Reclosable packages with two-dimensional zipper attachement

Abstract

A reclosable package having a two-dimensional zipper attachment on the exterior of one wall. The zipper comprises a pair of zipper strips that have straight central sections and end sections that curve or bend, diverging from the straight central section. Directly below the interface of the zipper profiles, the wall has a line of weakened tear resistance that can be torn open after the zipper has been opened. A flap portion of the wall, with one of the zipper strips attached to its periphery, can then be folded back to provide a wide opening for accessing the package contents.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention generally relates to zippers comprising a pair of interlockable strips (e.g., made by extruding plastic material and joined at the ends) for use in reclosable pouches, bags or other packages of the type in which material, such as foodstuff, detergent, etc., may be stored. [0002] Reclosable bags are finding ever-growing acceptance as primary packaging, particularly as packaging for foodstuffs such as cereal, fresh vegetables, snacks and the like. Such bags provide the consumer with the ability to readily store, in a closed, if not sealed, package any unused portion of the packaged product even after the package is initially opened. [0003] Reclosable bags typically comprise a zipper assembly installed in the mouth of the bag. Such zipper assemblies typically comprise a pair of interlockable zipper elements that form a closure. The zipper elements can take on various configurations, e.g. interlocking rib and groove elements having so-ca...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The present invention is directed to a reclosable package having a two-dimensional zipper attachment on the exterior of one wall. The zipper comprises a pair of zipper strips that have straight central sections and end sections that curve or bend, diverging from the straight central section. Directly below the interface of the zipper profiles, the wall has a l

Problems solved by technology

Many existing form-fill-seal (FFS) machines operate on bag making film and do not incorporate equipment for attaching zipper assemblies to the bag making film.

Although the packager may need to modify his FFS machine to handle bag making film with slider-zipper assemblies attached, including providing clearance for the sliders to pass through the machine, the FFS machine need not be modified to provide equipment that seals the zipper to bag making film.

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