RECLOSABLE PACKAGE HAVING SLIDER DEVICE AND TAMPER-EVIDENT STRUCTURE

Abstract: A flexible, reclosable package (10, 210, 310, 410) having a reclosable zipper construction (20, 220, 320, 420) openable and closable by a slider device (30, 230, 330, 430), and a tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 335, 435), disposed over the zipper construction to provide indication. Whether access has been gained to the interior of the package. The tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 335, 435) exposes at least a portion of the slider device (30, 230, 330, 430). A second tamper-evident structure (36) is optionally disposed between the zipper construction and the package interior. This second structure may be a web or a peel seal. In one embodiment, there is an abutment positioned between the slider device and the end of the zipper. In another embodiment, there is an opening forming a pocket exposing the slider device. In another embodiment, there is a tab over the slider device. In another embodiment, there is a pair of tabs at opposite ends of the zipper construction.

Description: RECLOSABLE PACKAGE HAVING SLIDERDEVICE AND TAMPER-EVIDENT STRUCTURE This application is being filed as a PCT application by REYNOLDS CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC., a United States national and resident, designating Canada, Europe and Japan. Field of the Disclosure This disclosure concerns reclosable packages. In particular, this disclosure describes packages having slider devices for opening and closing the packages, and also having tamper-evident structures. Background Flexible packages, in particular resealable and recloseable packages, are frequently used for packaging of consumable goods. Goods that are not used completely when the package is initially opened rely on a zipper closure to reclose the package and keep the remaining contents fresh. Examples of consumable goods that are often packaged in packages, such as bags, with a zipper closure include potting soil, fertilizer, pet food, dog biscuits, vegetables, cereal, and many different foods edible by humans. Often, the opening and closing of the zipper closure is facilitated by a slider device that is mounted on the zipper closure. The slider device is constructed to pry apart the interlocking zipper closure members when the slider device is moved in a first direction along the zipper, and to engage the interlocking zipper closure members when the slider device is moved in a second, opposite direction along the zipper. For some applications, a tamper-evident structure, to notify whether access has been gained to the zipper closure, is desired. One example of a tamper-evident structure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,669,715 to Dobreski et al. This tamper-evident structure is provided by an extension of the zipper closure member flanges above the level of the slider device. A portion of the zipper closure flanges extends above the level of the slider device, thus not allowing movement of the slider device. To move the slider device and gain access to the package interior, the tamper-evident structure is removed from the top of the zipper closure. In some instances, the resulting top surface of the zipper closure can be rough, ragged, and otherwise have an imperfect surface. Such an imperfect surface can cause problems when moving the slider device along the zipper closure. Improvements in these types of packages are desirable. Summary of the Disclosure A flexible, reclosable packageis provided comprising first and second panel sections secured together and defining an interior; a zipper closure sealed to each of first and second panel sections along a top edge and extending from a first side edge to a second side edge, the zipper closure comprising first and second mating profiles; and a slider device mounted on the zipper closure to selectively interlock the first mating profile with the second mating profile when the slider device is moved in a first direction and for disengaging the first mating profile from the second mating profile when the slider device is moved in a second opposite direction; the slider device being operably mounted on the zipper closure adjacent to the first side edge; a first tamper-evident structure encasing at least a portion of the zipper closure; the first tamper-evident structure preventing operation of the zipper closure while the first tamper-evident structure is operably oriented to encase the zipper closure; the first tamper-evident structure being removable from the zipper closure to permit operation of the zipper closure; the package being characterized by: the first tamper- evident structure at least partially exposes the slider device to a region outside of the first tamper-evident structure while the first tamper-evident structure operably encases the zipper closure. In one embodiment, an abutment is positioned between the slider device and the second side edge; the abutment oriented to limit motion of the slider device along the zipper closure; and the first tamper-evident structure extends from the second side edge to the abutment. Each of the first and second panel sections has a top portion; the first tamper-evident structure is defined by the top portions of first and second panel sections sealed together; and the abutment is defined by the top portions of first and second panel sections sealed together. In one embodiment, the tamper-evident structure has an opening; the slider device is oriented within the opening. In one embodiment, the first tamper-evident structure encases a first portion of the zipper closure and has an opening at the first side edge exposing a second portion of the zipper closure; the slider device being positioned within the opening; the opening comprising a first wall approximately perpendicular to the zipper closure and a second wall approximately parallel to the zipper closure. The second portion of the zipper closure is positioned between the tab and the interior. In another embodiment, the first tamper-evident structure encases a first portion of the zipper closure, the first tamper-evident structure having: a first opening at the first side edge exposing a second portion of the zipper closure; and a second opening at the second side edge exposing a third portion of the zipper closure; the slider device being positioned within the first opening. In this embodiment, the first tamper-evident structure comprises a first tab and a second tab; the first tab defined by the first opening; and the second tab defined by the second opening. In this embodiment, the second portion of the zipper closure is positioned between the first tab and the interior; and the third portion of the zipper closure is positioned between the second tab and the interior. The package may include a second tamper evident-structure positioned between the zipper closure and the interior, the second tamper evident-structure extending from the first panel section to the second panel section. In one embodiment, the second tamper evident-structure is an extension of web material between the first and second mating profiles. The package may include an area of weakness extending along the first tamper evident-structure below the zipper closure; a first slider stop area positioned at the first side edge; and a second slider stop area at the second side edge. A method of using a flexible package is provided. The method includes removing the first tamper-evident structure from the flexible package; and moving the slider device in a first direction to disengage the first and second mating profiles. A method of making a package is provided. The method includes providing a package body having an interior surface and defining a package interior; attaching a zipper closure to the interior surface of the package body; mounting a slider device onto the zipper closure; forming a first tamper-evident structure over the zipper closure with the package body by: sealing the package body above the zipper closure; exposing the slider device to permit access to the slider device through the first tamper evident structure; and providing an area of weakness within the first tamper-evident structure. Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a first embodiment of a flexible, reclosable package having a slider device and a tamper-evident structure; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible, reclosable package taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a flexible, reclosable package analogous to the view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the flexible, reclosable package of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the tamper-evident structure removed; FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a second embodiment of a flexible, reclosable package having a slider device and a tamper-evident structure; FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a third embodiment of a flexible, reclosable package having a slider device and a tamper-evident structure; and FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a fourth embodiment of a flexible, reclosable package having a slider device and a tamper-evident structure. Detailed Description The addition of a slider device to a flexible package, such as a bag, is advantageous to aging or arthritic persons not having the physical ability to use just a zipper closure to reseal a bag. Additionally, the addition of a slider device to a flexible package facilitates the use of the bag by users of all ages and abilities. The presence of an external tamper-evident structure provides assurance that undesired access has not been gained to the interior and contents of the package. A flexible, reclosable package 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Package 10 includes four edges, a first side edge 13, a bottom edge 15, a second side edge 17, and a top edge 19. Providing the structure of package 10 are polymeric film side panels 12 and 14 (FIG. 2), which, with edges 13, 15, 17, define an interior 11, as best seen in FIG. 2. Side panels 12, 14 are connected to each other at each of side edges 13, 17, bottom edge 15, and top edge 19. In FIG. 1, side edges 13, 17 are seals created by the application of heat and pressure to side panels 12, 14. As best seen in FIG. 2, bottom edge 15 is a fold line between side panels 12, 14, which is formed when a single sheet of film is folded to form the two side panels. In some embodiments, bottom edge 15 can be a seal created by the application of heat and pressure to side panels 12, 14. A zipper closure arrangement 20 (shown partially in phantom in FIG. 1) having mating closure profiles to open and close (unseal and reseal) the package 10 extends from first side edge 13 to second side edge 17 close to top edge 19 of package 10, as seen in FIG. 1. The zipper closure 20 can include a variety of configurations and structures. Zipper closure 20 can be configured in any known manner, for example, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,240,241; 4,246,288; and 4,437,293; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. In FIG. 2, zipper closure 20 is illustrated with mating closure profiles such as a first mating profile 22 and a second mating profile 24. First mating profile 22 and second mating profile 24 engage and disengage, as appropriate, to open and close package 10. Still referring to FIG. 2, first and second mating profiles 22, 24 of zipper closure 20 are attached to the inside of side panels 12, 14, respectively, by sealing flanges 26, 28, respectively. A slider device 30 is mounted on zipper closure 20 to facilitate opening and closing of zipper closure 20. Slider devices and how they function to open and close zipper closures, in general, are taught, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,063,644; 5,301,394; 5,442,837, and 5,664,229, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. A preferred slider device is taught in U.S. patent applications 09/365,215 and 29/108,657, both filed July 30, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Although shown schematically in FIGS. 1 through 4, slider device 30 is preferably constructed and arranged in accordance with the disclosures of the U.S. patent applications 09/365,215 and 29/108,657 and WO 00/28851 published 25 May 2000. Two portions of zipper closure 20, one close to first side edge 13 and another close to second side edge 17, act as slider stop areas; these slider stop areas are preferably crushed, such as by ultrasonic crushing, shown at crush areas 23, 27 in FIG. 1. These slider stop areas or crush areas securely seal first and second mating profiles 22, 24 together to minimize the chance of slider device 30 sliding off the side edges 13, 17 of package 10. The slider stop areas or crush areas further minimize the tendency for slider device 30 to abut against either of first side edge 13 or second side edge 17. A notch (not shown) is preferably disposed within zipper closure 20. The notch is designed to provide a "park place" into which slider device 30 settles when zipper closure 20 is sealed. Such a notch may decrease any tendency for an incomplete interlock between first mating profile 22 and second mating profile 24. Examples of notches are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,067,208 and 5,301,395, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. In FIGS. 1 and 2, package 10 includes a tamper-evident structure 35 disposed at top edge 19 to retain slider device 30 close to first side edge 13 and preferably, within any notch. By "tamper-evident", it is meant that it provides an indication to the consumer as to whether the package 10 has been previously opened. In order to access the interior 11 (FIG. 2) of package 10, the tamper-evident structure 35 needs to be penetrated. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, tamper- evident structure 35 covers and forms a complete enclosure around the majority of zipper closure 20 while leaving slider device 30 exposed. As best seen in FIG. 2, tamper-evident structure 35 extends from below zipper closure 20 and encases and surrounds first and second mating profiles 22, 24. In particular, tamper-evident structure 35 extends from second side edge 17 (FIG. 1) along top edge 19 toward first side edge 13, and ends at abutment 33. Tamper evident-structure 35 extends at least 50% of the distance from second side edge 17 to first side edge 13, typically at least 75%. In preferred embodiments, tamper evident-structure 35 extends at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90% of the distance between second side edge to first side edge 13. It is desired that the amount of zipper closure 20 not covered by tamper evident-structure 35 is minimized; thus, it is preferred that tamper evident- structure 35 extends to, and terminates at, abutment 33 prior to reaching slider device 30. Tamper-evident structure 35 does not encase slider device 30; in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, no portion of tamper evident-structure 35 extends over, above, or otherwise covers slider device 30. In one embodiment, the distance between abutment 33 and slider device 30 is no greater than about 2 cm. In another embodiment, this distance is no less than about 0.5 mm. Typically, the distance between abutment 33 and slider device 30 is about 1 mm to 1 cm, and preferably is about 2 mm to 5 mm (0.5 cm). Tamper-evident structure 35 is formed by sealing the tops of side panels 12, 14 over zipper closure 20 at top edge 19, as best seen in FIG. 2. Preferably, the seal along top edge 19 of tamper-evident structure 35 is continuous; that is, with no unsealed lengths between side panels 12, 14 along top edge 19. However, in some embodiments spot sealing along top edge 19 may be acceptable. Additionally, in some instances the seal may rip or tear, leaving small lengths of unsealed top edge 19. Each end of tamper-evident structure 35, that is, at second side edge 17 and at abutment 33, is also preferably continuously sealed. Abutment 33 extends approximately perpendicular to zipper closure 20. Abutment 33 can be made by ultrasonic welding, crushing, thermally sealing, or by using mechanical attachments or chemical adhesives. It is not necessary that the entire length of abutment 33, that is, from zipper closure 20 to top edge 19, is continuously sealed. In order to gain access to the package interior 11, slider device 30 must be moved along zipper closure 20, which can only be done if tamper-evident structure 35 has been penetrated; typically tamper-evident structure 35 has to be removed. Tamper-evident structure 35 includes an area of weakness 38, which allows for easy removal of tamper-evident structure 35. In some package embodiments, area of weakness 38 is a perforation line, tear-strip, zip strip, laser score, or any type of weakened area that allows for easy removal of tamper-evident structure 35 to expose zipper closure 20 so that slider device 30 can be moved. Area of weakness 38 extends along the length of tamper evident-structure 35 and is positioned below zipper closure 20, so that there is no interference as slider device 30 is moved along zipper closure 20. When tamper-evident structure 35 is present over zipper closure 20, the true top edge 29 of package 10 is encased within tamper-evident structure 35. Typically, the top edge 29 is defined by first and second mating profiles 22, 24. When tamper-evident structure 35 has been removed at area of weakness 38, the true top edge 29 is exposed and is the top most portion of package 10, not including slider device 30. There are no further film sections or other structures that extend above top edge 29. FIG. 4 shows package 10 with tamper-evident structure 35 removed from over zipper closure 20. Top edge 29 is exposed and slider device 30 can be easily moved from first crush area 23 at first side edge 13 along zipper closure 20 to second crush area 27 at second side edge 17 to open zipper closure 20 and gain access to interior 11. Panel edge 40 is exposed where area of weakness 38 used to be. Note that when the tamper-evident structure 35 is removed, there is no significant amount of tamper-evident structure remaining above where area of weakness 38 used to be. There is no material left that may make physical contact with slider device 30 or might otherwise impair movement of slider device 30 along zipper closure 20. FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a package 10', similar to package 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, except that a second tamper-evident structure is included. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a second tamper-evident structure 36 can be positioned between side panels 12, 14; this provides a second barrier that needs to be broken in order to gain access to interior 11 of package 10'. Generally, this second tamper-evident structure 36 is considered an internal tamper-evident structure, because it is positioned between zipper closure 20 and interior 11. Second tamper- evident structure 36, as shown in FIG. 3, is a web of material, preferably polymeric film, extending between sealing flanges 26, 28 of first and second mating profiles 22, 24 along the length of zipper closure 20. Penetration of this second tamper- evident structure 36 can be accomplished by using a perforation line, a tear bead, zip strip, or the like. Alternately or additionally, a peel seal can be positioned between side panels 12, 14 or sealing flanges 26, 28 of zipper closure 20 to provide a hermetic barrier for the interior 11. A peel seal can be resealable; that is, it can be opened and resealed multiple times. Alternately, a peel seal can be a single use seal, which, once broken, cannot be resealed. Examples of peel seals are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,925,316 and 5,893,645, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Package 10, and package 10', can be manufactured by techniques generally known in the art of packaging. In one embodiment, side panels 12, 14 may be formed by a single sheet or web of material that has been folded to form bottom edge 15, or two sheets of material can be sealed at bottom edge 15 to form package 10, 10'. Zipper closure 20 is brought between side panels 12, 14 and sealing flanges 26, 28 (FIG. 2) of zipper closure 20 are sealed to the inside surface of side panels 12, 14. In some embodiments, for example to manufacture package 10' of FIG. 3, zipper closure 20 may have second tamper-evident structure 36 (FIG. 3) incorporated within. A topmost portion of each of side panels 12, 14 is brought over to encase zipper closure 20 and slider device 30. By the term "topmost", it is meant the portions of side panels 12, 14 not defining interior 11 (FIG. 2); in another aspect, "topmost" is meant to refer to the portions of side panels 12, 14 that form tamper- evident structure 35. The topmost portions of side panels 12, 14 are sealed at top edge 19 (FIG. 2) and tamper-evident structure 35 is formed. Opening 33 can be provided in the topmost portions of side panels 12, 14 before or after the side panels are sealed to form tamper-evident structure 35. Opening 33 can be formed by die cutting, slitting, laser cutting, or by any such method. Side edges 13, 17 are made typically by thermally sealing, and optionally cutting, side panels 12, 14 and zipper closure 20. These side edges 13, 17 can be made before or after tamper-evident structure 35 is made. To open the bag construction of FIGS. 1 and 2, and of FIG. 3, first tamper-evident structure 35 is removed by tearing along the area of weakness 38, providing access to the zipper closure 20 and slider device 30. This leaves a structure as shown in FIG. 4. The slider device 30 may then be moved from its position at first side edge 13 (FIG. 1) along zipper closure 20 to second side edge 17 (FIG. 1); movement of slider device 30 along zipper closure 20 unmates first and second mating profiles 22, 24 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and provides access to interior 11 (FIG. 2). For packages such as package 10' of FIG. 3, second tamper-evident structure 36 must be breached prior to accessing interior 11. A second embodiment of a flexible, reclosable package 210 is shown in FIG. 5. Package 210 is analagous to package 10 and includes first side edge 213, bottom edge 215, second side edge 217, top edge 219, polymeric film side panels 212 (and an opposite side panel analagous to panel 14 of FIG. 2), zipper closure arrangement 220, and a slider device 230. The package 210 has a cross-section that is identical to that shown in FIG. 2, and includes an alternate variation identical to that shown in FIG. 3. Package 210 includes a tamper-evident structure 235 disposed at top edge 219 to retain slider device 230 close to first side edge 213 and preferably within any notch. Tamper-evident structure 235 covers and forms a complete enclosure around a majority of the zipper closure 220 while leaving slider device 230 exposed. Tamper-evident structure 235 extends from first side edge 213 along top edge 219 to second side edge 217 and encases the majority of zipper closure 220, but does not encase slider device 230. Rather, an opening 231 within tamper-evident structure 235, located close to first side edge 213 where slider device 230 is seated, provides access to slider device 230. Opening 231 is shown in FIG. 5 as a circle which extends through both sides, that is, through first and second side panels 212, 14 of tamper-evident structure 235. Opening 231 can be any shape or size that is sufficiently large to allow a consumer to view slider device 230 and confirm that slider device 230 has not been moved so as to open zipper closure 220. Opening 231 can be a circle, an oval, a square, triangle, star, or any regular or irregular shape that is entirely defined by tamper evident-structure 235; that is, opening 231 is totally surrounded by tamper-evident structure 235. Opening 231 can extend through each of first and second side panels 212, 14, or can extend through only one of side panels 212, 14. In some embodiments, a portion of zipper closure 220 may be viewable through opening 231; however, it is preferred that the distance between slider device 230 and tamper evident-structure 235 (at the edges of opening 231) is no greater than about 2 cm, preferably no greater than about 1 cm. In another embodiment, this distance is no less than about 0.5 mm. Typically, the distance between slider device 230 and tamper-evident structure 235 is about 1 mm to 1 cm, and preferably is about 2 mm to 5 mm (0.5 cm). Tamper-evident structure 235 is formed by sealing the tops of side panels 212, 214 over zipper closure 220 at top edge 219. Preferably, the seal along top edge 219 of tamper-evident structure 235 is continuous. In some embodiments, first and second side panels 212, 14 are sealed together around the entire circumference or perimeter of opening 231 ; in other embodiments, only portions around the circumference are sealed. Slider device 230 is disposed within opening 231 and in some embodiments is limited to its position within opening 231 until tamper-evident structure 235 is removed. In order to gain access to the package interior, slider device 230 must be moved along zipper closure 220, which can only be done if tamper-evident structure 235 has been penetrated; typically tamper-evident structure 235 has to be removed. Tamper-evident structure 235 includes an area of weakness 238, which allows for easy removal of tamper-evident structure 235. When tamper-evident structure 235 is present over zipper closure 220, the true top edge 229 of package 210 is encased within tamper-evident structure 235. Typically, the top edge 229 is defined by first and second mating profiles 222, 224. When tamper-evident structure 235 has been removed at area of weakness 238, the true top edge 229 is exposed and is the top most portion of package 210, not including slider device 230. Package 210 with tamper-evident structure 235 removed from over zipper closure 220 has an appearance identical to the drawing shown in FIG. 4. To manufacture the package 210, opening 31 can be provided in the topmost portions of side panels 212, 14 before or after the side panels are sealed to form tamper-evident structure 235. Opening 231 can be formed by die cutting, slitting, laser cutting, or by any such method. A third embodiment of a flexible, reclosable package 310 is shown in FIG. 6. Package 310 is analagous to package 10 and includes first side edge 313, bottom edge 315, second side edge 317, top edge 319, polymeric film side panels 312 (and an opposite side panel analagous to panel 14 of FIG. 2), zipper closure arrangement 320, and a slider device 330. The package 310 has a cross-section that is identical to that shown in FIG. 2, and includes an alternate variation identical to that shown in FIG. 3. Tamper-evident structure 335 covers and forms a complete enclosure around a majority of the zipper closure 320 while leaving slider device 330 exposed. A portion of zipper closure 320 is exposed, that is, not encased by tamper-evident structure 335, at opening 333. Preferably, tamper-evident structure 335 extends from first side edge 313 along top edge 319 to second side edge 317. Tamper evident-structure 335 extends at least 50%) of the distance from second side edge 317 to first side edge 313, typically at least 75%. In preferred embodiments, tamper evident- structure 335 extends at least 80%, and more preferably at least 90% of the distance between second side edge 317 and first side edge 313. It is desired that the amount of zipper closure 320 not covered and encased by tamper evident-structure 335 is minimized; thus, it is preferred that tamper evident-structure 335 extends to, and terminates at, opening 333. Tamper-evident structure 335 does not encase slider device 330; rather, tamper evident-structure 335 encases zipper closure 320 from second side edge 317 to opening 333. The opening 333 within tamper-evident structure 335, constructed to accept and retain slider device 330, is located at first side edge 313. Opening 333 is shown as a square or rectangular opening in FIG. 6 and includes a first wall edge 333a extending essentially perpendicular to zipper closure 320, and a second wall edge 333b extending essentially parallel to zipper closure 320. Opening 333 can be any shape or size desired. For example, opening 333 can be square, rectangular, triangular, circular (e.g., concave) or any regular or irregular shape with at least a portion of the shape open; that is, at least one edge of opening 333 is not defined or surrounded by package 310, in particular by tamper evident-structure 335. Thus, first wall edge 333a and second wall edge 333b can have various configurations and orientations, depending on the shape of opening 333. In one embodiment, the distance between opening 333 and slider device 330 is no greater than about 2 cm. In another embodiment, this distance is no less than about 0.5 mm. Typically, the distance between opening 333 and slider device 330 is about 1 mm to 1 cm, and preferably is about 2 mm to 5 mm (0.5 cm). Adjacent opening 333 is a tab 334, which acts as a handle to aid when tearing or otherwise removing tamper-evident structure 335 from package 310. Slider device 330 is positioned between tab 334 and side panels 312, 14 when slider device 330 is within opening 333. Tab 334 can extend over the entire length of slider device 330 or can extend over only a portion of slider device 330. Slider device 330 is disposed within first opening 333 and is limited to its position within first opening 333 until tamper-evident structure 335 is removed. Each end of tamper-evident structure 335 is preferably continuously sealed; that is, side edge 317 is sealed so that access cannot be gained to zipper closure 320, as well as first wall edge 333a and second wall edge 333b of opening 333. In some embodiments, first wall edge 333a and second wall edge 333b may be discontinuous or spot sealed. Package 310 with tamper-evident structure 335 removed from over zipper closure 320 has an identical appearance to package 10 in FIG. 4. A fourth embodiment of a flexible, reclosable package 410 is shown in FIG. 7. Package 410 is analagous to package 10 and includes first side edge 413, bottom edge 415, second side edge 417, top edge 419, polymeric film side panels 412 (and an opposite side panel analagous to panel 14 of FIG. 2), zipper closure arrangement 420, and a slider device 430. The package 410 has a cross-section that is identical to that shown in FIG. 2, and includes an alternate variation identical to that shown in FIG. 3. Tamper-evident structure 435 covers and forms a complete enclosure around a majority of the zipper closure 420 while leaving slider device 430 exposed. Generally, tamper evident-structure 435 forms an enclosure around zipper closure 420 for at least 50% of the distance between first side edge 413 and second side edge 417. Preferably, tamper evident-structure 435 forms an enclosure around zipper closure 420 for at least 75%, more preferably at least about 80% of the distance between first side edge 413 and second side edge 417. Tamper-evident structure 435 extends from first side edge 413 along top edge 419 to second side edge 417. Although tamper evident-structure 435 extends from essentially first side edge 413 to second side edge 417 along the length of zipper closure 420, tamper-evident structure 435 does not encase the entire length of zipper closure 420 nor does tamper evident-structure 435 encase slider device 430. Rather, slider device 430 remains accessible, preferably parked with a notch in zipper closure 420. A first opening 433 within tamper-evident structure 435 is located at first side edge 413, and a second opening 437 is located at second side edge 417. Each of first opening 433 and second opening 437 exposes a portion of zipper closure 420. Further, slider device 430 is disposed within first opening 433 and is limited to its position within first opening 433 until tamper-evident structure 435 is removed. In one embodiment, the distance between first opening 433 and slider device 430 is no greater than about 2 cm. In another embodiment, this distance is no less than about 0.5 mm. Typically, the distance between first opening 433 and slider device 430 is about 1 mm to 1 cm, and preferably is about 2 mm to 5 mm (0.5 cm). Openings 433, 437 can be any shape or size desired. For example, openings 433, 437 can be square, rectangular, triangular, or any regular or irregular shape with at least a portion of the shape open; that is, at least one edge is not defined or surrounded by tamper-evident structure 435 of package 410. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, openings 433, 437 are each concave regions open at side edges 413, 417. Within tamper evident-structure 435 above first opening 433 and second opening 437 is a first tab 431 and a second tab 432, respectively. Tabs 431, 432 act as ears or handles to aid during the tearing, ripping, or otherwise removing of tamper-evident structure 435 from package 410. Tab 431 can extend over the width of slider device 430 or can extend only partially over slider device 430; that is, tab 431 may or may not extend to first side edge 413. Tab 432 can be shaped and sized different than tab 431; however, it is preferred that first and second tabs 431, 432 are symmetrical. Each end of tamper-evident structure 435 is preferably continuously sealed; that is, the perimeter of first opening 433 at first side edge 413 and perimeter of second opening 437 at second side edge 417 are also sealed so that access cannot be gained to zipper closure 420. The sealing of tamper evident-structure 435 and of first and second openings 433, 437 can be done by ultrasonic welding, thermal sealing, crushing, by mechanical attachments, adhesives or solvents, or any combination thereof. Package 410 with tamper-evident structure 435 removed from over zipper closure 420 has an identical appearance to package 10 in FIG. 4. The above specification is believed to provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made.

Claims: Claims: 1. A flexible, reclosable package (10, 210, 310, 410) comprising: (a) first and second panel sections (12, 212, 312, 412; 14) secured together and defining an interior (11); (b) a zipper closure (20, 220, 320, 420) sealed to each of first and second panel sections along a top edge (19, 219, 319, 419) and extending from a first side edge (13, 213, 313, 413) to a second side edge (17, 217, 317, 417), the zipper closure comprising first and second mating profiles (22, 222, 322, 422; 24, 224, 324, 424); (c) a slider device (30, 230, 330, 430) mounted on the zipper closure to selectively interlock the first mating profile with the second mating profile when the slider device is moved in a first direction and for disengaging the first mating profile from the second mating profile when the slider device is moved in a second opposite direction; the slider device being operably mounted on the zipper closure adjacent to the first side edge; and (d) a first tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 335, 435) encasing at least a portion of the zipper closure (20, 220, 320, 420); the first tamper- evident structure preventing operation of the zipper closure while the first tamper-evident structure is operably oriented to encase the zipper closure; the first tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 335, 435) being removable from the zipper closure (20, 220, 320, 420) to permit operation of the zipper closure; characterized by: (i) the first tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 335, 435) at least partially exposes the slider device (30, 230, 330, 430) to a region outside of the first tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 335, 435) while the first tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 334, 435) operably encases the zipper closure (20, 220, 320, 420). 2. The package according to claim 1 further including: (a) an abutment (33) positioned between the slider device (30) and the second side edge (17); the abutment (33) oriented to limit motion of the slider device along the zipper closure (20); and (i) the first tamper-evident structure (35) extending from the second side edge (17) to the abutment (33). 3. The package according to claim 2 wherein: (a) the abutment (33) is spaced no greater than 1 cm from the slider device (30). 4. The package according to any of claims 2 and 3 wherein: (a) each of the first and second panel sections (12, 14) has a top portion; (b) the first tamper-evident structure (35) is defined by the top portions of first and second panel sections (12, 14) sealed together; and (c) the abutment (33) is defined by the top portions of first and second panel sections (12, 14) sealed together. 5. The package according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the tamper-evident structure (235) has an opening (231); the slider device (230) being oriented within said opening (231). 6. The package according to claim 5, wherein: (a) the opening (231) is circular. 7. The package according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the first tamper-evident structure (335) encases a first portion of the zipper closure (320) and has an opening (333) at the first side edge (313) exposing a second portion of the zipper closure (320); the slider device (330) being positioned within the opening (333); (i) the opening (333) being defined by a first wall (333a) approximately perpendicular to the zipper closure (320) and a second wall (333b) approximately parallel to the zipper closure (320). 8. The package according to claim 7 wherein: (a) the first tamper-evident structure (335) comprises a tab (334) defined by the opening (333). 9. The package according to claim 8 wherein: (a) the second portion of the zipper closure (320) is positioned between the tab (334) and the interior. 10. The package according to claim 9 wherein: (a) the first portion of the zipper closure (320) comprises at least 80% of the zipper closure between the first side edge (313) and the second side edge (317). 11. The package according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the first tamper-evident structure (435) encases a first portion of the zipper closure (420), the first tamper-evident structure having: (i) a first opening (433) at the first side edge (413) exposing a second portion of the zipper closure; and (ii) a second opening (437) at the second side edge (417) exposing a third portion of the zipper closure; the slider device (430) being positioned within the first opening (433). 12. The package according to claim 11 wherein: (a) the first tamper-evident structure (435) comprises a first tab (431) and a second tab (432); (i) the first tab (431) defined by the first opening (433); and (ii) the second tab (432) defined by the second opening (437). 13. The package according to claim 12 wherein: (a) the second portion of the zipper closure is positioned between the first tab (431) and the interior; and (b) the third portion of the zipper closure is positioned between the second tab (432) and the interior. 14. The package according to any one of claims 11-13 wherein: (a) the first opening (433) and the second opening (437) are concave. 15. The package according to any of claims 1-14, further comprising: (a) a second tamper evident-structure (36) positioned between the zipper closure (20, 220, 320, 420) and the interior (11), the second tamper evident-structure (36) extending from the first panel section to the second panel section. 16. The package according to claim 5, wherein: (a) the second tamper evident-structure (36) is an extension of web material between the first and second mating profiles. 17. The package according to any of claims 1-16, further comprising: (a) an area of weakness (38, 238, 338, 438) extending along the first tamper evident-structure (35, 235, 335, 435) below the zipper closure. 18. The package according to any of claims 1-17, further including: (a) a first slider stop area (23, 223, 323, 423) positioned at the first side edge (13, 213, 313, 413) and a second slider stop area (27, 227, 327, 427) at the second side edge (17, 217, 317, 417). 19. A method of using a flexible package according to any one of claims 1-18, the method comprising: (a) removing the first tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 335, 435) from the flexible package; and (b) moving the slider device (30, 230, 330, 430) in a first direction to disengage the first and second mating profiles. 20. A method of making a package according to any of claims 1-18; the method comprising: (a) providing a package body having an interior surface and defining a package interior (11); (b) attaching a zipper closure (20, 220, 320, 420) to the interior surface of the package body; (c) mounting a slider device (30, 230, 330, 430) onto the zipper closure; (d) forming a first tamper-evident structure (35, 235, 335, 435) over the zipper closure with the package body by: (i) sealing the package body above the zipper closure; (ii) exposing the slider device (30, 230, 330, 430) to permit access to the slider device through the first tamper evident structure; and (iii) providing an area of weakness (38, 238, 338, 438) within the first tamper-evident structure.

Inventors: BUCHMAN JAMES E, BUCHMAN, JAMES, E.
Applicants: REYNOLDS CONSUMER PROD, REYNOLDS CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: B65D
IPC codes: A44B19, B65D33