Abstract: A reclosable, flexible package for storing food products, the package including a pair of opposing panels connected via a bottom seal or fold, each having a flange opposite the bottom seal and a pair of end seals between the opposing panels that intersect the bottom seal. A pleat located in one of the panels, containing a tear strip for opening the package. A flange seal located between the flanges where one of the flanges extends beyond the flange seal to form a reclosure flap, removably secured to one panel by an adhesion surface to form a cover over the opening. Alternatively, the flanges are about equally aligned and sealed at the edges, with tear lines spaced from the edge to remove a portion of the flanges and flange seal when torn along a predetermined tear line, creating two flanges, one extending beyond the other to form a reclosure flap.

Abstract: A shrouded flexible package is provided with an improved continuous laser score line. The score line has end portions adjacent the side seals of the package, which are located above fastener tracks which are enclosed by a shroud portion of the package. The score line contains downwardly and inwardly converging segments joined to a medial score line segment extending along side and generally below the fastener tracks. The score line is preferably formed with a laser energy source.