Reclosable bag with tear open feature

Abstract

A reclosable back-seam bag having a top seal and a bottom seal, and a front wall and a back wall is disclosed. The front wall is joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal. The reclosable back-seam bag includes a reclosable fastener that includes two ends, a first continuous elongated profile strip having a front wall connecting flange and a second continuous elongated profile strip having a back wall connecting flange. The first continuous elongated profile strip includes a male interlocking profile having at least one male interlocking member, and the second continuous elongated profile strip includes a female interlocking profile having at least one female interlocking member. The male interlocking member is configured so as to cause the male interlocking profile to be separated from the female interlocking profile with a substantially equal opening force when being separated in a direction toward said top seal as when separated in a direction toward said bottom seal. At least one frangible access portion disposed substantially parallel to said reclosable fastener assembly may be provided to expose the releasable fastener assembly and/or the contents of the bag.

1 . A reclosable back-seam bag, comprising:
 a bag body having a top seal and a bottom seal, and a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal;   a first zipper patch having at least a first zipper flange front wall seal disposed on the front wall, and a second zipper patch having a first zipper flange back wall seal disposed on the back wall,
 said first zipper patch including a first zipper profile having a female interlocking profile, 
 said second zipper patch including second zipper profile having a male interlocking profile, said first zipper profile being releasably connected to said second zipper profile strip by engaging the male interlocking profile with the female interlocking profile, 
 wherein said male interlocking profile and said female interlocking profile are each configured to cause said male interlocking profile to be separated from said female interlocking profile with a substantially equal opening force when being separated in a direction toward said top seal as when separated in a direction toward said bottom seal; and 
   at least one frangible access portion disposed substantially parallel to said zipper patch for exposing contents of the reclosable bag, said frangible access being disposed through said top seal of said bag body.   
     
     
         2 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 1 , wherein the first zipper flange front wall seal is configured to have a length substantially similar to a length of the first zipper flange back wall seal. 
     
     
         3 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 1 , wherein the first zipper patch is configured with a second zipper flange front wall seal disposed on the front wall such that the first zipper profile and the second zipper profile are prevented from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture. 
     
     
         4 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 1 , wherein the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are configured with tack-down seals to each other to maintain the second zipper flange back wall seal in a close proximity to the second zipper flange front wall seal such that the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are prevented from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture. 
     
     
         5 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 1 , wherein the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are configured with at least one peelable adhesive that adheres the second zipper flange front wall seal to the second zipper flange back wall seal, the at least one peelable adhesive being configured to maintain the second zipper flange back wall seal in close proximity to the second zipper flange back wall seal such that the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are prevented from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture. 
     
     
         6 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 1 , wherein the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are connected by a frangible membrane to maintain the second zipper flange back wall seal in close proximity to the second zipper flange front wall seal, and to prevent the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture of the reclosable bag. 
     
     
         7 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 1 , further comprising a flange overlap that is connected to at least one of the first zipper patch and/or the second zipper patch, the flange overlap being configured with at least one overlap seal that causes the flange overlap to adhere to at least one of the first zipper patch and/or the second zipper patch so as to maintain the second zipper flange front wall seal in close proximity to the second zipper flange back wall seal such that the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are prevented from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture. 
     
     
         8 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 1 , wherein the top seal comprises a peelable seal, the peelable seal being configured to be peeled open when the bag is opened. 
     
     
         9 . A reclosable back-seam bag including a bag body having a top seal, a bottom seal, a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal, comprising:
 a first zipper patch having a first zipper flange front wall seal disposed on the front wall, said first zipper patch including a female interlocking profile; and   a second zipper patch having a first zipper flange back wall seal disposed on the back wall, said second zipper patch including a male interlocking profile, the male interlocking profile constructed and arranged to be releasably connected with the female interlocking profile, said first and second zipper patches each being shorter in length than the width of said bag, and
 wherein the male interlocking profile is disposed in a disengaged position relative to the female interlocking profile when the top seal is sealed and said bag is formed. 
   
     
     
         10 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 at least one frangible access portion disposed substantially parallel to said first zipper patch for exposing contents of the reclosable bag, said frangible access being disposed through said top seal of said bag body.   
     
     
         11 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 10 , wherein the first zipper flange front wall seal is configured to have a length substantially similar to a length of the first zipper flange back wall seal. 
     
     
         12 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 10 , wherein the first zipper patch is configured with a second zipper flange front wall seal so that a combined height of the first zipper flange front wall seal and the second zipper flange front wall seal is greater than a height of the first zipper flange back wall seal. 
     
     
         13 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 10 , wherein the second zipper patch is configured with a second zipper flange back wall seal so that the combined height of the first zipper flange back wall seal and the second zipper flange back wall seal is greater than a height of the first zipper flange front wall seal. 
     
     
         14 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 10 , wherein the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are, respectively, configured with a second zipper flange front wall seal and a second zipper flange back wall seal. 
     
     
         15 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 14 , wherein the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are each configured with tack-down seals to maintain the second zipper flange back wall seal in a close proximity to the second zipper flange front wall seal such that the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are prevented from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture. 
     
     
         16 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 14 , wherein the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are each configured with at least one peelable adhesive that adheres the second zipper flange front wall seal to the second zipper flange back wall seal, the at least one peelable adhesive being configured to maintain the second zipper flange back wall seal in close proximity to the second zipper flange front wall seal such that the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are prevented from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture. 
     
     
         17 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 14 , wherein the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are each configured with a frangible membrane to maintain the second zipper flange back wall seal in close proximity to the second zipper flange front wall seal, and to prevent the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture of the reclosable bag. 
     
     
         18 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 14 , further comprising a flange overlap that is connected to at least one of the first zipper patch and/or the second zipper patch, the flange overlap being configured with at least one overlap seal that causes the flange overlap to adhere to at least one of the first zipper patch and/or the second zipper patch so as to maintain the second zipper flange front wall seal in close proximity to the second zipper flange back wall seal such that the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are prevented from jamming a bag making machine during manufacture. 
     
     
         19 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 10 , further comprising:
 said first and second zipper patches forming, when interconnected, an airtight and watertight seal.   
     
     
         20 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 19 , wherein the bag, first zipper patch and second patch comprise a polyethylene material. 
     
     
         21 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a permeable seal along an interconnection of a length of the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch, the permeable seal being positioned above the first zipper flange front wall seal and the first zipper flange back wall seal.   
     
     
         22 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 21 , wherein the bag, first zipper patch and second patch comprise a polypropylene material. 
     
     
         23 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 10 , wherein the lengths of each of the first zipper patch and the second zipper patch are each disposed to extend less than the width of the bag. 
     
     
         24 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 9 , wherein the top seal comprises a peelable seal, the peelable seal being configured to be peeled off when the bag is opened. 
     
     
         25 . A method of opening a reclosable back-seam bag including a bag body having a top seal, a bottom seal, a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal, a first zipper patch including a female interlocking profile, and a second zipper patch including a male interlocking profile, the method comprising:
 pinching the front wall and the back wall;   simultaneously separating each of pinched front wall and back wall; and   tearing, peeling or delaminating open the top seal, based on a force exerted from the separating, with the male interlocking profile and the female interlocking profile being disengaged relative to each other prior to and during said separation.   
     
     
         26 . A method of manufacturing a reclosable back-seam bag, comprising:
 making a bag body having a top portion, a bottom portion, a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top portion and the bottom portion;   sealing a first zipper patch on the front wall, the front zipper patch including a female interlocking profile;   sealing a second zipper patch on the back wall, the second zipper patch including a male interlocking profile; and   sealing the top portion to form a top seal and the bottom portion to form a bottom seal, wherein the male interlocking profile is disengaged from the female interlocking profile when the top seal is sealed.   
     
     
         27 . A method of manufacturing a reclosable back-seam bag, comprising:
 making a bag body having a top portion, a bottom portion, a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top portion and the bottom portion;   sealing, via a sinusoidal seal, a first zipper patch on the front wall, the front zipper patch including a female interlocking profile;   sealing, via a sinusoidal seal, a second zipper patch on the back wall, the second zipper patch including a male interlocking profile; and   sealing, via a sinusoidal seal, the top portion to form a top seal and the bottom portion to form a bottom seal, wherein the male interlocking profile is disengaged from the female interlocking profile when the top seal is sealed.   
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 27 , wherein the sinusoidal seal comprises a sine wave seal. 
     
     
         29 . A reclosable back-seam bag, comprising:
 a bag body having a top seal and a bottom seal, and a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal,   the back wall being formed from a rectangular sheet of film folded along two longitudinal folds, and having overlapped and sealed edges of the rectangular sheet to form said back seam, said rectangular sheet having an inside surface, and said back wall having two sides, each side being defined between said back seam and a respective one of said longitudinal folds;   a reclosable fastener including two ends, a first continuous elongated profile strip and a second continuous elongated profile strip, said first continuous elongated profile strip being releasably connected to said second continuous elongated profile strip,   said first continuous elongated profile strip having a front wall connecting flange and at least one gripping flange, both said front wall connecting flange and said gripping flange having a width greater than a width of said first continuous elongated profile strip,   said second continuous elongated profile strip having a back wall connecting flange, said back wall connecting flange having a width greater than a width of said second continuous elongated profile strip,   the length of said reclosable fastener being less than the combined lengths of said two sides that form said back panel;   said front wall connecting flange being connected to said inside surface of said rectangular sheet and said front wall of said bag body at a front wall seal, said front wall seal being substantially parallel to said top seal and spaced between said bottom seal and said profile strips,   said back wall connecting flange being connected to said inside surface of said rectangular sheet and said back wall at a back wall connecting seal, said back wall connecting seal being spaced between said profile strips and said top seal;   a side seal at each end of said reclosable fastener, each said side seal connecting an end of said reclosable fastener to the inside surface of said rectangular sheet of film inwardly of said longitudinal folds of said bag body thereby preventing air or liquids from entering or leaving said bag through said ends of said reclosable fastener, and each said side seal being provided to said reclosable fastener prior to attachment of said reclosable fastener to said front wall and said back wall, without said side seal being sealed again to connect the ends of said reclosable fastener to said inside surface of said front wall and an inside surface of said back wall; and   a frangible access portion substantially parallel to said reclosable fastener for exposing said releasable fastener, said frangible access portion being disposed on said front wall and on said back wall of said bag body adjacent said reclosable fastener and above said back wall connecting seal.   
     
     
         30 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said frangible access portion comprises a plurality of perforations. 
     
     
         31 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said first continuous elongated profile strip and said second continuous elongated profile strip each have respective back portions thereof, and in which said first continuous elongated profile strip back portion can pivot in relation to said inside surface of said rectangular sheet. 
     
     
         32 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said first continuous elongated profile strip and said second continuous elongated profile strip each have respective back portions thereof, and in which said second continuous elongated profile strip back portion can pivot in relation to said inside surface of said rectangular sheet. 
     
     
         33 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said first continuous elongated profile strip and said second continuous elongated profile strip each have respective back portions thereof, in which said first continuous elongated profile strip back portion can move in relation to said inside surface of said rectangular sheet, and in which said second continuous elongated profile strip back portion can pivot in relation to said inside surface of said rectangular sheet. 
     
     
         34 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said reclosable fastener ends are substantially flattened ends. 
     
     
         35 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said at least one gripping flange includes at least one continuous rib disposed at a distal end of said at least one gripping flange. 
     
     
         36 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said gripping flange includes a plurality of continuous, substantially parallel ribs disposed on said at least one gripping flange. 
     
     
         37 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said first continuous profile strip, said gripping flange and said bag wall connecting flange comprise a single, extruded, flexible polymeric material. 
     
     
         38 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said second continuous profile strip and said back wall connecting flange comprise an extruded, flexible polymeric material. 
     
     
         39 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said gripping flange and said bag wall connecting flange comprise a web and in which said first continuous profile strip is sealed to said web. 
     
     
         40 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein the height of said gripping flange is substantially less than the height of said back wall connecting flange. 
     
     
         41 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein the height of said gripping flange is substantially less than half the height of said back wall connecting flange. 
     
     
         42 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 29 , wherein said back wall connecting flange is of a sufficient thickness to provide for sealing of said back wall connecting flange to said back wall while not permitting sealing of said back wall connecting flange to said front wall. 
     
     
         43 . A reclosable back-seam bag, comprising:
 a bag body having a top seal and a bottom seal, and a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal; and   a reclosable fastener including two ends, a first continuous elongated profile strip having a front wall connecting flange and a second continuous elongated profile strip having a back wall connecting flange,   said first continuous elongated profile strip having a male interlocking profile including at least one male interlocking member,   said second continuous elongated profile strip having a female interlocking profile including at least one female interlocking member, said first continuous elongated profile strip being releasably connected to said second continuous elongated profile strip by engaging the male interlocking member with the female interlocking member,   wherein said male interlocking member is being configured so as to cause said male interlocking profile to be separated from said female interlocking profile with a substantially equal opening force when being separated in a direction toward said top seal as when separated in a direction toward said bottom seal.   
     
     
         44 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 43 , wherein said front wall connecting flange has a height greater than a height of said first continuous elongated profile strip. 
     
     
         45 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 43 , wherein said back wall connecting flange has a height greater than a height of said second continuous elongated profile strip. 
     
     
         46 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 43 , wherein said the back wall is configured to be formed from a rectangular sheet of film folded along two longitudinal folds, and having overlapped and sealed edges of the rectangular sheet to form said back seam, said rectangular sheet having an inside surface, and said back wall having two sides, each side being defined between said back seam and a respective one of said longitudinal folds. 
     
     
         47 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 43 , wherein the front wall connecting flange is configured to have a length substantially similar to a length of the back wall connecting flange. 
     
     
         48 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 43 , wherein the back wall connecting flange is configured with an additional back wall connecting flange so that a combined length of the back wall connecting flange and the additional back wall connecting flange is greater than a length of the front wall connecting flange. 
     
     
         49 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 43 , wherein the front wall connecting flange is configured with an additional front wall connecting flange so that the combined length of the front wall connecting flange and the additional front wall connecting flange is greater than the length of the back wall connecting flange. 
     
     
         50 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 43 , wherein the front wall connecting flange and the back wall connecting flange are respectively configured with an additional front wall connecting flange and an additional back wall connecting flange. 
     
     
         51 . A reclosable back-seam bag, comprising:
 a bag body having a top seal and a bottom seal, and a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal;   a reclosable fastener including two ends, a first continuous elongated profile strip associated with the front wall and a second continuous elongated profile strip associated with the back wall,
 said first continuous elongated profile strip having a male interlocking profile including at least one male interlocking member, 
 said second continuous elongated profile strip having a female interlocking profile including at least one female interlocking member, said first continuous elongated profile strip being releasably connected to said second continuous elongated profile strip by engaging the male interlocking member with the female interlocking member, 
 wherein said male interlocking member is being configured so as to cause said male interlocking profile to be separated from said female interlocking profile with a substantially equal opening force when being separated in a direction toward said top seal as when separated in a direction toward said bottom seal; and 
   at least one frangible access portion disposed substantially parallel to said reclosable fastener assembly for exposing said releasable fastener assembly, said frangible access being disposed on said front wall of said bag body.   
     
     
         52 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 51 , wherein said at least one frangible access portion is disposed adjacent said reclosable fastener assembly. 
     
     
         53 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 51 , wherein said at least one frangible access portion is disposed between a lower portion of said reclosable fastener assembly and said bottom seal. 
     
     
         54 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 51 , wherein said at least one frangible access includes a first frangible access portion disposed adjacent said reclosable fastener assembly, and a second frangible access portion disposed between a lower portion of said reclosable fastener assembly and said bottom seal. 
     
     
         55 . The reclosable back-seam bag according to  claim 51 , wherein said frangible access portion includes at least one or more score lines. 
     
     
         56 . A reclosable bag, comprising:
 a bag body having a top seal and a bottom seal, and a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal,   the back wall being formed from a rectangular sheet of film folded along two longitudinal folds, and having overlapped and sealed edges of the rectangular sheet to form said side seam, said rectangular sheet having an inside surface, and said back wall having two sides, each side being defined between said side seam and a respective one of said longitudinal folds;   a reclosable fastener including two ends, a first continuous elongated profile strip and a second continuous elongated profile strip, said first continuous elongated profile strip being releasably connected to said second continuous elongated profile strip,   said first continuous elongated profile strip having a front wall connecting flange and at least one gripping flange, both said front wall connecting flange and said gripping flange having a width greater than a width of said first continuous elongated profile strip,   said second continuous elongated profile strip having a back wall connecting flange, said back wall connecting flange having a width greater than a width of said second continuous elongated profile strip,   the length of said reclosable fastener being less than the combined lengths of said two sides that form said back panel;   said front wall connecting flange being connected to said inside surface of said rectangular sheet and said front wall of said bag body at a front wall seal, said front wall seal being substantially parallel to said top seal and spaced between said bottom seal and said profile strips,   said back wall connecting flange being connected to said inside surface of said rectangular sheet and said back wall at a back wall connecting seal, said back wall connecting seal being spaced between said profile strips and said top seal;   a side seal at each end of said reclosable fastener, each said side seal connecting an end of said reclosable fastener to the inside surface of said rectangular sheet of film inwardly of said longitudinal folds of said bag body thereby preventing air or liquids from entering or leaving said bag through said ends of said reclosable fastener, and each said side seal being provided to said reclosable fastener prior to attachment of said reclosable fastener to said front wall and said back wall, without said side seal being sealed again to connect the ends of said reclosable fastener to said inside surface of said front wall and an inside surface of said back wall; and   a frangible access portion substantially parallel to said reclosable fastener for exposing said releasable fastener, said frangible access portion being disposed on said front wall and on said back wall of said bag body adjacent said reclosable fastener and above said back wall connecting seal.   
     
     
         57 . The reclosable bag according to  claim 56 , wherein said side seam is configured with at least two separate webs of film around the periphery or sides of said bag body. 
     
     
         58 . A reclosable bag, comprising:
 a bag body having a top seal and a bottom seal, and a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal,   the back wall being formed from one web of film folded along a longitudinal fold to form two half webs of film, and having top edges of each of the two half webs of film sealed together to form a side seam, and said back wall having two sides, each side being defined between said side seam and a respective one of said longitudinal folds;   a reclosable fastener including two ends, a first continuous elongated profile strip and a second continuous elongated profile strip, said first continuous elongated profile strip being releasably connected to said second continuous elongated profile strip,   said first continuous elongated profile strip having a front wall connecting flange and at least one gripping flange, both said front wall connecting flange and said gripping flange having a width greater than a width of said first continuous elongated profile strip,   said second continuous elongated profile strip having a back wall connecting flange, said back wall connecting flange having a width greater than a width of said second continuous elongated profile strip,   the length of said reclosable fastener being less than the combined lengths of said two sides that form said back panel;   said front wall connecting flange being connected to said inside surface of said one web of film and said front wall of said bag body at a front wall seal, said front wall seal being substantially parallel to said top seal and spaced between said bottom seal and said profile strips,   said back wall connecting flange being connected to said inside surface of said one web of film and said back wall at a back wall connecting seal, said back wall connecting seal being spaced between said profile strips and said top seal;   a side seal at each end of said reclosable fastener, each said side seal connecting an end of said reclosable fastener to the inside surface of said one web of film inwardly of said longitudinal folds of said bag body thereby preventing air or liquids from entering or leaving said bag through said ends of said reclosable fastener, and each said side seal being provided to said reclosable fastener prior to attachment of said reclosable fastener to said front wall and said back wall, without said side seal being sealed again to connect the ends of said reclosable fastener to said inside surface of said front wall and an inside surface of said back wall; and   a frangible access portion substantially parallel to said reclosable fastener for exposing said releasable fastener, said frangible access portion being disposed on said front wall and on said back wall of said bag body adjacent said reclosable fastener and above said back wall connecting seal.   
     
     
         59 . A reclosable bag, comprising:
 a bag body having a top seal and a bottom seal, and a front wall and a back wall, the front wall being joined to the back wall at the top seal and the bottom seal,   the back wall being formed from two webs of film that are sealed together along respective edges of the two webs of film to form four side seams, each of said two webs of film having an inside surface, and said back wall having two sides, each side being defined between each of said four side seams and a respective one of said two webs of film;   a reclosable fastener including two ends, a first continuous elongated profile strip and a second continuous elongated profile strip, said first continuous elongated profile strip being releasably connected to said second continuous elongated profile strip,   said first continuous elongated profile strip having a front wall connecting flange and at least one gripping flange, both said front wall connecting flange and said gripping flange having a width greater than a width of said first continuous elongated profile strip,   said second continuous elongated profile strip having a back wall connecting flange, said back wall connecting flange having a width greater than a width of said second continuous elongated profile strip,   the length of said reclosable fastener being less than the combined lengths of said two sides that form said back panel;   said front wall connecting flange being connected to said inside surface of each of said two webs of film and said front wall of said bag body at a front wall seal, said front wall seal being substantially parallel to said top seal and spaced between said bottom seal and said profile strips,   said back wall connecting flange being connected to said inside surface of each of said two webs of film and said back wall at a back wall connecting seal, said back wall connecting seal being spaced between said profile strips and said top seal;   a side seal at each end of said reclosable fastener, each said side seal connecting an end of said reclosable fastener to the inside surface of each of said two webs of film inwardly of said bag body thereby preventing air or liquids from entering or leaving said bag through said ends of said reclosable fastener, and each said side seal being provided to said reclosable fastener prior to attachment of said reclosable fastener to said front wall and said back wall, without said side seal being sealed again to connect the ends of said reclosable fastener to said inside surface of said front wall and an inside surface of said back wall; and   a frangible access portion substantially parallel to said reclosable fastener for exposing said releasable fastener, said frangible access portion being disposed on said front wall and on said back wall of said bag body adjacent said reclosable fastener and above said back wall connecting seal.