Zipper closure with ears for slider engagement; recloseable pouch; & methods

Abstract

A recloseable zipper closure (62) for use with a pouch (60) includes a female profile (100) including first and second spaced profile legs (102, 104) joined by a female base (106) to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess (108); a male profile (114) opposing the female profile. A first ear (152) extends from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin, the first ear has a first tip (158) positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles. A second ear (154), opposing the first ear, extends from the male base (118) in a direction away from the male fin (120). The second ear has a second tip (160) positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles. A first protrusion (162) extends from the first ear at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the second ear; and a second protrusion (164) extends from the second ear at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the first ear.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to a zipper closure, a recloseable zipper pouch using the zipper closure; and methods of use. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a zipper closure with a slider device, a recloseable zipper pouch using the zipper closure; and methods of use.BACKGROUND

[0002] Manufacturers of household products have increasingly replaced rigid packages with recloseable flexible pouches or bags due to the advantages offered by these flexible pouches that include: less packaging material, lower package cost, reduced storage space, and lower shipping costs. The pouches are recloseable by using zipper closures, having mating profiles forming a track, which interlock for closure, and unlock for opening.

[0003] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate three embodiments of typical prior art zipper closures 30. The closure 30 has a female profile 31 releasably interlocking with a male profile 32, forming a slider track 37. The female profile 31 has a first ear 33 extending therefrom, and a female fin 34 extending therefrom in an opposite direction as the first ear 33. The male profile 32 has a second ear 35 extending therefrom, and in opposition to the first ear 33. A male fin 36 extends from the male profile 32, and is in opposition to the female fin 34.

[0004] In FIG. 1, the ears 33, 35 are very close together, or even touching each other, at the end tip. This leads to a disadvantage when used with a slider device, because the slider device needs to be very precisely aligned to achieve insertion of the slider plow. In some situations, an external device may be needed to open the ears 33, 35 to allow for insertion of the slider device.

[0005] In FIG. 2, the ears 33, 35 are open at the top, providing adequate space for insertion of the slider device from the top. The void allows space for the slider plow to be engaged with the slider track 37 while closed. The plow can extend into a closing zone, ensuring proper alignment during insertion. However, this can lead to disadvantage in that the large gap between the ears 33, 35 necessitates a larger plow to generate sufficient motion to separate the profiles 31, 32, as compared to other arrangements.

[0006] In FIG. 3, the ears 33, 35 are open at the top, creating a lead-in for insertion of the slider device from the top. Each of the ears 33, 35 has an inwardly extending protrusion 38, 39. The protrusions 38, 39 extending toward the center increases motion when acted on by the slider plow. The void allows space for the slider plow to be engages with the track 37 while closed. The plow can extend into the closing zone, ensuring proper alignment during insertion. This configuration, however, has drawbacks. One drawback is that the protrusions 38, 39 require extra mass (e.g., molded polymer) to be added to the profiles 31, 32, which is expensive.

[0007] Improvements are desirable.SUMMARY

[0008] In general, a zipper closure and recloseable zipper pouch are provided which improve the prior art.

[0009] In one aspect, a recloseable zipper closure for use with a flexible package is provided. The zipper closure includes: a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs; a female fin attached to the female profile; a male fin attached to the male profile member; a first ear extending from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin; the first ear having a first tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles; a second ear, opposing the first ear, extending from the male base in a direction away from the male fin; the second ear having a second tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles; a first protrusion extending from the first ear at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the second ear; and a second protrusion extending from the second ear at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the first ear.

[0010] In example embodiments, the first protrusion extends from the first ear at a 90 degree angle; and the second protrusion extends from the second ear at a 90 degree angle.

[0011] In some arrangements, the first protrusion and second protrusion are co-linear.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first protrusion and second protrusion are not co-linear.

[0013] In example embodiments, the first protrusion and second protrusion are of the same thickness.

[0014] In some arrangements, the first protrusion and second protrusion have differing thicknesses.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the first protrusion extends from the first ear at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the second tip; and the second protrusion extends from the second ear at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the first tip.

[0016] In example embodiments, the first protrusion extends from the first ear at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the male profile; and the second protrusion extends from the second ear at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the female profile.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first protrusion extends from the first tip; and the second protrusion extends from the second tip.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the first protrusion extends at an angle toward the second protrusion, as it extends from the first tip to a waist section; and the second protrusion extends at an angle toward the first protrusion, as it extends from the second tip to a waist section.

[0019] In example embodiments, the first protrusion extends at an angle toward the second protrusion, as it extends from the first tip; and the second protrusion extends at an angle toward the first protrusion, as it extends from the second tip.

[0020] In some arrangements, the male profile member includes a continuous male rib projection with a head remote from the male base and first and second, opposite continuous side arms on opposite sides of the rib projection; the side arms providing for engagement recesses thereunder for locking engagement with portions of the first and second profile legs.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the first profile leg has a first hook member; the second profile leg has a second hook member; wherein when the male profile member is inserted in the receiver recess, the first and second hook member are received in respective ones of the engagement recesses to interlock.

[0022] Example embodiments further comprise a slider device having a closing end, an opposite opening end, a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall extending from the top wall; a plow extending from the top wall at the opening end and into the plow-receiving volume; the plow being positioned to wedge between the first ear and second ear to drive them apart and disengage the male profile and female profile as the slider device is moved in an opening direction along the zipper closure.

[0023] In some arrangements, the second ear is parallel to the first ear.

[0024] In another aspect, a recloseable zipper closure for use with a flexible package is provided. The zipper closure comprises: a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs; a female fin attached to the female profile; a male fin attached to the male profile member; a first ear extending from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin; the first ear having a first tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles; a second ear, opposing the first ear, extending from the male base in a direction away from the male fin; the second ear having a second tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles; the first and second ears having a widest extension between them being between the first tip and second tip, and at least a first segment of the first ear and second segment of the second ear being angled toward each other to define a lead-in region for a slider device.

[0025] In example embodiments, the first tip is a terminal end of the first ear; and the second tip is a terminal end of the second ear.

[0026] In some arrangements, the first segment of the first ear and second segment of the second ear extend toward each other from the first tip and second tip to a waist section; the first ear has a third segment; the second ear has a fourth segment; and the third segment and fourth segment extend from the waist section away from each other toward the female profile and male profile.

[0027] In example embodiments, the male profile member includes a continuous male rib projection with a head remote from the male base and first and second, opposite continuous side arms on opposite sides of the rib projection; the side arms providing for engagement recesses thereunder for locking engagement with portions of the first and second profile legs.

[0028] In some arrangements, the first profile leg has a first hook member; the second profile leg has a second hook member; wherein when the male profile member is inserted in the receiver recess, the first and second hook member are received in respective ones of the engagement recesses to interlock.

[0029] Some arrangements further comprise a slider device having a closing end, an opposite opening end, a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall extending from the top wall; a plow extending from the top wall at the opening end and into the plow-receiving volume; the plow being positioned to wedge between the opposing first ear and second ear to drive them apart and disengage the male profile and female profile as the slider device is moved in an opening direction along the zipper closure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art recloseable zipper closure; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another prior art recloseable zipper closure; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another prior art recloseable zipper closure; FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example embodiment of a bag with a recloseable zipper closure and slider, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a female profile used in a recloseable zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a male profile used in a recloseable zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a recloseable zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a recloseable zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper closure of FIG. 11 in a locked position, used with a slider device, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper closure and slider device of FIG. 12 in an unlocking position; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 12; FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the slider device of FIG. 14; FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the slider device of FIGS. 14 and 15; FIG. 17 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIGS. 14-16; the cross-section being taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 15; and FIG. 18 is another perspective, cross-sectional view of the slider device of FIGS. 14-16; the cross-section being taken along the line 18-18 of FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The solutions provided herein provide a zipper closure with a wide insertion window for insertion of a slider device onto a track and for opening (unlocking or unmating) the track, while lessening an amount of profile mass needed, as compared to the prior art.

[0032] In reference now to FIG. 4, a flexible package or bag or pouch 60 with a recloseable zipper closure 62, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure, is illustrated. The pouch 60 includes a first panel 64 having a top edge 66. A second panel 68 opposes the first panel 64 and has a top edge 70. The first panel 64 and second panel 68 form a surrounding wall 72 surrounding an interior 74. The top edges 66, 70 form an open mouth 76, which allows access to the interior 74.

[0033] There are a variety of pouches 60 possible, and in the example shown, the pouch 60 has a closed bottom 78. The closed bottom 78 may be formed by a fold between the first panel 64 and second panel 68; alternatively, the bottom 78 may be formed by securing together the panels 64, 68 along bottom edges of the panels 64, 68. The panels 64, 68 are typically secured together along side edges 80, 81, extending between the top edges 66, 70 and the bottom 78. Typically, the panels 64, 68 are made from a polymeric (plastic) material, and is often transparent - but need not be. The panels 64, 68 are often secured together by heat sealing. Many other types of pouches 60 could be used, including stand up, side gusset, bottom gusset, etc. The zipper closure 62 could also be used in any type of packaging that uses a recloseable closure, including, for example, a non-pouch package such as described in US Provisional patent application 63 / 568,657, commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference. It should be appreciated that the zipper closure 62 described herein can be used with any of these various types of pouches 60 or packaging.

[0034] The zipper closure 62 is attached or otherwise arranged on the mouth 76, and is used to selectively open and close the mouth 76. The zipper closure 62 has mating, interlocking members, which form a closure track 63. When the members are mated or interlocked or engaged, the mouth 76 is closed, preventing access to the interior 74. When the members are unmated or unlocked or disengaged, the mouth 76 is open, providing access to the interior 74.

[0035] In the pouch 60 of FIG. 4, there is a slider device 84 used to selectively mate or interlock the members, and selectively unmate or unlock or disengage the members. The slider device 84 is slidably mounted on the zipper closure 62. When the slider device 84 is moved in the closing direction (arrow 86), the members are interlocked, and the mouth 76 is closed. When the slider device 84 is moved in the opening direction (arrow 88), the members are unlocked, and the mouth 76 is opened. FIG. 4 also shows an optional notch 90, which can be provided as a parking place for a splitter or plow 220 (FIGS. 14-18) in the slider device 84.

[0036] In reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example embodiment of female and male profiles used in the recloseable zipper closures 62, according to principles of this disclosure, are illustrated. In FIG. 5, a female profile 100 is shown. The female profile 100 includes a first profile leg 102 and a second profile leg 104. The first and second legs 102, 104 are spaced apart and joined by a female base 106. The legs 102, 104 and base 106 define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess 108.

[0037] In accordance with principles of this disclosure, a female fin 110 is attached to the female profile 100 in at an attachment area 112. As embodied herein, the attachment area 112 of the female fin 110 is along the first profile leg 102 and spaced laterally from the female base 106.

[0038] The female fin 110 is positioned to be secured to a portion of the pouch 60. Typically the fin 110 is secured to one of the first or second panels 64, 68 by heat sealing or other suitable means.

[0039] The zipper closure 62 includes a male profile 114, shown in FIG. 6. The male profile 114 opposes the female profile 100. The male profile 114 includes a male profile member 116 extending from a male base 118. The male profile member 116 is sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess 108 and engaged with the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

[0040] The zipper closure 62 includes a male fin 120. The male fin 120 is attached to the male profile member 116, and is positioned to be secured to another portion of the pouch 60. Typically the fin 120 is secured to one of the first or second panels 64, 68 by heat sealing or other suitable means.

[0041] In the example embodiment shown, the male fin 120 is attached to the male profile member 116 at the male base 118.

[0042] Many embodiments are possible. In the example shown, the male profile member 116 includes a continuous male rib projection 122 with a head 124 remote from the male base 118. The male profile member 116, in the example embodiment shown, includes first and second, opposite continuous side arms 126, 128 on opposite sides of the rib projection 122. The side arms 126, 128 provide for engagement recesses 130, 132 thereunder for locking engagement with portions of the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

[0043] In some example embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 5, the first profile leg 102 has a first hook member 134. The second profile leg 104 has a second hook member 136. When the male profile member 116 is inserted in the receiver recess 108, the first hook member 134 and second hook member 136 are received in respective ones of the engagement recesses 130, 132.

[0044] In some preferred implements, the zipper closure 62 is designed so that engagement at a product-side lock 146 (FIG. 7) is stronger than engagement at a consumer-side lock 148 (FIG. 7). By "product-side lock", it is meant the lock 146 (in the examples shown in the FIGS., it is the lower lock) which is closer to the interior 74 of the pouch 60 than the other lock (in the example shown, it is the upper lock). By "consumer-side lock", it is meant the lock 148 (shown in the examples as the upper lock), which is more remote from the interior 74 and closer to the free end (terminal end) of the closure 62.

[0045] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the first profile leg 102 is positioned as a product-side leg 138 and having the first hook member 134 positioned closer to the interior 74 of a pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60. The second profile leg 104 is positioned as a consumer-side leg 140 and having the second hook member 136, positioned away from the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60. The first side arm 126 on the male profile member 116 is positioned as a product-side side arm 142, positioned closer to the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60, and positioned to engage with the product-side leg 138. The second side arm 128 on the male profile member 116 is positioned as a consumer-side side arm 144, positioned away from the interior 74 of the pouch 60, when the closure 62 is secured to the pouch 60, and positioned to engage with the consumer-side leg 140. Engagement between the product-side leg 138 and product-side side arm 142 (creating a product side lock 146, FIG. 7) is stronger than engagement between the consumer-side leg 140 and consumer-side side arm 144 (creating a consumer side lock 148, FIG. 7).

[0046] In reference now to FIGS. 7-11, a first ear 152 extends from the second profile leg 104 in a direction away from the female fin 110. A second ear 154, opposing the first ear 152, extends from the male base 118 in a direction away from the male fin 120. The first ear 152 and second ear 154 define a plow-receiving volume 156 therebetween, which receives the plow 220, when the slider device 84 is moved along the zipper closure 62.

[0047] The first ear 152 has a first tip 158 positioned a furthest distance away from the female profile 100 and male profile 114. The second ear 154 has a second tip 160 positioned a furthest distance away from the female profile 100 and male profile 114. In FIGS. 7-11, the first tip 158 and second tip 160 are at free (terminal) end of the ears 152, 154.

[0048] A first segment or protrusion 162 extends from the first ear 152 at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the second ear 154. A second segment or protrusion 164 extends from the second ear 154 at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the first ear 152.

[0049] In FIG. 7, the first protrusion 162 extends from the first ear 152 at about a 90 degree angle, and the second protrusion 164 extends from the second ear 154 at about a 90 degree angle. By the term "about" it is meant anywhere from 80-100 degrees. In FIG. 7, it can be seen how the first protrusion 162 and second protrusion 164 are co-linear. The protrusions 162, 164 also are depicted with a same thickness, but could be differing thicknesses in other implementations. In FIG. 7, the protrusions 162, 164 are axially spaced from the first tip 158 and second tip 160. FIG. 7 illustrates the ears 152, 154 being wide apart to maximize the insertion window for the slider device 84. The volume 156 allows space for the slider plow 220 to be engaged with the track 63 (FIG. 4) while closed.

[0050] FIG. 8 shows an example in which the first protrusion 162 and second protrusion 164 are not necessarily co-linear. Variations of where the protrusions 162, 164 may be oriented along the ears 152, 154 are shown in broken lines.

[0051] In FIG. 9, illustrates variations in broken lines of the angles of the first protrusion 162 extending from the first ear 152, and the second protrusion 164 from the second ear 154. In one variation, the first protrusion 162 extends from the first ear 152 at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the second tip 160, and the second protrusion 164 extends from the second ear 154 at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the first tip 158. In another variation shown in FIG. 9, the first protrusion 162 extends from the first ear 152 at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the male profile 114, and the second protrusion 164 extends from the second ear 154 at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the female profile 100.

[0052] In reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first protrusion 162 extends from the first tip 158, and the second protrusion 164 extends from the second tip 160. In FIG. 10, the protrusions 162, 164 are angled toward from each other, as they extend from the tips 158, 160 to a waist section 168. In FIG. 11, the protrusions 162, 164 are angled toward each other, as they extend from the tips 158, 160. The angles, shown at 174 relative to a horizontal line, are non-zero, and can be between 20-70 degrees.

[0053] In FIG. 10, the position of the segments or protrusions 162, 164 are wide at the top, to optimize the slider device 84 insertion window or lead-in region 166. The ears 152, 154 are angled toward each other, which results in maximizing motion when acted on the the slider plow 220. In the example of FIG. 10, the first segment or protrusion 162 of the first ear 152 and the second segment or protrusion 162 of the second ear 154 extend toward each other from the first tip 158 and second tip 160 to waist section 168. The first ear 152 has a third segment 170, and the second ear 154 has a fourth segment 172. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the third segment 170 and fourth segment 172 extend from the waist section 168 away from each other toward the female profile 100 and male profile 114. The segments 170, 172 extend away from each other at an angle 176 relative to a horizontal line, which can range at, for example 20-70 degrees.

[0054] In FIG. 11, the position of the segments or protrusions 162, 164 are angled toward each other to maximize motion when acted on by the slider plow 220. This embodiment is also sleeker than the prior art, in that unnecessary mass is removed.

[0055] As mentioned above, the zipper closure 62 can be used with slider device 84 to selectively open and close the zipper closure 62. FIGS. 14-18 depict an example embodiment of slider device 84, usable with zipper closure 62. The slider device 84 has an opening end 200 and an opposite closing end 202. The opening end 200 is the end of the slider device 84 that opens the closure 62, while the closing end 202 is the end that closes (interlocks) the zipper closure 62. As the slider device 84 is moved along the top of the zipper closure 62 in the direction of the opening arrow 88 (FIG. 4), the closing end 202 leads, followed by the opening end 200. When moved in the direction of the closing arrow 86, the opening end 200 leads, followed by the closing end 202.

[0056] The slider device 84 includes a top wall 204 with an internal surface 206 (FIG. 14). First and second side walls 208, 210 extend from the top wall 204 and enclose the internal surface 206 of the top wall 204. The first side wall 208 includes an internal surface 222 (FIG. 17), and the second side wall 210 has an internal surface 224 (FIG. 18) opposing the first side wall internal surface 222. The internal surfaces 222, 224 converge toward each other as they extend from the opening end 200 to the closing end 202. The converging internal surfaces 222, 224 help to interlock (mate) the male profile 114 and female profile 100.

[0057] In reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the first sidewall 208 has a first shoulder 212 extending from a terminal end (bottom) surface 213, extending in a direction toward the second sidewall 210. The second sidewall 210 has a second shoulder 214 extending from a terminal end (bottom) surface 215, extending in a direction toward the first sidewall 208. The first shoulder 212 engages the female profile 100 at an intersection between the female base 106 and first female leg 102. The second shoulder 214 engages the male profile 114 at the male base 118. The engagement of the shoulders 212, 214 help to retain the slider device 84 in place on the zipper closure 62.

[0058] In reference again to FIGS. 14-18, the plow 220 extends from the internal surface 206 of the top wall 204. In this embodiment, the plow 220 is wedge-shaped, narrowing to a tip 221 (FIG. 16) as it extends in a direction from the opening end 200 toward the closing end 202. The plow 220 engages between the female profile 100 and male profile 114, to separate (disengage / unmate) the male profile member 116 from the first and second profile legs 102, 104.

[0059] Operation (method of use) is now shown in reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In FIG. 12, when the closure 62 is locked (closed), the plow 220 is engaged with the track 63, while the track 63 remains closed. The wide opening of the plow-receiving volume 156, combined with the narrow tip 221 of the plow 220, enables easy alignment.

[0060] FIG. 13 shows the closure 62 while it is being opened (unlocked). The plow 220 acts on central features (e.g., protrusions 162, 164) to maximize motion. The male profile 114 and female profile 100 are separated from each other.

[0061] The above represents example principles. Many embodiments can be made using these principles.

Claims

1. A recloseable zipper closure for use with a flexible package; the zipper closure comprising: (a) a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; (b) a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs; (c) a female fin attached to the female profile; (d) a male fin attached to the male profile member; (e) a first ear extending from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin; (i) the first ear having a first tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles; (f) a second ear, opposing the first ear, extending from the male base in a direction away from the male fin; (i) the second ear having a second tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles; (g) a first protrusion extending from the first ear at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the second ear; and (h) a second protrusion extending from the second ear at a non-zero angle in a direction toward the first ear.

2. The zipper closure of claim 1, wherein: (a) the first protrusion extends from the first ear at a 90 degree angle; and (b) the second protrusion extends from the second ear at a 90 degree angle.

3. The zipper closure of claim 2, wherein the first protrusion and second protrusion are co-linear.

4. The zipper closure of claim 2, wherein the first protrusion and second protrusion are not co-linear.

5. The zipper closure of claim 2, wherein the first protrusion and second protrusion are of the same thickness.

6. The zipper closure of claim 2, wherein the first protrusion and second protrusion have differing thicknesses.

7. The zipper closure of claim 1, wherein: (a) the first protrusion extends from the first ear at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the second tip; and (b) the second protrusion extends from the second ear at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the first tip.

8. The zipper closure of claim 1, wherein: (a) the first protrusion extends from the first ear at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the male profile; and (b) the second protrusion extends from the second ear at a non-perpendicular angle and in a direction toward the female profile.

9. The zipper closure of claim 8, wherein: (a) the first protrusion extends from the first tip; and (b) the second protrusion extends from the second tip.

10. The zipper closure of claim 9, wherein: (a) the first protrusion extends at an angle toward the second protrusion, as it extends from the first tip to a waist section; and (b) the second protrusion extends at an angle toward the first protrusion, as it extends from the second tip to a waist section.

11. The zipper closure of claim 9, wherein: (a) the first protrusion extends at an angle toward the second protrusion, as it extends from the first tip; and (b) the second protrusion extends at an angle toward the first protrusion, as it extends from the second tip.

12. The zipper closure of claim 1, wherein the male profile member includes a continuous male rib projection with a head remote from the male base and first and second, opposite continuous side arms on opposite sides of the rib projection; the side arms providing for engagement recesses thereunder for locking engagement with portions of the first and second profile legs.

13. The zipper closure of claim 1, further comprising a slider device having a closing end, an opposite opening end, a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall extending from the top wall; a plow extending from the top wall at the opening end and into the plow-receiving volume; the plow being positioned to wedge between the first ear and second ear to drive them apart and disengage the male profile and female profile as the slider device is moved in an opening direction along the zipper closure.

14. A recloseable zipper closure for use with a flexible package; the zipper closure comprising: (a) a female profile including first and second spaced profile legs joined by a female base to define a central, continuous, elongate receiver recess; (b) a male profile opposing the female profile; the male profile including a male profile member extending from a male base, the male profile member being sized and positioned to be releasably inserted in the receiver recess and engaged with the first and second profile legs; (c) a female fin attached to the female profile; (d) a male fin attached to the male profile member; (e) a first ear extending from the second profile leg in a direction away from the female fin; (i) the first ear having a first tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles; (f) a second ear, opposing the first ear, extending from the male base in a direction away from the male fin; (i) the second ear having a second tip positioned a furthest distance away from the female and male profiles; (ii) the first and second ears having a widest extension between them being between the first tip and second tip, and at least a first segment of the first ear and second segment of the second ear being angled toward each other to define a lead-in region for a slider device.

15. The zipper closure of claim 14, wherein: (a) the first tip is a terminal end of the first ear; and (b) the second tip is a terminal end of the second ear.

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