WO2014081704A1

WO2014081704A1 - Closure mechanism for flexible packages

Info

Publication number: WO2014081704A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/070752
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clay Ladd; Art SAGY; Salina FUNG; Robert Larsen; Tom Roberts; Karl Hoffman
Original assignee: Clay Ladd; Sagy Art; Fung Salina; Robert Larsen; Tom Roberts; Karl Hoffman
Priority date: 2012-11-20
Filing date: 2013-11-19
Publication date: 2014-05-30

Abstract

A closure mechanism (10) is configured to selectively retain a flexible package (20) in a plurality of different closed positions. A flexible base (12) of the closure mechanism (10) includes a depressed, pre-formed channel (18) and a peripheral flange (36) surrounding the channel (18). The channel (18) is sized to receive a malleable wire (16) therein such that the channel (18) is greater in length than the wire (16). The mechanism (10) further includes a flexible cover (14) attached to the base flange (36) to enclose the wire (16) therebetween. An adhesive layer (48) is applied on a side of the cover (14) opposite of the base (12) so that the mechanism (10) can be attached to a flexible package (20).

Description

CLOSURE MECHANISM FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

Field

[0001] ^'This description relates to a closure mechanism for a flexible package, and more specifically, to a closure mechanism for selectively retaining a flexible package in a closed configuration.

Background

[0002] A package, such as a package made of flexible material, is commonly used to store products during transportation, storage, and consumption by a user, A common type of prior package is mass-produced from a web of film material. The web is formed into a continuous tube by sealing the longitudinal edges of the web together. This continuous tubular package can then be singuiated into smaller packages by sealing and cutting transversely across the tubular package in the region of the transverse seals.

[0003] Commonly, prior packages initially store the products within a sealed interior cavity preceding purchase by a consumer. The consumer can then break one of the seals or remove a comer of the package to access the interior cavity and the products therein. One issue that arises after the initial breaking is how to effectively reclose the package.

[0004] If a package is provided without a reclose feature, a common practice is to fold or roll the edges of the package over to reduce the headspace above the product and close the broken seal. A clip can then be applied over the folded material to hold the package in this closed state. This practice, however, can require a consumer to provide their own separate clip.

[0005] A prior solution of reciosing a package uses interlocking zipper strips, including those with a slider mechanism, such as discussed in U.S. Patent No. 5,007,143, This solution, however, is limited to reciosing the package along the zipper strips at the top of the package. Furthermore, the cost of adding the zipper strips can undesirably increase the cost of the package.

[0006] Another solution to reciosing a package can include one or more malleable metal strips or wires that are attached to the exterior of the package and which can then be bent or curved to hold the package in different closed positions. This closure is commonly produced by continuously running the wire between continuous lengths of sheets and cut transversely into the desired length with the ends of the wire exposed. Another problem is that as the wire is repeatedly bent and unbent to close the package during sequential use thereof, the wire can slightly extend in length. This can cause the wire to undesirably protrude beyond the sheets thai it lies between. Additionally, the wire can cause both sheets to bulge outwardly, which can make such closures hard to attach to a package.

Summary

[0007] A closure mechanism suitable for attachment to a package is provided. The closure mechanism is configured to retain the package in a closed position and, pursuant to this, includes a malleable wire or strip. A flexible base of the assembly includes a depressed, pre-formed channel and a peripheral flange surrounding the channel. The channel is sized, to receive the wire therein uch that the channel is greater than the wire in size in at least one dimension, in a. preferred form, the channel is greater in length than a length of the wire. The closure mechanism further includes a flexible cover attached to the peripheral flange of the base to enclose the wire therebetween. An adhesive layer is applied on a side of the cover opposite of the wire or the base so that the assembly can be attached to a flexible package. Alternatively, the adhesive layer could be applied on the base, such as on an opposite side from the channel. In a preferred form, the channel is sufficiently deep to receive the entire depth of the wire therein so that the cover can be generally planar to provide a uniform, flat surface for attachment to the flexible package. Alternatively, the channel can be of a partial depth, e.g., about 75% of the thickness of the wire. The closure mechanism can be utilized to selectively retain the package in one of a plurality of different closed positions, and optionally progressively closer toward the bottom of the package to reduce headspaee in the package as contents of the package are sequentially removed.

[0008] A package is also described herein that is configured to reciose closely to contents of the package as the contents are sequentially removed to close the package and, optionally, to reduce headspaee in the package. The package includes a plurality of walls to form an interior cavity for receiving the contents of the package. The cavity is accessible through an upper mouth of the package which is initially sealed by a top seal. The seal is removable, such as by separation or tearing thereof. A closure mechanism is attached to a portion of the plurality of walls of the flexible package. The closure mechanism includes a flexible base with an outer perimeter and a recessed pocket spaced interiorly of the outer perimeter. A malleable component (referred to herein as a "wire"), such as a metal or plastic wire or strip that is bcndable and has shape retention properties, is received within the pocket. A cover is attached to the base such that the wire is captured therebetween within the pocket. The cover can he integral with the base prior to assembly, such as foldably attached, or separate from the base and joined to the base during assembly. Advantageously, the pocket has a first length and the wire has a second length, where the first length is greater than the second length. This allows the wire to expand during bending and other use thereof without piercing through the pocket or the cover, The closure mechanism further includes an adhesive layer to attach the assembly to the package, and preferably the adhesive is applied across a side of the cover opposite of the wire and the base. Alternatively, the closure mechanism can be thermo-bonded to the package, The bonding materials can be pattern applied, flood coated, or other suitable techniques,

[0009] By one approach, the wire includes rounded, flattened, or otherwise blunted ends to minimize the wire piercing through the base or cover. The closure mechanism is attached to the package such that the mechanism can be used to retain the package in a plurality of different closed positions, such as generally along a longitudinal length of the package as the top of the package is rolled or folded upon itself. The package can include end seals, such as a top and bottom seal, with a. fin seal extending therebetween, in this form, the closure mechanism can be attached to the package generally parallel to the fin seal.

[0010] The closure mechanism advantageously provides a malleable wire to hold a flexible package in a closed configuration, such as by bending or rolling the wire along with the excess flexible package material. As the wire is repeatedly bent and unbent, the gradually extending wire is accommodated b the excess space in the pocket so that no portion, of the wire pierces the cover or base of the assembly. Additionally, the pocket cars fully receive the wire therein, so that the cover can be generally planar to provide a substantially uniform surface for adhering the closure mechanism, to the package.

[0011] A method for forming a closure mechanism and a flexible package capable of being reciosed is also described herein. An elongate pocket having a first length is formed in a base. A wire having a second length is deposited into the pocket, the first length being greater than the second length, A cover is then attached to the base to enclose the wire between the cover and the base to thereby form a reclose assembly. The method can include cutting the wire from a spool or the like to the second length. An adhesive layer is applied to the cover on a side thereof opposite of the base, A flexible package is formed, such as by sealing a plurality of walls to form an interior cavity, A. closure mechanism formed as set forth above can then be adhered to the flexible package to provide reclose capabilities. By one approach, the package can include end seals with a fin sea! extending therebetween and the reclose assembly extends generally parallel to the fin seal. The flexible package with the closure mechanism adhered thereto can optionally then be deposited within a generally rigid carton, a shipping container or other containment structure for shipping, storage, and/or sale thereof,

[0012] In another aspect, a method of forming a closure mechanism as described herein can include the steps of forming the channel in the base, depositing the wire in the channel after the step of forming the channel and attaching the cover to the peripheral flange of the base to enclose the wire between the cover and the base. The method can optionally include the step of folding over an end portion of the base to a position overlapping an adjacent portion of the base and the channel and attaching the end portion to the overlapped adjacent portion of the base to assist in retaining the wire in the base after the step of depositing the wire in the channel and prior to the step of attaching the cover, The cover can be sized to not overlap the end portion, of the base. The method can optionally include the step of folding over each of a pair of end portions of the base to a position overlapping an adjacent portion of the base and the channel and attaching the end portion to the overlapped adjacent portion of the base to assist in retaining the wire in the base after the step of depositing the wire in the channel and prior to the step of attaching the cover, and wherein the cover is sized to not overlap the end portions of the base.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a closure mechanism;

[0014] FIGURE 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the closure mechanism of

FIGURE 1 showing a base with a pocket, a top, and a malleable component;

[0015] FIGURE. 3 is a rear perspective view of the closure mechanism of FIGURE 1 showing the top partially removed for illustrative purposes;

[0016] FIGURE. 4 is a cross-sectional vie of the closure mechanism of FIGURE 1 taken along line 4-4 thereof; [0017] FIGURE 5 is a side elevation view of the closure mechanism of FIGURE 1 attached to a flexible package having contents stored therein and showing the package in an unopened configuration;

[0018] FIGURE 6 is a side elevation view of the flexible package of FIGURE 5 with some of the eon tents removed and an upper portion of the flexible package in a roiled configuration to reduce headspace above the contents and the reclose assembly holding the upper portion of the flexible package in the roiled configuration;

[0019] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of an alternative closure mechanism with a base having a pocket on a first longitudinal portion to receive a malleable component and a second longitudinal portion configured to fold over and secure to the first longitudinal portion within the malleable component therebetween;

[0020] FIGURE 8 is a perspective vie w of another alternative closure mechanism with a base having a closed curvilinear pocket therein, a top, and a curvilinear malleable component received i the pocket;

[0021] FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of yet another alternative closure mechanism with a base having a curvilinear pocket therein, a top, and a closed curvilinear malleable component received in the pocket;

[0022] FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of the rear of the further alternative closure mechanism made from the steps illustrated in FIGURES 1 OA- IOC;

[0023] FIGURE 11 is a modified version of the further alternative closure mechanism, having a folded instead of separate back cover;

[0024] FIGURES 12A-12C illustrate steps in the formation of a further alternative closure mechanism having folded ends to retain the wire in the pocket during the assembly steps;

[0025] FIGURE 13 is a diagrammatic view of a form, fill, and seal assembly line to create and fill a flexible package and attach a closure mechanism thereto; and

[0026] FIGURE^' 14 is a flow chart of exemplary steps for a method of making a closure mechanism.

Detailed Description

[0027] A flexible package reclose feature as described herein can be included in packages formed in high speed manufacturing processes and complements actions already performed by users of flexible packages. Specifically, as contents of a flexible package are sequentially removed by a consumer, to reciose the package and reduce the headspace above the remaining contents consumers commonly roll the excess flexible package above the contents. Unfortunately, rolled flexible packages can fail to hold closed, instead unrolling and exposing the remaining contents of the package to air, which can cause the contents to stale or be tmsecureiy held within the package. Advantageously, with the closure mechanism described herein included in the package, when a consumer rolls or folds the excess flexible package upon itself to optionally reduce the headspace above the contents of the package, the closure mechanism holds the excess flexible packaging in the rolled or folded configuration. This can reduce air access to the contents of the package and can secure the remaining contents in the package to prevent spillage if the package is accidentally dropped or knocked over.

[0028] A reciose feature 10 capable of such advantageous results is described herein. The reciose feature includes a base web or sheet 12 of suitable material, a top web or sheet 14 of suitable material, and a malleable component 16. such as a wire or strip of metal or plastic, secured therebetween to form a closure mechanism 10. The closure mechanism 10 disclosed herein, however, has an improved structure over previous tin ties. Specifically, the closure mechanism base 12 has a pocket or recess 18 formed therein prior to introduction of the wire 16 to the base 12 such that the wire 16 is enclosed between the base and top sheets 12, 14, The pocket 18 is larger in at least one dimension than the wire 16 to accommodate expansion of the wire 16 during use. Preferably, the pocket 18 is at least slightly longer than the wire 16 because as the wire 16 is repeatedly bent, twisted, or curved, the wire 16 slightly extends in length.

[0029] The closure mechanism 10 is suitable for reclosing a flexible package 20, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 5-6, having the reciose feature 10 to allow a user to effectively reciose the package 20, while also reducing headspace 22 above items or contents 24 stored inside of the package 20 while the items 24 are sequentially removed from the flexible package 20. The flexible package 20 described herein can be called upon to store any suitable items, including, for example, a foodstuff, such as crackers, cookies, cereal, cheese, meat, coffee, nuts, dried fruits, spices, etc., or other non-foodstuff products, ideally, the reciose feature 10 can be used on flexible packages storing items that are sequentiaiiy removed and require repeated reciosure during the packages' lifespan. In the exemplary embodiment described herein, the items are described with regard to a foodstuff. [0030] Turning now to the drawings and details of the closure mechanism 10, the base sheet 12 is a sheet or strip of suitable polymer, such as a polyoiefm, polyester, PET, PP, PS, PVC, FIFE, thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers. Alternatively, the base sheet 12 may be a portion of the flexible package 20, In the illustrated form, the base sheet 12 includes a perimeter 30, and can be generally rectangular with side edges 32 extending between end edges 34. The base sheet 12, however, can take any suitable shape, including curvilinear shapes, other regular or irregular polygons, or combinations thereof.

[0031] The base sheet 12 includes the pocket 18 therein for reception of the wire 16. The pocket 18 is preferably cold formed into the. base sheet 12: however, the pocket 18 may also be hot formed, into the base sheet 12 if desired. As shown, the pocket is formed in an interior of the base sheet 12 such that no portion of the pocket 18 intersects the perimeter 30 of the base sheet 12, so that a flange 36 extends outwardly on all sides thereof. Therefore, the pocket 18 is spaced from the perimeter 30 of the base sheet 12 by between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, and preferably at least about 2 mm on all sides. The pocket 18 has a first length, width, and depth configured to entirely receive the wire 16 therein. Preferably, the pocket 18 is larger than the wire 16 in at least one dimension, and more preferably, the pocket 18 is at least slightly longer, wider, and deeper than the wire 16. So configured, the pocket 18 can also accommodate movement of the wire 16 during flexing thereof.

[0032] In one example, the wire 16 is generally cylindrical is cross section with a diameter of about 0.0258 mm and a length of about 5.5 mm. In turn, the pocket 18 has a depth and a width of about 0.0315 mm; and a length of about 7.5 mm. The wire can be metal, such as 23 gauge low carbon steel The width of the pocket 18 can be sized to be larger than the width of the wire 16. Alternatively, the width of the pocket 18 can be sized such that the sidewalls thereof frictionally retain the wire 16 therein, which can be useful during assembly and prior to the attachment of the top sheet 4.

[0033] Once the wire 16 is received in the pocket 18, the top sheet 14 can then be attached to the base sheet 12. As shown., the top sheet 14 can be of a form generally complementary to the base sheet 1.2, such as the illustrated rectangular form with side edges 38 and end edges 40. The top sheet 14, however, can take any of the forms as described above with respect to the bottom sheet 12. The top sheet. 14 can completely cover the base flange 36 when attached to the base, but all that is required of the top sheet 14 is that it covers the pocket 18 and attaches to the base flange 36 to enclose the wire 16 between the top and bottom sheets 12, 14. The top sheet 14 can also be integral with the base sheet and folded to a position overlapping the base sheet 12 and attached thereto. The top sheet 14 can also be larger than the base sheet .12 in one or more dimension such that it can be folded over one or more of the edges of the base sheet 12 , The top sheet 14 can be attached to the base sheet by any suitable method, including, for example, utilizing a ply bond or thermoset along with heat to seal the sheets together; uitrasomcally sealing the sheets together; or the like. Advantageously, the depth of the pocket 18 completely receiving the wire 16 therein allows the top sheet 14 to be generally planar without significant protrusions.

[0034] In another form, as shown in FIG. 7, the bottom sheet 12 can be enlarged in at least one direction, such as longitudinally or transverse thereto, so that the top sheet 14 is a top base portion 42 thereof that can be folded over to cover the pocket 18, In the illustrated form, the top base portion 42 extends along one of the side edges 32, however, the top base portion 42 can extend from both side edges 32, from one or both of the end edges 34, a combination thereof, or other edge portions if the base sheet 12 is not rectangular,

[0035] The wire 16 can take any suitable malleable form that can be bent to hold a flexible package in a closed position. The material can be metallic or non-metallic, A consumer of a flexible package commonly roils the excess package down to reduce the headspace in the package and restrict air flow. Accordingly, in a preferred form, the wire 16 is positioned to complement this action by at least partially extending along the rolled package material and at least partially hold the package material in the rolled configuration. The wire 16 can be fed from a spool and cut to a desired length prior to insertion into the pocket 18, in this form, the wire 16 and the pocket 18 have lengths so that the pocket 18 includes excess space of between any of about 0.1 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.75 ram and 1 mm, or another suitable dimension, on each end so that as the wire 16 is bent and slightly expands in length, the pocket 18 accommodates this additional length. Additionally, ends 46 of the wire 16 can be rounded, flattened, or otherwise have a blunt configuratio to further reduce protrusion of the wire 16 from the pocket 18 through the sheets 20.

[0036] So constructed, an adhesive 48 is applied to the closure mechanism 10 so that the mechanism can be attached to the flexible package 20. Alternatively, another manner of fastening can be used. Preferably, the adhesive 48 is applied to a side 50 of the top sheet 14 opposite of the side 52 attached to the base sheet 12 so feat the generally planar configuration of the top sheet 14 can be utilized to provide a substantially uniform adherence to the flexible package 20. The adhesive 48 can take any suitable form, including, for example, pressure sensitive adhesives, thermal bond film, or other manners of fastening, such as applying heat, ultrasonic or radio frequency. Additionally, the adhesive 48 can be uniformly applied to the top sheet 14, and the base flange 36 if the top sheet 14 does not entirely cover it, but other patterns can also be utilized.

[0037] As summarized in FIG. 14, a method of making the closure mechanism can include forming a pocket or channel in a bottom web, cutting a wire smaller in at least one dimension than the pocket (such as the length), placing the wire in the pocket, and sealing a top web to the bottom web.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the wire 16 and the pocket 18 are generally linear in an unbent configuration. The wire 16 and pocket 18, however, can take other suitable complementary shapes, such as a curvilinear, wavy configuration 46 such as shown in FIG. 8 including arcuate portions 48. The wire 16 and pocket. 18 can also be a circular or oval configuration 50 as shown in FIG, 9,

[0039] An alternative to the closure mechanism 10 of FIGS. 1 -4, a closure mechanism 60 can be of the form illustrated in FIG. 10. The closure mechanism 60 of FIG. 10 is similar in some aspects to the closure mechanism 10 of FIGS. 1-4, such as by having a pocket 62 formed in a base 64, containing a wire 66 and with a top sheet 68 overlying the pocket 62 and secured to the base 64 using adhesive or another suitable manner. The dimensions and other parameters can be the same as set forth above. However, the difference lies in the facts that at least one end 70, and preferably both ends 70 and 72, of the base 64 function as flaps that are folded over to partially overly the pocket 62 and can be secured to the adjacent and. underlying portions of the base 64. This arrangement can be advantageous during manufacture, as the flaps 70 and 72 can retain the wire 66 in the pocket 62 prior to the attachment of the top sheet 68 to the adjacent portions of the pocket 62. The top sheet 68 can have a reduced length such that it can fit between the flaps 70 and 72 in their closed positions. As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the top sheet 68 can optionally be hinged and integral with the base 64 such, that it can be folded into its overlying position.

[0040] Exemplary steps in a method of making the closure mechanism 60 of FIGS. 10 or 1 1 are depicted in FIGS, 12A-12C. The closure mechanism 60 can be made from a web 74 of flexible material. Punch outs 76 and 78 can be made at the top and bottom of what will be the base 64 to define the flaps 70 and 72 at each end of the base 64, as illustrated in FIG. 12 A. The pocket 62 can also be formed either before or after the punch outs 76 and 78, as illustrated in FIG. 12 A. Next, the wire 66 can be inserted into the pocket 62, as illustrated in FIG. 12B. Thereafter, the flaps 70 and 72 defined by the punch outs 76 and 78 can folded over and secured to the base 64 to secure the wire 66 in the pocket 62 during further assembly steps, also as illustrated in FIG. 12B, Finally, one or more cuts 80 can be made about what will be the base 62 to singulate the base 62 from the web 74, as illustrated in FIG. I 2C. The top sheet 68 can then be secured to the base 62 to form the closure mechanism 60 of FIG. 10. Optionally, the cuts 80 can include a part of the web 74 that can define a hingediy attached top sheet integral with the base 64 that can be folded over, as illustrated in FIG, 11 , and secured to the base 62.

[0041] Turning now to details of an exemplary form of the flexible package 20 as shown in FIG, 5. The package 20 can be constructed from a single web 100 of flexible material and includes top and bottom edge portions 102, 104 and side edge portions 106. In the illustrated form, the web 100 ca be used to form the recloseabie package 20, such as a typical vertical or horizontal form, fill, and seal type of pouch, In this form, the package 20 has a tubular shape sealed longitudinally by a fin seal 108 between the side edge portions 106 of the web 100. The package 20 includes a front wail portion 110 and a rear wall portion 1 12, each having top and bottom edge portions 1 14, 116 thereof. The package 20 further includes side wall portions .1 18 connecting the front and rear wail portions 110, 1 12 and having top and bottom edge portions 120, 122. In the illustrated form, a bottom seal 124 is formed between the bottom edge portions 1 16 of the front and rear wall portions 110. 112 and between the bottom edge portions 1 16 of the front and rear wail portions 1 10, 1 12 and the bottom edge portions 122 of the side wall portions 1 18. As illustrated, the side wall portions 1 18 fold inwardly at the bottom edge portions 122 thereof to form the bottom seal 124, however, the side wall portions 118 could also fold outwardly to form an outwardly extending bottom seal. Folding the bottom edge portions 122 of the side wall portions 1 18 inward can create a bottom segment 126 for the package 20, upon which the package 20 can rest in a vertical orientation .

[0042] With the creation of the bottom seal 124, an interior cavity 128 is formed within the package 20 having a mouth 130 formed by the front, rear, and side top edge portions 1 14, 120. As in the typical form, fill, and seal process, after the longitudinal fin seal 108 and the bottom seal 124 are formed, the cavity 128 can then be filled with the foodstuff 24. As with the bottom, seal 124, a top seal 132 can be formed between the front and rear top edge portions 114 and between the side top edge portions 120. in the illustrated form, the top seal 32 is spaced from a top edge 134 of the package 20, This spacing creates a flange 136 which provides a grip for a user when opening the package 20, such as by breaking or removing the top seal 132. In this aspect, either one or both of the top seal 132 and the bottom seal 124 can be removable, meaning, for example, that, the top seal 132 and the bottom seal 124 can be initiall broken, or the entire seal 132, 124 can be removed from the package 20, such as with the aid of an area of weakness, such as a scored line. So configured, the package 20 can be filled with the foodstuff 24 and hermetically sealed for storage, shipping, and display. Although a particular package configuration is described having certain details such as the flange 136, other suitable packages can include be used with the closure mechanism.

[0043] As discussed previously, the package 20 can be provided to the user with the interior cavity 128 in an initially hermetically sealed condition enclosed by the bottom seal 124, the top seal 132, and the fin seal .108 storing the foodstuff 24. The user can then break or remove the top seal 132 to access the interior cavity 108 and the foodstuff 24. Following the initial breaking or opening, as the user sequentially removes the foodstuff 24 from the interior cavity 128, an increasing amount, of headspace 22 is created above the foodstuff 24. The closure mechanism 10 can be utilized by the user to sequentially reduce this headspace. More specifically, the package 20 can be opened by removing one of the seals 124, 132, the foodstuff 24 removed, and the package 20 manipulated, such as by folding or rolling excess package material, by the consumer to a closed position, which is at least partially held by the mechanism 10 attached to the package 20.

[0044] An example vertical form, fill, and seal line 200 is shown in FIG. 13. A spool, of material 202 provides a continuous roil of webs 100 in a feed direction, indicated by arrow 203. The material 202 is provided to a collar 204, around which the material 202 is manipulated to double over itself. A fin seal mechanism 206, such as pin wheels, a seal bar, or similar devices, configured to create a suitable seal, including a heat seal, a cold seal, or an induction seal, creates the fin seal 108 so that the material 202 has a tubular form. Transverse seal bars 208 are provided to simultaneously create the top seal 132 of the leading package 20a and the bottom seal 124 of the subsequent partially-formed package 20b. The top and bottom seals 132, 124 could alternatively be created with separate machines. Additionally, the transverse seal bars 208 can include a cutting blade to separate the leading and subsequent packages 20a and 20b, Once the bottom seal 124 is created, the foodstuff^" 24 can be deposited into the partially-formed package 20b through a funnel 210 positioned above the collar 204.

[0045] Additionally, a closure mechanism application mechanism 212 is provided along the line 200 to adhere the closure mechanism to each package 20. The application mechanism can be positioned before the fin seal mechanism 206, between the fin seal mechanism 206 and the transverse seal bars 208, or after the transverse seal bars 208 as desired, In a preferred form, the closure mechanism 10 is attached to the package 20 so that the mechanism 10 is generally parallel to the feed direction 203 and the fin seal 108. Alternatively, the assembly 10 ca be applied at a diagonal thereto. Additionally, the assembly 10 can be applied intermediate of the top and boitom seals 132, 124, and preferably spaced from the top or bottom, quarters of the package 20. Once formed, the package 20 with the reclose closure mechanism 10 adhered thereto can be deposited into a generally rigid carton for storage, shipping, and display.

[0046] The drawings and the foregoing descriptions are not intended to represent the only forms of the package in regards to the details of construction. Changes in form and in proportion of parts, as well as the substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may- suggest or render expedient.

Claims

Claims:

1. A closure mechanism suitable for attachment to a flexible package for use in selectivel retaining the package in a plurality of different closed positions, the closure mec anism, comprising:

a flexible wire;

a flexible base having a depressed, pre-formed channel for receiving the wire and a surrounding peripheral flange, the channel being greater in length than the wire; and

a flexible cover attached to the peripheral flange of the base to at least partially enclose the wire in the channel.

2. The closure mechanism of claim 1 , wherein an adhesive layer is provided on an opposite side of the cover from the wire to facilitate attachment of the closure mechanism to a flexible package.

3. The closure mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the flexible cover is generally planar.

4. The closure mechanism of claim 3, wherein the peripheral flange of the base is generally planar.

5. The closure mechanism of claim 4, wherein the channel is at least about 15 % greater in length than the wire.

6. The closure mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least one end of the wire is rounded.

7. The closure mechanism of claim 1, wherem the channel is closed curvilinear in shape.

8. The closure mechanism of claim 1, wherein the channel and wire arc curvilinear.

9. The closure mechanism of claim 1 , wherein at least one end portion of the base overlaps an adjacent portion of the base and overlaps the channel to assist in retaining the wire in the channel

10. The closure mechanism of claim 9, wherein the cover has a size such that it does not overlap the at least one end portion of the base.

1 1. The closure mechanism of claim 1, wherein a pair of end portions of the base each overlap an adjacent portion of the base and the channel to assist in retaining the wire in. the channel and the cover has a size such that it does not overlap the end portions of the base.

12. The closure mechanism of claim 1 in combination with a flexible package containing a food product, the wire assembly being attached to the flexible package in a position permitting the assembly to be used to selectively retain the package in a plurality of different closed positions.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the closure mechanism is attached to the flexible package generally perpendicular to an opening of the package.

14. The combination of claim 12, wherein a length of the wire is between about 10 % and about 50 % of the. length of the flexible package.

15. The recloseable flexible package of claim 12, wherein the channel is at least about 15 % greater in length than the wire and the wire is unattached to the base.

16. The recloseable flexible package of claim 12, wherein the channel and wire are curvilinear.