The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 08, 2000
Filed:
Jun. 30, 1997
Robert W Hausslein, Lexington, MA (US);
Arthur D. Little Enterprises, Inc., Cambridge, MA (US);
Abstract
A closure system for use in repetitively opening and closing an openable end of a pliable container includes first and second shape memory elements that are adapted to be attached to side walls of the pliable container adjacent the openable end thereof. Each of the first and second shape memory elements includes an elongated, generally concave surface portion and an opposing, generally convex surface portion. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the shape memory elements are provided on the container with the concave surface portions facing each other when the pliable container is in an open condition to maintain the opposing side walls in a spaced relationship in order to permit enhanced access to an interior of the container. In each embodiment, when the openable end is closed, the generally concave surface portion of one of the shape memory elements assumes a nested position with the generally convex surface portion of the other shape memory element in order to maintain the side walls in a close bearing relationship at the openable end. The shape memory elements can be constituted by various bowed members, including plastic bands, metal strips and wires which can either be fixedly or rotatably mounted to the bag. The closure system has application to various types of pliable containers, including two-sided, multi-ply and gusseted bags. A method and apparatus for producing pliable containers incorporating the closure system of the invention is also provided.