U.S. patent application number 12/540694 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-17 for easy-open resealable package.
Invention is credited to Scott Huffer, Barry Reese.
Application Number | 20110038569 12/540694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42352140 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110038569 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huffer; Scott ; et
al. |
February 17, 2011 |
EASY-OPEN RESEALABLE PACKAGE
Abstract
An easy-open resealable package is formed from a flexible
laminate that includes an inner structure adhesively laminated to
an outer structure. An opening feature is formed in the laminate
and is operable for forming an opening into the package. A region
of pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed between the inner and
outer structures proximate the opening feature. One or more lines
of weakness in the outer structure form at least one peel strip as
an integral portion of the outer structure. The at least one peel
strip is positioned such that peeling off the at least one peel
strip exposes the pressure-sensitive adhesive, which remains on the
inner structure. After opening the package by operating the opening
feature, and the user can reclose the package by folding down an
end portion of the package and adhering the end portion to the
pressure-sensitive adhesive so as to substantially close the
opening.
Inventors: |
Huffer; Scott; (Hartsville,
SC) ; Reese; Barry; (Hartsville, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA, 101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Family ID: |
42352140 |
Appl. No.: |
12/540694 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/207 ;
383/116; 383/211 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/20 20130101;
B65D 75/5844 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/207 ;
383/211; 383/116 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00; B65D 30/08 20060101 B65D030/08 |
Claims
1. An easy-open, resealable package for products, comprising: a
flexible laminate forming the package, the laminate comprising an
inner structure adhesively laminated to an outer structure, the
inner and outer structures being coextensive with each other such
that edges of the inner structure substantially coincide with edges
of the outer structure; an opening feature formed in the laminate
and operable for forming an opening into an interior of the
package; a region of pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed between
the inner and outer structures proximate the opening feature; and
one or more lines of weakness formed in the outer structure so as
to form at least one peel strip as an integral portion of the outer
structure, the at least one peel strip being separable from the
remainder of the outer structure along the line(s) of weakness, the
at least one peel strip being positioned such that peeling off the
at least one peel strip exposes the region of pressure-sensitive
adhesive that remains on the inner structure, whereby access into
the interior of the package can be had through the opening formed
by operating the opening feature, and the package can be resealed
by folding down an end portion of the package and adhering the end
portion to the pressure-sensitive adhesive so as to substantially
close the opening.
2. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 1, wherein the
opening feature comprises a score line in the inner structure, and
the at least one peel strip is positioned such that peeling off the
at least one peel strip exposes the score line for access into the
interior of the package.
3. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 2, wherein the at
least one peel strip is a single peel strip configured such that
peeling off the peel strip exposes both the score line and the
region of pressure-sensitive adhesive.
4. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 3, wherein the region
of pressure-sensitive adhesive is on at least one side of the score
line and the package includes an end portion on an opposite side of
the score line therefrom, whereby the end portion can be folded
down into a position covering the opening formed by the score line
and can be held in said position by adhering the end portion to the
region of pressure-sensitive adhesive, thereby resealing the
package.
5. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 4, wherein the region
of pressure-sensitive adhesive is on both sides of the score line
such that the end portion of the package on the opposite side of
the score line includes pressure-sensitive adhesive that is placed
in contact with pressure-sensitive adhesive on the one side of the
score line for resealing the package.
6. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 2, wherein the at
least one peel strip comprises an opening peel strip formed by a
first line of weakness in the outer structure and a separate
reclose peel strip formed by a separate, second line of weakness in
the outer structure, the opening peel strip being positioned such
that peeling off the opening peel strip exposes the score line in
the inner structure, and the reclose peel strip being positioned
such that peeling off the reclose peel strip exposes the region of
pressure-sensitive adhesive.
7. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 6, wherein each of
the opening strip and reclose peel strip includes a tab portion
that is free of any adhesive attachment to the inner structure
underlying the tab portion, whereby the tabs portion are readily
graspable for initiating peeling of the opening and reclose peel
strips from the package.
8. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 1, wherein the at
least one peel strip includes a tab portion that is free of any
adhesive attachment to the inner structure underlying the tab
portion, whereby the tab portion is readily graspable for
initiating peeling of the at least one peel strip from the
package.
9. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 1, wherein the
package includes an end seal at one end of the package, and the
opening feature comprises a line of weakness formed in the laminate
proximate the end seal such that the end seal can be torn off the
package to gain access to the interior of the package, the region
of pressure-sensitive adhesive and the at least one peel strip
being located on an opposite side of the line of weakness from the
end seal
10. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 9, wherein the line
of weakness comprises a laser score line.
11. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 10, wherein the
opening feature further comprises a notch in an edge of the
package, intersecting the laser score line, for initiating tearing
along the score line.
12. An easy-open, resealable package, comprising: a sealed bag or
pouch formed of a flexible laminate, the laminate comprising an
inner structure adhesively laminated to an outer structure, the
inner and outer structures being coextensive with each other such
that edges of the inner structure substantially coincide with edges
of the outer structure, an inward-facing surface of the inner
structure having a sealant material, the laminate being formed into
a bag or pouch having seals formed by opposing portions of the
inner structure that are sealed together by the sealant material; a
score line formed in the inner structure adjacent an end portion of
the bag or pouch, and operable for forming an opening through the
inner structure; a region of pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed
between the inner and outer structures proximate the score line;
and one or more lines of weakness formed in the outer structure so
as to form at least one peel strip as an integral portion of the
outer structure, the at least one peel strip being separable from
the remainder of the outer structure along the line(s) of weakness,
the at least one peel strip being positioned such that peeling off
the at least one peel strip exposes the score line and the region
of pressure-sensitive adhesive, the exposed pressure-sensitive
adhesive remaining on the inner structure, whereby access into an
interior of the bag or pouch can be had through the opening formed
by the score line, and the bag or pouch can be resealed by folding
down the end portion and adhering the end portion to the
pressure-sensitive adhesive so as to substantially close the
opening.
13. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 12, wherein the at
least one peel strip is a single peel strip configured such that
peeling off the peel strip exposes both the score line and the
region of pressure-sensitive adhesive.
14. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 12, wherein the
region of pressure-sensitive adhesive is on one side of the score
line as well as on an opposite side of the score line, the end
portion of the bag or pouch being on the opposite side of the score
line, such that the end portion includes pressure-sensitive
adhesive that is placed in contact with pressure-sensitive adhesive
on the one side of the score line for resealing the bag or
pouch.
15. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 12, wherein the at
least one peel strip comprises an opening peel strip formed by a
first line of weakness in the outer structure and a separate
reclose peel strip formed by a separate, second line of weakness in
the outer structure, the opening peel strip being positioned such
that peeling off the opening peel strip exposes the score line in
the inner structure, and the reclose peel strip being positioned
such that peeling off the reclose peel strip exposes the region of
pressure-sensitive adhesive.
16. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 15, wherein each of
the opening strip and reclose peel strip includes a tab portion
that is free of any adhesive attachment to the inner structure
underlying the tab portion, whereby the tabs portion are readily
graspable for initiating peeling of the opening and reclose peel
strips from the bag or pouch.
17. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 12, wherein the at
least one peel strip includes a tab portion that is free of any
adhesive attachment to the inner structure underlying the tab
portion, whereby the tab portion is readily graspable for
initiating peeling of the at least one peel strip from the bag or
pouch.
18. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 12, wherein the
inner structure includes a surface treatment to enhance adhesion to
the pressure-sensitive adhesive relative to the outer structure, so
as to ensure that the pressure-sensitive adhesive remains adhered
to the inner structure and the at least one peel strip peels
cleanly off the pressure-sensitive adhesive.
19. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 12, wherein the
inner structure comprises a polymer film layer one side of which is
laminated to a sealant layer and the other side of which is
laminated to the outer structure.
20. The easy-open, resealable package of claim 19, wherein the
outer structure comprises a polymer film layer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application relates to packages formed from
flexible sheet materials, such as bags, pouches, and the like. The
application relates more particularly to such packages that have
easy-open functionality as well as reseal capability.
[0002] One such package that is in widespread use is the zipper
bag, which is essentially a plastic bag having three permanently
closed edges and a fourth open edge at which a zipper or
profiled-strip closure is attached. In some cases the bag can also
include a permanent end seal adjacent the zipper, and may include a
notch and score line to allow the end seal to be torn off the bag
so that the zipper can be opened to gain access to the bag's
contents.
[0003] There are significant drawbacks to zippers. For example, a
zipper is a separate component from the bag itself, and thus
represents added material cost. Furthermore, incorporating the
zippers into the bag production process results in added complexity
and slows down the process, and therefore is detrimental to
productivity and manufacturing cost. Zippers are also notoriously
difficult to reclose, which frustrates users of the bags. Moreover,
it is necessary to space the zipper from the end of the bag so that
there remains a sufficient amount of the two bag walls for the user
to grasp in order to open the zipper, and this represents wasted
material. A further problem when the bag has an end seal that is
torn off, however, is that sometimes the tear does not occur along
the desired line, but instead results in the remaining parts of the
bag walls being partially or completely torn off right up to the
zipper, which further exacerbates the non-user-friendliness of the
zipper.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] The present disclosure relates to an easy-open resealable
package such as a bag or pouch, formed from a flexible laminate.
The laminate includes an inner structure adhesively laminated to an
outer structure. The inner and outer structures are coextensive
with each other, meaning that their respective edges substantially
coincide with one another (i.e., the outer structure is not a label
applied to only a portion of the exterior of the package, but is an
integral part of the package itself). An opening feature is formed
in the laminate and is operable for forming an opening into an
interior of the package. Various types of opening features are
described herein.
[0005] The package includes a region of pressure-sensitive adhesive
disposed between the inner and outer structures proximate the
opening feature. One or more lines of weakness are formed in the
outer structure so as to form at least one peel strip as an
integral portion of the outer structure. The at least one peel
strip is separable from the remainder of the outer structure along
the line(s) of weakness. The at least one peel strip is positioned
such that peeling off the at least one peel strip exposes the
region of pressure-sensitive adhesive, which remains on the inner
structure. Access into the interior of the package can be had
through the opening formed by operating the opening feature, and
the package can be resealed by folding down an end portion of the
package and adhering the end portion to the pressure-sensitive
adhesive so as to substantially close the opening.
[0006] As noted, various opening features are possible. In one
embodiment, the opening feature comprises a score line formed in
the inner structure. The score line is positioned such that the at
least one peel strip covers it. To open the package, the at least
one peel strip is peeled off to expose the score line, which allows
access to the package interior through the opening formed by the
score line. Optionally, the region of pressure-sensitive adhesive
can be on both sides of the score line, so that the end portion of
the package that is folded down carries pressure-sensitive adhesive
that is adhered to the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the opposite
side of the score line, to create an adhesive-to-adhesive bond for
reclose. Alternatively, the region of pressure-sensitive adhesive
can be only on the opposite side of the score line from the end
portion, such that the end portion is simply adhered to the
pressure-sensitive adhesive to reclose the package.
[0007] In other embodiments, the package can include an end seal
spaced from the region of pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the
opening feature can be a line of weakening located between the end
seal and the pressure-sensitive adhesive region, which allows the
end seal to be torn off the package for gaining access to the
package interior. The package is reclosed by folding down the end
portion of the package and adhering it to the pressure-sensitive
adhesive. The line of weakening for tearing off the end seal can be
a laser score line. The package can include a notch in one edge
intersecting the laser score line, to assist in tearing off the end
seal. The edge having the notch can comprise a side seal.
[0008] In embodiments where the package includes a score line in
the inner structure for opening the package, there can be two
separate peel strips. An opening peel strip is formed by a first
line of weakness in the outer structure and a separate reclose peel
strip is formed by a separate, second line of weakness in the outer
structure. The opening peel strip is positioned such that peeling
it off exposes the score line in the inner structure, and the
reclose peel strip is positioned such that peeling it off exposes
the region of pressure-sensitive adhesive.
[0009] Alternatively, there can be a single peel strip that covers
both the score line in the inner structure as well as the region of
pressure-sensitive adhesive. The peel strip is peeled off to gain
entry into the package, and then the end portion is folded down and
adhered to the pressure-sensitive adhesive to reclose the
package.
[0010] Whether there is a single peel strip or two separate
opening/reclose peel strips, the/each peel strip can include a tab
portion that is free of any adhesive attachment to the inner
structure underlying the tab portion, whereby the tab portion is
readily graspable for initiating peeling of the/each peel strip
from the package.
[0011] In any of the various embodiments, the inner structure can
include a surface treatment to enhance adhesion to the
pressure-sensitive adhesive relative to the outer structure, so as
to ensure that the pressure-sensitive adhesive remains adhered to
the inner structure and the at least one peel strip peels cleanly
off the pressure-sensitive adhesive. The surface treatment can be,
for example, a primer on the inner structure. Additionally or
alternatively, the outer structure can have a surface that is
treated to reduce adhesion to the pressure-sensitive adhesive
relative to the inner structure. The particular treatments used are
not critical, as long as the result is that the peel strip(s) will
cleanly peel off and leave the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the
underlying inner structure.
[0012] In some embodiments, the inner and outer structures are
adhesively joined to each other by two different adhesives.
Pressure-sensitive adhesive is pattern-printed on one of the
structures (preferably, the inner structure) in a region that will
be covered by the peel strip. Outside of this region, a permanent
laminating adhesive is pattern-printed on the remaining part of the
surface of the structure such that the permanent adhesive does not
cover the pressure-sensitive adhesive. The two structures are then
laminated to each other via these adhesives. The resulting laminate
is then subjected to precision scoring operations to form a score
line in the inner structure (for those embodiments in which there
is such a score line), and to form the line(s) of weakness in the
outer structure defining the peel strip(s). The score line in the
inner structure can be formed either mechanically (e.g., by
die-cutting) or with a laser. Likewise, the line(s) of weakness in
the outer structure can be formed mechanically or by laser. The
score line and line(s) of weakness are accurately located to be in
registration with the region of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The
completed laminate can then be converted into a package by any of
the known processes such as vertical form/fill/seal, horizontal
form/fill/seal, etc.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0013] Having thus described the present disclosure in general
terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention, in an unopened
condition;
[0015] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view along line 1A-1A in FIG.
1, with the thicknesses of the layers of the packaging laminate
being greatly exaggerated for clarity of illustration;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view of the package of FIG. 1, showing the
peel strip being removed to expose the score line for opening the
package and to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive for resealing
the package;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an end portion of the package of FIG. 2
being folded down onto the region of pressure-sensitive
adhesive;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows the package of FIG. 3 in a resealed
condition;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front view of a package in accordance with a
second embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 shows an opening peel strip being removed from the
package of FIG. 5, to expose the score line for opening the
package;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a reclose peel strip being removed from the
package of FIG. 6, to expose the region of pressure-sensitive
adhesive for resealing the package;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an end portion of the package of FIG. 7
being folded down onto the region of pressure-sensitive
adhesive;
[0023] FIG. 9 shows the package of FIG. 8 in a resealed
condition;
[0024] FIG. 10 shows a package in accordance with a third
embodiment of the invention, in an unopened condition;
[0025] FIG. 11 shows the package of FIG. 10 with the end seal being
torn off the package to open the package;
[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates the peel strip being peeled off to
expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive; and
[0027] FIG. 13 shows the package of FIG. 12 in a resealed
condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
some but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed,
these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0029] FIGS. 1, 1 A, 2, 3, and 4 depict a package 20 in accordance
with a first embodiment of the invention. The package 20 is a
sealed bag or pouch or the like, formed by converting a flexible
packaging laminate 30 using any suitable converting process such a
vertical form/fill/seal, horizontal form/fill/seal, or the like.
The particular converting process and equipment used for making the
package is not important to the present invention, as the invention
has broad applicability. The illustrative package 20 is formed in a
vertical form/fill/seal process in which a continuous web of the
laminate 30 is advanced and wrapped about a hollow fill tube and is
formed into a tubular structure by forming a longitudinal fin seal
(not visible in the drawings) between the opposite edges of the
web, a bottom end seal 24 is formed in the tubular structure, the
package contents are discharged through the fill tube into the
package, a top end seal 22 is formed, and the package 20 is severed
from the web.
[0030] The laminate 30 comprises an inner structure 31 adhesively
laminated to an outer structure 32. The inner structure can
comprise one or more layers of flexible material. In the
illustrative example shown particularly in FIG. 1 A, the inner
structure includes a polymer film layer 33 laminated to a sealant
layer 35. The sealant layer 35 forms the innermost surface of the
package 20 that is adjacent the contents. The polymer film layer 33
can be formed of any of various polymer materials including but not
limited to polyesters, polyolefins (including homopolymers and
copolymers), polyamides, and others. It is also possible for the
inner structure 31 to include non-polymer materials such as paper,
metal foil, and the like. The sealant layer 35, which is optional,
can comprise any of various materials that when formed into a layer
can be sealed to another layer of the same material by application
of heat and/or pressure; examples of such materials include but are
not limited to heat seal materials and cold seal materials.
[0031] The outer structure 33 can comprise one or more layers of
flexible material. In the illustrative example of FIG. 1A, the
outer structure includes a polymer film layer 34. The polymer film
layer can be formed of any of various polymer materials including
but not limited to polyesters, polyolefins (including homopolymers
and copolymers), polyamides, and others. It is also possible for
the outer structure 33 to include non-polymer materials such as
paper, metal foil, and the like.
[0032] The inner and outer structures are laminated to each other
by permanent laminating adhesive 50 and pressure-sensitive adhesive
52 that are located in particular regions between the structures.
Specifically, the permanent adhesive 50 is pattern-printed by any
suitable technique onto nearly the entire surface of the inner
structure 31 that will be joined to the outer structure 32, except
for a relatively small, defined region in which the
pressure-sensitive adhesive 52 is pattern-printed onto the inner
structure, as further described below. The two structures are then
laminated together via the adhesives.
[0033] The package 20 has integral opening and reseal features that
are built into the laminate 30, as opposed to being formed by
separate components (e.g., zippers, labels, tapes, etc.) that are
applied to the packaging material. The opening feature in the
package 20 comprises a score line 40 formed in the inner structure
31. The score line 40 advantageously extends entirely or
substantially entirely through the thickness of the inner structure
31 so that the inner structure can be easily severed along the
score line to form an opening therethrough. The opening feature
further includes a peel strip 36 that is an integral part of the
outer structure 32 of the package. The peel strip 36 is formed by a
line of weakness 42 formed entirely or substantially entirely
through the thickness of the outer structure 32 so that the peel
strip 36 delineated by the line of weakness 42 is easily separable
from the remainder of the outer structure. The line of weakness
follows a generally U-shaped path in the illustrative embodiment,
and the peel strip defined by the line of weakness extends
substantially fully across the width of the package, but the
invention is not limited to any particular size or shape of peel
strip.
[0034] The pressure-sensitive adhesive 52 is confined to a region
at least as extensive as the region underlying the peel strip 36.
The margins of the pressure-sensitive adhesive region can be
somewhat outward of the edges of the peel strip, in order to ensure
that there is no permanent adhesive attaching the peel strip 36 to
the underlying inner structure 31. In this way, the peel strip 36
can be peeled easily from the inner structure so as to expose the
underlying pressure-sensitive adhesive 52 that remains on the inner
structure 31, and also to expose the score line 40 of the opening
feature. To facilitate grasping the peel strip 36, the peel strip
includes a tab portion 38 that overlies a corresponding region 39
(FIG. 2) of the inner structure 31 that is devoid of any
pressure-sensitive or other adhesive. Thus, the tab portion 39 is
not adhered to the inner structure and can easily be grasped and
pulled to start peeling the peel strip.
[0035] The reclose feature of the package 20 comprises the region
of pressure-sensitive adhesive 52 that is exposed by the removal of
the peel strip 36. In this embodiment, the pressure-sensitive
adhesive 52 covers a region that is on both sides of the score line
40, i.e., there is pressure-sensitive adhesive below the score line
and there is also pressure-sensitive adhesive above the score line
on an end portion 26 of the package that includes the top end seal
22.
[0036] Operation of the package 20 is now described with reference
to FIGS. 2 through 4. To open the package for the first time, the
user grasps the tab portion 38 of the peel strip 36 and pulls
generally in the widthwise direction of the package to peel the
peel strip off the package as shown in FIG. 2, thereby exposing the
pressure-sensitive adhesive 52 and the score line 40. The inner
structure 31 of the package is separated along the score line 40 so
that an opening is formed into the interior of the package, through
which all or part of the contents of the package can be
removed.
[0037] When only part of the contents have been consumed, the user
may wish to reseal the package to retain the remaining contents. To
reseal the package, the user folds down the end portion 26 of the
package along a fold line generally coincident with the score line
40 (see FIG. 3) so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive on the end
portion 26 contacts and adheres to the pressure-sensitive adhesive
located below the score line, thereby substantially sealing the
opening formed by the score line (see FIG. 4).
[0038] It should be noted that the line of weakness 42 defining the
peel strip 36 can be configured so that the peel strip is not
completely removable from the package but instead remains attached
at the end opposite from the end having the tab portion 38. In this
case, the peel strip is moved out of the way to allow the end
portion 26 of the package to be folded down to reseal the package.
Alternatively, the line of weakness 42 can be a closed loop so that
the peel strip can be completely removed from the package.
[0039] The package 20 provides distinct advantages over packages
that employ zippers, labels, tapes, or the like, for resealing
purposes. No additional components are required apart from the
packaging laminate itself. Fabrication of the laminate 30 can be
done at high speed in a continuous web process generally as
described in applicant's copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/098,872, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference. The laminate can then be converted into
packages and filled at high speed, using any of the known processes
and equipment, in the same manner that similar non-resealable
packages are made. Furthermore, the package is simpler to operate
than packages having cumbersome zippers or tapes for resealing.
[0040] The process for constructing the laminate 30, as noted, is
generally similar to that described in the copending '872
application. Continuous webs of the inner structure 31 and outer
structure 32 can be prepared in advance and stored in large rolls.
Construction of the laminate 30 begins by pattern-printing the
permanent adhesive 50 and pressure-sensitive adhesive 52 onto one
of the structures (preferably, the inner structure 31), in
repeating patterns along the length of the advancing structure. The
inner structure 31 is then laminated to the outer structure 32.
Next, the resulting laminate is advanced to a scoring station at
which the score line 40 is formed in the inner structure 31 and the
line of weakness 42 is formed in the outer structure 32, in
registration with the adhesive patterns. The score line and line of
weakness can be formed either mechanically (e.g., by die-cutting)
or by laser. That is, one can be formed mechanically and the other
by laser, or both can be formed mechanically or by laser.
[0041] The package 20 described above is advantageous in many
respects. However, the invention is not limited to packages having
such a configuration. A second embodiment of the invention is now
explained with reference to FIGS. 5 through 9, in which reference
numbers corresponding to features similar to those of the package
20 have been incremented by 100. The package 120 shown in those
figures is similar in some respects to the previously described
package 20, so the present description will concentrate on the
differences. The chief difference is that the package 120 has two
peel strips rather than one. An opening peel strip 136 is defined
by a first line of weakness 142 in the outer structure of the
packaging laminate. The opening peel strip 136 is positioned to
cover the score line 140 in the inner structure. There is
pressure-sensitive adhesive 152 (FIG. 7) under the opening peel
strip 136, but this adhesive is not used for reclose purposes. A
separate reclose peel strip 136' is defined by a second line of
weakness 142' in the outer structure. The reclose peel strip 136'
covers a region of pressure-sensitive adhesive 152' (FIG. 7) that
is used for reclose purposes. The peel strips 136 and 136' have tab
portions 138 and 138', respectively, to facilitate grasping
them.
[0042] Operation of the package 120 is as follows. To open the
package for the first time, the user grasps the tab portion 138 of
the opening peel strip 136 and pulls generally in the widthwise
direction of the package to peel the peel strip off the package as
shown in FIG. 6, thereby exposing the score line 140. The inner
structure of the package is separated along the score line 140 so
that an opening is formed into the interior of the package, through
which all or part of the contents of the package can be
removed.
[0043] When only part of the contents have been consumed, the user
may wish to reseal the package to retain the remaining contents. To
reseal the package, the user peels off the reclose peel strip 136'
to expose the pressure-sensitive adhesive 152' (FIG. 7) and then
folds down the end portion 126 of the package along a fold line
generally coincident with the score line 140 (see FIG. 8) so that
the end portion 126 contacts and adheres to the pressure-sensitive
adhesive 152' located below the score line, thereby substantially
sealing the opening formed by the score line (see FIG. 9).
[0044] An advantage of the package 120 over the previous embodiment
is that the pressure-sensitive adhesive 152' remains covered by the
reclose peel strip 136' while contents are being removed from the
package, and thus it does not become fouled by bits of the
contents, which could reduce its tackiness. When it is desired to
reseal the package, the reclose peel strip is removed, exposing
fresh pressure-sensitive adhesive 152'. However, both regions of
pressure-sensitive adhesive can be involved in resealing the
package.
[0045] A package 220 in accordance with a third embodiment of the
invention is now explained by reference to FIGS. 10 through 13. The
package 220 differs from the previous embodiments principally in
that it does not employ a score line in the inner structure of the
laminate as an opening feature. Instead, the package 220 has an
opening feature of a more-conventional type in which the top end
seal 222 of the package can be torn off the package in order to
open it. To make such tearing possible, the package includes a
score line 228, such as a laser score line, that extends completely
about the package at a location spaced slightly from the end seal.
The score line 228 is such that it does not breach the package and
thus does not compromise the barrier capabilities of the laminate
of which the package is made, yet the laminate can be easily torn
along the score line once tearing has been initiated. Initiation of
tearing is facilitated by a notch 229 formed in one edge of the
package, intersecting the score line 228. To allow the formation of
the notch 229, the package has at least one side seal, and the
notch is formed in the side seal but does not extend beyond the
side seal.
[0046] To open the package 220, the user tears off the end 225 of
the package above the score line 228, as shown in FIG. 11,
resulting in an opening in the end of the package.
[0047] The package 220 includes a peel strip 236 covering a region
of pressure-sensitive adhesive 252, similar to the previous
embodiments. To reseal the package, the user peels off the peel
strip 236 (FIG. 12) and rolls (i.e., folds over at least twice) an
end portion of the package and adheres it to the pressure-sensitive
adhesive 252 as shown in FIG. 13.
[0048] As apparent from the foregoing description of various
embodiments of the invention, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 52,
152', 252 used for reclose purposes must remain on the inner
structure 31 of the laminate when the overlying peel strip is
peeled off to expose the adhesive. This can be ensured by
controlling the surface characteristics of the inner and outer
structures in direct contact with the pressure-sensitive adhesive,
using any of various techniques. For example, there is a rough rule
of thumb that an adhesive will generally remain attached to the
surface on which it is originally applied, as opposed to another
surface that is subsequently adhered to the adhesive. Thus, it is
advantageous to apply the pressure-sensitive adhesive to the inner
structure during manufacturing of the laminate 30. Additionally, it
is advantageous to treat the surface of the inner structure to
enhance its affinity for adhering to the pressure-sensitive
adhesive. This can be done in various ways. One approach is to
first apply a primer material to the inner structure, and then to
pattern-print the pressure-sensitive adhesive onto the primer
material. The primer material can be any of various compositions,
depending on the formulation of the pressure-sensitive adhesive. It
is also possible to treat the surfaces of both the inner and outer
structures in such a way that the inner structure has a
significantly greater affinity for adhering to the
pressure-sensitive adhesive. The invention is not limited to any
particular treatment of the surfaces.
[0049] One exemplary structure for the laminate 30 is now described
with reference again to FIG. 1. The inner structure 31 comprises a
film 33 of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) laminated to a sealant
layer 35 of polyethylene film. The side of the PET layer opposite
from the side having the polyethylene sealant layer is chemically
treated and is then primed with a primer material having a high
affinity for adhering to the pressure-sensitive adhesive. For
example, the primer material can be a laminating ink. The inner
structure is then pattern-printed with the permanent and
pressure-sensitive adhesives and is laminated to the outer
structure 32. The outer structure comprises a film of PET whose
surface is treated by corona discharge to enhance its affinity for
adhering to the permanent adhesive. While this treatment may also
enhance the affinity for adhering to the pressure-sensitive
adhesive, nevertheless the use of the primer material on the inner
structure results in the inner structure having a greater affinity
for the pressure-sensitive adhesive than does the outer
structure.
[0050] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
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