Multi-wall bag including slider actuated reclosable zipper

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.

1 . A multi-wall package, comprising: 
 a top panel;    a bottom panel;    a pair of side panels joining the top and bottom panels, wherein the top panel, the bottom panel and the side panels include at least an inner layer and an outer layer;    a profile closure having mating first and second profiles, the first profile including a first sealing flange attached to the top panel and the second closure profile including a second sealing flange attached to the bottom panel; and    a slider device operatively mounted on the profile closure and movable to interlock the first profile with the second profile.    
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the bottom panel includes a closure flap extending past the top panel, wherein the closure flap is attached to the top panel to entrap the slider device between the outer layer of the top panel and the inner layer of the closure flap when the package is in a sealed condition.  
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the sealing flange of the first profile is coupled to the sealing flange of the second profile.  
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 3  further comprising a sealing membrane joined between the first sealing flange of the first profile and the second sealing flange of the second profile.  
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 2  further comprising a tear member positioned between the second profile and the inner layer of the bottom panel, wherein the tear member can be used to separate the closure flap from the bottom panel.  
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 2  further comprising a tear member integrally formed with the profile closure, wherein the tear member can be used to separate the closure flap from the bottom panel.  
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the top panel, the bottom panel and the pair of side panels are integrally formed with each other.  
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 7  wherein the inner layer of the top panel, the bottom panel and the side panel is plastic.  
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 8  wherein the outer layer of the top panel, the bottom panel and the side panel is formed from paper.  
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 9  wherein the top panel, the bottom panel and the side panels further include at least one intermediate layer formed from paper.  
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the package further comprises a first side edge and a second side edge, wherein the profile closure extends past the first side edge and the second side edge.  
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 11  wherein the first profile is joined to the second profile to define a first stop area and a second stop area, wherein the first stop area is formed on the portion of the closure profile extending past the first side edge of the package and the second stop area is formed on the portion of the closure profile extending past the second side edge of the package.  
     
     
         13 . A multi-wall package, comprising: 
 a top panel;    a bottom panel;    a pair of side panels joining the top and bottom panels, wherein the top panel, the bottom panel, and the side panels each include at least an inner layer and an outer layer;    a profile closure having mating first and second profiles, the first profile including a first sealing flange attached to the top panel and the second profile including a second sealing flange attached to the bottom panel, wherein the profile closure extends past a first side edge and a second side edge of the package;    a slider device operatively mounted on the profile closure and movable to interlock the first profile with the second profile; and    a tear member positioned between one of the first and second profiles and one of the top and bottom panels.    
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 13  wherein the first profile is bonded to the second profile to define a first stop area and a second stop area, wherein the first stop area is formed on the portion of the closure profile extending past the first side edge of the package and the second stop area is formed on the portion of the closure profile extending past the second side edge of the package.  
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 13  wherein the tear member extends past the first side edge of the package and the second side edge of the package.  
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 13  wherein the inner layer of the top panel, the bottom panel and the side panel is plastic.  
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 13  wherein the bottom panel includes a closure flap extending past the top panel, wherein the closure flap is attached to the top panel to entrap the slider device between the outer layer of the top panel and the inner layer of closure flap when the package is in a sealed condition.  
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 13  further comprising a seal member joined between the first sealing flange of the first profile and the second sealing flange of a second profile.