Method of forming recloseable packages, profiles used therein, and packages produced thereby

A profile strip for use in making recloseable packages, the profile strip comprising:

• a) a flange element having a front and back side;
• b) a recloseable means element on the front side of the flange element;
• and
• c) a heat barrier means forming a part of the profile strip and associated with the front side of the flange element, said heat barrier means being functional so that a film may be heat sealed to the back side of the profile strip while the profile strip is mated to a corresponding profile strip without also fusing the flange elements of the two mated profile strips in the area of the heat barrier, due to the presence of said heat barrier means.

A recloseable plastic package including:

• a) a first package wall;
• b) a second package wall joined to said first package wall to define a container openable at one side for insertion or removal of product;
• c) a pressure fastenable and releasable closure mechanism disposed between said first and second package walls adjacent said openable side of said container;
• d) a seal between said first and second package walls disposed parallel to said releasable closure mechanism and disposed between said releasable closure mechanism and said product;
• e) a first flange member extending from said first package wall outwardly of said closure mechanism;
• f) a second flange member extending from said second package wall outwardly of said closure mechanism and adjacent and separated from said first flange member;
• g) heat barrier means including a buffer strip disposed between said first and second flange members, and forming part of one of the flange members, said strip having a first surface which is sealable to either said first or second flange member and a second surface which is sealable to neither said first flange member nor said second flange member, said strip acting as a buffer between said first and second flange members such that when heat is applied to said package to seal said closure mechanism to said first and second package walls, said buffer strip is operative to prevent said flange members from sealing to each other and to maintain said flange members in a separated condition to facilitate release of said closure mechanism to open said package.