Reclosable package having a zipper closure, slider device and tamper-evident structure

A reclosable package comprising:

• (a) first and second panel sections defining an interior;
• a top edge;
• a bottom edge;
• and first and second side edges extending between the top edge and the bottom edge;
• (b) a zipper closure comprising first and second mating profiles;
• (i) the first mating profile being sealed to the first panel section adjacent to the top edge and extending from the first side edge to the second side edge;
• (ii) the second mating profile being sealed to the second panel section adjacent to the top edge extending from the first side edge to the second side edge;
• (c) a slider device operably mounted on the zipper closure and being moveable between a first position adjacent to the first side edge and a second position adjacent to the second side edge;
• (i) the slider device being constructed and arranged to interlock the first mating profile with the second mating profile when the slider device is moved in a direction from the second position to the first position;
• (ii) the slider device being constructed and arranged to disengage the first mating profile from the second mating profile when the slider device is moved in a direction from the first position to the second position;
• (d) a first means for providing tamper-evidence;
• (i) the first means encasing a first portion of the zipper closure;
• (ii) the first means defining a means for exposing the slider device when the slider device is in the first position adjacent to the first side edge;
• (A) the means for exposing the slider device being completely surrounded by the first means;
• and
• (e) a second means for providing tamper evidence;
• (i) the second means being positioned between the zipper closure and the bottom edge;
• (ii) the second means being between the first panel section and the second panel section;
• and
• (iii) the second means extending from the first side edge to the second side edge.

A method of using a flexible package, the flexible package comprising a package body defining an interior, top and bottom edges, and first and second side edges extending between the top and bottom edges;

• a zipper closure extending adjacent to the top edge;
• a slider device operably mounted on the zipper closure;
• a first tamper-evident structure encasing a first portion of the zipper closure;
• the first tamper-evident structure defining an opening exposing the slider device;
• and a second tamper-evident structure being positioned between the zipper closure and the bottom edge;
• the method comprising:
• (a) removing the first tamper-evident structure device from the flexible package to permit operable movement of the slider device;
• (b) moving the slider device relative to the zipper closure from a position adjacent to the first side edge in a direction toward the second side edge to open the zipper closure;
• and
• (c) penetrating the second tamper-evident structure to gain access to the package interior.

A method of making a package;

• the method comprising:
• (a) providing a package body having an interior surface and defining a package interior;
• the package body having first and second sides, a top, and a bottom;
• (b) attaching the zipper closure to the interior surface of the package body to extend between the first and second sides;
• the zipper closure having a slider device operably mounted thereon;
• (c) forming a first tamper-evident structure over a portion of the zipper closure with the package body by:
• (i) sealing the package body along the top to form a top seal and encase the zipper closure;
• the zipper closure being positioned between the top seal and the bottom;
• and
• (ii) forming an opening in the first tamper-evident structure to expose the slider device in a position adjacent to the first side;
• (d) providing an area of weakness within the tamper-evident structure extending between the first and second sides to facilitate removal of the tamper-evident structure;
• and
• (e) providing a second tamper-evident structure between the zipper closure and the bottom.