SEGMENTED SNAP CLOSURE FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGES AND FLEXIBLE PACKAGES INCLUDING THE SAME

摘要

A snap closure for a flexible, gusseted package and a flexible gussetedpackingincluding the closure. The package includes a mouth portion arranged to beopened to provideaccess to the contents of the package. The package is formed of a flexiblematerial and includesa front panel, a rear panel, and a pair of opposed side gussets. The panelsand gussets eachinclude a top portion, which between them define the package's mouth. Thepackage's mouthis initially sealed but arranged to be opened, e.g., peeled apart. The snapclosure enables theresealing of the mouth of the package and is made up of a pair of elongatedelements, one ofwhich includes a tongue extending along the length of it. The other elementincludes anundercut groove extending along the length of it. The elements are arranged tobe pressedtogether, whereupon the tongue of the one element enters the groove of theother element withportions of the panels and side gussets tightly interposed therebetween. Theclosure elementsmay be longitudinally rigid or may be segmented to flex in the longitudinaldirection tofacilitate opening. Moreover, the closure elements may be a part of thepackage or separatecomponents for use therewith. In any case when the closure is utilized itrecloses the mouth ofthe package to preclude or minimize the ingress of air into the package.