Pivotable portion zipper assembly for resealable enclosures

Abstract

A pivot portion assembly includes first and second zipper members each having a facing side, an opposite side, an upper edge, and an opposite lower edge. Each zipper member has a profile projection extending from the facing side and between the upper edge and the lower edge. The profile projections are engaged with each other to interlock with each other. A living pivot is formed within the first zipper member and / or the second zipper member between the lower edge and the profile projection. The zipper members are formed with a flange extending from the lower edge. The flange is configured to be attached to a panel of an enclosure that is closed by engaging the profile projections of the first and second zipper members with each other.

Description

[0001] Cross-references of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 404,864 (filed August 17, 2021) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 067,608 (filed August 19, 2020). The entire disclosure of these applications is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology Technical Field

[0004] The subject described in this article relates to zipper assemblies for resealable containers such as bags and pouches, which can be repeatedly opened and closed using interlocking components of the zipper assembly.

[0005] Discussion of existing technologies

[0006] Resealable containers are used to store a variety of materials. For example, bags and pouches can be used to store food, medicine or other consumer products and may include resealable closure components. These closure components may include interlocking members that can be pressed together to close them (e.g., by moving a slider along the interlocking members to press the interlocking members together, by manually pressing the interlocking members toward each other, or by similar means).

[0007] Some resealable containers are used to store materials that are unsafe for children. For example, medicines may be stored or served in resealable containers and may require child-stopping or child-prevention features to prevent children from opening the containers or to make it more difficult for children to open them. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A method for forming a pivot-type zipper assembly is provided herein. The method includes forming first and second zipper members, each zipper member being formed by an elongated body having a facing side, an opposing side, an upper edge, and opposing lower edges. Each of the first and second zipper members is formed to have a profiled protrusion extending from the facing side and located between the upper and lower edges. The profiled protrusions of the first and second zipper members are formed to interlock with each other to lock the first and second zipper members together. The method further includes forming a movable pivot between the lower edge of one or more of the first or second zipper members and the profiled protrusion, and in one or more of the first or second zipper members. The first and second zipper members are formed with flanges extending from the lower edges. The flanges are configured to attach to a panel of an enclosure that is closed by interlocking the profiled protrusions of the first and second zipper members together. The movable pivot portion can be formed by cutting a slit from the facing side of the elongated body of one or more of the first zipper members or the second zipper members toward the opposite side of the elongated body.

[0009] In one embodiment, the zipper assembly includes first and second zipper members, each having an elongated body having a facing side, an opposing side, an upper edge, and opposing lower edges. The facing sides of the first and second zipper members are opposite each other. Each of the first and second zipper members has a profiled protrusion extending from its facing side and located between its upper and lower edges. The profiled protrusions of the first and second zipper members are formed to interlock with each other to lock the first and second zipper members together. Each of the first and second zipper members has a flange extending from its lower edge. The flange is configured to attach to a panel of an enclosure that is closed by interlocking the profiled protrusions of the first and second zipper members. One or more of the first or second zipper members includes a movable pivot disposed between the lower edge of one or more of the first or second pivot members and the profiled protrusion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method includes forming first and second zipper members, each of the first and second zipper members being formed as an elongated body having a facing side, an opposing side, an upper edge, and opposing lower edges. Each of the first and second zipper members is formed to have a profiled protrusion extending from the facing side and located between the upper edge and the lower edge. The profiled protrusions of the first and second zipper members are formed to interlock with each other to interlock the first and second zipper members with each other. The method further includes forming a movable pivot between the lower edge of one or more of the first or second zipper members and the profiled protrusion, and in one or more of the first or second zipper members. The first and second zipper members are formed with flanges extending from the lower edges. The flanges are configured to attach to a panel of an enclosure that is closed by interlocking the profiled protrusions of the first and second zipper members with each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, a flexible enclosure includes: a first panel formed of a spoke material and a first zipper member having a first flange engaging with the first panel. The first zipper member has a first elongated body having a first facing side, a first opposing side, a first upper edge, and a first opposing lower edge. The first facing side includes a first contoured protrusion. The enclosure further includes: a second panel formed of a spoke material facing the first panel to at least partially define an internal volume; and a second zipper member having a second flange engaging with the second panel. The second zipper member has a second elongated body having a second facing side, a second opposing side, a second upper edge, and a second opposing lower edge. The second facing side has a second contoured protrusion shaped to engage with the first contoured protrusion of the first facing side of the first zipper member. One or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member includes a movable pivot portion disposed between one or more of the following: (a) a first lower edge or a second lower edge, and (b) a first profile protrusion or a second profile protrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The subject matter of this invention can be understood by reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 An example of a slider mounted on a pivot zipper assembly is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 An example of a pivot-type zipper assembly is shown;

[0015] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 The pivot zipper assembly shown;

[0016] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 Another example of a pivot zipper assembly shown;

[0017] Figure 5 Showing the state under normal conditions Figure 4 The hollow pivot section;

[0018] Figure 6 Showing the state in which it is pulled open Figure 4 The hollow pivot section;

[0019] Figure 7 Showing the state under compression Figure 4 The hollow pivot section;

[0020] Figure 8 Show Figure 1 An example of a pivot-type zipper assembly is shown;

[0021] Figure 9 Show Figure 8 The pivot zipper assembly shown;

[0022] Figure 10 Show Figure 1 An example of a pivot-type zipper assembly is shown;

[0023] Figure 11 An example of a simulated pivot zipper assembly is shown;

[0024] Figure 12 Show Figure 1 An example of a pivot-type zipper assembly is shown;

[0025] Figure 13 An example of a flexible enclosure is shown, which includes... Figure 1 The zipper assembly shown; and

[0026] Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for forming a pivot zipper assembly and attaching the pivot zipper assembly to an enclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 An example of a slider 100 mounted on a zipper assembly 102 is shown, the zipper assembly 102 having interlocking first and second zipper profile members 104, 106. The first and second zipper profile members 104, 106 include corresponding first and second flanges 108, 110 and corresponding first and second interlocking elements 112, 114. The first interlocking element 112 includes first and second arms 116, 118, which form a concave structure or concave interlocking zipper member. The second interlocking element 114 includes a third arm 124 and a fulcrum 126, which forms a convex structure or convex interlocking zipper member. The convex zipper member is received and engaged with the first interlocking element 112 and the concave zipper member. The slider 100 includes a top wall 140 and first and second sidewalls 142, 144, which terminate at corresponding first and second inwardly oriented lips 146, 148. The closed end of the slider 100 includes inclined inner sidewalls 120, 122 (e.g., ...). Figure 1As shown), the open end of the slider 100 includes inner sidewalls 120, 122 that are generally parallel to each other (i.e., more parallel than at an angle). To open the zipper assembly 102, the lower portions of the inner sidewalls 120, 122 together push the lower portions of the first and second zipper profile members 104, 106 apart. This causes the first zipper profile member 104 to pivot about a fulcrum 126, which causes the third arm 124 to pull away from the first and second arms 116, 118, thereby moving the second zipper profile member 106 upward into the notch 125.

[0028] One or more embodiments of the inventive subject matter described herein include a pivot-type zipper assembly that prevents or interferes with attempts to open the containment without using the slider 100. For example, a child applying an opening force to the containment by pulling on the outer panel or surface of the containment may be unable to separate the first and second zipper profile members 104, 106 to open the containment. Alternatively, the slider 100 may be required to separate the first and second zipper profile members 104, 106 and open the containment. The zipper assembly includes a pivot, such as an active pivot and / or a simulated pivot, which reduces the torque on which an opening force is applied. This reduces the force so that it is insufficient to separate the zipper members from each other and open the containment.

[0029] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of a pivot-type zipper assembly 202 is shown. This zipper assembly 202 can be used to replace... Figure 1 The illustrated zipper assembly 102 provides a reclosable and / or resealable closure for contents such as bags, pouches, or other containers. The zipper assembly 202 includes interlocking first and second zipper profile members 204, 206, which are similar to the concave and convex interlocking members described above for combining concave and convex interlocking first and second zipper profile members 104, 106. The first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 each have extensions and extensions along their respective sides. Figure 2 The first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 are elongated bodies oriented in a planar direction. Each of the concave and convex first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 includes a corresponding facing side 250 and 252 and a corresponding opposing side 254 and 256 (the side opposite to the facing side of each interlocking member). The interlocking first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 include a corresponding upper edge 258 and 260 and a corresponding opposing lower edge 262 and 264. The facing sides 250 and 252 of the concave and convex first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 may be the outermost surfaces of the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206, and may face each other when the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 are separated from each other.

[0030] The first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 have profile protrusions 218 and 224 that represent the aforementioned second arm 118 and third arm 124. These profile protrusions 218 and 224 extend from their respective facing sides 250 and 252. The profile protrusion 218 or second arm of the concave first zipper profile member 204 is located between the upper edge 258 and the lower edge 262 of the concave first zipper profile member 204. The profile protrusion 224 or third arm of the convex second zipper profile member 206 is located between the upper edge 260 and the lower edge 264 of the convex second zipper profile member 206. As shown and described above, the shapes of the profile protrusions 218 and 224 are designed to interlock with each other to interlock the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206.

[0031] The first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 also include flanges 208, 210 extending from their lower edges 262, 264. Flanges 208, 210 may represent... Figure 1 The first and second flanges 108 and 110 are shown. The flanges 208 and 210 can be attached (sealed) to the panel of the containment, which is closed by the interlocking of the profile protrusions 218 and 224 of the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206.

[0032] At least one of the multiple zipper components described in the various examples herein may have a movable pivot. The illustrated embodiment shows both zipper components having movable pivots, but alternatively, only one zipper component may have a movable pivot.

[0033] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 include movable pivot portions 266, 268 disposed between the lower edges 262, 264 of the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 and the profile protrusions 218, 224. The movable pivot portions 266, 268 may be straight slits or slots extending inwardly within the bodies of the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 from facing sides 250, 252 toward opposite sides 254, 256 (but not extending all the way to the opposite sides). For example, the movable pivot portion 266 may be an elongated slit (extending into and out of the zipper profile members). Figure 2 The plane is elongated, and this elongated slit extends from the facing side 250 of the concave first zipper profile member 204 for more than half the distance from the facing side 250 to the opposite rear side (opposite side 254) (but does not completely pass through the concave member). The movable pivot 268 can be an elongated slit (extending into and out of the concave member). Figure 2The plane is elongated), and the elongated slit extends from the facing side 252 of the convex second zipper profile member 206 for more than half the distance from the facing side 252 to the opposite rear side (opposite side 256) (but does not completely pass through the convex member).

[0034] The movable pivot portions 266 and 268 are straight slits formed between the opposing inner surfaces of the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the movable pivot portion 266 in the concave first zipper profile member 204 is formed between opposing inner surfaces 270 and 272. When the pivot portion 266 is closed, the opposing inner surfaces are in contact with each other along the entire pivot portion 266. Figure 2 When the pivot 266 is actuated or pulled apart, the opposing inner surfaces separate from each other. Figure 3 Additionally, such as Figure 3 As shown, the movable pivot portion 268 in the convex second zipper profile member 206 is formed between opposing inner surfaces 274 and 276. When the pivot portion 268 is closed, the opposing inner surfaces are in contact with each other along the entire pivot portion 268. Figure 2 When the pivot 268 is actuated or pulled apart, the opposing inner surfaces separate from each other. Figure 3 ).

[0035] In operation, the movable pivots 266, 268 prevent the containment coupled to the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 from being opened by pulling on the panels or flanges 208, 210 of the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206. A child or other person might attempt to open the zipper assembly 202 by pulling on the panels of the containment to which the zipper assembly 202 is coupled. Pulling these panels causes the flanges 208, 210 of the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 to be pulled apart from each other, as... Figure 3As shown. Movable pivots 266 and 268 prevent pulling on the containment panel and on the flanges 208 and 210 from separating the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 from each other. Movable pivots 266 and 268 reduce the torque applied to the profile protrusions 218 and 224 due to pulling on the flanges 208 and 210. For example, without pivots 266 and 268, the torque applied to the profile protrusions 218 and 224 would be the product of (a) the opening force applied to pull the flanges 208 and 210 apart and (b) the distance from the position where this force is applied to the profile protrusions 218 and 224. However, due to the presence of pivots 266, 268, the torque is reduced to the product of (c) the opening force applied to the panels or flanges 208, 210 and (d) the shorter distance from the position of the pivots 266, 268 to the profile protrusions 218, 224. By reducing the distance over which the opening force is applied, the profile protrusions 218, 224 may not separate (or may only separate by a force that breaks the panels, flanges 208, 210 and / or the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206), or may not separate under the force applied by a child according to their physical strength. This creates an enclosure that includes the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 that are prevented or blocked by a child (opening).

[0036] Figures 4 to 7 Another example of a pivot-type zipper assembly 402 is shown. Zipper assembly 420 can be used to replace... Figure 1 The zipper assembly 102 shown provides a reclosable and / or resealable enclosure. Zipper assembly 402 includes the aforementioned interlocking first and second zipper profile members 204, 206. One difference between zipper assemblies 202 and 402 lies in the shape of the movable pivot. Movable pivots 266, 268 are straight slits between opposing inner surfaces 270 / 272, 274 / 276. In contrast, zipper assembly 402 includes movable pivots 466, 468 formed by straight slits 482, 484 extending into open cavities 478, 480 within the bodies of the interlocking members 404, 406. Cavities 478, 480... Figures 4 to 7 The center is circular, but may optionally have other shapes, such as ellipse or other circles or polygons. Figure 5 The pivot 466 is shown when no force is applied to pull the flanges 208 and 210 apart. Figure 6 The pivot 466 is shown when a force is applied to pull apart the flanges 208 and 210, while Figure 7The pivot 466 is shown when a force is applied to press the lower bottom edge 262 and upper top edge 258 of the interlocking first zipper profile member 204 together. As previously described, the pivots 466, 468 reduce the distance at which an opening force is applied to the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 to prevent unintentional opening of the containment, prevent children from opening the containment, etc.

[0037] The presence of cavities 478 and 480 reduces the pressure applied to the portions of interlocking members 404 and 406 located between the pivots and the back side of the interlocking members. For example, slit pivots 266 and 268 can apply significant force to thin portions of the bodies of the interlocking first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 located between the pivots 266 and 268 and the opposite sides 254 and 256. This force can tear these portions of the bodies of the interlocking first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 and damage the zipper assembly 202. In contrast, cavities 478 and 480 of the cavities 466 and 468 reduce the force applied to the bodies of the interlocking members 404 and 406 between the pivots 466 and 468 and the opposite sides 254 and 256. Cavities 478 and 480 can disperse the force along or across a larger surface area (e.g., the surface area of ​​the interlocking members 404 and 406 within cavities 478 and 480) to prevent tearing through the interlocking members 404 and 406.

[0038] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Another example of a pivot-type zipper assembly 802 is shown. Zipper assembly 802 can be used to replace... Figure 1 The illustrated zipper assembly 102 provides a reclosable and / or resealable enclosure. Zipper assembly 802 includes interlocking zipper profile members 804, 806 having shapes, edges, surfaces, etc., similar to the aforementioned first and second zipper profile members 204, 206. One difference between zipper assemblies 202 and 802 is the shape of the movable pivots. The movable pivots 266, 268 are straight slits between opposing inner surfaces 270 / 272, 274 / 276.

[0039] In contrast, zipper assembly 802 includes movable pivots 866, 868 that form notches extending from the facing sides 250, 252 of zipper profile members 804, 806 toward the opposite sides 254, 256. The notches forming the movable pivots 866, 868 are arc-shaped, such as a semicircle, a semi-ellipse, or a portion of another circle. As described above, the pivots 866, 868 reduce the distance to the location where an opening force is applied to the zipper profile members 804, 806, thereby preventing unintentional opening of the containment, preventing children from opening the containment, etc. Figure 8 The diagram shows the zipper profile components 804 and 806 without any opening force applied, while... Figure 9 The zipper profile members 804 and 806 are shown when an opening force is applied to the panel and / or flanges 208 and 210.

[0040] Similar to the hollow pivots 466 and 468, the arcuate pivots 866 and 868 can also reduce the pressure applied to the portions of the interlocking zipper profile members 804 and 806 located between the pivots and the opposite sides 254 and 256. The arcuate pivots 866 and 868 can reduce the force applied to the body of the interlocking zipper profile members 804 and 806 between the pivots 866 and 868 and the opposite sides 254 and 256 by dispersing the force along or across a larger surface area, thereby preventing tearing through the interlocking zipper profile members 804 and 806.

[0041] Figure 10 Another example of a pivot-type zipper assembly 1002 is shown. The zipper assembly 1002 can be used to replace... Figure 1The illustrated zipper assembly 102 provides a reclosable and / or resealable containment. Zipper assembly 1002 includes the aforementioned interlocking first and second zipper profile members 204, 206. One difference between zipper assemblies 202 and 1002 is the location of the movable pivots 266, 268. In zipper assembly 202, the movable pivots 266, 268 are located closer to the lower edge 262, 264, or lower side than the upper edge 258, 260, or upper side. In zipper assembly 1002, the movable pivot 268 in the convex second zipper profile member 206 is located closer to the upper edge 260, or upper side, than the lower edge 264, or lower side. For example, the profile protrusion 224 or arm of the convex second zipper profile member 206 extends outward and downward to form a notch 1086 in which the profile protrusion 218 or arm of the concave first zipper profile member 204 is received. The pivot portion 268 in the convex second zipper profile member 206 extends from the inside of the notch 1086 toward the opposite side 256 of the convex second zipper profile member 206 (but not completely to the back side of the convex zipper member). As previously described, the pivot portions 266, 268 can reduce the torque generated by the opening force to prevent children or others from unintentionally opening the containment by pulling on the panels or flanges 208, 210 of the zipper assembly 1002.

[0042] Another difference between zipper assemblies 202 and 1002 is the orientation of the movable pivots 266 and 268. In zipper assembly 202, the slits forming the movable pivots 266 and 268 are oriented perpendicular to (or substantially perpendicular to, for example, at an angle between 85° and 95°) the opposing sides 254 and 256 of the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206. However, in zipper assembly 1002, the slits forming the movable pivots 266 and 268 are oriented towards the upper sides (upper edges 258 and 260) of the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206. For example, the slits may be angled upward toward the upper edges 258 and 260 so that the slits are not perpendicular to the opposing sides 254 and 256 of the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206. Angle the slit upwards to further reduce the magnitude of the force transmitted to the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 due to the opening force applied to the panels and / or flanges 208, 210. For example, an angled slit can further reduce the torque applied to the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 by shortening the distance to which the opening force is applied to them. Alternatively, the pivots 266, 268 are both disposed below the profile protrusions 218, 224 (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown), but pivots 266 and 268 are both oriented upwards, just as pivot 266 is in Figure 10 That's the orientation in it.

[0043] Figure 11 Another example of a pivot-type zipper assembly 1102 is shown. Zipper assembly 1102 can be used to replace... Figure 1 The illustrated zipper assembly 102 provides a reclosable and / or resealable enclosure. Zipper assembly 1102 includes the aforementioned interlocking first and second zipper profile members 204, 206, but does not have movable pivots 266, 268. Instead, zipper assembly 1102 includes simulated movable pivots formed by panels 1192, 1194 of the enclosure and different connection points 1188, 1190 between the flange and the zipper members. For example, neither the first zipper profile member 204 nor the second zipper profile member 206 in zipper assembly 1102 may include movable pivots formed by slits, arcuate structures, or cavities.

[0044] In zipper assemblies 102, 202, 402, 802, and 1002, flanges 208 and 210 can be sealed (e.g., heat-sealed) to panels 1192 and 1194 at locations below the lower side or lower edge 262 and 264. Figures 1 to 10 (Not visible in the image). In the zipper assembly 1102, one of the flanges 208 or 210 may be engaged with the panel 1192 or 1194 below the lower edge 262 or 264, while the other of the flanges 210 or 208 is not engaged with the other panel 1194 or 1192. Instead, the other panel 1194 or 1192 is engaged with the opposite side 256 or 254 closer to the upper edge 260 or 258. In the illustrated example, the panel 1194 is engaged with the flange 210 of the convex second zipper profile member 206 by a heat seal at the connection point 1190 below the lower edge 264 of the convex second zipper profile member 206, and the panel 1192 is sealed to the opposite side 254 of the concave first zipper profile member 204 by a heat seal at the connection point 1188. Alternatively, panel 1194 may be sealed to the opposite side 256 of the convex second zipper profile member 206 and panel 1192 may be sealed to the flange 208 of the concave first zipper profile member 204 at a position below the bottom side of the concave first zipper profile member 204.

[0045] Pivots formed at different locations at varying distances from the upper edges 258 and 260, connecting the panels 1192 and 1194 to the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206, reduce the force applied to separate the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 when the panels 1192 and 1194 are pulled apart by an opening force. For example, pulling the panels 1192 and 1194 apart from each other, rather than pulling the first and second zipper profile assemblies 204 and 206 apart from each other, can create an opening force that causes the zipper assembly 1102 (e.g., along...) to... Figure 11(Counterclockwise) rotation. During the opening and closing of the zipper assembly 1102, the slider 100 can pass over the sealing structure at the connection point 1188.

[0046] Figure 12 Another example of a pivot-type zipper assembly 1202 is shown. Zipper assembly 1202 can be used to replace... Figure 1 The illustrated zipper assembly 102 provides a reclosable and / or resealable enclosure. The zipper assembly 1202 includes the aforementioned interlocking first and second zipper profile members 204, 206, but at least one of the first and second zipper profile members 204, 206 has a vertical pivot portion 1268. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical pivot portion 1268 is formed in the convex second zipper profile member 206, but it can also optionally be formed within the concave first zipper profile member 204 or only within the concave first zipper profile member 204. The vertical pivot portion 1268 can be a slit or slot that extends (but not entirely to the upper edge) from the lower edge 264 of the convex second zipper profile member 206 between opposing facing sides 252 and opposing sides 256. Alternatively, the vertical pivot 1268 may be a slit or slot that extends (but not fully to the upper edge) from the lower edge 262 of the recessed first zipper profile member 204 toward the upper edge 258 between opposing facing sides 250 and opposing sides 254. As shown, the panels 1192, 1194 of the enclosure may be sealed to the flanges 208, 210 at a position below the zipper assembly 1202.

[0047] If an opening force is applied to panels 1192 and 1194 by pulling them apart, this force can open pivot 1268 to move the opposite side 256 of the second zipper profile member 206 away from the facing side 252 of the second zipper profile member 206. This shortens the torque applied to the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 and prevents the first and second zipper profile members 204 and 206 from separating.

[0048] Figure 13An example of an enclosure 1300 with a pivot-type zipper assembly 102 is shown. The enclosure 1300 is formed from one or more spokes of a flexible material, such as a polymer. These spokes form one or more panels 1192, 1194 that are joined together or otherwise closed along opposite edges 1396, 1398 and bottom edge 1301 of the enclosure 1300. For example, if the enclosure 1300 is formed from multiple spokes of material serving as panels 1192, 1194, the panels 1192, 1194 may be sealed to each other along edges 1396, 1398, 1301 to enclose or define an interior cavity or volume. If the enclosure 1300 is formed from a single spoke (e.g., a spoke material tube), the spoke material tube may be sealed along one of edges 1396, 1238, or 1301 to enclose or define an interior cavity or volume (and may include wing-shaped or ring-shaped seals extending vertically on one of the faces or panels). Panels 1192 and 1194 can be different portions of the single spoke on opposite sides of the cavity or volume. Panel 1192 is shown in... Figure 13 Panel 1194 is located behind panel 1192 (on the opposite side of the enclosure).

[0049] Zipper assembly 102 may be arranged along the upper edge 1303 of panels 1192, 1194, for example, by heat-sealing zipper assembly 102 to the upper edge 1303 of panels 1192, 1194. Zipper assembly 102 may include a slider 100 for opening zipper assembly 102 to provide access to the interior of containment 1300 and for closing zipper assembly 102 to prevent access to containment 1300. As described herein, pivot-type zipper assembly 102 prevents the zipper members from being separated to access the interior of containment 1300 by pulling panels 1192, 1194 apart.

[0050] Figure 14A flowchart illustrating an example of a method 1400 for forming a pivot-type zipper assembly and connecting the assembly to an enclosure is shown. Method 1400 includes forming first and second zipper members at 1402. Each of the zipper members may be formed as an elongated body having a facing side, an opposing side, an upper edge, and an opposing lower edge. Each of the first and second zipper members may be formed having a profile protrusion extending from the facing side and located between the upper and lower edges. The profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members are shaped to interlock with each other to interlock the first and second zipper members. Method 1400 may further include forming a movable pivot at 1404 between the lower edge and the profile protrusion of one or more of the first or second zipper members, in one or more of the first or second zipper members. The movable pivot may be formed by cutting a slit from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposing side of the elongated body of one or more of the first or second zipper members. Alternatively, a movable pivot portion can be formed by extruding the elongated bodies of the first and / or second zipper members to include slits, slots, cavities, or notches. The first and second zipper members may be formed with flanges extending from their lower edges. At 1406, the flanges are attached to a panel of an enclosure that is closed by interlocking the contoured protrusions of the first and second zipper members. The method may also optionally include sealing the first panel to the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member between its upper and lower edges, and sealing the second panel to the flange of the second zipper member below its lower edge.

[0051] In one embodiment, the zipper assembly includes first and second zipper members, each having an elongated body with a facing side, an opposing side, an upper edge, and opposing lower edges. The facing sides of the first and second zipper members face each other. Each of the first and second zipper members has a profile protrusion extending from the facing side and located between the upper and lower edges. The profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members are shaped to interlock with each other to lock the first and second zipper members together. Each of the first and second zipper members has a flange extending from its lower edge. These flanges are configured to attach to a panel of an enclosure that is closed by interlocking the profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members. One or more of the first or second zipper members includes a movable pivot disposed between the lower edge of one or more of the first or second zipper members and the profile protrusion.

[0052] Alternatively, the movable pivot is formed by a slit extending from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member.

[0053] Alternatively, the movable pivot is formed by a slit that extends from the facing side of the elongated body into an open cavity within one or more of the first or second zipper members.

[0054] Alternatively, the movable pivot portion is formed by a notch extending from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member.

[0055] Alternatively, the notch forming the movable pivot may be arc-shaped.

[0056] Alternatively, the movable pivot is formed by a slit that extends toward the upper edge of the elongated body of one or more of the first or second zipper members and into the lower edge.

[0057] Alternatively, the assembly may further include first and second panels among a plurality of panels, wherein the first panel is connected to the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member, and the second panel is connected to the flange of the second zipper member. The movable pivot may be formed by connecting the first panel to the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member between the upper and lower edges of the elongated body, and by connecting the second panel to the flange of the second zipper member below the lower edge of the elongated body of the second zipper member.

[0058] Alternatively, the protruding outline of the first zipper member has a curved shape, and the protruding outline of the second zipper member has a receiving portion whose shape is designed to receive the curved shape of the protruding outline of the first zipper member.

[0059] Alternatively, both the first zipper member and the second zipper member have a movable pivot portion, wherein the movable pivot portion in the first zipper member is arranged closer to the upper edge of the first zipper member than the movable pivot portion in the second zipper member.

[0060] Alternatively, the movable pivot portion in the first zipper member is arranged as a straight slit, which is oriented at a transverse angle relative to the facing side and upper edge of the first zipper member.

[0061] Alternatively, the component may also include a slider having opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second sidewalls, each extending from the first end to the second end. The slider may have a space between the first and second sidewalls, wherein the space has a shape through which first and second zipper members can move. Without additional manual force to push the first and second sidewalls of the slider towards each other, the first and second sidewalls provide insufficient force to separate the first and second zipper members from each other, and additional manual force must be applied to the first and second sidewalls to pivot the first zipper member about a fulcrum on the second zipper member to separate the first zipper member from the second zipper member. The second end of the slider has a member for interlocking the contour protrusions of the first and second zipper members in response to movement of the slider in the closing direction along the first and second zipper members. The slider may be formed of a flexible material configured to be manually pressed to push the first and second sidewalls of the slider together to separate the contour protrusions of the first and second zipper members.

[0062] In one embodiment, a method includes forming first and second zipper members, each of the first and second zipper members being formed as an elongated body having a facing side, an opposing side, an upper edge, and opposing lower edges. Each of the first and second zipper members is formed to have a profile protrusion extending from the facing side and located between the upper edge and the lower edge. The profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members are shaped to interlock with each other to lock the first and second zipper members together. The method further includes forming a movable pivot between the lower edge of one or more of the first or second zipper members and the profile protrusion, and in one or more of the first or second zipper members. The first and second zipper members are formed with flanges extending from their lower edges. The flanges are configured to attach to a panel of an enclosure that is closed by interlocking the profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members together.

[0063] Alternatively, the movable pivot is formed by cutting a slit from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member.

[0064] Alternatively, the movable pivot is formed by extruding an elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member to include a slit extending from the facing side of the elongated body into the elongated body.

[0065] Alternatively, the movable pivot portion is formed by extruding an elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member to include a notch extending from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side inside the elongated body.

[0066] Alternatively, the notch forming the movable pivot may be arc-shaped.

[0067] Alternatively, the movable pivot portion is formed by cutting a slit within the lower edge toward the upper edge of the elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member.

[0068] Alternatively, the method further includes sealing a first panel of the plurality of panels between the upper and lower edges of the elongated body of the first zipper member and the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member, and sealing a second panel of the plurality of panels to the flange of the second zipper member below the lower edge of the elongated body of the second zipper member.

[0069] Alternatively, the protruding outline of the first zipper member is formed to have a curved shape and the protruding outline of the second zipper member is formed to have a receiving portion whose shape is designed to receive the curved shape of the protruding outline of the first zipper member.

[0070] In one embodiment, the flexible enclosure includes a first panel formed of spoke material and a first zipper member having a first flange coupled to the first panel. The first zipper member has a first elongated body having a first facing side, a first opposing side, a first upper edge, and a first opposing lower edge. The first facing side includes a first profile protrusion. The enclosure further includes: a second panel formed of spoke material facing the first panel to at least partially define an interior cavity; and a second zipper member having a second flange coupled to the second panel. The second zipper member has a second elongated body having a second facing side, a second opposing side, a second upper edge, and a second opposing lower edge. The second facing side has a second profile protrusion shaped to engage with the first profile protrusion of the first facing side of the first zipper member. One or more of the first or second zipper members includes a movable pivot disposed between one or more of: (a) a first lower edge or a second lower edge and (b) a first profile protrusion or a second profile protrusion.

[0071] Alternatively, the movable pivot may be formed by a slit.

[0072] Alternatively, the movable pivot is formed by a slit extending into the open cavity.

[0073] Alternatively, the movable pivot portion may be formed by an arc-shaped notch.

[0074] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “Selective” or “optionally” indicates that the event or situation described below may or may not occur, and the specification may include instances of the event occurring as well as instances of the event not occurring. Approximate expressions, as used throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative expression, allowing for variation without altering the underlying function associated with it. Therefore, a value modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “approximately,” “close to,” etc., may not be limited to the given precise value. In at least some instances, an approximate expression may correspond to the precision of the instrument measuring that value. Scope limitations may be combined and / or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims; such scope may be explicit and include all subscopes contained herein, unless the context or wording indicates otherwise.

[0075] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including best practices, and allows those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any of the methods involved. The claims define the patentable scope of this disclosure and include other examples conceivable to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not distinct from the textual expression of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not significantly different from the textual expression of the claims.

Claims

1. A zipper assembly, comprising: A first zipper component and a second zipper component, each having an elongated body, the elongated body having a facing side, an opposite side, an upper edge, and opposite lower edges, the facing sides of the first zipper component and the second zipper component facing each other. The first zipper member and the second zipper member each have a contoured protrusion extending from the facing side and located between the upper edge and the lower edge. The contoured protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member are formed to interlock with each other to lock the first zipper member and the second zipper member together. The first zipper member and the second zipper member each have a flange extending from the lower edge. The flange is configured to attach to a panel of an enclosure, which is closed by interlocking the contoured protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member. One or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member includes a movable pivot portion disposed between the lower edge of the first zipper member or the second zipper member and the contoured protrusion. The movable pivot portion is formed by a slit extending inwardly from the facing side toward a corresponding opposite side. The movable pivot portion includes inner surfaces that face each other across the slit. As the movable pivot portion opens and closes, the inner surfaces move relative to each other. When the movable pivot portion is closed, the inner surfaces are in contact with each other; when the movable pivot portion is open, the inner surfaces are spaced apart from each other. In response to the engagement of the contoured protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member, the movable pivot is configured to close, and In response to an opening force applied to pull the flange apart when the contour protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member engage with each other, the movable pivot is configured to open while the contour protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member remain engaged with each other.

2. The zipper assembly of claim 1, wherein the slit extends from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member.

3. The zipper assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable pivot portion is formed through the slit, the slit extending from the facing side of the elongated body into an open cavity within one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member.

4. The zipper assembly of claim 1, wherein the profile protrusion of the first zipper member has a curved shape, and the profile protrusion of the second zipper member has a receiving portion, the shape of which is designed to receive the curved shape of the profile protrusion of the first zipper member.

5. The zipper assembly of claim 4, wherein both the first zipper member and the second zipper member have the movable pivot portion, wherein the movable pivot portion in the first zipper member is arranged closer to the upper edge of the first zipper member than the movable pivot portion in the second zipper member.

6. The zipper assembly of claim 4, wherein the slit is a straight slit oriented at a transverse angle relative to the facing side and the upper edge of the first zipper member.

7. The zipper assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A slider having opposing first and second ends and opposing first and second sidewalls extending from the first end to the second end, the slider having a space between the first and second sidewalls having a shape through which the first and second zipper members can move. In the absence of additional manual force to push the first and second sidewalls of the slider towards each other, the first and second sidewalls provide insufficient force to separate the first and second zipper components. Additional manual force must be applied to the first and second sidewalls to pivot the first zipper component about a fulcrum on the second zipper component to separate the first and second zipper components. The second end of the slider has a component that interlocks the contour protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member in response to movement of the slider along the first zipper member and the second zipper member in the closing direction. The slider is formed of a flexible material configured to be manually pressed to push together the first and second sidewalls of the slider to separate the contour protrusions of the first and second zipper members.

8. A method for forming a zipper assembly, comprising: A first zipper component and a second zipper component are formed, wherein each of the first zipper component and the second zipper component is formed as an elongated body having a facing side, an opposite side, an upper edge, and an opposite lower edge. Each of the first zipper component and the second zipper component is formed to have a contour protrusion extending from the facing side and located between the upper edge and the lower edge. The shape of the contour protrusion of the first zipper component and the second zipper component is designed to interlock with each other to interlock the first zipper component and the second zipper component with each other. as well as A movable pivot portion is formed between the lower edge and the contoured protrusion of one or more of the first or second zipper members, in one or more of the first or second zipper members. The movable pivot portion is formed by a slit extending inwardly from the facing side toward a corresponding opposite side. The movable pivot portion includes inner surfaces that face each other across the slits. As the movable pivot portion opens and closes, the inner surfaces move relative to each other to open and close the movable pivot portion. When the movable pivot portion is closed, the inner surfaces are in contact with each other; when the movable pivot portion is open, the inner surfaces are spaced apart from each other. The first zipper member and the second zipper member have flanges extending from the lower edge, the flanges being configured to attach to a panel of an enclosure, the enclosure being closed by interlocking the contoured protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member. In response to the engagement of the contoured protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member, the movable pivot is configured to close, and In response to an opening force applied to pull the flange apart when the contour protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member engage with each other, the movable pivot is configured to open while the contour protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member remain engaged with each other.

9. The method for forming a zipper assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the movable pivot portion is formed by cutting the slit from the facing side of the elongated body toward the opposite side of the elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member.

10. The method of forming a zipper assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the movable pivot portion is formed by extruding the elongated body of one or more of the first zipper member or the second zipper member to include the slit of an open cavity extending from the facing side of the elongated body into the elongated body.

11. The method of forming a zipper assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the movable pivot portion is formed by cutting the slit by extending at an angle from the facing side of the elongated body toward one of the lower or upper edges of the elongated body, either the first or second zipper member.

12. The method for forming a zipper assembly as described in claim 8, further comprising: The first panel of the plurality of panels is sealed between the upper and lower edges of the elongated body of the first zipper member and the opposite side of the elongated body of the first zipper member; and The second panel of the plurality of panels is sealed to the flange of the second zipper member below the lower edge of the elongated body of the second zipper member.

13. The method for forming a zipper assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the contour protrusion of the first zipper member is formed to have a curved shape and the contour protrusion of the second zipper member is formed to have a receiving portion, the shape of the receiving portion being designed to receive the curved shape of the contour protrusion of the first zipper member.

14. A flexible containment comprising: The first panel is formed of spoke material; A first zipper member having a first flange connected to the first panel, the first zipper member having a first elongated body, the first elongated body having a first facing side, a first opposing side, a first upper edge and a first opposing lower edge, the first facing side including a first contour protrusion; A second panel formed of spoke material, the second panel facing the first panel to at least partially define an inner cavity; as well as The second zipper component has a second flange that connects to the second panel. The second zipper component also has a second elongated body with a second facing side, a second opposing side, a second upper edge, and a second opposing lower edge. The second facing side has a second contour protrusion, the shape of which is designed to engage with the first contour protrusion on the first facing side of the first zipper component. The first zipper component includes a movable pivot portion disposed between the first opposing lower edges and the first contoured protrusion. The movable pivot portion is formed by a slit extending inwardly from the first facing side toward the second opposing side. The slit has inner surfaces that are opposite each other and span the slit. As the movable pivot portion opens and closes, the inner surfaces move relative to each other to open and close the slit. When the movable pivot portion is closed, the inner surfaces are in contact with each other; when the movable pivot portion is open, the inner surfaces are spaced apart from each other. In response to the engagement of the contoured protrusions of the first and second zipper members, the movable pivot is configured to close, and In response to an opening force applied to pull the flange apart when the contour protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member engage with each other, the movable pivot is configured to open while the contour protrusions of the first zipper member and the second zipper member remain engaged with each other.

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