Reclosable packages with two-dimensional zipper attachement

Abstract

A reclosable package having a two-dimensional zipper attachment on the exterior of one wall. The zipper comprises a pair of zipper strips that have straight central sections and end sections that curve or bend, diverging from the straight central section. Directly below the interface of the zipper profiles, the wall has a line of weakened tear resistance that can be torn open after the zipper has been opened. A flap portion of the wall, with one of the zipper strips attached to its periphery, can then be folded back to provide a wide opening for accessing the package contents.

1 . A reclosable package comprising: 
 a receptacle having an interior space and comprising a first wall; and    a flexible zipper joined to said first wall and disposed on the exterior of said receptacle, said zipper comprising first and second zipper strips, said first zipper strip comprising a first closure profile and a first flange having one portion connected to said first closure profile and another portion joined to said first wall in a first zone of joinder, and said second zipper strip comprising a second closure profile and a second flange having one portion connected to said second closure profile and another portion joined to said first wall in a second zone of joinder, said first and second closure profiles being interlockable with each other,    wherein if the portion of said first wall to which said zipper is joined were disposed in a generally planar state, a respective lengthwise portion of each of said first and second zipper strips would be curved.    
   
   
       2 . The package as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first wall comprises a line of weakened tear resistance disposed between said first and second zones of joinder.  
   
   
       3 . The package as recited in  claim 2 , wherein if said portion of said first wall to which said zipper is joined were disposed in a generally planar state, a first segment of said line of weakened tear resistance would be straight, and second and third segments of said line of weakened tear resistance would diverge from said first segment at opposite ends thereof  
   
   
       4 . The package as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said first wall comprises a flap portion after said zipper has been opened and said line of weakened tear resistance has been torn, said second zipper strip being attached to said flap portion.  
   
   
       5 . The package as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a slider mounted to said zipper.  
   
   
       6 . The package as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said receptacle further comprises a second wall joined to said first wall in third and fourth zones of joinder respectively disposed at a top and a bottom of said receptacle.  
   
   
       7 . The package as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said receptacle further comprises first and second side gussets, said first gusset comprising a first gusset panel connected to said first wall and a second gusset panel connected to said second wall and to said first gusset panel, and said second gusset comprising a third gusset panel connected to said first wall and a fourth gusset panel connected to said second wall and to said third gusset panel.  
   
   
       8 . The package as recited in  claim 1 , wherein if said portion of said first wall to which said zipper is joined were disposed in a generally planar state, a first lengthwise section of said second closure profile would be straight, and second and third lengthwise sections of said second closure profile would be curved, said second and third lengthwise sections being respectively connected to opposite ends of said first lengthwise section.  
   
   
       9 . The package as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said second flange is notched in said first and second curved lengthwise sections.  
   
   
       10 . The package as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a header that covers and blocks access to said zipper.  
   
   
       11 . An article comprising a web of bag making film and a zipper assembly joined thereto, said zipper assembly comprising first and second zipper strips, said first zipper strip comprising a first closure profile and a first flange having one portion connected to said first closure profile and another portion joined to said web in a first zone of joinder, and said second zipper strip comprising a second closure profile and a second flange having one portion connected to said second closure profile and another portion joined to said web in a second zone of joinder, said first and second closure profiles being interlockable with each other, wherein if the portion of said web to which said zipper assembly is joined were disposed in a generally planar state, each of said first and second zipper strips would be curved along at least respective lengthwise portions thereof.  
   
   
       12 . The article as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said web comprises a line of weakened tear resistance disposed between said first and second zones of joinder.  
   
   
       13 . The article as recited in  claim 12 , wherein if said portion of said web to which said zipper assembly is joined were disposed in a generally planar state, a first segment of said line of weakened tear resistance would be straight, and second and third segments of said line of weakened tear resistance would diverge from said first segment at opposite ends thereof  
   
   
       14 . The article as recited in  claim 11 , wherein if said portion of said web to which said zipper assembly is joined were disposed in a generally planar state, a first lengthwise section of said second closure profile would be straight, and second and third lengthwise sections of said second closure profile would be curved, said second and third lengthwise sections being respectively connected to opposite ends of said first lengthwise section.  
   
   
       15 . The article as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said second flange is notched in said first and second curved lengthwise sections.  
   
   
       16 . A reclosable package comprising: 
 a receptacle having an interior space and comprising front and rear walls;    a flexible zipper joined to said front wall and disposed on the exterior of said receptacle, said zipper comprising first and second zipper strips, said first zipper strip comprising a first closure profile and a first flange having one portion connected to said first closure profile and another portion joined to said front wall in a first zone of joinder, and said second zipper strip comprising a second closure profile and a second flange having one portion connected to said second closure profile and another portion joined to said front wall in a second zone of joinder, said first and second closure profiles being interlockable with each other; and    a slider mounted to said zipper,    wherein if the portion of said front wall to which said zipper is joined were disposed in a generally planar state, each of said first and second zipper strips would be curved along at least respective lengthwise portions thereof and said slider would follow a curved path when traversing said curved lengthwise portions.    
   
   
       17 . The package as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising first and second slider end stops disposed at opposing ends of said zipper.  
   
   
       18 . The package as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said first and second slider end stops comprise respective zones where said first and second closure profiles are fused to each other.  
   
   
       19 . The package as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said front wall comprises a line of weakened tear resistance disposed between said first and second zones of joinder.  
   
   
       20 . The package as recited in  claim 16 , wherein if said portion of said front wall to which said zipper is joined were disposed in a generally planar state, a first lengthwise section of said second closure profile would be straight, and second and third lengthwise sections of said second closure profile would be curved, said second and third lengthwise sections being respectively connected to opposite ends of said first lengthwise section.