Reclosable package and a base portion of the package

Abstract

Reclosable packages for food products and methods for making the packages, each package having a semi-rigid base including a recess for containing the food and a thin film flexible lid. The base has an upper peripheral flange extending from an edge of the recess to an outer edge, an elongated groove being formed in all but a minor portion of the flange. A rib is positioned within the groove. The lid and rib are formed from a first thermoplastic material while the base is formed from a second thermoplastic material having a fusion seal inhibitor relative to the first material. During the process of forming the package the rib is fusion bonded to the lid and peelably sealed within the groove, the lid also being peelably sealable to the flange. Spaced apart recesses extending across the groove are formed in the flange to provide rigidity to the flange. The sealed package may be opened about the minor portion acting as a hinge by peeling the lid together with the rib from the base, and may be reclosed by reinserting the rib into the groove after only a portion of the food product has been used. The method includes either extruding rib forming material into the groove or directing a rod of preformed rib material into the groove and forcing the rod into the groove, in either case the material being in the groove prior to sealing the package.