U.S. patent application number 11/839726 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-28 for resealable package with tamper-evident structure and method for making same.
Invention is credited to Andrew Austreng, Cori K. Kohl, Michael R. Nowak.
Application Number | 20080050055 11/839726 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39083167 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080050055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Austreng; Andrew ; et
al. |
February 28, 2008 |
Resealable Package with Tamper-Evident Structure and Method for
Making Same
Abstract
A resealable package with a tamper-evident structure and methods
for making the same are disclosed. The resealable package includes
a front panel joined at respective opposite side edges to a rear
panel to form a package having an exterior; a reclosable fastener
assembly joined to the exterior of the package and including a
first fastening member and a second fastening member respectively
joined to the rear panel and the front panel, so that at least one
marginal portion of the rear panel can be folded over in the
direction of said front panel and the first fastening member can be
releasably connected to the second fastening member; and a
tamper-evident structure joined to the front panel and a folded
over marginal portion of the rear panel.
Inventors: |
Austreng; Andrew; (Appleton,
WI) ; Kohl; Cori K.; (Appleton, WI) ; Nowak;
Michael R.; (Seymore, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS, LLP;IP DEPARTMENT
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-4196
US
|
Family ID: |
39083167 |
Appl. No.: |
11/839726 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11465705 |
Aug 18, 2006 |
|
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11839726 |
Aug 16, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/210 ;
53/476 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5866 20130101;
B65D 33/1691 20130101; B65D 33/2533 20130101; B65D 33/2566
20130101; B65D 33/2508 20130101; B65D 33/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/210 ;
053/476 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/26 20060101
B65D065/26 |
Claims
1. A resealable package comprising: a front panel; a rear panel
joined at respective opposite side edges thereof to said front
panel to form a package having an exterior; a reclosable fastener
assembly joined to the exterior of said package, said fastener
assembly comprising a first fastening member and a second fastening
member respectively joined to said rear panel and said front panel,
so that at least one marginal portion of said rear panel can be
folded in the direction of said front panel, and said first
fastening member can be releasably connected to said second
fastening member; and a tamper-evident structure joined to said
front panel and to said at least one folded over marginal portion
of said rear panel.
2. The resealable package as in claim 1, wherein the tamper-evident
structure comprises an adhesive tape, wherein the adhesive tape is
notched or sliced.
3. The resealable package as in claim 1, wherein the tamper-evident
structure comprises an adhesive tape having a tamper-evident,
security device.
4. A method for manufacturing a resealable package which comprises:
(a) providing a packaging substrate comprising a front panel and a
rear panel and a top edge defining an opening; (b) folding at least
one first marginal portion of said rear panel in the direction of
said front panel so as to seal said opening; (c) folding a second
marginal portion of said rear panel in the direction of said front
panel; (d) joining a reclosable fastener assembly to said front
panel and said first marginal portion; and (e) joining a
tamper-evident structure to said front panel and said second
marginal portion.
5. A method of making a resealable bag, comprising: creasing
transversely the bag at a first panel and a second panel with one
crease and a further crease to define a foldable first marginal
portion and a foldable second marginal portion, wherein the first
marginal portion is adjacent to an opening at top portions of the
first and second panels, and the second marginal portion is
adjacent to the first marginal portion; and joining at least one
fastening member of a fastener assembly to one of, either a first
exterior of the first panel or a second exterior of the bag at the
first marginal portion, wherein the one fastener member is adapted
for disengagingly connecting to the other of, either said first
exterior or said second exterior, to provide a resealable bag,
after sealing the bag by folding the bag at the one crease and
folding the bag at the further crease.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the one fastening member
comprises an adhesive tape having adhesive on opposite sides,
wherein the adhesive of one of said sides joins the one fastening
member to said one of, said exterior or said second exterior, and
the one fastening member is adapted with the adhesive on another of
said sides for disengagingly connecting the one fastening member to
the other of, either said first exterior or said second exterior,
to provide a resealable bag.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the one fastening member is
adapted with metal tabs for being bent and disengagingly connecting
the one fastening member to the other of, either said first
exterior or said second exterior.
8. The method of claim 5, comprising: joining a second fastening
member of the fastener assembly to the other of, either said first
exterior or said second exterior; and releasably fastening the one
fastening member to the second fastening member to provide a
resealable bag, in place of disengagingly connecting the one
fastening member to the other of, either said first exterior or
said second exterior.
9. The method of claim 5, comprising: joining bottom edges of the
panels before filling the bag with the bag contents.
10. The method of claim 5, comprising: attaching a tamper-evident
structure to the second marginal portion; and attaching the
tamper-evident structure to the exterior of the first panel after
folding the first marginal portion and the second marginal
portion.
11. The method of claim 5, comprising: attaching a tamper evident,
adhesive tape to the second marginal portion; and attaching the
adhesive tape to the first panel after folding the first marginal
portion and the second marginal portion.
12. A resealable bag, comprising: the bag having one transverse
crease and a further transverse crease at a first panel and a
second panel defining a foldable first marginal portion and a
foldable second marginal portion, wherein the first marginal
portion is adjacent to an opening at top portions of the first and
second panels, and the second marginal portion is adjacent to the
first marginal portion; at least one fastening member of a fastener
assembly joining to one of, either a first exterior of the first
panel or an exterior of the bag at the first marginal portion; the
bag being adapted for sealing by folding the bag at the first
crease while the bag is filled with the bag contents; the bag being
adapted for folding at the second crease; and the one fastening
member adapted for disengagingly connecting to the other of, either
said first exterior or said second exterior, to provide a
resealable bag, with the bag folded at the first crease and folded
at the second crease.
13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the one fastening member comprises
an adhesive tape having adhesive on opposite sides, and the
adhesive on one of said sides disengagingly connecting to the other
of said first exterior and said second exterior.
14. The bag of claim 12, wherein the one fastening member comprises
metal tabs being bendable and disengagingly connecting to the other
of said first exterior and said second exterior.
15. The bag of claim 12, wherein the one fastening member is joined
to the exterior of the second panel at the first marginal portion,
and further comprising: a second fastening member of the fastener
assembly joining to an exterior of the first panel; and the one
fastening member being adapted for releasably fastening to the
second fastening member to provide a resealable bag, in place of
disengagingly connecting the one fastening member to the other of
said first exterior and said second exterior.
16. The bag of claim 12, comprising: a tamper evident, combined
tear strip and adhesive tape attaching to the second marginal
portion; and the combined tear strip and adhesive tape being
adapted for attaching to the exterior of the first panel while the
first marginal portion and the second marginal portion are
folded.
17. The bag of claim 12, comprising: a tamper evident, adhesive
tape attaching to the second marginal portion near the first
crease; and the adhesive tape being adapted for attaching to the
first panel while the first marginal portion and the second
marginal portion are folded.
18. The bag of claim 12, wherein bottom edges of the first panel
and the second panel are joined before filling the bag with bag
contents through the opening; comprising: side gussets integral
with the first panel and the second panel.
19. A resealable bag, comprising: the bag having one transverse
crease and a further transverse crease at a first panel and a
second panel defining a foldable first marginal portion and a
foldable second marginal portion, wherein the first marginal
portion is adjacent to an opening at top portions of the first and
second panels, and the second marginal portion is adjacent to the
first marginal portion; a first fastening member of a fastener
assembly joining to an exterior of the bag at the first marginal
portion; a second fastening member of the fastener assembly joining
to an exterior of the first panel; the bag being adapted for
sealing by folding the bag at the first crease while the bag is
filled with the bag contents; the bag being adapted for folding at
the second crease; and the first fastening member adapted for
disengagingly connecting to the second fastening member to provide
a resealable bag, with the bag folded at the first crease and
folded at the second crease to align the first fastening member for
disengageably connecting to the second fastening member.
20. A method of making a resealable bag, comprising: creasing
transversely the bag at a first panel and a second panel with one
crease and a further crease to define a foldable first marginal
portion and a foldable second marginal portion, wherein the first
marginal portion is adjacent to an opening at top portions of the
first and second panels, and the second marginal portion is
adjacent to the first marginal portion; joining a first fastening
member of a fastener assembly to an exterior of the bag at the
first marginal portion; joining a second fastening member of the
fastener assembly to an exterior of the first panel; and
disengagingly connecting the first fastening member to the second
fastening member to provide a resealable bag, after filling the bag
with bag contents, sealing the bag by folding the bag at the one
crease and folding the bag at the further crease.
21. A resealable package comprising: a first panel; a second panel
joined to the first panel to form a package adapted to be filled
with contents and sealed; the package having a foldable portion
adjacent an opening of the package, wherein the foldable portion is
foldable to close and seal the package; and a tamper-evident
structure comprising an adhesive tape adhered to the foldable
portion and removably adhering to the first panel with the foldable
portion being folded to close and seal the package.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/467,705, filed Aug. 18,
2006.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to reclosable
packages. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
resealable package with a tamper-evident structure and methods of
making the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional packaging traditionally did not allow for
repeated openings and closings. Where packaging is not provided
with a reclosable fastener assembly or other resealing means, once
the packaging is opened from its manufactured state, the seal is
broken and the package cannot be resealed in a fashion equivalent
to its original seal. In view of this problem with conventional
packaging, reclosable bags and other resealable packages have
become increasingly popular for the convenience such packaging
offers consumers. Being able to reseal packaging once the original
seal is broken is desired for a number of reasons, including to
maintain freshness of the product contents, to prevent the contents
from spilling out of the packaging, to keep environmental hazards
such as, e.g., insects and moisture, from penetrating the packaging
and spoiling the contents, and to provide easy access to the
contents.
[0004] Packages of this nature typically include a reclosable
fastener assembly, which may comprise suitable interlocking profile
strips, cooperating adhesive strips, cooperating hook-and-loop
fasteners, or like mateable or cooperating elements. After initial
opening of the package, and partial removal of its contents, the
reclosable fastener assembly permits the package to be suitably
manipulated and maintained in a closed state until access to the
package's contents is again desired.
[0005] To be acceptable as primary packaging for many products,
especially foodstuffs, it is also necessary that the packaging
include a tamper-evident structure associated with the original
seal to ensure the quality of the product and safeguard the
consumer's expectations. From the consumer's perspective, it is
desirable to incorporate a tamper-evident structure that is
commercially attractive, intuitive and easy to use, and that
clearly indicates, without close inspection, that the original seal
is either intact or has been broken. From a manufacturer's
perspective, it is desirable to incorporate a tamper-evident
structure that minimizes any extra production costs and that
requires little or no modification of manufacturing and packaging
equipment.
[0006] Many types of reclosable packaging materials are provided in
the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,969,196 provides a bag
having a first portion of a reclosable sealer extending from a
first wall of a tube body of a bag and capable of sealing the bag
via adhesive layers upon contact with a second portion of the
reclosable sealer. Also provided is a tamper indicator wherein a
bonding material extends to peripheral portions of the first wall
and the reclosable sealer does not extend the entire width of the
bag, such that peripheral portions of the reclosable sealer remain
unsealed after initial opening of the bag when the reclosable
sealer is in a close seal position. The unsealed portion on the
edges of the reclosable sealer thus indicates that initial opening
has occurred.
[0007] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0223665
discloses a reclosable bag with a reclosable fastener assembly
joined to the exterior of the bag, and no tamper-evident structure
is provided.
[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0008908
provides a gusseted bag of disposable packaging material that has a
roll-top closure comprising two releasably engageable fastener
components. Also disclosed as a tamper evidence feature is a
closure strip with a tear rib situated between two mateable
fasteners such that when the tear rib is grasped and pulled across
the face of the bag, the substrate of the closure is severed into
two parallel portions, each carrying an associated one of the
mateable fasteners.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,372 provides a resealable package having
a slider-operated zipper wherein the contents of the package are
accessed through the front wall of the package. A tearable header
enclosing the zipper is also provided to indicate previous
tampering with the contents of the package.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,442 provides a reclosable package with a
closed plastic zipper installed in a gusset, the gusset comprising
first and second panels connected at a fold line and the package
being reclosable when opposing sides of the mouth of the bag are
pressed together. A tamper-evident peel seal is placed between the
zipper portions and above interlocked profiled closure elements of
the zipper, giving a positive indication of having been broken when
the package is first opened.
[0011] In many prior art constructions, the reclosable fastener
assembly or resealing means has been positioned on inside surfaces
of the package, so as to permit an opening in a front wall of the
package to be reclosed, or for permitting a top opening of a
package to be reclosed by joining front and rear walls of the
package. In other prior art constructions, a reclosable fastener
assembly or resealing means is provided on the exterior of the
package. This exterior configuration has been recognized as
promoting versatile positioning on the package, allowing convenient
use by consumers, and affording the opportunity to provide printing
indicia or the like on the reclosable fastener assembly (e.g.,
instructions for use of the assembly, information about the
contents of the package, etc.). Positioning of the reclosable
fastener assembly on the exterior of the package also largely
avoids package contents (e.g., powdered or granulated contents)
from interfering with the functioning of the reclosable fastener
assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is directed to a resealable package
with a tamper-evident structure and methods for making the same.
One aspect of the invention includes a resealable package including
a front panel joined at respective opposite side edges to a rear
panel to form a package having an exterior. The package includes a
reclosable fastener assembly joined to the exterior of the package.
The fastener assembly includes a first fastening member and a
second fastening member respectively joined to the rear panel and
the front panel so that at least one marginal portion of the rear
panel can be folded over in the direction of said front panel and
the first fastening member can be releasably connected or
connectable to the second fastening member, i.e., the fastening
members may be either in a connected state or a "pre-connected"
state. The package also includes a tamper-evident structure joined
to the front panel and a folded over marginal portion of the rear
panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by,
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention which are to be considered together with the
accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and
further wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side isometric view of a resealable package with
tamper-evident structure in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side isometric view of the package of FIG. 1
with an unfolded top portion and without a tamper-evident
structure;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the package of FIG. 2
with a portion of the package in an unfolded, open position;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the package of FIG. 3
after a first fold has been made;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the package of FIG. 4
after a second fold has been made with first and second fastening
members engaged and a tamper-evident structure applied transversely
across a top portion of the package;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the package of FIG. 5
after a tear strip of a tamper-evident structure has been pulled
transversely across part of the package.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a fastener
assembly.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a
fastener assembly.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front view of yet another embodiment of a
fastener assembly.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a
resealable package.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the resealable package
of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description of this
invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and
certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale
or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and
conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as
"horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well
as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under
discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description
and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation.
Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal"
versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one
another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center
of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling
and the like, such as "joined," "connected," and "interconnected,"
refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached
to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the invention includes
a resealable package 10. Resealable package 10 includes a front
panel 12, a rear panel 14, a reclosable fastener assembly 16, and a
tamper-evident structure 18.
[0027] Resealable package 10 includes a front panel 12 and a rear
panel 14 each with a bottom edge 19, side edges 20, and a top edge
21. In some embodiments, the respective opposite edges 20 of front
panel 12 and rear panel 14 are joined directly. In other
embodiments, the respective opposite side edges 20 of front panel
12 and rear panel 14 are joined via a side gusset 22 (a fold/crease
that gives the bag a three-dimensional shape). Side gusset 22
initially projects inwardly between front panel 12 and rear panel
14 and allows resealable package 10 to expand in volume. Side
gussets 22 are typically formed integrally with the front and rear
panels. Front panel 12 and rear panel 14 may be manufactured
integrally as a continuous substrate suitably folded and joined to
itself with a longitudinal seam in a tube-like configuration.
Alternatively, front panel 12 and rear panel 14 may be manufactured
separately as independent films or sheets of substrate to be joined
at their respective opposite edges. Bottom edge 19 of front panel
12 is joined to bottom edge 19 of rear panel 14. When the front and
rear panels are joined at their respective opposite side edges 20
and bottom edges 19, the panels form a bag or pouch defining an
interior space. The top portions 21 of the front and rear panels
define a mouth or opening 23 (FIG. 2). Opening 23 communicates with
and provides access to the interior of resealable package 10.
[0028] Front panel 12 and rear panel 14 can be made from any
variety of substrates suitable for packaging, wrapping, covering,
casing, or encasing materials. Conventionally, packages have been
composed of multiple layers of paper and solid plastic films with
an outer ply typically including a polymer-coated paper with a
smooth printing surface, wherein the paper may be laminated to a
layer of film and another paper layer. Some embodiments provide a
package comprising a middle layer of woven mesh tubing to which an
outer layer of solid plastic film is adhered using polypropylene or
other polylaminates. The outside layer of film (comprising the
outside of the package) may be printed or reverse-printed with
graphics and product labeling. Solid films are utilized, which
provide excellent printability and strength and meet or exceed
performance standards dictated by the marketplace. Some embodiments
also use films that are treated or coated to prevent slippage of
packages during manufacturing, filling, transport, and storage. The
materials to be used may partially or wholly comprise compostable,
degradable, or recyclable materials. In some embodiments, a
resealable package is provided in the form of a multi-layered
composite bag used to store bulk-type products such as pet food,
seeds, fertilizer, cereals, grains, charcoal, gravel, sand, and
other bulk products intended for human and non-human consumption,
and other non-consumable bulk products.
[0029] In some embodiments wherein front panel 12 and rear panel 14
are manufactured integrally, a woven mesh material is formed into a
tube to which a sheet of plastic film is adhered using a lamination
process. The mesh material is comprised of suitable film-forming
plastic resin that is split and/or stretched and then woven to form
a mesh or net-like material. The woven mesh material is formed into
a tubular shape to easily adapt to high-speed bag-forming
equipment. The flattened tube is then fed into an extrusion
laminator, and laminated on both sides of the flattened tube to a
solid plastic film using polypropylene or other polylaminate.
[0030] Among the alternative films that can be employed in making
the mesh tubes are, without limitation, thermoplastic synthetic
polymers, including polyolefins such as low density polyethylene,
linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene coated with a layer
of polyethylene, high density polyethylene, metallocene,
electron-beam cured solid films, copolymers of ethylene and
propylene and combinations of these polymers, polyesters,
polyamides, polyvinyl polymers, and copolymers, and polylactic acid
(PLA) resins. Preferred resins are polyethylene, low density, high
density, or linear low density, and combinations thereof, as well
as polypropylene coated or laminated with a layer of polyethylene,
and polyesters. The solid plastic film to which the mesh tubes are
adhered is comprised of various thermoplastic resins or polymers or
combinations thereof, including but not limited to polypropylene,
low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, linear low
density polyethylene, metallocene, and/or polypropylene coated with
a layer of polyethylene, films coated with electron-beam surfaces
that may or may not be pre-printed, and PLA resins.
[0031] An outer solid plastic film layer provides a surface for
printing or reverse-printing graphics and/or product labeling. The
outer solid plastic film is then adhered to the mesh tubes using
adhesives, poly extrusion laminating, or some other known means of
attaching the two layers. The mesh tube comprises the inside layer
of the package, giving the package strength and integrity. A layer
of transparent or colored film may also serve as an inside liner of
the package and may or may not be printed. The outside film layer
also may be treated or otherwise coated on one side with any
material that alters the level of slipperiness or tackiness of the
outer surface, including the coefficient of static friction
measure, making the package less likely to slip during
manufacturing, transporting and/or storing.
[0032] In an embodiment wherein front panel 12 and rear panel 14
are manufactured as separate films to be joined, the respective
opposing side and bottom edges of front panel 12 and rear panel 14
may be joined by any number of various methods of sealing and
shutting packages, including, but not limited to, using adhesives
or heat seals.
[0033] In some embodiments, reclosable fastener assembly 16
includes a first fastening member 24 and a second fastening member
26. In some embodiments, reclosable fastener assembly 16 includes
cooperating extruded profiles wherein the first fastening member 24
is a profile strip element that cooperates with the second
fastening member 26, also a profile strip element, in a
press-to-close fashion. In other embodiments, the reclosable
fastener assembly 16 may include any number of suitable resealing
mechanisms, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) a
male strip intersecting with a female groove; (b) slider tabs; (c)
metal tabs extending beyond the side edges of either the front or
rear panel so that a top portion of the resealable package can be
folded over and the tabs can be bent to hold the package closed;
(d) hook-and-loop-type closure strips; (e) a conventional zipper;
or (f) a re-joinable adhesive release liner. The reclosable
fastener assembly 16 is fixed to the exterior of resealable package
10 and configured to permit easy, intuitive, and convenient opening
and resealing of opening 23. Specifically, first fastening member
24 is joined to rear panel 14 and second fastening member 26 is
joined to front panel 12. The first and second fastening members
may be joined to the package by any suitable means, including use
of adhesives, binders, heat-seals, or cold-seals. In some
embodiments, the first and second fastening members are provided
with an adhesive or binder pre-applied to a portion of the
fastening member to be joined to the package.
[0034] In some embodiments, tamper-evident structure 18 comprises
an adhesive tape 28 with or without a tear tape or tear strip 30.
Tear strip 30 extends transversely across front panel 12 in the
area of where a top portion of rear panel 14 is folded over to
front panel 12. In some embodiments, tear strip 30 extends from one
side edge 20 of front panel 12 to the other side edge 20 of front
panel 12 with at least one extension 32 of tear strip 30 extending
beyond one side edge 20. Adhesive tape 28 extends transversely
across front panel 12 and the second marginal portion 42 of the
package and directly over top of tear strip 30. In one embodiment,
adhesive tape 28 extends at least from one side edge 20 of front
panel 12 to the other side edge 20 of front panel 12 and does not
extend past any extensions 32 of tear strip 30. In another
embodiment, the adhesive tape 28 and the tear strip 30 extend
transversely across front panel 12 from at least one side edge 20
to at least the other side edge, and the adhesive tape may be
notched and/or sliced at the tear strip, so that the tear strip may
be accessible and easily torn away from the adhesive tape by the
end user.
[0035] Tear strip 32 may be made from any suitable material,
including, but not limited to polymeric materials including
cellulose, cellulose derivatives, acrylics, polyvinyl chloride,
vinyl chloride copolymers, linear polyesters and/or polyolefins
such as polypropylene, polyethylene or copolymers thereof, or other
suitable thermoplastic materials. Tear strip 32 may be non-adhesive
or adhesive on one or both sides, Tear strip 32 may be coated with
any material suitable for coating, such as a polymeric material.
Tear strip 32 may have any suitable width, is preferably between
about 1/8 (0.125) inches and about 1/2 (0.5) inches, and is most
preferably about 1/8 (0.125) inches. Tear strip 32 may have a color
or be colorless and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. In
one embodiment, tear strip 32 has a color distinctive from and
visible through a transparent or translucent adhesive tape 28. In
another embodiment, tear strip 32 is made of a material that allows
printing or reverse printing of graphics and/or text. According to
an embodiment of the invention, tear strip 32 is combined with an
adhesive tape 28, and the adhesive tape 28 comprising a
tamper-evident security device.
[0036] Adhesive tape 28 may be made from any suitable material,
including, but not limited to polymeric materials including
cellulose, cellulose derivatives, acrylics, polyvinyl chloride,
vinyl chloride copolymers, linear polyesters and/or polyolefins
such as polypropylene, polyethylene or copolymers thereof, or other
suitable thermoplastic materials. Preferably, adhesive tape 28 is
made of a material that allows printing or reverse printing of
graphics and/or text, such as company logos, product trademarks,
directions or instructions, and/or any other relevant information.
Adhesive tape 28 is adhesive on one side so as to adhere to
resealable package 10 and underlying tear strip 32. Adhesive tape
28 may have any suitable width, is preferably between about 1/2
(0.5) inches and about 31/2 (3.5) inches, and is most preferably 2
inches. In one embodiment, adhesive tape 28 is a conventional
acrylic packaging tape. The adhesive used to join adhesive tape 28
to resealable package 10 is preferably a pressure-sensitive
adhesive and is relatively strong so as not to come un-joined from
and/or re-adhered to the package without leaving an obvious,
visible demarcation or signal that it has been so removed. In
another embodiment, the adhesive tape may be notched and/or sliced
at one or the other side edges, so that the tape may be easily
tearable in a transverse direction, and may easily be torn away
from the packaging by the end user.
[0037] In some embodiments, tamper-evident structure 18 comprises
an adhesive tape 28 with or without a tamper-evident, security
device. In a further embodiment, a tear tape or tear strip 30 is
combined with the tamper-evident security device. One such
tamper-evident, security device comprises a transferable substance
that will leave a residue, such as, a visible stain, printed
message or visible strip on the bag, when the adhesive side of the
tape 28 is adhesively adhered against the bag. For example, such a
transferable substance comprises a pigment, for example, an ink or
powder pigment. Whenever the tape 28 is peeled away from the bag,
the adhesive side of the tape 28 will delaminate from the bag.
However, at least a portion of the transferable substance on the
adhesive side of the tape 28 will have transferred onto the bag,
and will remain as a residue on the bag after the tape 28 has been
peeled away, at least partially, which residue indicates in that
the bag has been opened. According to an alternative embodiment of
the invention, a tamper-evident, security device comprises a
hologram on the tape 28. Such tapes 28 having tamper-evident,
security devices are commercially available from Payne, also known
as, Payne P P Ltd., Nottingham, United Kingdom.
[0038] From the foregoing description, use of the exemplary
resealable package will be readily apparent. Referring to FIGS.
2-5, one embodiment of resealable package 10 is folded and closed
in the following manner: Front panel 12 and rear panel 14 are
flattened or pressed together and a first marginal portion 46
(e.g., the top or distal portion of the package 10) of resealable
package 10 is rolled or folded in the direction of front panel 12
such that top edge 21 of front panel 12 is folded down toward front
panel 12 and a first crease 40 is made transversely across the top
of resealable package 10. First crease 40 provides a primary seal
of opening 23. After first crease 40 is formed, first fastener
member 24 is positioned on the same side of resealable package 10
as second fastener member 26. After first crease 40 is formed, a
second marginal portion 42 (e.g., the penultimate portion of the
package, immediately adjacent to the first marginal portion) of
resealable package 10 is rolled or folded in the direction of front
panel 12 such that first crease 40 is folded down toward front
panel 12 and a second crease 44 is made transversely across the top
of resealable package 10.
[0039] In some embodiments, after second crease 44 is made, first
fastening member 24 is aligned with and able to be releasably
connected to second fastening member 26. In other embodiments,
multiple folds and creases (e.g., more than two) may be implemented
to close resealable package 10. For example, in some embodiments,
two folds forming two creases may be implemented before a third
fold brings first fastening member 24 to the same side of
resealable package 10 as second fastener member 26, such that a
fourth fold is used to align and engage the fastener members. In
some embodiments, pressure is applied across second marginal
portion 42 to releasably connect first fastening member 24 and
second fastening member 26. First marginal portion 46 and second
marginal portion 42 may be of any width or widths suitable for
releasably sealing package 10 and may be dependent on, and may be
greater than or equal to, the width of the first and second
fastening members. The marginal portions may be of any suitable
width or widths, preferably the marginal portions are each about
1/2 (0.5) inches to about 2 inches, and most preferably the
marginal portions are each about 11/4 (1.25) inches. First marginal
portion 46 may or may not have a width equal to the width of second
marginal portion 42. Resealable package 10 is opened from this
closed state by disengaging the reclosable fastener assembly 16 and
unfolding the first and second marginal portions to gain access to
opening 23. In the above-described fashion, resealable package 10
can be easily and conveniently opened, closed and sealed, reopened,
and reclosed and resealed several times.
[0040] In other embodiments (not shown), the package may have an
additional first fastening member 24 and an additional second
fastening member 26 positioned further from the top (distal) end of
the package for resealing the package when a substantial portion of
the contents have been removed, and several marginal portions have
been folded over.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, when resealable package 10 is folded
over and sealed for the first time after its manufacture,
tamper-evident structure 18 is applied transversely across
resealable package 10 over second marginal portion 42 and front
panel 12, such that tear strip 30 is substantially near crease 40.
As initially sealed with tamper-evident structure 18, reclosable
fastener assembly 16 cannot be disengaged and resealable package 10
cannot be unfolded.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 6, tamper-evident structure 18 is opened
for the first time after initial sealing of resealable package 10
by grasping and pulling extension 32 of tear strip 30 transversely
across the package. As tear strip 30 is pulled across the package,
adhesive tape 28 is severed substantially linearly along split 56.
Once tear strip 30 has been pulled completely across the package,
adhesive tape 28 is fully severed and reclosable fastener assembly
16 may be disengaged to open resealable package 10 for the first
time. Split 56 along adhesive tape 28 indicates that resealable
package 10 has been tampered with or opened.
[0043] In further embodiments, the reclosable fastener assembly
comprises a first fastening member pre-mated to a second fastening
member, with the reclosable fastener assembly being first joined to
the front panel, and later joined to the first marginal portion, or
alternatively, the reclosable fastener assembly comprises a first
fastening member pre-mated to a second fastening member, with the
reclosable fastener assembly being first joined to the first
marginal portion, and later joined to the front panel.
[0044] In an embodiment disclosed by FIG. 7, the pre-applied
adhesives or binders 24a and 26a on undersides of respective
fastening members 24 and 26 are covered by corresponding peel away
paper coverings 24b and 26b that cover and protect the adhesive or
binder 24a and 26a, respectively, until the paper coverings 24b and
26b are removed to expose the adhesive or binder 24a and 26a in
preparation for assembly of the respective fastening members 24 and
26 to the respective panels 14 and 12. Another embodiment of an
adhesive or binder pre-applied on the underside comprises a
pressure sensitive adhesive composition of a type preferably
forming a permanent adhesive bond with a high resistance to tearing
or release of the adhesive, as disclosed by U.S. Pat. No.
7,101,615. Another embodiment of a pre-applied adhesive is
disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 7,101,615, in which tackiness is brought
about by thermal activation. Such a composition is only slightly
tacky such that the fastening member 24 and 26 are adjusted in
position on the respective panels 12 and 14 until heat and/or
pressure is applied to the first and second fastening members to
heat activate the sealant, and effect a pressure sensitive,
adhesive state.
[0045] In a further alternative embodiment, the adhesive or binder
24a and 26a are pre-applied on the respective panels 14 and 12
prior to joining respective fastening members 24 and 26. In further
alternative embodiments, the respective adhesive or binder 14a and
26a are pre-applied, in part, on the respective first and second
fastening members 24 and 26, and further, in part, on the
respective panels 14 and 12, prior to respective joining of the
fastening members 24 and 26 to the panels 14 and 12.
[0046] In an embodiment disclosed by FIG. 8, a fastener assembly 16
comprises one fastening member 24 in the form of an adhesive tape
having respective adhesives or binders 24a and 24c pre-applied on
opposite sides of the tape. The adhesive tape is covered by
corresponding peel away paper coverings 24b and 24d that cover and
protect the adhesive or binder 24a and 24c, respectively. The paper
covering 24b is removed to expose the adhesive or binder 24a in
preparation for the adhesive 24a on an underside to form a
pressure-sensitive joining of the fastening member 24 to one of;
either a first exterior of the first panel 12 (in place of the
fastening member 26 disclosed by FIG. 2 below the second marginal
portion 42) or a second exterior of the bag at the first marginal
portion 46, and more specifically, at the exterior of the rear
panel 14 of the bag at the first marginal portion 46. The paper
covering 24d remains while a user of the bag performs filling of
the bag with bag contents. After filling the bag with bag contents,
the paper covering 24d is removed, and sealing the bag is performed
by folding the bag at the first crease 40, and folding the bag at
the second crease 44. The one fastening member 24 is adapted with
the adhesive 24c that disengagingly connects the one fastening
member 24 to the other of, either said first exterior or said
second exterior, to provide a resealable bag.
[0047] In an embodiment disclosed by FIG. 9, a fastener assembly 16
comprises one fastening member 24 in the form of the metal tabs (c)
on a metal strip having the adhesive or binder 24a for joining to
one of, either a first exterior of the first panel 12 (in place of
the fastening member 26 as disclosed by FIG. 2 below the second
marginal portion 42) or to a second exterior of the bag at the
first marginal portion 46, and more specifically, at the exterior
of the rear panel 14 of the bag at the first marginal portion 46.
After filling the bag with bag contents, sealing the bag is
performed by folding the bag at the first crease 40, and folding
the bag at the second crease 44. The one fastener member 24 is
adapted with the metal tabs (c) that are bent to hold the bag
closed, thereby disengagingly connecting the tabs (c) of the one
fastening member 24 to the other of, either said first exterior or
said second exterior, to provide a resealable bag.
[0048] The first crease 40 and the second crease 44 are formed by a
crease-forming manufacturing apparatus during a bag manufacturing
operation performed, in various manufacturing order, as described
below, while the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14 are flattened
or pressed together, as described above, and with the side gussets
22 folded. According to embodiments of a method of the invention,
the creases 40 and 44 are formed, either simultaneously, or in
sequence, in various manufacturing order. According to further
embodiments of a method of the invention, the respective fastening
members 24 and 26 are assembled to the respective panels 12 and 14,
either simultaneously, or in sequence in various manufacturing
order. Further, according to various manufacturing order, either
one or both of the fastening members 24 and 26 are assembled.
either prior to, or after, either one or both of the creases 40 and
44 are formed.
[0049] According to the disclosed embodiments of the package or bag
10, the bottom edges 19 of the panels 12 and 14 are joined to each
other after filling the bag 10 with contents through an opening
between the bottom edges 19. Because the fastening members 24 and
26 are on the exterior of the bag, they avoid contact with the bag
contents, and avoid being contaminated by the bag contents, and
avoid obstructing the bag contents while filling the bag and
removing the bag contents.
[0050] According to alternative embodiments of the package or bag
10, the bottom edges 19 of the panels 12 and 14 are joined to each
other before the bag is filled with bag contents through the
opening 23. A user of the bag opens the bag by separating the top
portions 21 and separating the front panel 12 and the rear panel
14, and filling the bag with desired bag contents. Because the
fastening members 24 and 26 are on the exterior of the bag, they
avoid contact with the bag contents, and avoid being contaminated
by the bag contents, and avoid obstructing the bag contents while
filling the bag and removing the bag contents. After a user of the
bag has filled the bag, the user closes the top portions 21 of the
bag either manually or by machine operation, by flattening the
first and second marginal portions 46 and 42, followed by folding
the bag along the creases 40 and 44 to seal the bag, followed by
releasably connecting the fastening member 24 to the fastening
member 26. or alternatively, disengagingly connecting the fastener
member 24 in the form of the adhesive tape 24 having adhesive on
opposite sides or in the form of the metal tabs (c). The bag
contents may shift, and yet closure and sealing of the bag is
maintained by folding along the second crease 44. The further
closure and sealing of the bag by folding along the first crease 40
aligns the corresponding fastening member 24 and the corresponding
fastening member 26 for releasable connection, and isolates the
releasably connected fastening members 24 and 26 from forces due to
shifting of the bag contents to avoid inadvertent disconnection of
the fastening members 24 and 26.
[0051] In an embodiment, the adhesive tape 28 without the tear
strip 32 or the combined tear tape 30 and adhesive tape 28 are
adhered (joined) after filling the bag with bag contents and
folding of the bag at the creases 40 and 44. Either manual or
machine operation adheres the adhesive tape 28 without the tear
strip 32 or the combined tear strip 32 and adhesive tape 28. In
another embodiment, the adhesive tape 28 without the tear strip 32,
or the combined tear strip 32 and adhesive tape 28 are adhered,
first on an exterior of the rear panel 14 at the second marginal
portion substantially near the first crease 40, as disclosed by
FIG. 1, prior to opening the bag in preparation for filling the bag
with bag contents. After filling the bag and folding the filled bag
along the first crease 40 and the second crease 44, the adhesive
tape 28 without the tear strip 32, or the combined tear strip 32
and adhesive tape 28 are then adhered to an exterior of the first
panel 12, which retains the folded first crease 40 in place until
the tear strip 32 is deployed to sever the adhesive tape 28 during
the course of opening the bag for access to the bag contents.
[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one
releasable fastener member 24, in the form of an adhesive tape 24
having adhesive on both sides or in the form of an bendable metal
tabs (c), is provided on each bag. Alternatively, at least one
reclosable fastener assembly 16 is provided on each bag for
releasable fastening.
[0053] FIG. 10 discloses another embodiment of the resealable
package 10 having a front panel 12 and a rear panel 14 each with a
bottom edge 19, side edges 20, and a top edge 21, wherein top
portions 21 of the front and rear panels define a mouth or opening
23, similarly as in the embodiments disclosed with reference to
FIG. 2. Opening 23 communicates with and provides access to the
interior of resealable package 10. In some embodiments, the
respective opposite edges 20 of front panel 12 and rear panel 14
are joined directly. In other embodiments, the respective opposite
side edges 20 of front panel 12 and rear panel 14 are joined via a
side gusset 22 similarly as in the prior disclosed embodiments. The
embodiment of FIG. 10 further has creases 40 and 44 and a first
marginal portion 46 and a second marginal portion 42 similarly as
in the prior disclosed embodiments.
[0054] The embodiment of FIG. 10 further has a spout 100 provided
by severing along a sever 102 extending from the opening 23 and
away from the opening and through the marginal portions 46 and 42.
The sever 102 separates a portion of each of the first marginal
portion 46 and the second marginal portion 42 from the remainder of
the marginal portions 46 and 42 by the sever 102 to comprise the
spout 100 having a portion of the opening 23. The entire opening 23
of the bag, including the portion of the opening 23 of the spout
100, is available through which the bag is filled with bag
contents. The marginal portions 46 and 42 of the bag, including the
spout 100, are folded at the creases 40 and 44 after filling the
bag with bag contents, such that a top of the bag is closed and
sealed.
[0055] A fastener assembly 16 similar to one of the embodiments
previously disclosed has at least one fastening member 24 joining
to one of an exterior of the first panel 12 or to an exterior of
the bag at the first marginal portion 46 of the spout 100, and more
specifically, an exterior of the rear panel 14 of the bag at the
first marginal portion 46.
[0056] In some embodiments wherein the one fastening member 24 is
joined to the exterior of the second panel 14 at the first marginal
portion, and which is provided to be releasably connected with a
second fastening member 26, the fastener assembly 16 includes a
second fastening member 26, similar to one of the embodiments
previously described, joining an exterior of the first panel 12,
and which is provided to be releasably connected with the one
fastening member 24 after having folded the first marginal portion
and the second marginal portion at the creases 40 and 44. The
remainder of the first marginal portion 46 and the remainder of the
second marginal portion 42, excluding the spout 100, are folded at
the creases 40 and 44, and the first marginal portion after filling
the bag with bag contents. According to an embodiment, the
remainder of the first marginal portion 46 excluding the spout 100
is glued to the exterior of the panel 12. According to another
embodiment, the remainder of the first marginal portion 46
excluding the spout 100 is disengagingly connected to another
disengagingly connecting fastener assembly 16 having the one
fastening member 24 or, alternatively having the fastening member
24 and the second fastening member 26 for releasable connection to
the one fastening member 24.
[0057] It is to be understood that the present invention is by no
means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed
and shown in the drawings. The appended claims should be construed
broadly to cover any variations or modifications within the scope
or range of equivalents of the claims.
* * * * *