Abstract: Gussetted packages having openable and reclosable interlocking seals and a method and apparatus for making the same, the seals having male and female portions, snap detents, and formed transversely to the direction of film flow. The packaging film is provided at package length intervals with thermoformable strips secured thereto transversely to the running length of the film, and is fed to a modified standard vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine with gussets forming tooling where the film is formed into a bag with the thermoformable strips inside at the upper end of the bag, product deposited into the bag, the bag sealed, the reclosable interlocking seal formed, and the bag severed from the next bag being formed. The reclosable seal provides auditory and tactile indications of seal closing. Some packages are formed with the thermoformable strips in the gusset, and some are formed with the gusset free of strip material.

Abstract: Packages having improved openable and reclosable interlocking seals and a method and apparatus for making the same from a novel continuous web of composite packaging film, the seal having male and female portions of arrowhead shape in cross section, snap detents, and being formed transversely to the direction of film flow during package formation at line speed. The packaging film is provided at package length intervals with thermoformable strips secured thereto transversely to the running length of the film, and is fed to a modified standard vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine where the film is formed into a bag with the thermoformable strip inside in ends abutting folded facing relationship at the upper end of the bag, product deposited into the bag, the bag sealed, the reclosable interlocking seal formed, and the bag severed from the next bag being formed.

Abstract: Packages having web formed resealable interlocking closures of packaging film fanfolded to form a stack and heat sealed together forming a multilayered strip in plane with the film. The strip is abraded on one surface, the film passing into the package former where packages are formed having longitudinal package seals, and which places portions of the strip in apposed position. The package ends are sealed and the resealable locking closure is formed in the strip. The female portion of the locking closure is formed in the package face that includes the overlapped longitudinal package seal. Alternatively, the strip is not abraded and the inner and outer parts of the resealable closure are separately formed before package formation takes place. To form the strip, heat sealing a strip of heat sealable material to the packaging film may also be utilized. Optionally formed in the resealable closure are hinges and reinforcing V-notches.