U.S. patent application number 15/044727 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for package having a tearable seal and a method of opening said package.
The applicant listed for this patent is Aurizon Ultrasonics, LLC. Invention is credited to Terrence Jerome Kaminski, Patrick Sean McNichols.
Application Number | 20160244232 15/044727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56690246 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160244232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McNichols; Patrick Sean ; et
al. |
August 25, 2016 |
PACKAGE HAVING A TEARABLE SEAL AND A METHOD OF OPENING SAID
PACKAGE
Abstract
A package having a tearable seal is disclosed, along with a
method of opening the package. The package is capable of housing a
product and includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a
second side, a bottom and a top, and has a void area formed between
the front and back walls which can house the product. The package
is completely sealed after the product has been inserted into the
void area. The package has a tearable seal formed in both the front
and back walls. The tearable seal has an end conterminuous with the
first side. The package also has a second seal formed in both the
front and back walls which is positioned inward of the first and
second sides and which is located between the tearable seal and the
top. The second seal has a patterned field of bonds. The tearable
seal requires less force to break than does the second seal. A
method of opening the package is also taught.
Inventors: |
McNichols; Patrick Sean;
(Hortonville, WI) ; Kaminski; Terrence Jerome;
(Kimberly, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aurizon Ultrasonics, LLC |
Kimberly |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56690246 |
Appl. No.: |
15/044727 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62118669 |
Feb 20, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5855 20130101;
B65D 75/5805 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 75/58 20060101
B65D075/58 |
Claims
1. A package capable of housing a product, said package comprising:
a) a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a second side, a bottom
and a top, and having a void area formed between said front and
back walls which can house said product, and said package being
completely sealed after said product has been inserted into said
void area; b) a tearable seal formed in both said front and back
walls, said tearable seal having an end conterminuous with said
first side; c) a second seal formed in both said front and back
walls which is positioned inward of said first and second sides and
which is located between said tearable seal and said top, and said
second seal having a patterned field of bonds; and d) said tearable
seal requires less force to break than does said second seal.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein said patterned field of bonds
include a plurality of point bonds having a density ranging from
between about 1% to about 60%, and a portion of said tearable seal,
located adjacent to said second side, remains secure to said
package after said tearable seal has been broken.
3. The package of claim 2 wherein said plurality of point bonds are
randomly arranged and have a density ranging from between about 10%
to about 40%, and said tearable seal has a width which is partially
broken in an initial tear and then is completely broken
thereafter.
4. The package of claim 2 wherein said plurality of point bonds are
regularly arranged and have a density ranging from between about 5%
to about 25%.
5. The package of claim 1 wherein said tearable seal extends from
said first side to said second side, and said tearable seal has a
width ranging from between about 0.03 inches to about 0.10 inches,
and said width is partially broken in an initial tear and then is
completely broken thereafter.
6. The package of claim 1 wherein said front and back walls have a
combined thickness, and said tearable seal has a width equal to at
least about two times said combined thickness.
7. The package of claim 7 wherein said tearable seal has a width
equal to at least about three times said combined thickness.
8. The package of claim 1 wherein said tearable seal requires a
force of from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds to break.
9. The package of claim 1 wherein said front wall has a thickness
and said back wall has a thickness, and said tearable seal has a
depth d which can range from between about 10% to about 90% of
either the thickness of said front wall or the thickness of said
back wall.
10. A package capable of housing a product, said package
comprising: a) a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a second
side, a bottom and a top, and having a void area formed between
said front and back walls which can house said product, and said
package being completely sealed after said product has been
inserted into said void area; b) a tearable seal formed in both
said front and back walls, said tearable seal having an end
conterminuous with said first side, said tearable seal having a
width, and said tearable seal being positioned closer to said top
of said package than to said bottom of said package; c) a second
seal formed in both said front and back walls which is positioned
inward of said first and second sides and which is located between
said tearable seal and said top, said second seal having a width
which is at least 8 times larger than said width of said tearable
seal, and said second seal having a patterned field of bonds; and
d) said tearable seal s capable of breaking under a force of about
5 pounds or less.
11. The package of claim 10 wherein said tearable seal extends
continuously from said first side to said second side, said
tearable seal is a hermetic seal having a width ranging from
between about 0.03 inches to about 0.10 inches, and said tearable
seal requires a force of from between about 1 pound to about 3
pounds to break.
12. The package of claim 10 wherein said front wall and said back
wall have a combined thickness, and said tearable seal has a width
equal to at least about four times said combined thickness, and
said width is partially broken in an initial tear and then is
completely broken thereafter.
13. The package of claim 10 wherein said second seal has a
patterned field of bonds having a density ranging from between
about 5% to about 25%.
14. The package of claim 10 wherein said front wall has a thickness
and said back wall has a thickness, and said tearable seal has a
depth which can range from between about 10% to about 90% of the
thickness of said front wall or said back wall.
15. The package of claim 14 wherein said second seal is aligned at
an angle to said tearable seal and said angle is at least about 15
degrees.
16. A method of opening a package having a front wall, a back wall,
a first side, a second side, a bottom and a top, a tearable seal
formed in both said front and back walls which has an end
conterminuous with said first side, and a second seal formed in
both said front and back walls which is positioned inward of said
first and second sides and which is located between said tearable
seal and said top, said method comprising the steps of: a) gripping
said package between a thumb and an index finger of each hand, one
hand positioned above said tearable seal and the other hand
positioned below said tearable seal; b) applying a forward force
with one hand and a rearward force with the opposite hand to cause
a portion of said tearable seal to start to break; c) continuing to
tear said tearable seal until said top is at least about 90% torn
away from a remaining portion of said package; d) pinching said
front and back walls between said two hands; and e) pulling said
front and back walls apart to break a remaining portion of said
tearable seal and open said package.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein when said tearable seal is
broken, a portion of the tearable seal remains attached to a
remainder of said package.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein when said tearable seal is
broken, said top is completely torn off from said package, and said
torn off top is properly disposed off after being torn off from
said package.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein said tearable seal cannot be
resealed after being opened.
20. The method of claim 16 wherein said tearable seal requires less
than about 5 pounds of force to be opened, and said second seal is
not designed to be broken.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority as a Non-provisional
application to Provisional; application U.S. Ser. No. 62/118,669
filed Feb. 20, 2015.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a package having a tearable seal
and a method of opening the package.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Today, many products are enclosed in a package or pouch
formed from various materials. The products can be in liquid form,
semi-solids or solid form. The package can be constructed from
various materials, including but not limited to: paper, cardboard,
plastic, thermoplastics, polymer films, polymer film laminates, or
combinations thereof. For example, the package can be formed from a
laminate that may include two or more different materials. Once the
products are enclosed in the package, the package needs to be
sealed. At a later time, the package has to be opened to remove
some or all of the products. Sometimes it is difficult to open a
package that has been tightly sealed. In certain instances, the
package cannot be opened without using a sharp object like a pair
of scissors, a knife, etc. This can cause frustration, especially
when the person trying to open the package does not have access to
a sharp object. In other situations, the entire package may rupture
as one attempts to open the package. This is detrimental when a
person wishes to remove only a portion of the products from the
package and use the package to house the remaining products until a
later time.
[0004] Now a package having a tearable seal has been invented along
with a method of opening the package.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly, this invention relates to a package capable of
housing a product. The product can be a liquid, a semi-solid or a
solid. The package includes a front wall, a back wall, a first
side, a second side, a bottom and a top. The package also has a
void area formed between the front and back walls which can house
the product. The package is completely sealed after the product or
products have been inserted into the void area. The package has a
tearable seal formed in both the front and back walls. The tearable
seal has an end conterminuous with the first side. The package also
has a second seal formed in both the front and back walls which is
positioned inward of the first and second sides and which is
located between the tearable seal and the top. The second seal has
a patterned field of bonds. The tearable seal requires less force
to break than does the second seal.
[0006] In a second embodiment, the invention relates to a package
capable of housing a product. The package includes a front wall, a
back wall, a first side, a second side, a bottom and a top. The
package also has a void area formed between the front and back
walls which can house the product. The package is completely sealed
after the product or products have been inserted into the void
area. The package has a tearable seal formed in both the front and
back walls. The tearable seal has an end conterminuous with the
first side. Desirably, the tearable seal extends continuously from
the first side to the second side. The tearable seal has a width
and the tearable seal is positioned closer to the top of the
package than to the bottom of the package. The package also has a
second seal formed in both the front and back walls. The second
seal is positioned inward of or spaced apart from the first and
second sides. The second seal is located between the tearable seal
and the top. The second seal has a width which is at least about 5
times larger than the tearable seal. The second seal has a
patterned field of bonds. The tearable seal is capable of breaking
under a force of less than about 5 pounds.
[0007] A method of opening a package is also taught. The package
has a front wall, a back wall, a first side, a second side, a
bottom and a top. The package also has a tearable seal formed in
both the front and back walls. The tearable seal has an end
conterminuous with the first side. Desirably, the tearable seal
extends continuously from the first side to the second side. The
package further has a second seal formed in both the front and back
walls which is positioned inward of the first and second sides and
which is located between the tearable seal and the top. The method
includes the steps of having a person grip the package between a
thumb and an index finger of each hand, one hand positioned above
the tearable seal and the other hand positioned below the tearable
seal. A forward force is applied with one hand and a rearward force
is applied with the opposite hand to cause a portion of the
tearable seal to start to break. The person continues to tear the
tearable seal until the top is at least about 90% torn away from a
remaining portion of the package. Alternatively, the tearable seal
can be completely torn off from a remaining portion of the package.
The front and back walls of the package are then pinched between
the two hands and the front and back walls are pulled apart to
break a remaining portion of the tearable seal and open the
package.
[0008] The general object of this invention is to provide a package
having a tearable seal which provides an easy way to seal and open
the package. A more specific object of this invention is to provide
a package with both a tearable seal and a second seal wherein the
second seal is not designed to be broken.
[0009] Another object of this invention is to provide a package
having a tearable seal which is designed to be opened only
once.
[0010] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
package with a tearable seal which is easy to manufacture and easy
to break.
[0011] A further object of this invention is to provide a package
with a tearable seal which is economical to manufacture.
[0012] Still further, an object of this invention is to provide a
package with a tearable seal which can be sealed before a product
is inserted into the package.
[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the
following description and the accompanying drawings and photos.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a package having a tearable seal
extending between its first and second sides and having a second
seal positioned inward of the first and second sides and which is
located between the tearable seal and the top of the package.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the package shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a top view of a pillow pouch.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of a gusseted pouch.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the upper left corner of the
package.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the upper left corner of the
package shown in FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a front view of a package having a tearable seal
extending between its first and second sides, and having a second
seal, consisting of a patterned field of point bonds, which are
randomly arranged, positioned inward of the first and second sides
and which is located between the tearable seal and the top of the
package.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of the package shown in FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a front view of a package having a tearable seal
extending between its first and second sides, and having a second
seal, consisting of a patterned field of angled lines, positioned
inward of the first and second sides and which is located between
the tearable seal and the top of the package.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a side view of the package shown in FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a front view of a package having a tearable seal
that extends from the first side but stops short of the second
side, and having a second seal, consisting of a patterned field of
point bonds, which are randomly arranged, positioned inward of the
first and second sides and which is located between the tearable
seal and the top of the package.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a side view of the package shown in FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a photograph of a sealed package having a
tearable seal extending across its width to form a top portion
having a second seal positioned therein.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a photograph of a person starting to tear open
the tearable seal.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a photograph of a person continuing to tear open
the tearable seal.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a photograph of the package after the top portion
has been completely torn off.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a photograph of a person pinching the package and
pulling the front and rear faces apart so as to break open the
remainder of the tearable seal and open the package.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a package or pouch 10 is depicted
which is capable of housing a product or contents. By "package" it
is meant a container in which something is packed; a preassembled
unit. By "pouch" it is meant something resembling a bag in shape; a
bag or sack used to carry various items; a sealed plastic or foil
container used in packaging frozen, dehydrated foods or other
items. The product or contents (not shown) can be any item, article
or substance known to man. The product or contents can be a single
item or a plurality of the same, similar or different items. For
example, the product or contents could be a food product, such as
peas, corn, carrots, etc. or it can be a man made product such as,
screws, nuts, washers, etc.
[0032] Many different kinds of packages 10 are used to house,
enclose or contain various products or contents. The products or
contents can be in liquid, powder, semi-solid or solid form. The
products or contents can include a solution, an article, an item, a
substance, etc. The products or contents can be a single liquid
solution or a single article or item. Alternatively, the products
or contents can consist of two or more articles or items. When the
products consists of multiple articles or items, the articles or
items can be identical in size, shape and configuration or vary
from one another in some way. Likewise, the articles or items can
be different from one another. Once the package 10 is filled, it is
normally sealed so that the products or contents cannot be removed
until the package 10 is opened. This invention relates to a
tearable seal 26 which can seal the package 10 until it is ready to
be opened. The tearable seal 26 is designed to break or partially
tear as one starts to open the package 10. The tearable seal 26 is
then broken open in a second step, thereby allowing access to the
products or contents enclosed within the package 10.
[0033] The package 10 can be constructed or formed in various sizes
and shapes. The package 10 can be formed from one or more different
materials. The package 10 can be a flexible container, a rigid
container or a semi-rigid container. The package 10 can be formed
from various materials, including but not limited to: paper,
paperboard, plastic, film, foil, woven fabric, non-woven fabric,
fibers, etc. or be a combination of two or more such materials. The
package 10 could also be formed from various polymer films, various
polymer film laminates, or various polymer film laminates that
include, but are not limited to: paper, foil, woven fabric, carbon
fiber, etc. The package 10 can also be formed as a pouch
constructed of a poly/foil laminate film.
[0034] The package 10 can be constructed from any of the following
materials, including but not limited to: a polyolefin, a polymer
film, metal foil, a paper based material, paperboard, cardboard, or
a combination of two or more materials. The materials can include
but are not limited to: mono-polymers, co-extrusions or laminates.
Common materials used to construct the package 10 include:
polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density
polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE),
polypropylene (PP), oriented polypropylene (OPP), biaxially
oriented polypropylene (BOPP), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), oriented polyethylene
terephthalate (OPET), nylon, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), aluminum
foil, paper, cardboard, Kraft paper, woven film substrates, as well
as other materials known to those skilled in the art and any
combinations thereof.
[0035] Various film structures presently utilized in commerce
include but are not limited to:
[0036] HDPE--HDPE--sealant PE;
[0037] HDPE--HDPE--tie layer--EVOH--tie layer--HDPE--sealant
PE;
[0038] BOPP--print--primer--LDPE--met--OPET--primer--LDPE--sealant
PE;
[0039] Overlacquer--print--paper--LDPE--sealant PE;
[0040] BOPP--print--adhesive--paper--LDPE--sealant PE;
[0041] Paper--LDPE--foil--sealant PE;
[0042] OPP--primer--LDPE--foil--sealant PE;
[0043] Foil--sealant PE;
[0044] Nylon--tie layer--PE--tie layer--EVOH--tie layer--sealant
PE;
[0045] OPET--ink--primer--LDPE foil--sealant PE.
[0046] Still referring to FIGS. 1-6, the package 10 has a front
wall 12, a back wall 14, a first side 16, a second side 18, a
bottom 20 and a top 22. The package 10 can vary in size, shape,
design and configuration. A rectangular shaped package 10 is shown
in FIG. 1. Various other shapes known to man can also be used,
including but not limited to: a square, a triangle, a circle, as
well as a multitude of irregular configurations. The package 10 has
a longitudinal central axis X-X, a vertical central axis Y-Y, and a
transverse central axis Z-Z. The construction of the package 10 can
also vary. In FIG. 3, a top view of a pillow package is depicted
having a top opening formed therein. By "pillow package" it is
meant a package or pouch formed in the shape of a pillow. In FIG.
4, a top view of a gusseted package is depicted having an opening
formed therein. By "gusseted package" it is meant a package or
pouch having one or more gussets. By "gusset" it is meant a
triangular insert, as in the seam of a package for added strength
or expansion.
[0047] Generally, the package 10 is constructed in a flat
configuration with an opening in either its bottom 20 or its top
22. Product is inserted through the opening and then the opening is
sealed to enclose the product. The package 10 is completely sealed
after the product has been inserted into the void area 24.
Alternatively, one could insert the product through one of the
sides 16 and 18, and then seal this location to enclose the
product.
[0048] The front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, of the
flat, unfilled package 10 can be pulled apart, squeezed or
manipulated to create a void area 24 in the package 10.
Alternatively, compressed air can be inserted through the opening
of the package 10 to create the void area 24. The void area 24 is
situated between the front and back walls. 12 and 14 respectively,
the first and second sides, 16 and 18 respectively, and the bottom
and top, 20 and 22 respectively. The void area 24 creates a chamber
for housing or enclosing a product.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the package 10 includes a
tearable seal 26. The tearable seal 26 can be a hermetic seal. By
"hermetic seal" it is meant a seal which completely seals a package
10, especially against the escape or entry of air. The tearable
seal 26 is formed in both the front and back walls, 12 and 14
respectively, and secures the front wall 12 to the back wall 14.
The tearable seal 26 can be formed using ultrasonic equipment. Such
equipment is commercially available from Aurizon Ultrasonics, LLC
having an office at 900 W. Kennedy Avenue, Kimberly, Wis. 54136.
Alternatively, the tearable seal 26 could be formed my heat, by
pressure, by a combination of heat and pressure, by an adhesive, by
a cohesive, etc.
[0050] The tearable seal 26 can be formed in various ways,
including but not limited to: heat sealing, ultrasonic welding,
radio frequency (RF) sealing, pressure welding, mechanical welding,
etc.
[0051] The tearable seal 26 is usually positioned closer to the top
22 than the bottom 20 of the package 10. Alternatively, the
tearable seal 26 could be positioned closer to the bottom 20 of the
package 10, if desired. The tearable seal 26 has an end
conterminuous with the first side 16. Desirably, the tearable seal
26 extends continuously from the first side 16 to the second side
18. In this case, the ends of the tearable seal 26 are conterminous
with the first side 16 and the second side 18. By "conterminous" it
is meant sharing a boundary. This feature is important because the
tearable seal 26 needs to be broken in order to open the package 10
at a later time to remove the product contained in the package 10.
By making one end of the tearable seal 26 conterminuous with the
first side 16, the force required to initially start to break the
tearable seal 26 is substantially less. The tearable seal 26 is
designed to be torn open in two steps. In the first step, the
tearable seal 26 is torn relative to the package 10. Then, in the
second step, the front wall 12 is pulled away from the back wall 14
which completely opens the tearable seal 26 and thus the package
10. The force needed to tear open the tearable seal 26 from the
package 10 can be less than, equal to, or be greater than the force
needed to initially break the tearable seal 26. The tearable seal
26 can be torn such that at least about 90% of the tearable seal 26
is torn away from the package 10. The remainder of the tearable
seal 26 remains attached to the remainder of the package 10.
Alternatively, the tearable seal 26 can extend continuously from
the first side 16 to the second side 18, such that when it is
broken, the top 22 is completely removed from the remainder of the
package 10.
[0052] The tearable seal 26 has a width w which can vary in
dimension. Desirably, the width w of the tearable seal 26 ranges
from between about 0.01 inches to about 0.20 inches. More
desirably, the width w of the tearable seal 26 ranges from between
about 0.02 inches to about 0.15 inches. Even more desirably, the
width w of the tearable seal 26 ranges from between about 0.03
inches to about 0.10 inches. Most desirably, the width w of the
tearable seal 26 is less than about 0.09 inches. This means that
the tearable seal 26 is a relatively thin line. The tearable seal
26 can be a linear line, a curved line, an arcuate line, a
sinusoidal line, or be of some other geometrical configuration. The
tearable seal 26 can be aligned horizontally or at some angle
relative to the top 22.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 2, the package 10 is formed with a
front wall 12 and a back wall 14, which together have a combined
thickness t. The combined thickness t is measured when the front
and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, of the package 10 are in a
flat configuration and before the package 10 is filled with a
product. The tearable seal 26 has a width w which is equal to at
least the combined thickness t. Desirably, the tearable seal 26 has
a width w which is equal to at least about two times the combined
thickness t. More desirably, the tearable seal 26 has a width w
which is equal to at least three times the combined thickness t.
Even more desirably, the tearable seal 26 has a width w which is
equal to at least four times the combined thickness t. Most
desirably, the tearable seal 26 has a width w which is equal to at
least five times the combined thickness t. The dimensions of the
width w of the tearable seal 26 relative to the thickness t of the
front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, is important to
assuring that the tearable seal 26 can be opened with a minimum
amount of force. The tearable seal 26 should be visible to the
ultimate consumer who purchases the package 10.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 4, the front wall 12 has a thickness
t.sub.1 and the back wall 14 has a thickness t.sub.2. The thickness
t.sub.1 of the front wall 12 can be equal to, greater than or less
than the thickness t.sub.2 of the back wall 14. Generally, the
thickness t.sub.1 of the front wall 12 is equal to the thickness
t.sub.2 of the back wall 14. Each of the thicknesses t.sub.1 and
t.sub.2 can range from between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010
inches. Desirably, each of the thicknesses t.sub.1 and t.sub.2 can
range from between about 0.001 inches to about 0.005 inches.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, the tearable seal 26 also has a
depth d. The depth d is measured inward into the front wall 12 or
inward into the back wall 14. Desirably, the depth d into the front
wall 12 is the same as the depth d into the back walls 14.
Generally, the depth d of the tearable seal 26 into both the front
wall 12 and into the back wall 14 is identical or approximately
equal. The depth d of the tearable seal 26 can range from between
about 10% to about 90% of the thickness t.sub.1 of the front wall
12 or of the thickness t.sub.2 of the back wall 14. Desirably, the
depth d of the tearable seal 26 can range from between about 20% to
about 80% of the thickness t.sub.1 of the front wall 12 or of the
thickness t.sub.2 of the back wall 14. More desirably, the depth d
of the tearable seal 26 can range from between about 30% to about
70% of the thickness t.sub.1 of the front wall 12 or of the
thickness t.sub.2 of the back wall 14. Even more desirably, the
depth d of the tearable seal 26 can range from between about 40% to
about 60% of the thickness t.sub.1 of the front wall 12 or of the
thickness t.sub.2 of the back wall 14. Most desirably, the depth d
of the tearable seal 26 is about 50% of the thickness t.sub.1 of
the front wall 12 or of the thickness t.sub.2 of the back wall
14.
[0056] The tearable seal 26 requires a relatively small force in
order to partially break it. The force required to initially break
the tearable seal 26 will vary depending on the materials from
which the package 10 is formed, the number of layers used to form
the front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, the depth d and
width w of the tearable seal 26, how the tearable seal is formed,
etc. Generally, the tearable seal 26 can be initially broken using
a force of about 5 pounds or less. Desirably, the tearable seal 26
can be initially broken using a force of about 4 pounds or less.
More desirably, the tearable seal 26 can be initially broken using
a force of about 3 pounds or less. Even more desirably, the
tearable seal 26 can be initially broken using a force of from
between about 0.5 pounds to about 3 pounds. Most desirably, the
tearable seal 26 can be initially broken using a force of from
between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds.
[0057] Once the tearable seal 26 is initially broken, the force
required to tear the remainder of the tearable seal 26, to at least
about 90% of the width of the package 10, can be less than, equal
to, or greater than the force required to initially break the
tearable seal 26. Desirably, this force will be about equal to the
force required to initially break the tearable seal 26. This force
can range from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds.
Alternatively, the tearable seal 26 could be completely torn away
from the remainder of the package 10. This is possible when the
tearable seal 26 extends completely between the first and second
sides, 16 and 18 respectfully.
[0058] With the initial break of the tearable seal 26, at least
about 25% of the width w of the tearable seal 26 is broken away.
Desirably, at least about 30% of the width w of the tearable seal
26 is broken away. More desirably, at least about 40% of the width
w of the tearable seal 26 is broken away. Even more desirably, at
least about 50% of the width w of the tearable seal 26 is broken
away. Most desirably, at least about 60% of the width w of the
tearable seal 26 is broken away. It should be understood that about
70% or less of the width w of the tearable seal 26 will remain
secured to the remainder of the package 10 once the top 22 is
partially or fully separated.
[0059] After the top 22 has been partially or fully separated from
the package 10, a portion of the tearable seal 26 will remain
intact and the package 10 will still be sealed and closed. A second
breaking step is required. In this second breaking step, a person
will grasp and/or pinch the front and back walls, 12 and 14
respectively, between his thumbs and index finger of each hand and
pull the front wall 12 and the back wall 14 away from one another.
This action causes the remaining portion of the width w of the
tearable seal 26 to break and the package 10 will be opened so that
the product or contents housed therein can be removed. At least
about 90% of the width of the package 10 will be open to allow the
product or contents therein to be removed. The force required to
pull the front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, apart and
break the remaining portion of the tearable seal 26 is less than
about 5 pounds. Desirably, the force needed to pull the front and
back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, apart and to break the
remaining portion of the tearable seal 26 is from between about 0.5
pounds to about 4 pounds. More desirably, the force needed to pull
the front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, apart and to
break the remaining portion of the tearable seal 26 is from between
about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. Even more desirably, the force
needed to pull the front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively,
apart and to break the remaining portion of the tearable seal 26 is
less than about 2.5 pounds. Most desirably, the force needed to
pull the front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, apart and to
break the remaining portion of the tearable seal 26 is less than
about 2 pounds.
[0060] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the package 10 also
includes a second seal 28. The second seal 28 is formed in both in
the front and back walls. 12 and 14 respectively. The second seal
28 is shown being formed adjacent to the top 22 of the package 10.
The second seal 28 is positioned inward of the first and second
sides, 16 and 18 respectively. This is very important because the
second seal 28 is not designed to break in normal use. The second
seal 28 is located between the tearable seal 26 and the top 22 of
the package 10. Alternatively, the second seal 28 could be formed
adjacent to the bottom 20 of the package 10 provided it is
positioned between the tearable seal 26 and the bottom 20.
[0061] The second seal 28 can vary in size, shape and
configuration. The second seal 28 has a width w.sub.1 and includes
a patterned field of bonds 30 within this width w.sub.1. The width
w.sub.1 can vary in dimensions. The width w.sub.1 of the second
seal 28 can range from between about 0.10 inches to about 2 inches.
Desirably, the width w.sub.1 of the second seal 28 can range from
between about 0.15 inches to about 1 inch. More desirably, the
width w.sub.1 of the second seal 28 can range from between about
0.20 inches to about 0.75 inches. Even more desirably, the width
w.sub.1 of the second seal 28 can range from between about 0.25
inches to about 0.60 inches. Most desirably, the width w.sub.1 of
the second seal 28 is greater than about 0.12 inches.
[0062] The width w.sub.1 of the second seal 28 is larger in
dimension than the width w of the tearable seal 26. Desirably, the
width w.sub.1 of the second seal 28 is at least three times the
width w of the tearable seal 26. More desirably, the width w.sub.1
of the second seal 28 is at least five times the width w of the
tearable seal 26. Even more desirably, the width w.sub.1 of the
second seal 28 is at least eight times the width w of the tearable
seal 26. Most desirably, the width w.sub.1 of the second seal 28 is
at least ten times the width w of the tearable seal 26. This extra
width w.sub.1 reduces the likelihood that the second seal 28 will
break before the tearable seal 26 breaks.
[0063] The second seal 28 can consist of a single bond or two or
more bonds. Desirably, the second seal 28 includes a plurality of
bonds. The bonds in the patterned field of bonds 30 can be
constructed in various ways. For example, the patterned field of
bonds 30 can include a plurality of point bonds formed
ultrasonically, by using heat, by using pressure, by using a
combination of heat and pressure, by using an adhesive, by using
glue, by using a co-adhesive, etc. Alternatively, the patterned
field of bonds 30 can consist of a single sealing line, strip, or
area. Furthermore, the patterned field of bonds 30 can include two
or more point bonds, line bonds, strip bonds or bond areas, or any
combination thereof. The sealing lines, strips or bond areas can be
spaced apart from one another, can overlap one another, or can abut
or touch one another. The patterned field of bonds 30 can be
arranged in any pattern imaginable by man.
[0064] Referring again to FIG. 1, the patterned field of bonds 30
is depicted as a plurality of point bonds arranged in a regular
array. However, the patterned field of bonds 30 could be randomly
arranged, if desired. In FIG. 1, three horizontal rows of multiple
point bonds are depicted, with each row being aligned approximately
parallel to the top 22. The rows could be offset from the top 22,
if desired.
[0065] The patterned field of bonds 30 has a density. By "density"
it is meant the number of bonds contained within a given area. The
density of the patterned field of bonds 30 can vary. The patterned
field of bonds 30 has a density ranging from between about 1% to
about 60% of the area of the patterned field of bonds 30.
Desirably, the patterned field of bonds 30 can have a density
ranging from between about 5% to about 50% of the area of the
patterned field of bonds 30. More desirably, the patterned field of
bonds 30 can have a density ranging from between about 10% to about
40% of the area of the patterned field of bonds 30. Even more
desirably, the patterned field of bonds 30 can have a density
ranging from between about 15% to about 35% of the area of the
patterned field of bonds 30. Most desirably, the patterned field of
bonds 30 can have a density ranging from between about 5% to about
25% of the area of the patterned field of bonds 30.
[0066] As stated above, the second seal 28 is not designed to be
broken or compromised during the normal life of the package 10.
Instead, it is the tearable seal 26 which is designed to be torn
open. Because of this, the tearable seal 26 requires less force to
initially break than would be required to break the second seal 28.
The tearable seal 26 also requires less force to be torn completely
from the package 10 than the second seal 28. In normal practice,
the second seal 28 will not be torn or broken at all. One of the
factors that contribute to the second seal 28 not being torn or
broken is the fact that the second seal 28 does not extend to the
outer edges of the first and second sides, 16 and 18 respectively.
By leaving a non-sealed area adjacent to the first and second
sides, 16 and 18 respectively, one can limit the possibility that
the second seal 28 will be broken. This space can be as small as 1
or 2 millimeters.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a second embodiment of a
package 10' is shown which is similar to the package 10, shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, except that the second seal 28 has a patterned field
of bonds 30 which include a plurality of point bonds which are
randomly arranged. Any random arrangement of the point bonds can be
utilized. The package 10' has a longitudinal central axis
X.sub.1-X.sub.1, a vertical central axis Y.sub.1-Y.sub.1, and a
transverse central axis Z.sub.1-Z.sub.1.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, a third embodiment of a
package 10'' is shown which is similar to the package 10, shown in
FIG. 1, except that the second seal 28 has a patterned field of
bonds 30 which include a plurality of seal lines 32. The seal lines
32 are aligned parallel to one another in a spaced apart
relationship. The seal lines 32 are also aligned at an angle to the
tearable seal 26. The seal lines 32 are aligned at an angle of at
least about 10 degrees to the tearable seal 26. Desirably, the seal
lines 32 are aligned at an angle of at least about 15 degrees to
the tearable seal 26. More desirably, the seal lines 32 are aligned
at an angle of at least about 20 degrees to the tearable seal 26.
Even more desirably, the seal lines 32 are aligned at an angle of
at least about 25 degrees to the tearable seal 26. Most desirably,
the seal lines 32 are aligned at an angle of at least about 30
degrees to the tearable seal 26. The package 10'' has a
longitudinal central axis X.sub.2-X.sub.2, a vertical central axis
Y.sub.2-Y.sub.2, and a transverse central axis Z.sub.2-Z.sub.2.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, a fourth embodiment of a
package 10''' is shown which has a tearable seal 26'. The tearable
seal 26' has an end which is conterminuous with the first side 16.
The opposite end of the tearable seal 26 is spaced apart from the
second side 18. Therefore, the tearable seal 26' does not extend
continuously between the first and second sides, 16 and 18
respectively. The tearable seal 26' can extend at least about 70%
across the width of the package 10'''. Desirably, tearable seal 26'
can extend at least about 80% across the width of the package
10'''. More desirably, the tearable seal 26' can extend at least
about 90% across the width of the package 10'''. In this
embodiment, when the tearable seal 26' is broken, a small portion,
about 10%-30% will remain attached to the remainder of the package
10'''. This means that the top 22 will not be completely torn away
from the remainder of the package 10'''.
[0070] The package 10''' has a longitudinal central axis
X.sub.3-X.sub.3, a vertical central axis Y.sub.3-Y.sub.3, and a
transverse central axis Z.sub.3-Z.sub.3. One advantage of creating
the package 10''' in this configuration is that one does not have
to worry about separately disposing of the top 22 for it will
remain attached to the remainder of the package 10'''. This means
the top 22 will not be completely torn away from the remainder of
the package 10.
[0071] It should be understood that the packages 10, 10', 10'' and
10''' can be hermetically sealed. By "hermetically sealed" it is
meant that the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10''' is completely sealed,
especially against the escape or entry of air or other gases. Some
packages 10, 10', 10'' and 10''' are filled with nitrogen.
Alternatively, the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10''' does not have to
be hermetically sealed but instead the seal can be constructed such
that it is able to vent gases. The tearable seal 26 extends across
the width of the front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively. The
tearable seal 26 can be a linear line. Alternatively, the tearable
seal 26 can be non-linear line. For example, the tearable seal 26
can have an arcuate shape, a sinusoidal shape, etc. Another option
is to construct the tearable seal 26 such that it is angled to
either the top 22 and/or bottom 20 of the package 10, 10', 10'' or
10'''. The packages 10, 10', 10'' and 10''' can vary in geometrical
shape. The tearable seal 26 can also be shaped to create a pour
spout in the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10''', if desired. It is also
possible to seal the packages 10, 10', 10'' or 10''' so that it
fits into another object or device.
Method
[0072] A method of opening the package 10 will now be explained
with reference to the photos designated FIGS. 13-17. Referring to
FIG. 13, a package 10 having a front wall 12, a back wall 14, a
first side 16, a second side 18, a bottom 20 and a top 22 is shown.
The package 10 also has a tearable seal 26 formed in both the front
and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, which has an end
conterminuous with the first side. Desirably, the tearable seal 26
extends continuously from the first side 16 to the second side 18.
The package 10 further has a second seal 28 formed in both the
front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, which is positioned
inward of the first and second sides, 16 and 18 respectively, and
which is located between the tearable seal 26 and the top 22. The
second seal 28 is not designed to be broken at any time.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 14, the method includes the steps of
having a person grip the package 10 between a thumb and an index
finger of each hand. One hand is positioned above the tearable seal
26 and the other hand is positioned below the tearable seal 26. The
person then applies a forward force with one hand and a rearward
force with the opposite hand to cause a portion of the tearable
seal 26 to start to break at the first side 16.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the person continues to
tear the tearable seal 26 until the top 22 is at least about 90%
torn away from the remainder of the package. In FIG. 16, the
tearable seal 26 is completely removed from a remaining portion of
the package 10. With the initial break, at least about 25% of the
width w of the tearable seal 26 is broken away. Desirably, at least
about 30% of the width w of the tearable seal 26 is broken away.
More desirably, at least about 40% of the width w of the tearable
seal 26 is broken away. Even more desirably, at least about 50% of
the width w of the tearable seal 26 is broken away. Most desirably,
at least about 60% of the width w of the tearable seal 26 is broken
away. It should be understood that about 70% or less of the width w
of the tearable seal 26 will remain secured to the remainder of the
package 10 once the top 22 is removed.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 17, the person then pinches the front
and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively, between his or her two
hands and pulls the front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively,
apart to break the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable
seal 26 which is joined to the remainder of the package 10. This
action causes the remaining portion of the width w of the tearable
seal 26 to break and the package 10 will be opened so that the
product or contents housed therein can be removed. The force
required to pull the front and back walls, 12 and 14 respectively,
apart and break the remaining portion of the width w of the
tearable seal 26 is less than about 5 pounds. Desirably, the force
needed to break the remaining portion of the width w of the
tearable seal 26 is from between about 0.5 pounds to about 4
pounds. More desirably, the force needed to break the remaining
portion of the width w of the tearable seal 26 is from between
about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. Even more desirably, the force
needed to break the remaining portion of the width w of the
tearable seal 26 is less than about 2.5 pounds. Most desirably, the
force needed to break the remaining portion of the width w of the
tearable seal 26 is less than about 2 pounds.
[0076] After the top 22 of the package 10 has been completely torn
off from the remainder of the package 10, it can be properly
disposed off in a trash receptacle or into a recycling bind. In the
circumstance where the top 22 is not completely torn away from the
remainder of the package 10''', see FIGS. 11 and 12, a portion of
the top 22 will remain secured to the remainder of the package
10'''. In this case, the empty package 10''', including the
partially torn away top 22 can be properly disposed off.
[0077] It should also be understood that the tearable seal 26 or
26' cannot be resealed after it has been broken and the package 10,
10', 10' or 10''' has been opened. It should be understood that the
second seal 28 is not intended to be broken at any time. It is the
tearable seal 26 which, when fully broken, will create an opening
into the package 10, 10', 10' or 10'''. Lastly, the tearable seal
26 requires less than about 5 pounds of force to be broken. This
means that no special tools, sharp objects, scissors, knives, etc.
are needed to open the package 10, 10', 10' or 10'''.
[0078] The tearable seal 26 or 26' functions to seal the package
10, 10', 10'' or 10''' as well as to provide a means of opening the
package 10, 10', 10'' or 10'''. Alternatively, the package 10, 10',
10'' or 10''' can be sealed by another seal after the tearable seal
26 or 26' is formed in the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10'''. For
example, the tearable seal 26 or 26' and the second seal 28 can be
formed in the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10'''. The bottom 20 can be
left open so that the product can be inserted into the package 10,
10', 10'' or 10''' from the bottom 20. Then the bottom 20 is sealed
to enclose the product in the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10'''.
[0079] As recited above, a person can initially grasp and/or pinch
one edge of the package 10, 10', 10" or 10''' between his or her
thumbs and index fingers such that one hand is positioned above the
tearable seal 26 or 26' and the other hand is positioned below the
tearable seal 26 or 26'. Movement of one hand opposite to the other
hand will cause the tearable seal 26 or 26' to tear or break along
its length. This action will cause the upper portion or top 22 of
the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10''' to be partially or completely
removed from the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10''' but a lower portion
of the tearable seal 26 or 26' will remain secured to the remainder
of the package 10, 10', 10'' or 10'''. The package 10, 10', 10'' or
10''' will still be sealed at this point. The second step for fully
breaking the tearable seal 26 or 26' requires the person to grasp,
squeeze, manipulate or pinch the front wall 12 and the back wall 14
between each hand and pull the front and back walls, 12 and 14
apart so as to break the remaining portion of the width w of the
tearable seal 26 01 26'. This action will cause the package 10,
10', 10'' or 10''' to be opened. The force required to open the
remainder of the width w of the tearable seal 26 or 26' is
relatively low, once the top 22 of the package 10, 10', 10'' or
10''', along with a portion of the tearable seal 26 or 26', has
been partially or completely removed.
EXAMPLE 1
[0080] A first package was constructed of a film having:
"HDPE--HDPE--tie layer--EVOH--tie layer--HDPE--Surlyn". By "tie
layer" it is meant a chemical bond located between two layers in a
lamination. "Surlyn" is a sealant layer. SURLYN is a registered
trademark of E. du Pont de Nemours and Company, having a mailing
address of 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Del. 19898. The Surlyn
layer is not necessary for the tearable seal 26 but was used for
the construction of the package 10 using heat sealing equipment.
This film structure was converted into a package 10 with gusseted
sides and a fin seal running down the center of the back wall of
the package. By "fin seal" it is meant a seam created when a single
layer of film is folded to form a tube shaped package and the two
parallel, outer edges are sealed together, with the fin being the
material extending beyond the seal line. The sealing process
utilized a 0.060 inches (1.5 millimeters) wide continuous tearable
seal 26 with an adjacent patterned field of point bonds 30, having
about 7% density, located above the tearable seal 26. The tearable
seal 26 produced a hermetically sealed package 10. This package 10
could be opened by a consumer by breaking the tearable seal 26 and
removing the top 22. The remainder of the width w of the tearable
seal 26 was broken by pulling on the front and back walls, 12 and
14 respectively, to open the package 10.
[0081] The force required to initially break the tearable seal 26
ranged from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds. The force
required to pull open the front and back walls, 12 and 14
respectively, of the package 10 and thereby open the package 10
also ranged from between about 1 pound to about 3 pounds.
EXAMPLE 2
[0082] A second package 10 was constructed of a liner within a
paperboard box. The tearable seal 26 was made by bonding through
both the paperboard and the liner to create a hermetic seal between
the two liner layers. The tearable seal 26 could later be broken to
open the package 10 in a similar fashion as was described above in
Example 1. The liner in this case was constructed of:
"overlacquer--print--paper--LDPE--Surlyn". By "print" it is meant
the ink reverse printed on the inside of the outermost layer of the
package for advertising and instruction purposes. Again, the Surlyn
layer was not necessary for the tearable seal 26 but was used for
the construction of the package 10 using heat sealing
equipment.
[0083] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
* * * * *