Method and structure for reclosable containers

Abstract

.Iadd.An elongate closed flexible integral plastic film tube for use in making reclosable bags with the tube having first and second interlocking rib elements and first and second groove elements on the surface thereof each shaped for cooperative pressure engagement and forcible separation between the ribs and grooves with the elements spaced apart from each other in both circumferential directions and the film at one side of the elements for forming the body of a bag formed from the tube and the film at the other side of the elements providing a flange forming portion. The elements are spaced so that the bag portion is wider than the flange portion. .Iaddend.

Having thus set forth the nature of the invention, what is claimed is: .[.1. A structure for use in making a reclosable container comprising, 
     
        providing a separate opening gripping flange for each element..]. 3. In combination, an elongated closed flexible integral tube of a flexible plastic film,   first and second rib elements extending axially along within said tube,   first and second groove elements extending axially along within said tube,   said first rib and groove elements and said second rib and groove elements being complementary shaped and positioned to be capable of being interlocked with the application of force to the outer surface of the tube at the element and to separate when forcibly drawn apart, said elements spaced apart from each other in circumferential directions,   said film including body forming sheet portions positioned outside of elements when interlocked to be at one side of each of the male elements for forming the bodies of bags formed from the tube,   and said film including flange forming sheet portions being between the elements when interlocked and being at the other side of each of the male elements and which may be subsequently separated axially along their length for providing a separate opening gripping flange for each element. .[.4. A structure for use in making a reclosable container comprising,     an elongated flexible closed integral tube of a flexible plastic film, and   first and second interlocking elements integral with the tube on the surface thereof shaped for cooperative pressure interengagement and for forcible separation,   said first interlocking element being arrowhead shaped in cross section and said second interlocking element being shaped to form a groove to embrace and interlock with said first element,   said elements spaced apart from each other in both circumferential directions,   said film including a body forming a sheet portion between the interlocking elements at one side of the first element for forming the body of a bag formed from the tube,   and said film including a flange forming sheet portion between the interlocking elements at the other side of said first element which may be subsequently separated axially along its length between the first and second elements for providing access to the bag formed from the tube and providing a separate opening gripping flange for each element..].  .[.5. A structure for use in making a reclosable container comprising,   an elongated flexible closed integral tube of a flexible plastic film, and   first and second interlocking elements integral with the tube on the surface thereof shaped for cooperative pressure interengagement and for forcible separation,   said elements spaced apart from each other in both circumferential directions,   said film including a body forming sheet portion between the interlocking elements at one side of the first element for forming the body of a bag formed from the tube,   said film including a flange forming sheet portion between the interlocking elements at the other side of said first element which may be subsequently separated axially along its length between the first and second elements for providing access to the bag formed from the tube and providing a separate opening gripping flange for each element,   and said flexible plastic film being of substantially uniform thickness for said flange portion and said body portion..]. .[.6. A structure for use in making a reclosable container, comprising,   an elongated flexible closed integral tube of a flexible plastic film, and   first and second interlocking elements integral with the tube on the surface thereof shaped for cooperative pressure interengagement and for forcible separation,   said interlocking elements being on the inner surface of said tube and projecting therefrom, said elements spaced apart from each other in both circumferential directions,   said film including a body forming sheet portion between the interlocking elements at one side of the first element for forming the body of a bag formed from the tube,   and said film including a flange forming sheet portion between the interlocking elements at the other side of said first element which may be subsequently separated axially along its length between the first and second elements for providing access to the bag formed from the tube and   
     
     
        providing a separate opening gripping flange for each element..]. 7. A structure for use in making a reclosable container in accordance with claim .[.20.].  .Iadd.3 .Iaddend.wherein said first rib and groove elements and said second rib and groove elements are interlocked holding the opposing sides of the tube together. .Iadd. 8. A structure for use in making a reclosable container in accordance with claim 3, wherein the first rib and groove elements are opposing and are formed facing each other and interlock when the tube bag body has been flattened. .Iaddend..Iadd. 9. A structure for use in making a reclosable container in accordance with claim 3, wherein the rib and groove elements are formed to face each other within the tube so that with the tube bag body being flattened and cut between the elements two bags are obtainable at the same time. .Iaddend.