U.S. patent application number 12/831861 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-12 for recloseable package with pull-tab member.
Invention is credited to James W. Yeager.
Application Number | 20120006822 12/831861 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45437853 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120006822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yeager; James W. |
January 12, 2012 |
RECLOSEABLE PACKAGE WITH PULL-TAB MEMBER
Abstract
A recloseable package, such as formed from polymeric film
material, includes a package body including front and rear package
panels joined to each other at side edges thereof. A recloseable
fastener assembly is provided on the inside surface of the front
package panel, with a preferentially weakened region of the front
package panel operatively associated with the fastener assembly. In
order to facilitate convenient opening of the front package panel,
and access to and manipulation of the fastener assembly, the
package includes a pull-tab member secured to the exterior of the
front package panel, with a pull-tab member including an
articulable gripping portion which can be readily articulated and
manipulated by consumers, so that it can be grasped to facilitate
manipulation and opening of the package.
Inventors: |
Yeager; James W.; (Mobile,
AL) |
Family ID: |
45437853 |
Appl. No.: |
12/831861 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5827 20130101;
B65D 75/585 20130101; B65D 33/2583 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/270 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/34 20060101
B65D017/34 |
Claims
1. A recloseable package, comprising: a package body comprising a
front package panel and a rear package panel joined to each other
at respective side edges thereof; a recloseable fastener assembly
positioned within said package body transversely of a longitudinal
axis of the body, said fastener assembly including first and second
fastener elements each joined to an inside surface of said front
package panel, said front package panel defining a preferentially
weakened region operatively associated with said fastener assembly,
so that opening of said weakened region permits separation of said
first and second fastener elements to permit the contents of the
package to be accessed through the opened weakened region and
through the fastener assembly; and a pull-tab member secured to the
exterior of the front package panel at said weakened region
thereof, said pull-tab member including an articulable gripping
portion which can be hingedly manipulated generally out of the
plane of said front package panel to facilitate opening of said
weakened region of said front package panel.
2. A recloseable package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
pull-tab member includes a substrate layer secured to said front
package panel, and a gripping layer partially secured to said
substrate layer so that an unsecured portion of said gripping layer
defines said articulable gripping portion.
3. A recloseable package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
pull-tab member includes a gripping layer partially secured
directly to said front package panel so that an unsecured portion
of said gripping layer defines said articulable gripping
portion.
4. A recloseable package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
gripping portion is downwardly articulable about a generally
horizontal hinge.
5. A recloseable package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
gripping portion is upwardly articulable about a generally
horizontal hinge.
6. A recloseable package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
gripping portion is articulable about a generally vertical
hinge.
7. A recloseable package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
weakened region comprises perforations.
8. A recloseable package in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
weakened region comprises a scored region.
9. A recloseable package in accordance with claim 2, wherein said
gripping layer extends beyond said substrate layer to provide said
gripping portion with finger lift region.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to recloseable film
packaging configured to facilitate reclosing of a package after
initial opening, and more particularly to a package having a
recloseable access feature in a front package panel thereof, with a
pull-tab member provided to facilitate access to an opening of the
recloseable feature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Recloseable film packaging has found widespread application
in the marketplace for all manner of consumer goods, particularly
food products where it can be desirable to initially open a
package, reclose it, and then reopen it at a later time to further
access the contents of the package. Various recloseable package
constructions are known in the prior art, with U.S. Pat. No.
5,461,845, hereby incorporated by reference, illustrating such a
recloseable package arrangement, including a profile strip fastener
assembly to facilitate reclosing of the package after initial
opening.
[0003] It is, of course, desirable to promote convenient use of
such recloseable packages by consumers, and to this end, packages
or bags with a pull-tab opening feature have become common as a
result of the convenience that they offer to the consumer. In
particular, packages having a so-called front panel fastener
arrangement typically require some type of tab for accessing the
fastener assembly. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,257,
hereby incorporated by reference, discloses the provision of a
pull-tab opening feature for gaining access to the recloseable
fastener assembly of that package arrangement.
[0004] While the pull-tab arrangement disclosed in the
above-referenced patent has proven to be quite useful for
conveniently accessing the front panel fastener assembly, this
particular pull-tab arrangement has been found to exhibit certain
shortcomings. In particular, this pull-tab arrangement requires the
provision of perforations or slits in the front panel of a package
in order to allow the consumer to grasp the pull-tab that is formed
in the front panel of the package. Since it is desirable to have
such a pull-tab only partially slit open, in order to provide
tamper-evidence, this tab arrangement requires that the consumer
break open the package in order to "create" the tab, that is,
separate the tab from the remaining portion of the front panel in
order to permit the tab to be grasped for opening. The breaking of
the film can be difficult, depending upon the chemical composition
of the packaging film, and its orientation in the package.
[0005] An additional shortcoming associated with the
above-described pull-tab arrangement relates to the compromise of
the gas bearer properties of the package, which results from the
need to provide perforations in the front package panel at which
the pull-tab is formed. A line or region of weakness formed from a
laser score can be used to access the fastener assembly on a front
panel package, without comprising the gas barrier properties, if
some type of pull-tab feature can be provided that does not require
perforations or slits be formed in the film of the front package
panel.
[0006] The present invention contemplates a recloseable package
having a recloseable fastener assembly at the front package panel
thereof, with a pull-tab opening feature that can be used for
packages having contents that require that the gas barrier
properties of the package not be compromised.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a recloseable
package, typically formed from polymeric film materials, is
disclosed, including a recloseable fastener assembly on the inside
surface of a front package panel, which permits the package to be
conveniently reclosed after it is initially opened. Notably, the
present invention contemplates the provision of a pull-tab member
having an articulable gripping portion, which can be readily
articulated and manipulated by consumers and conveniently gripped
for opening the package, including the recloseable fastener
assembly thereof. Convenient use of a recloseable package is thus
facilitated, including convenient opening of a package having a
laser score, or like region of weakness, which maintains the gas
barrier properties of the package.
[0008] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the
recloseable package embodying the principles of the present
invention includes a package body comprising a front package panel
and a rear package panel joined to each other at respective side
edges thereof. The package body is preferably formed in end-to-end
relationship with associated packages from a web of suitable
polymeric film material which is suitably folded and formed during
formation to form the front and rear package panels. The edges of
the film material can be joined at a back seam extending
longitudinally of the package. While not illustrated, it is within
the purview of the present invention that the package body can be
formed with inwardly extending side gussets at opposite side edges
thereof.
[0009] In order to promote convenient reclosing of the package, the
package includes a recloseable fastener assembly positioned within
the package body transversely of the longitudinal axis of the body.
The fastener assembly includes first and second fastener elements
each joined to an inside surface of the front package panel. The
recloseable fastener assembly may comprise suitable inter-engaging
profile elements, adhesive elements, so-called hook-and-loop
fastener elements, or "unisex" fastening elements, such as
comprising upstanding mushroom headed elements which are
"self-engaging" with like elements of an associated fastener
component.
[0010] The front package panel of the package defines a
preferentially weakened region operatively associated with the
fastener assembly, so that opening of the weakened region permits
separation of the first and second fastener elements, to thereby
permit the contents of the package to be accessed through the
opened weakened region, and through the fastener assembly. This
so-called front panel fastener assembly permits the contents of the
package to be readily accessed through the front panel of the
package after initial opening, and after reclosing, and reopening,
of the recloseable fastener assembly.
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, a pull-tab member
is secured to the exterior of the front package panel at the weaken
region thereof. The pull-tab member includes an articulable
gripping portion which can be hingedly manipulated generally out of
the plane of the front package panel to facilitate opening of the
weakened region of the front package panel. By the provision of the
pull-tab member, opening of the weakened region of the front
package panel is greatly facilitated, whether provided in the form
of perforations or slits, or a laser score. Moreover, the pull-tab
member facilitates convenient manipulation and opening of the
recloseable fastener assembly positioned on the inside surface of
the front package panel.
[0012] In accordance with the illustrated embodiments, the pull-tab
member may comprise a substrate layer secured to the front package
panel, and a gripping layer partially secured to the substrate
layer so that an unsecured portion of the gripping layer defines
the articulable gripping portion. In an alternate embodiment, the
pull-tab member is provided in the form of a gripping layer
partially secured directly to the front package panel, so that an
unsecured portion of the gripping layer defines the articulable
gripping portion.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become readily apparent from the detailed description, the
accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recloseable package having
a pull-tab member embodying the principles of the present
invention;
[0015] FIGS. 2 and 3 are partial, cross-sectional views taken
generally along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating the pull-tab
member of this embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is perspective view of a further embodiment of a
recloseable package having a pull-tab member in accordance with the
present invention;
[0017] FIGS. 5 and 6 are partial, cross-sectional views taken
generally along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4 illustrating this embodiment of
the recloseable package and the pull-tab member;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
present recloseable package and pull-tab member;
[0019] FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial, cross-sectional views taken
generally along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7 illustrating this embodiment of
the invention and the pull-tab member thereof;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
present recloseable package and pull-tab member thereof; and
[0021] FIGS. 11 and 12 are partial, cross-sectional views taken
generally along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10 further illustration this
embodiment of the present recloseable package having a pull-tab
member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described presently preferred embodiments, with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
[0023] With reference first to FIGS. 1-3, therein is illustrated a
recloseable package 10 embodying the principal of the present
invention. Recloseable package 10 is configured to include a
so-called front panel fastener arrangement, wherein a recloseable
fastener assembly is positioned on the inside surface of a front
panel in the package to facilitate convenient reclosing of the
package after it is initially opened. U.S. Pat. No. 5,461,845,
hereby incorporated by reference, illustrates a recloseable package
having this configuration.
[0024] The recloseable package 10 includes a package body
comprising a front package panel 12, and a rear package panel 14
joined to each other at respective side edges thereof. The package
body is ordinarily formed from polymeric film material, which is
folded and manipulated during package formation so that the package
body is formed from a single piece of film material. Thus, the
front package panel 12 and the rear package panel 14 are joined to
each other generally where the film material is folded, at side
edges of the package 10. It is within the purview of the present
invention that the recloseable package 10 be formed with
inwardly-extending side gussets at opposite side margins thereof,
thereby increasing the internal volume of the package, as can be
desired for some applications.
[0025] The body of the recloseable package 10 is ordinarily formed
in end-to-end relationship with associated packages from a web of
film material, which is longitudinally folded, as described, to
form the front and rear package panels. While packages embodying
the present invention can be substantially completely preformed,
and then filled with contents before sealing to complete packaging,
packages of this nature can be efficiently used with so-called
form, fill, and seal machines, which substantially simultaneously
form each package 10 attendant to filling of the package with its
contents. Thus, a completed package not only includes a
longitudinally extending back seam 15 where opposite marginal
portions of the film material are joined during package formation,
but additionally includes transversely extending seals at a top
header 16 and a bottom seal 18, which act to close the interior of
the package after it is filled.
[0026] In accordance with the present invention, recloseable
package 10 includes a recloseable fastener assembly 20 positioned
within the package body transversely of the longitudinal axis of
the body. The fastener assembly 20 includes first and second
fastener elements 22 and 24 joined to an inside surface of the
front package panel 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first
and second fastener elements 22, 24 typically each include a
flanged portion secured to an inside surface of front package panel
12, and cooperating profile elements or the like, which may
optionally be formed integrally with the flange portions of the
fastener elements 22, 24. It is within the purview of the present
invention that fastener elements 22, 24 can be configured for
cooperative, releasable inter-engagement such as by the provision
of cooperating adhesive elements, or so-called hook-and-loop
elements, which can be provided in any of a variety of
configurations, as well as self-engaging "unisex" releasable
fastener components.
[0027] Initial opening of the recloseable package 10 is facilitated
by the provision of preferentially weakened region 26 which extends
generally transversely of the package on the front package panel 12
thereof, typically in closely spaced relationship to the top header
16. In this embodiment, the weakened region 26 is illustrated as
comprising a scored region of the front package 12, which scored
region can be efficiently formed by known laser scoring techniques.
It is within the purview of the present invention that the weakened
region 26 be alternately formed, such as by the provision of
perforations, slits, or like weakening.
[0028] In accordance with the present invention, a pull-tab member
30 is secured to the exterior of the front package panel 12 at the
weakened region 26 thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,304, hereby
incorporated by reference, discloses pull-tab structures of the
type that can be used for practice of the present invention.
[0029] In this illustrated embodiment, the pull-tab member 30
includes a substrate layer 32 which is secured to the exterior of
front package panel 12 such as by adhesive or heat-sealing. In this
embodiment, the pull-tab member 30 further includes a gripping
layer 34 which defines an articulable gripping portion. The
gripping portion can be hingedly manipulated, generally about hinge
line 36, generally out of the plane of the front package panel 12
in order to facilitate opening of the weakened region 26 of the
front package panel. In the preferred form, the gripping layer 34
is partially secured to the substrate layer 32 so that an unsecured
portion of the gripping layer defines the articulable gripping
portion. As will be observed, in this embodiment, the gripping
portion is generally downwardly articulable about the generally
horizontal hinge 36. This action is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,
which show the gripping portion of the gripping layer 34 be
downwardly articulated and manipulated, in order to present the
readily grasped gripping portion. As will be appreciated, this
arrangement of the pull-tab member not only facilitates breaking
and tearing of the front package panel 12 at the weakened region
26, but further facilitates manipulation of the fastener assembly
30 within the package to facilitate convenient separation and
opening of first and second fastener elements 22, 24.
[0030] In this embodiment, the substrate layer 32 and gripping
layer 34 are each illustrated as having a circular configuration,
and being of the same diameter, with the resultant gripping portion
having a "half-moon" configuration. However, it will be appreciated
that the substrate and gripping layers need not be coextensive with
each other, as illustrated, and that other shapes for the pull-tab
member can be used while keeping with the principles disclosed
herein.
[0031] A further embodiment of the present recloseable package is
illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, wherein a pull-tab member 130 is provided
in operative association with a weakened region 26 of the front
package panel 12 of the package 10. As will be noted, in this
embodiment the recloseable fastener assembly 20 includes a
so-called peel seal 25 provided between the first and second
fastener elements 22 and 24. Peel seal 25 can enhance the
tamper-evidence of the package, and additionally, can provide a
barrier to the passage of fluids between the first and second
fastener elements. This can be desirable if the region of weakness
26 is provided in the form of perforations or slits, as
illustrated.
[0032] A pull-tab member 130 is provided on the exterior surface of
the front package panel 12, and includes circular, co-extensive
substrate and gripping layers 132, 134. In this embodiment, an
unsecured portion of the gripping layer 134 can be articulated and
manipulated to provide a ripping portion, with articulation about a
generally vertical hinge 136 contemplated. Again, the gripping
portion of the gripping layer 134 facilitates convenient grasping
by consumers for tearing and opening the weakened region 26 in the
front package panel, as well as for separation and opening of the
first and second fastener elements 22, 24, including opening and
separation of peel seal 25.
[0033] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate a further embodiment of the present
invention, wherein a pull-tab member 230 is provided on the
exterior of front package panel 12 of recloseable package 10. In
this embodiment, the pull-tab member 230 does not include a
substrate layer, but rather comprises a gripping layer 234
partially secured directly to the front package panel 12, so that
an unsecured portion of the gripping layer defines the articulable
gripping portion, which can be hingedly manipulated generally about
horizontal hinge 236. As in the previous embodiment, the associated
fastener assembly 20 includes a peel seal 25 between first and
second fastener elements 22 and 24, thus providing a desired gas
barrier between the fastener elements, which can be desirable if
the weakened region 26 is formed from a series of perforations,
such as illustrated in this embodiment. As illustrated, the
gripping portion of the gripping layer 234 can be generally
downwardly manipulated, about hinge 236, to present the desired
gripping portion for convenient gripping and manipulation by
consumers to facilitate opening of the package, including breaking
of the weakened region 26, and separation of first and second
fastener elements 22, 24.
[0034] A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 10-12, wherein the recloseable package 10 includes a
pull-tab member 330 secured to the exterior of the front package
panel 12 at the weakened region 26, illustrated as a score line in
this embodiment. In this embodiment, the pull-tab member 330
includes a circular substrate layer 332, and a circular gripping
layer 336 positioned concentrically with the substrate layer 332,
with the gripping layer 334 being larger than the substrate layer
332. By this arrangement, a lower portion of the gripping layer 334
can be manipulated and articulated generally upwardly, about hinge
336, to present the desired gripping portion for grasping by
consumers. By virtue of the gripping layer 334 being larger than,
and extending beyond, the substrate layer 332, a "finger lift"
region is provided generally at the lower edge of the gripping
layer 334, thus facilitating convenient articulation of the
gripping portion so that it extends generally outwardly of the
plane of the front package panel 12 so that it can be readily
grasped by consumers.
[0035] While the various embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed as providing the pull-tab member on the exterior surface
of front package panel 12, for some applications it can be
desirable to provide an opening in the front panel so that the
pull-tab member is directly secured to the fastener element 24 of
the fastener assembly. This can be desirable to enhance transfer of
the gripping and opening force exerted on the pull-tab member to
the fastener assembly, to facilitate separation and opening of the
fastener elements thereof.
[0036] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous
modifications and variations can be effected without departing from
the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present
invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect
to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should
be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended
claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the
claims.
* * * * *