Easy-opening feature for flexible packages and process and apparatus for forming same
US7021827B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24314
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An easy-opening feature in a flexible package is provided by forming a tear feature in the package material by slitting, perforating, or otherwise forming a stress riser in the material, and affixing a label to the package material so that the label adheres to the tear feature. The formation of the tear feature and affixing of the label are performed prior to wrapping a product in the package material and sealing the material, and preferably are performed while the package material is moving along a path in a packaging apparatus. The label in one embodiment includes a detachable middle portion that tears free of the rest of the label upon pulling the detachable portion, such that remaining portions of the label remain on the package adjacent the opening created by the tear feature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.