Reclosable packaging system and method for forming same

Abstract

A hermetically sealable and reclosable package includes a body member of semi-rigid preformed plastic having a first planar marginal portion and a central portion shaped to provide a packaging chamber. A base member has a second planar marginal portion and is adapted to close the packaging chamber. A mat is sandwiched between the body member and the base member, with the mat, body member and base member being of generally similar rectangular configuration. The mat is permanently attached to either the body member or the base member on all four side edges thereof. The opposite side of the mat is permanently attached to either the body member or the base member along one side edge and peelably attached along the remaining side edges. The package is opened by separating the peelable sides so that the body member or the base member may be rotated about a hinge defined by the permanently affixed side edge to expose the products of the package. In an alternate embodiment, the mat may be omitted such that the package comprises a pre-formed body member and a base member, with the latter being made of plastic, or being produced from paper or board coated with a film adhered to one side thereof for barrier and vacuum purposes. Furthermore, the board includes a die cut opening to enable the product therein to be visible to the consumer.