Flexible package with slidable lock and method thereof

Abstract

An improved flexible package and method thereof are disclosed herein. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a package system comprises a flexible package having at least a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls; and a locking means for maintaining a portion of the flexible package in a predetermined position, the locking means cooperating with at least a portion of the flexible package and comprising at least one semi-rigid member; wherein one of the front wall, the back wall, the top wall, the bottom wall, or any of the plurality of side walls has a substantially negligible surface area.

1 . A package system comprising:
 a flexible package having at least a front wall, a back wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls; and   a slidable lock used to constrain a portion of the flexible package within a predetermined range of position, the locking means cooperating with at least a portion of the flexible package and comprising at least one semi-rigid member, wherein the at least one semi-rigid member comprises a neck portion, a male portion disposed on the neck portion, and a female portion;   wherein one of the front wall, the back wall, the top wall, the bottom wall, or any of the plurality of side walls has a substantially negligible surface area.   
     
     
         2 . The package system of  claim 1 , wherein the locking means comprises at least one of an interference fit or a transition fit. 
     
     
         3 . The package system of  claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive composition for adhering at least a portion of the locking means to at least one wall of the flexible package. 
     
     
         4 . The package system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one semi-rigid member comprises a polymeric material. 
     
     
         5 . The package system of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the locking means is disposed in the interior portion of the flexible package. 
     
     
         6 . The package system of  claim 1 , wherein the locking means is releasably engageable to retain the flexible package in an open position. 
     
     
         7 . The package system of  claim 1 , further comprising a first fastener disposed on the semi-rigid member and a second fastener disposed on the semi-rigid member, the second fastener configured to removably engage with the first fastener. 
     
     
         8 . The package system of  claim 1 , further comprising a retainer configured to restrain the neck portion. 
     
     
         9 . The package system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second male portion disposed on the neck portion;   a slidable neck portion disposed between the first male portion and the second male portion,   wherein the slidable neck portion is configurable to slide through the female portion.