WO2023069242A1

WO2023069242A1 - Reclosable bag having side seals

Info

Publication number: WO2023069242A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/045180
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jose Manuel SEPTIEN ROJAS; David J. Matthews
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date: 2021-10-22
Filing date: 2022-09-29
Publication date: 2023-04-27

Abstract

A reclosable bag (100) includes a container (102) configured to retain one or more items. The container (102) includes a front panel (108a) coupled to a rear panel (108b) at a first side (11a) and a second side (111b). A zipper (110) is coupled to the front panel (108a) and the rear panel (108b). The zipper (110) is separated from the first side (111a) by a first gap (118a), and the zipper (110) is separated from the second side (111b) by a second gap (118b). One or more side seals (120) are between the first side (111a) and at least a first portion of the zipper (110) and the second side (111b) and at least a second portion of the zipper (110).

Description

RECLOSABLE BAG HAVING SIDE SEALS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/954,716 (filed 28-September-2022), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/270,646 (filed 22-October-2021), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field.

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to reclosable bags, and more particularly to reclosable bags having side seals.

Discussion of Art.

[0003] Child-resistant reclosable bags are used to hold items, such as medicinal capsules, detergent capsules, cannabis products, and/or the like. Such items may be attractive, but harmful, to a child.

[0004] Certain reclosable bags include zippers, such as may be closed via sliding fingers across opposed locking members of the zipper in a transverse direction (for example, across opposed faces of a bag). However, the zippers of certain reclosable bags do not extend to the sides of the bag. Gaps exist between the zipper and the sides of the bag. The gaps provide areas where small fingers, such as those of children, may be inserted. In this manner, a child may insert a finger into the gap, and then move the finger across the zipper, thereby allowing the zipper (and therefore the bag) to be easily opened. Such is possible because the zipper is not embedded with the side seals of the bag, and therefore is vulnerable to pulling forces. In general, the gaps between the zipper and the sides of the bag provide locations for children to access the bag, and consequently reduce the difficulty to open the bag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] A need may exist for a reclosable bag that is difficult for children to open. Further, a need may exist for a reclosable bag that eliminates, minimizes, or otherwise reduces a potential of fingers being inserted into gaps between a zipper and sides of the bag.

[0006] With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a reclosable bag including a container configured to retain one or more items. The container may include a front panel coupled to a rear panel at a first side and a second side. A zipper can be coupled to the front panel and the rear panel. The zipper may be separated from the first side by a first gap. The zipper can be separated from the second side by a second gap. One or more side seals may be located between the first side and at least a first portion of the zipper and the second side and at least a second portion of the zipper.

[0007] The one or more side seals may extend along a width of the container . The one or more side seals can include a first lateral sealing prong proximate to the first side of the container, a second lateral sealing prong proximate to the second side of the container, and one or more span beams that connect the first lateral sealing prong to the second lateral sealing prong . At least a portion of the one or more side seals can overlap at least a portion of the zipper . The one or more side seals may be disposed above one or both of the first gap or the second gap. Or at least a portion of the one or more side seals can be disposed within one or both the first gap or the second gap. The one or more side seals can be disposed below one or both the first gap or the second gap. Optionally, the one or more side seals can extend above, through, and below one or both the first gap or the second gap . The zipper may include one or more side crushings.

[0008] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming a reclosable bag. The method may include coupling a zipper to a front panel and a rear panel of a container. The front panel can be coupled to the rear panel at a first side and a second side. The zipper may be separated from the first side by a first gap. The zipper can be separated from the second side by a second gap. The method also can include providing one or more side seals between the first side and at least a first portion of the zipper and the second side and at least a second portion of the zipper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The inventive subject matter may be understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein below:

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a lateral view of a reclosable bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the reclosable bag through line 2-

2 of Figure 1;

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the reclosable bag through line 3-

3 of Figure 1;

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a lateral view of a reclosable bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a lateral view of a reclosable bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method of forming a reclosable bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a reclosable bag having a side film-to-film seal above the zipper. The side seal may block access to the zipper from the sides. The width, thickness and number of seals can vary, and be tailored to a desired opening access of the bag.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a lateral view of a reclosable bag 100 (such as a childresistant reclosable bag), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bag 100 may include a container 102, such as a flexible pouch, package, bag, or the like, configured to hold one or more items (not shown) in a product portion 101 below a zipper 110. In at least one embodiment, the bag 100 can be formed of one or more flexible and resilient polymers.

[0018] The container 102 may include a sealed base 104 at a bottom end 106, and flexible panels 108 extending upwardly from the base 104 toward a top end 109. The flexible panels 108 may include a front panel or face 108a and a rear panel or face 108b. The front panel 108a can oppose the rear panel 108b. The front panel 108a may connect to the rear panel 108b at a first side I l la and a second side 111b (which can optionally be formed by folds in the web). For example, the front panel 108a and the rear panel 108b can be sealed together at the sides I l la and 11 lb.

[0019] The zipper 110 may be coupled to the container 102 and may be disposed proximate the top end 109. The zipper 110 can include opposed locking elements 112 on the front panel 108a and the rear panel 108b. A lower flange 114 may extend from at least one of the locking elements 112 and can include a seal 116 that sealingly couples the zipper 110 to the front panel 108a and/or the rear panel 108b. An upper flange 117 can extend upwardly from at least one of the locking elements 112. The upper flange 117 may include a seal that sealingly couples the zipper 110 to the rear panel 108b and/or the front panel 108a.

[0020] The zipper 110 can allow the bag 100 to be selectively opened and closed. The opposed locking elements 112 may selectively mate with one another. For example, to mate the locking elements 112 together into a closed state, an individual may press both locking elements 112 proximate to the side I l la and slides fingers across the opposed locking elements in a transverse direction A toward the opposite side 111b.

[0021] As shown, a gap 118a may exist between the zipper 110 and the side I l la. Additionally or alternatively, a gap exists 118b may exist between the zipper 110 and the side 111b. The gaps 118a and 118b may be caused by the forming process of the bag, which includes securing the zipper 110 onto inner surfaces of a film, and then folding the film over to form the unitary container 102. These gaps can create unintended or undesirable access openings through which a child may be able to pull open the zipper and access the contents inside the bag or enclosure.

[0022] To block a path into the gaps 118a and 118b, a side seal 120 may be coupled to the container 102. The side seal 120 can be secured to inner surfaces of the container 102. The side seal 120 can be formed of a film. For example, the film can be formed from the same material as the container 102. The side seal 120 may provide a sealing bridge 121a between the side I l la and the zipper 110, and a sealing bridge 121b between the side 111b and the zipper 110. As such, distinct side sealing elements, such as the sealing bridges 121a and 121b can be formed between the sides I l la and 11 lb, respectively, and the zipper 110.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the side seal 120 may extend across an entire width 122 of the container 102. For example, the side seal 120 may include lateral sealing prongs 124a and 124b that sealingly couple lateral portions of the front panel 108a and the rear panel 108b together at the locations of the lateral sealing prongs 124a and 124b. In a further example, the lateral sealing prongs 124a and 124b may be crushed to provide increased sealing. The lateral sealing prongs 124a and 124b can connect to a span beam 126a (which may have a height that is less than the lateral sealing prongs 124a and 124b) that extends across an inner surface of the front panel 108a, and a span beam 126b (shown in Figure 3) that may extend across an inner surface of the rear panel 108b. Optionally, the side seal 120 may not include the span beam 126a and the span beam 126b. Instead, a first side seal can be defined by the sealing bridge 121a (and/or the lateral prong 124a), and a second side can be defined by the sealing bridge 121b (and/or the lateral prong 124b).

[0024] As shown, the side seal 120 can be located above the locking elements 112. At least a portion of the side seal 120 can overlap a portion of the zipper 110, such as a portion of the upper flange 117. Optionally, the side seal 120 can be above an entirety of the zipper 110. By providing the side seal 120 at the sides I l la and 111b, which provides sealed, blocking members between the zipper 110 and the sides I l la and 111b, the side seal 120 may close an entry path into the gaps 118a and 118b, thereby preventing, minimizing, or otherwise reducing a potential of fingers being inserted into the gaps 118a and 118b (and thereby preventing, minimizing, or otherwise reducing a potential of the zipper 110 being inadvertently opened). The side seal 120 can completely fill the gaps 118a and 118b, instead of being disposed above (or below). The side seal 120 can extend from areas above the gaps 118a and 118b to areas below the gaps 118a and 118b.

[0025] The zipper 110 can also include a side crushing 128a at a first side 129a and a side crushing 128b at a second side 129b, which may be opposite the first side 129a. The side crushings 128a and 128b can provide additional securing strength between the zipper 110 and the container 102. The side crushings 128a and 128b may provide added access difficulty at the sides 129a and 129b, respectively. Optionally, the zipper 110 may not include the side crushings 128a and 128b.

[0026] The zipper 110 can be pre-applied to the film of the container 102 by the lower flange 114 and sealed thereto by the seal 116. The upper flange 117 can be sealed to the film of the container 102 when the side seal 120 is coupled to the container 102. The side seal 120 can be formed, at least in part, by a jaw that secures the zipper 110 to the container 102, and/or a separate jaw, and the zipper 110 and the side seal 120 can be sealed to the container 102 simultaneously, or at different times.

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the reclosable bag through line 2-

2 of Figure 1. As shown, the zipper 110 may include a locking element 112a secured to an inner surface 113 of the front panel 108a, and a locking element 112b secured to an inner surface 115 of the rear panel 108b. Figure 2 illustrates the container 102 at an area below the side seal 120 (shown in Figure 1). As such, the gaps 118a and 118b may exist between the sides I lla and 111b of the container 102 and the locking elements 112a and 112b of the zipper 110.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the reclosable bag through line 3-

3 of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the container 102 at an area above the locking elements 112a and 112b. As noted, the side seal 120 can be above the locking elements 112a and 112b. [0029] The lateral sealing prongs 124a and 124b may sealingly couple lateral portions 140 of the front panel 108a and the rear panel 108b together. The lateral sealing prong 124a can provide a sealing engagement between the side 11 la of the container 102 and a first side of the zipper 110, such as a side edge 142a of the upper flange 117a secured to an inner surface of the front panel 108a, and a side edge 144a of the upper flange 117b secured to an inner surface of the rear panel 108b. Similarly, the lateral sealing prong 124b may provide a sealing engagement between the side 11 lb of the container 102 and an opposite second side of the zipper 110, such as a side edge 142b of the upper flange 117a secured to an inner surface of the front panel 108a, and a side edge 144b of the upper flange 117b secured to an inner surface of the rear panel 108b. The lateral sealing prongs 124a and 124b may connect to the span beam 126a, which may overlap the upper flange 117a, and the span beam 126b, which may overlap the upper flange 117b.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1-3, the reclosable bag 100 can include the container 102, which is configured to retain one or more items. The container may include the front panel 108a coupled to the rear panel 108b at the first side I l la and the second side 11 lb. The zipper 110 can be coupled to the front panel 108a and the rear panel 108b. The zipper 110 can be separated from the first side 11 la by the first gap 118a, and the zipper 110 may be separated from the second side 111b by the second gap 118b. One or more side seals 120 can be located between (for example, provide a sealing engagement with) the first side I l la and at least a first portion of the zipper 110 and the second side 111b and at least a second portion of the zipper 110. The side seal(s) 120 may block one or more pathways into the first gap 118a and the second gap 118b.

[0031] The side seal(s) 120 can be disposed above (and optionally within) one or both the first gap 118a or the second gap 118b. Disposing the side seal(s) 120 above the first gap 118a and the second gap 118b can ensure or increase the likelihood that an individual cannot insert a finger into the first gap 118a and the second gap 118b from a location outside of the container 102. As such, when the container 102 is closed, a child may be unable to engage the first gap 118a or the second gap 118b. [0032] Optionally, at least a portion of the side seal(s) 120 can be disposed within one or both the first gap 118a or the second gap 118b. As another example, the side seal(s) can be disposed below (and optionally within) one or both the first gap 118a or the second gap 118b. As another example, the side seal(s) can extend above, through, and below one or both the first gap 118a or the second gap 118b.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates a lateral view of a reclosable bag 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The side seal can be disposed below the gaps 118a and 118b between the zipper 110 and the sides I lla and 111b. For example, a first side seal 120a may be disposed below the gap 118a and sealingly engage the side Il la and a lower portion of the zipper 110. A second side seal 120b can be disposed below the gap 118b and sealingly engage the side 111b and a lower portion of the zipper 110. Optionally, the side seals 120a and 120b may be located above the gaps 118a and 118b, respectively. The side seals 120a and 120b may be at least partially within the gaps 118a and 118b, respectively, in another example.

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a lateral view of a reclosable bag 100, according to an example of the present disclosure. The side seal 120a may have at least a portion within the gap 118a, and the side seal 120b may have at least a portion within the gap 118b. For example, the side seals 120a and 120b can be sealed to lateral portions of the lower flange 114 of the zipper 110. Such a configuration can provide a sandwich structure of side seal/flange/side seal.

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of a method of forming a reclosable bag, according to one example. Referring to Figures 1-6, at 200, the zipper 110 may be coupled to one or more interior surfaces of the container 102. For example, opposed portions of the zipper 110 can be coupled to inner surfaces of the front panel 108a and the rear panel 108b. At 202, one or more side seals 120 can be provided between the sides Il la and 11 lb of the container 102 and the zipper 110 to block one or more paths into the gaps 118a and 118b between the sides I lla and 111 b of the container 102 and the zipper 110. [0036] The providing 202 may include extending the one or more side seals 120 along the width 122 of the container 102. The method also may include overlapping at least a portion of the zipper 110 with at least a portion of the one or more side seals 120. The providing 202 may include disposing the one or more side seals 120 above one or both of the first gap 118a or the second gap 118a. The providing 202 optionally includes disposing at least a portion of the one or more side seals 120 within one or both the first gap 118a or the second gap 118b. As another example, the providing 202 can include disposing the one or more side seals 120 below one or both the first gap 118 or the second gap 118b. As another example, the providing 202 may include extending the one or more side seals 120 above, through, and below one or both the first gap 118a or the second gap 118b.

[0037] the method also may include forming one or more side crushings 128a and/or 128b on the zipper 110.

[0038] In one example, a reclosable bag is provided and may include a container that can retain one or more items. The container can include a front panel coupled to a rear panel at a first side and a second side. The bag also may include zipper coupled to the front panel and the rear panel. The zipper can be separated from the first side by a first gap. The zipper may be separated from the second side by a second gap. The bag also may include or more side seals between the first side and at least a first portion of the zipper and the second side and at least a second portion of the zipper.

[0039] The one or more side seals may extend along a width of the container. The one or more side seals may include a first lateral sealing prong proximate to the first side of the container, a second lateral sealing prong proximate to the second side of the container, and one or more span beams that connect the first lateral sealing prong to the second lateral sealing prong. At least a portion of the one or more side seals can overlap at least a portion of the zipper. The one or more side seals may be disposed above one or both of the first gap or the second gap. AT least a portion of the one or more side seals may be disposed within one or both the first gap or the second gap. The one or more side seals can be disposed below one or both the first gap or the second gap. The one or more side seals may extend above, through, and below one or both of the first gap or the second gap. The zipper may include one or more side crushings.

[0040] In another example, a method of forming a reclosable bag is provided. The method may include coupling a zipper to a front panel and a rear panel of a container. The front panel can be coupled to the rear panel at a first side and a second side. The zipper can be separated from the first side by a first gap. The zipper may be separated from the second side by a second gap. The method also may include providing one or more side seals between the first side and at least a first portion of the zipper and the second side and at least a second portion of the zipper. Providing the side seal(s) may include extending the one or more side seals along a width of the container. The one or more side seals may include a first lateral sealing prong proximate to the first side of the container, a second lateral sealing prong proximate to the second side of the container, and one or more span beams that connect the first lateral sealing prong to the second lateral sealing prong. The method also may include overlapping at least a portion of the zipper with at least a portion of the one or more side seals. Providing the side seal(s) may include disposing the one or more side seals above one or both the first gap or the second gap. Providing the side seal(s) may include comprises disposing at least a portion of the one or more side seals within one or both the first gap or the second gap. Providing the side seal(s) may include comprises disposing the one or more side seals below one or both the first gap or the second gap. Providing the side seal(s) may include extending the one or more side seals above, through, and below one or both the first gap or the second gap. The method also may include forming one or more side crushings on the zipper.

[0041] In another example, a reclosable bag is provided and may include a container that can retain one or more items. The container may include a front panel coupled to a rear panel at a first side and a second side. The bag also may include a zipper coupled to the front panel and the rear panel. The zipper may include one or more side crushings and may be separated from the first side by a first gap. The zipper can be separated from the second side by a second gap. The bag also may include one or more side seals between the first side and at least a first portion of the zipper and the second side and at least a second portion of the zipper. The one or more side seals may be disposed above and within at least a portion of one or both the first gap or the second gap.

[0042] The one or more side seals may include a first lateral sealing prong proximate to the first side of the container, a second lateral sealing prong proximate to the second side of the container, and one or more span beams that connect the first lateral sealing prong to the second lateral sealing prong.

[0043] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide reclosable bags that are difficult for children to open. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide reclosable bags that block pathways into gaps between a zipper and sides of the bag.

[0044] The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description may include instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it may be related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” may be not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges may be identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A reclosable bag, comprising: a container configured to retain one or more items, wherein the container comprises a front panel coupled to a rear panel at a first side and a second side; a zipper coupled to the front panel and the rear panel, wherein the zipper is separated from the first side by a first gap, and wherein the zipper is separated from the second side by a second gap; and one or more side seals between the first side and at least a first portion of the zipper and the second side and at least a second portion of the zipper.

2. The reclosable bag of claim 1 , wherein the one or more side seals extend along a width of the container.

3. The recloseable bag of claim 1, wherein the one or more side seals comprise: a first lateral sealing prong proximate to the first side of the container; a second lateral sealing prong proximate to the second side of the container; and one or more span beams that connect the first lateral sealing prong to the second lateral sealing prong.

4. The reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the one or more side seals overlap at least a portion of the zipper.

5. The reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the one or more side seals are disposed above one or both the first gap or the second gap.

6. The reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the one or more side seals is disposed within one or both the first gap or the second gap.

7. The reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the one or more side seals are disposed below one or both the first gap or the second gap.

8. The reclosable bag of claim 1 , wherein the one or more side seals extend above, through, and below one or both the first gap or the second gap.

9. The reclosable bag of claim 1 , wherein the zipper comprises one or more side crushings.

10. A method of forming a reclosable bag, the method comprising: coupling a zipper to a front panel and a rear panel of a container, wherein the front panel is coupled to the rear panel at a first side and a second side, wherein the zipper is separated from the first side by a first gap, and wherein the zipper is separated from the second side by a second gap; and providing one or more side seals between the first side and at least a first portion of the zipper and the second side and at least a second portion of the zipper.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said providing comprises extending the one or more side seals along a width of the container.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more side seals comprise: a first lateral sealing prong proximate to the first side of the container; a second lateral sealing prong proximate to the second side of the container; and one or more span beams that connect the first lateral sealing prong to the second lateral sealing prong.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising overlapping at least a portion of the zipper with at least a portion of the one or more side seals.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein said providing comprises disposing the one or more side seals above one or both the first gap or the second gap.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein said providing comprises disposing at least a portion of the one or more side seals within one or both the first gap or the second gap.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein said providing comprises disposing the one or more side seals below one or both the first gap or the second gap.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein said providing comprises extending the one or more side seals above, through, and below one or both the first gap or the second gap.

18. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming one or more side crushings on the zipper.

19. A reclosable bag, comprising: a container configured to retain one or more items, wherein the container comprises a front panel coupled to a rear panel at a first side and a second side; a zipper coupled to the front panel and the rear panel, wherein the zipper further comprises one or more side crushings, wherein the zipper is separated from the first side by a first gap, and wherein the zipper is separated from the second side by a second gap; and one or more side seals between the first side and at least a first portion of the zipper and the second side and at least a second portion of the zipper, wherein the one or more side seals are disposed above and within at least a portion of one or both of the first gap or the second gap.

20. The reclosable bag of claim 19, wherein the one or more side seals comprise: a first lateral sealing prong proximate to the first side of the container; a second lateral sealing prong proximate to the second side of the container; and

15 one or more span beams that connect the first lateral sealing prong to the second lateral sealing prong.

16