Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods

Abstract

A reclosable polymeric package having a zipper closure at its mouth and a venting feature that allows air or other fluid to be vented from the package interior when the zipper closure is sealed. In one example, the venting feature includes vents covered by a tape intermittently secured to the package to define fluid passageways. Methods of use are provided.

1 . A method of using a package, comprising:
 (a) providing a package having an interior, a resealable zipper extending across a mouth of the package and a venting feature including vents and a tape covering the vents;   (b) placing an item in the interior through the mouth of the package;   (c) closing the resealable zipper after the item is in the interior; and   (d) expelling air from the interior through the venting feature.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes squeezing the package to urge air through the vents and around the tape. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein expelling air includes pushing air through the vents and through passages defined by areas between intermittent attachment regions securing the tape to the package. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through cross-shaped vents. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through flaps. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through polygonal-shaped vents.