One-way zip-locking closure

Abstract

A one-way, zip-locking closure for bag-type containers that include slider zipper arrangements. The locking mechanism includes a series of registration structures that is provided along one side of the mouth of the containers and a catch mechanism that is provided within the slider. The catch mechanism engages the series of registration structures as the slider is moved to close the mouth of the container, and thereby prevents movement of the slider in the opposite direction.

1 . A one-way, zip-locking closure for a bag-type container having a mouth defined by opposed side panels, said one-way, zip-locking closure comprising:
 cooperating coupling structures on inner surfaces of the opposed side panels adjacent the mouth;   a slider coupled to the cooperating coupling structures for closing the mouth of the bag-type container when slid in a first direction between a first position to a second position;   a series of registration structures provided along at least one side of the mouth; and   a catch mechanism provided within the slider for engaging the series of registration structures and thereby preventing the slider from sliding in a second direction opposite the first direction wherein the slider extends beneath the series of registration structures.   
   
   
       2 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 1 , wherein the cooperating coupling structures provided on the opposed side panels are configured to be non-releasable engaged. 
   
   
       3 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 1 , wherein the series of registration structures comprises a serrated structure. 
   
   
       4 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 3 , wherein the catch mechanism comprises a tang. 
   
   
       5 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 1 , wherein the series of registration structures is provided along an outer side of one of the cooperating structures. 
   
   
       6 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 1 , wherein the series of registration structures is provided along an upper surface of one of the cooperating structures. 
   
   
       7 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of series of registration structures are provided along the mouth. 
   
   
       8 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 7 , wherein a plurality of catch mechanisms are provided within the slider for engaging the plurality of series of registration structures. 
   
   
       9 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the opposite side panels includes a structure along which the side panel can be opened to access the interior of the container. 
   
   
       10 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 9 , wherein the structure along which the side panel can be opened comprises at least one of a perforated and a frangible structure. 
   
   
       11 . A one-way, zip-locking closure according to  claim 1 , wherein the bag-type closure comprises a plastic bag. 
   
   
       12 . In a bag-type container provided with a zip-lock mechanism, including a slider, the improvement comprising:
 a series of registration structures provided along at least a portion of a width of the container;   a catch mechanism within the slider which engages the series of registrations and thereby restricts movement of the slider in only one direction, and   wherein the slider extends beneath the series of registration structures.   
   
   
       13 . A method of locking a mouth of a bag-type container in a closed position which comprises:
 providing a bag-type container having a mouth defined by opposed side panels;   providing cooperating coupling structures on inner surfaces of the opposed side panels adjacent the mouth;   coupling a slider to the cooperating coupling structures for closing the mouth of the bag-type container when slid in a first direction between a first position to a second position;   providing a series of registration structures along at least one side of the mouth;   providing a catch mechanism within the slider for engaging the series of registration structures and thereby preventing the slider from sliding in a second direction opposite the first direction and sliding the slider along the first direction from an open position to a closed position so that the catch mechanism engages the series of registration structures and prevents movement of the slider in the second direction,   wherein the slider extends beneath the series of registration structures.   
   
   
       14 . A method of locking a mouth of a bag-type container in a closed position according to  claim 13 , further comprising placing an object into the container before sliding the slider along the first direction. 
   
   
       15 . A method of locking a mouth of a bag-type container in a closed position according to  claim 13  further comprising: configuring the cooperating coupling structures on inner surfaces of the opposed side panels so as to be non-releasable engaged to one another. 
   
   
       16 . A one-way, zip-locking closure for a bag-type container having a mouth defined by opposed side panels, said one-way, zip-locking closure comprising:
 cooperating coupling structures on inner surfaces of the opposed side panels adjacent the mouth;   a slider coupled to the cooperating coupling structures for closing the mouth of the bag-type container when slid in a first direction between a first position to a second position;   a series of registration structures provided along at least one side of the mouth and extending from end to end along the mouth of the bag-type container; and   a catch mechanism provided within the slider for engaging the series of registration structures and thereby preventing the slider from sliding in a second direction opposite the first direction.   
   
   
       17 . A one-way, zip-locking closure for a bag-type container having a mouth defined by opposed side panels, said one-way, zip-locking closure comprising:
 cooperating coupling structures on inner surfaces of the opposed side panels adjacent the mouth;   a slider coupled to the cooperating coupling structures for closing the mouth of the bag-type container when slid in a first direction between a first position to a second position;   a series of registration structures provided along at least one side of the mouth; and   a catch mechanism provided within the slider for engaging the series of registration structures and thereby preventing the slider from sliding in a second direction opposite the first direction,   wherein the series of registration structures are exclusively provided on or affixed to the cooperating coupling structures.