Fold locking configuration for reclosable package or bag

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fold locking configuration for a reclosable package or bag wherein excess flange material which extends beyond the consumer graspable tab is reduced or eliminated. A patch covers an opening with upper and lower closure strips. After the patch is removed, a peel seal is opened to gain access to the contents of the package or bag. The package or bag is then folded over so that the upper and lower closure strips interengage or interlock so that the package is closed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reclosable package or bag, comprising:
 a first wall and a second wall;   an opening in the first wall;   a first closure profile engaging a first portion of a perimeter of the opening;   a second closure profile engaging a second portion of a perimeter of the opening; and   a peel seal releasably securing the second closure profile to the second wall.   
     
     
         2 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 1  further including a removable patch covering the opening. 
     
     
         3 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 1  wherein the opening is rectangular with an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. 
     
     
         4 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 3  wherein the first closure profile is attached to the first wall proximate to the top edge of the opening. 
     
     
         5 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 4  wherein the second closure profile is attached to the first wall proximate to the bottom edge of the opening. 
     
     
         6 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 5  wherein the first closure profile extends along a top half of the opening and the second closure profiles extends along a bottom half of the opening. 
     
     
         7 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 6  wherein the first and second closure profiles are self-mating profiles. 
     
     
         8 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 6  wherein the first and second closure profiles are variable-alignment profiles. 
     
     
         9 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 6  wherein the first and second closure profiles are multiple-male profiles. 
     
     
         10 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 6  wherein the peel seal extends only to the extent of the second closure profile. 
     
     
         11 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 6  wherein the peel seal extends the width of the second wall. 
     
     
         12 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 6  wherein the peel seal extends around a periphery of the opening. 
     
     
         13 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 6  wherein the peel seal is applied over an area at least to the extent of the opening. 
     
     
         14 . A reclosable package or bag, comprising:
 a first wall and a second wall;   an opening in the first wall;   a first closure profile engaging a first portion of a perimeter of the opening;   a second closure profile engaging a second portion of a perimeter of the opening; and   a peel seal releasably securing the first closure profile to the second closure profile.   
     
     
         15 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 14  further including a patch covering the opening. 
     
     
         16 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 14  wherein the opening is rectangular with an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. 
     
     
         17 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 16  wherein the first closure profile is attached to the first wall proximate to the top edge of the opening. 
     
     
         18 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 17  wherein the second closure profile is attached to the first wall proximate to the bottom edge of the opening. 
     
     
         19 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 18  wherein the first closure profile extends along a top half of the opening and the second closure profiles extends along a bottom half of the opening. 
     
     
         20 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 19  wherein the first and second closure profiles are self-mating profiles. 
     
     
         21 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 19  wherein the first and second closure profiles are variable-alignment profiles. 
     
     
         22 . The reclosable package or bag of  claim 19  wherein the first and second closure profiles are multiple-male profiles.