Self-closing device for a flexible pouch

Abstract

A squeeze-openable device applied near the opening of a sleeve-like bag snaps back upon its release to close the bag and prevent the bag's contents from spilling. The device has opposing strips connected to one another at each end. Each strip has a structure that assists the strips in snapping back to its original position to close the bag. The device can be placed on the outside of the bag or within the bag's throat. The device can have a latch to secure one strip to the other.

1 . A self-closing, squeeze-openable device for a flexible pouch comprising: 
 a strip having one end and an opposite end;    another strip having one end and an opposite end, the one end of the strip connected to the one end of the another strip and the opposite end of the strip connected to the opposite end of the another strip to form opposing strips; and    biasing means to bias the strip to the another strip;    wherein when squeezing pressure is applied to the connected one ends of the opposing strips pushing the connected one ends toward the connected opposite ends of the opposing strips an opening is formed and when the pressure is released the opening closes.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said biasing means is a flange along an edge of each strip.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said biasing means is a bulge on each strip.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said ends of said opposing strips are connected by fusion.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said ends of said opposing strips are connected by latch pieces.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is positioned in a throat of said flexible pouch.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is positioned around a throat of said flexible pouch.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising securement means.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said securement means is a ball latch.  
   
   
       10 . A method of making a self-closing, squeeze-openable device for a flexible pouch, the method comprising the steps of: 
 connecting one end of a strip to one end of another strip;    connecting an opposite end of the strip to an opposite end of the to form opposing strips; and    providing biasing means to bias the strip to the another strip;    wherein when squeezing pressure is applied to the connected one ends of the opposing strips pushing the connected one ends toward the connected opposite ends of the opposing strips an opening is formed and when the pressure is released the opening closes.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein each of said strips are extruded.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein each of said strips are injection molded.  
   
   
       13 . A self-closing, squeeze-openable flexible pouch comprising: 
 an opening means comprising a strip having one end and an opposite end; 
 another strip having one end and an opposite end, the one end of the strip connected to the one end of the another strip and the opposite end of the strip connected to the opposite end of the another strip to form opposing strips; and  
 biasing means to bias the strip to the another strip;  
 wherein when squeezing pressure is applied to the connected one ends of the opposing strips pushing the connected one ends toward the connected opposite ends of the opposing strips an opening is formed and when the pressure is released the opening closes.  
   
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said opening means is positioned in a throat of said flexible pouch.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said opening means is positioned around a throat of said flexible pouch.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said biasing means is a flange along an edge of each strip.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said biasing means is a bulge on each strip.  
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said ends of said opposing strips are connected by fusion.  
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said ends of said opposing strips are connected by latch pieces.  
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising securement means.