Package with snap-closure mechanism

Claim 1

A reclosable package including first and second package walls sealable about their perimeters to effect a closed package for containing product therein; and a reclosable snap closure mechanism operable after said package is opened to effect a secondary closure of said package, said snap-closure mechanism including a first flexible, semi-rigid strip extending substantially across the width of said package and positioned adjacent thereto, said strip fastened at both ends thereof to said first package wall, said strip normally biased to urge said first and second package walls together in a closed position to effect a seal therebetween; a diagonal seal connecting said first and second package walls together, said seal positioned below said strip and extending between said strip and a side edge of said package to form a channel for directing product toward the center of said package when pouring contents therefrom; and hinge means associated with said strip intermediate the ends thereof operable, upon the application of an opening focus, to allow said first and second package walls to be separated and remain separated from each other to form an opening for insertion or removal of product from said package; whereby said strip and said hinge means are constructed such that said package will remain biased to said closed position until a separating force, greater than said biasing force is exerted to move said strip from said closed position to said opened position and such that said strip will then remain in said opened position without further application of force until a closing force is exerted causing said strip to snap-back to said closed position.