Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLEXIBLE PACKAGING STRUCTURE WITH BUILT-IN TAMPER-EVIDENCE
FEATURES AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No.
13/668,947, filed November 5, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent
Application
No. 12/043,442, filed March 6, 2008, both of which are incorporated by
reference herein
in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This disclosure relates to product packaging formed in whole or in part by a
flexible film, in which the film has a score line that defines a flap that can
be lifted to
create an opening through the film to gain access to the product, and wherein
the flap can
be reattached to the remainder of the film to close the opening.
A variety of food and non-food products are packaged using flexible packaging
materials formed primarily of laminations of one or more of polymer films,
metallized
polymer films, paper, metal foil, and the like. In many instances, packages
contain
products that may be used or consumed a little at a time, and the products may
be
susceptible to being adversely affected (e.g., becoming soggy, drying out,
etc.) by
exposure to the surrounding environment. Accordingly, there is frequently a
desire to be
able to reclose a package after its initial opening to keep product that
remains in the
package fresh.
Various opening and reclose arrangements have been developed for flexible
packaging, for example as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
11/098,872
("the '872 Application"), filed on April 5, 2005, incorporated herein by
reference. Often,
reclosability is achieved by using a pressure-sensitive adhesive label that is
attached to
the exterior of the package adjacent the location where the package is opened.
Such
labels are formed separately from the packaging structure itself and are added
to the
packaging structure. Thus, the labels thus represent additional expense.
Furthermore, it
is often necessary to ship a roll of the packaging material to a converter for
application of
the labels, after which the roll is shipped back to the packager for
manufacture of the
packages. This manufacturing process is inefficient. The use of labels also
entails waste
in that it is typically necessary to employ a release liner with the labels,
which liner is
removed and discarded. The labels are usually die cut from a web of material,
and the
skeleton left over after the die-cutting operation is also wasted.
Because of the drawbacks of using labels as noted above, the assignee of the
present application has developed a flexible packaging structure with a built-
in opening
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and reclose feature, as described in the aforementioned '872 application.
Packages
made using the flexible packaging structure of the '872 application avoid the
disadvantages associated with the use of labels, and have additional
advantages.
Consumers feel more confident about purchasing such types of packages if the
packages have a tamper-evidence capability so that the consumer can readily
see
whether the package has already been opened. Presently, various flexible
packages
have features allowing a user to determine if a package has already been
opened or
tampered with. Unfortunately, the tamper-evidence features of such packages
may be
difficult to discern upon a visual inspection of the package. Further, such
temper-
evidence features often require removing a portion of the packaging, and thus,
creating
unwanted trash and potential choking hazards. The present disclosure is
directed toward
providing improved tamper-evidence capabilities.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure addresses the above needs and achieves other
advantages, by providing a flexible packaging structure and method for making
same, in
which the structure has opening/reclose and tamper-evidence features built
into the
structure. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the score line
or die cut
through the film for creating the flap includes one or more tear portions in
which the flap
-- includes a tab with an end attached to the structure, and/or an interrupted
area of the flap
that is not cut. When the flap is peeled back, a portion of the tab or the
film in the
interrupted area is torn. The tab can include an indentation and/or a prong,
while the
interrupted area can be formed by a transverse cut that is U-shaped or V-
shaped to
ensure that the tear will connect with the die cut. The presence of a tear or
slit in the tab
-- or the interrupted area indicates that the package has already been opened
or tampered
with.
In some embodiments, the package itself is formed to have a built-in opening
and
reclose feature by forming the packaging structure as a two-part structure,
having an
outer structure joined in face-to-face relation with an inner structure. Each
of the outer
-- and inner structures can comprise one or more layers of flexible packaging
material such
as polymer film, paper, metal foil, and the like. An outer line of weakness is
formed in the
outer structure to define an outer opening portion that can be lifted out of
the plane of the
outer structure. Similarly, an inner line of weakness is formed in the inner
structure to
define an inner opening portion that can be lifted out of the plane of the
inner structure.
The outer and inner opening portions are attached to each other such that the
outer and
inner opening portions can be lifted out of the plane as a unit, thereby
creating an
opening through the packaging structure defined by the inner line of weakness.
The
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outer line of weakness includes a tear portion whose torn or untorn condition
is readily
apparent from a visual inspection of the outer structure.
The outer opening portion is larger in area than the inner opening portion and
has
a marginal region that extends beyond the peripheral edge of the inner opening
portion.
When the outer and inner opening portions are lifted out of the plane to
create the
opening, an underlying portion of the inner structure in registration with the
marginal
region of the outer opening portion is exposed adjacent the opening. A
pressure-
sensitive adhesive is applied to either the marginal region of the outer
opening portion or
the underlying portion of the inner structure. Therefore, after initial
lifting of the outer and
.. inner opening portions, the opening through the structure can be reclosed
by adhering the
marginal region of the outer opening portion to the underlying portion of the
inner
structure via the pressure-sensitive adhesive.
In accordance with one embodiment, the pressure-sensitive adhesive is pattern-
applied onto one surface of the outer structure, the pressure-sensitive
adhesive forming a
strip having an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, and a permanent
laminating
adhesive is pattern-applied onto the one surface of the outer structure such
that the
permanent adhesive does not cover the strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Next, the
outer structure is adhesively joined to the inner structure via the permanent
adhesive so
as to form a laminate. The outer structure and inner structure in preferred
embodiments
are coextensive with each other, and advantageously are each continuous webs
drawn
from respective supply rolls and laminated together to form a laminate that is
a
continuous web.
The laminate is then advanced to a scoring station at which an outer line of
weakness (also referred to herein as a "score line") is formed through the
thickness of the
-- outer structure, and an inner score line is formed through the thickness of
the inner
structure. Advantageously, each of the score lines is registered with respect
to the strip
of pressure-sensitive adhesive such that neither score line is located where
there is
permanent laminating adhesive between the outer and inner structures. The
outer score
line delineates the outer opening portion of the outer structure that is
separable from the
outer structure along the outer score line, and the inner score line
delineates the inner
opening portion of the inner structure that is affixed to the outer opening
portion by the
permanent adhesive and is separable from the inner structure along the inner
score line.
The outer score line includes the interrupted area.
The score lines can be formed by laser scoring or by mechanical scoring or
cutting such as by die cutting or kiss cutting or the like. The adhesive(s)
can be applied
to the outer structure as noted, but alternatively can be applied to the inner
structure. The
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adhesive(s) can be applied using any suitable equipment and technique, such as
by a
gravure roll or the like.
The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be applied such that there is a region
that is
free of the adhesive, such as a tab, to form a grasping portion of the opening
portion that
can be readily grasped and pulled back to initiate opening.
The outer line of weakness or score line preferably penetrates through the
thickness of the outer structure but not through the inner structure.
Similarly, the inner
score line preferably penetrates through the thickness of the inner structure
but not
through the outer structure.
The inner structure of the laminate advantageously includes a sealant layer
forming the inner surface of the laminate. The sealant layer can comprise a
heat seal
material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ionomer resin such as SURLYNO,
or the
like, or a cold seal material. The heat seal or cold seal layer can comprise
either a film or
a coating. The inner structure advantageously also includes a barrier layer
providing a
barrier against the passage of moisture and/or oxygen. In some applications
such as the
packaging of moisture-sensitive products (e.g., cookies or similar products
that tend to be
degraded when exposed to the environment), it is important to provide a
moisture barrier.
The barrier layer can comprise any of various polymer-based barrier materials
including
barrier polymer films such as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH),
polyamide, and
.. the like; metallized polyolefin films such as polyethylene, polypropylene,
oriented
polypropylene, and the like; AlOx-coated polymer films; SiOx-coated polymer
films; metal
foil such as aluminum foil; and others. Although the term "barrier layer" is
used in
connection with metallized films to refer to the entire metallized film, it
will be recognized
that it is the layer of metal that provides the barrier function. Likewise, it
is the AlOx or
SiOx coating that provides the barrier function in the ceramic-coated films,
but the entire
film nevertheless is referred to herein as a "barrier layer".
The outer structure advantageously includes a layer of polyester such as
polyethylene terephthalate, which has a desirable crisp feel and is readily
printed. The
polyester layer can be printed with inks to provide graphics and indicia. In
preferred
embodiments, the polyester layer is transparent and is reverse-printed on the
surface that
faces the inner structure.
The process in accordance with the present disclosure comprises an in-line
process wherein the opening and reclose features and the tamper-evidence
feature are
formed in the packaging laminate during the production of the laminate.
Accordingly, it is
not necessary to ship the laminate to a converter for application of labels or
the like.
Thus, the waste and the various material and shipping expenses associated with
the use
of separate labels are avoided.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be
made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
and
.. wherein:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic depiction of a first phase of a manufacturing method
for
making a flexible packaging structure in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. la is a view of the first structure along line la-la in FIG. 1;
FIG. lb is a view of the first structure along line lb-lb in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic depiction of a second phase of the method in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic depiction of a second phase of the method in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a package that can be formed from a flexible
packaging structure made in accordance with embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 5 shows the package of FIG. 4 after being opened;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of stand-up pouch that can be formed from a
flexible
packaging structure with a tamper-evidence feature made in accordance with
embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another stand-up pouch that can be formed from
a
flexible packaging structure with a tamper-evidence feature made in accordance
with
embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of yet another stand-up pouch that can be formed
from a flexible packaging structure with a tamper-evidence feature made in
accordance
with embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an additional stand-up pouch that can be
formed
from a flexible packaging structure with a tamper-evidence feature made in
accordance
with embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a package with a container body and having
a temper-evidence feature in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a package that can be formed from a
flexible
packaging structure made in accordance with embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 14 shows the package of FIG. 13 after being opened;
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FIG. 15 is a perspective view of stand-up pouch that can be formed from a
flexible
packaging structure made in accordance with embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 16A-B are top views of packaging structures that can be formed into
packages in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and
FIGS 17A-D are cross-sectional views of a packaging structure in accordance
with
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which some but not all embodiments of the
invention
are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms
and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal
requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
As an initial overview of preferred embodiments of the invention, a flexible
packaging laminate is constructed to have a built-in opening and reclose
function and a
tamper-evidence feature. The laminate is constructed as a multi-layer
structure by
adhesively laminating a first structure to a second structure, wherein each of
the first and
second structures comprise one or more layers of flexible material. Pressure-
sensitive
adhesive is applied to one of the structures before lamination. Once the
laminate is
formed in this manner, scoring operations are performed on both sides of the
laminate,
but each scoring operation penetrates only through a part of the thickness of
the
laminate; in particular, a scoring operation performed on the side of the
laminate adjacent
the first structure results in penetration through the first structure, but
without complete
.. penetration through the second structure, and preferably without any
substantial
penetration, and more preferably without any penetration, into the second
structure.
Likewise, the scoring operation performed on the side of the laminate adjacent
the
second structure results in penetration through the second structure, but
without complete
penetration through the first structure, and preferably without any
substantial penetration,
.. and more preferably without any penetration, into the first structure. The
scoring
operation also forms the tamper-evidence feature, as further described below.
More particularly, with reference to FIG. 1, a first phase of the
manufacturing
process is depicted. A first structure 10 is advanced from a supply roll 12 by
suitable web
driving and handling equipment (not shown) to an optional print station 14
comprising a
printing apparatus, such as a rotogravure printer or the like, for printing
graphics and/or
indicia on the first structure by applying inks to a surface of the first
structure. The first
structure 10 comprises one or more layers of flexible packaging material.
Various
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materials can be used for the layer(s) of the first structure, including
polymers such
polyesters, polyolefins (including homopolymers and copolymers), polyamides,
and
others; paper; metal foil; and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the first
structure 10 includes an outer layer (not illustrated) that is substantially
transparent and is
reverse-printed in the print station 14, i.e., the inks are applied to the
surface of the first
structure 10 that is subsequently laminated to another structure, as described
below, from
the opposite side of the first structure, which will form an exterior of a
package
constructed from the packaging laminate, the inks are visible through the
first structure.
As an example, the first structure 10 can comprise a layer of polyester such
as
.. polyethylene terephthalate or the like.
Prior to printing the first structure in the print station, the surface of the
first
structure that is subsequently laminated to the other structure can be treated
by a corona
discharge or flame treatment apparatus 16 to render the surface more receptive
to the
inks and/or to render the surface more readily bondable to the pressure-
sensitive
adhesive that is subsequently applied to the surface as described below.
Alternatively,
the first structure 10 can have already been so treated prior to being wound
into the
supply roll 12, such that the treatment apparatus 16 is unnecessary.
Following the optional corona/flame treatment and/or optional printing
operation,
and with reference to FIGS. 1 and la, the first structure 10 is advanced to a
first adhesive
.. application station 18 at which a pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 is applied
to the first
structure in a predetermined pattern 22 that recurs at regular intervals along
the
lengthwise direction of the first structure. The predetermined pattern 22 is
generally in
the form of a strip of various forms or shapes. As illustrated, a preferred
shape for the
strip pattern 22 is generally U-shaped, for reasons that will become apparent
in the
description of FIGS. 4-8; however, other shapes for the pattern 22 can be
used, the
invention not being limited to any particular pattern. The pattern can include
a region 23
that is free of adhesive and will ultimately form a thumb tab or grasping
portion of the first
structure 10 as further described below. It is also possible in alternative
embodiments to
flood-coat the pressure-sensitive adhesive onto the entire surface of the
first structure.
The pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 can comprise various compositions.
Pressure-sensitive adhesives form viscoelastic bonds that are aggressively and
permanently tacky, adhere without the need of more than a finger or hand
pressure, and
require no activation by water, solvent or heat. Pressure-sensitive adhesives
are often
based on non-crosslinked rubber adhesives in a latex emulsion or solvent-borne
form, or
can comprise acrylic and methacrylate adhesives, styrene copolymers (SIS /
SBS), and
silicones. Acrylic adhesives are known for excellent environmental resistance
and fast-
setting time when compared with other resin systems. Acrylic pressure-
sensitive
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adhesives often use an acrylate system. Natural rubber, synthetic rubber or
elastomer
sealants and adhesives can be based on a variety of systems such as silicone,
polyurethane, chloroprene, butyl, polybutadiene, isoprene, or neoprene. When
the
packaging laminate of the invention is to be used for food packaging, the
pressure-
sensitive adhesive 20 generally must be a food-grade composition. Various
pressure-
sensitive adhesives are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for
use in
direct food contact, as regulated by 21 CFR Part 175.300. A preferred food-
grade
pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 for use in the present invention is Jonbond 743
available
from Bostik Findley. Additives (e.g., particulates or the like) can be added
to the
pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 to reduce the tenacity of the bond to the
underlying
second structure 42, if necessary, so that the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20
readily
detaches from the second structure on opening (particularly on the very first
opening).
When applied in a pattern as opposed to being flood-coated or applied
everywhere on the first structure 10, the pattern 22 of pressure-sensitive
adhesive 20 is
.. applied to the first structure 10 at regular intervals along the first
structure 10. The
spacing or index distance d between the patterns 22 can correspond to a
dimension,
such as a length, of packages to be produced from the packaging laminate.
The adhesive application station 18 can comprise any suitable device capable
of
accurately applying the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 to the first structure
10 in the
.. desired pattern 22, at regular intervals along the structure. For example,
as shown, the
adhesive application station can comprise a gravure roll 24 that picks up the
pressure-
sensitive adhesive 20 from a reservoir 26 on the outer surface of the roll
such that the
adhesive fills one or more recessed areas in the surface. A doctor blade 28
scrapes off
excess adhesive so that it remains essentially only in the recessed area(s).
The first
structure 10 is contacted by the gravure roll 24; a backing roll 30 provides
support on the
opposite side of the first structure 10.
After application of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20, the first structure
10 is
advanced to a dryer 31 such as an oven or the like, to dry the pressure-
sensitive
adhesive 20. In the case of the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 being pattern-
applied, the
.. first structure 10 is then advanced to a second adhesive application
station 32 at which a
permanent laminating adhesive 34 (FIG. 1b) is applied to the first structure
10 in such a
manner that a sufficiently large proportion of the surface is covered by the
permanent
adhesive 34 to permit the first structure 10 to be adhesively attached to a
second
structure 42 at a downstream laminating station 40. The permanent adhesive 34
does
not cover the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20. Furthermore, when the pattern of
pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 includes an adhesive-free region to form a
thumb tab or
grasping portion 23 as previously noted, the pattern of the permanent adhesive
also does
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not cover the adhesive-free region. Thus, the permanent adhesive 34 must be
applied by
an apparatus capable of accurately applying the adhesive in a predetermined
pattern, in
registration with the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 but not covering it or
the adhesive-
free region if present. A suitable adhesive application device 32, as shown,
can be a
gravure roll 24 of the type previously described. The permanent adhesive 34
can
comprise various compositions. Suitable examples include two-component
polyurethane
adhesive systems, such as Tycel 7900/7283 available from Henkel. After the
application
of the permanent adhesive 34, the first structure 10 is advanced to a dryer 33
such as an
oven or the like. Alternatively, when the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 is
applied to the
entire surface of the first structure 10, the steps of applying and drying the
permanent
adhesive 34 are skipped.
The first structure 10 is then advanced to a laminating station 40, comprising
a
pair of rolls forming a nip therebetween. The first structure 10 is passed
through the nip
along with a second structure 42 that is advanced from its own supply roll 44,
and the first
and second structures 10/42 are laminated to each other. The second structure
42
comprises one or more layers of flexible material, and is coextensive with the
first
structure 10¨i.e., the width of the second structure 42 is substantially equal
to the width
of the first structure 10 and the longitudinal edges of the second structure
42 substantially
coincide with the longitudinal edges of the first structure 10. The resulting
laminate 46 is
then advanced to a reel-up (not shown) where it is wound into a roll for
subsequent
processing in the second phase of the manufacturing process as described
below.
Alternatively, it is possible for the reel-up operation to be omitted, such
that the laminate
is directly advanced to the second phase.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, the second phase of the process is now
described. A supply roll 48 of the laminate 46 formed in the first phase of
the process is
shown. The laminate is advanced from the supply roll to a first scoring
station 50 at
which a first, or outer, score line 52 (FIG. 6) is formed through the
thickness of the first
structure 10. When the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 has been pattern-
applied, the first
score line 52 is in registration with (i.e., coincides with) the outer
perimeter 22a (FIG. la)
of the strip-shaped pattern 22 of pressure-sensitive adhesive 20. The first
score line 52
extends substantially through the thickness of the first structure 10, but
preferably does
not extend to any substantial extent into the second structure 42, as
illustrated in FIG. 6.
The first scoring station 50 can comprise a laser 54 as depicted in FIG. 2.
The
use of lasers for scoring through flexible materials is generally known, for
example as
described in U.S. Patent No. 5,158,499, incorporated herein by reference. The
depth of
the score line formed by the laser can be regulated by regulating the power
output or
beam intensity of the laser beam, the width or spot size of the laser beam,
and the
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amount of time a given spot on the film surface is irradiated by the beam.
These factors
generally are selected based on the characteristics of the material being
scored. Some
materials are more readily scored by lasers than other materials, as known in
the art.
As noted, the first score line 52 must be in registration with the outer
perimeter
22a of the pressure-sensitive adhesive strip 20 (and the outer perimeter of
the thumb tab
23, if present). To accomplish this registration, the operation of the laser
54 is controlled
to be synchronized with the advancement of the laminate 46. A sensor 56
disposed
adjacent the laminate 46 can be used for detecting a feature on the laminate
whose
location in relation to the strip of pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 is known,
and the
sensor's output signal can be used by a suitable controller (not shown) for
controlling the
laser 54.
The first score line 52 may also include one or more tear portions 65 as a
tamper-
evidence feature. A tear portion 65 may comprise one or more interrupted areas
57 in
which the first structure 10 is not cut or scored, and whose uncut condition
is readily
apparent from a visual inspection of the first structure 10. The interrupted
areas 57 are
located such that when the flap or outer opening portion 86 bounded by the
first score line
52 is peeled back to create an opening through the laminate, the first
structure 10 tears
through the interrupted areas 57 to connect the two portions of the first
score line 52 on
opposite sides of each interrupted area 57. To help ensure that the two
portions of the
score line will be connected even if the tear line tends to wander in
direction, the score
line 52 at the "downstream" side of each interrupted area 57 can terminate in
a U- or V-
shaped portion 58 that extends generally transverse to the direction along
which the
score line 52 extends. The "downstream" side refers to the side of the
interrupted area
57 that is located farthest along the downstream direction (generally left-to-
right in FIGS.
4 and 5) in which the outer opening portion 86 is peeled back when opening the
package.
The first structure 10 is cut through its thickness along the transverse
portions 58, similar
to the rest of the score line 52. Accordingly, even if the tear line wanders
to one side or
the other, it will connect with the transverse portion 58 and thereby allow
the score line 52
to continue to sever or separate as the outer opening portion 86 is peeled
farther back.
Next, the laminate is advanced to a second scoring station 60 at which a
second,
or inner, score line 62 is formed through the thickness of the second
structure 42. When
the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 has been pattern-applied, the second score
line 62 is
in registration with (i.e., coincides with) the inner perimeter 22b (FIG. la)
of the strip-
shaped pattern 22 of pressure-sensitive adhesive 20. The second score line 62
extends
substantially through the thickness of the second structure 42, but preferably
does not
extend to any substantial extent into the first structure 10, as illustrated
in FIG. 6. The
second score line 62 is spaced inwardly of the first score line 52 so as to
define an inner
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opening portion 88 of smaller area than the outer opening portion 86. As
further
described below, the inner opening portion 88 is adhered to the outer opening
portion 86
(either by the permanent adhesive when present, or by the pressure-sensitive
adhesive
20 when it is applied everywhere between the two structures 10, 42), such that
both
portions 86, 88 are lifted together when opening the package.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, preferably the interrupted areas 57 are located
with
respect to the second score line 62 such that in order to lift the outer
opening portion 86
far enough to just begin lifting the inner opening portion 88 and thereby
begin to create an
opening into the package, the interrupted areas 57 must be torn through. In
this regard,
-- the downstream side of each interrupted area 57 (which coincides with the
vertex of the
U- or V-shaped transverse score line 58) preferably is not farther along the
downstream
direction, or at least is not substantially farther along the downstream
direction, than is the
most-upstream portion of the second score line 62.
The second scoring station 60 can comprise a laser 64. The operation of the
laser 64 is synchronized with the advancement of the laminate in a manner as
described
above. A sensor 66 can detect a feature, such as an eye mark, on the laminate
whose
location in relation to the pressure-sensitive adhesive strip 20 is known, and
the sensor
66 output can be used for regulating the laser operation so that the second
score line 62
is in registration with the inner perimeter of the pressure-sensitive adhesive
strip 20.
As an alternative to the use of lasers for scoring the laminate, the score
lines 52,
62 can be formed in the laminate by mechanical scoring or cutting. For
instance, as
depicted in FIG. 3, a first scoring station 50' can comprise a kiss roll 51
and backing roll
53 that form a nip through which the laminate is passed. The kiss roll 51
comprises a
rotary cutting die defining a cutting edge (not shown). The kiss roll acts in
conjunction
with the backing roll to cut partially through the thickness of the laminate
starting from the
outer surface of the first structure 10, such that the first structure 10 is
substantially
scored through while the second structure 42 is left intact. The second
scoring station 60'
likewise comprises a kiss roll 61 and backing roll 63 for scoring through the
second
structure 42.
Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention to laser-score one side
of the
laminate and to kiss cut or otherwise mechanically score the other side. This
can be
advantageous, for example, when one of the structures making up the laminate
is readily
scored by a laser but the other structure is not. For instance, when the first
structure 10
is a polyester such as PET, it can readily be scored with a laser, but if a
polyethylene heat
seal layer is employed on the opposite side, laser scoring may not be the best
choice
because polyethylene does not score well with a laser. In this case, kiss
cutting or other
mechanical scoring can be used to score the inner structure 42.
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After the scoring operations, the laminate 46 can be sent to a reel-up (not
shown)
and wound into a roll for subsequent processing. The laminate can also be slit
into a
plurality of partial widths and wound into multiple rolls. In this latter
instance, each partial
width would have the recurring patterns of pressure-sensitive and permanent
adhesives
-- applied with suitably configured adhesive applicators to the full-width
material, and would
have the recurring score lines formed by suitably configured scoring devices
acting on
either the full-width laminate prior to slitting or acting on each partial-
width portion after
slitting.
An advantage of the invention, versus the formation of a web having discrete
-- labels applied to a partial portion of the web surface as in the prior art,
is that the laminate
has a uniform thickness throughout (because the first and second structures
are
coextensive) and therefore winds well into good-quality rolls. In contrast, a
web with
labels centrally located in the width of the web tends to produce wound rolls
that are soft
in the radial direction at the two ends of the roll where the labels are not
present.
Additionally, the web with labels is much thicker than laminates made in
accordance with
the invention, and hence the laminates of the invention can achieve a greater
square
footage per roll of a given diameter. As already noted, a further drawback to
the use of
labels is the necessity of applying the labels to the web in an "off-line"
process, which
often entails shipping a roll of the web to a converter that applies the
labels and then
ships the roll back to the package manufacturer. In the process of the
invention, the
manufacture of the laminate and the incorporation of the opening/reclose and
tamper-
evidence features in the laminate are conducted in an in-line fashion as part
of the same
overall process. The process of the invention thus is much more efficient and
less costly.
Additionally, the invention avoids other drawbacks associated with the use of
labels. More specifically, pressure-sensitive adhesive labels typically
require a release
liner that is peeled off and thrown away, which represents waste, and create a
potential
choke hazard. Furthermore, there is the additional waste of the skeleton
material left
over after die-cutting the labels from the label web material. The present
invention
eliminates such waste and attendant costs.
Some possible applications for the resulting laminate are now explained with
reference to FIGS. 4-11. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a flexible package 70. The package
includes an outer wrapper 74 that envelopes the package contents and is sealed
to
enclose the contents. The outer wrapper 74 comprises a packaging laminate made
by a
method in accordance with the invention, such as the laminate 46 previously
described.
-- The outer wrapper 74 is manipulated into a tubular shape and the
longitudinal edges of
the wrapper 74 are sealed together by a suitable sealant material to form a
longitudinal
seal (not shown), typically adjacent the bottom surface of the package. The
opposing
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portions of the wrapper 74 are sealed together along transverse seal lines 76,
78
adjacent the opposite ends of the tubular wrapper. The ends of the wrapper 74
can be
gusseted if desired, as known in the art.
In the illustrated package, the portion of the outer wrapper 74 having the
score
.. lines 52, 62 is provided to be on the top surface of the package. The area
of the wrapper
74 bounded by the score lines can constitute any fraction of the total top
surface of the
package, but advantageously the area is a majority of the total surface area
of the top
surface.
Based on the previous description of the laminate 46 and its formation
process, it
will be appreciated that the presence of the score lines 52, 62 has little or
no impact on
the barrier function of the outer wrapper 74 because each score line extends
only partially
through the total thickness of the wrapper 74 and the score lines are not
aligned with
each other. Additionally, the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 fills the space
between the
score lines so that even if the score lines overlap somewhat in the thickness
direction,
there is still no open route between them. Furthermore, the score lines
typically have a
small width, on the order of a few thousandths of an inch.
Various materials can be used for the construction of the outer wrapper 74.
With
reference to FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the first structure 10
that forms the
outer surface of the wrapper 74 comprises a single layer 80 of flexible
material. The layer
80 can comprise various materials. A preferred material is a polyester such as
polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As noted, the PET layer can be reverse-
printed if
desired, although alternatively it can be printed on its exterior and covered
by an over-
lacquer (not shown). The second structure 42 forming the inner surface of the
wrapper
74 comprises a barrier layer 82 and a sealant layer 84. The sealant layer 84
constitutes
the innermost surface of the wrapper 74, and can comprise various sealant
materials
such as heat seals or cold seals. Heat seals generally are preferred because
they
provide stronger seals than cold seals typically are capable of achieving. Any
suitable
heat seal materials can be employed, such as polyethylene, polypropylene,
ionomer
resins such as SURLYNO, or others.
The barrier layer 82 can comprise any of various barrier materials including
barrier
polymer films such as: ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyamide, and
the like;
metallized polyolefin films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, oriented
polypropylene,
and the like; AlOx-coated polymer films; SiOx-coated polymer films; metal
foil; and others.
The barrier layer 82 and sealant layer 84 can be joined in various ways,
including
.. adhesive lamination, extrusion lamination, or coextrusion.
Advantageously, the laminate includes a metallization layer or a metal foil
layer
between the first structure 10 and the second structure 42, for example by
providing a
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metallization layer 85 on the surface of the layer 82 that faces the first
structure 10. This
is beneficial in enhancing the barrier performance of the laminate as already
noted.
Additionally, however, the metallization layer or 85 metal foil layer can also
be helpful
when a laser is used for scoring the second structure 42. In particular, when
the sealant
layer 84 comprises polyethylene, which is not as readily scored by laser as
some other
materials such as polyester, it can be difficult to employ a sufficiently high
laser energy to
score through the polyethylene sealant layer without scoring through the
laminate more
deeply than desired. In some cases, the entire thickness of the laminate may
be scored
through, which is undesirable. The metallization layer or metal foil layer can
be helpful in
"tuning" the laser to penetrate only up to the metallization layer 85 or foil
layer.
The function of the opening/reclose and tamper-evidence features provided by
the
pattern-applied adhesives and the score lines will now be described. With
reference to
FIGS. 4 and 6, the package 70 is shown in a closed condition, for example as
initially
filled and sealed in a packaging plant. On the top surface of the outer
wrapper 74, the
first or outer structure 10 is adhesively joined to the second or inner
structure 42 via the
permanent adhesive 34. The first score line 52 bounds an outer opening portion
86 of the
outer structure 10. In this embodiment, the outer opening portion 86 has a
generally U-
shaped perimeter having three sides defined by the score line 52, and is
attached to the
remainder of the outer wrapper 74 along a fourth side (i.e., an imaginary line
extending
between the free ends of the two legs of the U-shaped score line 52). The
second score
line 62 is generally parallel to the first score line 52, but is spaced
inwardly of the outer
score line so as to define an inner opening portion 88 of smaller area than
the outer
opening portion 86; the second score line 62 can be a closed curve such as a
rectangle,
or can be generally U-shaped like the first score line 52, as desired. In any
event, there is
a marginal region 90 of the outer opening portion 86 that extends beyond the
edge of the
inner opening portion 88. The pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 is disposed
between this
marginal region 90 and an underlying surface 92 of the inner structure 42. The
outer
opening portion 86 and inner opening portion 88 are permanently joined by the
permanent adhesive 34 when present, or by the pressure-sensitive adhesive when
it is
applied everywhere between the structures.
The first score line 52 includes the interrupted areas 57 and transverse score
lines
58 as previously described. Prior to initial opening of the package, the uncut
condition of
the interrupted areas 57 is readily apparent, such that the consumer can see
that the
package has not yet been opened.
When the outer opening portion 86 is detached from the outer wrapper along the
first score line 52 and is peeled back as in FIG. 5, the outer layer of the
wrapper tears
through the interrupted areas 57. The inner opening portion 88 remains affixed
to the
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outer opening portion and comes with it, thereby creating an opening 94 in the
top
surface of the outer wrapper 74 as defined by the second score line 62. The
outer and
inner opening portions essentially form a flap that remains attached along a
hinge line
defined between the free ends of the two legs of the U-shaped score lines.
The package is reclosable by re-attaching the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20
to
the surface 92 of the inner structure 42 to restore the package to a closed
condition as
shown in FIG. 6. It will, however, be readily apparent that the package has
already been
opened, because the film will be torn through the tear portions 65. No amount
of care in
replacing the flap in its original position can erase the fact that the
interrupted areas have
been torn through. Accordingly, the invention provides a reliable tamper-
evidence feature
that is not easily circumvented. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outer
structure
10 can be substantially non-transparent or opaque without compromising the
functionality
of the tamper-evidence feature; this is in contrast to some prior-art
structures in which the
outer structure must be transparent because the tamper-evidence feature is
formed in the
inner structure and is covered by the outer structure. The non-transparent or
opaque
character of the outer structure 10 can be a characteristic of the film
material itself, or can
be achieved by a coating of ink or the like on the film.
The outer structure 10 preferably has a greater affinity for bonding with the
pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 than does the surface 92 of the inner structure
42, and
hence the pressure-sensitive adhesive 20 is detached from the surface 92 and
remains
attached to the marginal region 90 of the outer opening portion 86 as shown in
FIGS. 5
and 7. The greater bonding affinity of the outer structure 10 can be achieved
in various
ways. When the outer structure comprises a layer of PET and the layer 82 of
the inner
structure to which the pressure-sensitive adhesive is attached comprises a
polyolefin
such as polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, or metallized oriented
polypropylene, the
PET will naturally have a greater affinity for bonding to the adhesive than
will the
polyolefin layer. Additionally or alternatively, the surface of the outer
structure 10 can be
treated, as previously noted, by corona discharge or flame treatment, to
increase the
surface energy and enhance the bonding affinity. It is also possible, as
already noted, to
control the bond strength of the pressure-sensitive adhesive to the layer 82
by including
an additive in the adhesive to reduce the bond strength, if desired.
Although it is preferred to have the pressure-sensitive adhesive be applied to
the
outer structure and to remain on the outer structure upon opening, it is also
within the
scope of the invention to apply the pressure-sensitive adhesive to the inner
structure and
to remain on the inner structure upon opening. This is less preferred,
however, because
of the greater tendency for crumbs or the like from the contained products to
become
adhered to the pressure-sensitive adhesive and thereby reduce its adhesiveness
with
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repeated openings and reclosings. It is believed that this tendency is reduced
when the
pressure-sensitive adhesive remains with the outer structure, since it is out
of the way of
the package opening when products are being removed.
It will be appreciated from the above description that laminates made in
accordance with the invention provide a tamper-evidence function for a package
because
after opening it is impossible to replace the opening portions 86, 88 in such
a way as to
completely restore the package to its original unopened condition, as
previously noted.
When printing is included on the laminate, it is even more noticeable when the
package
has been opened because it is difficult to achieve perfect registration of the
printed matter
across the score line when reclosing the package.
The printing on the laminate can include text adjacent to the interrupted
areas 57
of the first score line 52, calling the consumer's attention to the presence
of the
interrupted areas and indicating that if they are torn through at a tear
portion 65, the
consumer should not purchase the package.
The laminates made in accordance with the invention can be used for forming
other types of packages or tamper-evidence features. For instance, FIG. 8
shows a
stand-up pouch 100 constructed from the laminate 46 as described above. The
first
score line 52 and second score line 62 are formed in a side wall of the pouch.
The
opening/reclose and tamper-evidence features operate in a manner similar to
that
described above. An alternative form of a thumb "tab," 25 is included, wherein
a corner
portion of the outer flap defined by the first score line 52 is left free of
pressure-sensitive
adhesive 20.
Similarly, FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a stand-up pouch 100 constructed
from the laminate as described herein. The first score line 52 and second
score line 62
are formed in a side wall of the pouch. The opening/reclose and tamper-
evidence
features may, in an embodiment, operate in a manner similar to that described
above. A
pull tab 25 is included which extends from an edge of outer portion 86.
Preferably, tab 25
is defined by first score line 52 and is free from pressure sensitive adhesive
20 or
lamination to the second structure 42. Alternatively, the area of tab 25 may
be deadened
with respect to any adhesive positioned therein. In an embodiment, the edge
275 of tab
25 is continuous with the edge 276 of the pouch. In an embodiment, some or all
of the
tab 25 is positioned within the heat seal area of the pouch, adjacent the seal
line 76. In
this embodiment, the end of tab 25 may be attached or anchored or along the
transverse
seal line 76.
The packages illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show other stand-up pouches 100
with alternative types of tamper-evidence features. In particular, the stand-
up pouch 100
of FIG. 9 includes a tab 25 that extends from an edge of outer portion 86.
Preferably, tab
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25 is defined by first score line 52 and is free from pressure sensitive
adhesive 20 or
lamination to the second structure 42. The end of the tab 25 is then attached
or anchored
to a portion of the outer layer 74 or along the transverse seal line 76. The
tab 25
illustrated in FIG. 9 may also include an indentation 55 between the outer
portion 86 and
where the end of tab 25 is attached to the stand-up pouch 100. By forming the
tab 25 in
this way, a user may easily access an underside of the tab 25 with a finger
and open the
stand-up pouch 100 by pulling the tab generally along the downstream direction
(generally top-to-bottom in FIGS. 8-10). By pulling on the tab 25 in this way,
the tab 25
will tear at or near the indentation 55, or tear portion 65, and allow the
stand-up pouch
100 to open. Thus, the stand-up pouch 100 cannot be opened without introducing
a tear
into the tab 25 thereby creating a tamper-evidence feature that is clearly
visible.
The stand-up pouch 100 of FIGS. 10 and 11 show other embodiments of tab 25
with a tamper-evidence feature. In FIG. 10, tab 25 also is defined by first
score line 52
and extends from an edge of outer portion 86. The end of the tab 25 is
attached or
anchored to a portion of the outer layer 74 or along the transverse seal line
76 and is free
from pressure sensitive adhesive 20 or lamination to the second structure 42.
The tab 25
in FIG. 10 includes a prong 59 extending from a side of the tab 25 between the
outer
portion 86 and where the end of tab 25 is attached to the stand-up pouch 100.
The
presence of prong 59 facilitates the task of a user tearing through a portion
of the tab 25
at a tear portion 65 before opening the stand-up pouch 100 by providing a
surface that is
easily grasped.
The embodiment in FIG. 11 includes two tabs 25 that include tear portions 65
in
addition to a thumb tab 23. Both tabs 23 and 25 also are defined by first
score line 52
and extend from an edge of outer portion 86 and are free from pressure
sensitive
adhesive 20 or lamination to the second structure 42. The end of tabs 25 are
attached or
anchored to a portion of the outer layer 74 or along the transverse seal line
76. In use,
tab 23 may be used to open the pouch 100 and to assist in tearing through tear
portions
65 of tabs 25.
It should be noted that the terms "line of weakness" and "score line" as used
herein refer either to a complete cutting through the thickness of one or more
layers of the
laminate or to a partial cutting through of the thickness of such layer(s)
allowing the
layer(s) to be severed along the score line.
FIGS. 16A-B illustrate top view embodiments of rolls of flexible laminate 200
which may be utilized in the present invention. In roll 200, two flexible
laminate structures
210 are shown, but it should be understood that a plurality of flexible
laminate structures
may be present on roll 200. In this embodiment, each laminate structure 210
contains an
outer score line 252 in the outer film layer (optionally, precision overcut
after lamination)
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and an inner score line 262 (optionally, precision undercut after lamination)
in the inner
film layer. Each structure 210 additionally comprises a tab 223. In an
embodiment, the
tab 223 is defined by the outer score line 252. The outermost edge 275 of tab
223, in an
embodiment, may not be within the boundaries of the laminate (shown in FIG.
16A). That
is, the outer score lines 252 may begin at one edge 277 of the laminate,
sufficiently
separated so as to create tab 223. In this embodiment, the outer score lines
252 may
begin substantially perpendicular to the edge 277 of the laminate, with the
edge 275 of
the tab 223 being between the outer score lines 252 and substantially co-
extensive,
continuous, and/or aligned with the edge 277. In this embodiment, at least a
portion of
the tab 223, is positioned within the heat seal area 279 of the laminate. In
an
embodiment, the entirety of the tab 223 is positioned within the heat seal
area 279 of the
laminate.
As shown in FIG. 16B, the laminate structures 210 may be positioned such that
the tab edge 275 is perpendicular to the edge of the laminate 277 in some
embodiments.
In this embodiment, the tab 223 will still be positioned within the heat seal
area 279, but
the heat seal area 279 will also be perpendicular to the edge of the laminate
277. The
heat seal area 279 may comprise a length 281 that is approximately twice that
of the
length 282 of the tab 223. In this way, the heat seal can be simultaneously
provided for
opposite ends of the packaging. The heat seal area 279 may be cut at or near
the edge
275 of the tab 223.
FIG. 17A illustrates a side view cross section of an embodiment of a package
of
the invention at the location of the tab 223, in the location of cross section
A in FIG. 16A.
In this view, an outer film 201 is shown adhered to an inner film 202. An
adhesive-free
region 204 is illustrated between film layer 201 and film layer 202 in the
location of the tab
223. Film layers 201 and 202 may be adhered together using PSA 220 and a
permanent
adhesive 234, as shown. The adhesives may be applied in a pattern as is
further
described herein. A cut line 262 is shown which extends through the adhesive
layer and
the inner film layer 202. In some embodiments, the cut line 262 may extend
fully through
inner film layer 202. In other embodiments, the cut line 262 may extend only
partially
through inner film layer 202. In still other embodiments, the cut line 262 may
comprise
perforations in inner film layer 202. The cut line may not extend through the
PSA layer
220 in some embodiments.
The cut line 262, in combination with the permanent adhesive 234, allows the
portion of the inner film 202 between or within the cut lines 262 to be lifted
with the outer
layer 201, away from the remainder of the packaging, thereby exposing the
interior 205 of
the package. The outer layer 201 can then be re-adhered to the inner film 202
via the
PSA region 202. It should be noted that in any of the embodiments discussed
herein, the
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PSA region or the adhesive-free region may extend beyond or overlap the scored
or cut
lines, as shown in FIGS. 16-17, so as to ensure that the package can be opened
without
damage in the case of a slight misalignment of the registration during
manufacture.
In an embodiment, inner layer 202 is adhered on a portion of its underside to
a
separate film layer (not shown), which may comprise more than one film layer.
The
separate film layer may comprise the bottom of the packaging structure. Film
layers 202
and the separate film layer may be joined, in an embodiment, using a heat seal
279.
In another embodiment, inner layer 202 is rolled, folded or otherwise at least
partially placed against itself and heat sealed (shown in Fig. 17A). In an
embodiment, the
heat seal is administered in at least the region of the tab 223. Thus in the
final package,
the heat seal region 279 may comprise at least the region of the tab 223,
shown in FIG.
17A between the layers of film 202. The tab portion 223 of film layer 201 may
remain
unaffixed to film layer 202, even after heat sealing the film, due to the
adhesive-free
region 204. Thus, the tab 223 is located within the package heat seal region
279 and is
available to be separated from the package for opening of the package after
the package
has been heat sealed.
FIG. 17B illustrates a front view cross section of an embodiment of a package
of
the invention at the location of the tab 223, in the location of cross section
B in FIG. 16A,
when the package is closed. The figure illustrates the score lines 252 which
comprise the
outer edges of the tab 223 in outer film layer 201. The figure also
illustrates the fact that
the tab is presented within the heat seal region 279 of the package. Generally
speaking,
the heat seal 279 is shown between two layers of inner layer 202, which have
been
folded, rolled or stacked upon one another and heat sealed. In an embodiment,
outer
layer 201 is laminated to inner layer 202 with adhesive but is not otherwise
heat sealable
to inner layer 202. Thus, when the heat seal is applied to the area of the tab
223, the
area between the two layers of 202 are heat sealed, but the tab 223 remains
unaffixed to
the structure.
FIG. 170 illustrates a front view cross section of an embodiment of a package
of
the invention at the location of the tab 223, in the location of cross section
B in FIG. 16A,
when the tab 223 has been lifted away from the inner layer 202. In this
embodiment, cut
lines 252 and the adhesive-free region 204 allow the tab 223 to be separated
from the
remainder of outer film layer 201. The remainder of outer film layer 201
remains affixed
to inner film layer 202 due to the permanent adhesive 234 disposed between the
layers.
FIG. 17D illustrates a front view cross section of an embodiment of a package
of
the invention at the location of the tab 223, in the location of cross section
C in FIG. 16A.
In this figure, the tab has been pulled further upward or backward and the
package is
opened, illustrating the separation of the adhered outer and inner layers 201,
202 from
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the remainder of the package, and allowing access into the interior 205 of the
package.
In this embodiment, cut lines 262 allow the portion of film layer 202 which is
between the
lines 262 to separate from the remainder of film layer 202 and, due to the
permanent
adhesive 234 disposed between the layers, lift with film layer 201 upward or
backward
from the container. The heat seal 279 is not viewable in FIG. 170 because the
cross
section does not illustrate the tab portion 223.
As noted, the tab 223 area of the laminate, between film layers 201 and 202
may
be adhesive-free, may contain PSA, or may contain an adhesive that has been
deadened. The area between outer score line 252 and inner score line 262 may
contain
a layer of PSA 220, optionally flooded or pattern applied. As shown in FIG.
17A, the PSA
area 220 may extend wider than or beyond the cut lines 252. Other than the tab
223 and
the PSA area 220 discussed, the remainder of the laminate may contain a layer
of
permanent adhesive 234, optionally pattern applied. In various embodiments,
the outer
score line 252 may end in a j-hook 293 or other mechanism which prevents the
tearing of
the laminate.
Presenting the tab 223 within the heat seal area 279 of the package provides
many advantages. As one example, the tab 223 can be accessed more easily in
this
configuration. Rather than searching the top or front surface of the package,
a consumer
immediately knows where to look for and access the tab 223. Because the tab
223 is
aligned with the edge of the package, it can be identified, accessed, and
lifted away from
the package with ease, reducing customer frustrations. In addition, the
laminate and
packaging structures discussed herein have a lower cost of manufacture because
the
cutting/scoring process is less complicated and less waste is created in the
manufacturing process. By aligning the edge of the tab with the laminate edge
or along
the cut line of the heat seal, an additional cut or angle need not be
contemplated. A
single cut (or no cut at all in the case of a tab aligned with a laminate
edge) will suffice.
Additionally, the waste created between the edge of the tab and the laminate
boundaries
may be reduced or eliminated.
As is known in the art, the packages described herein may be, in an
embodiment,
formed from the various laminate structures and then heat sealed together at
one or more
ends of the package. In an embodiment, the laminate structure is rolled or
folded and
sealed to itself to form a package. In another embodiment, the laminate
structure is
combined with and heat sealed to a separate web to form a package. At least
one of the
laminate structures may comprise components having thermoplastic properties to
facilitate and improve the sealing properties of the heat seal. The heat seal
may be
obtained by bringing the laminate structures into contact with heat such that
the
thermoplastic components in the material melt and provides the heat seal. The
heat seal
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may alternatively be obtained using any suitable method known in the art, for
example, by
hot air welding or conventional heat mold sealing.
The packages described above are formed by completely enveloping the contents
in the flexible laminate. Alternatively, however, it is within the scope of
the invention to
employ the flexible laminate as a lidding stock for forming flexible lids that
can be secured
(e.g., by heat-sealing or the like) to a flange of a tray or other container
that contains the
contents. In this manner, the lid includes a built-in opening and reclose
feature as
previously described. For instance, FIG. 12 shows a package 110 comprising a
container
body 112 having a side wall 114 and a flange 116 extending from the upper edge
of the
side wall. The container body 112 can comprise various materials (e.g.,
polymer, paper,
foil, etc.) and can be formed by various methods (e.g., thermoforming,
molding, etc.).
The open top of the container body is closed by a lid 118 formed of a flexible
laminate 46
in accordance with the invention. The lid is sealed to the flange 116 by any
suitable
technique, such that the lid is firmly attached to the flange. The lid
includes an
opening/reclose feature formed by a first score line 52 and a second score
line 62 and
pressure-sensitive adhesive 20, and a tamper-evidence feature as previously
described.
The package 110 also includes a thumb "tab" 25 generally as described in
connection
with FIG. 8; alternatively, a thumb tab of the type shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 can
be used.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein
will
come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain
having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to
the specific
embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are
intended to be
included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are
employed
herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of
limitation.
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