Sliding mechanical closure with consumer-releasable motion-limiting features

• Main Author: Randall, Catherine Jean
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 26.03.2002

The present invention relates to sliding mechanical closures such as those commonly employed on flexible storage bags, particularly those suitable for use in the containment and protection of various items including perishable materials. The present invention provides a flexible storage bag having an opening, a mechanical interlocking seal for closing the opening, and a slider for sealing the mechanical interlocking seal. The slider includes a mechanical manually-releasable locking element for preventing accidental movement of the slider. The locking element may comprise a pivotally releasable locking element, such as a pivotally mounted loop of material, or a button which when depressed releases an internal locking mechanism within the slider, or an internal locking mechanism within the slider which is released by manually compressing the slider. Locking elements in accordance with the present invention may be automatically engaged and manually released by the consumer, or may be manually engaged and released. Locking elements may also secure the slider in other positions, such as opened and intermediate/partially opened positions, in addition to or instead of the closed position. Multiple locking elements may be provided of the same or diverse types.