HK1130232B - Closure device and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Description

Closure device and method for the production thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a closure device and, more particularly, to a leak-proof closure device having a spring member. The invention is particularly useful for tying flexible storage containers, including plastic bags.

Background

The use of closure devices for closing containers, including plastic bags, is well known. The closure device and associated container are typically formed from a thermoplastic material. The manufacture of closure devices by extrusion is known to those skilled in the art of closure devices. Typically, the closure device is extruded and then attached to the container, or integrally formed with the container.

These devices are resealable, thus allowing the container to be reused. Generally, the closure device provides a relatively high resistance to opening from the interior of the container, while opening from the exterior of the container is relatively easy. In some cases, however, it is desirable that the closure device also provide a high resistance when opened from the outside.

The interior of the container may be at a relatively high pressure or a relatively low pressure due to changes in the contents and the external environment. In order to provide adequate resistance to opening the container from the inside or outside and to keep the container closed, closure devices typically use a combination of interlocking hooks. In some closure devices, the contact surface between the interlocking hooks provides the primary seal against the container. One difficulty with such a design may be providing a secure closure and an airtight or leak-proof seal, while maintaining a seal that is both easily closed and easily opened from the outside. Sometimes, as shown in fig. 33, the interlocking hooks do not contact each other but remain engaged due to slight changes in the hooks or due to the conditions under which the closure device is used. If the interlocking hooks are in an occluded position without a tight fit, the closure device may not properly provide an air tight or leak proof seal.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, the present invention provides an improved closure device for a flexible container. In particular, the present invention is directed to a closure device that provides an improved sealing effect for flexible containers, a container comprising such a closure device, and a method of manufacturing the closure device.

In accordance with the present invention, the closure device provides male and female closure elements that interlockingly engage one another and extend a predetermined length. Typically, the length is the width of the flexible container for which the closure device is designed to be used. Both the male and female closure elements include hook portions that facilitate interlocking engagement of the closure devices when the closure devices are in an occluded position. Moreover, at least one of the closure elements includes a spring member to facilitate the sealing action of the closure device. The spring member enhances the sealing of the closure device by increasing the contact force between the interlocking hooks, thereby causing the hooks to fit more tightly. The spring member also enhances the sealing action by creating an additional contact surface that forms an additional barrier against the contents of the container leaking out of the container.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the closure device may include a plurality of spring members. These additional spring members may be attached to the male closure element or may be attached to the female closure element. By providing an additional spring member, the closure elements are more securely interlockingly engaged and provide more contact surface to prevent the contents of the bag from leaking out of the bag.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood upon reading the following description of the invention and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible container including a closure device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a closure device according to the present invention, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 2, shown in an occluded position.

Fig. 4-7 are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 2 illustrating a general occlusion sequence of a closure device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 8, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 10, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 12, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 14, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 16, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 18, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 20, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 22, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 24, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 26, shown in an occluded position.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the closure device, shown in a non-occluded position.

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device of fig. 28, shown in an occluded position.

Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a closure device according to the present invention wherein the male and female closure elements are on the same side of the film.

Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a closure device according to the present invention, wherein the male and female closure elements are on opposite sides of the film.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device where the hooks are not in contact with each other.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the closure device with the installation relaxed.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure device.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a flexible container according to the present invention in the form of a plastic bag 100 comprising a sealable longitudinally extending closure device 102. The closure device 102 extends substantially along the width of the bag 100. The bag 100 is formed from a plastic film 104 folded in a U-shape at the bottom 106 of the bag 100. The film 104 forms the sidewalls 108, 110 of the container. Typically, the side walls 108, 110 are heat sealed at vertical edges 112, 114, thereby forming a container. The ends of the closure device 102 are heat sealed. The sidewalls 108, 110 extend beyond the closure device 102 to form mouths 116, 118 to simplify the opening of the bag 100 and in particular the closure device 102. Typically, the entire closure device 102 is engaged by beginning at one edge of the bag and proceeding to the other edge of the bag, such as from edge 112 to edge 114.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a leak-proof closure device 102 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, shown in a non-occluded position. The closure device 102 includes a female closure element 130 and a male closure element 132, the female and male closure elements 130, 132 being interlockingly engaged over a predetermined length. The female and male closure elements 130, 132 may be squeezed and attached to the sidewall of the container.

The female closure element 130 comprises: a base portion 134, a pair of spaced apart and parallel disposed webs 136, 138, a pair of female hook portions 140, 142, and a spring member 144. The webs 136, 138 extend from the base 134 and include female hook portions 140, 142, respectively, and terminate at the female hook portions 140, 142, respectively. The female hook portions 140, 142 extend toward each other. The female hook portions 140, 142 include guide surfaces 146, 148 that are used to guide the female closure element 130, and in particular the female hook portions 140, 142, during occlusion of the female and male closure elements 130, 132. The spring member 144 extends from the base portion 134. typically, the base portion 134, the webs 136, 138, and the spring member 144 of the female closure element 130 are integrally formed as a unitary body.

The male closure element 132 is adapted to interlockingly engage and mate with the female closure element 130, the male closure element 132 including a base portion 150, a pair of spaced apart and parallel disposed webs 152, 154, a pair of male hook portions 156, 158, and a pair of spaced apart and parallel disposed guide wings 160, 162. The webs 152, 154 extend from the base 150 and include, and terminate at, male hook portions 156, 158, respectively. The male hook portions 156, 158 extend away from each other and are adapted to engage the female hook portions 140, 142, respectively. The male hook portions 156, 158 include guide surfaces 164, 166 for guiding the male closure element 132, and in particular the male hook portions 156, 158, during occlusion of the female and male closure elements 130, 132. Guide wings 160, 162 extend from the base 150 and are disposed parallel to the webs 152, 154. Typically, the base 150, webs 136, 138, and guide wings 160, 162 of the male closure element 132 are integrally formed on a unitary body.

Fig. 3 shows the closure device of fig. 2, but in an occluded position. In the occluded position, the female hook portions 140, 142 and the male hook portions 156, 158 are interlockingly engaged. In particular, female hook portion 140 generally engages male hook portion 156 at contact surface 168, and female hook portion 142 generally engages male hook portion 158 at contact surface 170. The contact force between the engaged hooks resists opening of the container. Also, the contact surfaces 168, 170 where the hook portions engage one another provide a seal for the closure device 102.

In the occluded position, the closure device 102 defines an interior 172 and an exterior 174 of the container. In this embodiment, the spring member 144 extends toward the interior 172 of the container. As shown, the spring member 144 is curved. It should be noted that the spring element may have other shapes. For example, in the non-occluded position, the spring member may be a substantially straight member or a Z-shaped member. The spring member 144 extending from the base portion 134 of the female closure element 130 acts on the male hook portion 158 adjacent the container interior 172. By acting on the male hook portion 159, the spring member 144 presses the male hook portion 158 against the female hook portion 142 engaged with the male hook portion 158. In addition, the spring member 144 causes the female hook portion 142 to be drawn toward the male hook portion 158 by acting on the male hook portion 158. Together, these actions cause the male hook portion 158 and the female hook portion 142 to more closely mate and seal at the contact surface 170. The spring member 144 not only enhances the seal at the contact surface 170, but also provides an additional seal at the contact surface 176 where the spring member 144 acts on the male hook portion 158. Thus, in the occluded position, the spring member 144 greatly enhances the sealing effect of the closure device 102 by enhancing the sealing effect at contact surface 170 and providing an additional seal at contact surface 176. As another embodiment of the present invention described below, additional spring members may be added to the closure device. These additional spring members provide an additional contact surface for sealing by confining the contents of the plastic bag and preventing leakage thereof. The spring member may also enhance the sealing effect between the interlockingly engaged male and female hook portions by improving engagement of the closure element.

Fig. 4-7 illustrate a general occlusion sequence of a closure device 102 according to the present invention. Fig. 4 shows the beginning of the occlusion sequence, wherein the guide surfaces 146, 148 of the female hook portions 140, 142 and the guide surfaces 164, 166 of the male hook portions 156, 158 come into contact. And in particular guide surface 146 of female hook portion 140 and guide surface 164 of male hook portion 156, begin to contact one another. The guide surface 148 of the female hook portion 142 and the guide surface 166 of the male hook portion 158 come into contact with each other. If the female and male hook portions 130, 132 are not properly aligned at this time, the guide wings 160, 162 assist in aligning the closure elements 130, 132 for proper occlusion.

In fig. 5, the female and male closure elements 130, 132 are initially pressed together. When the closure elements 130, 132 are brought together, the guide surfaces 146, 148 of the female hook portions 140, 142 begin to slide relative to the guide surfaces 164, 166 of the male hook portions 156, 158, respectively. Moreover, the webs 136, 138 of the female closure element 130 begin to elastically deflect away from one another, while the webs 152, 154 of the male closure element 132 begin to elastically deflect toward one another.

In fig. 6, the female and male closure elements 130, 132 are pressed closer together than in fig. 5. Guide surfaces 146, 148 of female hook portions 140, 142 continue to slide relative to guide surfaces of male hook portions 156, 158, respectively. The webs 136, 138 of the female closure element 130 are resiliently deflected further away from one another. The webs 152, 154 of the male closure element 132 are further resiliently deflected toward one another. Moreover, as the male and female closure elements 130, 132 continue to be adjacent to one another, the spring member 144 begins to contact the guide surface 166 of the male hook portion 158 at contact surface 176.

In the occluded position as shown in fig. 7, the female and male closure elements 130, 132 are interlockingly engaged. In this position, the female hook portions 140, 142 are substantially engaged with the male hook portions 156, 158, respectively. Further, the webs 136, 138 of the female closure element 130 and the webs 152, 154 of the male closure element 132 return to a substantially undeflected state, substantially similar to the undeflected state shown in FIG. 4. It should be noted, however, that slight deflection of the web may occur in the occluded position.

In the occluded position, the spring member 144 is substantially resiliently deflected toward the base portion 134 of the female closure element 130. The resilient deflection of the spring member 144 causes the spring member 144 to act on the male hook portion 158 at the contact surface 176 and the male hook portion 158 to enter the female hook portion 142, thereby providing an enhanced sealing action at the contact surface 170. The interface 176 between the spring member 144 and the male hook portion 158 also provides additional sealing.

The guide wings 160, 164 of the male closure element 132 assist in the occlusion of the female and male closure elements 130, 132. The guide wings 160, 164 may be provided as lateral alignment members that guide and focus the female and male closure elements 130, 132 toward one another during occlusion.

Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in a non-occluded and an occluded position, respectively. The disclosed embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3. However, in this embodiment, the spring member 244 that extends from the base portion 234 of the female closure element 230 extends toward the exterior 274 of the container. As best shown in FIG. 9, in the occluded position the spring member 244 acts on the male hook portion 256 adjacent the exterior 274 of the container. In particular, the spring member 244 acts on the guide surface 264 at the contact surface 276.

Fig. 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention, in a non-occluded and an occluded position, respectively. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments shown in fig. 2 and 8 and is a combination of the embodiments shown in fig. 2 and 8. In this embodiment, two spring members 344, 378 extend from the base portion 334 of the female closure element 330. As best shown in fig. 11, the spring member 344 acts on the male hook portion 356 adjacent the exterior 374 of the container at the contact surface 376. The spring member 378 acts on the male hook portion 358 adjacent the container interior 372 at a contact surface 380.

Fig. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, shown in a non-occluded position. In fig. 12, the female closure element 430 includes a spring member 444 and is similar to the female closure element shown in fig. 2. The male closure element 432 of this embodiment includes a spring member 478 that extends from the base portion 450. The spring member 478 is disposed between and substantially parallel to the web 452 and the guide wings 460 adjacent the exterior 474 of the container.

Fig. 13 shows the embodiment of fig. 12 in an occluded position. As shown, the spring member 478 extends toward the interior 472 of the container and is integrally attached to the base 450. In this embodiment, the spring member 478 acts upon the female hook portion 440 adjacent the exterior 474 of the container.

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in a non-occluded and an occluded position, respectively. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 12 and 13. This embodiment also includes a spring member 544 that extends from the base portion 534 of the female closure element 530. However, the spring member 578 extending from the base portion 550 of the male closure element 532 extends toward the exterior 574 of the container. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the spring member 578 in this embodiment acts on the female hook portion 540 adjacent the exterior 574 of the container.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the closure device of the present invention, shown in a non-occluded position. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 12, except for the location of the spring member 678. This embodiment also includes a spring member 644 that extends from the base portion 634 of the female closure element 630. As shown in FIG. 16, the male closure element 632 of this embodiment includes a base portion 650 and a spring member 678 that extends from the base portion 650. A spring member 678 is disposed between the web 654 and the guide wings 662 adjacent the container interior 672 and substantially parallel to the web 654 and the guide wings 662. The spring member 678 extends toward the interior 672 of the container and is integrally attached to the base 650. Fig. 17 is a view of the embodiment in an occluded position. In this embodiment, the spring member 678 acts on the female hook portion 642 adjacent the container interior 672.

Fig. 18 and 19 illustrate another embodiment of the invention in a non-occluded and an occluded position, respectively. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 16 and 17. This embodiment also includes a spring member 744 that extends from the base portion 734 of the female closure element 730. However, in this embodiment, the spring member 778 of the male closure element 732 extends toward the exterior 774 of the container.

Fig. 20 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, shown in a non-occluded position. This embodiment is a combination of the embodiments shown in fig. 12 and 18. This embodiment also includes a spring member 844 that extends from the base portion 834 of the female closure element 830, the function of which has been previously explained. However, the male closure element 832 includes a base portion 850 and two spring members 878, 882 extending toward and from the base portion. The first spring member 878 is disposed between and substantially parallel to the web 852 and the guide wing 860 adjacent the exterior 874 of the container. A second spring member 882 is disposed between the web 854 adjacent the container interior 872 and the guide wings 862 and is generally parallel to the web 854 and the guide wings 862.

Fig. 21 is another view of the embodiment shown in fig. 20, shown in an occluded position. In this embodiment, the first spring member 878 acts on the female hook portion 840 adjacent the exterior 874 of the container. The second spring member 882 acts on the female hook portion 842 adjacent the container interior 872.

Fig. 22 and 23 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in a non-occluded and an occluded position, respectively. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 20 and 21. This embodiment also includes a spring member 944 that extends from the base portion 934 of the female closure element 930. However, the spring members 978, 982 that extend from the base portion 950 of the male closure element 932 extend away from each other.

Fig. 24 and 25 illustrate another embodiment of the invention in a non-occluded and an occluded position, respectively. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 10 and 22 and is a combination of the embodiments shown in fig. 10 and 22. The female closure element 1030 is identical to the female closure element 330 shown in fig. 10. The female closure element 1030 includes two spring members 1044, 1078 that extend from a base portion 1034 of the female closure element 1030. The spring members 1044, 1078 extend away from each other. The male closure element 1032 is identical to the male closure element 932 shown in fig. 22. As with FIG. 22, the male closure element 1032 in this embodiment includes two spring members 1082, 1084 that extend from a base portion 1050. The spring members 1082, 1084 extend away from one another. In another configuration of this embodiment, the spring members 1082, 1084 of the male closure element 1032 extend toward one another. The male closure element 1032 of this embodiment is similar to the male closure element 832 shown in fig. 20 and 21.

Fig. 26 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, shown in a non-occluded position. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 2. In this embodiment, the female closure element 1130 is substantially the same as the female closure element 130 shown in FIG. 2. The female closure element 1130 includes a base portion 1134, a spring member 1144, and a pair of spaced apart and parallel disposed webs 1136, 1138. Spring member 1144 and webs 1136, 1138 extend from base portion 1134.

The male closure element 1132 is similar to the male closure element 132 illustrated in fig. 2. The male closure element 1132 includes a base portion 1150, a pair of spaced-apart and parallel-disposed guide wings 1160, 1162, and a pair of spaced-apart and parallel-disposed webs 1152, 1154. Guide wings 1160, 1162 and webs 1152, 1154 extend from base 1150.

As shown in fig. 27, this embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 2 in that: the guide wings 1160, 1162 and webs 1136, 1138 are adjusted in this embodiment so that the guide wings 1160, 1162 contact and act on a portion of the webs 1136, 1138 of the female closure element 1130. Guide wing 1160, disposed adjacent to container exterior 1174, acts upon web 1136 at contact surface 1186. Guide wings 1162 disposed adjacent to container interior 1172 act on web 1138 at contact surface 1188. Thus, the webs 1136 and 1138 of the female closure element 1130 are laterally compressed against the webs 1152, 1154, respectively, of the male closure element 1132.

While in the occluded position, the sealing action of the closure device is enhanced by having the guide wings 1160, 1162 act against the webs 1136, 1138. The additional contact surfaces 1186, 1188 provide additional sealing. Moreover, the seal between interlocking web 1136 and web 1152 is enhanced due to the increase in pressure therebetween. For the same reason, the seal between interlocking web 1138 and web 1154 is enhanced.

Fig. 28 and 29 illustrate another embodiment, in a non-occluded and an occluded position, respectively. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 26 and 27. This embodiment also includes a spring member 1244 that extends from the base portion 1234 of the female closure element 1230. As shown in fig. 29, the main differences between the two embodiments are: the guide wings 1260, 1262 of this embodiment are adapted to act primarily on the female hook portions 1240, 1242 of the female closure element 1230. By acting on the female hook portions 1240, 1242, the female hook portions may press against the male hook portions 1256, 1258 at an angle rather than laterally. To achieve this characteristic, the guide wings 1260, 1262 of this embodiment may be shorter, disposed closer to the webs 1252, 1254, or a combination of both, as compared to the guide wings 1160, 1162 of the embodiment shown in fig. 26 and 27.

Fig. 30 generally illustrates the position of the female and male closure elements 1330, 1332 relative to the film 1304 defining the container. The female and male closure elements 1330, 1332 include bases 1334, 1350, respectively. The base portions 1334, 1350 attach the female and male closure elements 1330, 1332, respectively, to the same side of the film 1304. This is a typical arrangement of female and male closure elements. This arrangement results in a container as shown in figure 1. It should be noted that in certain embodiments of the present invention, unlike the illustrated embodiment, the female and male closure elements 1330, 1332 may be integrally formed with the film 1304. In this configuration, the film 1304, female closure element 1330, and male closure element 1332 are integrally formed as a unitary body.

Fig. 31 shows a modification of the arrangement shown in fig. 30. In this embodiment, the female and male closure elements 1430, 1432 are located on opposite sides of the film 1404. This configuration may be used to electrically insulate wires or bundle a set of wires. Moreover, because the female and male closure elements 1430, 1432 provide a sealed closure, such a configuration can be used to form a flexible stem (straw).

The spring member may also be positioned on the web. Referring to fig. 32, the spring member 1544 is positioned on the web 1538 and extends inwardly from the web 1538. In this embodiment, the spring member 1544 extends in a substantially horizontal direction and substantially perpendicular to the web 1538. In this embodiment, the spring member 1544 engages the hook portion 1558 as shown in fig. 32. In other embodiments, the spring member may extend at a different angle relative to the web and inwardly or outwardly from the web. Moreover, the spring member may also be positioned on other webs, such as webs 1536, 1552, 1554 or guide wings 1560, 1562, or combinations thereof or in conjunction with other embodiments disclosed herein.

The spring member may be used with other closure devices or fastening strips. For example, the spring member may be attached to an "arrow-shaped" or "rib and groove" fastener strip as described in U.S. patent 3806998; the "profile" fastening tape described in us patent 5664299; or the "rolling action" fastening tape described in us patent 5007143.

For example, the interlocking fastening strips may include "arrow-headed" or "rib and groove" fastening strips as described in U.S. patent 3806998 and modifications as shown in fig. 34. Referring to fig. 34, the female fastening strip 1736 may include a base 1734, webs 1736, 1738, and hook portions 1740, 1742. The male fastening strip 1732 may include a base 1750, a web 1752, and hook portions 1756, 1758. In fig. 34, the fastening strips 1732, 1736 are loosened so that the hook portions 1740, 1742, 1756, 1758 cannot contact each other. In other embodiments, the fastener tape has a similar profile to the fastener tape described in U.S. patent 3806998.

Referring to FIG. 35, the fastening strips may include a spring member 1844. In this embodiment, the spring member 1844 is located on the base 1834 and acts on the hook 1858. The spring member 1844 brings the hook portions into contact with each other and creates a better seal. In other embodiments, the spring member 1844 may be located on either fastening strip or both fastening strips. Also, in other embodiments, the spring member may be located elsewhere, such as the webs 1836, 1838, 1852, or the base 1850.

Closure devices can be manufactured in a variety of forms to suit a particular application. The closure device may be attached to the container by using any known method. For example, an electrothermal device may be applied to a thin film that contacts the male and female closure elements of the closure device, with heat being transferred through the thin film to create melting at the interface of the thin film and the base of the closure elements. Suitable electro-thermal devices include heated rotating disks, moving heating belts, resistance-heated slide wires, and the like. The connection between the film and the male and female closure elements may be made by the use of hot melt adhesives, hot air jets to the interface, ultrasonic heating or other known methods. The bonding of the male and female closure elements to the film material may be performed before or after the film is U-folded to form the plastic bag. In any case, this adhesion is carried out before the side sealing of the plastic bag at the edges by means of conventional thermal cutting. The male and female closure elements are typically disposed on the film in generally parallel relationship to each other, although this will depend on the particular application.

It should be noted that the arrangements shown in fig. 30 and 31 can be applied to all disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (27)

1. A closure device for a flexible, resealable, leak-proof container, wherein the container defines an interior and an exterior, the closure device comprising:

a longitudinally extending male closure element comprising a base portion and a pair of webs spaced apart and extending from the base portion, the webs of the male closure element each including and terminating at a respective male hook portion, the base portion, webs and hook portions of the male closure element being integrally formed as one piece, the male hook portions facing away from each other;

a longitudinally extending female closure element adapted for interlocking engagement with said male closure element for a predetermined length, said female closure element comprising a base portion and a pair of webs spaced apart and extending from said base portion, said webs of said female closure element each including and terminating at a respective female hook portion, said base portion, webs and hook portions of said female closure element being integrally formed as one piece, said female hook portions extending toward one another, said female hook portions being adapted for engagement and mating with said male hook portions when said closure device is fully occluded; and

at least one spring member extending from the base portion of at least one of the closure elements and integrally forming a part thereof, the at least one spring member including a free end that applies a load directly to at least one hook portion of the other closure element when the closure devices are fully occluded,

wherein, in the occluded position, the spring member (144) is resiliently deflected substantially toward the base portion (134) of the female closure element (130).

2. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring member is curved.

3. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the male closure element comprises a base portion and a pair of webs spaced apart and extending from the base portion and integrally attached to the base portion, the webs including and terminating at a male hook portion; the female closure element includes a base portion and a pair of webs spaced apart and extending from and integrally attached to the base portion, and the webs include and terminate at female hook portions.

4. The closure device of claim 3, wherein the at least one spring member is integrally attached to the base portion of the female closure element and the at least one spring member acts on at least one male hook portion.

5. The closure device of claim 3, wherein the at least one spring member is integrally attached to the base portion of the male closure element and the at least one spring member acts on at least one female hook portion.

6. The closure device of claim 4, wherein the at least one spring member comprises two spring members.

7. The closure device of claim 6, wherein the two spring members extend away from each other.

8. The closure device of claim 6, wherein the two spring members extend toward each other.

9. The closure device of claim 5, wherein the at least one spring member comprises two spring members.

10. The closure device of claim 9, wherein the two spring members extend away from each other.

11. The closure device of claim 9, wherein the two spring members extend toward each other.

12. The closure device of claim 3, wherein the male closure element comprises a pair of spaced apart and parallel disposed guide wings integrally attached to and extending from the base portion, the guide wings adapted to guide the female hook portion and the web of the female closure element during occlusion of the closure device.

13. The closure device of claim 12, wherein the guide wings act on the web of the female closure element when in a fully occluded position.

14. The closure device of claim 12, wherein the guide wings act on female hook portions of the female closure element when in a fully occluded position.

15. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring member comprises at least two spring members, at least one of the at least two spring members being attached to the male closure element and at least one of the at least two spring members being attached to the female closure element.

16. The closure device of claim 3, wherein the at least one spring member comprises at least two spring members, at least one of the at least two spring members being attached to the male closure element and at least one of the at least two spring members being attached to the female closure element.

17. The closure device of claim 4, wherein the spring member is attached between a pair of the female hook portions.

18. The closure device of claim 12, wherein the at least one spring member is attached to the base portion of the male closure element between the guide wing and a web of the male closure element adjacent the exterior of the container and acts against at least one of the female hook portions.

19. The closure device of claim 12, wherein the at least one spring member is attached to the base portion of the male closure element between the guide wing and the web of the male closure element adjacent the interior of the container and acts against at least one of the female hook portions.

20. The closure device of claim 12, wherein the at least one spring member comprises at least three spring members, at least one of the at least three spring members being attached to the female closure element between the female hook portions, at least one of the at least three spring members being attached to the male closure element between the guide wing and a web adjacent the exterior of the container, and at least one of the at least three spring members being attached to the male closure element between the guide wing and a web adjacent the interior of the container.

21. The closure device of claim 5, wherein the pair of webs of the male closure element comprises a first web and a second web, the first web having a first side and a second side, the second side of the first web and the second side of the second web being adjacent to one another, the at least one spring member being disposed adjacent the first side of the first web.

22. The closure device of claim 5, wherein the pair of webs of the male closure element comprises a first web and a second web, the first web having a first side and a second side, the second side of the first web and the second side of the second web being adjacent to one another, the at least one spring member being disposed adjacent the first side of the second web.

23. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring member is a straight member.

24. A method of manufacturing a closure device, comprising:

providing a longitudinally extending male closure element comprising a base portion and a pair of webs spaced apart and extending from the base portion, the webs of the male closure element each including and terminating at a pair of respective male hook portions, the base portion, webs and hook portions of the male closure element being integrally formed as one piece, the male hook portions facing away from each other;

providing a longitudinally extending female closure element adapted for interlocking engagement with the male closure element for a predetermined length, the female closure element comprising a base portion and a pair of webs spaced apart and extending from the base portion, the webs of the female closure element each including and terminating at a corresponding pair of female hook portions, the base portion, webs and hook portions of the female closure element being integrally formed as one piece, the female hook portions extending toward one another, the female hook portions being adapted for engagement and mating with the male hook portions when the closure device is fully occluded; and

providing at least one spring member extending from the base portion of at least one of the closure elements and integrally formed as a single piece therewith, the at least one spring member including a free end that acts directly on at least one hook portion of the other closure element when the closure device is fully occluded,

wherein, in the occluded position, the spring member (144) is resiliently deflected substantially toward the base portion (134) of the female closure element (130).

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the male closure element includes a base portion and a pair of webs spaced apart and extending from and integrally attached to the base portion, the webs including and terminating at a male hook portion; the female closure element includes a base portion and a pair of webs spaced apart and extending from and integrally attached to the base portion, and the webs include and terminate at female hook portions.

26. The method of claim 25, further providing a film and attaching the male and female closure elements to the film, wherein the film extends between the closure elements.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the film, the spring member, and the male and female closure elements are provided as an integrally formed unitary body.