US20120186195A1 - Zipper profile closing tool - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure relates to hand held closing tool for a zipper, typically but not necessary a double zipper, on a reclosable package or bag. The tool is used to manually close, and possibly lock the zipper. This may be used with vacuum or other bags. Various embodiments are disclosed including a pliers-type embodiment, a box-type embodiment and a book-type embodiment.

Description

• This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/367,249, filed on Jul. 23, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
• 1. Field of the Disclosure
• The present disclosure pertains to a handheld device or tool that would be held by a user and used to manually close one or more interlocking profiles of a zipper of a bag or flexible container.
• 2. Description of the Prior Art
• In the prior art, form fill and seal methods and apparatus are well known for packaging foodstuffs and small consumer packages. However, recently methods and apparatus have been developed to increase the size of packages involved. The form fill and seal packaging of larger items, such as, but not limited to, bedding materials, the process typically including a compression step, has been disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/823,328 filed on Jun. 25, 2010 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Compressing and Holding in Compression Woven Fabric Articles”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/823,331 filed on Jun. 25, 2010 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Compressing and Holding in Compression Woven Fabric Articles and Products Thereof”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/963,235 filed on Dec. 8, 2010 entitled “Form Fill Seal Packaging Method and Apparatus for Compressible Goods”. These methods and apparatus have been found satisfactory for their intended purposes, further improvements are sought in the event that manual closing of the zipper is required.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
• It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus for manually closing of reclosable zippers on larger packages which are produced by form fill seal or other methods.
• It is therefore a further object of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus which can close a reclosable zipper with double or multiple track profiles.
• These and other objects are attained by the present disclosure by providing a tool in any one of various embodiments including, but not limited to a box embodiment, a book embodiment and a pliers embodiment. These embodiments typically include two pairs of rollers so that the tool is square and aligned with respect to the double or multiple zipper profiles. These two or multiple profiles are parallel through the length of the open or closed bag, and the twin sets of rollers serve to square-up the tool relative to both profiles.
• The hand held device or closing tool is held by an operator and used to close, mate or join two parallel interlocking double zipper profiles. These two parallel double zipper profiles are typically on a bag, reclosable package or flexible container, on an open end thereof. The bag, reclosable package or flexible container is typically, but not necessarily, a vacuum bag. The purpose of the hand held closing tool is for the operator to manually place it on the double zipper, at one end of the zipper on the open bag, and when it is in its proper position relative to both of the double zipper profiles, to close (and possibly lock close) the tool. The user then typically pulls or draws by hand the closed tool all the way across the full width of the initially open double zipper profiles, typically resulting in both of the double zipper profiles being fully closed, mated or joined across the entire width of the bag, typically resulting in a fully closed sealed bag or flexible container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Further objects and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in the open position.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in the closed position.
• FIG. 6 is a first perspective view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure engaging a reclosable double zipper.
• FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of the present disclosure engaging a reclosable double zipper.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 9 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in the open position.
• FIG. 10 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in the closed position.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 12 is a first perspective view of the rollers of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 13 is a second perspective view of the rollers of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rollers of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure engaging the zipper of a reclosable bag.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure engaging the zipper of a reclosable bag
• FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a zipper which typically may be used for vacuum bags.
• FIG. 17 is a further cross-sectional view of the zipper ofFIG. 16.
• FIG. 18 is a plan view, partially in phantom, of the zipper ofFIGS. 16 and 17, as secured to a vacuum bag.
• FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along plane19-19 ofFIG. 18.
• FIG. 20 illustrates a first configuration of the zipper engaged within an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 21 illustrates a second configuration of the zipper engaged within an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 22 illustrates a third configuration of the zipper engaged within an embodiment of the present disclosure
• FIG. 23 illustrates a fourth configuration of the zipper engaged within an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, one sees thatFIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a first embodiment of the hand-held double zipperprofile closing tool10 of the present disclosure.Closing tool10 includes first andsecond tool portions12,14, typically made of steel or another similar metal, which pivot with respect to each other aroundbolt16 thereby achieving a reciprocating pliers-type configuration. First andsecond tool portions12,14 include respective first andsecond handle portions18,20 which are typically coated or encased withrespective portions22,24 of rubber or similar material to make manual operation ofclosing tool10 more comfortable. First andsecond tool portions12,14 further include respective first and secondzipper engaging portions26,28. In the orientation ofFIG. 1,first handle portion22 is illustrated as being abovesecond handle portion24, withfirst tool portion12 crossing through anotch30 in second tool portion14 (bolt16 passing through an unillustrated aperture infirst tool portion12 andnotch30 of second tool portion14) so that second zipperprofile engaging portion28 is illustrated inFIG. 1 as being above first zipperprofile engaging portion26. In this configuration, the manual urging or squeezing offirst handle portion18 towardsecond handle portion20 causes the first and second zipperprofile engaging portions26,28 to move toward each other.Coil spring32 is configured between the first and second zipperprofile engaging portions26,28 in order to bias the zipper profile engaging portions apart in the absence of manual forces on thehandle portions18,20. Additionally, setscrew34 passes through threaded aperture35 (shown in phantom inFIG. 1) in second zipperprofile engaging portion28 and protrudes toward firstzipper engaging portion26 so that the position of the tip ofset screw34 can be adjusted to maintain a minimum distance between the first and second zipperprofile engaging portions26,28 during the reciprocation of the first andsecond tool portions12,14 with respect to each other.
• First zipperprofile engaging portion26 includes first and second zipperengaging rollers40,42 which are journaled for rotation about respectiveparallel axes41,43, formed perpendicularly to the first zipperprofile engaging portion26. Similarly, second zipperprofile engaging portion28 includes third and fourth zipperengaging rollers44,46 which are journaled for rotation about respectiveparallel axes45,47 formed perpendicularly to the second zipperprofile engaging portion28. First zipperengaging roller40 is generally opposed to third zipperengaging roller44 and second zipperengaging roller42 is generally opposed to fourth zipperengaging roller46.
• Zipperengaging rollers40,42,44,46 have successive cylindrical portions of differing diameters, the dimensions of which are chosen for the particular configurations of the zippers for the given application. Examples of possible roller configurations are shown inFIGS. 20-23. Those skilled in the art would be able to determine these dimensions after review of this disclosure.
• FIGS. 3,4 and5 disclose a second embodiment of theclosing tool10, which is very similar to the pliers-type embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2. This second embodiment further includes first and second handle offsetportions48,50 which are interposed between respective first andsecond handle portions18,20 and respective first and second zipperprofile engaging portions26,28 thereby allowing the user's hand to be somewhat more removed from the passing reclosable package or bag and zipper profiles. In this second embodiment, thecoil spring32 is located in a position between the first and second handle offsetportions48,50.
• FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate thezipper engaging rollers40,42,44,46 of closingtool10 engaging a reclosable package orbag1000, including first and secondfemale profiles202,302 and corresponding or respective first and secondmale profiles204,304.
• FIGS. 8,9 and10 illustrate a third embodiment of theclosing tool10. This embodiment may be referred to as a “box” embodiment or configuration. Theclosing tool10 ofFIGS. 8,9, and10 includes abody52 withbottom wall54, first shorter sidewall56, a secondlonger sidewall58 and a partialupper wall60. First and secondzipper engaging rollers40,42 which are journaled for rotation about respectiveparallel axes41,43. Partialupper wall60 supportspivot housing61.Pivot axis62 is formed between secondlonger side wall58 and pivothousing61.Roller support element64 is pivotably mounted onpivot axis62.Roller support element64 includes a framework with parallel first andsecond side elements66,68 andcross element70. Third and fourthzipper engaging rollers44,46 are journaled for rotation about respectiveparallel axes45,47 which extend between first andsecond side elements66,68 ofroller support element64.Second side element68 further includesboss74 which extends intocurved slot76 in secondlonger sidewall58 and travels therewithin asroller support element64 pivots between an open position as shown inFIG. 9 and a closed position as shown inFIG. 10. In the closed position ofFIG. 10, thezipper engaging rollers40,42,44,46 engage thereclosable bag1000 and the double zipper similarly to the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7. Similar to previous embodiments, in the closed firstzipper engaging roller40 is generally opposed to thirdzipper engaging roller44 and secondzipper engaging roller42 is generally opposed to fourthzipper engaging roller46.
• FIGS. 11-15 illustrate a fourth embodiment of closingtool10. This embodiment may be referred to as a “book” embodiment or configuration. Theclosing tool10 ofFIGS. 11-15 includes first andsecond panels80,82 which are hinged with respect to each other byhinge84 in a book-like or clamshell-like configuration.First panel80 includes first and secondzipper engaging rollers40,42 which are journaled for rotation about respectiveparallel axes41,43. Likewise, second panel includes third and fourthzipper engaging rollers44,46 are journaled for rotation about respectiveparallel axes45,47. Similar to previous embodiments, in the closed position, firstzipper engaging roller40 is generally opposed to thirdzipper engaging roller44 and secondzipper engaging roller42 is generally opposed to fourthzipper engaging roller46.FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the relationship of the various rollers prior to full closing of theclosing tool10 whileFIG. 14 illustrates theclosing tool10 fully engaging the first and secondfemale profiles202,302 with respective or corresponding first and secondmale profiles204,304 of thereclosable package1000.
• FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a possible cross section ofreclosable package1000, includingpackage walls1002,1004 which are exterior to respective male and femaledouble zipper profiles402,404. Maledouble zipper profile402 includes first and secondmale elements204,304 while femaledouble zipper profile404 includes respective or corresponding first and secondfemale elements202,302. The right ofFIGS. 16 and 17 illustrates the consumer side of thepackage1000 while the left ofFIGS. 16 and 17 illustrates the product side of thepackage1000.
• FIGS. 18 and 19 are further views ofreclosable package1000. A film-to-film cross seal1006 is formed at the edge ofreclosable package1000 betweenpackage walls1002,1004, whilepackage walls1002,1004 are sealed to respective male and femaledouble zipper profiles402,404 inseal area1008. Further, guide bump orprotrusion1012 may be formed proximate to an edge of reclosable package, typically in an intermediate position between the junctions of first female andmale zipper elements202,204 and second female andmale zipper elements302,304. As shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, thezipper engaging rollers40,42,44,46 may include acentral groove90 for engaging guide bump orprotrusion1012, thereby aiding in maintaining registration of the zipper within theclosing tool10.
• FIGS. 20-23 illustrate various possible embodiments for the profile ofzipper engaging rollers40,42,44,46.FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment wherein thezipper engaging rollers40,42,44,46 have a broad centralcircumferential groove84, the walls of which engage the thickness of thezipper elements202,204,302,304.FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment wherein thezipper engaging rollers40,42,44,46 include first and secondcircumferential grooves86,88 (separated by land87) for engaging, respectively, the first female and male zipper profiles202,302 and the second female and male zipper profiles204,304.FIG. 22 is similar toFIG. 20 but further includes a central groove90 (within broad central circumferential groove84) for engaging guide bump orprotrusion1012, thereby aiding in maintaining registration of the zipper with the closing tool.FIG. 23 is similar toFIG. 21, but further includes protrudingwalls92,94 to more sharply definecentral groove90 thereby more robustly engaging guide bump orprotrusion1012.
• Additionally, closingtools10 may include visual alignment marks on the tool to line up the double zippers with the rollers and/or a wind or out-out in or on the closing tool to allow the operator to visually see the roller/zipper relationship. Therollers40,42,44,46 themselves could have different colored sections. For example, the roller section outside the outer zipper profiles of both zippers, where the roller diameter is the greatest, could be a light color (white), while the section of the roller inboard of this having the grooves to accept and close the zipper profiles could be a dark color, such as black. Any combination of differing contrasts would help the operator visually see the roller/zipper relationship.
• To use the various disclosed embodiments of theclosing tool10, the user engages theclosing tool10 around the double zipper profile of the reclosable package, bag or similar item, assures that proper alignment has been achieved, and draws theclosing tool10 across the width of the reclosable package, bag or similar item.
• Thus the several aforementioned objects are most effectively attained. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited thereby and its scope is to be determined by that of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. A zipper closing tool comprising:

first tool portion with a first end forming a first handle portion and a second end forming a first zipper engaging portion;

a second tool portion with a first end forming a second handle portion and a second end forming a second zipper engaging portion;

a pivot between the first tool portion and the second tool portion whereby moving the first handle portion toward the second handle portions resulting in movement of the first zipper engaging portion toward the second zipper engaging portion;

the first zipper engaging portion including first and second rollers; and

the second zipper engaging portion including third and fourth rollers.

2. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 1 wherein the pivot point is formed at a location between the first handle portion and the first tool portion and between the second handle portion and the second tool portion.

3. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 2 wherein a reciprocating pliers configuration is achieved.

4. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 3 wherein the pivot is achieved by passing a bolt through apertures in the first and second tool portions.

5. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 1 wherein the first and second rollers are journaled for rotation about respective first and second axes, wherein the first and second axes are parallel to each other.

6. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 2 wherein the third and fourth rollers are journaled for rotation about respective third and fourth axes, wherein the third and fourth axes are parallel to each other.

7. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 6 wherein the first and third rollers are opposed with respect to each other, and the second and fourth roller are opposed with respect to each other.

8. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 7 wherein the first, second, third and fourth rollers include channels for engaging a zipper.

9. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 8 wherein the first, second, third and fourth rollers include a channel for engaging a guide protrusion formed proximate to a zipper.

10. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 7 further including a biasing device for urging the first zipper engaging portion away from the second zipper engaging portion in the absence of force on the first and second handle portions.

11. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 10 wherein the biasing device is a coil spring with a first end engaging the first zipper engaging portion and a second end engaging the second zipper engaging portion.

12. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 11 further including a set screw passing through one of the zipper engaging portions for maintaining a minimum separation between the first and second zipper engaging portions.

13. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 11 wherein the first tool portion includes a first offset portion between the first handle portion and the first zipper engaging portion and the second tool portion includes a second offset portion between the second handle portion and the second zipper engaging portion.

14. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 13 further including a coil spring with a first end engaging the first offset portion and a second end engaging the second offset portion for urging the first zipper engaging portion away from the second zipper engaging portion in the absence of force on the first and second handle portions.

15. A zipper closing tool comprising:

a body with first and second rollers journaled for rotation about respective first and second axes which are parallel to each other;

a frame with third and fourth rollers journaled for rotation about respective third and fourth axes which are parallel to each other; and

wherein the frame is pivoted about a fifth axis on the body.

16. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 15 wherein the first and third rollers are opposed with respect to each other, and the second and fourth roller are opposed with respect to each other.

17. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 16 wherein the first, second, third and fourth rollers include channels for engaging a zipper.

18. A zipper closing tool comprising:

a first panel with first and second rollers journaled for rotation about respective first and second axes which are parallel to each other;

a second panel with third and fourth rollers journaled for rotation about respective third and fourth axes which are parallel to each other; and

wherein the first and second panel are in hinged relationship with each other.

19. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 18 wherein the first and third rollers are opposed with respect to each other, and the second and fourth roller are opposed with respect to each other.

20. The zipper closing tool ofclaim 19 wherein the first, second, third and fourth rollers include channels for engaging a zipper.

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