Method for opening profile zippers

Abstract

An improved method for the disengagement of interlocking profile members is enabled by a new grip arrangement. Said process involves the use of one hand, which pinches the closed profile zipper at the center of it's longitudinal axis and slides the two opposing members in opposite directions with a “finger-snapping” motion. This breaks the profile seal at both corners of the mouth on the polymeric bag. The embodiment of said process, is a grip arrangement which provides surface friction in both directions along the longitudinal axis of said profile on both outer surfaces of the bag. Three variations in the form of an aerosol coating, a “wet friction” coextruded grip, and a roller embossed grip are disclosed herein. The “finger-snapping” action prescribed by the present invention pushes the profile apart from it's longitudinal center, as opposed to prior art, which prescribes pulling it apart from a lateral edge. Consequently, prior art concerns regarding “variance in forces” are eliminated and closure strength is maximized. What results is a reclosable polymeric bag which can be opened with one hand, while possessing maximum strength from without.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of opening a reclosable package, comprising the steps of: 
 using one hand, a closed profile zipper is pinched near its longitudinal center, with the thumb and forefinger each on one of the opposing members. The middle finger may be used in tandem with the forefinger for added stability.    While maintaining pressure between thumb and fingers, a motion similar to the snapping of fingers is used to push or slide the two interlocking members in opposite directions along their longitudinal axis.    This breaks the profile seal by causing the polymeric bag to open at both ends near the corners of the mouth of the bag. As thumb and fingers continue to slide, both openings increase in size until profile is fully disengaged.    
     
     
         2 . To facilitate the method of  claim 1 , a reclosable package comprising: 
 A closure arrangement having first and second opposing films, and a first profile, and a second profile. Said first and second profiles are attached to the inner surfaces at the top edge of said respective first and second films. Said first and second profiles have interlocking members which engage when pressed together. While engaged, first and second profiles are incapable of manual disengagement by any force applied to a lateral edge on either side of the interlocked profile.    Separation of interlocking profile members is possible only when the forces at the lateral edges on either side of the engaged profile are equal.    A grip arrangement which provides surface friction in both directions along the longitudinal axis of the profile comprising a non-slip coating applied non-coextensively via aerosol spray, consisting of an abrasive grit and a binder solution which is suitable for affixing said grit onto a polymeric surface.    
     
     
         3 . The reclosable package in  claim 2 , wherein said first and second profiles have downward extending flanges attached to the outer surfaces at the top edge of said respective first and second films. 
 A grip arrangement which provides surface friction in both directions along the longitudinal axis of the profile comprising a longitudinally coextensive coextruded copolymer blend consisting of a non-slip “wet friction” compound.    
     
     
         4 . The reclosable package in  claim 3 , wherein a roller embossed grip arrangement is embossed onto a coextruded flange with a grip pattern.