Variable alignment zipper for reclosable bags

Abstract

A variable alignment zipper ( 10 ) having a rib and groove interlocking means. The male interlocking profile ( 16 ) has a plurality of male ribs ( 26, 30, 32 ), each formed with a double-barbed end section. The male interlocking profile ( 16 ) is interlockable with a female interlocking profile ( 20 ), where the female interlocking profile ( 20 ) includes grooves ( 64, 68 ) formed by a plurality of male ribs ( 44, 48, 52 ). By varying the interlocking relationship of the male ribs ( 26, 30, 32 ) of the male interlocking profile ( 16 ) with the grooves ( 64, 68 ) of the female interlocking profile ( 20 ), the variable alignment zipper can align in any one of four positions for closure.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A variable alignment zipper comprising: 
 a first interlockable profile having a longitudinally extending web portion and having a longitudinally extending locking portion, said locking portion of the first profile having a plurality of continuous shaped ribs extending therealong, said ribs having a central tip and barbs extending laterally at each side of the tip with the barbs providing a first interlocking contact area;    a second interlockable profile having a longitudinally extending web portion and having a longitudinally extending locking portion, said locking portion of the second profile having a plurality of continuous shaped ribs extending therealong with at least one of said ribs having a central tip and a pair of barbs extending laterally at each side of the tip and with at least two of said ribs shaped with a distal end with a single barb extending laterally from the distal end with the barbs providing a second interlocking contact area;    a first plurality of continuous grooves therebetween the ribs of said second profile, said first plurality of continuous grooves receptive in at least one interlocking relationship to the locking portion of said first profile.    
     
     
         2 . The variable alignment zipper in accordance with  claim 1 , further including a second plurality of continuous grooves therebetween the ribs of the first profile, said second plurality of continuous grooves receptive in at least one interlocking relationship to the locking portion of said second profile.  
     
     
         3 . The variable alignment zipper in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said locking portion of the first fastener includes three ribs.  
     
     
         4 . The variable alignment zipper in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said single barbs of said at least two of said ribs shaped with a distal end extend laterally to said at least one of said ribs having a central tip.