Closure system for a pouch or container

Abstract

To provide a reinforced closure system including a seal structure which enables quick and easy sealing and unsealing, and / or a cool touch tab which enables a user to grasp a bag at a desired position along the closure system.SOLUTION: A container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer includes a body having a front wall and a rear wall connected to the front wall along a peripheral edge, and a closure system including a front side having a front seal profile including a male closure element and a rear side having a rear seal profile including a female closure element and defining a cavity, wherein a centerline extends through the cavity. The rear side includes an inner portion that includes the entire cavity and an outer portion. A thickness of the thickened region measured in a direction parallel to the centerline is less than 35% of a total thickness of the closure system in the closed configuration measured in a direction parallel to the centerline.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 351,904, entitled "Closure System for Pouch or Container," filed June 18, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to pouches or containers with improved closure systems, and more particularly to closure systems having improved sealing members and / or cool touch tabs. [Background technology]

[0003] Historically, reclosable pouches and containers (collectively "bags") used for food packaging have been constructed from a folded web of elastomeric material or a web formed from blown, cast, monolayer, or co-extruded film, with two side walls that are folded over at the bottom and sealed at the sides. The bags typically have a reclosable fastener or closure system, such as adhesive, wire ties, or a plastic zipper, at the top of the bag. While thermoplastic bags offer various advantages, including reduced cost and ease of manufacturing, efficient packaging and shipping, and desirable sealing features for end-use applications, such bags are typically not reusable. Given consumer trends related to reusable packaging, new and improved food packaging bags that retain the advantages associated with prior art bags are desirable. It is therefore desirable to maintain or enhance the advantages of prior art bags by using reusable materials, i.e., by using one or more sustainable materials.

[0004] Sealable bags that are also reusable are known in the art. For example, elastomeric pouches are known in the art that have a resealable closure mechanism applied longitudinally across the entire mouth, allowing the pouch to be repeatedly opened and closed. One specific example of a known reusable bag is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,371,153 as an elastomeric container with an integrated leak-proof seal. Consumer demand for reusable bags has driven demand for elastomeric bags, but these types of bags have different physical properties than existing thermoplastic bags, requiring different sealing mechanisms and considerations.

[0005] While technology related to existing thermoplastic bag sealing mechanisms has been developed over at least the past 70 years, the technology used to seal thermoplastic bags is not directly applicable to the requirements of elastomeric bags, particularly since some elastomeric bags are used during cooking and may be exposed to extreme temperatures, pressures, and / or must handle various forces on the bag's sidewalls that are not typically encountered with thermoplastic bags.

[0006] While improvements have been made to prior art sealing systems to provide enhanced seals, such seals generally include complex structures that can lead to increased complexity in manufacturing and using such sealing systems. Such sealing structures may include multiple pairs of opposing interlocking closure profiles, which can be difficult to seal, and / or which can cause confusion to the user as they are unsure whether the multiple pairs of interlocking closure profiles are properly sealed. These types of seals used on thermoplastic bags are not practical and cannot be directly transferred to seals on reusable elastomeric bags. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a reclosable closure mechanism for elastomeric pouches that can provide an airtight or watertight seal and includes a simpler sealing structure that can be used in more rigorous applications.

[0007] Furthermore, prior art bags formed from both elastomeric and thermoplastic materials typically do not include additional structure that allows a user to hold the bag other than directly along the sealing structure. In particular, for bags containing warm or hot contents, a user cannot hold the bag along the side wall of the bag, leaving no place to grip the bag other than the corners of the bag. While some prior art containers include extensions that allow a user to grasp separate components while holding the bag, such designs are not ergonomic and do not provide a user with readily identifiable cues that the extensions are intended to be grasped when holding a bag containing warm or hot contents.

[0008] Therefore, a need exists for a reusable pouch or container that alleviates one or more of the problems associated with or inherent in existing containers and pouches. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides an enhanced closure system, including a sealing structure that allows for quick and easy sealing and opening, and / or a cool-touch tab that allows a user to grasp the bag at a desired location along the closure system. In some embodiments, a container or pouch made entirely of elastomer includes a body including a front wall and a rear wall connected to the front wall along a periphery, and a closure system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male closure element and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female closure element that defines a cavity. The thickness of the thickened region, measured in a direction parallel to the centerline, is less than 35% of the total thickness of the closure system in the sealed configuration, measured in a direction parallel to the centerline.

[0010] In some embodiments, the thickness of the thickened region is less than 30% of the total thickness of the closure system. In some embodiments, the thickness of the thickened region is less than 25% of the total thickness of the closure system. In some embodiments, the thickness of the thickened region is less than 20% of the total thickness of the closure system. In some embodiments, the closure system further includes left and right tabs extending outwardly.

[0011] In some embodiments, the male closure element comprises a stem and a head portion extending from the stem. The head portion defines a height greater than the height of the stem, and the female closure element includes a plurality of arms defining an opening to the cavity, the opening defining a height, the stem height being at least 100% of the height of the opening. In some embodiments, the stem height is at least 125% of the height of the opening. In some embodiments, the stem height is at least 150% of the height of the opening.

[0012] According to some embodiments, a container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer includes a body including a front wall and a rear wall connected to the front wall along a periphery, and a closure system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male sealing element and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female sealing element defining a cavity. A centerline extends through the cavity and the male sealing element. The element has a stem and a head portion extending from the stem, and the height of the stem measured perpendicular to the centerline is between about 10% and about 50% of the height of the female sealing element measured perpendicular to the centerline.

[0013] In some embodiments, a centerline extends through the cavity, the rear side includes an inner portion encompassing the entire cavity, and an outer portion, and the thickness of the outer portion measured parallel to the centerline is at least 20% of the total thickness of the female sealing element measured parallel to the centerline. In some embodiments, the thickness of the outer portion is at least 30% of the total thickness of the female sealing element. In some embodiments, the height of the stem is between about 20% and 40% of the height of the female sealing element. In some embodiments, the height of the stem is less than about 35% of the height of the female sealing element. In some embodiments, the sealing system further includes left and right tabs extending outward. In some embodiments, the left and right tabs include a plurality of protrusions or grooves.

[0014] According to some embodiments, a container or pouch made entirely of elastomer includes a body including a front wall and a rear wall connected to the front wall along a periphery, a closure system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male closure element with a stem and a head portion extending from the stem, and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female closure element defining a cavity, a centerline extending through the cavity, and the rear side having an inner portion and an outer portion that entirely encompass the cavity, wherein the outer portion defines a thickness between 3.0 millimeters (mm) and 6 mm, and the male closure element defines a thickness of less than 3.5 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the male sealing element defines a thickness of less than 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the outer portion measured in a direction parallel to the centerline is at least 20% of the total thickness of the female sealing element measured in a direction parallel to the centerline. In some embodiments, the left and right tabs each include a plurality of grooves or protrusions. In some embodiments, the left and right tabs each include a plurality of apertures.

[0016] In some embodiments, a container or pouch made entirely of elastomer includes a body including a front wall and a rear wall connected to the front wall along a periphery, and a closure system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male sealing element and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female sealing element defining a cavity. A centerline extends through the cavity, and the rear side has an inner portion that entirely encompasses the cavity and an outer portion. The thickness of the outer portion, measured in a direction parallel to the centerline, is at least 20% of the total thickness of the female closure element, measured in a direction parallel to the centerline.

[0017] In some embodiments, the thickness of the outer portion is at least 30% of the total thickness of the female sealing element. In some embodiments, the thickness of the outer portion is at least 40% of the total thickness of the female sealing element. In some embodiments, the thickness of the outer portion is at least 50% of the total thickness of the female sealing element. In some embodiments, the sealing system further includes left and right tabs extending outwardly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the male closure element comprises a stem and a head portion extending from the stem. The head portion defines a height greater than the height of the stem, and the female closure element includes a plurality of arms defining an opening to the cavity, the opening defining a height, the stem height being at least 100% of the height of the opening. In some embodiments, the stem height is at least 125% of the height of the opening. In some embodiments, the stem height is at least 150% of the height of the opening.

[0019] According to some embodiments, a container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer comprises a body including a front wall and a rear wall connected to the front wall along a periphery, and a front closure including a male closure element. and a sealing system including a front side having a male sealing profile and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female sealing element defining a cavity. The male sealing element has a stem and a head portion extending from the stem, the head portion defining a height greater than the height of the stem, and the female sealing element includes a plurality of arms defining an opening into the cavity. The opening defines a height, and the height of the stem is at least 100% of the height of the opening.

[0020] In some embodiments, a centerline extends through the cavity, the rear side includes an inner portion that encompasses the entire cavity, and an outer portion, and the thickness of the outer portion measured in a direction parallel to the centerline is at least 20% of the total thickness of the female sealing element measured in a direction parallel to the centerline. In some embodiments, the thickness of the outer portion is at least 30% of the total thickness of the female sealing element. In some embodiments, the height of the stem is at least 125% of the height of the opening. In some embodiments, the height of the stem is at least 150% of the height of the opening. In some embodiments, the sealing system further includes left and right tabs extending outward. In some embodiments, the left and right tabs include at least one of a protrusion or a groove. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a pouch having a closure system disclosed herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the pouch shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the pouch shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the pouch taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a pouch having a closure system as disclosed herein. [Figure 6]6 is a side cross-sectional view of the pouch taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a pouch having a closure system as disclosed herein. [Figure 8] 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the pouch taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container having a closure system disclosed herein. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the container shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the container taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a container having a closure system as disclosed herein. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the first female profile of the closure system shown in FIGS. 1 to 14. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the second female profile of the closure system shown in FIGS. 1-14. [Figure 16A] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the first male profile of the closure system shown in FIGS. 1-14. [Figure 16B] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a second male profile of the closure system shown in FIGS. 1-14. [Figure 17A] FIG. 16B is a detailed view of the first male and female profiles shown in FIGS. 15A and 16A. [Figure 17B] FIG. 16C is a detailed view of the second male and female profiles shown in FIGS. 15B and 16B. [Figure 18] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tab of the closure system shown in FIGS. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front view of the tab shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a top view of the tab shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 21] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the tab of the closure system shown in FIGS. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a front view of the tab shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 22 is a top view of the tab shown in FIG. 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, in which like structures are designated with like reference numerals.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to pouches and containers with improved closure systems, more specifically, closure systems having improved sealing members and / or cool-touch tabs. While the systems disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are described herein, with the understanding that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the principles described herein. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to ±5% of the numerical value or value preceding each term. As used herein, the term "elastomeric" refers to a material that can be repeatedly stretched at room temperature and returns to approximately its original length upon immediate release of stress. Furthermore, the phrase "leak-proof seal" refers to a seal that resists leakage of liquids and solids from a container during storage and transport without the assistance of an external structure to maintain the seal. Finally, the term "closure element" is defined herein to mean a portion of a closure. For example, in a zipper closure, the closure element is one or other profile of the zipper, such as a rib profile or a groove profile.

[0024] The present disclosure relates to storage pouches and containers that include an improved zipper design and / or a cool-touch tab. The pouches and containers can take a variety of forms, with representative examples shown in Figures 1-14. While the embodiments disclosed herein are formed entirely from an elastomer such as silicone, multiple components can be bonded or formed together to achieve the embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, while various manufacturing methods can be used, the pouches and containers disclosed herein can be manufactured using a liquid injection molding process (LIM process) in which the entire pouch or container is molded in one piece and made of silicone. Alternative manufacturing methods, such as compression molding, transfer molding, extrusion, blow molding, sheet extrusion, and thermal forming, can also be implemented.

[0025] 1-4, a reclosable pouch 40 is shown, including a body 42 and a closure system 44, as disclosed herein. The pouch 40 may be made entirely of one or more elastomeric materials, including one or more of unsaturated rubber, saturated rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), among others. Because the pouch 40 is molded as a single unitary component, leak paths along the edges of the pouch 40 are minimized or eliminated, as opposed to many prior art plastic resealable bags, which do not require additional seals along the various edges of the pouch 40. Forming the pouch 40 as a single unitary component enhances the structural integrity of the pouch 40. Because the pouch 40 is entirely constructed of elastomers, the pouch 40 may be a long-life container.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the body 42 is bounded by a first or front wall 46 and a second or rear wall 48. The pouch 40 is defined by a front wall 46 and a rear wall 48, which are joined together along a peripheral edge or seam 50 extending along the first or left side 52, the second or bottom side 54, and the third or right side 56 of the body 42. While the body 42 in this embodiment is a single component, in some embodiments, the front wall 46 and the rear wall 48 may be connected along the peripheral edge 50 by, for example, folding, heat sealing, and / or adhesive. A container 60 is defined between the front wall 46 and the rear wall 48 of the body 42 and is configured to hold and retain food or other materials placed within the container 60 for storage. Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 , which shows the pouch 40 in an open configuration, the upper portions 62 of the front wall 46 and the rear wall 48 are generally straight, while the lower portions 64 of the front wall 46 and the rear wall 48 are curved and joined together at the peripheral seam 50 along the bottom surface 54 of the body 42. However, in alternative embodiments, the upper portions 62 need not be straight, and the lower portions 64 need not be curved. It should be understood that due to the use of elastomers to form the front and rear walls 46, 48, gravity will cause the walls 46, 48 to deform or curve when the pouch 40 is placed on a resting surface (not shown).

[0027] 1 , reclosable pouch 40 further includes a closure system 44 extending upwardly from body 42. Closure system 44 includes a first or front side 70, a second or rear side 72, a first or left tab 74, and a second or right tab 76. Front side 70 includes a front sealing strip 80 extending longitudinally across pouch 40, and rear side 72 includes a rear sealing strip 82 also extending longitudinally across pouch 40. Front sealing strip 80 and rear sealing strip 82 define a closure mechanism that includes a first or front sealing profile 84 defined by front sealing strip 80 and a second or rear sealing profile 86 defined by rear sealing strip 82. The front and rear sealing strips 80, 82 include front and rear sealing profiles 84, 86, respectively, and further include regions of varying thickness on the front and rear sides 70, 72, respectively, of the closure system 44, as described below. Additionally, a handle or lip 88 is disposed on the rear side 72 and defines a generally trapezoidal extension extending upwardly from the rear sealing strip 82. The lip 88 includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs 90 disposed horizontally along the lip 88 to assist in enabling a user to grasp the lip 88 and open the pouch 40. The ribs 90 may be in the form of a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the lip 88 or a plurality of grooves extending into or through the lip 88.

[0028] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the left and right tabs 74 and 76 of the closure system 44 are shown in greater detail. The tabs 74, 76 are located on the left and right, or opposing, sides of the pouch 40 and take the form of rounded tabs that extend outward. As described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 18-23 , the tabs 74, 76 are provided to allow a user to grasp the pouch 40 in an ergonomic manner and to better hold the pouch 40 during use. The specific location of the tabs 74, 76 along the closure system 44 and relative to the body 42 provides an enhanced or optimized position for the user to hold the pouch 40 when removing the pouch 40 from the heating zone or discarding the heated contents within the pouch 40. Notably, because the tabs 74, 76 extend outward from and are integral with the first and second sides 70 and 72, respectively, the tabs 74, 76 do not come into direct thermal contact with the body 42. To that end, tabs 74, 76 are positioned along pouch 40 in an optimal location that provides the greatest possible distance from the contents of container 60, and therefore remains cool or relatively cool when handling warm or hot contents.

[0029] Through testing, it has been found that the temperature of the tabs 74, 76 decreases at a relatively faster rate than the temperature of the contents within the container 60 of the pouch 40, even after being placed in a warm or hot environment. Because the tabs 74, 76 are located along the distal end of the closure system 44 of the pouch 40, the tabs 74, 76 may provide more rapid convective cooling. Tabs 74, 76 may also have features 94 that enhance heat dissipation of tabs 74, 76 and provide a user with extra grip when holding pouch 40, as described in more detail below. Functionally, tabs 74, 76 cool faster than body 42 of pouch 40 due to the increased surface area along tabs 74, 76, either alone or in conjunction with features 94. While this embodiment shows heat dissipation features 94 extending outward from tabs 74, 76, features 94 extending within tabs 74, 76 may also be provided. Heat dissipation features 94 may include grooves, protrusions, or ridges extending outward from tabs 74, 76, may include recesses or indentations extending inward and into tabs 74, 76, or may include other types of features that increase the surface area of ​​tabs 74, 76 and expose them to the ambient environment. In some embodiments, additional materials may be applied to the tabs 74, 76 to aid in heat dissipation or grip, such as films, additional layers, or materials that aid in grip and / or heat dissipation.

[0030] With particular reference to FIG. 4 , the front sealing profile 84 is disposed on the front side 70 of the closure system 44, and the rear sealing profile 86 is disposed on the rear side 72 of the closure system 44, such that the front and rear sealing profiles 84 and 86 extend along opposite portions of the interior 98 of the closure system 44. As shown, the front sealing profile 84 includes a male closure element 100, and the rear sealing profile 86 includes a female closure element 102, which are integral with the front and rear sides 70 and 72 of the closure system 44, respectively. The male closure element 100 extends inwardly from the sealing structure of the pouch 40, while the female closure element 102 includes a cavity defined within the rear sealing strip 82. The male closure element 100 and the female closure element 102 are aligned with one another. Specific aspects of the front and rear sealing profiles 84 and 86 are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 15A-17B .

[0031] 4 , pouch 40 defines a longitudinal axis or plane 106 extending through perimeter 50 and a horizontal axis or plane 108 extending orthogonally through longitudinal plane 106. Various dimensions of pouch 40 are shown, including a height 110 of front side 70 of closure system 44, a height 112 of rear side 72 of closure system 44, a height 114 of body 42, and a height 116 of pouch 40. Each of heights 110, 112, 114, 116 is measured along a line parallel to longitudinal plane 106. A width 120 of closure system 44 and a width 122 of body 42 are shown, defining the maximum width measurements of closure system 44 and body 42, respectively. Widths 120, 122 are shown at the widest points of pouch 40 and therefore define the widest width of pouch 40 in the open configuration, although the terms "width" and "height" should be interpreted as the height at any point along the respective elements of pouch 40.

[0032] Figures 5 and 6 show another embodiment of a pouch 130 having a closure system 44 and a body 42 as disclosed herein. Figures 7 and 8 show images of a pouch 132 having a closure system 44 and a body 42 as disclosed herein. Pouches 130 and 132 include similar elements and designations as pouch 40 described above with respect to Figures 1-4. The bodies 42 and closure systems 44 of pouches 40, 130, and 132 have varying heights 110, 112, 114, and 116 and widths 120, 122, although these differences relate to the particular capacity of container 60 and the profile of pouches 130, 132, and the desired amount of food or other material that can be placed in container 60. However, the various dimensional relationships between the bodies 42 and closure systems 44 of pouches 40, 130, and 132 can vary within the following ranges:

[0033] The height 110 of the front side 70 of the sealing system 44 may be between about 50% and about 95% of the height 112 of the rear side 72 of the sealing system 44, or between about 60% and about 85% of the height of the rear side 72 of the sealing system 44, or between about 70% and about 80% of the height 112 of the rear side 72 of the sealing system 44. Furthermore, the height 110 of the front side 70 of the sealing system 44 may be between about 50% and about 95% of the height 112 of the rear side 72 of the sealing system 44. The height 110 of the front side 70 may be between about 2% and about 30% of the height 116 of the pouch 40, or between about 5% and about 25% of the height 114 of the body 42, or between about 12% and about 15% of the height 114 of the body 42. The height 110 of the front side 70 may be between about 2% and about 30% of the height 116 of the pouch 40, or between about 5% and about 25% of the height 116 of the pouch 40, or between about 7% and about 15% of the height 116 of the pouch 40. The width 120 of the closure system 44 may be between about 100% and about 140% of the width 122 of the body 42, or between about 110% and about 130% of the width 122 of the body 42, or between about 115% and about 120% of the width 122 of the body 42.

[0034] 9-12 show diagrams of a first embodiment of a container 140 having a closure system 44 as disclosed herein. The closure system 44 of the container 140 includes similar elements and numbers as the closure systems 44 of the pouches 40, 130, 132 described above, and the body 42 of the container 140 also includes similar elements and numbers, but is further modified to include a bottom wall 142 connected to a front wall 46 and a rear wall 48. As a result, the container 140 includes a front wall 46, a rear wall 48, and a bottom wall 142 connected to one another along a perimeter 50.

[0035] To that end, the perimeter 50 includes a fourth branch, defining an intersection between the front wall 46 and the bottom wall 142 and between the rear wall 48 and the bottom wall 142. The bottom wall 142 is slightly concave and curves slightly upward into the container's reservoir 144. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12, a plurality of nubbins or protrusions 146 extend downward from the bottom wall 142 for engaging a mounting surface (not shown). Thus, the container 140 can be placed on the mounting surface (not shown), and the protrusions 146 substantially prevent horizontal movement of the container 140 when placed on the mounting surface. FIGS. 13 and 14 show another container 148 having a closure system 44 disclosed herein and including a body 42 configured similarly to that described above with respect to FIGS. 9-12. Accordingly, similar elements and numerals apply to FIGS. 13 and 14 as described above with respect to FIGS. 9-12. Additionally, the heights 110, 112, 114, 116 and widths 120, 122 and the relationships therebetween described above with respect to pouches 40, 130, 132 also apply to containers 140, 148.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 15A, a detailed view of the rear sealing profile 86 of the closure system 44 of FIGS. 1-14 is shown. In particular, the detailed views of FIGS. 15A and 16A are shown with respect to the pouch 40 of FIG. 4. The rear sealing profile 86 includes a base portion 150, an upper arm 152, and a lower arm 154, which are spaced apart from one another and extend toward one another from the base portion 150. The rear sealing profile 86 further defines a cavity 156 configured to receive the male closure element 102 and defines a triangular cross-section having rounded inner corners 158 and bulbous outer corners 160. The female closure element 102 is symmetrical about a longitudinal center plane or centerline 162, although other asymmetric embodiments are possible. The upper arm 152 and lower arm 154 are integral with the rear sealing profile 86 and extend outward therefrom. The upper and lower arms 152, 154 define an opening 164 into the cavity 156 into which the head of the male closure element 100 is inserted to seal the pouch 40, 130, 132 or container 140, 148. The opening 164 is defined between the distal ends 166 of the upper and lower arms 152, 154. The upper and lower arms 152, 154 can deflect inward or outward when the male closure element 100 is inserted into or removed from the cavity 156.

[0037] 15A , female closure element 102 further defines a height 170 and a thickness 172, cavity 156 defines a height 174 and a thickness 176, and opening 164 defines a height 178. Base portion 150 includes an inner portion 180 and an outer portion 182. Inner portion 180 is defined by a vertical line or plane 184 that extends perpendicularly through longitudinal centerline 162 and through an innermost point 186 along the surface defining cavity 156. Thus, inner portion 180 includes the entire cavity 156, while outer portion 182 does not include any portion of cavity 156. Inner portion 180 further defines a thickness 190 measured in a direction parallel to centerline 162, and outer portion 182 defines a thickness 192 measured in a direction parallel to centerline 162.

[0038] The thickness 192 of the outer portion 182 is between about 3.0 millimeters (mm) and about 6.0 mm, or between about 3.5 mm and about 5.5 mm, or between about 4.0 mm and about 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, the male sealing element 100 defines a thickness of less than about 7.0 mm, or less than about 6.5 mm, or less than about 6.0 mm, or less than about 5.5 mm, or less than about 5.0 mm, or less than about 4.5 mm, or less than about 4.0 mm, or less than about 3.5 mm, or less than about 3.0 mm, or less than about 2.5 mm, or less than about 2.0 mm.

[0039] FIG. 16A is a detailed view of the male closure element 100 of the closure system 44 of FIGS. 1-14. The male closure element 100 includes a stem portion 200 that extends outward from the male closure system 44 and connects to a head portion 202. The head portion 202 defines an outer corner 204 and an inner corner 206 arranged in a triangular configuration. The head portion 202 and stem portion 200 are integral components of the male closure system 44. The male closure system 44 defines a thickened region 208 that defines a height 210. The male closure element 100 defines a height 212 and a thickness 214, the head portion 202 of the male closure element 100 defines a height 216 and a thickness 218, the stem portion 200 defines a height 220 and a thickness 222, and the thickened region 208 defines a thickness 224.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 15A, the thickness 192 of the outer portion 182 is between about 20% and about 180% of the thickness 190 of the inner portion 180, or between about 50% and about 150% of the thickness 190 of the inner portion 180, or between about 80% and about 120% of the thickness 190 of the inner portion 180. In some embodiments, thickness 192 is at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 100%, or at least 110%, or at least 120%, or at least 130%, or at least 140%, or at least 150%, or at least 160%, or at least 170%, or at least 180%, or at least 190%, or at least 200%, or at least 250%, or at least 300%, or at least 350%, or at least 400% of thickness 190 of inner portion 180. The thickness 192 of the outer portion 182 is between about 20% and about 80% of the thickness 172 of the female sealing element 102, or between about 30% and about 70% of the thickness 172 of the female sealing element 102, or between about 40% and about 60% of the thickness 172 of the female sealing element 102.

[0041] 15A , cavity 156 is at least partially defined by inner surfaces 226a, 226b, which define the inner surfaces of upper arm 152 and lower arm 154, respectively. Inner surfaces 226a, 226b also partially define corner 158. Inner surfaces 226a, 226b may be defined as sealing surfaces, such that these surfaces align with a portion of male sealing element 100 to enhance the seal. Cavity 156 is also at least partially defined by side surfaces 228a, 228b, which at least partially define the profile of male sealing element 100, i.e., side surfaces 228a, 228b slope inwardly from their intersection with inner surfaces 226a, 226b toward plane 162. Finally, outer surface 232 defines the innermost surface of cavity 156, and in this embodiment, outer surface 232 defines spherical outer corner 160. In this embodiment, outer surface 232 does not follow the profile of male sealing element 100 and may be arranged in a variety of configurations. In other embodiments, one or more of outer surface 232, side surface 228a, and side surface 228b may be configured as follows, as described below with respect to Figures 15B, 16B, and 17B. They may not follow the profile of the male sealing element 100. In this embodiment, the surfaces that do not follow the corresponding profile portions may have different shapes or curvatures that define their respective surfaces, i.e., they may not mirror each other or have profiles that substantially match each other.

[0042] 16A , the height 216 of the head component 202 is greater than the height 220 of the stem 200. Furthermore, the thickness 224 of the thickened region 208 is between about 10% and about 60% of the thickness 214 of the male sealing element 100, or between about 20% and about 50% of the thickness 214 of the male sealing element 100, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50% of the thickness 214 of the male sealing element 100. Furthermore, the thickness 230 of the rear wall 48 is between about 20% and about 80% of the thickness 224 of the thickened region 208, or between about 30% and about 70% of the thickness 224 of the thickened region 208, or between about 40% and about 60% of the thickness 224 of the thickened region 208, or about 50% of the thickness 224 of the thickened region 208.

[0043] 15A and 16A in combination, the height 220 of the stem 200 is between about 100% and about 500% of the height 178 of the opening 164, or between about 150% and about 400% of the height 178 of the opening 164, or between about 200% and about 300% of the height 178 of the opening 164, or at least 100%, or at least 125%, or at least 150%, or at least 175%, or at least 200%, or at least 250%, or at least 300%, or at least 350%, or at least 400%, or at least 450% of the height 178 of the opening 164. FIG. 17A is a detailed view of the first and second profiles 84, 86 of FIGS. 15A and 16A in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the closure system 44 defines a total thickness 234. 15A and 17A, the thickness 192 of the outer portion 182 is between about 10% and about 90% of the total thickness 234, between about 20% and about 80% of the total thickness 234, or between about 30% and about 70% of the total thickness 234, or between about 35% and about 50% of the total thickness 234, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70% of the total thickness 234.

[0044] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the thickness 224 of the thickened region 208 is less than 35% of the total thickness 234 of the sealing system 44, or less than 30% of the total thickness 234 of the sealing system 44, or less than 25% of the total thickness 234 of the sealing system 44, or less than 20% of the total thickness 234 of the sealing system 44. In some embodiments, the height 220 of the stem 200 is between about 10% and about 50% of the height 170 of the female sealing element 102, or between about 20% and about 40% of the height 170 of the female sealing element 102, or between about 25% and about 35% of the height 170 of the female sealing element 102, or less than 50%, or less than 40%, or less than 30%, or less than 20% of the height 170 of the female sealing element 102.

[0045] Through testing, it has been found that an enhanced sealing structure is achieved when the thickness 192 of the outer portion 182 is at least 30% of the thickness 172 of the female sealing element 102. Desirable results have been achieved through testing where the thickness 172 of the female sealing element 102 is up to 80% of the thickness 172 of the female sealing element 102. When the thickness 192 of the outer portion 182 is greater, a rigidity of the female sealing element 102 is achieved that allows the upper and lower arms 152, 154 to flex inward and outward without impacting the base portion 150 of the female sealing element 102 to deflect rearward along the centerline or plane 162.

[0046] Furthermore, the stem 200 has a height 220 at least equal to the height 178 of the opening 164. Testing has shown that including a smaller opening 164 improves the sealing performance of the closure system 44. Therefore, the opening 164 is preferably smaller than the stem 200. The closure system 44 preferably requires between about 3 pounds of force (lbf), i.e., 13.3 Newtons (N), and about 10 pounds (44.5 N) to open and close. In some embodiments, the required force is between about 3 pounds (13.3 N) and about 20 pounds (89.0 N), or between about 5 pounds (22.2 N) and about 15 pounds (66.7 N), or between about 7 pounds (31.1 N) and about 12 pounds (53.4 N). It is generally considered desirable for the closure system 44 to be used when the pouch or container is capable of holding three-quarters of the volume of the container 60 filled with water when the pouch or container is inverted. This feature is achieved by the design of the arms 152, 154 of the female closure element 102 and the rounded corners 206 of the male head portion 202. The outer corners 204 of the head portion 202 control the force required to drop the contents from the pouch or container when in the closed configuration, while the inner corners 206 of the head portion 202 control the force required to open and close the closure system 44.

[0047] 15B, 16B, and 17B, a second configuration of the closure structure is shown in which the male closure element 100 is identical to the male closure element 100 of FIG. 16A, but the female closure element 102 includes a cavity 156 that defines a rounded rectangular cross-section rather than the profile shown in FIG. 15A and 17A. Referring to FIG. 15B, the upper arm 152 and lower arm 154 define an opening 164 into the cavity 156 into which the head of the male closure element 100 is inserted to seal the pouch 40, 130, 132 or container 140, 148. An opening 164 is defined between the distal ends 166 of the upper and lower arms 152, 154 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to Figure 15A, and the upper and lower arms 152, 154 can deflect inward or outward when the male sealing element 100 is inserted into or removed from the cavity 156. As shown in Figure 15B, the cavity 156 is larger than the cavity of Figure 15A and does not define a profile that follows the contours of the male sealing element 100. To that end, the cavity 156 can define a variety of shapes and need not follow the profile of the male sealing element 100.

[0048] 15B , the cavity 156 is at least partially defined by inner surfaces 226a, 226b, which define the inner surfaces of the upper and lower arms 152, 154, respectively. The inner surfaces 226a, 226b also partially define the corners 158. As discussed above, the inner surfaces 226a, 226b may be defined as sealing surfaces because they align with a portion of the male sealing element 100 to provide an enhanced seal. The cavity 156 is also at least partially defined by side surfaces 228a, 228b, which in this embodiment extend horizontally from the inner surfaces 226a, 226b in a direction parallel to the plane 162. An outer surface 232, which defines the innermost surface of the cavity 156, is also shown. In this embodiment, the side surfaces 228a, 228b do not follow the profile of the male sealing element 100.

[0049] In this embodiment, the outer surface 232 is disposed perpendicular to the plane 162, but the outer surface 232 may be curved or define another configuration. In some embodiments, more or fewer surfaces may be included. For example, the cavity 156 may be defined by inner surfaces 226a, 226b and a generally circular outer surface (not shown) extending from the outermost points of the inner surfaces 226a, 226b. To that end, the cavity 156 may define various cross-sections, such as square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, etc. In some embodiments, multiple cavities may be defined by the various surfaces that define the cavity 156, such that multiple compartments are formed to receive the male closure element 100. In some embodiments, the cavity 156 may not be defined by side surfaces 228a, 228b, but instead may include only the outer surface 232 extending from the intersection with the inner surfaces 226a, 226b, e.g., the outer surface 232 may define a circular or semicircular cross-section.

[0050] The above provides an enhanced sealing structure including an asymmetrically thickened profile along the female sealing element 102, i.e., outer portion 182, which minimizes material thickness at both the inner and outer portions 180, 182 of the female sealing element 102. This creates a thinner profile that is more desirable to users and improves manufacturing cost efficiency by using less material. As shown in FIG. 17A , when the male sealing element 100 is inserted into the female sealing element 102, the insertion of the male sealing element 100 also achieves a functional benefit in that it creates a bending force that causes the arms 152, 154 of the female sealing element 102 to flex and open. This deflection causes the outer portion 182 of the base portion 150 to bend and pivot rearward along the centerline 162, forming a V-shape. It has been found through testing that without sufficient thickness 192 of outer portion 182, the closing step may fail or be more cumbersome for the user, as the user must push back and pivot female closure element 102 to close. Additionally, the height 220 of stem 200 is at least 100% of the height 178 of opening 164, which has been found to be a critical limit for providing a sufficient seal and adequate resilience to properly open and close closure system 44. These features, alone or in combination, provide functional benefits to the user, achieving an enhanced closure system 44 that provides an enhanced seal.

[0051] 18-20, one of the tabs 74, 76 is shown in detail. While only one of the tabs 74, 76 is shown, it should be understood that the illustrated tab 74 represents both tabs 74, 76, and the following description applies to each of the tabs 74, 76. As noted above, the tabs 74, 76 are located at opposite ends of the closure system 44 to provide the user with optimized support for holding the pouch 40, 130, 132 or container 140, 148 during use. The tabs 74, 76 are designed to cool faster than the main body 42 of the pouch 40, 130, 132 or container 140, 148. Features 94 are located along the tab 74 to increase the surface area along the tab 74, both to facilitate cooling and to aid in gripping the tab 74, 76. The desired degree of cooling may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the size and number of grooves to adjust the total exposed surface area.

[0052] While the features 94 are shown vertically, the features 94 may be angled, parallel, or intersecting. Additionally, while in this embodiment the features 94 extend outward from the tabs 74, 76 in the form of protrusions, the tabs 74, 76 may similarly be recessed or grooved. To this end, one or more of a protrusion, recess, or nubbin may be provided. Additionally, in some embodiments, the features 94 may be provided extending outward from the tabs 74, 76 in combination with grooves extending within the tabs 74, 76. In some embodiments, the features 94 along the left tab 74 may define a first configuration, i.e., the configuration shown in FIGS. 18-20 . Additionally, the features 94 along the right tab 76 may define a second configuration that is different from the first configuration, e.g., a different configuration along the tabs 74, 76. In some embodiments, the features 94 extend from opposing first and second sides 236 of the tabs 74, 76, as shown in Figures 18-20, while in other embodiments, the features 94 may extend from the peripheral sides 238 of the tabs 74, 76. Although three of the features 94 are shown extending from each of the sides 236 of the tab 74, the features 94 may extend from only one of the opposing sides 236.

[0053] With particular reference to FIG. 19, tab 74 defines a height 240 and a width 242. Height 240 is between about 10 mm and about 40 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, or about 24 mm. In some embodiments, width 242 is between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 10 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 20 mm, or about 18 mm. With reference to FIG. 20, tab 74 defines a height 240 and a width 242. Height 240 is between about 10 mm and about 40 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 20 mm and about 30 mm, or about 24 mm. In some embodiments, width 242 is between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 10 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 15 mm and about 20 mm, or about 18 mm. 4 defines a thickness 244. The thickness 244 of the tab 74 is between about 0.5 mm and about 11.0 mm, or between about 3.0 mm and about 9.0 mm, or between about 4.0 mm and about 7.0 mm, or about 6.0 mm. Each of the features 94 defines a thickness 246 and a width 248, which are identical in this embodiment. However, the features 94 may define various thicknesses and may be arranged in alternative configurations. In this embodiment, the thickness 246 of the features 94 is between about 0.1 mm and about 1.0 mm, or between about 0.3 mm and about 0.7 mm, or about 0.5 mm. Additionally, the width 248 is between about 0.2 mm and about 2.0 mm, or between about 0.8 mm and about 1.4 mm, or about 1.2 mm.

[0054] 21-23, another tab 250 similar to tabs 74 and 76 described above is shown. Tab 250 includes a plurality of holes or openings 252, which increase the surface area of ​​tab 250 exposed to the ambient atmosphere, thereby enhancing cooling. The desired degree of cooling can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of openings to adjust the total exposed surface area. Features 94 are further included, resulting in the benefits described above. In some embodiments, tab 250 includes convex features 94 and a plurality of openings 252. The openings 252 may define a diameter 254 between about 0.5 millimeters (mm) and about 4.5 mm, between about 1.0 mm and about 3.0 mm, or about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, tab 250 may have 3 to 18 openings 252, 5 to 16 openings 252, 8 to 14 openings 252, or 11 openings 252. In some embodiments, features 94 may define curved portions, eg, concave or convex, and other portions that are angled, chamfered, recurved, or planar.

[0055] Additionally, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present technology is applicable to all types of bags, pouches, packages, and various other storage containers, such as snack, sandwich, quart, and gallon size bags. The present technology is also applicable to bags with dual zippers, multiple zippers, or other types of closure mechanisms. [Industrial Applicability]

[0056] The closure systems described herein provide beneficial containers or pouches that include a closure system that is reusable and end-user sealable and openable while providing enhanced sealing capabilities.

[0057] In view of the above description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure and to teach the best mode of carrying it out. The exclusive rights to all modifications within the scope of application are reserved. All patents and publications are incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer, a body having a front wall and a rear wall peripherally connected to the front wall; a sealing system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male sealing element extending from the thickened portion, and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female sealing element and defining a cavity, a centerline extending through the cavity; the rear side includes an inner portion that encompasses the entire cavity and an outer portion; the thickness of the thickened region measured in a direction parallel to the centerline is less than 35% of the total thickness of the closure system in a closed configuration measured in a direction parallel to the centerline; container or pouch.

2. 10. The container or pouch of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the thickened region is less than 30% of the total thickness of the closure system.

3. 10. The container or pouch of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the thickened region is less than 25% of the total thickness of the closure system.

4. 10. The container or pouch of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the thickened region is less than 20% of the total thickness of the closure system.

5. 10. The container or pouch of claim 1, wherein the closure system further includes outwardly extending left and right tabs.

6. the male closure element includes a stem and a head portion extending from the stem; the head portion defines a height greater than a height of the stem; the female closure element includes a plurality of arms defining an opening to the cavity, the opening defining a height; 2. The container or pouch of claim 1, wherein the height of the stem is at least 100% of the height of the opening.

7. 7. The container or pouch of claim 6, wherein the height of the stem is at least 125% of the height of the opening.

8. 7. The container or pouch of claim 6, wherein the height of the stem is at least 150% of the height of the opening.

9. A container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer, a body having a front wall and a rear wall peripherally connected to the front wall; a sealing system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male sealing element, and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female sealing element and defining a cavity, a centerline extending through the cavity; the male closure element includes a stem and a head portion extending from the stem; a height of the stem measured perpendicular to the centerline that is between about 10% and about 50% of a height of the female sealing element measured perpendicular to the centerline; container or pouch.

10. a centerline extending through said cavity; the rear side includes an inner portion that encompasses the entire cavity and an outer portion; The thickness of the outer portion measured in a direction parallel to the centerline is 10. The container or pouch of claim 9, wherein the thickness is at least 20% of the total measured thickness of the female closure element.

11. 11. The container or pouch of claim 10, wherein the thickness of the outer portion is at least 30% of the total thickness of the female closure element.

12. 10. The container or pouch of claim 9, wherein the height of the stem is between about 20% and 40% of the height of the female seal.

13. 10. The container or pouch of claim 9, wherein the height of the stem is less than about 35% of the height of the female seal.

14. 10. The container or pouch of claim 9, wherein the closure system further includes outwardly extending left and right tabs.

15. 15. The container or pouch of claim 14, wherein the left and right tabs include at least one of a protrusion or a groove.

16. A container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer, a body having a front wall and a rear wall peripherally connected to the front wall; a sealing system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male sealing element having a stem and a head portion extending from the stem, and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female sealing element and defining a cavity, a centerline extending through the cavity; the rear side includes an inner portion that encompasses the entire cavity and an outer portion; the outer portion defines a thickness between 3.0 millimeters (mm) and 6 mm, and the male sealing element defines a thickness of less than 3.5 mm; container or pouch.

17. 17. The container or pouch of claim 16, wherein the male closure element defines a thickness of less than 3.0 mm.

18. 18. The container or pouch of claim 17, wherein the thickness of the outer portion measured in a direction parallel to the centerline is at least 20% of the total thickness of the female closure element measured in a direction parallel to the centerline.

19. 17. The container or pouch of claim 16, wherein the left and right tabs each include a plurality of grooves or protrusions.

20. 17. The container or pouch of claim 16, wherein the left and right tabs each include a plurality of openings.

21. A container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer, a body having a front wall and a rear wall peripherally connected to the front wall; a sealing system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male sealing element, and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female sealing element and defining a cavity, a centerline extending through the cavity; the rear side includes an inner portion that encompasses the entire cavity and an outer portion; the thickness of the outer portion measured in a direction parallel to the centerline is at least 20% of the total thickness of the female sealing element measured in a direction parallel to the centerline; container or pouch.

22. 22. The container or pouch of claim 21, wherein the thickness of the outer portion is at least 30% of the total thickness of the female closure element.

23. 22. The container or pouch of claim 21, wherein the thickness of the outer portion is at least 40% of the total thickness of the female closure element.

24. 22. The container or pouch of claim 21, wherein the thickness of the outer portion is at least 50% of the total thickness of the female closure element.

25. 22. The container or pouch of claim 21, wherein the closure system further includes outwardly extending left and right tabs.

26. the male closure element includes a stem and a head portion extending from the stem; the head portion defines a height greater than a height of the stem; the female closure element includes a plurality of arms defining an opening to the cavity, the opening defining a height; 22. The container or pouch of claim 21, wherein the height of the stem is at least 100% of the height of the opening.

27. 27. The container or pouch of claim 26, wherein the height of the stem is at least 125% of the height of the opening.

28. 27. The container or pouch of claim 26, wherein the height of the stem is at least 150% of the height of the opening.

29. A container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer, a body having a front wall and a rear wall peripherally connected to the front wall; a sealing system including a front side having a front sealing profile including a male sealing element, and a rear side having a rear sealing profile including a female sealing element and defining a cavity; the male closure element includes a stem and a head portion extending from the stem; the head portion defines a height greater than a height of the stem; the female closure element includes a plurality of arms defining an opening to the cavity, the opening defining a height; the height of the stem is at least 100% of the height of the opening; container or pouch.

30. a centerline extending through said cavity; the rear side has an inner portion that encompasses the entire cavity and an outer portion; 30. The container or pouch of claim 29, wherein the thickness of the outer portion measured in a direction parallel to the centerline is at least 20% of the total thickness of the female closure element measured in a direction parallel to the centerline.

31. 31. The container or pouch of claim 30, wherein the thickness of the outer portion is at least 30% of the total thickness of the female closure element.

32. 30. The container or pouch of claim 29, wherein the height of the stem is at least 125% of the height of the opening.

33. 30. The container or pouch of claim 29, wherein the height of the stem is at least 150% of the height of the opening.

34. 30. The container or pouch of claim 29, wherein the closure system further includes outwardly extending left and right tabs.

35. 35. The container or pouch of claim 34, wherein the left and right tabs include at least one of a protrusion or a groove.

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