HIDDEN FLANGE CHILD RESISTANT CLOSURE FOR RECLOSEABLE POUCH AND METHODS

Abstract

A recloseable zipper pouch includes a recloseable zipper with interlocking profiles. At least one of the profiles has a grasping flange with a free end positionable both above and below the interlocking profile, and an attachment flange below the interlocking profile and attached to the wall of the pouch at an anchored portion on the attachment flange. The grasping flange is unattached to the first wall between opposite sidewall edges of the pouch. The complementary interlocking profile is attached to the opposite pouch wall. Some pouches can also include an opening in a side wall of the pouch to provide access to a portion of the grasping flange.

Claims

1. A recloseable package comprising: (a) a first and second sidewall joined along respective sidewall edges, and a bottom to form a package with an open mouth bounded by terminal ends of the first and second sidewalls; and (b) a recloseable zipper closure positioned adjacent the mouth, comprising: (i) a first track comprising a first interlocking profile, an attachment flange, and a grasping flange integral with the attachment flange; (A) the grasping flange being unattached to the first sidewall between the sidewall edges; (B) the attachment flange being attached to the first sidewall at a first region extending between the sidewall edges; (C) the attachment flange being free of attachment to the first sidewall behind the first interlocking profile; and (ii) a second track comprising a second interlocking profile shaped to releasably interlock with the first interlocking profile; the second track being attached to the second sidewall; (c) wherein the grasping flange has a free end located between the terminal ends and the first interlocking profile; and wherein the grasping flange is freely movable and unattached to the first sidewall a complete distance between the sidewall edges, and unattached to the first sidewall between the free end and at least the first interlocking profile; and (d) wherein, when the first and second interlocking profiles are interlocked, a surface of the grasping flange is positioned to be opposing and movable to be directly against a surface of the attachment flange.

2. The recloseable package of claim 1 wherein the grasping flange unfolds from a first position in which the free end is located between the terminal ends and the first interlocking profile to a second position where the free end is located adjacent the terminal end of the first sidewall.

3. The recloseable package of claim 1 wherein the grasping flange is part of a same, extruded member as the attachment flange.

4. The recloseable package of claim 1 wherein the grasping flange is part of a same, co-extruded member as the attachment flange.

5. The recloseable package of claim 1 wherein: (a) the first interlocking profile comprises a stem with a head; and (b) the second interlocking profile comprises a pair of legs spaced apart to receive the head of the first track.

6. The recloseable package of claim 1 wherein the grasping flange is movable away from the attachment flange.

7. The recloseable package of claim 1 wherein the first region comprises an anchor portion on an inner surface of the attachment flange.

8. The recloseable package of claim 7 wherein the anchor portion comprises a heat seal between the attachment flange and the first sidewall.

9. The recloseable package of claim 7 wherein the anchor portion comprises an adhesive bond between the attachment flange and the first sidewall.

10. The recloseable package of claim 1 wherein the zipper closure comprises a plastic polymer material.

11. A recloseable package comprising: (a) a first and second sidewall joined along respective sidewall edges, and a bottom to form a package with an open mouth bounded by terminal ends of the first and second sidewalls; and (b) a recloseable zipper closure positioned adjacent the mouth, comprising: (i) a first track comprising a first interlocking profile, an attachment flange, and a grasping flange integral with the attachment flange; (A) the grasping flange being unattached to the first sidewall between the sidewall edges; (B) the attachment flange being attached to the first sidewall only at a first region extending between the sidewall edges, the first region being vertically spaced from the first interlocking profile; and (ii) a second track comprising a second interlocking profile shaped to releasably interlock with the first interlocking profile; the second track being attached to the second sidewall; (c) wherein the grasping flange has a free end located between the terminal ends and the first interlocking profile; and wherein the grasping flange is freely movable and unattached to the first sidewall a complete distance between the sidewall edges, and unattached to the first sidewall between the free end and at least the first interlocking profile; and (d) wherein the first track includes a fold along the complete distance between the sidewall edges such that the grasping flange is opposing and is positionable to be directly against a surface of the attachment flange when the package is in a closed condition.

12. The recloseable package of claim 11 wherein the grasping flange unfolds from a first position in which the free end is located between the terminal ends and the first interlocking profile to a second position where the free end is located adjacent the terminal end of the first sidewall.

13. The recloseable package of claim 11 wherein the grasping flange is part of a same, extruded member as the attachment flange.

14. The recloseable package of claim 11 wherein: (a) the first interlocking profile comprises a stem with a head; and (b) the second interlocking profile comprises a pair of legs spaced apart to receive the head of the first track.

15. The recloseable package of claim 11 wherein the zipper closure comprises a plastic polymer material.

16. A method of opening a zipper closure of a recloseable zipper pouch, the zipper closure having mating zipper profile members; the method comprising: (a) reaching into an interior of the pouch to grasp a free end of a first flange; (b) pulling the first flange in a direction away from an opposing second flange; the first flange and the opposing second flange each being secured to a mated zipper profile member; (c) opening the zipper closure by pulling the first flange and the opposing second flange until the mating zipper profile members are disengaged.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of moving the first flange includes unfolding the first flange to move the free end of the first flange toward a position adjacent a terminal end of the mouth of the pouch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a reclosable pouch incorporating the zipper closure, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the reclosable pouch of FIG. 1 and showing a first embodiment of the zipper closure and depicting a grasping flange in a hidden position, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the zipper closure of FIG. 2, depicting the grasping flange in closure-opening position;

[0059] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the zipper closure of FIGS. 2 and 3, depicting the zipper closure disengaged in an open position;

[0060] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the zipper closure usable with the pouch of FIG. 1 and depicting the grasping flange in a hidden position;

[0061] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the zipper closure of FIG. 5, depicting the grasping flange in closure-opening position;

[0062] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the zipper closure of FIG. 2 and showing a variation in a closure-opening position of the grasping flange;

[0063] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the zipper closure of FIG. 2 and showing a variation in a size of the grasping flange;

[0064] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the zipper closure usable with the pouch of FIG. 1 and depicting the grasping flange in a hidden position;

[0065] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the zipper closure of FIG. 9, depicting the grasping flange in closure-opening position;

[0066] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the zipper closure usable with the pouch of FIG. 1 and depicting the grasping flange in a hidden position;

[0067] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the zipper closure of FIG. 11, depicting the grasping flange in closure-opening position;

[0068] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reclosable pouch and including an opening in the pouch to provide access to a portion of the grasping flange, according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the pouch of FIG. 13, the cross section being taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

[0070] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the pouch of FIG. 13;

[0071] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view, similar to the view of FIG. 15, but illustrating another embodiment;

[0072] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view, similar to the view of FIG. 15, but illustrating another embodiment;

[0073] FIG. 18 is a front elevational view, similar to the view of FIG. 15, but illustrating another embodiment; and

[0074] FIG. 19 is a front elevational view, similar to the view of FIG. 15, but illustrating another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Package Overview

[0075] FIG. 1 illustrates a reclosable zipper package or pouch generally at 20. The pouch 20 will generally be flexible and can be made from a polymeric film, although other materials are usable. The pouch 20 includes a surrounding wall 22. The surrounding wall 22 encloses an interior volume 23 (FIG. 2). A reclosable zipper closure 24 is part of the pouch 20 to allow for selective closing and opening of the pouch 20 to either allow access to the interior volume 23 or block access to the interior volume 23. The materials of the zipper closure 24 are preferably polymer plastic and will typically be molded, such by an extrusion process.

[0076] The surrounding wall 22 includes first and second sidewalls or wall panels 26, 28 in opposition to each other. First and second sidewall edges (sides) 30, 32 join the first and second sidewalls 26, 28. In some embodiments, the first and second sidewall edges 30, 32 can be seals connecting together the first and second sidewalls 26, 28, while in other embodiments, the first and second sides 30, 32 are not seals, but merely form the sides 30, 32.

[0077] The pouch 20 includes a closed bottom 34. The closed bottom 34, in this embodiment, is between the first sidewall edge 30 and second sidewall edge 32 and at an opposite end of the pouch as the reclosable zipper closure 24. The closed bottom 34 can be part of the same single piece of material that forms the first wall 26 and second wall 28; alternatively, the closed bottom 34 can be a seal connecting together the first wall 26 and second wall 28.

[0078] The pouch 20 has an open mouth 36 at the end of the pouch 20 that is opposite from the closed bottom 34. The mouth 36 is defined by terminal ends 38, 40 of the first and second walls 26, 28. The mouth 36 provides access to the interior volume 23, when the reclosable zipper closure 24 is in an unlocked/disengaged (open) position (FIG. 4). When the reclosable zipper closure 24 is in a locked position, access to the interior volume 23 is blocked.

[0079] The pouch 20 can be made from many different materials, and is preferably made from a polymeric material, such as a clear (transparent) polymer to form a flexible plastic bag.

B. Example Zipper Closures

[0080] The reclosable zipper closure 24 in the pouch 20 is constructed to increase the difficulty for children to open the pouch 20 and gain access to contents of the interior volume 23, while still allowing easy opening for adults or senior citizens. Example embodiments are shown in FIGS. 2-12. The same reference numerals will be used for analogous parts in these embodiments.

[0081] The reclosable zipper closure 24 is typically positioned adjacent the mouth 36. The zipper closure 24 includes a first track 42 having an interlocking profile in the form of a first zipper profile member 44.

[0082] The reclosable zipper closure 24 further includes a second track 46. The second track 46 has a complementary interlocking profile in the form of a second zipper profile member 48. The first profile member 44 and the second profile member 48 are constructed and arranged to selectively interlock when pressed together and unlock (see FIG. 4) when forced apart.

[0083] The first zipper profile member 44 and the second zipper profile member 48 have complementary shapes such that they will interlock or engage with each other in the form of a “press to fit” closure. While many different embodiments for such interlocking profiles are possible, in the example embodiment shown herein, the first zipper profile member 44 is in the form of a stem 52 having a head 54. The second zipper profile member 48 is in the form of a pair of legs 56, 57 with an opening therebetween. To engage the first zipper profile member 44 with the second zipper profile member 48, the head 54 is pushed between the legs 56, 57, which then hold the head 54 in place as the legs 56, 57 tuck under the head 54 and at the stem 52. Many different embodiments are possible.

[0084] The first track 42 further includes a first flange 60. As will be apparent from the description that follows, the first flange 60 operates as a grasping flange 61 because, in use to open the zipper closure 24, it is grasped. The first flange 60 has a free end 74 that is positionable both above the first profile member 44 and below the first profile member 44. By the term “above”, it is meant that the free end 74 of the first flange 60 is positioned between the terminal ends 38, 40 defining the mouth 36 and the first zipper profile member 44.

[0085] The first track 42 further includes an attachment flange 64. The attachment flange 64 has an outer surface 68 facing the interior volume 23 of the pouch 20 and an opposite inner surface 66 facing the first side wall 26.

[0086] The first zipper profile member 46 projects from the outer surface 68 of the attachment flange 64. In many embodiments, the first zipper profile member 46 is a same extruded piece of material as the attachment flange 64.

[0087] The attachment flange 64 is secured to the first sidewall 26 only along an anchor portion 70. The anchor portion 70 will typically be located on the inner surface 66 of the attachment flange 64. The attachment flange 64 is free of attachment to the first wall panel 26 at a region behind the first zipper profile member 44. By the term “behind,” it is meant the region of the attachment flange 64 that is in axial alignment with a longitudinal axis 75 (FIG. 3) of the first zipper profile member 44. In preferred embodiments, the attachment flange 64 is free of attachment to the first wall panel at all locations along the attachment flange 64 other than at the anchor portion 70.

[0088] The attachment flange 64 includes a profile member end 102 and an opposite wall panel end 104. The first zipper profile member 44 extends from the attachment flange 64 adjacent the profile member end 102. The attachment flange 64 is secured to the first wall panel 26 at the wall panel end 104 at the anchored portion 70. The anchored portion 70 extends along a length of less than half of the attachment flange 64 from the wall panel end 104 toward the profile member end 102. Many other variations are possible.

[0089] The second zipper profile member 48 is secured to the second wall panel 28 and extends toward the first wall panel 26 in a location to engage the first profile member 44. The second zipper profile member 48 can be part of a second flange 62, which is secured to the second wall panel 28 with a heat seal or adhesive.

[0090] The grasping flange 61 is integral with the attachment flange 64. By “integral with”, it is meant that the grasping flange 61 is either the same, extruded or co-extruded piece of material as the attachment flange 64, or it is a separate piece of material that is permanently secured, attached, or fixed to the attachment flange 64. Various techniques for making the grasping flange 61 and attachment flange 64 are described in Section C, below.

[0091] As mentioned above, the grasping flange 61 has free end 74, which is unattached or free of any connection with the first side wall 26 between the sidewall edges 30, 32. In embodiments in which the grasping flange 61 is a separate piece of material that is secured to the attachment flange 64, the grasping flange 61 is completely unattached and free of connection with the first side wall 26, between the sidewall edges 30, 32. In preferred embodiments, the grasping flange 61 is secured at the sidewall edges 30, 32, and at those locations, the grasping flange 61 is attached to both the first side wall 26 and second side wall 28.

[0092] The grasping flange 61 has a first surface 50 and an opposite second surface 51. The free end 74 is at a terminal end of the grasping flange 61 between the first surface 50 and second surface 51.

[0093] In embodiments (i.e., FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10) in which the grasping flange 61 is a separate piece of material that is secured to the attachment flange 64, the grasping flange 61 has a fixed portion 72 that is secured to the inner surface 66 of the attachment flange 64.

[0094] The grasping flange 61 is “adjustable.” By the term “adjustable,” it is meant that the grasping flange 61 is movable between a hidden position (FIG. 2) and a closure-opening position (FIGS. 3, 4, and 6-8, 10, 12). The hidden position includes the free end 74 being located between the first zipper profile member 44, and the attachment flange anchored portion 70. In embodiments (i.e., FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10) having fixed portion 72, the hidden position can also be described as the free end 74 being located between the fixed portion 72 and the anchored portion 70. The hidden position includes the first surface 50 of the grasping flange 61 adjacent or against the inner surface 66 of the attachment flange 64.

[0095] In the closure-opening position, the first surface 50 of the grasping flange 61 is pulled away from the inner surface 66 of the attachment flange 64. In some embodiments (FIGS. 3, 4, 8, 10, 12), the closure-opening position includes the free end 74 located toward or adjacent the terminal end 38 of the first side wall 26. Those embodiments can also include the first profile member 44 being located axially between the free end 74 and the anchored portion 70.

[0096] In FIG. 8, the free end 74 of the grasping flange 61 is below the terminal ends 38, 40 of the mouth 36 such that the free end 74 is located between the terminal ends 38, 40 and the first zipper profile member 44. In the configurations shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the free end 74 is toward the terminal end 38, including being adjacent or even with the terminal ends 38, 40, when in the closure-opening position.

[0097] FIG. 7 illustrates another possibility for the closure-opening position, in which the grasping flange 61 is pulled away from the inner surface 66 of the attachment flange, but the free end 74 remains lower than the first profile member 44. The grasping flange 61 can be pulled straight out from the first profile member 44 to open the closure 24.

[0098] When the materials of the first track 42 and second track 46 are made from a plastic polymer material, typically the anchored portion 70 between the attachment flange 64 and the bag side wall 26 is provided by either a heat seal, or an adhesive bond. Similarly, in embodiments (i.e., FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10) in which the grasping flange 61 is a separate piece of material that is secured to the attachment flange 64, the fixed portion 72 of the grasping flange 61 is secured to the attachment flange 64 with either a heat seal or an adhesive bond.

[0099] In embodiments (i.e., FIGS. 5, 6, 9, 10) in which the grasping flange 61 is a separate piece of material that is secured to the attachment flange 64, the grasping flange 61 can be secured to the attachment flange 64 at many different configurations, described below.

[0100] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fixed portion 72 of the grasping flange 61 is not axially aligned with the first zipper profile member 44. In this embodiment, the grasping flange 61 is secured to the attachment flange 64 below the first zipper profile member 44 at a location between the first zipper profile member 44 and the anchored portion 70.

[0101] In the configuration of FIGS. 9 and 10, the first track 42 includes a pair of interlocking profiles, such that there is a third zipper profile member 76 secured to the outer surface 68 of the attachment flange 64 and extending toward the second wall panel 28. The third zipper profile member 76 is spaced from the first zipper profile member 44. In this embodiment, the third zipper profile member 76 includes a pair of spaced legs 78, 79.

[0102] Still in reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second track 46 includes a pair of complementary interlocking profiles. In particular, there is a fourth zipper profile member 80 secured to the second flange 62 and the second wall panel 28 and extending toward the first wall panel 26 and in a location to engage the third profile member 76. The fourth zipper profile member 80 is spaced from the second zipper profile member 48. In this embodiment, the fourth zipper profile member 80 is in the form of a stem 82 having a head 84. Many alternatives are possible.

[0103] In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the fixed portion 72 of the grasping flange 61 is located or positioned between the first zipper profile member 44 and the third zipper profile member 76. Of course, the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 can include other variations in which the fixed portion 72 of the grasping flange 61 is in axial alignment with either the first zipper profile member 44 or the third zipper profile member 76. Further, the grasping flange 61 can be extruded as a same piece of material as the attachment flange 64.

[0104] In reference now to the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12, the second track 46 can further include a second grasping flange 87 and a second attachment flange 90.

[0105] In particular, and still in reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the second attachment flange 90 has an inner surface 92 and an outer surface 94. The second zipper profile member 48 extends from the outer surface 94 of the second attachment flange 90. The second attachment flange 90 is secured to the second wall panel 28 along only an anchored portion 96 of the inner surface 92 of the second attachment flange 90 and is free of attachment to the second wall panel 28 at a region behind the second zipper profile member 48.

[0106] The second grasping flange 87 is integral with the second attachment flange 90 and is positionable between the second attachment flange 90 and the second wall panel 28. In this embodiment, the second grasping flange 87 is shown a part of a same extruded member as the attachment flange 90. The second grasping flange 87 has a free end 100, a first surface 97, and an opposite second surface 98. The second grasping flange 87 is free of attachment to the second side wall 28 between the sidewall edges 30, 32. In preferred embodiments, the second grasping flange 87 is secured at the sidewall edges 30, 32, and at those locations, the second grasping flange 87 is attached to both the first side wall 26 and second side wall 28.

[0107] The second grasping flange 87 is adjustable between a hidden position and a closure-opening position. The hidden position is shown in FIG. 11. This position includes the free end 100 of the second grasping flange 87 being located between the second profile member 48 and the second attachment flange anchored portion 96. The hidden position includes the first surface 97 of the second grasping flange 87 adjacent or against the inner surface 92 of the second attachment flange 90.

[0108] In the closure-opening position, the first surface 97 of the second grasping flange 87 is pulled away from the inner surface 92 of the second attachment flange 90. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the closure-opening position includes the free end 100 located toward or adjacent the terminal end 40 of the second side wall 28. The second profile member 48 is located axially between the free end 100 and the anchored portion 96.

[0109] In other embodiments, the second grasping flange 87 can be a separate piece of material that is secured, attached, or fixed to the attachment flange 90 at a fixed portion secured to the inner surface 92 of the second attachment flange 90, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As with the previous embodiments, when the second grasping flange 87 is a separate piece of material secured to the attachment flange 90, the fixed portion can be located in many different configurations including: in axial alignment with the second zipper profile member 48; or not in axial alignment with the second zipper profile member 48, such as in a position between the second zipper profile member 48 and the anchored portion 96, an example being shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0110] It should also be appreciated that the inclusion of second attachment flange 90 and second grasping flange 87 can be incorporated into the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing the double profiles for each track 42, 46.

[0111] The above arrangements can be used in a method of opening a zipper closure of a reclosable zipper pouch, such as the zipper closure 24 of reclosable zipper pouch 20. The method includes, first, reaching into the interior 23 of the pouch 20 to grasp first flange 60. The first flange 60 can be in the form of grasping flange 61. The step can include moving the first flange 60 toward the mouth 36 of the pouch 20.

[0112] The method can further include pulling the first flange 60 in a direction away from an opposing second flange 62. The first flange 60 and the opposing second flange 62 are each secured to a mated zipper profile member 44, 48, respectively.

[0113] The method can also include opening the zipper closure 24 by pulling the first flange 60 and the second flange 62 until the mating zipper profile members 44, 48 are disengaged.

[0114] The step of moving the first flange 60 includes unfolding the first flange 60 to move a free end 74 of the first flange 60 toward a position adjacent terminal ends 38, 40 defining the mouth 36 of the pouch 20.

[0115] The method may further include a step of reaching into the interior 23 of the pouch 20 to grasp a second grasping flange 87 and then moving the second grasping flange 87 toward the mouth 36.

[0116] The step of moving the second grasping flange 87 can include unfolding the grasping flange 87 to move a free end 100 of the second grasping flange 87 toward a position adjacent the terminal ends 38, 40 of the mouth 36 of the pouch 20.

C. Example Methods for Making the Grasping Flange and Attachment Flange

[0117] For any of the above embodiments, there are a variety of ways of attaching the grasping flange 61 to the remaining portion of the zipper profile, such as the attachment flange 64. These methods also apply to the grasping flange 87 and the attachment flange 90.

[0118] One method includes extruding the grasping flange as part of the zipper track 42, so that the extruded web includes: the attachment flange 64, the profile member 44, and the grasping flange 87. After extrusion, the grasping flange 87 is folded over.

[0119] Another method includes extruding the grasping flange as part of the zipper track 42, so that the extruded web includes: the attachment flange 64, the profile member 44, and the grasping flange 87, but in this case, the grasping flange 87 is extruded at an angle toward the attachment flange anchor portion 70. Because the grasping flange 87 is extruded at the angle, there is no need to fold the grasping flange.

[0120] Another method includes co-extruding the grasping flange with the rest of the zipper track 42. The extruded web includes: the attachment flange 64 and the profile member 44, while the grasping flange 87 is co-extruded at an angle toward the attachment flange anchor portion 70.

[0121] Another method includes making the grasping flange 87 as a separate piece from the rest of the zipper track 42 (attachment flange 64 and profile member 44) and then heat sealing the grasping flange 87 to the attachment flange 64 at an angle toward the attachment flange anchor portion 70.

[0122] Another method includes making the grasping flange 87 as a separate piece from the rest of the zipper track 42 (attachment flange 64 and profile member 44) and then adhesively bonding the grasping flange 87 to the attachment flange 64 at an angle toward the attachment flange anchor portion 70.

D. The Embodiments of FIGS. 13-19

[0123] FIGS. 13-19 depict additional embodiments of the reclosable zipper pouch or package shown here at reference numeral 120. The features previously described that are in common with the package 20 of FIGS. 1-12 will have the same reference numerals, and will not be again described here. Rather, the descriptions of those features are incorporated herein by reference.

[0124] The package 20 of FIGS. 1-12 is useful for being child-resistant. However, in some instances, it may be difficult for large fingers or for the elderly to easily open the package 20 of FIGS. 1-12. To address this problem, the solutions of FIGS. 13-19 are provided.

[0125] FIG. 13 illustrates the package 120 with the child-resistant zipper closure 24 as previously described. In this embodiment, the package 20 further includes an opening 122 through the first sidewall 26. The opening 122 is sized to provide access to at least a portion of the grasping flange 61 by one or more fingers from a position outside of the package 120.

[0126] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the package 120 in the region of the opening 122 and zipper closure 24. The opening 122 is spaced in the vicinity of the zipper closure 24 and adjacent to but spaced from the terminal end 36 of the first sidewall 30. The opening 122 is spaced adjacent to the mouth 36 and within the first sidewall 30 spaced from the terminal end 38 defining the mouth 36.

[0127] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the opening 122 is directly over in covering relation to the grasping flange 61. In general, it is convenient if the opening 122 is located at or near the grasping flange 61, such as less than 3 mm from the grasping flange 61.

[0128] The opening 122 is spaced from the sidewall edges 30, 32. The opening 122 can be positioned anywhere between the side edges 30, 32. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the opening 122 is centered between the side edges 30, 32.

[0129] The opening 122 can be embodied in many different ways. For example, the opening 122 can be in the form of a slit 124 (FIG. 18) in the first sidewall 26. The slit 124 is a long opening within the first sidewall 26 and may extend a distance of greater than 50% of the length along the zipper closure 24 between the sidewall edges 30, 32. In FIG. 18, the slit 124 extends almost the entire distance between the edges 30, 32, including greater than 75% of the distance of the zipper closure 24 and less than 99% of the distance of the zipper closure 24.

[0130] The opening 122 can also be in the form of a perforation 126 (FIG. 19). The perforation 126 includes a row of openings 122 separated by sections of the first sidewall 26 that do not include openings. The row of openings 122 forming the perforation 126 can extend a variety of lengths compared to the length of the zipper closure 24. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 19, the perforation 126 is greater than 50% of the length of the zipper closure 24; indeed, greater than 75% of the length of the zipper closure 24, and can extend between 80-99% of the length of the zipper closure 24. To access the grasping flange 61, the user would transform the perforation 126 into a larger opening by breaking the first sidewall 26 between the adjacent openings 122.

[0131] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-17, the first side wall 26 includes a tab 130. The tab 130 extends from a remaining portion of the first side wall 26 and forms a gap 132 between the tab 130 and the first side wall 26. The gap 132 is in communication with the opening 122.

[0132] The tab 130 can include various shapes including rectangular (FIG. 17), irregular, polygon, rounded, or arch-shaped (FIGS. 13-16). Many other shapes are possible.

[0133] In the example shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the tab 130 is arch-shaped in which the peak 136 is spaced farther from the mouth 36 of the package 120 than the ends 138, 140 of the arch-shape. That is, the ends 138, 140 of the tab 130 are closer to the mouth 36 than the peak 136. When the package 120 is in an upright position with the mouth 36 at the most upright position, the tab 130 forms a smile-shape.

[0134] The arch-shaped tab 130 could also be oriented in the direction shown in FIG. 16, in which the peak 136 is closer to the mouth 36 than the ends 138, 140. When the package 120 is oriented in an upright position with the mouth 36 at the upper most position, the arch-shaped tab 130 in FIG. 16 forms a frown-shape.

[0135] In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the tab 130 is generally rectangular having an edge 144, illustrated here as a straight edge 144, extending between a pair of sides 146, 148. The tab 130 in FIG. 17 forms a rectangular flap 150, extending a distance of greater than 50% along the zipper closure 24. In the FIG. 17 example, the flap 150 extends greater than 75% and less than 99% of the length of the zipper closure 24. While in this embodiment the straight edge 144 is spaced farther from the mouth 36 than ends of the sides 146, 148, in other embodiments, the direction of the flap 150 could be reversed, in which the straight edge 144 was closer to the mouth 36 than ends of the sides 146, 148. It should be understood that the edge 144, although depicted as being straight, could be any number of geometric variations including curved, zig-zagged, or irregular.

[0136] The opening 122 can also be used in embodiments that have second grasping flange 87 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In those embodiments, the package 120 would include an opening 122 in both the first side wall 26 as well as the second side wall 28. The opening in the second side wall 28 would allow the user to access the second grasping flange 87, in a manner analogous to how the grasping flange 61 is accessed through the first sidewall 26.

[0137] The embodiments of FIGS. 13-19 can be used in a method of opening a zipper closure of a reclosable zipper pouch, such as the zipper closure 24 of the reclosable zipper pouch 120. As describe above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-12, the method includes reaching into the interior 23 of the pouch 120 to grasp the grasping flange 61.

[0138] The step of reaching into the interior 23 of the pouch 120 may include inserting one or more fingers through the opening 122 in the first side wall 26 of the pouch 120 to grasp the first flange 60, which can be in the form of the grasping flange 61.

[0139] When the opening 122 is in the form of perforations 126, the method can include breaking one or more of the perforations 126 in the first side wall 26 to create a size in the opening 122 to allow insertion of one or more fingers through the opening 122.

[0140] In embodiments in which the package 120 includes tab 130, the step of inserting one or more fingers can include inserting the one or more fingers under the tab 130 in the first side wall 26, such that the fingers enter the gap 132 and penetrate the opening 122 in order to access the grasping flange 61.

[0141] The above description represents example principles of this disclosure. Many embodiments can be made applying these principles.