Fastener closure arrangement for flexible packages

A reclosable flexible package comprising:

• opposed front and rear panels having sides and joined together to form an interior and a package opening communicating with said interior;
• first and second interlockable fastener tracks at the package opening configurable in an interlocked position to close the package opening and an unlocked position to open the package opening;
• a slider movable along said fastener tracks to a closed position to configure said tracks in said interlocked position so as to close said opening and to an open position to configure said fastener tracks in said unlocked position so as to allow access through said opening to said package interior;
• said fastener tracks having opposed ends located adjacent said opposed sides of said front and said rear panels;
• stops adjacent said ends of said fastener tracks to interfere with and prevent travel of said slider beyond said fastener tracks;
• a side seal of pre-selected width joining together one side of said front and said rear panels;
• a shroud associated with said front and said rear panels, covering at least the major portion of said fastener tracks;
• weakening portions, in either said shroud or in said front and said rear panels, extending adjacent said fastener tracks for severing of said shroud in preparation for removal of at least a portion of said shroud from the remainder of said reclosable flexible package;
• said side seal having an enlarged end portion of enlarged width adjacent said fastener tracks, with at least a part of said enlarged end portion disposed below said fastener tracks;
• and
• wherein, with said slider in said open position, said enlarged end portion is disposed beneath the substantial entirety of said slider and shields said slider, deflecting product being discharged from said package interior, around said slider.