U.S. patent application number 11/465705 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 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 | 20080056622 11/465705 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39151627 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080056622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AUSTRENG; ANDREW ; et
al. |
March 6, 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.; (Seymour, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS, LLP;IP DEPARTMENT
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103-4196
US
|
Family ID: |
39151627 |
Appl. No.: |
11/465705 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/5 ; 383/109;
383/117; 383/203; 383/204; 383/205; 383/61.2; 383/88; 383/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2401/05 20200501;
B65D 33/1691 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/5 ; 383/61.2;
383/203; 383/204; 383/205; 383/88; 383/89; 383/117; 383/109 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/14 20060101
B65D033/14; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; B65D 33/30 20060101
B65D033/30; B65D 30/08 20060101 B65D030/08; B65D 30/04 20060101
B65D030/04; B65D 33/00 20060101 B65D033/00 |
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 said at least one folded over marginal portion of
said rear panel.
2. The resealable package of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident
structure comprises a tear strip underlying an adhesive tape.
3. The resealable package of claim 1, wherein said first and second
fastening members comprise at least one of cooperating profiles, a
male strip intersecting with a female groove, a slider tab, tabs
affixed to one end of the bag, a closure strip, and a zipper.
4. The resealable package of claim 1, wherein said first and second
fastening members are releasably connected by folding over two
marginal portions of said rear panel.
5. The resealable package of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident
structure extends transversely across a substantial portion of said
package and said tear strip comprises at least one extension
protruding beyond an end of said adhesive tape.
6. The resealable package of claim 1, wherein said tamper-evident
structure secures a releasable connection between said first and
second fastening members after said first and second fastening
members are initially releasably connected.
7. The resealable package of claim 1, wherein said package
comprises a composite bag comprising a woven mesh tube; a layer of
polylaminate on both sides of said tube; and a layer of solid
plastic film adhered to both sides of said tube.
8. A reclosable package comprising: a front panel and a rear panel
joined at respective opposite side edges thereof to said front
panel to form a package having an exterior, wherein a top edge of
said joined front and rear panels defines an opening; 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, wherein a first marginal portion of said rear panel
can be folded in the direction of said front panel to seal said
opening, and a second marginal portion of said rear panel can be
folded in the direction of said front panel so that said first
fastening member is releasably connected with said second fastening
member; and a tamper-evident structure comprising a tear strip
underlying an adhesive tape, said tamper-evident structure
extending transversely across a substantial portion of said package
and joined to said front panel and said second folded over marginal
portion of said rear panel.
9. The reclosable package of claim 8, wherein said tamper-evident
structure is used to initially seal said package.
10. The reclosable package of claim 8, wherein said reclosable
fastener assembly comprises matable extruded profiles.
11. The reclosable package of claim 8, wherein said tear strip
comprises at least one extension protruding beyond a side edge of
said front panel and beyond an end of said adhesive tape.
12. The reclosable package of claim 11, wherein said tamper-evident
structure can be split by grasping and pulling said tear strip
transversely across said package.
13. The reclosable package of claim 8, wherein at least one of
printing or reverse printing of at least one of text and graphics
is applied to at least one of said tear strip and said adhesive
tape.
14. The reclosable package of claim 8, wherein said tear strip is
accessible via a notch in said adhesive tape.
15. The reclosable package of claim 8, wherein said package
comprises: (a) a layer of polymeric solid film and (b) a layer of
polymeric mesh woven fabric, wherein a tie resin material added
during manufacture of said composite bag adheres (a) to (b).
16. 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 comprising a tear strip and
an adhesive tape to said front panel and said second marginal
portion.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said reclosable fastener
assembly comprises a first fastening member releasably connectable
to a second fastening member and said second fastening member is
joined to said front panel, with said first fastening member being
joined to said at least one first marginal portion when said second
marginal portion is folded in the direction of said front
panel.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein said reclosable fastener
assembly comprises a first fastening member releasably connectable
to a second fastening member and said second fastening member is
joined to said front panel, with said first fastening member being
joined to said at least one first marginal portion before said
second marginal portion is folded in the direction of said front
panel.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising after step (d),
applying pressure over said second marginal portion to secure said
first fastening member to said at least one first marginal portion
and to secure said second fastening member to said front panel.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein, step (e) comprises (i)
applying said tear strip transversely across said front panel where
said second marginal portion meets said front panel; (ii) cutting
said tear strip such that said tear strip extends beyond a side
edge of said front panel; (iii) applying said adhesive tape
transversely across said front panel over said tear strip such that
said adhesive tape adheres to said front panel and to said second
marginal portion; and (iv) cutting said adhesive tape such that
said adhesive tape does not extend beyond an end of said tear strip
extending beyond said side edge of said front panel.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein said reclosable fastener
assembly comprises a first fastening member pre-mated to a second
fastening member, with said reclosable fastener assembly being
first joined to said front panel, and later joined to said first
marginal portion.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein said reclosable fastener
assembly comprises a first fastening member pre-mated to a second
fastening member, with said reclosable fastener assembly being
first joined to said first marginal portion, and later joined to
said front panel.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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 matable 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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 matable
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
matable fasteners.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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
[0011] 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
[0012] 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:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side isometric view of a resealable package with
tamper-evident structure in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side isometric view of the package of FIG. 1
with an unfolded top portion and without a tamper-evident
structure;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the package of FIG. 2
with a portion of the package in an unfolded, open position;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the package of FIG. 3
after a first fold has been made;
[0017] 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;
[0018] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
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