Slider for a reclosable pouch

Abstract

A slider for opening and closing a mouth of a thermoplastic pouch includes first and second sidewalls. A third wall connects the first and second sidewalls and is transverse to the first and second sidewalls. A compressible gripping material is disposed on at least one of the first and second sidewalls.

1 . A slider for opening and closing a mouth of a thermoplastic pouch, comprising: 
 first and second sidewalls;    a third wall connecting the first and second sidewalls and transverse to the first and second sidewalls; and    at least one compressible gripping material disposed on at least one of the first and second sidewalls.    
   
   
       2 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewalls define a channel therebetween and a separator finger projects into the channel.  
   
   
       3 . The slider of  claim 1 , in combination with a pouch having closure elements.  
   
   
       4 . The slider of  claim 3 , wherein the closure elements are disposed between the sidewalls of the slider.  
   
   
       5 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the sidewalls are curved.  
   
   
       6 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material is disposed on both of the first and second sidewalls.  
   
   
       7 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material is disposed on at least one of the first and second sidewalls by molding the compressible gripping material thereon.  
   
   
       8 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material is disposed on at least one of the first and second sidewalls by an adhesive.  
   
   
       9 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.  
   
   
       10 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material comprises a foam.  
   
   
       11 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material comprises a polymer.  
   
   
       12 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material comprises rubber.  
   
   
       13 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material comprises a textile.  
   
   
       14 . The slider of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gripping material is compressible under the application of finger pressure.  
   
   
       15 . A pouch, comprising: 
 a first closure element carried by a first pouch wall and a second closure element carried by a second pouch wall wherein the closure elements seal a mouth of the pouch closed when pressed together;    a slider that traverses across the mouth of the pouch from a first end of the mouth to a second end of the mouth wherein the slider includes a channel having opposed walls in contact with exterior surfaces of the pouch and wherein the slider further includes a separator finger disposed between the closure elements; and    first and second sidewalls of the slider wherein at least one of the sidewalls includes a compressible gripping material thereon.