CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 17/885,673, filed August 11, 2022, which, in turn, claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/246,375, filed September 21, 2021, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field.

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to child-resistant reclosable bags.

Discussion of Art.

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

[0004] Certain packages include plastic lids, which, in order to be removed from a glass or plastic container, are squeezed or pushed in various ways which may not be apparent to a child, and/or beyond the strength capabilities of the child. However, such containers are complicated to manufacture and add a considerable expense to a finished product. Additionally, such containers may be heavy and bulky, which adds to a cost of transportation. Moreover, the weight and bulk adds to a recycling burden of these products.

[0005] A known child-resistant reclosable bag includes a seal above locking elements of a two-piece zipper on one zipper half and only below the locking elements on the other zipper half. As such, the bag can be put into a shear mode that is extremely difficult to open when simply pulling the top of the flexible package open as would be done for a typical reclosable flexible package, as described in United States Patent No. 10,118,737, entitled “Child-Resistant Reclosable Bags” (the “737 Patent”), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. United States Patent No. 10,287,063, entitled “Child-Resistant Reclosable Bags,” and United States Patent No. 10,766,669, entitled “Four-Flange Child-Resistant Zipper and Bag” provide other examples. Various devices for opening such packages have been developed. For example, the 737 Patent describes a complete, but unattached upper flange. As another example, small, graspable tabs are engaged in order to open the closure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] A need exists for a child-resistant bag that does not require graspable tabs for opening, which can be difficult to manipulate and operate, and also provide scrap, such as during a manufacturing operation. Further, a need exists for an opening feature on a child-resistant bag which can be incorporated during bag fabrication, thereby allowing registration with the bag, in contrast to a random location of tabs.

[0007] With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a child-resistant reclosable bag, including a container configured to retain one or more items, and a zipper coupled to the container. The zipper includes one or more primary seals, and one or more secondary seals at one or more defined locations. The one or more secondary seals at the one or more defined locations provide one or more areas to be engaged to peel open the container.

[0008] In at least one example, the zipper further includes a first upper flange on a first face of the container. The one or more secondary seals extend from the first upper flange. A first lower flange is on the first face of the container. A first primary seal extends from the first lower flange. A second upper flange is on a second face of the container. A second primary seal extends from the second upper flange.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, wherein the one or more primary seals extend along an entire width of the container, and the one or more secondary seals extend along less than the entire width of the container.

[0010] In at least one example, the one or more secondary seals are proximate to a side of the bag. [0011] In at least one embodiment, the one or more secondary seals are less than half a length of the one or more primary seals. For example, the one or more secondary seals are between 5-10% of a length of the one or more primary seals.

[0012] In at least one example, the one or more secondary seals are at a height that is the same or greater than a height of locking elements of the zipper.

[0013] The one or more secondary seals can be one or more of color-coded, identified with text, or identified with a tactile feature.

[0014] The child-resistant reclosable bag can also include indicia for instructions for opening.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, wherein the child-resistant reclosable bag is devoid of zipper tabs.

[0016] In at least one example, the one or more secondary seals are integrally formed with the container.

[0017] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of forming a child-resistant reclosable bag. The method includes providing one or more primary seals on a zipper; providing one or more secondary seals at one or more defined locations on the zipper, wherein the one or more secondary seals at the one or more defined locations provide one or more areas to be engaged to peel open a container; and coupling the zipper to the container configured to retain one or more items.

[0018] In at least one example, the method also includes identifying the one or more secondary seals with one or more of color-coding, text, or a tactile feature.

[0019] In at least one example, the method also includes providing indicia for instructions for opening on the container.

[0020] In at least one example, the method also includes integrally forming the one or more secondary seals with the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The inventive subject mater may be understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the atached drawings, wherein below:

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a lateral view of a child-resistant reclosable bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the child-resistant reclosable bag of Figure 1 through line 2-2.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the child-resistant reclosable bag of Figure 2 having opposed forces applied thereto.

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the child-resistant reclosable bag of Figure 1 having opposed forces applied thereto.

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method of opening a child-resistant bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a child-resistant reclosable bag that can be devoid of cut zipper tabs. Zipper tabs can be difficult to operate, and typically result in scrap during manufacturing. Moreover, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a child-resistant reclosable bag that allows for an opening feature and location to be incorporated during bag fabrication, thereby allowing registration with the pouch, in contrast to a random location of tabs.

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a lateral view of a child-resistant reclosable bag 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bag 100 includes a container 102, such as a flexible pouch, package, bag, or the like, configured to hold one or more items (not shown). In at least one embodiment, the bag 100 is formed of one or more flexible and resilient polymers. [0029] The container 102 includes a sealed base 104 at a bottom end 106, flexible walls 108 extending upwardly from the base 104, and an openable top end 109. A zipper 110 is coupled to the container 102 and is disposed proximate the top end 109. The zipper 110 is configured to allow the bag 100 to be selectively opened and closed. The zipper 110 includes opposed locking elements 111 on either face of the bag 100 that are configured to selectively mate with one another, as is known.

[0030] The zipper 110 further includes a lower flange 112 below the locking elements 111, and an upper flange 114 above the locking elements 111. A primary seal 115 (such as the primary seal 115b) is disposed on the lower flange 112. The primary seal 115 extends across a width 116 of the bag 100. A secondary seal 118 is disposed on the upper flange 114. The secondary seal 118 is separate and distinct from the primary seal 115. As shown, the primary seal 115 and the secondary seal 118 can be on one face, such as the face 132 of the bag 100. In at least one embodiment, the primary seal 115 sealingly couples to the face 132 from the lower flange 112, the secondary seal 118 sealingly couples to the face 132 from the upper flange 114, and another primary seal couples to an opposite face (such as the face 130 shown in Figures 2-4) from an upper flange.

[0031] The secondary seal 118 is located at a defined area 120 of the upper flange 114. The secondary seal 118 extends along only a portion of the width 116. For example, the secondary seal 118 is located proximate to a side 122 of the bag 100. As shown, the secondary seal 118 is offset from the side 122 toward a middle 124 of the upper flange 114. In at least one embodiment, the secondary seal 118 does not extend to the middle 124 of the upper flange 114. Instead, the secondary seal 118 is closer to the side 122 of the bag 100 than the middle 124 of the upper flange 114.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the secondary seal 118 is substantially shorter than the primary seal 115. For example, the secondary seal 118 can be less than half the length of the primary seal 115. In at least one embodiment, the secondary seal 118 is less than 25% of the length of the primary seal 115. For example, the secondary seal 118 can be between 5-10% the length of the primary seal 115. By making the secondary seal 118 substantially shorter than the primary seal 115, and locating it away from the side 122 and the middle 124, the likelihood of a child engaging the secondary seal 115 is reduced.

[0033] As shown, the secondary seal 118 is proximate to the side 122. Optionally, the secondary seal 118 can be located proximate to the side 126, which is opposite from the side 122.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, the bag 100 includes only one secondary seal 118 at a location that a child may not intuitively grasp. In at least one other embodiment, the bag 100 includes at least one other secondary seal 118. For example, the bag 100 can include a secondary seal 118 proximate to the side 122, and a secondary seal 118 at a defined area 120 proximate to the side 126. As another example, the bag 100 can include three or more secondary seals.

[0035] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the child-resistant reclosable bag 100 of Figure 1 through line 2-2. In at least one embodiment, the zipper 110 includes the upper flange 114a having a first primary seal 115a extending along a first face 130 of the container 102, and the lower flange 112 having a second primary seal 115b extending along a second face 132, opposite from the first face 130, of the container 102. It is to be understood that the first face 130 may be considered the second face, and the second face 132 may be considered the first face. The terms first and second, for example, are merely to indicate numbers of faces, for example, and are not to limit the identity of the faces, for example.

[0036] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the child-resistant reclosable bag 100 of Figure 2 having opposed forces F applied thereto. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the upper flange 114a can be coupled to just the first face 130 of the container 102, and the lower flange 112 can be coupled to just the second face 132 of the container 102. Optionally, the zipper 110 can include an upper flange and a lower flange coupled to both the first face 130 and the second face 132. As shown, the seal 115a extends away from the upper flange 114a and sealingly engages an inner surface 131 of the container 102. Similarly, the seal 115b extends away from the lower flange 112 and sealingly engages an inner surface 133 of the container 102. As shown in Figure 3, in particular, when the upper ends 140 and 142 of the opposite faces 130 and 132, respectively, are grasped and pulled with opposed forces F, the bag 100 is forced into a shear mode, making it extremely difficult to pull the closure halves apart.

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the child-resistant reclosable bag 100 of Figure 1 having opposed forces F applied thereto. As shown in Figure 4, the secondary seal 118 extends away from the upper flange 114b and sealingly engages an inner surface 135 of the container 102 above the locking elements 111 of the zipper 110. The secondary seal 118 can be on the second face 132, or optionally the first face 130. In at least one other embodiment, a secondary seal 118 can be on the first face 130, and another secondary seal 118 can be on the second face 132.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, the secondary seal 118 is at a height on the container 102 that is at least the same as a top 113 of the locking elements 111. The height is measured from the bottom end 106 to atop edge 117. An item has increased height the closer it is to the top edge 117. In at least one embodiment, the secondary seal 118 can be at the same height as the locking elements 111. In at least one other embodiment, the secondary seal 118 is above the locking elements 111.

[0039] When force F is applied to the top of the container 102 at the defined area 120 of the secondary seal 118, the container 102 is put into a typical peel mode, and is able to be opened in the area 120. Once the opening of the closure is initiated in the area 120, the force F can easily be propagated across the entire width of the container 102, thereby allowing the container 102 to be opened.

[0040] As such, in order to open the container 102, an individual first grasps the area 120 of the secondary seal 118. Force F is then applied at the area 120, which then allows the container to be opened.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, the secondary seal 118 can be coded to indicate its identity. For example, the secondary seal 118 can be color coded. As another example, the secondary seal 118 can be identified with text. As another example, the secondary seal 118 can be identified through a tactile feature, such as a dimple, bump, protuberance, or the like. [0042] Referring again to Figure 1, the bag 100 can include indicia 150 for instructions on opening. For example, the indicia 150 can be printed, adhered, or the like to a face 130 and/or 132 of the container 102. The indicia 150 can be or include text, graphics, or the like that provide instructions for opening the bag 100 (that is, applying the force F at the defined area 120 first).

[0043] As described herein, the bag 100 takes advantage of well understood shear versus peel forces on a two piece zipper enclosure. The bag 100 greatly reduces necessary force applied at an initial opening area (that is, the area 120 of the secondary seal 118) in contrast to certain known child-resistant reclosable bags.

[0044] The secondary seal 118 at the area 120 provides the location for initial engagement of force to open the bag 100. The secondary seal 118 identifies the location to be first engaged to peel open the bag 100 and disengage the opposed locking elements 111 of the zipper 110 from one another. There is no need for cutting tabs to provide such a location. As such, scrap during manufacturing is reduced. The secondary seal 118 can be formed on the container 102 as the container 102 is formed, and easily registered with the container 102. That is, the secondary seal 118 can be integrally formed with the container 102 as the container 102 is being formed.

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method of opening a child-resistant bag, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1-5, the method include locating the secondary seal 118 at the defined area 120 of the bag 100. Next, at 202, a force F is exerted at the area 120 of the secondary seal 118 to peel open the bag 100. At 204, the force F continues to be exerted along a width 116 of the bag 100 to open the bag 100.

[0046] Further, the disclosure comprises examples according to the following clauses:

[0047] Clause 1. A child-resistant reclosable bag, comprising: a container configured to retain one or more items; and a zipper coupled to the container, wherein the zipper comprises: one or more primary seals; and one or more secondary seals at one or more defined locations, wherein the one or more secondary seals at the one or more defined locations provide one or more areas to be engaged to peel open the container.

[0048] Clause 2. The child-resistant reclosable bag of Clause 1, wherein the zipper further comprises: a first upper flange on a first face of the container, wherein the one or more secondary seals extend from the first upper flange; a first lower flange on the first face of the container, wherein a first primary seal extends from the first lower flange; and a second upper flange on a second face of the container, wherein a second primary seal extends from the second upper flange.

[0049] Clause 3. The child-resistant reclosable bag of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein the one or more primary seals extend along an entire width of the container, and wherein the one or more secondary seals extend along less than the entire width of the container.

[0050] Clause 4. The child-resistant reclosable bag of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the one or more secondary seals are proximate to a side of the bag.

[0051] Clause 5. The child-resistant reclosable bag of any of Clauses 1-4, wherein the one or more secondary seals are less than half a length of the one or more primary seals.

[0052] Clause 6. The child-resistant reclosable bag of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the one or more secondary seals are between 5-10% of a length of the one or more primary seals.

[0053] Clause 7. The child-resistant reclosable bag of any of Clauses 1-6, wherein the one or more secondary seals are at a height that is the same or greater than a height of locking elements of the zipper. [0054] Clause 8. The child-resistant reclosable bag of any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the one or more secondary seals are one or more of color-coded, identified with text, or identified with a tactile feature.

[0055] Clause 9. The child-resistant reclosable bag of any of Clauses 1-8, further comprising indicia for instructions for opening.

[0056] Clause 10. The child-resistant reclosable bag of any of Clauses 1-9, wherein the child-resistant reclosable bag is devoid of zipper tabs.

[0057] Clause 11. The child-resistant reclosable bag of any of Clauses 1-10, wherein the one or more secondary seals are integrally formed with the container.

[0058] Clause 12. A method of forming a child-resistant reclosable bag, the method comprising: providing one or more primary seals on a zipper; providing one or more secondary seals at one or more defined locations on the zipper, wherein the one or more secondary seals at the one or more defined locations provide one or more areas to be engaged to peel open a container; and coupling the zipper to the container configured to retain one or more items.

[0059] Clause 13. The method of Clause 12, wherein the one or more primary seals extend along an entire width of the container, and wherein the one or more secondary seals extend along less than the entire width of the container.

[0060] Clause 14. The method of Clauses 12 or 13, wherein the one or more secondary seals are proximate to a side of the bag.

[0061] Clause 15. The method of any of Clauses 12-14, wherein the one or more secondary seals are between 5-10% of a length of the one or more primary seals. [0062] Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 12-15, wherein the one or more secondary seals are at a height that is the same or greater than a height of locking elements of the zipper.

[0063] Clause 17. The method of any of Clauses 12-16, further comprising identifying the one or more secondary seals with one or more of color-coding, text, or a tactile feature.

[0064] Clause 18. The method of any of Clauses 12-17, further comprising providing indicia for instructions for opening on the container.

[0065] Clause 19. The method of any of Clauses 12-18, further comprising integrally forming the one or more secondary seals with the container.

[0066] Clause 20. A child-resistant reclosable bag, comprising: a container configured to retain one or more items; and a zipper coupled to the container, wherein the zipper comprises: one or more primary seals, wherein the one or more primary seals extend along an entire width of the container; and one or more secondary seals at one or more defined locations, wherein the one or more secondary seals extend along less than the entire width of the container, wherein the one or more secondary seals are proximate to a side of the bag, wherein the one or more secondary seals are between 5-10% of a length of the one or more primary seals, wherein the one or more secondary seals are at a height that is the same or greater than a height of locking elements of the zipper, and wherein the one or more secondary seals at the one or more defined locations provide one or more areas to be engaged to peel open the container.

[0067] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a childresistant bag that does not require graspable tabs for opening. Further, the secondary seal can be incorporated during bag fabrication, thereby allowing registration with the bag, in contrast to a random location of tabs. [0068] The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description may include instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it may be related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” may be not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges may be identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0069] This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The claims define the patentable scope of the disclosure, and include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.