Reclosable package or bag with audible reclosure
View Patent ↗The present disclosure relates a reclosure or zipper for a reclosable package or container, such as a plastic bag, wherein opening or closing the zipper causes an audible sound and a tactile feel. The reclosure or zipper is manufactured by an apparatus which includes a cutting wheel which is opposed to a pressure wheel. The cutting wheel includes cutting teeth spaced about its periphery. Interlocked zipper material is engaged between the cutting wheel and the pressure wheel to form indentations in the interlocked zipper, thereby resulting in audible and tactile feedback when the zipper is operated.
1. A zipper for a reclosable package or bag, which generates audible and tactile feedback during operation, including a first interlocking profile and a second interlocking profile, wherein the zipper is manufactured by a method including the steps of:
providing a cylindrical cutting wheel rotating about a first longitudinal axis, the cylindrical cutting wheel including a plurality of cutting teeth around a periphery thereof, wherein each cutting tooth includes a leading tooth and a trail tooth, the leading tooth rotating ahead of the trailing tooth, each cutting tooth further including an arcuate crescent-shaped element between the leading tooth and the trailing tooth;
providing a pressure roller rotating about a second longitudinal axis, the pressure roller being opposed to the cutting wheel;
placing the zipper with the first and second profiles interlocked together between the cutting wheel and the pressure roller; and
operating the cutting wheel to form crescent-shaped indentations in the interlocked zipper.
2. The zipper of claim 1 wherein, in the method of manufacture thereof, the first longitudinal axis remains in a fixed position during operation.
3. The zipper of claim 2 wherein, in the method of manufacture thereof, the second longitudinal axis remains in a fixed position during operation.
4. The zipper of claim 3 wherein, in the method of manufacture thereof, distal surfaces of the leading tooth and trailing tooth are broader than proximal surfaces thereof.
5. The zipper of claim 3 wherein, in the method of manufacture thereof, the arcuate element defines a maximum level of penetration of the leading tooth and the trailing tooth.
6. The zipper of claim 1 wherein the first profile is a male profile and the second profile is a female profile.
7. The zipper of claim 6 wherein, in the method of manufacture thereof, the cutting wheel impinges upon the male profile.
8. The zipper of claim 7 wherein, in the method of manufacture thereof, the cutting wheel impinges upon the female profile.
9. The zipper of claim 7 wherein, in the method of manufacture thereof, the step of operating the cutting wheel includes the step of operating the cutting wheel so as to impinge upon the male profile and further includes the step of operating the cutting wheel so as to impinge on the female profile.