Recloseable side-gusseted package

Abstract

A recloseable package comprises a package body having a front package panel and a rear package panel, and a pair of inwardly extending, full-length side gussets which join the front and rear package panels. The present package further includes a recloseable fastener assembly, comprising first and second mating components, wherein the fastener assembly is joined to the rear package panel by the first mating component of the assembly. By this arrangement, the contents can be placed in the package through the open mouth, which is facilitated by the provision of full-length gussets. Thereafter, the package can be closed and sealed, by which the second mating component of the fastener assembly is joined to the front package panel in a region between the inwardly extending side gussets of the package, and to the surfaces of the side gussets adjacent the rear package panel. The package includes an upper, removable portion for accessing the fastener assembly and package contents. The removable portion defines a plurality of openings in the inwardly extending side gussets to facilitate heat-sealing of the front package panel to the rear package panel through the plurality of openings. Heat-sealing in this fashion enhances the aesthetics of the package and creates a finger-grip region at the top of each of the side gussets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority of Provisional Ser. No. 62 / 859,809, filed Jun. 11, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.MICROFICHE / COPYRIGHT REFERENCE[0003]Not Applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0004]The present invention relates generally to packages formed from polymeric film material and the like, and more particularly to a recloseable, side-gusseted package having a recloseable fastener assembly positioned beneath a removable portion of the package, with the fastener assembly facilitating reclosing of the package after it is opened by removal of the removable portion.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]Polymeric film packages are used for all manner of packaging applications by virtue of their cost-effective and versatile use. A typical film package comprises front and rear package panels, and may include inwardly extending side g...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a recloseable package that is easy to open and close, with full-length gussets and a recloseable fastener assembly. The package can be used for various products like pet food or cat litter. The gusset design allows for sealing the front and rear panels of the package with each other, creating a neat and aesthetically pleasant appearance. The fastener assembly prevents damage to the package components while also allowing for easy handling. The package is designed with finger grip regions at the top of the gussets for easy handling. The package can be opened by removing a removable portion of the package body and then reclosed by joining the mating fastener components. The package body may have a frangible portion to make separation and removal easier. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a convenient and easy-to-use recloseable package with improved sealing and handling.

Problems solved by technology

While suitable fastener arrangements are known to facilitate reclosing, including hook-and-loop, profile strip, and “unisex” mechanical fasteners, as well as adhesive fasteners, use of such of fasteners on side-gusseted packages can be difficult to implement.

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