U.S. patent application number 10/102003 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for reclosable polymeric bags with tamper evident features.
Invention is credited to Rehwinkel, Gary E..
Application Number | 20030179955 10/102003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28040108 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030179955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rehwinkel, Gary E. |
September 25, 2003 |
Reclosable polymeric bags with tamper evident features
Abstract
A reclosable polymeric package comprises first and second
opposing body panels, a reclosable seal and a one-time breakable
element. The reclosable seal includes a first track and a second
track that have respective fin portions and reclosable elements.
The fin portions each have a first end and a second end being
further from the respective reclosable element. The one-time
breakable element initially extends from the first fin portion to
the second fin portion and is attached between respective first and
second ends thereof. The first opposing body panel is adapted to be
attached to an interior surface or an exterior surface of the first
fin portion and the second opposing body panel is adapted to be
attached to an interior surface or an exterior surface of the
second fin portion.
Inventors: |
Rehwinkel, Gary E.;
(Fairport, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKENS & GILCHRIST, P.C.
225 WEST WASHINGTON
SUITE 2600
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
28040108 |
Appl. No.: |
10/102003 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/5 ; 383/61.2;
383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2401/15 20200501;
B65D 33/2516 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/5 ; 383/64;
383/61.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A reclosable polymeric package, comprising: a first opposing
body panel; a second opposing body panel joined with the first
opposing body panel along three sides to create a receptacle space
having a mouth at one end, a reclosable seal extending along the
one end and including a first track and a second track, the first
track including a first fin portion and a first reclosable element,
the second track including a second fin portion and a second
reclosable element, the first fin portion extending generally
downwardly from the first reclosable element toward the receptacle
space, the first fin portion having a first end and a second end
being further from the first reclosable element, the second fin
portion extending generally downwardly from the second reclosable
element toward the receptacle space, the second fin portion having
a first end and a second end being further from the second
reclosable element, the first reclosable element and the second
reclosable element being releasably engageable to each other; a
one-time breakable element initially extending from the first fin
portion to the second fin portion so as to prevent or inhibit
tampering with the package prior to being opened, the one-time
breakable element being attached between respective first and
second ends of the first and second fin portions; and wherein the
first opposing body panel is adapted to be attached to an interior
surface or an exterior surface of the first fin portion and the
second opposing body panel is adapted to be attached to an interior
surface or an exterior surface of the second fin portion.
2. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the first and second
opposing body panels are attached to respective interior surfaces
of the first and second fin portions.
3. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the first and second
opposing body panels are attached to respective exterior surfaces
of the first and second fin portions.
4. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the one-time
breakable element is a preferential area of weakness.
5. The reclosable package of claim 4, wherein the preferential area
of weakness is a score line.
6. The reclosable package of claim 4, wherein the preferential area
of weakness is a series of perforations or a highly oriented
region.
7. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the one-time
breakable element is a barrier partition that comprises at least a
first layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of
oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor.
8. The reclosable package of claim 7, wherein the first layer of
the barrier partition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
alcohol, nylon, polyester, ethylene vinyl dichloride, liquid
crystal polymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
modified polyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitrile,
acrylonitriles copolymers, polyacetal, cellophane, cyclic olefin
copolymers or combinations thereof.
9. The reclosable package of claim 7, wherein the first layer of
the barrier partition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon,
polyvinylidene chloride or combinations thereof.
10. The reclosable package of claim 7, wherein the barrier
partition includes an oxygen scavenger or an oxygen absorber.
11. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the one-time
breakable element comprises at least five layers, the outer layers
being made of at least one polymeric material, an inner layer being
made of ethylene vinyl alcohol and the outer layer and the inner
layer being attached via adhesive layers.
12. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the first reclosable
element includes a first locking profile and the second reclosable
element includes a second locking profile, and further including a
slider mechanism slidably mounted to the first and second locking
profiles for movement between a closed position and an open
position, the first and second profiles being engaged to each other
while the slider mechanism is in the closed position, the first and
second profiles being disengaged from each other in response to
movement of the slider mechanism to the open position.
13. The reclosable package of claim 1 further including opposing
end terminations located near respective ends of the reclosable
seal.
14. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the reclosable seal
is free of pull flanges extending upwardly from the reclosable seal
which can be grasped and pulled apart to open the reclosable seal
from a sealed form.
15. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the one-time
breakable element is attached to respective first and second fin
portions via elastomeric ribs.
16. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the one-time
breakable element initially extends from the first fin portion to
the second fin portion in a general U-shaped or V-shaped
cross-sectional configuration.
17. A fastener adapted to be attached to a first opposing body
panel and a second opposing body panel in forming a reclosable
polymeric package, comprising: a first track including a first fin
portion and a first reclosable element, the first fin portion
extending generally downwardly from the first reclosable element
and having exterior and interior surfaces, the first fin portion
having a first end and a second end being further from the first
reclosable element; a second track including a second fin portion
and a second reclosable element, the second fin portion extending
generally downwardly from the second reclosable element and having
exterior and interior surfaces, the second fin portion having a
first end and a second end being further from the second reclosable
element, the first reclosable element and the second reclosable
element being releasably engageable to each other; a one-time
breakable element initially extending from the first fin portion to
the second fin portion so as to prevent or inhibit tampering with
the package prior to being opened, the one-time breakable element
being attached between respective first and second ends of the
first and second fin portions, and wherein the exterior and
interior surfaces of the first fin portion are adapted to be
attached to the first opposing body panel and the exterior and
interior surfaces of the second fin portion are adapted to be
attached to the second opposing body panel.
18. The fastener of claim 17, wherein the one-time breakable
element is a preferential area of weakness.
19. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the preferential area of
weakness is a score line
20. The fastener of claim 18, wherein the preferential area of
weakness is a series of perforations or a highly oriented
region.
21. The fastener of claim 17, wherein the one-time breakable
element is a barrier partition that comprises at least a first
layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen,
nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor.
22. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the first layer of the
barrier partition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
alcohol, nylon, polyester, ethylene vinyl dichloride, liquid
crystal polymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
modified polyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitrile,
acrylonitriles copolymers, polyacetal, cellophane, cyclic olefin
copolymers or combinations thereof.
23. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the first layer of the
barrier partition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon,
polyvinylidene chloride or combinations thereof.
24. The fastener of claim 21, wherein the barrier partition
includes an oxygen scavenger or an oxygen absorber.
25. The fastener of claim 17, wherein the one-time breakable
element comprises at least five layers, the outer layers being made
of at least one polymeric material, an inner layer being made of
ethylene vinyl alcohol and the outer layer and the inner layer
being attached via adhesive layers.
26. The fastener of claim 17, wherein the one-time breakable
element is attached to respective first and second fin portions via
elastomeric ribs.
27. The fastener of claim 17, wherein the one-time breakable
element initially extends from the first fin portion to the second
fin portion in a general U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectional
configuration.
28. A reclosable polymeric package, comprising: a first opposing
body panel; a second opposing body panel joined with the first
opposing body panel along three sides to create a receptacle space
having a mouth at one end; a reclosable seal extending along the
one end and including a first track and a second track, the first
track including a first fin portion and a first reclosable element,
the second track including a second fin portion and a second
reclosable element, the first fin portion extending generally
downwardly from the first reclosable element toward the receptacle
space, the first fin portion having a first end and a second end
being further from the first reclosable element, the second fin
portion extending generally downwardly from the second reclosable
element toward the receptacle space, the second fin portion having
a first end and a second end being further from the second
reclosable element, the first reclosable element and the second
reclosable element being releasably engageable to each other; a
one-time breakable element initially extending from the first fin
portion to the second fin portion so as to prevent or inhibit
tampering with the package prior to being opened, the one-time
breakable element being attached between respective first and
second ends of the first and second fin portions; and wherein at
least one of the first opposing body panel and second opposing body
panel is attached to the exterior surface of the respective first
fin portion and the second fin portion.
29. The reclosable package of claim 28, wherein the first and
second opposing body panels are attached to respective exterior
surfaces of the first and second fin portions
30. The reclosable package of claim 28, wherein the one-time
breakable element is a preferential area of weakness.
31. The reclosable package of claim 30, wherein the preferential
area of weakness is a score line.
32. The reclosable package of claim 30, wherein the preferential
area of weakness is a series of perforations or a highly oriented
region.
33. The reclosable package of claim 28, wherein the one-time
breakable element is a barrier partition that comprises at least a
first layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of
oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor.
34. The reclosable package of claim 33, wherein the first layer of
the barrier partition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
alcohol, nylon, polyester, ethylene vinyl dichloride, liquid
crystal polymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
modified polyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitrile,
acrylonitriles copolymers, polyacetal, cellophane, cyclic olefin
copolymers or combinations thereof.
35. The reclosable package of claim 33, wherein the first layer of
the barrier partition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon,
polyvinylidene chloride or combinations thereof.
36. The reclosable package of claim 33, wherein the barrier
partition includes an oxygen scavenger or an oxygen absorber.
37. The reclosable package of claim 28, wherein the one-time
breakable element comprises at least five layers, the outer layers
being made of at least one polymeric material, an inner layer being
made of ethylene vinyl alcohol and the outer layer and the inner
layer being attached via adhesive layers.
38. The reclosable package of claim 28, wherein the first
reclosable element includes a first locking profile and the second
reclosable element includes a second locking profile, and further
including a slider mechanism slidably mounted to the first and
second locking profiles for movement between a closed position and
an open position, the first and second profiles being engaged to
each other while the slider mechanism is in the closed position,
the first and second profiles being disengaged from each other in
response to movement of the slider mechanism to the open
position.
39. The reclosable package of claim 28 further including opposing
end terminations located near respective ends of the reclosable
seal.
40. The reclosable package of claim 28, wherein the reclosable seal
is free of pull flanges extending upwardly from the reclosable seal
which can be grasped and pulled apart to open the reclosable seal
from a sealed form.
41. The reclosable package of claim 28, wherein the one-time
breakable element is attached to respective first and second fin
portions via elastomeric ribs.
42. The reclosable package of claim 28, wherein the one-time
breakable element initially extends from the first fin portion to
the second fin portion in a general U-shaped or V-shaped
cross-sectional configuration.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the packaging
industry. More particularly, the present invention relates to
reclosable polymeric packages having a tamper evident feature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Reclosable packages or bags are very common, especially in
the food industry. Reclosable packages are typically formed by the
use of opposing body panels attached along three sides. Such
packages are typically made to be reclosable via the use of a
reclosable element or fastener such as a resealable adhesive seal
or a reclosable zipper. Such zippers may be opened and closed
either by pressure or by the use of an auxiliary slider
mechanism.
[0003] Reclosable packages are a great convenience to consumers,
especially for products such as luncheon meats and cheeses where,
typically, only a portion of the product is used at any given time.
A problem with these reclosable packages, however, is that the
reclosable features do not provide a desired leak resistance. Thus,
the contents of the package can leak out of the package and the
external atmosphere can leak into the package, promoting food
spoilage. Another problem with reclosable packages is that such
packages can be tampered with prior to purchase by the
customer.
[0004] A further problem associated with a tamper evident feature
is the inability of a food manufacturer to have flexibility in
attaching the opposing body panels to the fastener. Specifically,
it would be highly desirable to the food manufacturer to be able to
attach the opposing body panels to either the interior surface or
the exterior surface of the fastener. To increase manufacturing
efficiency and/or reduce material usage, it would also be desirable
to have some flexibility in locating the opposing body panels to
the fastener on the interior or exterior surfaces.
[0005] One attempt to address this problem has involved
encapsulating the reclosable feature by extending the wall panels
of the package. One disadvantage of this type of package is that
the extended wall panels may interfere with the operation of
opening and closing the package, resulting in customer
dissatisfaction. Another disadvantage includes higher product costs
involved with using additional resins for extending the wall
panels. This type of package also involves an additional step for
the customer of removing a tear strip or manually cutting the wall
panels to gain access to the package.
[0006] A need therefore exists for packages having a desired tamper
evident seal in addition to having a reclosable feature.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
reclosable polymeric package comprises first and second opposing
body panels, a reclosable seal and a onetime breakable element. The
second opposing body panel is joined with the first opposing body
panel along three sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth
at one end. The reclosable seal extends along the one end and
includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes
a first fin portion and a first reclosable element. The second
track includes a second fin portion and a second reclosable
element. The first fin portion extends generally downwardly from
the first reclosable element toward the receptacle space The first
fin portion has a first end and a second end being further from the
first reclosable element. The second fin portion extends generally
downwardly from the second reclosable element toward the receptacle
space. The second fin portion has a first end and a second end
being further from the second reclosable element. The first
reclosable element and the second reclosable element are releasably
engageable to each other.
[0008] The one-time breakable element initially extends from the
first fin portion to the second fin portion so as to prevent or
inhibit tampering with the package prior to being opened. The
one-time breakable element is attached between respective first and
second ends of the first and second fin portions. The first
opposing body panel is adapted to be attached to an interior
surface or an exterior surface of the first fin portion and the
second opposing body panel is adapted to be attached to an interior
surface or an exterior surface of the second fin portion. In other
embodiment, at least one of the first and second opposing body
panels is attached to the exterior surface of the respective first
fin portion and the second fin portion.
[0009] According to another embodiment, a fastener is adapted to be
attached to a first opposing body panel and a second opposing body
panel in forming a reclosable polymeric package. The fastener
comprises first and second tracks, and a one-time breakable
element. The first track includes a first fin portion and a first
reclosable element. The first fin portion extends generally
downwardly from the first reclosable element and has exterior and
interior surfaces. The first fin portion has a first end and a
second end being further from the first reclosable element. The
second track includes a second fin portion and a second reclosable
element. The second fin portion extends generally downwardly from
the second reclosable element and has exterior and interior
surfaces. The second fin portion has a first end and a second end
being further from the second reclosable element. The first
reclosable element and the second reclosable element are releasably
engageable to each other.
[0010] The one-time breakable element initially extends from the
first fin portion to the second fin portion so as to prevent or
inhibit tampering with the package prior to being opened. The
one-time breakable element is attached between respective first and
second ends of the first and second fin portions. The exterior and
interior surfaces of the first fin portion are adapted to be
attached to the first opposing body panel and the exterior and
interior surfaces of the second fin portion are adapted to be
attached to the second opposing body panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon
reference to the drawings.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a mouth portion of a
reclosable package or bag with the opposing body panels attached to
respective exterior surfaces of the fin portions according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reclosable package
incorporating the mouth portion depicted in FIG. 1 in which a
reclosable fastener or zipper has a slider mechanism being opened
and the one-time breakable element being partially opened;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a mouth portion of a
reclosable package or bag with the opposing body panels attached to
respective interior surfaces of the fin portions according to
another embodiment of the present invention,
[0015] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a mouth portion of a
reclosable package or bag with one of the opposing body panels
attached to an interior surface of a first fin portion and the
other opposing body panel attached to an exterior surface of a
second fin portion according to yet another embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a mouth portion of a
reclosable package or bag with lengthened fin portions in a
position during opening by a customer.
[0017] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawing and will herein be described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended
to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a mouth portion
of a reclosable package or bag 10 having a one-time breakable
element or tamper evident feature 12 located below a reclosable
closure arrangement such as fastener or zipper 14. FIG. 2 shows the
reclosable package 10 with the mouth portion depicted in FIG. 1 in
a partial open position.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mouth portion of the
reclosable package 10 includes a pair of first and second opposing
body or wall panels 16, 18 that make up a package body 20 and
define a receptacle space 22. Connected to the first body panel 16
is a first track 24 having a first profile 26 and a first fin
portion 28 extending generally downward from the first profile 26.
Connected to the second body panel 18 is a second track 30 having a
second profile 32 and a second fin portion 34 extending generally
downward from the second profile 32. The first and second profiles
26, 32 are releasably engageable with each other to provide a
reclosable seal to the package 10.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, a one-time
breakable element 12 initially extends from the first fin portion
28 to the second fin portion 34. More specifically, the one-time
breakable element 12 is attached between ends 28a, 28b of the first
fin portion and ends 34a, 34b of the second fin portion 34. The
one-time breakable element 12 of FIG. 1 is depicted with an
optional one-time breakable preferential area of weakness or
preferential tear area 38 to form a one-time breakable tamper
evident feature. It is not necessary that the one-time breakable
element 12 has a one-time breakable preferential area of weakness
38. For example, the one-time breakable element 12 may be made in a
manner to separate by cutting therethrough. The preferential area
of weakness 38 inhibits tampering with the bag 10 prior to being
opened. The one-time breakable element 12 has a generally U-shaped
(see, e.g. FIG. 3) or V-shaped (see, e.g. FIG. 1) cross-sectional
configuration.
[0021] The one-time breakable element 12 may be extruded with the
fin portions 28, 34 as a single continuous piece having the
preferential area of weakness 38. In one embodiment, the
preferential area of weakness 38 takes the form of a score line or
a series of perforations (also referred to as a perforated line). A
score line may be created by making a uniform crease in the general
center of the one-time breakable element 12. Alternatively, a score
line may be formed on any portion(s) of the onetime breakable
element 12. A score line is created by extruding the one-time
breakable element 12 with less polymeric material along a portion
thereof. In another embodiment, the preferential area of weakness
38 results from forming the single continuous piece out of a region
of highly oriented polymeric material that has a tendency to split
along the preferential area of weakness 38.
[0022] Instead of extruding the one-time breakable element 12 with
the first and second fin portions 28, 34 as a single continuous
piece, the one-time breakable element 12 and the fin portions 28,
34 may be separately extruded and then later weakly attached. For
example, the one-time breakable element 12 may be attached at ends
12a, 12b thereof to respective fin portions 28, 34 or some other
location by heat sealing or welding. The one-time breakable element
12 may be attached to the respective fin portions 28, 34 by
elastomeric ribs. The weak attachment of the onetime breakable
element 12 with the first fin portion 28 and/or the second fin
portion 34 may create a preferential area of weakness.
[0023] The thicknesses of the one-time breakable element 12 and the
first and second fin portions 28, 34 may vary from generally about
2 to about 10 mils. The thicknesses of one-time breakable element
12 and the first and second fin portions 28, 34 are typically from
about 6 to about 8 mils. The thickness of the one-time breakable
element may be greater if elastomeric ribs are used (e.g.,
generally from about 12 to about 14 mils).
[0024] The reclosable package 10 may further include an optional
auxiliary slider mechanism 36 (FIG. 2) slidably mounted to the
fastener 14 for movement between a closed position and an open
position. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second profiles
26, 32 are engaged to each other while the slider mechanism 36 is
in the closed position, and movement of the slider mechanism 36
from the closed position to the open position disengages the
profiles 26, 32 from each other.
[0025] The package 10 of FIG. 2 also includes end terminations 37.
End terminations may have various purposes such as (a) preventing
or inhibiting the slider mechanism 36 from going past the ends of
the fastener 14, (b) interacting with the slider 36 to give a
tactile indication of being closed, (c) assisting in inhibiting or
preventing leakage from the package 10 and (d) holding the first
and second profiles 26, 32 together and providing additional
strength in resisting stresses applied to the profiles 26, 32
during normal use of the package 10. Further details concerning the
construction and operation of the slider mechanism 36 and the end
terminations 37 may be obtained from U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,208 to
Herrington, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
[0026] It is contemplated that other end terminations may be used
instead of the above-described end terminations 37. For example, an
end weld may be formed by heated bars pressed against the end of
the fastener, ultrasonic welding or other ways known in the
art.
[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in order to open the
reclosable package 10 of the present invention, a consumer grips
the slider mechanism 36 and moves it such that the first and second
profiles 26, 32 of the respective first and second tracks 24, 30
are detached from each other. Next, the consumer tears open the
one-time breakable element 12 along the preferential area of
weakness 38. Alternatively, the consumer may open the one-time
breakable element 12 by cutting therethrough. The package can be
resealed utilizing the fastener 14 and slider mechanism 36.
Specifically, the consumer grips the slider mechanism 36 and moves
it from the open position to the closed position so as to engage
the complementary first and second profiles 26, 32.
[0028] The one-time breakable element 12 not only provides a
consumer with the assurance that his or her newly purchased package
has never been opened before, but also provides a good initial seal
which preserves the freshness of the food contents of the package
prior to its initial opening. Since the reclosable closure
arrangements of FIGS. 1-5 are located above the one-time breakable
element, (i.e., the reclosable closure arrangement is further from
the receptacle space), the operation of the reclosable closure
arrangement is not hampered by the presence of the one-time
breakable element.
[0029] For example, it is not preferred to have pull flanges that
extend upwardly from the reclosable closure arrangement that can be
grasped and pulled apart to open the reclosable closure arrangement
from a sealed form. Such a reclosable package may interfere with
the operation of opening and closing the package, resulting in
customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, this type of package also
includes another step for the customer of removing a tear strip for
the customer of removing a tear strip or manually cutting the wall
panels to gain access to the package. This type of package also
includes higher product costs involved with using additional resins
for extending the body panels.
[0030] The tracks, profiles, fin portions and one-time breakable
element typically comprise one or more polymeric resins. The
tracks, profiles, fin portions and one-time breakable element may
be independently comprised of one or more polyolefins including,
but not limited to, polyethylenes, polypropylenes or combinations
thereof. Some non-limiting types of polyethylenes include low
density polyethylenes (LDPE), linear low density polyethylenes
(LLDPE), high density polyethylenes (HDPE), medium density
polyethylenes (MDPE) and combinations thereof. Other non-limiting
examples include plastomers, elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetates
(EVA), ethyl methacrylates, polymethylpentene copolymers,
polyisobutylenes, polyolefin ionomers, cyclic olefin copolymers
(COCs) or combinations thereof, including with polyethylenes and/or
polypropylenes.
[0031] One or more of the tracks, profiles, fin portions and/or
one-time breakable element may be made from multiple layers. The
multiple layers of the tracks, profiles, fin portions and one-time
breakable element may be independently formed by coextruding or
other processes such as coating or laminating.
[0032] The opposing films forming the opposing body panels 16, 18
of the polymeric package may be made of one or more polymeric
resins. The opposing body panels 16, 18 may be comprised of one or
more polyolefins including, but not limited to, polyethylenes,
polypropylenes or combinations thereof. Some non-limiting types of
polyethylenes include low density polyethylenes (LDPE), linear low
density polyethylenes (LLDPE), high density polyethylenes (HDPE),
medium density polyethylenes (MDPE) and combinations thereof. Other
non-limiting examples include plastomers, elastomers, ethylene
vinyl acetates (EVA), ethyl methacrylates, polymethylpentene
copolymers, polyisobutylenes, polyolefin ionomers, cyclic olefin
copolymers (COCs) or combinations thereof, including with
polyethylenes and/or polypropylenes.
[0033] Furthermore, the opposing body panels 16, 18 of the present
invention may be made of multiple layers including those layers
joined by coextrusion or other processes such as coating or
laminating. It is further possible to incorporate pigments,
metallic components, paper, and/or paper/plastic composites into or
on the layer(s) of the polymeric bags of the present invention.
[0034] The optional slider mechanism 36 may be formed from suitable
polymeric materials such as, for example, nylon, polypropylene,
polyethylene, polystyrene, copolymers of polyethylene and
polypropylene, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyacetals, or
acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymers. Especially preferred
components for making the slider mechanism 36 are polypropylenes,
polycarbonates or polyesters. The slider mechanism 36 may be formed
by injection molding.
[0035] As discussed, the one-time breakable element may be formed
from one or more layers. According to one embodiment, the one-time
breakable element 12 may also be a barrier partition that includes
a barrier layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one
of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor. The
optional preferential area of weakness 38 of the one-time breakable
element 12 may also be substantially impermeable to at least one of
oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor. If
substantially impermeable to at least oxygen, nitrogen, carbon
dioxide and/or water vapor, the one-time breakable element 12
assists in preserving the freshness of the food contents of the
package prior to its initial opening. The freshness of the food is
preserved by reducing gases from the external atmosphere causing
food spoilage.
[0036] The optional barrier layer of the one-time breakable element
12 may comprise ethylene vinyl alcohols (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohols
(PVOH), nylons, polyesters, ethylene vinyl dichlorides (EVDC),
liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), modified polyolefins with barrier
properties, polyacrylonitriles, acrylonitrile copolymers,
polyacetals, cellophanes, cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) or
combinations thereof. More specifically, the optional barrier layer
of the one-time breakable element 12 is made of an EVOH, PVDC,
nylon or polyester. Preferred nylons include nylon-6, nylon-66,
nylon-MXD6 and amorphous nylons. Preferred polyesters include
polyethylene terephthlate (PET) and polybutylene terephthlate
(PBT).
[0037] If it is desirable to have an effective water vapor barrier,
a cyclic olefin copolymer such as TOPAS.RTM. 8007 may be used.
TOPAS.RTM. 8007 is made by Ticona, a buiness of Calanese A G, in
Summit N.J. This cyclic olefin copolymer is believed to be prepared
with feedstocks of norbornene and ethylene and the use of a
metallocene catalyst. The TOPAS.RTM. 8007 has a glass transition
temperature, T.sub.g, of about 85.degree. C. with a norbornene
level believed to be about 39 mole %.
[0038] There are believed to be at least three other grades of
TOPAS.RTM. resins available (TOPAS.RTM. 6013, TOPAS.RTM. 6015 and
TOPAS.RTM. 6017). Other companies that have cyclic olefin
copolymers available include Nippon Zeon (Japan), Mitsui Chemical
(Japan) and JSR (Japan), formerly know as Japan Synthetic Rubber.
These cyclic olefin copolymers are believed to be prepared with
feedstocks of norbornene and ethylene and the use of a metallocene
catalyst. The three grades of TOPAS.RTM. resins available have
glass transition temperatures, T.sub.g, of 140, 160 and 180.degree.
C., respectively. The corresponding norbornene levels of the four
grades of TOPAS.RTM. resins are believed to be about 48, 55 and 59
mole %.
[0039] It is preferred that water soluble materials, such as PVOH,
do not comprise the optional barrier layer if the one-time
breakable element 12 is made of only the barrier layer because
those materials may dissolve in a moisture environment, lose
strength and/or barrier characteristics.
[0040] According to one embodiment, a five layer barrier layer is
contemplated. The five layer barrier layer has polymeric outer
layers such as, for example, high density polyethylene (HDPE),
ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE) and low density polyethylene
(LDPE). The interior layer is made of ethylene vinyl alcohol
(EVOH). The EVOH layer is attached to the outer polymeric layers
via adhesive layers such as ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). Another
example of an adhesive that may be used in PLEXAR.RTM. 165, which
is described as an anhydride modified LDPE, ans has a melt index
(MI) of 1.8 g/10 min. and a density of about 0.92 g/cm.sup.3.
[0041] The optional barrier layer generally has an oxygen
transmission rate (OTR) less than 10 cm.sup.3 (mil)/100
in.sup.2-day at 23.degree. C. as measured by ASTM D3985-81. The
barrier layer preferably has an oxygen transmission rate less than
2 cm.sup.3 (mil)/100 in.sup.2-day at 23.degree. C. and, more
preferably, less than 0.5 cm.sup.3 (mil)/100 in.sup.2-day at
23.degree. C. as measured by ASTM D3985-81.
[0042] The optional barrier layer may also be substantially
impermeable to water vapor and other gases causing dehydration,
increased humidification and/or oxidation. The optional barrier
layer generally has an water vapor transmission rate (OTR) less
than 20 g/100 in.sup.2-day at 23.degree. C. as measured by ASTM
F1249-90. The ASTM F1249-50 has been slightly modified in Section
11.2 to normalize and account for the small width of the track. The
barrier layer preferably has an oxygen transmission rate less than
5 g/100 in.sup.2-day at 23.degree. C. and, more preferably, less
than 1 g/100 in.sup.2-day at 23.degree. C. as measured by ASTM
F1249-90.
[0043] The optional barrier layer may assist in inhibiting loss of
flavor, absorption of external odors and development of microflora
(bacteria) in the food products of the package 10.
[0044] It is contemplated that oxygen absorbers/scavengers may be
included in forming the optional barrier layer. Oxygen absorbers or
scavengers are generally chemical or enzyme based. Chemical oxygen
scavengers contemplated in the present invention include metallic
reducing agents such as various ferrous compounds, powdered iron
oxide and metallic platinum. Other chemical oxygen scavengers
include non-metallic formulations such as those employing ascorbic
acids (Vitamin C) and their associated salts and organo-metallic
molecules that have a natural affinity for oxygen.
[0045] It is contemplated that additional materials may be added in
forming the optional barrier layer. These materials include various
fillers, such as clay, talc, mica and nanocomposites that may be
more cost effective. These fillers may provide a tortuous path for
oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor.
[0046] Similarly, the opposing body panels 16, 18 (such as depicted
in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) may also be made of at least one barrier layer
that is substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen,
nitrogen, carbon dioxide and/or water vapor. The optional barrier
layer of the opposing body panels 16, 18 may be made of similar
material as described above in forming the optional barrier layer
of the one-time breakable element 12. The optional barrier layer of
the opposing body panels 16, 18 may be located as an inside layer
or as an interior layer of the package 10.
[0047] The opposing body panels 16, 18 may be made from multiple
layers. For example, the opposing body panels 16, 18 may include a
tie layer that attaches to the fin portions 28, 34. The tie layer
may be made from various materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA), anhydride modified polyolefins, anhydride modified
ethyleneacrylates, anhydride modified EVAs, acid modified EVAs,
acid modified ethyleneacrylates, amorphous polyolefin-modified EVA
polymers or combinations thereof. Some examples of anhydride
modified polyolefins include anhydride modified high density
polyethylene (HDPE), anhydride modified low density polyethylene
(LDPE) and anhydride linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).
[0048] An example of a three layer body panel (not shown) includes
a first layer having the same materials as described above in
making the optional barrier layer of the one-time breakable element
12, a tie layer and a third layer made of polyolefin(s), such as an
LDPE, an HDPE, an LLDPE or combinations thereof. In this
embodiment, the first layer would be preferably located on the
interior of the body panel with the tie layer being located between
the first and third layers.
[0049] The components of the reclosable closure arrangement (such
as the tracks having integrally formed interlocking profiles and
fin portions) may be attached to the body panels of the package by
processes such as heat sealing, welding or blocking. The process
utilized depends upon the materials from which the bag and the
reclosable closure arrangement are made. Specifically, heat sealing
is a process whereby materials are fused or melted together.
Welding is a process where an intermediate third material is
utilized to "glue" similar materials to each other. Blocking is a
process where at least sufficient pressure and optional temperature
increases result in intimate surface contact adhesion of layers
without sealing.
[0050] Examples of the body panels being attached to the fin
portions are depicted in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. Referring back to FIG.
1, the body panels 16, 18 are attached to respective exterior
surfaces of the fin portions 28, 34. Referring to FIG. 3, a
reclosable package 110 is shown that includes a fastener 14 with a
one time-breakable element 112 that is generally U-shaped. The
opposing body panels 16, 18 of FIG. 3 are attached to respective
interior surfaces of the fin portions 28, 34 and define a
receptacle space 122. The ability to attach to either the exterior
surface or in the interior surface of the fin portions gives much
greater process latitude during the filling of the bag.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 4, a reclosable package 210 is depicted
that includes a fastener 14 with a one time-breakable element 12
that is generally V-shaped. The first body panel 16 of FIG. 4 is
attached to an exterior surface of the fin portion 28, while the
second body panel is attached to an interior surface of the fin
portion 34 and the body panels 16, 18 define a receptacle space
222. It is contemplated that the one-time breakable element may
take other shapes such as the reverse orientations of the general
U-shaped (FIG. 1), or general V-shaped (FIG. 4) one-time breakable
element. Other contemplated shapes include a general W-shaped
one-time breakable element and the reverse orientation thereof.
[0052] The location of the attachment of the body panels 16, 18 to
the fastener 14 may assist in increasing the volume or interior
space of the bag with a similar amount of polymeric film. For
example, if the attachment of the body panels 16, 18 to the
fastener is further down the fin portions 28, 34 (i.e., located
further away from the profiles), then the volume or interior space
of the bag is increased with a similar amount of polymeric
film.
[0053] Additionally, the fin portions 28, 34 may be lengthened from
that depicted in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. An example of a mouth portion of
a bag 310 with lengthened or extended fin portions 328, 334 is
depicted in FIG. 5. The fin portion 328 extends from a first end
328a to a second end 328b thereof, while the fin portion 334
extends from a first end 334a to a second end 334b thereof. The bag
310 of FIG. 5 is shown in an position where the profiles 26 and 32
are not being engaged and the one-time breakable element 12 remains
intact. The bag 310 has an increased interior space 322 with the
body panels 16, 18 being attached further down the fin portions
328, 334. It is contemplated that the body panels 16, 18 may be
attached on respective interior surfaces of the fin portions 328,
334 rather than the outer surfaces depicted in FIG. 5. The extended
fin portion (e.g., the section of the fin portion from the one-time
breakable element 12 until the respective first ends 328b, 334b
shown in FIG. 5) may also be used for graphic printing thereon. The
extended fin portion also allows for an extended sealing area
between the body panels and the respective fin portions.
[0054] Alternatively, an adhesive seal may be utilized as a
fastener or reclosable element of the present invention. Such seals
employ a resealable adhesive-type substance that is applied to
either one or both of the films forming the package. The adhesive
may alternatively be applied to an intermediary base strip. It is
contemplated that other closure arrangements, besides adhesive
seals and zippers, may be used in the present invention.
[0055] While the present invention has been described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in
the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof
is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the
claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *