Patent ID: 6698926
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: A44B,B65D,Y10T

Abstract:
A flexible, reclosable package comprising:a pair of side panels joined along a first side edge and a second side edge, the panels defining a mouth providing access to a package interior; a reclosable zipper positioned along the mouth of the package for selectively opening and closing the package mouth, the zipper including a first closure profile and a second closure profile each constructed and arranged to interlock each other to hold the mouth in a closed position; and a slider device extending between a first end and a second end, the slider device being operably mounted on the zipper, the slider device being configured to interlock the first closure profile with the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a first direction and disengage the first closure profile from the second closure profile when the slider device is moved in a second, opposite direction; wherein the slider device includes a cleaning plow projecting laterally from the first end of the slider device and extending along the first direction of travel of the slider device, the cleaning plow including a first cleaning projection for engaging the first closure profile and a second cleaning projection for engaging the second closure profile to remove debris from therebetween prior to the first closure profile engaging the second closure profile as the slider device is moved in the first direction; and wherein a first cleaner relief is formed in the first closure profile and a second cleaner relief is formed in the second closure profile, the first and second cleaner reliefs each being formed adjacent to the first side edge of the package, the first and second cleaner reliefs being configured to receive the cleaning plow when the slider device is moved to a closed position.