Top filled reclosable package and method for forming and filling the same

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.

1 . A reclosable package comprising: 
 a first side panel and a second side panel joined to each other along a pair of spaced side seals; 
 a bottom wall extending between the first and second side panels, the bottom wall and the first and second side panels defining a package interior; and  
 a zipper closure extending along a mouth of the package between the pair of spaced side seals, the zipper closure including a first profile member and a second profile member adapted to releasably interlock with each other, wherein the zipper closure is attached to the first and second side panels only along the side seals such that the zipper closure is movable toward and away from the first and second side panel.  
   
   
   
       2 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the bottom wall includes a gusset that expands in response to filling of the package with a product.  
   
   
       3 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the zipper closure includes a slider mounted thereto such that the zipper closure opens and closes upon movement of the slider along the zipper closure.  
   
   
       4 . The reclosable package of  claim 1  wherein the first and second profile members each includes an attachment flange, wherein the attachment flange provides an area for attaching the first and second profile members to one of the side panels.  
   
   
       5 . The package of  claim 4  further comprising a membrane extending between the pair of attachment flanges formed on the first and second profile members.  
   
   
       6 . The membrane of  claim 5  wherein said membrane is a separate component adhesively attached to said attachment flanges via an adhesive or co-extrusion process, wherein said membrane incorporates one or more thickened areas.  
   
   
       7 . The membrane of  claim 5  wherein said membrane includes a line of weakness that allows said membrane to separate during opening of said package.