U.S. patent application number 13/318062 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-23 for resealable packages.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Sara Falcon, Larry L. Sipe, Laurel Thomas.
Application Number | 20120043323 13/318062 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42286754 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120043323 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; Laurel ; et
al. |
February 23, 2012 |
RESEALABLE PACKAGES
Abstract
A resealable package is disclosed comprising a cover component,
a tray component complemented in structure and coupled to the cover
component, and sealing sheet disposed between the cover and tray
components. The tray component includes a compartment to receive
packaged goods and a flange framing the tray component. The sealing
sheet includes a first portion being resealably attached to the
flange of the tray component and a second portion being affixed to
the cover component. The cover and tray components are movable
relative to one another such that the movement automates unsealing
and resealing of the resealable connection between the sealing
sheet and the flange of the tray component.
Inventors: |
Thomas; Laurel; (Portland,
OR) ; Falcon; Sara; (Richmond, VA) ; Sipe;
Larry L.; (Clayton, NC) |
Assignee: |
MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
Richmond
VA
|
Family ID: |
42286754 |
Appl. No.: |
13/318062 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
May 4, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US10/33637 |
371 Date: |
October 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61175533 |
May 5, 2009 |
|
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|
61226441 |
Jul 17, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/254.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/254.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/18 20060101
B65D051/18 |
Claims
1. A package comprising: (A) a cover component; (B) a tray
component complemented in structure and coupled to the cover
component, the tray component being moveable relative to the cover
component and including: one or more compartment portion to receive
one or more articles, a flange edge framing the compartment
portion; and (C) a sealing sheet including: a first portion
resealably connecting to the flange edge of the tray component, and
a second portion connecting to the cover component, wherein the
sealing sheet being disposed between the cover and tray components
such that a relative movement between the cover and tray components
automates unsealing and resealing of the resealable connection
between the sealing sheet and the flange edge of the tray
component.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the sealing sheet includes a
barrier film.
3. The package of claim 1, wherein the connection between the
second portion of the sealing sheet and the cover component is
stronger than the connection between the first portion of the
sealing sheet and the flange edge of the tray component.
4. The package of claim 1, further comprising a mechanical stopping
element to prevent a decoupling of the tray component from the
cover component.
5. The package of claim 4, wherein the mechanical stopping element
includes a member selected from a group consisting of sleeve lip,
tail tab, flap design, side tab design, overlapping tab, aligned
tab and slot, closed end on the sleeve, and combinations
thereof.
6. The package of claim 1, wherein the tray component is moveable
relative to the cover component in a sliding motion.
7. The package of claim 1, wherein the tray component includes more
than one compartment.
8. The package of claim 1, wherein the tray component further
comprises an end closure structure for closing the package.
9. The package of claim 1, wherein the cover component includes a
top panel, a bottom panel, and two side walls connecting the top
and the bottom panels.
10. The package of claim 9, wherein the top panel includes: (a) a
first ply being a frame panel of the cover component, and (b) a
second ply being an overlapping panel for the first ply, wherein
the second portion of the sealing sheet is bonded between the first
and the second plies of the cover component.
11. The package of claim 1, wherein the cover component is a
slidable lid.
12. The package of claim 1, wherein the cover component and the
tray component further comprise a co-operable ratchet mechanism for
effective step-wise relative movement.
13. A package comprising: (A) a tray component including: (i) a
compartment portion to receive one or more articles, and (ii) a
flange edge connecting to the compartment portion; (B) a lid
component coupling to the tray component and including a flip-top
opening feature; and (C) a sealing sheet including: (a) a first
surface being permanently affixed to the lid component, and (b) a
second surface being resealably connected to the flange edge of the
tray component, wherein a flip-opening movement of the lid
component automates unsealing and resealing of the resealable
connection between the second surface of the sealing sheet and the
flange edge of the tray component.
14. The package of claim 13, further comprising a sleeve component
being complemented in structure to the tray component such that the
tray component being slidable within the sleeve compartment.
15. A package comprising: (A) a cover component; (B) a tray
component complemented in structure and coupled to the cover
component, the tray component being moveable relative to the cover
component and including one or more compartment portion to receive
one or more articles; and (C) a sealing sheet including: a first
portion resealably connecting to the flange edge of the tray
component, and a second portion connecting to the cover component,
wherein the sealing sheet being disposed between the cover and tray
components such that a relative movement between the cover and tray
components automates unsealing and resealing of the resealable
connection between the sealing sheet and the tray component.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional application relies on the filing date
of provisional U.S. Application Ser. Nos. 61/175,533 filed on May
5, 2009 and 61/226,441 filed on Jul. 17, 2009, having been filed
within twelve (12) months thereof, which are incorporated herein by
reference, and priority thereto is claimed under 35 USC
.sctn.1.19(e).
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Packaging container typically includes a packaging tray to
receive the packaged product and a lid film sealed to the packaging
tray. To gain access to the packaged goods, the sealable lid film
is torn or ripped. If the lid film is broken by consumers, it
cannot be used again as a useful seal to any goods remaining in the
package. The packaged product is commonly not immediately consumed
after opening, such as when only a portion of the goods would be
used at a time. Thus, it is beneficial for the packaging container
to be resealable after opening.
[0003] U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/0023435 discloses a
container for food product including a film affixed to a food tray.
The film functions as a lid of the container and has an access
opening. The sealing label, adhesively sealed to the top around the
opening, is resealable when a tab of the sealing label is pulled
back. The sealing label is resealable against the top layer to seal
the opening when the label is moved back against the top. When the
packaged product is perishable or delicate goods, it is further
desirable that the resealable packaging container provides good
barrier resistance.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,886 discloses a resealable plastic
packaging container consisting of a tray and a lid film, wherein
the container has a sealing area sealed to the tray such that it
can be at least partly peeled back. The plastic packaging container
comprises at least one hook and loop closure whose two
complementary parts are arranged opposite each other on the tray
and the lid film, respectively, and by means of which the plastic
packaging container can be resealed after the peel-back seal has
been opened. If the sealing lid film of the resealable package is
not replaced properly to fully cover the product, the packaged
goods may be damaged. Furthermore, the resealing adhesive on the
lid film may become deteriorated and ineffective when contacting
dirt, dust and other contaminants after the container has been
opened. Finally, the sealing lid film is easily punctured or torn
prematurely.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for resealable packages with
enhanced resealing and barrier performances. In addition, there is
a need for resealable or re-closable packages with enhanced
convenience, easier opening and improved user experience.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The present disclosure relates to a resealable package
comprising a cover component, a tray component complemented in
structure and coupled to the cover component, and sealing sheet
disposed between the cover and tray components. The tray component
includes a compartment to receive packaged goods and a flange
framing the tray component. The sealing sheet includes a portion
being resealably attached to the flange of the tray component and a
portion being affixed to the cover component. The cover and tray
components are movable relative to one another such that the
movement automates unsealing and resealing of the resealable
connection between the sealing sheet and the flange of the tray
component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package;
[0008] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate steps in the removal and replacement of
a sealing sheet contained within the disclosed package of FIG.
1;
[0009] FIGS. 6A and 6B show schematically, cross-sectional side
views of the disclosed package of FIG. 1 in a closed sealed
configuration and in an opened unsealed configuration,
respectively;
[0010] FIG. 7A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package;
[0011] FIG. 7B shows the package of FIG. 7A in an opened position,
wherein a sealing sheet automatically has been moved into an open
position by means of opening the package;
[0012] FIG. 8A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package;
[0013] FIG. 8B shows the package of FIG. 8A in an opened position,
wherein a sealing sheet automatically has been moved into an open
position by means of opening the package;
[0014] FIG. 9A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package;
[0015] FIG. 9B shows the package of FIG. 9A in an opened position,
wherein a sealing sheet automatically has been moved into an open
position by means of opening the package;
[0016] FIG. 9C shows a package similar to FIGS. 9A and 9B but with
a flange that extends along the entire inner tray;
[0017] FIG. 10A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package wherein the tray component includes more than one
compartment portion and ratchets between compartments;
[0018] FIG. 10B shows a variation of the package depicted in FIG.
10A without the ratchets;
[0019] FIG. 11A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package wherein the compartment portion is coverable by means of a
slidable cover component;
[0020] FIG. 11B shows a variation of the package disclosed in FIG.
11A namely a different shape to the package but still including a
compartment portion that is coverable by means of a slidable cover
component;
[0021] FIG. 12A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package wherein the tray component includes two compartment
portions, each resealable by means of a slidable cover
component;
[0022] FIG. 12B shows the two inner trays or a two compartment
inner tray of the package depicted in FIG. 12A;
[0023] FIG. 12C is a variation of the package depicted in FIG. 12A
and shows a longer outer sleeve covering the two compartment inner
tray or two inner trays
[0024] FIG. 12D shows the package in FIG. 12C in an open
configuration;
[0025] FIG. 13A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package wherein the cover component includes one or more openings
to facilitate a slidable movement of the tray component within the
cover component; and
[0026] FIG. 13B shows a view of the embodiment disclosed in FIG.
13A in an open position;
[0027] FIG. 13C shows a variation of the embodiment disclosed in
FIG. 13A with a child resistant feature;
[0028] FIG. 13D shows a view of the embodiment disclosed in FIG.
13C in an open position;
[0029] FIG. 14A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package wherein the unsealing and resealing of the sealing sheet to
the tray component is automated by the sliding motion of the tray
compartment;
[0030] FIG. 14B shows the package disclosed in FIG. 14A in the open
position;
[0031] FIG. 15A shows one embodiment of the disclosed resealable
package with a Z fold attachment in a closed position;
[0032] FIG. 15B shows the resealable package of FIG. 15A in an open
position;
[0033] FIG. 15C shows a close-up view of the positioning of the Z
fold attachment within the package of FIG. 15B in an open view;
[0034] FIG. 15D shows a top view of the inner tray of FIG. 15A with
the Z fold attachment;
[0035] FIG. 16A shows another embodiment of the disclosed
resealable package with a Z fold attachment;
[0036] FIG. 16B shows an open view of the package disclosed in FIG.
16A;
[0037] FIG. 16C shows a close-up of the positioning of the Z fold
attachment within the package of 16B;
[0038] FIG. 16D shows a top view of the Z fold attachment as it
rests atop the inner tray;
[0039] FIG. 17A shows a top view of a one piece version of the Z
fold attachment plus inner tray;
[0040] FIG. 17B shows a top view of a Z fold piece to attach to the
sealable sheet of an inner tray;
[0041] FIG. 17C shows the Z fold piece folded into shape before
attaching to the sealable sheet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0042] The present disclosures now will be described more fully
hereinafter, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown.
Indeed, these disclosures 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.
[0043] The resealable package of the present disclosure comprises:
[0044] (A) a cover component; [0045] (B) a tray component
complemented in structure and coupled to the cover component, the
tray component being moveable relative to the cover component and
including: [0046] (i) a compartment portion to receive one or more
articles, [0047] (ii) a flange portion framing the compartment
portion; and [0048] (C) a sealing sheet including: [0049] (a) a
first portion resealably connecting to the flange portion of the
tray component and [0050] (b) a second portion connecting to the
cover component, wherein the sealing sheet being disposed between
the cover and tray components such that a relative movement between
the cover and tray components automates unsealing and resealing of
the resealable connection between the sealing sheet and the flange
portion of the tray component.
[0051] Any known packaging materials may be used for the cover
component. Examples include, but are not limited to, paper-based
material such as paper and paperboard; plastic; metallic material;
and combinations thereof. The cover component may be in a variety
of forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, a slidable
cover, a liftable cover, a fully enclosed cover, and a tubular
sleeve cover with opening at one or both ends.
[0052] Various materials may be used to produce the tray component.
Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to,
injected-mold plastic, thermoform plastic, plastic-coated
paperboard, paperboard, and combinations thereof. The material used
for the tray component may be the same or different from that used
for the cover component. It will be understood that the tray
component may comprise more than one compartment. Additionally, one
skilled in the art may simply modify the compartment structure and
shape to facilitate the desired end use applications of the
disclosed packages.
[0053] A variety of materials are suitable as the sealing sheet.
Such material may be selected based on the end use applications of
the disclosed package. For example, if the packaged goods are
perishable food items, the sealing sheet material may be selected
to minimize or reduce the permeability of air and other gases,
water and other liquids, as well as dust and other solids. Examples
of materials suitable for use as the sealing sheet include, but are
not limited to, plastic film such as polyethylene, polyester, foil
and other metallic material; and any combination thereof. When
desired, the sealing sheet may have barrier resistant properties.
When appropriate, the sealing sheet may be further provided with an
antimicrobial treatment. The sealing sheet may be flexible such
that it may be peeled away from and replaced back on the flange
portion of the tray component.
[0054] The first portion of the sealing sheet may be resealably
attached to the flange portion of the tray component by the use of
resealable adhesive or other means. The adhesion of the sealing
sheet to the cover component may be stronger than the adhesion to
the flange portion of the tray component.
[0055] The disclosed package may include a stopping element to
limit the relative movement between the cover component and the
tray component and prevent the completely decoupling of the two
components. Such stopping mechanisms are well known in the art, and
any suitable stopping element may be used in the present
disclosure. When appropriate, the mechanical stopping element may
be used for such mechanism. Examples of suitable mechanical
stopping elements include, but are not limited to, a sleeve lip,
tail tab, flap design, side tab design, overlapping tabs, aligned
tabs and slots, closed ends on the cover component, and
combinations thereof. Optionally, the mechanical stopping element
may comprise a tab extending inwardly from the main panel proximate
to a leading portion of the cover component and an aperture
disposed in the tray component proximate to a trailing edge of the
tray component. The tray component may comprise an end closure
structure for closing an end of the disclosed package.
[0056] In one embodiment of the disclosed package, the cover
component and the tray component comprise a co-operable ratchet
mechanism for effective step-wise relative movement between the two
components.
[0057] FIGS. 1-5 show one embodiment of the resealable package of
the present disclosure. The resealable package comprises a cover
component 30 and a tray component 34. The cover component 30
comprises an end closure element 32 and a tubular structure
consisted of a top panel, a base panel 14, side panels 16, and an
end panel 12. When desired, the top panel may be consisting of a
first ply 18 that frames the cover component 30 and a second ply 20
that overlaps the first ply 18. When desired, the end closure
element 32 may take the form of hinged lid portion that may be
folded to close the tubular structure.
[0058] The tray component 34 includes a compartment portion 48
framed by a side 42 wall and an end wall 44 to receive packaged
goods and a flange portion 46 connecting the compartment portion
48.
[0059] The sealing sheet 36 has a first portion 40 that is
resealably affixed to the flange portion 46 of the tray component
34, and a second portion 38 affixing to the cover component 30. As
shown in FIG. 4, the second portion 38 of the sealing sheet 36 may
be sandwiched between the first ply 18 and the second ply 20 of the
cover component 30.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tray component 34 may be
housed inside the cover component 30 by inserting in a directional
arrow `I` into an open end `O` of the cover component 30. The
stopping element 78 acts to limit the distance wherein the tray
component 34 may be separated from the cover component 30 without
being completely decoupled. The stopping element 78 couples a rear
portion of the tray component 34 to a front inner portion of the
cover component 30 toward the end panel 12.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the end closure element 32 is opened to
open the package and retrieve the packaged goods from the
compartment portion 48 of the tray component 34. The cover
component 30 and the tray 34 component are moved relative to one
another so that the tray component 34 is slided out of the cover
component 30. As this happens, the sealing sheet 36 with its
portion 40 resealably affixed to the flange portion 46 is
automatically and progressively detached or peeled away from the
flange portion 46, thus exposing the compartment portion 48 of the
tray component 34 and allowing the packaged goods to be retrieved.
It may be required that the strength of the attachment between the
second affixing portion 38 and the cover component outer 30 is
greater than the strength of the attachment between the first
affixing portion 40 and the tray component 34. Accordingly, the
sealing sheet 36 is automatically and progressively pulled or
peeled away from the tray component 34 by simply sliding the tray
component 34 from the cover component 30 and no other effort is
required upon the part of the consumers to tear or open the
compartment portion to retrieve the packaged goods. A shearing
force imparted as the tray component 34 and the cover component 30
are separated may sufficiently facilitate the release of the bond
between the portion 40 of the sealing sheet 36 and the flange 46 of
the tray component 34. When the tray component reaches its travel
limit in relative to the cover component 30 as being controlled by
the stopping element 78, the peeling away of the sealing sheet 36
is completed.
[0062] The first affixing portion 40 of the sealing sheet 36 may be
attached to the tray 34 by means of a resealable adhesive. Any
known resealable adhesives in the art may be used. For example,
"Peel 'n Re-seal" adhesive available from Spear Inc. may be used.
Therefore, the sealing sheet 36 may be readhered to the tray
component 34, resulting in a resealing and closing of the
compartment portion 48 of the tray component 34 once again. As
such, only some the packaged goods in the compartment portion 48 of
the tray 34 may be removed, while the remaining goods are still
being kept fresh. Examples of such packaged goods include, but are
not limited to, loose tobacco or food.
[0063] Additionally, the reinsertion of the tray component 34
within the cover component 30 automatically causes the portion 40
of the sealing sheet 36 to be resealed to the flange portion 46 of
the tray component 34. The tray component 34 may be designed to
tightly fit within the cover component 30, such that the seal
between the portion 40 of the sealing sheet 36 and the flange
portion 46 of the tray component 34 is formed once the top panel 18
contacts with the sealing sheet 36. When desired, the resealable
adhesive provided on the first affixing portion 40 may be activated
to reseal by an application of pressure between the affixing
portion 40 and the flanged portion 46 of the tray component 34. In
certain embodiment of the present disclosure, it is not necessary
for the consumers to apply pressure because the sandwiching of the
first affixing portion 40 between the top panel 18 of the cover
component 30 and the flange portion 40 as the tray component 34 is
reinserted into the cover component 30 provides sufficient pressure
to reseal the compartment portion 48. The space between the top
panel 18 of the cover component 30 and the flanged portion 46 of
the tray component 34 may be sized to receive only the thickness of
the sealing sheet 36, since this promotes replacement of the
sealing sheet 36 in flat form and wrinkling or creasing of the
sealing sheet 36 may be prevented. The tightness of the space
between the top panel 18 and the flanged portion 46 may also ensure
that the sealing sheet 36 is aligned correctly along the flange
portion 40 of the tray component 34.
[0064] The package of the present disclosure may allow for an
automatic resealing of the compartment portion 48. This reduces the
possibility of contaminants being transferred from the users to the
resealable adhesive on the first affixing portion 40 of the sealing
sheet 36, thus increasing the lifetime of the resealing adhesive
and the disclosed resealable package.
[0065] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the movement of the tray
component 34 within the cover component 30, as well as the position
of the sealing sheet 36 when the tray component 34 is moved
outwardly of the cover component 30. The sealing sheet 36 fits as a
single layer between the flange portion 46 of the tray component 34
and a lower surface of the first ply 18 of the cover component 30.
The second affixing portion 38 of the sealing sheet is positioned
between the second ply 20 and an upper surface of the first ply 18
of the cover component 30.
[0066] A completely decoupling of the tray component 34 from the
cover component 30 may be prevented through the use of stopping
elements such as any mechanical stopping element known in the art.
Alternatively, the trailing edge of the sealing sheet 36 that is
closest to the end panel 12 of the cover component 30 in the closed
position, may be strongly attached or permanently affixed to the
tray component 34, so that a complete detachment of the sealing
sheet 36 from the tray component 34 is avoided and consequently a
decoupling of the cover component 30 and the tray 34 component is
prevented.
[0067] FIGS. 7A and 7B show one embodiment of the disclosed
resealable package with a cover component 130 and the tray
component 134 slidably housing within the cover component 130. The
tray component 134 includes a compartment portion 148, a side wall
142, a flange portion 146, and an end closure structure 132 that
completely closes the package once the tray component is placed
within the cover component 130. A sealing sheet 136 has a first
portion resealably affixed to the flange portion 146 and a second
portion secured to the cover component 130. The second portion of
the sealing sheet 136 may be affixed to the top panel 120 of the
cover component 130. As before, moving the tray component from the
cover component causes the first portion of the sealing sheet 136
to be automatically detached from the flange portion 146, and
consequently the compartment portion 148 of the tray component 134
or half carton 134 is exposed to allow for a retrieval of packaged
goods. The reinserting of the tray component into the cover
component automatically causes the first portion of the sealing
film 136 to be reattached to the flange portion 146 of the tray
component 134, and consequently the compartment portion 148 is
sealed once again. It is to be understood that cover compartment
130 and half carton 134 may be symmetrical and either may be pulled
by the user to open the package or to automatically detach the
sealing sheet 136 from the flange portion 146.
[0068] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the package
includes a first component being a pouch compartment and a second
component being a tubular carton structure and coupled to the first
component. The tubular carton structure includes a lid connected
and hinged to a top panel of the carton structure such that when
the lid is pulled to an open position, the relative movement
between the pouch compartment and carton structure automates an
unsealing of the bond between the sealing sheet and the flange
portion of the compartment. FIGS. 8A and 8B show the disclosed
resealable package capable of housing a primary package. The
sealing sheet 236 is attached to a lid flap 220 of the disclosed
package. Optionally, the sealing sheet 236 may be provided as a
part of the primary package and frangibly connected thereto. The
pull tab 250 may be used to disconnect the lid flap 220 from the
remainder of the top panel 218 of the disclosed package. This
action causes the sealing sheet that is frangibly connected to the
primary package to be disconnected from the primary package, and
consequently an opening into the primary package is created such
that the packaged goods inside may be accessed. A flange portion or
first affixing portion 240 disposed around the perimeter of the
opening is repositionable to reseal the primary package. This is
achieved by replacing the lid 220 into planar alignment with the
top panel 218 and applying pressure to adhere the first affixing
portion 240 to an underlying edge portion 246 of the primary
package. Whereas in this embodiment, the consumer applies the
pressure to effect the reseal, the use of the liftable lid portion
220 with the pull tab 250 facilitates the opening of the primary
package. The presence of a full structure outer carton with base
wall provides structural strength to facilitate the resealing by
application of some pressure. This is particularly useful where the
primary package is a soft flexible pouch which lacks compression
strength. It is envisaged that the disclosed package may include
multiple flanges to improve sealability. The first affixing portion
240, which is coupled to the lid 220 once resealed and attached to
flange 246, may assist in holding the disclosed package in a closed
or locked position. Nonetheless, when desired, an additional
external mechanical lock may be provided to maintain the lid 220 in
the closed position.
[0069] FIGS. 9A and 9B show one embodiment of the disclosed
resealable package having a sealing sheet 336 affixed by a strong
attachment to a flip-top portion 320 of the package 334. A portion
340 of the package 334 is resealably affixable to a flange portion
346 of the package. When desired, a sleeve 330 may be included to
further provide protection to the package 334. In addition sleeve
330 may be designed to catch on an inner flap and allow the
flip-top portion 320 to open. FIG. 9C shows a similar embodiment as
FIGS. 9A and 9B, but including a flange portion 346 that extends
around the interior of the package to surround product containment
area 348.
[0070] FIGS. 10A and 10B show one embodiment of the disclosed
resealable package wherein a tray component 434 has multiple
compartments: 448a, 448b, and 448c. In the illustrated example four
compartments are shown, but it will be understood that any number
of compartments greater than one may be used. The
multiple-compartment package may incorporate a ratcheting system
that enables a limited and controllably unsealing of the sealing
sheet from the tray component. For example, the compartment 448a
may be exposed by slidably separating the tray component from the
cover component, while the compartments 448b and 448c may remain
sealed. Later, when it is required to access the packaged goods
contained in the compartments 448b or 448c, and the cover component
may be withdrawn further and the sealing sheet 436 peeled further
from the tray component. The disclosed package with multiple
compartments may be particularly useful in healthcare, personal
care, and tobacco packaging applications. The side "wings" 460a,
460b and 460c as shown in FIG. 10A may be included to facilitate a
ratchet mechanism along cutouts or indentions provided on the
inside of the side panel 416 of the cover component 430 to assist
in the step-wise withdrawal of the tray component 434 from the
cover component 430.
[0071] In one embodiment, the disclosed package comprises a tray
component that includes a flange portion and a compartment portion,
a slidable cover component being coupled to the tray component by
means of a folded portion engaging an underside of the flange, and
a sealing sheet being sandwiched between the flange portion of the
tray component and the slidable cover component. In FIGS. 11B and
11A, the tray component 534 is coverable by means of a slidable lid
520 and automatically sealable by means of the sealing sheet 536.
The tray component 534 comprises a flanged portion 546 extending
about the perimeter of the tray component. The lid 520 includes
rails that are folded under the flange portion of the tray
component. The sealing sheet 536 is attached to the flange portion
546 and the lid 520 to create an automatic opening and closing
"peeling" or "roll" effect. The reseal feature enables consumers to
easily store and later access leftovers or unused packaged goods
within the compartment portion 548 of the tray component.
[0072] FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D show one embodiment of the
disclosed resealable package, wherein a tray component 634
comprises two compartments 648, slidable cover component 630, and a
sealing film 636 affixed to the tray and the slidable cover
components. Each compartment 648 is resealable by the sealing sheet
636 (636a and 636b, respectively) by a relative movement of a
single slidable cover component 630. In FIG. 12A, the compartment
648a has been opened as the sealing sheet 636a is progressively
peeled away by sliding the cover component 630 away from an end
wall 644a of the tray component and towards the second compartment.
In this position, the second compartment remains sealed by a
portion 636b of the sealing film. The relative sliding movement of
the tray and the cover components, depending upon the direction
which cover component is moved, causes either the resealing of the
sealing sheet 636a portion to the compartment 648a or the further
peeling of the sealing sheet such that the 636b portion becomes
unsealed from the second compartment. One end of the sealing sheet
may be permanently affixed to an end wall 644b of the tray
component to prevent a complete decoupling of the tray component
and the sealing sheet. In addition, two separate trays may be
within slidable cover component 630. Both trays or both
compartments of the tray component 634 may rest under the slidable
cover component 630. Either tray may slide out leaving the other
tray under slidable component or one compartment of tray component
634 may be slid out to peel away the sealing sheet 636 and allow
access to the product inside. The two trays may be attached by the
films to the slidable cover. The two trays may have a frangible
connection at line 680.
[0073] FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D show one embodiment of the
disclosed resealable package, wherein the cover component 730
includes one or more end openings 770, and the tray component 740
is housed inside the cover component 730. The stopping mechanism
are the two closed ends of the cover component 730: a closed end
774 functions as the mechanical stopping mechanism on the front end
of the cover component 730, and a closed end 776 as the mechanical
stopping mechanism on the rear end of the cover component 730. When
the tray component 734 is slide toward the opening 770, the sealing
sheet 736 is peeled back to expose the compartment area 734, thus
allowing the consumers an access to the packaged products in the
compartment area. When desired, the cover component 730 may further
include side openings 772 to assist the consumers in sliding the
tray component within the cover component to the open or closed
positions. It is to be understood that such one or more openings
could also be positioned in other areas of the cover component,
including but not limited to the bottom, the sides, the front, or
the rear of the cover component. It is further understood that
either the front 774 or rear wall 776 may be removed to allow the
tray component 740 to slide out of the outer package comprising
cover component 730 rather than adding opening 770. There are a
variety of ways that the tray component 740 can be prevented from
fully exiting the outer package that are known in the art. One such
example is an internal retaining mechanism such as placing one or
more flaps on the outer package that interlock with one or more
flaps on the interior tray component 740 to prevent the end of the
tray from being pulled out of the package. FIGS. 13C and 13D add a
child resistant feature such as a push button release 778. A
variety of child resistant mechanisms are known in the art and may
be added to the package to limit access to the contents. These
include locking mechanisms and release mechanisms. Manufacturing
preferences will indicate on which areas of the package it is
appropriate to place child resistant locking and releasing
features.
[0074] In one embodiment of the disclosed package, the sealing
sheet may be sealed to the outer edge of the flange portion of the
tray component. Further, the resealable adhesive and removable
portion of the sealing sheet may be located inside the perimeter of
the sealed area. In the alternative a heat sealable film and a
resealable film may be precombined and then applied to tray
component 834. The heat sealable film may extend to the end of the
flange portion 884. FIGS. 14A and 14B show the disclosed package
with a sealable sheet resealably affixed to the sides of the tray
component at a flange portion 884. The sealable sheet 836 may
extend to the edge of the flange portion 884. The sealable sheet
836 may be heat sealed to the flange portion 884. The end portion
838 of the sealing sheet 836 is affixed to lid element 832 of the
cover component 830 at adhesive areas 882 as illustrated in FIG.
14A. Upon lifting the lid element 832 of the cover component 830,
the end portion 838 of the sealing sheet 836 is also lifted such
that resealable portion 840 is peeled away and unsealed from the
flange portion 884 of the tray component. It is to be understood
that sliding the tray component 834 out of the outer structure 833
may lift the lid element 832 and pull back the sealable film
portion 836. The tray component 834 may be pulled out of the outer
package 833 or may be pushed out of the outer package 833 through
an opening at the back of the outer package 833. Lid element 832
may assist the pulling back of sealable sheet 836. The resealable
portion 840 of the sealing sheet 836 may be further removed or
pulled back as the tray component 834 is pulled or pushed out of
the cover component 830. The resealable portion 840 may be
perforated or pre-cut such that it can be separated from the rest
of the sealing sheet. The resealable portion 840 of the sealing
sheet 836 may be inside the sealed portion of the flange area 884,
so that neither the resealing adhesive nor the removable sealing
840 would be denatured or destroyed during the production process.
Furthermore, for similar reasons it may be beneficial for the end
portion 838 of the sealing sheet 836 to be set inside the
parameters of the heat sealed flange 884.
[0075] FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D show an
embodiment of the present invention including a slidable tray 903
with a sealable film 910 attached to a Z fold 905. The Z fold 905
may be a three piece structure comprising of pieces 906, 907 and
908 where the lower end 908 is connected to the sealable film 910
as a single piece or through the use of adhesives. The adhesive
used to hold the Z fold 905 at attachment point 908 to the sealable
film 910 may be stronger than that used to hold the sealable film
910 to the top of the tray 912 such that when the tray 903 is slid
out the z fold 905 is not pulled off of the sealable film 910, but
rather the sealable film 910 is lifted off of the tray 903. The
upper end of the Z fold 906 is folded such that it catches on flap
904 of the outer sleeve 902. As the inner tray 903 is pulled or
pushed out of the package Z fold flap 906 catches on inner flap 904
and the z fold 905 lifts the sealable film 910 off the top of the
tray 912 such that the product contained inside inner tray 903 may
be accessed at point 920.
[0076] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C show a sample Z fold. FIG. 17 A shows
a single piece tray plus Z fold. The fold line between the last
portion of the Z fold 908 and the inner tray 903 may be frangible
such that it breaks upon folding or breaks upon the consumer
opening the package by pushing the inner tray 903 out of the sleeve
902. FIGS. 17B and 17C show sample separate Z fold pieces that may
be adhered or connected by other means to the sealable sheet.
[0077] The Z fold piece 905 may be paperboard. The board may be
treated. To get the folds between pieces 906, 907 and 908 the
sections may be scored. The may be all one piece with a paperboard
inner tray 903 molded or folded and the Z fold attached on one end
to be folded into shape. In such a design, there may be a
perforated edge between the Z fold end piece 908 and the end of the
inner tray 903 such that the connection may break upon folding or
upon the user first opening the package. In addition as shown in
FIG. 16C the end piece 908 of the Z fold piece 905 may be folded up
on itself to provide additional strength when 906 catches on 904.
This may prevent the inner carton 903 from fully exiting the outer
package 902 both because of the extra length and the force to
unfold it. Extra adhesive may be located between this fold on 908
to add additional strength to this component.
[0078] In the alternative, the Z fold piece may be a plastic
material adhered to the sealable film or may be a piece folded off
of the film cover. The film cover may be a film, paperboard or
plastic combination to give the Z fold the strength needed to
maintain its shape and lift the sealable film. In addition the Z
fold may be formed with the tray and folded into place over the
sealable film. In such a design, the Z fold may have a perforated
edge allowing it to break off from the inner tray when folded into
position. Upon folding, the lower part of the Z fold 908 may be
adhered to the sealable film 902. The top of the inner tray 912 may
have a flange surrounding the inner compartment for holding the
product.
[0079] It will be understood that the present disclosure is
applicable to the packaging, storing and dispensing of various
items or products. Accordingly, the terms "goods", "contents",
"articles", "item" and "product" as used herein includes all kinds
of packagable objects. Examples of such objects may include, but
are not limited to, medicaments; food; electrical items; perishable
goods of any sort such as tobacco; media products; and other
personal or healthcare items such as contact lenses. It is
envisaged that the present disclosure may be applied to provide an
automatic seal for a jar-type container to preserve active
ingredients in cream, lotion or ointment from deteriorating.
[0080] One skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes
may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. For
example, the size and shape of the tray component, the cover
component and the compartment portion may be adjusted to
accommodate articles of differing size or shape. Additionally, the
word "seal" may mean a vacuum/hermetic seal or a mere sufficient
seal to preserve the quality and limit the degradation of the
packaged products.
[0081] Furthermore, it is envisaged that the application of the
automated unsealing and resealing mechanism of the present
disclosure may be applied to a number of package configurations,
including the one-hand opening cartons that are known in the art
and provide a simple-to-use package. The disclosed resealing
mechanism may also be incorporated into the automated opening
containers including those with child resistant features.
[0082] Moreover, the disclosed automatic resealing mechanism may be
applied to a carton housing an inhaler or other medical device
where a specific portion of the device or a nose or a mouth portion
of an inhaler is covered by the sealing sheet. As such the flange
edge to which the sealing sheet is attached and reattached may not
surround the entire cavity of a carton, but rather may surround a
section of the cavity. In any such application, the sealing sheet
may also comprise an antimicrobial treatment.
[0083] It is to be understood that on any embodiment disclosed
herein, manufacturing preferences may indicate whether a single
layer of film or multiple layers of film, two or more, may be
preferred. With one or more layers it may be appropriate to have a
perforated or cut out portion of the film that acts as the sealable
portion. The one film layer may be a material that is both heat
sealable and resealable after the initial peel back from the flange
area. The multi layer film solution may include at least one heat
sealable film and at least one resealable film that would then be
adhered in combination to the tray structure. It is also to be
understood, that the one or more films may have barrier properties
or may simply close the opening. Any film layers in the industry or
later developed may be adapted to work with this application. In
general the films tend to have a base film that may be metalized or
may be polypropylene or another type of plastic that may or may not
have a metalized coating with heat seal and resealable adhesive
layers extruded onto the film. In the alternative, the film could
be combined with paperboard that may or may not be treated. The one
layer option may be a film that is resealable to the flange area
without being initially heat sealed. The heat seal requirement is
dependent upon the needs of the product in the package. The heat
sealing may provide increased initial barrier protection. The films
will vary as different products will require different barriers
needs. In a one layer solution the film may be fully rolled away
from the flange area when the package has been opened. In the two
layer solution the film would most likely be a combination of
precombined materials which may include a heat sealable film and a
resealable film that would then be adhered to the tray structure in
combination. The resealable film would overlap a section of the
heat sealed film that would be lifted when the resealable film is
rolled away as the package is opened. The action of the top layer
lifting a portion of the bottom layer allows access to the
compartment containing the product when the package has been
opened. The base layer which may be the heat sealed film will have
a lock seal to the tray flange, which may improve barrier and the
lock seal may prevent the heat seal layer from being lifted from
the tray. In some embodiments, the resealable layer may reseal on
the heat sealed layer. It is to be understood, that the material
that the resealable film attaches to will determine the appropriate
adhesive material to use.
[0084] The adhesive used for the applications herein may be glue,
tape, heat sealing, adhesive strips, adhesive dots, combinations
thereof and any other suitable adhesive materials. It is to be
understood that manufacturing preferences will indicate the
appropriate adhesive to use for various applications of the
package. For example stronger adhesive materials should be used to
connect the sealable sheet to the outer package, lid or the Z fold
and weaker adhesive should be used on the sealable portion such
that a user is able to open the package when the tray is slid or
rotated or moved away from the lid portion without disconnecting
the attachment to the lid, outer package or Z fold.
[0085] It will be recognized that as used herein, directional
references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side",
"inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective
panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these
panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should
not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line
only. Rather, it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed
from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line
or a fold line without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0086] The foregoing description relates to embodiments are
exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the
disclosure. Any changes and modifications may be made therein as
will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such variations are
to be considered within the scope of the disclosure as defined in
the following claims.
* * * * *