Abstract: The present invention addresses certain problems facing flexible packages and the packaging industry. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of heat scoring the film or material of the package in various shapes and locations to facilitate the consumer opening the package. Embodiments are also directed to a heat scoring device for delivering the heat score to the package material during the manufacturing process. Other embodiments are directed to a package having one or more heat scores for permitting a user to easily access the contents of a package while maintaining the integrity of the package.

Abstract: A package having a sanitary dispenser is depicted and described. The package generally includes a dispenser that is sealed from environmental contaminants by a feature or portion of the package. The sealed dispenser portion of the package is accessed prior to use and the user is able to access the contents of the package through the sanitary dispenser. The dispenser may be inverted prior to use and deployed prior to use. A frangible portion may be provided to the dispenser. The dispenser may be re-sealable in the package. A straw may further be provided to the dispenser and be deployable by the user for access to the package contents.

Abstract: A package having a toothpick or other utensil that is defined or protectable within an interior sterile and/or sanitary area of the package that will not be confused with consumable contents. Multiple utensils can be provided of the same or different types.

Abstract: A package having a sanitary dispenser is depicted and described. The package generally includes a dispenser that is sealed from environmental contaminants by a feature or portion of the package. The sealed dispenser portion of the package is accessed prior to use and the user is able to access the contents of the package through the sanitary dispenser. The dispenser may be inverted prior to use and deployed prior to use. A frangible portion may be provided to the dispenser. The dispenser may be re-sealable in the package. A straw may further be provided to the dispenser and be deployable by the user for access to the package contents.

Abstract: The present invention addresses certain problems facing flexible packages and the packaging industry. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of heat scoring the film or material of the package in various shapes and locations to facilitate the consumer opening the package. Embodiments are also directed to a heat scoring device for delivering the heat score to the package material during the manufacturing process. Other embodiments are directed to a package having one or more heat scores for permitting a user to easily access the contents of a package while maintaining the integrity of the package.

Abstract: A package having two or more selectively isolated compartments and a mixing region is disclosed. A mixing region can be included between the mixing compartments, with respective access devices (e.g., zipper or film member) provided to provide selective communication between the compartments and the mixing region. One or more pull members can be included on the exterior of the package such that pulling on the tabs opens the access devices to facilitate communication between the compartments and their respective contents.

Abstract: A package having an expansion chamber is depicted and described. The package generally includes a collapsed expansion chamber configured to open when a predetermined amount of internal pressure is reached. A pressure sensitive closure mechanism, such as a frangible seal or flexible we film web, is disposed between the main compartment and the expansion chamber and functions to separate the main compartment and the expansion chamber until the predetermined internal pressure is reached.

Abstract: A recloseable zipper having a sealant applied thereon, for use in a polymeric bag. The recloseable zipper includes a first and second closure member, with each closure member having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A first sealant is present on the exterior surface of each of the first and second closure profiles; this sealant is used to attach a polymeric film that forms a bag body. A second sealant is present on the interior surface of each of the first and second closure profiles; this sealant enhances the seal between the closure profiles at the side edges of the bag.

Abstract: A closure has at least one channel portion adapted to receive an interlocking profile portion. The channel has at least one window permitting visual inspection of a profile interlocked therein. At least one profile is disposed for interlocking with the channel and includes a stem joined to the closure and one or more latching projections formed by a frangible connection to the stem, wherein one or more projections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with the channel portion of the closure, thereby sealing the closure. In one closure, a tamper evident structure is included in the form of a slider having a shaver to engage in shaving contact with interlocking closure members when passed along the closure in a direction opposite to the closing direction. The various closure members can include different colors. The closures can be used on bag structures.

Abstract: A multi-wall bag that includes a profile closure extending across the open mouth of the package such that the bag can be reclosed after initial opening. The multi-wall bag includes a top panel, a bottom panel and a pair of side panels joining the top and bottom panels where each of the panels is a multi-wall construction having a plastic inner layer. The profile closure is attached between the top and bottom panels and preferably includes a slider device. The bottom panel of the package includes a closure flap that extends past the top panel and is folded to entrap the slider device between the outer layer of the top panel and the inner layer of the closure flap. A tear member is positioned between the profile closure and the bottom panel such that the tear member can be used to initially open the package.

Abstract: A method of making a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles, the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively engage, and wherein the first and second closure profiles are engaged. The method further comprises providing a pair of panels comprising a flexible polymeric material, inserting a wedge between the closure profiles, disengaging the closure profiles; and attaching the closure mechanism to the pair of side panels. Various embodiments of opening devices are also presented.

Abstract: A reclosable package that seals an enclosed product and allows the product to be subjected to a retort procedure to cook the product while the product is in the package. The reclosable package is formed from a polypropylene film and includes a zipper closure including a pair of mating closure profiles both formed from a polypropylene material. One of the male or female closure profiles includes a sealing flange having a layer of sealant such that the sealing flange provides a seal for the package below the interaction between the closure profiles. This seal prevents the product from migrating through the profile member during the retort procedure and prior to the package being opened for the first time.

Abstract: A reclosable package that seals an enclosed product and allows the product to be subjected to a retort procedure to cook the product while the product is in the package. The reclosable package is formed from a polypropylene film and includes a zipper closure including a pair of mating closure profiles both formed from a polypropylene material. One of the male or female closure profiles includes a sealing flange having a layer of sealant such that the sealing flange provides a seal for the package below the interaction between the closure profiles. This seal prevents the product from migrating through the profile member during the retort procedure and prior to the package being opened for the first time.

Abstract: A reclosable package that seals an enclosed product and allows the product to be subjected to a retort procedure to cook the product while the product is in the package. The reclosable package is formed from a polypropylene film and includes a zipper closure including a pair of mating closure profiles both formed from a polypropylene material. One of the male or female closure profiles includes a sealing flange having a layer of sealant such that the sealing flange provides a seal for the package below the interaction between the closure profiles. This seal prevents the product from migrating through the profile member during the retort procedure and prior to the package being opened for the first time.

Abstract: A method of forming and sealing a flexible, reclosable package having a zipper closure and a slider mounted thereon. The reclosable package is initially formed having a pair of opposing side panels and a zipper closure extending between the pair of side panels. The zipper closure is initially attached to the side panels only along a pair of spaced side seals. The reclosable package is filled with product through a fill opening created between the zipper closure and either one of the side panels. Once the package is filled with product, the attachment flanges of the zipper closure are sealed to both of the side panels. Thus, the zipper closure is sealed to the side panels only after product has been inserted into the product package.

Abstract: A method of forming and sealing a flexible, reclosable package having a zipper closure and a slider mounted thereon. The reclosable package is initially formed having a pair of opposing side panels and a zipper closure extending between the pair of side panels. The zipper closure is initially attached to the side panels only along a pair of spaced side seals. The reclosable package is filled with product through a fill opening created between the zipper closure and either one of the side panels. Once the package is filled with product, the attachment flanges of the zipper closure are sealed to both of the side panels. Thus, the zipper closure is sealed to the side panels only after product has been inserted into the product package.