. 11. The plow 220 engages with the first car 152 and second car 154 of the profiles 110, 114, creating a laterally outward motion.

As the female profile 100 moves outward, it contacts the first bumpout 224 in the slider device 84. This contact with the first bumpout 224 prevents the female profile 100 from moving out, and the movement is translated about a pivot point 230 in the profile 100. The pivot point 230 is at the thin region 113 in the female profile 100. The pivot point 230 is located such that the second hook member 136 on the consumer side leg 140 rotates up at arrow 232 (i.e, toward the top wall 204 of the slider device 84) rather than out, providing clearance for the male profile 114 to rotate out.

As the male profile 114 moves outward (see arrow 234), it initially pivots on the male fin retention member (barb) 150, which is relatively low and central. The resulting motion moves the second side arm 128 mostly outward through the opening created by the motion of the female profile 100.

FIG. 12 shows the second stage of opening. The plow 220 gets progressively bigger, creating more motion in the profiles 100, 114. The first bumpout 224 that created the initial lifting motion of the second hook member 136 on the consumer side leg 140 is recessed, providing clearance for the female profile 100 to rotate away from the male profile 114. The pivot point 236 transfers down to first shoulder 212 (i.e., between the first shoulder 212 and the female base 106), allowing the female profile 100 to rotate away from the male profile 114.

As the male profile 114 pivots out, the protrusion 160 on the male profile 114 contacts the second bumpout 226, creating a new pivot point 238. Clockwise rotation of the male profile 114 around the new pivot point 238 lifts the first side arm 126 so it can clear the first hook member 134 on the first profile leg 102, allowing the two profiles 100, 114 to separate. In the starting position (FIG. 10), the second bumpout 226 is not present, providing clearance. In opening stage 1 (FIG. 11), the height of a top plane 227 of the second bumpout 226 is located such that it provides clearance for protrusion 160 of male profile 114. Then, between opening stage 1 (FIG. 11) and opening stage 2 (FIG. 12), the top plane 227 of bumpout 226 moves up at 229 (FIG. 7) to meet protrusion 160 to create contact with it and define pivot 238.

Attention is now directed to the second embodiment of FIGS. 13-21. Common parts are given common reference numbers, and descriptions of those parts are incorporated herein by reference.

The zipper closure 62 of FIGS. 18-20 is shown in an unmated state in FIG. 21, and in a mated (interlocked) state in FIG. 18. The zipper closure 62 includes a continuous, outwardly projecting female fin retention member 250 extending from the female fin 110 in a direction away from the male fin 120. The female fin retention member 250 is barb-shaped and is below the first profile leg 102. The first shoulder 212 of the slider device 84 engages the female fin retention member 250.

In FIG. 16, it can be seen how the second bumpout 226 extends from the opening end 200 fully (completely; 100%) along a length of the second side wall 210 to the closing end 202.

In reference now to FIGS. 18-20, operation of the zipper closure 62 and slider device 84 are illustrated. FIG. 18 shows the closed, or starting position. The closing end 202 is shown.

In the starting position (FIG. 18) and opening stage 1 (FIG. 19), the height of a top plane 227 of bumpout 226 is located such that it provides clearance for protrusion 160 of male profile 114. Then, between opening stage 1 (FIG. 19) and opening stage 2 (FIG. 20), the top plane 227 of bumpout 226 moves up at 229 (FIG. 15) to meet protrusion 160 to create contact with it and define pivot 238.

The first stage of opening is shown in FIG. 19. The operation is the same as described above for FIG. 11

FIG. 20 shows the second stage of opening, and it is the same as described for FIG. 12, with the exception of where the pivot point is. While in FIG. 12, the pivot point was at 236 between the first shoulder 212 and the female base 106, in FIG. 20, pivot point 252 is between the first shoulder 212 and the female fin retention member 250.

The above example embodiments are useable in a method of operating a zippered bag having an openable and recloseable mouth. The method includes providing zippered bag or pouch 60 having first and second panels 64, 68 forming a wall surrounding interior 74, open mouth 76, and closed bottom 78. Recloseable zipper closure 62 is secured to the panels 64, 68 along the mouth 76. Slider device 84 is operably mounted on the recloseable zipper closure 62.

The recloseable zipper closure 62 includes female profile 100 including first and second spaced profile legs 102, 104 joined by female base 106 to define central, continuous, elongate receiver recess 108. Female fin 110 is attached to the female profile 100 at attachment area 112 along the base 106. The female fin 110 is secured to the first panel 64.

The recloseable zipper closure 64 includes male profile 114 opposing the female profile 100. The male profile 114 includes male profile member 116 extending from male base 118, the male profile member 116 being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess 108 and engaged with the first and second profile legs 102, 104. Male fin 120 is attached to the male profile member 116 at the male base 118. The male fin 120 is secured to the second panel 68. First ear 152 extends from the second profile leg 104 in a direction away from the female fin 110. Second ear 154, opposing the first ear 152, extends from the male base 118 in a direction away from the male fin 120.

The method includes moving the slider device 84 along the zipper closure 62 to move plow 220 on the slider device 84 between the first ear 152 and second ear 154, causing the male profile 114 and female profile 100 to move outward from each other, causing the female profile 100 to contact first bumpout 224 on the slider device 84 and causing the first and second female legs 102, 104 to rotate up, providing clearance for the male profile member 116 to rotate out.

The method includes allowing the male profile 114 to pivot outwardly, such that protrusion 160 on the male profile 114 contacts second bumpout 226 on the slider device 84. The method includes lifting the male profile member 116 so it clears the first and second female legs 102, 104, allowing the male profile 114 and female profile 100 to separate.

The method includes, as the male profile 114 moves outward, pivoting the male profile 114 on male retention barb 150 secured to male fin 120.

The step of causing the first and second female legs 102, 104 to rotate up includes pivoting the female profile 100 about retention member 212. The retention member includes shoulder 212 on the slider device 84.

In one implementation, the step of pivoting the female profile 100 about the retention member 212 includes pivoting the female base 106 about the shoulder 212 on the slider device 84.

In another implementation, the step of pivoting the female profile 100 about the retention member 212 includes pivoting female retention barb 250 secured to the female fin 110 about the shoulder 212 on the slider device 84.

The above represents example principles. Many embodiments can be made using these principles.