Closure System for Pouch or Container

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/134,450, filed on Apr. 13, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

The present disclosure generally relates to pouches or containers comprising an improved closure system, and more particularly to closure systems that create a desirable sound for the user during closure.

Historically, re-closeable pouches and containers (collectively “bags”) that are used in food packaging comprise a folded web of elastomeric material, or a web formed of blown, cast, monolayer, or co-extruded films, and have two side walls that are folded at the bottom and sealed at the sides. The bags typically have a re-closable fastener or closure system at a top of the bag, such as, for example, an adhesive, a wire tie, or a plastic zipper. While thermoplastic bags have a variety of benefits, including reduced cost and ease of manufacture, efficient packaging and transport, and desirable sealing capabilities for end use, such bags are typically not re-usable, and given consumer trends related to re-usable packaging, new and improved food packaging bags are desired that maintain the benefits associated with prior art bags. It is therefore desirable to maintain or enhance the benefits of prior art bags through the use of materials that provide for repeated use, i.e., by using one or more sustainable materials.

Sealable bags that are also re-usable are known in the art. For example, elastomeric pouches having re-sealable closure mechanisms applied longitudinally across a mouth thereof that allow repeated opening and closing of the pouch are known in the art. While elastomeric bags are becoming more desirable because of consumer demand for re-usable bags, these types of bags have different physical properties than existing thermoplastic bags, which requires different sealing mechanisms and considerations.

While the technology associated with the sealing mechanisms of existing thermoplastic bags has been developed over at least the last 70 years, the technology for sealing thermoplastic bags is not directly transferable to the requirements of elastomeric bags. This is especially so since some elastomeric bags may be used during cooking and may be exposed to extremes in temperature, pressure, and/or otherwise required to deal with various forces on the bag walls not typically contemplated with thermoplastic bags.

While improvements have been made to prior art sealing systems to provide for enhanced seals, such seals generally involve complicated structures, which can lead to increased complexity when manufacturing and using such sealing systems. Such sealing structures can include multiple pairs of opposing, interlocking closure profiles, which can be difficult to seal and/or can cause a user consternation in not knowing whether the multiple pairs of interlocking closure profiles have been properly sealed. These types of seals used with thermoplastic bags are not practical or directly transferrable to seals for elastomeric, re-usable bags. It is therefore desirable to provide a re-closable closure mechanism for an elastomeric pouch that includes a simpler sealing structure that is capable of providing an air-tight or water-tight seal, and that can be used in more rigorous applications.

Further, prior art bags that are formed with elastomeric materials typically do not include additional structure that provide enhanced auditory/tactile feedback when opening/closing the bag. In particular, deficiencies remain in that a user cannot be sure that the zipper is properly closed to seal the bag. While some prior art containers do include sealing structures that provide enhanced sealing qualities, such designs do not provide for an easily identifiable auditory/tactile cue to a user that the bag has been opened or closed. For example, although the zipper may produce an audible sound, the sound may not be easily heard or recognized as closing the bag by the user.

Therefore, a need exists for re-usable pouches or containers that alleviate one or more of the problems associated with, or particular to, existing containers and pouches.

The present disclosure provides for an enhanced closure system made entirely from an elastomer that includes a sealing structure that provides unique auditory/tactile feedback to a user during opening or closing a container or pouch. In some embodiments, a container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer includes a body that comprises a front wall and a rear wall that is connected to the front wall along a peripheral edge. The container or pouch further includes a closure system comprising a front side having a male closure profile that includes a male closure element and a rear side having a female closure profile. The female closure profile includes a female closure element and defines a cavity. A centerline extends through the cavity such that the female closure element is symmetrical about the centerline. The male closure element includes a head portion that has a continuous, primary profile and a non-continuous, secondary profile that extends from the primary profile. A height of the secondary profile measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the centerline is greater than a height of the primary profile measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the centerline.

According to some embodiments, a container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer includes a body that comprises a front wall and a rear wall that is connected to the front wall along a peripheral edge. The container or pouch further includes a closure system comprising a front side having a male closure profile that includes a male closure element and a rear side having a female closure profile. The female closure profile includes a female closure element and defines a cavity. A centerline extends through the cavity such that the female closure element is symmetrical about the centerline. The male closure element includes a head portion that has a continuous, primary profile and a non-continuous, secondary profile that extends from the primary profile. A height of the secondary profile measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the centerline is greater than a height of the cavity measured in a direction that is perpendicular to the centerline.

According to some embodiments, a container or pouch made entirely from an elastomer includes a body that comprises a front wall and a rear wall that is connected to the front wall along a peripheral edge. The container or pouch further includes a closure system comprising a front side having a male closure profile that includes a male closure element and a rear side having a female closure profile. The female closure profile includes a female closure element and defines a cavity and an opening. A longitudinal plane extends through the peripheral edge, and a centerline extends through the cavity such that the female closure element is symmetrical about the centerline. The male closure element includes a head portion that has a continuous, primary profile that defines thin regions of the male closure element and a non-continuous, secondary profile that extends from the primary profile and defines oversized regions of the male closure element. A length of a single thin region of the male closure element measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal plane is between 1% and 10% of a length of the male closure element measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal plane, and a length of a single oversized region of the male closure element measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal plane is between 1% and 10% of the length of the male closure element.

According to some embodiments, a container or pouch includes a body and a closure system. The closure system includes a front side having a male closure profile that includes a male closure element. The closure system further includes a rear side having a female closure profile that includes a female closure element and defines a cavity. A centerline extends through the cavity such that the female closure element is symmetrical about the centerline. The male closure element includes a head portion that has a primary profile and a non-continuous, secondary profile that extends from the primary profile. The secondary profile includes an outward face that is defined by a first vertical plane that extends in a direction that is perpendicular with respect to the centerline, an inward face that is defined by a second vertical plane that is parallel with respect to the first vertical plane, and side faces that extend between the outward face and the inward face.

According to some embodiments, a container or pouch includes a body and a closure system. The closure system includes a male closure profile that includes a male closure element. The closure system further includes a female closure profile that includes a female closure element and defines a cavity. A centerline extends through the cavity. The male closure element includes a head portion that has a primary profile and a non-continuous, secondary profile that extends from the primary profile. A height of the secondary profile measured in a direction that is perpendicular with respect to the centerline is greater than a height of the cavity measured in a direction that is perpendicular with respect to the centerline.

According to some embodiments, a container or pouch includes a body and a closure system. The closure system includes a male closure profile that includes a male closure element and a rear side having a female closure profile that includes a female closure element and defines a cavity. A centerline extends through the cavity. The male closure element includes a head portion that has a primary profile and a non-continuous, secondary profile that extends from the primary profile. A maximum thickness of the secondary profile measured in a direction that is perpendicular with respect to the centerline is less than a maximum thickness of the primary profile measured in a direction that is perpendicular with respect to the centerline.

Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have similar reference numerals.

The present disclosure is directed to pouches and containers comprising an improved closure system, and more particularly to closure systems that create a desirable sound for the user during closure. While the systems disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the embodiments described in the present disclosure are to be considered only exemplifications of the principles described herein, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximate” mean plus or minus 5% of the number or value that each term precedes. As used herein, the phrase “elastomer” refers to a material which at room temperature can be stretched repeatedly and, upon immediate release of the stress, will return with force to its approximate original length. Further, the phrase “leak resistant seal” refers to a seal that resists leakage of liquids and solids from the container during storage and transport without the aid of an external structure to maintain the seal. Finally, the term “closure element” is defined herein to mean one part of a closure. For example, on a zipper closure, a closure element is one profile or the other of the zipper, e.g., a rib profile or a groove profile.

The present disclosure is related to storage pouches and containers that include improved zipper designs. The pouches and zipper designs may take varying forms, and representative examples are provided in. While the embodiments disclosed herein are formed entirely by an elastomer, such as silicone, it is contemplated that multiple components may be coupled or formed together to achieve the embodiments disclosed herein. While varying manufacturing methods may be used, the pouches and containers disclosed herein may be manufactured using a Liquid Injection Mold Process (LIM process) through which the entire pouch or container is molded in one piece and is made of silicone. Alternative methods of manufacture may be implemented, such as compression molding, transfer molding, extrusion, blow molding, sheet extrusion, and thermal forming.

Closure elements of the present technology include a plurality of intermittent or alternating digitations of differing shape along one or both of the profiles, but preferably have intermittent or alternating segments of two different profiles as in the embodiments illustrated herein. The segments of differing shape may be of equal or unequal length.

Referring now to, a re-closable pouchis shown that includes a bodyand a closure system, as disclosed herein. The pouchmay be entirely made of one or more elastomeric materials, and may comprise one or more of an unsaturated rubber, a saturated rubber, or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), among other elastomeric materials. When the pouchis molded as a unitary component, leak paths along edges of the pouchare minimized or eliminated since no additional sealing is required along the various edges of the pouch, in contrast to many prior art plastic zippered bags. By forming the pouchas a unitary component, the structural integrity of the pouchis enhanced. Since the entire pouchis constructed of an elastomer, the pouchis considered to be a long-life container.

Referring to, the bodyis defined by a first or front wallhaving a width and a second or rear wall, which are joined together along a seam or peripheral edgethat extends along a first or left side, a second or bottom side, and a third or right sideof the body. While the bodyof the present embodiment is a unitary component, in some embodiments, the front walland the rear wallmay be connected by, for example, folding, heat sealing, and/or an adhesive, along the peripheral edge. A receptacleis defined between the front walland the rear wallof the body, which is configured for holding and retaining food or other material(s) that are placed into the receptaclefor storage therein. Referring to the cross-sectional view ofshowing the pouchin an open configuration, upper portionsof the front walland the rear wallare generally straight, while lower portionsof the front walland the rear wallare curved and join one another at the peripheral edgealong the bottom sideof the body. However, in alternative embodiments, the upper portionsneed not be straight, and the lower portionsneed not be curved. It should be appreciated that due to the use of an elastomer to form the front walland the rear wall, gravity will cause the walls,to deform or curve when the pouchis placed on a resting surface (not shown).

Still referring to, the re-closeable pouchfurther includes the closure system, which extends upwardly from the body. The closure systemincludes a first or front side, a second or rear side, a first or left tab, and a second or right tab. The front sidecomprises a front sealing stripthat extends longitudinally across the pouch, and the rear sidecomprises a rear sealing stripthat also extends longitudinally across the pouch. The front sealing stripand the rear sealing stripdefine a closure mechanism, which includes a first or male closure profile(see) defined by the front sealing strip, and a second or female closure profiledefined by the rear sealing strip. The front sealing stripand the rear sealing stripcomprise the male closure profileand the female closure profile, respectively, and further include various base regions of the front sideand the rear sideof the closure system, respectively, as discussed below. Further, a handle or lipis further disposed on the rear side, which defines a generally trapezoidal extension that extends upward from the rear sealing strip. The lipincludes a plurality of longitudinal ribsdisposed horizontally therealong that may assist with allowing a user to grip the lipto open the pouch(see). The ribsmay be in the form of protrusions that extend outward from the lip, or grooves that extend into or through the lip.

Referring now to, the male closure profileis disposed on the front sideof the closure system, and the female closure profileis disposed on the rear sideof the closure system, thus, the male closure profileand the female closure profileextend along opposing portions of an inner sideof the closure system. As shown, the male closure profileincludes a male closure elementand the female closure profileincludes a female closure elementthat are each unitary with the front sideand the rear sideof the closure system. The male closure elementand the female closure elementextend inwardly along a length(see) defined between the right taband the left tab. The male closure elementand the female closure elementare aligned with respect to one another. Particular aspects of the male closure profileand the female closure profileare discussed in greater detail with respect to the embodiments discussed and shown in.

Still referring to, the pouchdefines a longitudinal axis or planethat extends through the peripheral edge, and a horizontal axis or planethat extends orthogonally through the longitudinal plane. Various dimensions of the pouchare shown, including the lengthof the closure systemmeasured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal plane(see), a heightof the front sideof the closure system, a heightof the rear sideof the closure system, a heightof the body, and a heightof the pouch. Each of the heights,,,are measured along lines that are parallel with respect to the longitudinal plane. A widthof the closure systemand a widthof the bodyare shown, which each define a widest measurement of the closure systemand body, respectively. While the widths,are illustrated at a widest point of the pouch, thus, defining a widest width of the pouchin an open configuration, the term “width” is to be construed as a width taken at any point along each respective element of the pouch.

While the bodyand the closure systemof the pouchhave varying heights,,,and widths,, these differences relate to the particular capacity of the receptacleand profile of the pouch, and the desired amount of food or other material(s) that can be placed into the receptacle. However, the various dimensional relationships between the bodyand the closure systemof the pouchmay vary within the following ranges. Further, while the pouchis shown without a flat bottom wall, it is contemplated that the pouchmay be another type of container that includes additional walls, such as a bottom wall, that would allow the pouchto rest upon a resting surface without additional components to assist therewith.

Still referring to, the heightmay be between about 50% and about 95%, between about 60% and about 85%, or between about 70% and about 80% of the heightof the rear sideof the closure system. In some embodiments, the heightof the front sideof the closure systemmay be between about 5% and about 30%, between about 10% and about 25%, or between about 10% and about 15% of the heightof the body. The heightof the front sidemay be between about 2% and about 30%, between about 5% and about 25%, or between about 5% and about 15% of the heightof the pouch. The widthof the closure systemmay be between about 100% and about 140%, between about 110% and about 130%, or between about 115% and about 120% of the widthof the body.

Referring now to, a detail view is shown of a first example of the male closure profileof. The male closure profileincludes the male closure elementand a base region. The male closure elementcomprises a stemthat extends outward from the base regionand joins a head portion. The head portionincludes alternating segments of different shapes or profiles, but preferably has alternating segments of two differently shaped profiles such as an arrow-shaped or primary profileand an oversized or secondary profile. The male closure elementis symmetric about a longitudinal center plane or centerline; however, alternative asymmetric embodiments are contemplated as will be further discussed herein. In some aspects, the secondary profileof the head portiondefines discrete interdigitations along the male closure strip, and the secondary profileis molded over or extends from the primary profilesuch that the primary profileand the secondary profileare molded as unitary components with one another, the stem, and the base region. The male closure elementdefines a heightand a thickness, the primary profileof the male closure elementdefines a heightand a thickness, the secondary profileof the male closure elementdefines a heightand a thickness, the stemdefines a heightand a thickness, and the base regiondefines a thickness.

The primary profilefurther defines an outer cornerand inner cornersthat are disposed in a triangular configuration, and the primary profileand the stemare molded as unitary components with the base region. In some aspects, the primary profileextends continuously along the male closure strip(see). Thin regions(see) of the male closure stripare defined as discrete regions that do not include the interdigitations defined by the secondary profile, i.e., regions in which the head portionis defined only by the primary profile.

In some aspects, the secondary profileof the head portiondefines a rectangular profile, although it is contemplated that other configurations or shapes can be used for the secondary profileas will be discussed for. In the embodiment illustrated in, the secondary profileis defined by an outward face, side faces, and an inward face(see) such that the side facesconnect the outward facewith the inward face. The outward faceis defined by a first vertical line or planethat extends in a direction that is perpendicular with respect to the centerlineand through an outermost pointalong the outer cornerof the primary profile. The outward faceextends between the side facesalong the vertical plane, and the heightof the secondary profileis measured in a direction perpendicular with respect to the centerlineand along the outward face. The thicknessof the secondary profileis measured in a direction parallel with respect to the centerlineand inward from the outward faceto the inward face, the inward facedefined by a second vertical planethat extends in a direction that is parallel with respect to the first vertical planeand through a pointin the primary profile. The side facesextend between the outward faceand the inward face. The secondary profileis molded over or extends from the primary profileto define an oversized regionof the male closure element. In this way, the inward faceis entirely defined by the primary profilesuch that only the side facesand the outward faceare visible.

Still referring to, the heightof the primary profileis greater than the heightof the stem. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the base regionis between about 10% and about 60%, between about 20% and about 50%, at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, or at least about 50% of the thicknessof the male closure element. In some aspects, the height of the secondary profileis between about 50% and about 300%, between about 100% and about 200%, between about 125% and about 175%, between about 175% and about 200%, between about 50% and about 100%, between about 50% and about 60%, between about 60% and about 70%, or between about 70% and about 80% of the heightof the primary profile. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 25% and about 125%, between about 25% and about 75%, between about 40% and about 60%, between about 60% and about 70%, between about 80% and about 90%, or between about 90% and about 100% of the thicknessof the primary profile.

Referring now to, a top view is illustrated of a moldused to form the closure mechanism. To provide desired auditory/tactile feedback during use of the closure mechanism, oversized regionsare spaced from one another along the length of the portion of the moldthat is associated with forming the male closure element. A single thin regiondefines a lengthmeasured parallel with respect to the longitudinal plane(see), and a single oversized regiondefines a lengthmeasured parallel with respect to the longitudinal plane(see). In some aspects, the lengthis between about 25% and about 400%, between about 50% and about 200%, between about 75% and about 150%, between about 90% and about 110%, or about 100% of the lengthof a single thin region. In some aspects, the lengthof a single oversized regionand/or the lengthof a single thin regionare each between about 1% and about 10%, between about 1% and about 6%, between about 2% and about 5%, between about 3% and about 4%, or about 3% of the lengthof the male closure element. In other words, a single thin regionand a single oversized regiondefine a combined length that is between about 1% and about 20%, between about 1% and about 10%, between about 2% and about 8%, between about 3% and about 6%, between about 4% and about 6%, or about 5% of the lengthof the male closure element.

The total length of the oversized regionscombined with the total length of the thin regionsis equal to the lengthof the male closure element. Preferably, a total number of oversized regionsis between about 50% and about 150%, between about 75% and about 125%, between about 90% and about 110%, between about 90% and about 100%, between about 100% and about 110%, or about 100% of a total number of thin regions. In some aspects, the thin regionsdefine uniform spacing between the oversized regionssuch that the male closure elementis characterized by alternating thin and oversized regions,. Alternatively, the oversized regionsmay be spaced from one another by the thin regionsat irregular intervals.

Referring now to, a detail view of the female closure profileof the closure systemofis shown. The female closure profilecomprises a base portion, an upper arm, and a lower arm. The upper armand the lower armare spaced apart from one another and extend outward with respect to the base portion. The upper armhas an upper hook portionat the distal free end thereof, and the lower armhas a lower hook portionat the distal free end thereof. The female closure profilefurther defines a cavity, which is configured to receive the male closure element, and a trapezoidal cross section between the upper arm, the lower arm, and a back cavity surface. The back cavity surfaceis connected to the upper armand the lower armand is defined by a vertical line or planeThe upper armand the lower arm, and more specifically distal endsof the upper hook portionand the lower hook portion, define an openinginto the cavity, into which the head of the male closure elementis inserted to seal the pouch. The female closure elementis symmetrical about the centerlinesuch that the centerlineextends through the cavityand the opening; however, alternative asymmetric embodiments are contemplated. The upper armand the lower armare configured to deflect inward or outward when the male closure elementis inserted into or removed from the cavity. In some aspects, the upper hook portionand the lower hook portionare configured to deflect inward or outward independently of the upper armand the lower armwhen the male closure elementis inserted into or removed from the cavity.

The female closure elementfurther defines a heightand a thickness, the cavitydefines a heightand a thickness, and the openingdefines a heightand a thickness. In some embodiments, the thicknessis between about 40% and about 80%, between about 50% and about 70%, between about 55% and about 60%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, or at least about 60% of the thicknessof the female closure element. The thicknessof the openingis between about 10% and about 50%, between about 20% and about 40%, between about 30% and about 25%, or at least about 30% of the thicknessof the cavity. The heightof the cavityis between about 50% and about 70%, between about 55% and about 65%, or at least about 60% of the heightof the female closure element. The heightof the openingis between about 10% and about 50%, between about 20% and about 40%, between about 30% and about 25%, or at least about 30% of the heightof the cavity.

The cavityis at least partially defined by inner surfaces,, which define inner surfaces,of upper hook portionand lower hook portion, respectively. The inner surfaces,may be defined as sealing surfaces, as these surfaces align with portions of the male closure elementto provide an enhanced seal. The cavityis also at least partially defined by lateral surfaces,that extend along the upper armand the lower arm. The inner surfaces,are angled inward from the distal endsof the upper armand the lower armtoward the plane. Finally, the back cavity surfacedefines an innermost surfaceof the cavity. In the present embodiment, the back cavity surfaceextends along the planeand does not follow a profile of the male closure element. While not shown in, it is contemplated that one or more of the inner surfaces,or the lateral surfaces,may follow the profile of the male closure elementin other embodiments. In the present embodiments, surfaces that do not follow a corresponding profile portion can be considered to have different shapes or curvatures defining the respective surfaces, i.e., they do not mirror one another or have profiles that substantially conform with one another.

It is contemplated that alternative configurations may exist for the female closure profile. In some embodiments, more or fewer surfaces may be included. For example, the cavitymay be defined by the inner surfaces,, and a generally circular outer surface (not shown) that extends from outermost points of the inner surfaces,. To that end, the cavitymay define a variety of cross-sectional areas, and may be in the shape of a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a hexagon, etc. In some embodiments, multiple sub-cavities may be defined by the various surfaces that define the cavitysuch that multiple compartments are formed that receive the male closure element. In some embodiments, the cavitymay not be defined by the lateral surfaces,, and may instead only include an outer surface (not shown) which may extend from intersections with the inner surfaces,, i.e., to define a circular or semi-circular cross section.

is a detail view of the male and female closure profiles,ofin a closed configuration. The closed configuration is realized when the male closure profileis inserted into the cavityof the female closure profile. When initially inserted into the cavity, the secondary profileof the male closure elementcauses the upper armand the lower armof the female closure elementto spread open to a greater degree than the primary profile, and the upper armand lower armsnap back to their original configuration after the male closure elementhas been inserted entirely into the cavity. In other words, the upper armand the lower armcreate an audible snap or click when they return to their original configuration and form a water-tight seal with the male closure elementafter the secondary profileof the male closure elementhas been passed through the openingand into the cavity. The audible clicking may have a specific sound level that is measured in decibels (dB), and the frequency of the audible clicking is an important factor in determining user preference. For example, the audible clicking may have a sound level that is between about 0 dB and about 80 dB. Moreover, inserting head portioninto the cavityprovides enhanced tactile feedback characterized by each of the oversized regionsbeing fully inserted into the cavitysince the secondary profileis non-continuous along the lengthof the male closure element. This is particularly advantageous for silicone closure mechanisms which are typically larger, thicker, and more resilient than zippers for thermoplastic bags.

Still referring to, the closure systemdefines a total thickness. In some aspects, the heightof the secondary profileis between about 50% and about 100%, between about 60% and about 90%, between about 70% and about 80%, between about 80% and about 90%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% of the heightof the cavity. In some aspects, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 75% and about 125%, between about 85% and about 115%, between about 90% and about 110%, between about 95% and about 105%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% of the thicknessof the opening. Still referring to, the heightof the stemis between about 50% and about 200%, between about 75% and about 150%, between about 90% and about 130%, between about 100% and about 120%, at least about 90%, at least about 100%, at least about 110%, at least about 120%, or at least about 130% of the heightof the opening.

In some embodiments, the heightof the stemis between about 10% and about 50% of the heightof the female closure element, or between about 20% and about 40% of the heightof the female closure element, or between about 25% and about 35% of the heightof the female closure element, or less than about 50%, or less than about 40%, or less than about 30%, or less than about 20% of the heightof the female closure element.

Through testing, it was determined that having the stemwith the heightthat is at least the same as the heightof the openingprovides for enhanced sealing of the closure system. To that end, the openingis preferably smaller than the stem. It is preferable to require between about 3 pounds force (lbf) (13 newtons (N)) and about 10 lbf (45 N) to open and close the closure system. In some embodiments, between about 3 lbf (13 N) and about 20 lbf (90 N), between about 5 lbf (22 N) and about 15 lbf (67 N), or between about 7 lbf (31 N) and about 12 lbf (53 N) is required to open and close the closure system. This feature is achieved by the design of the upper and lower arms,of the female closure elementand the corners of the male head portion. The outer cornerof the head portioncontrols the force required for the contents to fall out of the pouch or container when in the closed configuration, while the inner cornersof the primary profileor the side facesof the secondary profilecontrol the force required to open and close the closure system.

Referring again to, the moldincludes a male mold cavityand a female mold cavity. The female mold cavityincludes an upper arm grooveand a lower arm groove. The male mold cavityincludes oversized groovesspaced from one another by portions of a thin groove. As previously discussed, an LIM process or another manufacturing process is utilized to mold the male closure profileand the female closure profilewith the pouch as a unitary construction. While not explicitly shown in, it is contemplated that either end of the male mold cavityor the female mold cavitycan be formed in any shape that is particularly desirable, such as molding either end of the male or female mold cavities,to include a curved edge(see, e.g.,) to provide further auditory/tactile feedback when engaging the closure systemat either end of the pouch. Additionally, it is contemplated that the oversized groovesare disposed asymmetrically within the male closure profilewith respect to the thin groove(see). In some embodiments, the oversized groovesare intermittently spaced from one another across the thin grooveto define an asymmetric oversized region pattern.

Referring now to, another example of the closure systemis shown in which the female closure elementis similar to the female closure elementof, but differing in that the male closure elementincludes a secondary profilethat is larger than the secondary profileillustrated in. Referring specifically now to, the outward faceof the secondary profileis defined by the first vertical line or planethat extends perpendicularly through the centerlineand past the outermost point of the primary profile. In some embodiments, an outermost point of the secondary profile, defined by the first vertical plane, extends past the outermost point of the primary profilesuch that the outer cornerof the primary profileis spaced from the outward faceof the secondary profile. The outward faceextends between the side facesalong the first vertical plane, and a heightof the secondary profileis measured in a direction perpendicular with respect to the centerlineand between the side faces. A thicknessof the secondary profileis measured in a direction parallel with respect to the centerlineand inwardly from the outward faceto the inward face, the inward facedefined by the second vertical planethat extends in a direction that is parallel to the first vertical planeat an innermost pointor plane of the primary profile.

The side facesextend between the outward faceand the inward face. In some embodiments, side facesare spaced from the inner cornerssuch that the primary profileis completely enveloped by the secondary profile. In some aspects, the height of the secondary profileis between about 100% and about 200%, between about 100% and 150%, between about 110% and about 135%, between about 115% and about 125%, or between about 120% and about 130% of the heightof the primary profile. Further, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 80% and about 120%, between about 90% and about 115%, between about 95% and about 105%, at least about 100%, or about 100% of the thicknessof the primary profile. In this way, the oversized regionsare entirely defined by the secondary profilesince the secondary profilecompletely envelops the primary profile. In some embodiments, the heightof the secondary profileis between about 175% and about 225%, or about 200% of the heightof the secondary profileillustrated in. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 200% and about 220%, or about 210% of the thicknessof the secondary profileillustrated in.

Referring now to, the heightof the secondary profileis between about 100% and about 200%, between about 125% and about 175%, between about 140% and about 160%, between about 145% and about 155%, at least about 125%, at least about 140%, or at least about 150% of the heightof the cavity. In some aspects, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 50% and about 100%, between about 60% and about 90%, between about 70% and about 80%, between about 80% and about 90%, or at least about 75% of the thicknessof the opening. Still referring to, the heightof the stemis between about 50% and about 200%, between about 75% and about 150%, between about 90% and about 130%, between about 100% and about 120%, at least about 90%, at least about 100%, at least about 110%, at least about 120%, or at least about 130% of the heightof the opening.

Referring now to, yet another example of the closure systemis shown, in which the cavityof the female closure elementis similar to the cavityillustrated in. Additionally, the male closure elementincludes a primary profilethat is thicker than the primary profileand a secondary profilethat is thinner than the secondary profileas illustrated in. Referring specifically to, the outward faceis defined by the first vertical line or planethat extends perpendicularly through the centerlineand through a point of the primary profilesuch that the outer cornerof the primary profileextends past the outward face. The outward faceextends between the side facesalong the vertical plane, and a heightof the secondary profileis measured in a direction perpendicular with respect to the centerlineand between the side faces. The thicknessof the secondary profileis measured in a direction parallel with respect to the centerlineand inwardly from the outward faceto the inward face, defined by the second vertical planethat extends in a direction that is parallel to the first vertical planeat an innermost pointor plane of the primary profile.

The side facesextend between the outward faceand the inward face. In some embodiments, side facesare spaced outward from the inner corners. In some aspects, the heightof the secondary profileis between about 100% and about 200%, between about 100% and about 200%, between about 140% and about 160%, between about 150% and about 170%, or between about 155% and about 165% of the heightof the primary profile. Further, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 50% and about 100%, between about 60% and about 80%, between about 70% and about 80%, at least about 65%, or at least about 75% of the thicknessof the primary profile. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the primary profileis between about 125% and about 175%, or about 150% of the thicknessof the primary profileillustrated in. In some embodiments, the heightof the secondary profileis between about 75% and about 95%, or about 85% of the heightof the secondary profileillustrated in. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 70% and about 90%, or about 80% of the thicknessof the secondary profileillustrated in.

Referring now to, the heightof the primary profileis between about 90% and about 110% of the heightof the cavity, and the thicknessof the primary profileis about 100% of the thicknessof the cavity. In some embodiments, the heightof the secondary profileis between about 100% and about 200%, between about 100% and about 200%, between about 140% and about 160%, between about 150% and about 170%, or between about 155% and about 165% of the heightof the cavity. In some aspects, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 50% and about 100%, between about 60% and about 80%, between about 70% and about 80%, at least about 65%, or at least about 75% of the thicknessof the cavity. Still referring to, the heightof the stemis between about 150% and about 250%, between about 175% and about 225%, between about 190% and about 120%, at least about 180%, or at least about 200% of the heightof the opening.

Referring now to, still another example of the closure systemis shown, in which the male closure elementis similar to the male closure elementof, but the female closure elementincludes a cavitythat is taller than the profiles illustrated in. Specifically referring to, the thicknessof the cavityis between about 40% and about 60%, between about 45% and about 55%, or at least about 50% of the thicknessof the female closure element. The thicknessof the openingis between about 40% and about 60%, between about 45% and about 55%, or at least about 50% of the thicknessof the cavity. The heightof the cavityis between about 50% and about 100%, between about 70% and about 80%, or at least about 75% of the heightof the female closure element. The heightof the openingis between about 40% and about 60%, between about 45% and about 50%, or at least about 45% of the heightof the cavity. In some embodiments, the heightof the cavityis between about 125% and about 175%, or about 150% of the heightof the cavityillustrated in. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the cavityis between about 90% and about 110%, or about 100% of the thicknessof the cavityillustrated in.

Referring now to, the heightof the primary profileis between about 50% and about 75% of the heightof the cavity, and the thicknessof the primary profileis about 100% of the thicknessof the cavity. In some embodiments, the heightof the secondary profileis between about 75% and about 125%, between about 90% and about 110%, between about 95% and about 105%, or at least about 100% of the heightof the cavity. In some aspects, the thicknessof the secondary profileis between about 50% and about 100%, between about 60% and about 80%, between about 70% and about 80%, at least about 65%, or at least about 75% of the thicknessof the cavity. Still referring to, the heightof the stemis between about 50% and about 100%, between about 60% and about 80%, between about 70% and about 80%, at least about 75%, or about 75% of the heightof the opening.