CHILD DETERRENT ZIPPER CLOSURE (as amended)

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to resealable zippers or reclosures for flexible packaging which is child-deterrent or child-resistant. This zipper or reclosure includes two profiles, wherein at least one profile includes a tab created from flange material between upper and lower sets of interlocking elements. The user grasps the tab to separate the two profiles in order to open the packaging. The flange may alternatively include a finger aperture or a finger slit.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A zipper or reclosure, including:
 at least one profile with at least one upper interlocking element and at least one lower interlocking element;   a flange between the at least one upper interlocking element and the at least one lower interlocking element; and   a tab below the at least one upper interlocking element.   
     
     
         2 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the tab is partially cut from the flange. 
     
     
         3 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 2  wherein the tab is formed by a semi-circular cut, with a portion of the tab remaining attached or integral with the flange or at least one profile. 
     
     
         4 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 3  wherein the semi-circular cut is U-shaped or C-shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 1  further including a lower flange extension below the at least one lower interlocking element. 
     
     
         6 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 1  wherein a portion of material between a portion of the tab and the flange is removed. 
     
     
         7 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 6  wherein the portion of the material that is removed is semi-circular thereby forming a gap between at least a portion of the flange and at least a portion of the tab. 
     
     
         8 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 1  wherein the at least one upper interlocking element and the at least one lower interlocking element are press-to-close interlocking elements. 
     
     
         9 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 1  wherein the tab overlaps the at least one lower interlocking element 
     
     
         10 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 1  wherein the zipper or reclosure is made from polymeric material. 
     
     
         11 . A zipper or reclosure, including:
 at least one profile with at least one upper interlocking element and at least one lower interlocking element;   a flange between the at least one upper interlocking element and the at least one lower interlocking element; and   a finger aperture in the flange.   
     
     
         12 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 11  wherein at least one upper interlocking element and at least one lower interlocking element are press-to-close interlocking elements. 
     
     
         13 . A zipper or reclosure, including:
 a first profile including a first upper interlocking element and a first lower interlocking element;   a first flange between the first upper interlocking element the first lower interlocking element;   a second profile including a second upper interlocking element and a second lower interlocking element;   a second flange between the second upper interlocking element the second lower interlocking element; and   a first finger aperture in the first flange.   
     
     
         14 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 13  wherein the first upper and lower interlocking elements and the second upper and lower interlocking elements are press-to-close interlocking elements. 
     
     
         15 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 13  wherein the second flange includes a second finger aperture. 
     
     
         16 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 15  wherein the first finger aperture is offset from the second finger aperture. 
     
     
         17 . A zipper or reclosure, including:
 at least one profile with at least one upper interlocking element and at least one lower interlocking element;   a flange between the at least one upper interlocking element and the at least one lower interlocking element; and   a finger slit in the flange.   
     
     
         18 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 17  wherein the at least one upper interlocking element and at least one lower interlocking element are press-to-close interlocking elements. 
     
     
         19 . A zipper or reclosure, including:
 a first profile including a first upper interlocking element and a first lower interlocking element;   a first flange between the first upper interlocking element the first lower interlocking element;   a second profile including a second upper interlocking element and a second lower interlocking element;   a second flange between the second upper interlocking element the second lower interlocking element; and   a finger slit in the first flange.   
     
     
         20 . The zipper or reclosure of  claim 19  wherein the first upper and lower interlocking elements and the second upper and lower interlocking elements are press-to-close interlocking elements