Reclosable flexible package and method for making the same
AssigneeFres-co System USA, Inc.
InventorsDavid Galomb, Lawrence Ashton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flexible package with a snap type reclosure. The reclosure has a male part and a female part affixed to the package near the package opening. When the male part and female part are pressed together by the user they interlock with each other and cause the package opening to be substantially held closed. If desired, the snap reclosure may have a locking feature to deter unauthorized opening of the package. If desired, the snap reclosure may also serve as a vent, allowing air to exchange between the inside and outside of the package.
Claims29
In combination a package and a snap-closure therefor, said package having an interior for holding material therein and an openable mouth communicating with said interior, said package being formed of a flexible material and comprising first and second panels connected to each other, each of said panels having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said mouth being openable to provide access to the interior of said package, said snap closure being arranged for closing and sealing said mouth and comprising a male closure element and a female closure element, said male closure element comprising a generally planar base member and a wall projecting upward from said base member of said male closure element defining a enclosed space bounded by the periphery of said wall of said male closure element, said female closure element comprising a generally planar base member and a wall projecting upward from said base member defining a enclosed space bounded by the periphery of said wall of said female closure element, said male closure element being secured to said first panel adjacent said mouth, said female closure element being secured to said second panel adjacent said mouth, said wall of said male closure element being arranged to snap-fit into engagement with said wall of said female closure element to hold portions of said first panel in a confronting relationship with portions of said second panel to close said mouth to impede the ingress of air into the package through said mouth.
A method of making a flexible package having an interior for holding material therein and an openable mouth communicating with the interior of the package, said package being formed of a flexible material and comprising first and second panels connected to each other, each of said panels having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said mouth being openable to provide access to the interior of said package, said method comprising:
- (A) providing a snap closure for closing and sealing said mouth, said snap closure comprising a male closure element and a female closure element, said male closure element comprising a generally planar base member and a wall projecting upward from said base member of said male closure element defining a enclosed space bounded by the periphery of said wall of said male closure element, said female closure element comprising a generally planar base member and a wall projecting upward from said base member defining a enclosed space bounded by the periphery of said wall of said female closure element, said wall of said male closure element being arranged to snap-fit into engagement with said wall of said female closure element to hold portions of said first panel in a confronting relationship with portions of said second panel to close said mouth to impede the ingress of air into the package through said mouth;
- and
- (B) securing said male closure element to said first panel adjacent said mouth and securing said female closure element to said second panel adjacent said mouth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.